#Turns out even level headed Kamal can be stubborn when he's frustrated

[sapphire-strikes]

Over The Weather

A little sfm sickfic I wanted to write. This is gonna be two or three chapters so this is just the first. Not very exciting but the next one should be better!

Chapter 1

~

By this morning Kamal had hoped he'd have shaken the worst of whatever he was feeling off, ignoring the aching in his body as he got dressed and persevered down the hall without so much as a wobble despite how dizzy he'd been. But when he'd finally made it to the kitchen, he bent down in one fell swoop to pick up his bag, and that simple motion finally proved too much for him

There was a particularly unpleasant, mellow burning that sat behind his eyes as he leaned, still keeled over, against the table to squeeze them closed and pinch the bridge of his nose while he waited for it to pass.

"Oh boy..." He groaned quietly to himself. He'd always been one to get sick more than other people but he usually handled it well, taking a few days to sleep it off before feeling well enough to fall back into his usual routine. But whatever bug had been plaguing him for the last few days refused to shake off.

What made it most frustrating was the way it had been coming and going, leaving him feeling well enough to go about his day normally but his body was still wracked with an unpleasant nausea that made it hard for him to concentrate. Last night and this morning were finally the exceptions, as whatever bug had been buzzing around his head had finally landed and he felt awful. There was what even felt like congestion beginning to build in his chest, his breaths coming out heavy if he breathed out too deeply.

Doing just that, he stood back up. He'd practically been sick for days now even if it was just now finally hitting him full force, and in a decision made in frustration, he decided to keep moving forward regardless.

"Kamal..." Boris who had luckily just missed that moment of weakness, entered the kitchen cautiously, slowly stepping up to Kamal's side and resting a gentle hand on his back and shoulder in an attempt to help support him. While Kamal did his best to hide it, he obviously looked awful, and no amount of sucking it up would change the flush in his cheeks or the twinge of discomfort clear in his eyes. Even the days it hadn't been bad, Boris took quick notice of Kamal's condition, but up until now, all his fussing had seemed unnecessary as he hadn't felt that bad. "I do wish you'd stay home, please. I know you say you are fine but if you do not rest this may become something worse."

"Aw, bud, I'm fine, really I'm just tired s'all." Kamal responded to the touch with a reassuring pat on Boris' arm, making a show to rest his hand on his hips and stand tall. "Right as rain, see?" Was he lying? Maybe, but he should be fine at least. He'd never been sick for more than a few days so whatever this was was probably already on its way to passing, so what was the point in worrying Boris for one more day?

"Yes, but you had a temperature yesterday, we should check it again just to be sure." Boris finally pulled away, moving to retrieve the thermometer.

"We can check it when I get back tonight, but for now I gotta go." Kamal chuckled. "It's not my fault you woke me up late." He joked.

Boris stopped in the kitchen doorway, a small look of shame crossing his face. "I...I thought you could use the rest."

"And I appreciate that, but I'll be fine I promise. If you're still worried you can make that soup you talked about when I get back, I'm sure that'll clear the rest of whatever this little bug is right up."

"Mmmm." Boris hesitated, glancing at the floor then followed Kamal's feet the whole way up his frame, landing on his roommates' tired-looking but sure expression. Then, he slowly reached his hand out, aiming to rest the back of his large fingers against Kamal's forehead, but before he made contact, Kamal stopped him, slowly pulling his hand down and giving it a reassuring pat.

"I'm gonna be fiiiiine."

"Okee, If you say so, Kamal." Boris nodded, smiling and stepping aside so Kamal could get to the living room. "Do call me when you're on your way home?"

"Sure thing, big guy." Kamal nodded, making his way to the door.

"And perhaps when you get there? Just so I know your trip was safe, yes?" Boris followed behind him, reaching around him to open the front door once they'd reached it and held it open as Kamal made his exit.

"If that'll make you feel better, sure thing!"

"You are the one that needs to feel better! But yes, yes it will." Boris nodded and the two of them shared one final goodbye before Boris reluctantly shut the front door behind him.

As soon as Boris was out of sight, Kamal heaved a loud breath, stopping on the path to his car to once again give his dizzied head a moment to catch up when apparently, the step just down the doorway was too much for him as well. He didn't turn around but he could practically feel Boris' eyes on him from the window, the big guy was most likely waiting to see him off so he rushed his recovery as to not worry him, making his way down to and into his car regardless of the way his head spun.

As soon as he was seated the feeling finally began to fade and he took another deep breath this time in relief as he gripped the wheel and leaned back, popping his back against the seat and closing eyes as he let his body adjust.

"Okay...." He whispered silently to himself once more, opening his eyes to put the key in the ignition. Slowly turning it, he was hit with a small sense of dread, maybe this wasn't such a good idea. He'd just been frustrated up until now but he knew this wasn't a good idea. He was in no condition to be working around others let alone in their mouths and he was beginning to feel ashamed for having even considered it. He was obviously worse than he'd thought since it took that realization so long to hit him. Silently surrendering to his sickness, he decided it was best to say home.

It was then that he noticed he was still trying to start the car, like his mind had disconnected from his body while he was thinking, his eyes fell to his hand that had been holding the key in place and he finally heard the way he'd been grinding the starter holding it like that and released it quickly. Staring at his hand, he flexed his fingers slowly but he'd grown so lightheaded he couldn't focus on the movement at all, feeling almost as if his hand had fallen asleep. In one final motion, his arm dropped to his side and he looked up past the wheel just in time to see Boris fast approaching as the world fell to the side with him and his vision went dark.

Putting his confidence in Kamal, Boris stepped aside letting him make his exit even if he'd been worried. Kamal was always wise about these things, good at taking care of himself at least when he was ill, so despite his worries, if Kamal thought he was well enough to go to work, he probably was. It wasn't until he watched him stumble out to his car was that confidence replaced with his better judgment and he gripped the knob of the door as he watched through the window at the top. Something stopped him from throwing it open right away and marching out, hesitating when Kamal collected himself and proceeded much more naturally. Boris knew he always made such a fuss over the littlest things, he was sure Kamal must be getting sick of it so he stopped himself, just watching as Kamal climbed into the driver seat and strapped himself in.

He watched his roommate take a deep breath, gripping the wheel for a moment as he stretched then turned the key, starting up the car. Perhaps he was worried over nothing, Kamal was confident enough to drive so he was probably alright, he'd just need to be sure to get some extra rest tonight to help recover faster.

What small relief he was beginning to feel was cast aside when the low hum of the car starting outside evolved quickly into an ear-grinding screech and Boris peaked back out through the window. Kamal was exactly where he had been a second ago, his hand now on the ignition as he "started" the car. Boris raised a brow, opening the door to step outside and see what exactly his friend was doing.

"Kamal?" When Kamal didn't notice him or release the key Boris called out to him but received no response. "Kamal!" He called out again much louder, wondering if perhaps he simply couldn't hear him over the unpleasant sound. Then it finally stopped and Boris thought perhaps he had finally heard him that time, but instead of looking in the direction of his voice, Kamal seemed to be staring blankly downward.

Now he was worried and without hesitation this time he stepped out and made his way over to the car. Before he'd made it halfway there he broke into a panicked sprint, watching as Kamal fell forward limply in his seat.

"Боже мой, Камаль, ты в порядке?!" He rushed around the car, tearing open the driver's side door, immediately doing his best to prop Kamal back up. Quickly undoing his seat belt to better get a hold of him, Boris leaned him back and placed a hand on his face, feeling sick with panic as Kamal's head nodded limply to the side. "Камаль, проснись!" Despite the tears forcefully building in his eyes, Boris did his best to stay calm, patting his cheek gently then pressing his head to his chest.

He had to hold his breath, listening desperately for a sound of a heartbeat, and after a second he was instead met with a thick, uncomfortable heaving that drowned out whatever else was going on in Kamal's chest, but at the very least, it meant he was breathing. Relief probably wouldn't describe what he was feeling at that moment. He felt sick, sick with worry and dread at that uncomfortable sound as he cursed himself for not taking notice of it sooner.

Before he had had the opportunity to pull his head away, he was met with another sound; a small groan that resonated through Kamal's chest as he finally began to stir. Boris finally removed his head from his chest, resting a hand on his face once more to angle his head upward so he could look at him. "Kamal?! Kamal, can you hear me?" The smaller man's face scrunched up when he shook him carefully.

A little more movement and Kamal began opening his eyes, even raising a hand to press it to his head and let out another groan.

"Oh, thank God." Boris pulled him into a quick, relieved hug, leaning back once more to help steady him as he came to. "Kamal, can you hear me?" He repeated the question much quieter and Kamal removed the hand from his eyes finally focusing on him.

"Ughh, yeah...yeah, I'm- I'm okay." He spoke slowly, as he worked out the situation for himself. "I'm okay." He spoke much more surely this time, resting a hand on Boris' back as he was hugged again.

"Дерьмо, do you- do you need to go to the hospital?" Boris reluctantly stepped back as Kamal moved to get out of the car. He seemed more shaken than anything, taking Boris' hand to help steady himself.

"No... it's not serious...I think I'm just dehydrated." Kamal reasoned allowing Boris to support him as the taller man wrapped an arm around his shoulder. "Happened a couple of times when I'd get sick as a kid..."

"I knew this was not a good idea! I never should have let you get out of bed!" Boris was doing his best to keep his cool, frustrated with himself and how tired Kamal really seemed.

"Yeah, you...you were right- oof!" Kamal was hoisted up bridal-style mid-sentence as soon as he stepped fully out of the car.

"You're going right back to bed and you're not getting up until I say so." Boris stated firmly, and while the initial movement had jolted Kamal's head, making him nauseous all over again, Boris held him protectively to his chest and for now at least, Kamal didn't mind, leaning into him completely as he came to terms with how much better just being off his feet made him feel.

"Thanks, bud." He thanked quietly as Boris began carrying him inside. "I'm sorry if I scared you..."

Boris wore a look of determination as he stepped inside but his expression softened considerably at Kamal's words and he once again found himself fighting off his own fear in favor of taking control of the situation. "Do not worry, we will have you "right as rain" in no time!" He assured, making a nod to Kamal's words earlier.

The rest of the trip inside was mostly silent as Boris carried him down the hall and into his room. Kamal's bed was still undone, most likely because he lacked the energy to make it this morning, and Boris set him down gently on the side. "I will call the office to let them know you're not coming in."

"You don't gotta do that, bud, I got it." Kamal said, working off his shoe with his other foot.

"No, I will take care of eet." Boris insisted. Once Kamal had dressed down enough to be comfortable, Boris placed a hand on his shoulder and chest, easing him down slowly into bed and tucking him in once he was down, doing his best to smooth out and adjust the disorderly sheets. "You need to spend your energy getting comfortable."

"Aww, man.." Kamal sighed bashfully, almost taken aback by that simple action. Boris was such a mother hen when people got sick but Kamal knew even now he was dialing it back in an attempt to be less overwhelming in consideration of how tired Kamal looked.

After Boris was satisfied with how Kamal had been tucked in, he stepped away to get a few things, returning with a glass of water and the makeshift doctor's bag he kept in the bathroom down the hall. Setting everything else to the side, the first thing he did was raise the glass to Kamal's mouth. "You...you said you were dehydrated, correct? You'll need to drink lots of water!" Boris reasoned. "What are all your symptoms?" He asked as Kamal took the glass, gingerly taking a sip. "We do not want a scare like that happening again. I am going to make sure it does not."

"Yeah, I think it's cause I ugh..." Kamal paused to think about his words as Boirs began rooting through the bag he'd brought in. "Well, it ain't just because of the fever I... threw up a couple times last night, I shoulda been drinking more."

"You threw up?!" Boris stopped his searching, standing to look at Kamal in shock.

"Y-yeah, that's when I really started feeling like crap."

"Why did you not wake me up?"

"Aww, bud, you know I... I'm a grown man and I've been on the edge of this thing for days now I didn't want you worrying any more than you already were."

"And then you still tried to go to work this morning? Kamal!" Boris sounded disappointed in him, hurt almost and Kamal cringed internally at the guilt he was feeling.

"I'm sorry, I really am, it was stupid."

"You are not stupid, Kamal." Boris sighed, a small smile returning as he crouched back down and fished out the thermometer, holding it to Kamal's mouth. "Just silly sometimes..." Kamal didn't respond right away, glancing away as he let Boris put the thermometer in his mouth. Now that Kamal had been bedded down, Boris' cheery personality seemed to be returning, but it may have been an attempt to cheer Kamal up as well. The last thing Boris wanted was for him to be sad and sick at the same time.

"Okay, now let us see...." He mused pulling the thermometer from Kamal's mouth, his hopeful smile falling right back down again to a much more worried expression. "Oh my...102.9°"

Kamal cringed, visibly this time."That would explain the killer headache." He sighed, flinching for a moment as he hadn't expected Boris to reach out to him. He wasn't sure what to expect, but Boris just gently cupped his cheek, moving up to his forehead and brushing a few of his fingers through his hair in the process as he rested his hand there.

"You really are burning up..." Boris commented sadly, but there was something else behind it. He was such a naturally worried and sensitive guy, but taking control in situations like these kept him from freaking out, so Kamal knew it best to let him. It was such a look of genuine concern Kamal couldn't begin to fight it. That combined with how cool his hands were against his fevered face, Kamal just leaned into the comfortable touch, closing his eyes.

"I'm sorry, bud." Kamal apologized and Boris winced. His cheeks were worryingly cold and his forehead hot. No matter how many times he saw his friends sick, he never worried any less.

"Do not apologize, Kamal." Boris finally removed his hand, instead placing it on Kamal's shoulder to ease him into actually laying down. "I'm sure you'll be right as rain in no time, but you need to rest." Boris reached into his bag once more, pulling out a small pill bottle and shaking two out, handing them to Kamal along with the glass of water once more. "Take some ibuprofen and we'll check your temperature again in an hour but you need to get some rest, okay?"

"If you think I'm going anywhere after all that, you've got nothing to worry about." Kamal chuckled weakly, taking the ibuprofen with a gulp and leaning back on his own. "What's that look for?" He asked, referencing the contemplative look on Boris' face.

"...Well, I would like to make some 'feel-better soup', but I need you to promise me you will try to get some sleep if I do?"

"Course, I promise I won't get up, kay?"

"And you will call me if you need anything? I'll be right in the kitchen!"

"You got it, bud."

"Or if you start to feel different?"

Kamal outstretched his pinkie. "I promise, Boris, I won't scare you like that again." Kamal said, finally addressing what he knew Boris was really worried about.

Boris hesitated but finally locked his pinkie with Kamal's. "Okay, but I will be back to check on you in a few minutes! You get some resties!"

"Wouldn't dream of doing anything else right now." Kamal assured him, finally letting himself relax into the cool sheets. Boris lingered at his bedside for a moment and the two of them shared a laugh at the way Kamal peeked open one eye to see if he was still there.

"Okee, okee, I am going!" Boris joked, finally heading out the door, stopping only a second in the doorway. "Oh, just so you know, I need a few things I had planned on getting while you were at work. Buuut, plans have changed so I'm going to see if Y/n is able to bring them over!"

"The kid?" Kamal actually perked up, his eyebrows raising with a knowing kind of surprise.

"Yes, is..that okay?" Boris hadn't thought much of it up until now, but Kamal's reaction left him feeling curious.

"Nah, actually..." A sly smile crept over Kamal's face and he laid back down, relaxing once more. "I think that's a great idea."

"Okee. I just wanted to make sure!" And with that, he stepped out into the hall and made his way to the kitchen. While he trusted Kamal to stay in bed, he had no plans of leaving the house while his fever was so high. So he pulled out his phone and sent a few texts, overjoyed with the quick response and answer as he opened the fridge to begin prepping everything else.

Kamal rested an arm behind his head, content to actually get some rest while he could. Just laying down helped ease the pounding in his head and the icepack on his forehead was a welcome relief from the heat. He wondered briefly if you'd agree to show considering your current condition as well, he could only guess the answer was yes by how over the top Boris would most likely describe his symptoms. Knowing you, you'd want to help regardless of how you were feeling yourself. Boris would be on high alert now too after the events of today, so chances are if he noticed anything, you'd be walking right into a trap.

"And then we'll have plenty of time to decide if I caught it from you, or you caught it from me."