The Perfect Match.

Chapter 54

"I don't think it's anything to worry about," Jeff is telling Harry and Louis the following morning in his office after he's redrawn Harry's blood, "but I'm glad you decided to come in today instead of waiting until next week."

"So am I," Louis chimes in, crossing his arms and sitting back in his chair while he glances at Harry.

Harry sighs and rubs his hands together before he's looking back at Jeff, "so, what is it then? I've felt fine, I told you that."

"The rest of your blood work looked perfect on Monday, Harry," Jeff starts slowly, "there's no difference in anything but your WBC. So, my guess is your body is fighting off an infection... an infection you're not even aware of, which is good. It means your immune system is doing its job."

Harry nods, "so, I shouldn't worry too much about this."

"I'm not going to say yes or no," Jeff tells him seriously, "that's why I want to recheck it all. But, I'm going to put you back on some antibiotics again..."

"Oh, Jesus," Harry sighs and places his hands over his face.

"He's just pissed because now he can't get drunk in New York," Louis nearly snickers, glancing from Harry to Jeff.

"Harry, I know you're sick of the antibiotics," Jeff starts, "but I don't have much of a choice here... would you rather me just tell you to wait it out? See if your body will fight this infection, if that's what it is?"

"Yes, I would," Harry quickly tells Jeff as he looks back at him, "if my immune system is as strong as you say, why do I need antibiotics again? Can't I just see if it'll do its job this time?"

Jeff sits down his papers and looks between Louis and Harry before he's saying quietly, "I'm writing you a script for it... it's your choice whether you want to take it or not... if the blood work comes back like I think it will, then, it's totally up to you whether to take them."

"It weakens your immune system every time you take an antibiotic," Harry sighs, "I'd rather let this fight itself, Jeff. You know that."

"I do know that," Jeff nods, "and that's why it'll be your choice whether to take it. I'm not going to say you should or shouldn't... I just have to prescribe it because..."

"Because of what I've been through, I get it," Harry interrupts. "How fast will the blood work be back?"

"I'll have it back before you're on your plane to New York," Jeff reassures him, "and I'm sure the rest of your blood work will look fine, so... this is strictly off the record, here... I'm not speaking as your doctor right now but as your friend..."

Harry nods and keeps his eyes on Jeff.

"I'm sure this is nothing, Harry," Jeff says more quietly, "so, don't worry over this... Louis, don't stress over it... we both know Harry's count has gone up and down several times since the transplant happened."

"Yeah," Louis barely whispers out.

"So, go to New York, have a good time," Jeff says with a small smile, "I'll call you in a little bit with the results. And your script will be at the pharmacy, if you choose to get it. But don't push yourself too much in New York, alright?"

"Meaning, don't get drunk every night," Louis jokes and smirks at Harry.

Harry rolls his eyes and looks back at Jeff, "thank you. Thanks for seeing me this morning, too."

"Look: don't hesitate to call me at all while you're gone," Jeff whispers, "Glenne or me. If you start feeling bad or anything, give me a call or text me."