The afternoon sun, usually a cheerful visitor, felt heavy and oppressive filtering through the curtains in Megumi’s room. You knew it wasn’t the sun’s fault though.

Megumi, a jujutsu sorcerer known for his unflappable demeanor and stoic expression, was currently curled into a tight ball under his comforter. His head was buried in the fur of his Divine Dog, the enormous black wolf that was usually patrolling the edges of the house, now acting as a very fluffy, very warm weighted blanket.

You had to admit, seeing him like this was a bit surreal. He was like a completely different person. Usually, Megumi was all sharp angles and controlled movements. Now, he was a lump of misery, a faint flush painting his cheeks.

Tsumiki and your mother were out, battling the grocery store crowd, leaving you the unlikely nurse for a sick Megumi. You’d grabbed the medicine from the bathroom, a bottle of something that smelled vaguely of berries and lemon, bracing yourself for the inevitable battle of the stubborn patient.

You pushed the door open further, the hinges creaking softly. The sound made the Divine Dog lift his head, those intelligent red eyes focusing on you. A soft thump followed as his tail wagged against the mattress, a sign of his happy recognition. He stuck his tongue out, a surprisingly goofy gesture, and you couldn’t help but smile.

You reached out, running your fingers through the thick, silky fur behind his ears. A slight shift in the blankets beside you indicated Megumi was stirring, a muffled groan escaping him as he tightened his hold on the Divine Dog, drawing the large wolf closer.

“Hey,” you said softly, your voice barely a whisper. “I’ve got some medicine for you.”

Megumi’s head finally emerged, a ruffled mess of black spikes. His eyes, usually so sharp and guarded, were watery and slightly glazed over. He blinked at you slowly, as if trying to process your appearance.

“Medicine?” His voice was rough, like he’d been sandpapered. He tried to sit up, but his movements were sluggish and clumsy.