In Sickness

Part 3

Victor brushed back a few strands of hair from Yuri's face, allowing the younger man to rest his head against his chest. Yuri's condition seemed to worsen, now having difficulty at times catching his breath. The dark-haired skater shifted uncomfortably on the exam bed.

"My poor, beautiful Yuri, you must feel terrible. It doesn't feel like your fever's any better either." Victor nuzzled his love gently as they waited for the doctor to return.

"N-not really bad, I-I'm just a little warm right now," Yuri replied, his fatigue was clearly audible. 

"Really? it looks like you-"

"I'm fine."Yuri insisted, lifting his head to cough harshly into his sleeve. The older man frowned, watching Yuri struggle to catch his breath. He reached out, rubbing Yuri's back in gentle circles. 

"When we get back, I want you to rest. That sounds worse than it did this morning. I wouldn't have even thought about letting you out if you didn't need a doctor. This air isn't good for you."Before Yuri could reply, the doctor had returned, scanning Yuri's medical chart.

"Did you find out what's wrong with Yuri?" Victor asked in a worried tone.

"I did. I've got all the tests back, and it seems that Yuri has pneumonia."

"Pneumonia? Is he going to be okay?"The woman smiled faintly.

"If given the proper care, Yuri will be fine. He's otherwise healthy, at an age where it's easier for his immune system to do its job.  I'll prescribe some medicine, an inhaler for his breathing, a humidifier would do him some good if you have one. He'll need plenty of rest, of course."

"I told you, you don't have to worry, I'm-"

"Of course I'm going to worry.  Pneumonia can get worse, you could end up back here, and have to stay if you're not careful. Do you think I want to see you lying in the hospital?"

"I never said you did. That's not going to happen."Yuri assured him.

"You're right because you're going home, getting in bed, and staying there. You heard what she said, Yuri, rest. But don't worry about anything, I'll take care of you." Yuri smiled weakly.

"I know. That's exactly why I'm not. You always take care of me."

"I always will. I'm not going anywhere, I promise."Victor caressed his love's pale cheek.  The doctor finished writing her notes, turning her attention to the couple.

"It looks like you're in good hands, Yuri." She said, handing Victor the prescriptions. You should follow up with your doctor in about a week to check the progress. If something changes, you can bring him back here and we'll have a look. You can call if you have any questions in the meantime. "Victor and Yuri thanked the woman. After the doctor exited, Victor picked up Yuri's coat, helping him put it back on, and zipping it.

"Ready to go? We'll get your medicine and then go home to lie down. We've been here for hours, I'm sure Makkachin misses you." Victor put on his own coat,helping Yuri off the bed. A sudden wave of dizziness hit Yuri, prompting him to immediately grab onto Victor, leaning into his chest.

"Yuri!" Victor cried in concern, wrapping his arms around the ill man.

"Sorry. I don't know what happened. I was okay sitting down. I feel so...weak and tired. Can't we just go home and get my medicine tomorrow?"Victor sighed.

"Come on, can you get to the car if you hold onto me?" Yuri nodded. Victor's heart was breaking as they made their way outside into the snow-covered streets. Once in the car, Yuri rested quietly against Victor.  The ride home, which on a normal day, would be filled with playful banter, laughter, and love, was silent, save for the sound of Yuri's labored breathing.

When they arrived, Victor guided Yuri into the bedroom, taking his coat, helping him to get into his long sleeve pajamas and under the cover, propped up by a small mountain of pillows. He took a moment to sit at Yuri's side.

"Victor. I'm sorry-" Yuri began. 

"Shhh. You need to rest." Victor soothed.

"But-"

"It's alright now. I'm going to get you some water. I want you to stay here and relax." Victor offered him the remote for the television and kissed his head. "I'll be back soon." He moved into the living room, finding Makkachin lying on the couch. The dog instantly raised his head, thumping his tail against the cushion.

"There you are. Did you have a good nap?" Victor asked, rubbing the poodle's head. Suddenly the dog turned his head, sniffing curiously at the air, as he tilted his head.

"Yuri's in bed." He explained. "He could use some extra love. You go in there and take good care of our Yuri. I'll be in soon." Makkachin let out a soft bark in response, jumping off the furniture and hurrying to Yuri's side, leaving his owner to chuckle warmly. Victor then pulled out his phone, scrolling through the contacts until he found what he was looking for. He pressed the button and waited, listening patiently to the dial tone. He sighed,finding himself being sent to voicemail.

"Coach Yakov," He began at after the beep. "I know you're busy with Yurio right now, but I need a favor. Call me back when you get this." He ended the call and continued about his task.

Yuri coughed harshly, moving onto his side. Makkachin snuggled into him with a small whimper. 

"Hey, Makka." He greeted weakly, rubbing the dog's head. "Sorry you didn't get much time with Victor today." Makkachin raised his head, licking Yuri's cheek, earning a smile."You're a good boy, Makka. I love you too."

"You know, " Victor said,entering the room with the glass. "I've had Makkachin most of his life, and you're the only person aside from me that he likes to cuddle with. You two bonded quickly. They say dogs can tell a lot about people. Makkachin must know how special you are." The older man offered the water to Yuri.

"I don't know about special."Yuri said, sipping the cool liquid, and placing the glass on the bedside table.

"I really am sorry about the emergency room and taking you away from him today."

"You don't need to be. It's important to me that you get whatever care you need. You didn't do anything wrong."

"Y-you've been so worried, and-I've been  taking you away from a lot lately. Maybe you would've-"

"Of course I'm worried. I love you, that's what happens when you love someone, you worry when they're sick. Move over a little."

"Victor, I'm sick. I don't want you to get it."Yuri protested.

"I've already been exposed to it and we're in the same apartment. If 'm going to get it, it'll happen either way. Anyway, even if you had the plague, I'd still be right here, because you're the love of my life."

"Aw, Victor, that's-" Yuri had no time to finish his sentence before the coughing fit began. Victor held Yuri's hand afterward, offering a cool compress before sliding onto the bed.

"Come here, Yuri." Victor invited lovingly, stretching out his arms and pulling Yuri close to him. Yuri rested his head on Victor's chest, lightly grasping the man's blue sweater. Yuri found comfort in his coach's arms and relaxed into him when he felt Victor's slender fingers run through his hair comfortingly.

"Victor-"

"Sleep now, and dream of wonderful things, my beautiful Yuri." Victor soothed, continuing the motion. "Soon you'll be feeling better, and back on your feet. Until then, all you need to do is close your eyes and rest." Yuri needed no further encouragement, doing as he was told and quickly falling into a much needed sleep.  Victor kissed the top of his love's head.

"Sleep well, Yuri. I love you more than you'll ever know." He whispered to the sleeping man. Makkachin settled on the other side of his owner, his head resting in Victor's lap. Victor sighed. Surrounded by his family, the man decided, was the best way to end the day, 

"I don't like that you're sick, Yuri, but I'm glad we get this time to slow down and spend some time together. I've wanted this for a long time now. We should try this again when you're better."Victor pulled the blanket around Yuri and rested his head on top of the younger man's.It wasn't long before he too fell asleep.