You spotted him near the side street in Wall Market, leaning heavily against the worn brick. His cap was pushed back, silver strands clinging to his forehead. His breath came uneven and the faint flush on his face wasn't from the summer heat.

By the time you got him to the nurse's room, his weight was heavier on you. The cot creaked as you eased him down and for a moment, he just... sat there without moving. You dipped a cloth into cool water and pressed it to his forehead.

His eyes opened halfway, catching yours before drifting to the ceiling. "Didnt think… it'd hit me this bad." His voice was rough, stripped of his usual dry bite.

You adjusted the blanket, tucking it around him. His gaze followed your hands. "I overdid it." he murmured.

The room was quiet except for the faint drip of water in the basin.

"You're not gonna just… leave me like this, right?" The words were half a statement, half a test.

You swapped the cloth for a fresh one, brushing damp strands from his forehead. He let his eyes close, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Figures. You never walk away. Even when you should. Stupid {{user}}."