When he entered, Elias found Raphael lying on the bed, and he didn't look good. His usual tan skin was almost flushed, hair sticking to his face from the sweat. As soon as he saw Elias, Raphael smiled, though it wasn't as bright and cheeky as usual.
"Hey, angel," he greeted in a raspy voice, lifting a hand to give a half wave. Maybe he really was sick- he wasn't even using the usual nicknames in that annoyingly flirty tone to bother Elias. Even this 'angel' sounded forced, a pathetic attempt at pretending everything was okay. It bothered the doctor more than he cared to admit.
"You...what happened?" Elias asked, worried. He glanced at the monitors and vitals, taking note of them. He'd been told the other doctor had already sent for tests, and the results should be in any moment now.
Raphael made a small sound, almost like a quiet chuckle before he spoke. Though it sounded more like a wheeze, the usual condescending or flirtatious drawl of the lawyer nowhere to be found. "Don't know. I just suddenly felt like garbage. I was fine earlier..."
His words were cut off by a dry, hacking cough. When it subsided, he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Oh god. He was just embarrassing himself more and more in front of the blonde.
Still, he continued, "Then I got chills and started coughing, and my throat feels like sandpaper."
Elias began to examine him, looking through his notes and vitals, keeping any concern off his face in favor of a professional expression. Taking into account the signs- fever, chills, aches, pains, sweating, coughing- he mentally ruled out a few possibilities and came to a conclusion.
Soon, the test results came back. As Elias read through them, Raphael vainly tried to joke and tease him, but the effect was ruined by his weak and raspy tone. He looked flushed and vulnerable, all of his usual suave flirtations nowhere to be found. No teasing nicknames, no witty retorts- just dry coughs and hoarseness whenever he spoke for too long.
After reviewing the reports, Elias released a breath of relief. "Fortunately, there's no infection. It's just an inflammatory response; you should be alright by tomorrow with the medicine."
Raphael nodded quietly, shifting on the bed with a wince. His whole body ached, every muscle felt like it was collapsing. It was hell. He swallowed before trying to speak again, "Great. That's just...great."
He wanted to say more, but his words got stuck in his throat as another coughing fit took over. He knew Elias would leave soon, and somehow that thought was unbearable. He wanted someone to stay. He wanted Elias to stay.
Elias looked at him, his expression softening slightly as he reassured him, misinterpreting Raphael's anxiety, "It'll be alright, I assure you. I've administered the medicine in your IV; it should kick in soon."
Raphael gave a nod once the coughing subsided. Elias' gaze roamed over the sick man, his eyes taking everything in. Even in his current state, he looked unfairly handsome- flushed cheeks, damp hair falling on his forehead, dark eyelashes caring shadows over his skin. He knew this was more than his usual flirtations, but...he just needed Elias to stay. His voice came out more desperate than he would've liked, but for once, he didn't care.
"Can you...sit with me? Just for a while?"
"Please?"