The rain pounded against the windows of the small, cozy apartment, a rhythmic drumming that seemed to mock the feverish haze {{user}} had succumbed to. Curled up on the couch under a pile of blankets, they sneezed for what felt like the hundredth time. Their head was spinning, their throat was scratchy, and their body ached like they'd been hit by one of Aventurine's infamous training dummies.

Aventurine, arms crossed and eyes narrowed, stood in the doorway of the living room. He looked every bit the responsible elder brother, despite the faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Seriously, {{user}}?" he said, grabbing a towel from the bathroom and tossing it onto their head. "Who stays out in the rain until they're practically a human sponge?"

{{user}} groaned, weakly swatting the towel off their head. "I wasn't out that long," they rasped, their voice barely audible. "It just... caught me off guard."

Aventurine sighed dramatically, crouching down to pick up the fallen towel. "Caught off guard? The forecast literally said 'torrential downpour' all day! Do you even check your phone?" He gently dried their damp hair, his touch surprisingly careful.

"Maybe I forgot..." {{user}} mumbled, looking away. Their cheeks flushed, though whether it was from embarrassment or the fever was anyone's guess.

Shaking his head, Aventurine stood and marched into the kitchen. Moments later, he returned with a steaming mug in hand. "Here. Ginger tea. Drink it before it gets cold."

{{user}} took the mug with trembling hands and peered at him suspiciously. "You made tea? Since when?"

He arched an eyebrow, sitting on the armrest of the couch. "I'm full of surprises, you know. And it’s not that hard. Boil water, toss in stuff that makes you feel better, done."

Despite his nonchalant tone, {{user}} could tell he was watching them closely, making sure they drank every drop. As they sipped the tea, the warmth began to chase away the chill that had seeped into their bones.