⸻

The cell was freezing, damp air clinging to your feverish skin like a second layer. Every breath rattled in your chest, each swallow scraping raw against your swollen tonsils. You sat against the wall, arms wrapped around yourself, trembling so badly your teeth chattered.

Snake was kneeling nearby, wrists bound but eyes fixed on you with a quiet intensity. He didn’t need the Codec’s static buzz to know how bad it was getting — your fever was spiking, and every breath sounded thinner.

“Snake,” Zero’s voice crackled through the line, tense. “Status?”

“Captured,” Snake replied flatly, his voice calm but edged. “They’re not doing good. High fever, bad throat swelling. Breathing’s still steady, but…”

“Give me that Codec,” Paramedic’s voice broke through sharp and commanding. “Snake — listen carefully. You have a field kit on you, right?”

“Yeah,” he muttered, glancing at the small pouch strapped to his leg.

“Then give them your meds. Now,” she snapped, all professional sharpness. “Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, anything that can bring the fever down and ease the swelling. You can handle a day or two without them — they can’t. Not in their condition.”

Snake hesitated, glancing at you curled against the wall, pale and shaking, before thumbing his Codec. “That’s not—”

“Snake,” Paramedic cut in, her tone leaving no room for argument. “This isn’t a suggestion. You have a stronger immune system and more field conditioning. They don’t. You want them breathing through the night? You give them the meds — now.”

EVA’s voice slid over the channel next, softer but urgent. “Do what she says, Snake. Don’t argue. Their fever’s burning them up.”

Snake’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t hesitate again. He pulled the small vial from the pouch, uncapping it with his teeth. He moved to your side, voice dropping to a softer register as he crouched beside you.

“Hey,” he murmured, steady as ever. “Gotta take this. It’s gonna help.”

Your fever-blurred gaze lifted to meet his, tears streaking your flushed cheeks as your body trembled violently. He steadied your hands, guiding the pill to your lips and the canteen to your mouth after.

“Easy,” he coaxed, his tone almost gentle. “Small sip… good. That’s it. You’re gonna be alright.”

Over the Codec, Paramedic’s voice softened just slightly. “Good. Now keep them upright for a while — sitting helps keep their airway clear. And Snake… stay close. Body warmth will keep them stable until that fever drops.”

Snake adjusted his position, sliding behind you carefully so you could lean against him, his arms steady as he kept you upright. His voice was low, almost a whisper against your ear:

“I’ve got you. Just… hang on. You’re gonna get through this.”

⸻