Victor brushed back the strand of dark hair from Yuri's face, allowing the younger man to rest his head on his chest.
"My poor Yuri, you must feel terrible, your fever hasn't gone down at all."Victor nuzzled Yuri gently as they waited for the doctor to return. The affection caused Yuri to smile.
"I-I don't feel too bad. I'm just a little warm right now." Yuri replied, his fatigue showing in his voice.
"Are you sure, it doesn't look like you-"
"I'm fine." Yuri lifted his head, turning away as he coughed harshly into his sleeve, he allowed a faint moan to escape him.
"Yuri-" Victor reached out, rubbing Yuri's back as the younger man attempted to catch his breath. "When we get back, I want you to rest, that doesn't sound good at all." Before Yuri could reply, the door opened and a young woman stepped in wearing a white lab coat, she smiled warmly, carrying a chart.
"Did you find out what it is?" Victor asked worriedly.
"I did," The doctor answered. "Yuri has Bronchitis." Victor felt a rush of relief flow through him.
"He'll be alright?"
"With some rest and medication, yes, he'll be just fine. I'll give him something for his cough and pain. He'll start feeling better soon."
"See, you had nothing to worry about." Yuri said softly.
"Of course I do, Bronchitis can change into pneumonia and then what would I do when you end up in the hospital because you didn't want to see a doctor?"
"We're at the doctor's office now, that's not going to happen."
"You wouldn't have been if I hadn't said I was making the appointment. I told you if I lost you...I would die of a broken heart." Yuri took hold of Victor's hand.
"I'm not going anywhere, I promise." The older man leaned forward, kissing Yuri's cheek softly.
"Good, because I'm not either. I'll get you home and take care of you."
"You've been doing that, thank you."the younger man said softly. The doctor smiled.
"All right, you two, I'll get your perscriptions written and you can be on your way. Also, a humidifier will help if you have one. I'll see Yuri back in a couple of weeks to make sure everything's going okay, of you need anything before that, you can always call." Victor nodded and thanked her.
"They'll be waiting for you up front."she said, shaking their hands and exiting the room.
"Are you ready to go get your medicine and then go home to lie down?" Yuri sighed.
"Can't we just go home for today and get it tomorrow, I feel so-"
"What is it?" Victor asked noticing the change in Yuri's tone. Victor helped Yuri down from the examining table, Yuri immediately leaned into him, grasping his jacket.
"Yuri!"Victor cried wrapping his arms around the young skater.
"Sorry, Victor, I was fine sitting down. I'm just so exhausted."
"Do you think if I help you, you can walk to the car?" Victor's heart was breaking to see Yuri in his current condition.
"Yeah, I just needed a minute, I think I'm okay now." Victor helped Yuri put on his coat and allowed Yuri to lean on him as they exited the room and made their way to the front desk to gather the prescriptions and make the next appointment. It didn't take long for Victor to make his decision. It would be a long ride home for the ill skater, he felt slightly embarrassed for using his coach to stand and for causing Victor to be so concerned for him.
Once inside, Victor helped Yuri into bed, he fluffed the pillows and pulled the cover over him. Yuri sighed, he had to admit that it felt good to lie down, his entire body was aching.
"Rest now, do you want something to drink?" Yuri thought for a moment.
"Maybe some water."he replied sleepily. Victor kissed his forehead and offered a faint smile before moving into the kitchen. He took out his phone and pressed a button. He listened to the dial tone impatiently, When at last he heard the voicemail recording he cleared his throat, waiting for the tone.
"Coach Yakov, it's Victor, I know you're with Yurio right now, but I need a favor."
Yuri coughed harshly moving to lie on his side. His eyelids began to feel heavy until finally he closed them. He drifted in and out of awareness catching the muffled sound of Victor moving the dishes in the cabinets.
Suddenly, a gentle hand brushed against his cheek, He opened his eyes slowly.
"I have your water, can you sit up for me?"Yuri nodded, pushing himself up and taking the glass.
"Thank you." Yuri sipped slowly, trying to ignore the sharp pain in his throat. He handed it back and laid back against the pillows.
"I'm sorry...about the doctor's office." Victor sat down on the edge of the bed.
"Don't be. You didn't do anything wrong."
"I was using you to-"
"Yuri, it's not-"
"And you've been worried, and you're right, I do feel terrible."
"I know you do, You'll be better soon, We'll be getting your medicine filled soon. Don't worry, you don't have to get up, and I'm staying right here."
"Then how-"
"Shh, just lie still."
"But I-"
"Move over a little bit."Victor requested.
"But I'm sick, I could-" Yuri began to protest.
"I've already been exposed to it, I'm not afraid of being sick. Remember, you're precious to me. If you had the plague, I'd still be beside you because you're the love of my life."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely positive." Yuri did as he was asked and Victor climbed in beside him, holding out his arms.
"Come here." He beckoned lovingly, pulling the younger man close, to rest against him. He ran his fingers through the short dark hair. Yuri grasped Victor's dark blue sweater.
"Sleep my beautiful Yuri, and dream of wonderful things."Yuri needed no further encouragement, he allowed his eyes to close once more.
"Love you, Victor, you're too good to me." he whispered.
"I love you too Yuri, more than you'll ever know."