It's a quiet morning. Sebastian sleeps like the dead for an hour and a half at a time. Then, with little warning, he wakes up, and makes a beeline for the toilet. He slowly walks back to his bed, gets a water bottle and repeats the process.
Nick tries to focus on reading Frankenstein for English, but he's only half invested in the book. During one of the good doctor's rambling's, he studies his sleeping roommate.
For the first time, Sebastian looks vulnerable. His features are relaxed, almost peaceful. His skin is pale, maybe a little too pale, and his hair is, for once, not gelled into oblivion. His rhythmic breathing is a little too deep for someone asleep. For once, he looks like what he is: a sick, sixteen year old boy; someone with more questions than answers.
Between 10 and 11, Nick hears retching when Seb goes into the bathroom. He puts down his book and pushes through the half open door to the bathroom. Sebastian is leaning kneeling in front of the toilet, looking absolutely miserable. There is yellow goup floating in the water.
Before Nick can do anything, Sebastian's body heaves again, bringing a little liquid.
"Fuck," He rasps, the word sounding dry and thin. "Fuck, fuck fuck." He dry heaves again, his body trying to violently expel whatever is making him sick. It is clear that Sebastian's body is in control.
Nick feels like a creep, watching his roommate vomit.
He makes a split second decision. "When you're done, we're going to the ER." Nick's voice sounds older, some how, and more firm.
"I'm show_" Sebastian's words are cut off by another dry heave, "-ering first."
Nick wants to laugh at the absurd request. He's not sure Sebastian has the energy to stand up long enough to wash himself. But, his roommate is insistent.
Sebastian heaves again, then, slowly raises himself to a standing position. Somehow, even in a vomit-stained math t-shirt and boxer shorts, his legs quivering a little with exhaustion or illness, he manages to look authoritative. He washes his hands, rinses his mouth, and walks slowly back to his bed for his towel.
Sitting on the edge, Sebastian notices the vials and syringe, which have been sitting on his nightstand all morning. He gathers them up, and shoves them deep inside the top drawer. Nick hears the rattling of pill bottles as the evidence of Sebastian's weakness disappears slowly.
Nick listens to the shower running. He wants to go get the rector, but he's not sure he should leave Sebastian alone.
He's glad he didn't go when his roommate emerges. He is still unshaven, but his teeth and hair are brushed. Sebastian barely has the energy to make it across the room, and back to his bed. Nick can do nothing as Sebastian falls into bed, already half asleep.
Nick isn't sure how things got so out of control.