Work Text:
Jack’s brows knit as he watched you clutch a steaming mug full of freshly made tea. An obviously really really hot mug. He did know what was happening behind the curtain, but he was willing to observe for a bit longer, just to make sure.
At first there was a wince, early in the morning when you both have just woken up from the post-Sunday slumber. It wasn’t a sigh that you made when you were sore for various reasons, it was a full-on wince, the one you make when you burn yourself or when you slam your toe against the sofa.
Jack pretended not to notice how stiff your upper body was, especially the neck area. He leaned into the crook of your neck when you were brushing your teeth, but unlike other occasions you’d tensed up under his touch. He didn’t want to pry and shove his medical insight into your face just yet, knowing that you’d eventually voice out your concerns. Or at least he hoped so. So he remained as stoic as possible for a doctor, who’s partner was likely rocking some type of sickness.
You managed to get dressed up, the thought of not attending your day shift still not quite crossing your mind. Although the clothes you chose for today were on the softer side and a little warmer than the one’s you’d normally choose for such weather. But that is not a clear sign of one’s sickness, everybody is entitled to wear something comfortable to work for once. But one thing that Jack did notice was your lack of perfume. No excessive cosmetics, not even a moisturizer. Just lip balm to soothe your slightly cracked lips, from last night’s mouth breathing.
“You’re gonna burn yourself.” Jack said, not looking up from the counters.
You took his words of advice and slowly dragged the ends of your sleeves over your hands, creating a barrier between the hot ceramic and the sensitive skin of your cold palms. Truth be told, the mug didn’t feel god knows how hot, but something in the back of your mind was telling you that the way you were sensing temperature at the moment might be improper.
You sighed, trying not to make too much noise. You didn’t want to admit that there was an ache planted within your chest, nagging at you every time you took a deeper breath in.
“I know you don’t want me mothering you and I respect that, but I have a feeling you’re getting sick so my advice would be to stay at home today.” Jack said, his own mug of coffee in his hand. He tried to say it in a calm manner.
Your initial instinct was to protest, “I’m fine” was at the tip of your reddened tongue, but the mixture of all these unpleasant sensations made it impossible to say it out loud. You let your head fall a bit, the steam warming up your hot but also cold cheeks. Jack frowned at the sight and his heart ached at the thought of forcing you to be, as you’d word it “useless and stuck at home”. But deep down he knew you’d make the right decision.
“Yeah I think I have to call in sick. It’d be stupid to get others sick. We’re already running low on people this month.” You hunched over deeper than before, letting your body relax within the thought that at least you’d spend the day in the comfort of Jack's home.
Jack smiled softly, content in your choice to stay at home, making his worries decrease at least a bit.
“I’m still going, but I’m all yours in the evening.” He kissed the top of your head, before making his way towards his backpack by the door, to make sure he has everything he needs for his upcoming shift.
When he came back, he draped one of the softer blankets over your shoulders, not rushing you to finish your hot beverage. He placed the back of his palm on your forehead with a scrunched nose, indicating that he was now sure of your raised temperature.
He placed his warm hands on top of your shoulders and leaned in lovingly.
“Get in bed and rest up as much as you can. Order something please and text me when you can ‘kay? If I’m running busy text Dana and she’ll find me. Understood?” He said firmly, with nothing but genuine care and worry in his voice. Not meaning to scare you but assure you that you have to take care of yourself.
“Yes. I’ll finish this and get comfy.” You nodded with a soft smile.
“Good.” He walked over to the cupboards and took out your favorite water bottle, to make sure you’ll have something to sip on when he leaves.
“You don’t have to do this, I’m not bedridden just yet.”
“I know, I can see that. But I want to so let me, yeah?” He questioned, not leaving space for any further discussion.
He also took out a thermometer and a blister of paracetamol before walking over to your shared bedroom. You could hear his shuffling and the thought of him doing all this for you made you smile despite your small misery.
“Jack you’ll be late, I don’t want you rushing on the road.” You rasped as loud as you could, without going into a coughing fit. He didn’t respond but returned soon after making sure you have everything you might need in close proximity to your bed.
“I won’t be late, stop worrying. Lemme worry a bit about you.” He once again kissed the top of your head, this time not quite wanting to leave you all alone and elongating the kiss for a bit.
“Go lie down. You’ll feel better sooner. Please…” There was a hint of desperation painted in his delicate voice, and you couldn’t help but comply. You stood up, still under the touch of his hand on your lower back. Soon enough, dizziness took over you and you were glad Jack hasn’t left your side. He walked right next to you, making sure not to invade your personal space too much. When you made it to the bed, he let you be and watched as you climbed under the comforter.
“I love you and I’ll see you soon.” Jack whispered by the door frame, taking in the sight of his precious other half getting comfortable in his bed, within the walls of his, now - their home.
He strolled down the hallway and put on his outside shoes and coat before throwing his backpack over the shoulder. He wanted to check on you just one more time before leaving, so he walked over as softly as he was capable of, slowing down on his bad leg to be as quiet as possible. He lurked into the bedroom and smiled under his breath when you were already on your side, deep under the soft covers. His beloved burrito.