Sorry for the late update. Work is crazy right now. But I hope you enjoy the next chapter. One more to come in the little story. :-)

Chapter 4.

Conrad had closed his eyes in the passenger seat. He shivered slightly and Nic could see that he kept breathing deliberately through his nose to suppress the nausea.

She had written a text message to Pravesh and announced their arrival, precautionary in case Conrad should think halfway, that he preferred to stop at the nearest pharmacy and simply prescribe his own antibiotic. It would be up to him.

Besides, Nic wanted to avoid a great deal of commotion when they arrived so as not to confuse Conrad any further and expose him to the thousand questions and worried glances of his evening shift colleagues. So she drove to the parking lot next to the ER's entrance and Conrad let her open the door for him and support him with one hand around her waist as they approached the entrance.

"What´s wrong with you?"
Irving was the first to see them coming through the door. The two newcomers obviously made a worrying impression. Conrads face was pale, cheeks flushed, his breathing heavy. At that moment a worried Devon turned the corner.

"Nic texted me," Devon interrupted, catching up to Irving. "Conrad´s running a nasty fever."

"Nr. 3 is free" Ellen stated from her reception desk with a worried look towards the group. They entered one of the glass-closed treatment-rooms, Nic led Conrad to one of the beds and let him sit down. He still had not said a word and it seemed he had trouble keeping his eyes open. Devon was already at his side, taking his pulse.

"Weak and rapid", he stated pulling out his stethoscope. Nic stepped aside and explained:
"He was running a high fever all day, around 103. And half an hour ago he passed out on the way to the loo." "Passed out?" echoed Irving, worry clouding his eyes.
"Was he unconscious?"

"You know I'm here, too?" Conrad interjected, his voice tight and strained. Devon, listening to his lungs, hissed at him.
"Conrad, I can´t hear anything when you´re talking. Breathe deeply and shut up."
Conrad closed his eyes in exasperation, but did as he was told.

"For two or three minutes." Nic resumed Irving's question.
"I was about to call an ambulance."
Conrad gave her an apologetic look as she stroked his hair.

"Lungs are free," said Devon, who now placed the stethoscope unceremonisly on Conrads chest under his hoody. A hand on his patients shoulder he listened to the heart, his eyes briefly looking into the void. Laying down the stethoscope, he put a hand on Conrad's forehead.

"You´re still burning up, man. Did you take anything for the fever?"

"Some paracetamol, but this is hours ago." Nic answered instead. "We both fell asleep." She explained.
"I also think he´s dehydrated."

"Ok, we set up an IV. We also need a full bloodcount and an ECG."

Turning to Conrad, he said, "Lie down."

He was about to help Conrad lean back on the bed, but the addressed sat stubbornly, resting his hands on the edge of the bed as if to stop time in an unbearable situation.

All three felt his resistance to moving to such a vulnerable position. Nics eyes were filled with compassion and concern, Irving and Devon exchanged a glance. That look was all they needed to communicate. They all knew Conrad and his stubborness, his concern to show his vulnerable side.

Devon took a step back and started preparing the infusion. Irving took his place and placed a friendly hand on Conrads shoulder. The two knew each other long enough.

"Bro," he spoke in a pleading tone. "You look horrible and I´m pretty sure you feel horrible."
Conrad looked up at him.
"Nic is worried about you. We all are worried about you."

Conrad swallowed, his guilty conscience tearing at his heart.

"For once," Irving continued, "let your friends take charge and make sure, you are ok."

Conrad looked up at him, fear and sorrow clear in his eyes. Irving knew: this man has been through a lot, always handling every situation by himself, since beiing a little kid. A man always on the run, always ready to fight, always tense.

Conrad swallowed, then closed his eyes in defeat. A small nod. He clenched his teeth, as he moved to lean back on the lifted bed, visibly forcing himself let go of some of the tension in his aching body.

Nic locked eyes with Irving, mouthing a small "Thank you". Then moving to Conrads head as the two doctors started again with their work, setting up monitoring and IV´s, drawing blood and doing all the things Conrad under normal circumstances would never be able to let them do so quietly.

He only had eyes for Nic. She stood next to his head, stroking his unruly hair. A touch that made him feel save and warm, dispite all the fussing around him. He knew that he was´nt ok, that he needed help and treatment, and that he should not be such an complicated personality. But in this very moment the only thing that mattered was that Nic was with him, that he did not scare her anymore. She deserved a little peace and security. And for that he was willing to let go of control and let somebody else take care of this problem.

"Things are never that simple with you, are they?" he heard Nics quiet voice, as his eyes slipped shut.