Fever

11/28

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The sickness had struck unexpectedly. Well, most diseases aren't really expected, but this one struck with such force that all of the healers were immediately set to work and not allowed breaks.

Half the army had gotten sick. It wasn't a potentially dangerous disease, mostly just high-fevers and stuffy noses, but with that many people bedridden, or, considering their current situation, bedroll-ridden, it was quite a strain on the healers. Even Mark, the tactician that always helped them out so much in their battles, had gotten sick, and before then he had just seemed sort of impervious to everything.

While the medical tent was usually used for the sick or wounded and not all that crowded, it had way too many people in it right now. Serra had also gotten sick, along with everyone else, so that meant only Priscilla and the newly-promoted Lucius could heal people, and Lucius was still learning, so that wasn't helping much. The sick were commanded to stay in their tents to prevent further spreading of the disease, and everyone else had to stay near the center of the camp, tactician's order. If one of the healthy even so much as coughed or sniffled, they'd be sent back to their tent immediately, with the help, if you could call it that, of Serra (though she was sick, she decided, with an okay from Mark, that she should help out as much as she could. That form of help being bossing people around, something she was very good at).

Even though all healthy individuals were supposed to be at the center of the camp, trying not to get sick, one person was still in his tent with his sick tent mate, and that one person was Rath.

Rath ran a hand through his now bandana-less hair, sighing. He should have been at the center of the camp with everyone else, or what was left of everyone else. But when Wil had asked him to stay, even though he was feverish and delusional, Rath just had to say yes. Wil just looked so sick and pathetic; it would be like kicking a puppy if he said no. So there he was, sitting next to a very feverish Wil that was probably asleep and wouldn't notice his leaving, but wouldn't leave because he knew it wasn't right.

Rath put an ungloved hand on Wil's forehead, checking to see if the fever had gotten any better. It hadn't. He frowned; maybe he should get Lucius or Priscilla? Wil's fever was only getting worse, and although the illness wasn't fatal, supposedly, Rath didn't want Wil to get any sicker.

Deciding that getting a healer would be the best course of action, Rath stood up and was about to leave, when Wil grabbed his hand. He looked down, surprised, and stared rather lamely at his and Wil's connected hands.

"Don't… leave me…" Wil wheezed out pathetically. He did look really pitiful, actually, in his state of illness. The covers were wrapped tightly around him, making a sort of cocoon, and his cheeks and nose were a rosy pink color from him being so warm. Wil's breathing was slightly labored, and he had to squint to focus on anything. Wil had been once of the last to get sick, and it seemed considerably worse than the people who had gotten hit first.

"I should get a healer," Rath said, but didn't make a move to leave or let go of Wil's hand.

"They'll come later. I just… need you… to stay here…" Wil replied, almost breathless, tightening his grip on Rath's hand.

Rath was silent for a moment, contemplating whether or not he should really leave, but decided to stay. Wil was right; the healers were coming around to all the tents, but it might take a while with all of the people who were sick and being tended to. "Fine, I'll stay," he replied, sitting down next to Wil, not letting go of his hand.

"Good," Wil responded, and Rath could see him smile a little, despite the covers being pulled up to his chin. He pulled Rath's hand to his cheek, causing Rath to have to scoot closer to his bedroll, smile broadening.

"G'night," Wil mumbled, closing his eyes and snuggling up against Rath's hand.

Rath smiled a little, because even though he knew he was going to get in trouble for disobeying Mark's orders, and get a good tongue-lashing from Serra, he didn't mind. Because Wil was really cute like this, despite the sickness, and Rath didn't really didn't mind spending so much time with Wil, even if he was too sick to talk.
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Ending's kind of meh, but it has sick!Wil and lots of fluff so it's okay. Thanks to all who reviewed, and FF should stop being screwy and tell me how many hits I have, dammit. Because it hasn't changed since the second chapter. Reviews much appreciated, and critique will be more so.