A low, scratchy groan echoed through the bathroom. Kevin lay in the bathtub, staring wearily at the ceiling with tired eyes. Cold water trickled down onto his hot, feverish, and aching body. He couldn't cool down no matter what he did.
"Just leave me to die," he murmured to the shorter man standing beside the tub.
"No chance," Connor replied, placing his hand on Kevin's sweaty forehead, brushing aside the damp hair.
Kevin's skin still burned with fever, a stark reminder of his deteriorating health. Despite feeling worse than ever, he stubbornly refused to see a doctor. The financial strain was too much to bear, and the mere thought of another medical bill tied his stomach in knots. He was a sweaty mess, struggling to even stay on his feet. His head throbbed like he'd been in a car crash, his eyes stinging from the slightest exposure to light. And don't even get him started on the constant sniffles and the rawness in his throat, which only added to his misery.
Kevin closed his eye, leaning into Connor's hand. "I feel so... so shitty."
"I know, I know," Connor tenderly ran his thumb through Kevin's hair. Normally, Connor would reprimand Kevin for his coarse language, but in this moment, he chose to overlook it.
"How about we get you out of here? Then we'll get some water, meds, maybe a little food, and watch a movie," Connor suggested, looking at his partner with all the love and care in the world. He had vowed to care for Kevin to the best of his abilities, even when Kevin was stubborn about it. Nothing would stop him from helping his love get better.
Kevin thought the idea of listening to one of his favorite movies while resting with one of his favorite people in the world sounded incredible. On the other hand, the thought of food made his stomach churn. Still, a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "I'd like that a lot."
Connor's smile softened as he focused on Kevin. It didn't surprise him that Kevin could still muster a smile despite his ordeal, but it never ceased to impress him. Kevin's resilience was remarkable.
"I thought you might," Connor said, switching off the water and reaching for a soft towel. "Do you need help getting out?"
"Maybe just a little," Kevin admitted, a hint of embarrassment coloring his stubborn demeanor.
Rising proved to be a challenge. Gripping Connor's shoulder for support, Kevin felt as though the ground held an unprecedented gravitational pull. His vision blurred, darkness threatening to overwhelm him, and every movement intensified his pain. Nestling his damp head against Connor's chest, Kevin whimpered in frustration and agony.
"I've got you. Take all the time you need," Connor reassured him, his touch gentle as he rubbed circles on Kevin's back.
After a brief respite, Kevin's vision cleared, the burden feeling slightly lighter. Though he still felt like he was burning alive and enduring relentless blows to the head.
Eventually, they settled in. Kevin's hair was tousled, clad in borrowed shorts and a T-shirt. He sprawled on the couch, swathed in black and white blankets, one leg protruding as exhaustion weighed heavily on him.
Meanwhile, Connor diligently washed his hands, his fear of germs and illness evident. Undeterred, he flitted in and out of the room, fetching extra pillows, fresh water, and painkillers.
After a few minutes of grappling with the TV remote, Connor finally succeeded in getting The Little Mermaid to play.
"How are you doing, Kev?" Connor asked softly.
Kevin shifted under the covers, looking tiredly at his boyfriend. "Still tired... but a little better," he yawned, his eyes watery. "Thank you for taking care of me."
As Kevin lay wrapped in blankets, Connor marveled at his resilience amidst the pain etched on his face. In Kevin, he found not just kindness, but an unwavering compassion that saw the good in everyone. His laughter was music, his eyes a beacon of empathy. Connor couldn't shake the feeling that Kevin was more than human, perhaps an angel sent to remind him of goodness in a dark world. And in that moment, he vowed to cherish and protect Kevin, knowing they'd face any trial together, hand in hand, heart to heart.
