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Ray woke up coughing, his chest feeling tight and his throat raw. He tried to stifle the sound, not wanting to wake Sand, but it was no use. The coughing was too harsh, too relentless. Beside him, Sand stirred, blinking sleepily as he registered the noise.
“Ray?” Sand’s voice was soft but laced with concern. He sat up quickly, his hand immediately going to Ray’s back, rubbing gentle circles. “Are you okay?”
Ray shook his head, struggling to catch his breath between coughs. His face was pale, and his eyes were watering, clearly in discomfort. Sand’s heart clenched at the sight. He couldn’t just sit there and watch Ray suffer.
“I’m going to get you some medicine,” Sand said, his tone firm. He pushed back the blankets and quickly got out of bed.
“But it’s so late…” Ray managed to whisper between coughs, his voice weak.
“I don’t care what time it is,” Sand replied, already grabbing his jacket and keys. “You need to feel better, and I’m not waiting until morning.”
Ray didn’t have the strength to argue. He watched as Sand leaned over him, tucking the blankets around him and pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. “I’ll be back soon, okay? Just try to rest.”
Ray nodded, his eyes heavy with exhaustion as Sand hurried out the door.
The night air was cold and biting, but Sand barely noticed. His mind was focused on one thing: finding medicine to help Ray. He walked quickly through the quiet, empty streets, the city almost eerie at this hour. But none of that mattered. The only thing that mattered was getting back to Ray as soon as possible.
After what felt like too long, Sand finally spotted a small, dimly lit 24-hour store on the corner. Relief washed over him as he rushed inside, immediately heading to the medicine aisle. He grabbed the strongest cough syrup he could find, along with some lozenges and a bottle of water. He didn’t want to risk forgetting anything that might help.
As he paid for the items, Sand’s thoughts were with Ray, hoping he wasn’t still suffering too much in his absence. The idea of Ray being in pain and him not being there to help was unbearable.
The walk back seemed to take forever, the minutes dragging on as Sand quickened his pace. When he finally reached their apartment, he practically ran up the stairs, fumbling with the keys in his haste to get inside.
Ray was still awake, his breathing shallow but a bit more controlled than before. His eyes softened with relief when Sand walked through the door, the sight of his boyfriend bringing a small smile to his face despite how awful he felt.
“I got what you need,” Sand said gently, setting the bag on the bedside table. He pulled out the cough syrup and carefully measured a dose, holding the spoon out to Ray. “Here, take this. It’ll help.”
Ray took the medicine without complaint, grimacing at the bitter taste. Sand immediately handed him a lozenge and opened the bottle of water, helping Ray take a few small sips. Ray’s throat burned a little less, and he managed to lean back against the pillows, his breathing gradually evening out.
“Thank you, Baby,” Ray whispered, his voice hoarse. “You didn’t have to go out so late…”
Sand shook his head, reaching out to stroke Ray’s hair gently. “Of course I did. I couldn’t just sit here while you were in pain. I’d do anything to make you feel better.”
Ray looked up at Sand, his eyes filled with love and gratitude. “You’re amazing,” he said softly, his voice laced with affection.
Sand smiled, his heart swelling with warmth. “I just love you, Ray,” he murmured, leaning in to kiss Ray’s forehead. “That’s all.”
Ray sighed contentedly, the warmth of Sand’s touch and the soothing effect of the medicine making him feel a little better. Sand climbed into bed beside him, careful not to jostle him too much, and wrapped his arms around Ray gently.
Ray settled into Sand’s embrace, the steady rhythm of his boyfriend’s breathing calming him. His eyes fluttered shut, and he finally began to drift off, the comfort of Sand’s presence chasing away the lingering discomfort.
“Get some sleep, love,” Sand whispered, holding Ray close. “I’m right here.”
Ray nodded weakly, his head nestled against Sand’s chest. With Sand’s warmth surrounding him, the tension in his body melted away, and he finally fell into a peaceful sleep, knowing that he was safe and loved. Sand stayed awake for a while longer, just watching Ray breathe, his heart full as he held the most important person in his world close, never wanting to let go.