unbreakable bonds

ch. 34

Later that day, after their walk and some quiet time together, Nunew began to feel a little off. At first, it was subtle—a slight chill that ran down his spine and a faint headache that he brushed off as nothing. But as the day wore on, the feeling worsened.

By mid-afternoon, Nunew was curled up on the couch, a blanket wrapped tightly around him. Zee noticed the change almost immediately. Nunew, who was usually energetic and full of life, now looked pale and tired, his body language signaling that something was wrong.

“Hia, I don’t feel so good,” Nunew murmured weakly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Zee knelt beside him, concern written all over his face. “What’s wrong, Nhu? What are you feeling?”

Nunew shivered slightly, pulling the blanket closer. “I think I’m coming down with something. My head hurts, and I’m cold… but it’s weird. I don’t usually get sick.”

Zee frowned. It was true—Nunew almost never got sick, and as an omega, his immune system was generally stronger than most. Seeing him like this was unsettling. Zee gently placed a hand on Nunew’s forehead, feeling the heat radiating from his skin.

“You’re burning up,” Zee said softly, worry evident in his voice. “I think you might have a fever. Let me get you some medicine and water.”

Nunew nodded weakly as Zee quickly moved to gather everything he needed—fever medicine, a glass of water, and a cool cloth to place on Nunew’s forehead. He returned to the living room and knelt beside his mate, carefully helping Nunew take the medicine before placing the cloth on his heated skin.

“Just rest, okay?” Zee said gently, brushing a hand through Nunew’s hair, his usual soothing gesture. “I’m here, and I’ll take care of you.”

Nunew leaned into Zee’s touch, his eyes heavy with exhaustion. “Thank you, Hia… I hate feeling like this.”

“I know, but you’ll be better soon. Just let your body rest.”

Zee stayed by Nunew’s side for the rest of the day, constantly checking on him and making sure he was comfortable. He kept the room quiet and dim, allowing Nunew to sleep and recover. Every so often, Nunew would stir, muttering something about feeling cold or uncomfortable, and Zee would adjust the blankets or freshen the cool cloth on his forehead.

As evening approached, Nunew’s fever showed no signs of breaking, and Zee couldn’t help but feel a pang of worry in his chest. It was rare for Nunew to fall ill, and even rarer for it to last this long. But Zee knew he had to remain calm for Nunew’s sake, and he did everything he could to ensure his mate would get better.

“Hia…” Nunew mumbled sleepily at one point, his eyes barely open.

“I’m here, Nhu,” Zee said softly, sitting beside him.

“I don’t like being sick… but I feel safe with you here.”

Zee’s heart softened, and he leaned down to kiss Nunew’s forehead gently. “You’ll always be safe with me. Just rest, Nhu. I’ll be right here.”

With Zee by his side, Nunew finally drifted off into a more peaceful sleep, comforted by the warmth of his alpha’s presence despite the illness weighing him down.