hello sweet thing

taking his word as a warning to finish up whatever you were doing, you decided on fulfilling your favourite task of wrapping your arms around zayne as he cooked. it allowed you to feel as if you too have helped prepare the small feast he always manages to serve by buttering up the chef. thankfully, the two rooms were not too far apart so it would not take you long to reach him but something stopped you in your tracks.

after taking a few steps, you soon noticed how your head almost grew heavier and something akin to static was playing in front of your eyes. thankfully, recognising that you probably just stood up too quickly, eager to get to zayne, and you could easily wrap an arm around a pillar for a few moments before proceeding. however, the static never faded it just grew. before long, it was dragging you down against your will and time seemed to jump.

coming back to your senses was difficult. you were disoriented and were struggling to locate the rest of your body as the world spun. from your earlier position, you were now laying sprawled out on the floor, breathing hard and staring dazed through the ceiling. through your confusion, you could only meekly manage a small “help.”

catching your plea like a hawk, zayne immediately noticed something was wrong but as he turned, he realised he was a moment too late. his heart caught in his chest seeing the strong person he adored in such a vulnerable position both physically and mentally. attempting to put aside his own feelings, he tried to slip back into his doctor headspace in order to help but his breath kept getting stuck in his throat.

“i’m here” he kept repeating as he used one hand to check your pulse and the other to elevate your legs and help you come to quicker. “i’m here. it’s okay you’re okay.” these words were meant for you but began to be directed towards himself to keep him steady. refocusing your eyes, you stared at zayne and couldn’t help but cry.

after determining that you were back, zayne slowly helped your sit up and forced himself to give you room to breathe. his distance was short lived as you pulled yourself into his chest and wept. “what happened?” he asked softly as to not overwhelm you whilst stroking your back.

“i don’t know” you whined which just made zayne’s heart ache. he gave you a soft squeeze and tried to pull away to look at you but you kept him close with the remainder of your strength.

cradling you, zayne placed a kiss to the top of your head and tried to slow his breathing to help you regulate your own and not panic over him panicking. he had made sure that you ate enough today. was it dehydration? had you been overworking yourself? his mind swam with questions without answers but right now, you needed him not questions. “oh my love” he breathed, shifting back from dr zayne to your zayne.

“it was scary.” you cried. zayne’s heart shattered and reality hit like a brick. he could’ve lost you if you went down any harder. how did he not notice, not hear you before you had to cry out to him? all he could do was breathe for the both of you and stop himself from failing you again. he had to be the rock for you to lean on. he couldn’t make you worry for him right now. zayne took a deep breath and focused on keeping you safe.

surrounded in zayne’s calming embrace, you tried to think back on what happened to you a moment ago. one minute you were standing, then a little fuzzy, then you were on the floor. it was rare for you to pass out like this but this time it felt more violent. your limbs felt like they moved around more than once before. does that mean it wasn’t fainting? was it a seizure? no don’t be dramatic that’d show up in your medical history, wouldn’t it? you put these thoughts to rest for the moment and if they persisted, you could always ask zayne.

zayne. you were so out of it you couldn’t quite register what was happening. with a small tap, zayne slowly pulled away from you and had the chance to examine your face. a mix of sadness and relief was painted all over his features.

“are you okay..?” he asked cupping your face and wiping away your tears. you slowly nod, trying to take in the moment and look up at the worried mess you had made of zayne. “does anything hurt?” he followed up, reaching for your hand to rub your knuckles.

you took a moment to register the question and apply it to yourself before realising that yes, something does hurt. “my leg… i think” you say, your voice just coming out soft and like a stranger. zayne follows your gaze and it reminds you of when you were little and you’d fall over in the park. he’d often be the one to take a sensible approach when you’d hurt yourself and the memory of this calmed you. no matter how much he grew or how much people would comment on his icy exterior, he would still be your sweet boy that rushed to take care of you.

“..and my head.” zayne allowed his hand to move from your cheek to the top of your head to feel for bumps. “here” you guide him and couldn’t help but feel warm at how attentive he was being. gently feeling over where you were gesturing, zayne (hesitantly at first but quickly warming up to his desire) pressed kisses along your temples.

“are you able to stand up yet?” he asked and made sure to phrase it softly as a genuine question and not make you feel rushed. not trusting your voice, you nodded and soon felt zayne’s arms support your back to lend you his strength.

zayne moved at the pace that you set and watched you for any discomfort. as much as he loves being there for you and being able to take care of you, nothing hurt more than seeing you scared and the shell of yourself.

noticing his watchful gaze, you give him a small smile and said “thank you” through your last hiccups which eased some of his own worries. zayne gently guided you to your dining table and further padded your chair with cushions as well as pouring you a glass of water.

once he was satisfied, he kneeled in front of you and tightly held your hand like if he let go, you’d disappear. he seemed to be declaring his devotion to you as he kissed your knuckles and looked up at you through his lashes. “hey, sweet boy i’m okay” you say to him, taking your other hand and stroking his head.

“no it’s alright,” zayne began, remembering himself and standing up, “it was just a shock. these things happen.” with a final kiss to your head, he returned to the kitchen. you watched him regain his composure and with a sigh, you mulled over the moment. “i’m so lucky.” you say softly but loud enough for zayne to hear. he looks back at you and takes in your puffy eyes and dopey smile and can only smile back wondering if you meant ‘lucky to have him’ or ‘lucky to have fainted’. he can only presume the former but knowing you, who knows.

“oh shit! dinner- i’m so sorry. you can just reheat it.” you say, suddenly remembering what you were doing before. “don’t be silly.” zayne chuckles, “what kind of person would i be to make you eat reheated food? i have standards” he jokes as you roll your eyes. “doctor’s income huh?” you joke and he just smiles. “just a man’s love” zayne corrects.

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