the Omega's choice

16

The night had grown quiet, with the city outside bathed in the soft glow of streetlights. Inside their cozy apartment, Zee and Nunew were nestled comfortably in bed, the warmth of their shared space providing a sense of security. After a long day of activities and exploration, they had drifted into a peaceful sleep.

However, as the night wore on, Zee began to notice a subtle shift in the atmosphere. He could feel that Nunew’s body was warmer than usual. The gentle rise and fall of Nunew’s chest, which had been steady and relaxed, now seemed a bit uneven. Zee stirred, blinking sleepily as he became more aware of the situation.

Zee shifted slightly, gently rolling onto his side to better assess the situation. As he touched Nunew’s forehead, he noticed that Nunew was sweating profusely. The normally cool and composed surface of Nunew’s skin was now damp and warm to the touch.

A rush of concern filled Zee’s chest. He carefully lifted Nunew’s head to check his temperature, feeling the heat radiating from his partner. “Nuh,” Zee called softly, his voice filled with concern. “Are you okay?”

Nunew stirred, his eyes fluttering open with a groggy expression. “Zee?” he murmured, his voice hoarse. “What’s wrong?”

“You’re sweating quite a lot,” Zee said, his voice gentle but urgent. “You seem to be burning up. Let me help you.”

Zee got up from the bed and quickly grabbed a damp washcloth from the bathroom. He returned to the bedroom, his face etched with worry. Gently, he placed the cool washcloth on Nunew’s forehead, trying to offer some relief from the heat.

Nunew’s eyes closed briefly as he felt the coolness against his skin. “Thank you,” he said, his voice still soft and strained. “I don’t know what’s happening. I’ve been feeling warm all night.”

Zee’s brow furrowed as he tried to assess the situation. “It could be a fever or just your body reacting to something. Let’s try to cool you down a bit more.”

He carefully removed the damp washcloth and changed it for a fresh, cooler one. He also adjusted the blankets, making sure Nunew wasn’t too warm. The room’s temperature seemed fine, but Zee wanted to make sure everything was comfortable for Nunew.

After a few moments of applying the cool washcloth and making adjustments, Zee noticed that Nunew’s sweating had lessened slightly, though he still appeared somewhat uncomfortable. Zee sat beside Nunew, holding his hand and offering quiet reassurances.

“Just focus on breathing slowly and try to relax,” Zee encouraged. “We’ll get through this. If it doesn’t improve, we might need to get some medical advice.”

Nunew nodded weakly, squeezing Zee’s hand in appreciation. “I trust you, Hia. I’m sorry for causing any trouble.”

“There’s no trouble at all,” Zee said, his voice filled with warmth. “I’m here for you, no matter what.”

As the night continued, Zee stayed close to Nunew, providing comfort and reassurance. The cool washcloths and adjustments to the bedding seemed to help, and Nunew’s condition gradually improved. Though he was still warm, the intensity of the sweating had diminished, and he began to look more relaxed.

Eventually, Nunew’s breathing became steadier, and his body temperature began to stabilize. Zee remained vigilant, keeping a watchful eye on him and offering gentle touches of comfort. He could feel his own worry easing as Nunew’s condition improved.

By the time morning arrived, Nunew was feeling better, though he was still a bit weak. Zee helped him to sit up and offered him a glass of water, which Nunew accepted gratefully.

“I feel better now,” Nunew said, his voice stronger. “Thank you for taking care of me, Zee. I’m sorry for causing you any worry.”

“There’s nothing to apologize for,” Zee replied, his smile reassuring. “I’m just glad you’re feeling better. Let’s make sure you stay hydrated and rest up today.”

They spent the morning together, with Zee providing gentle care and support as Nunew recuperated. Despite the night’s discomfort, the experience had strengthened their bond even further. Zee’s concern and care for Nunew had been a testament to their deep connection and commitment to each other.

As the day unfolded, Nunew began to regain his strength, and the sense of unease from the previous night gradually faded. Zee and Nunew knew that their journey together would include both the good and the challenging moments, but they faced it all with love and support for one another.