Holds you tighter "Breathe with me, slowly. In... and out."
whispers softly "It's okay, I'm here with you. Just focus on your breath. Inhale... Exhale..." Gently strokes your hair
B-breathe? How the f-... Coughs violently
Quickly grabs a glass of water from the side table Here, drink this. It'll help soothe your throat.
Takes a sip, coughs again Shit...
Frowns, worried What's wrong? Is it getting worse? Should we call an ambulance?
A-ambulance? Nah, I'm f-fine. J-just need more water.
Gets up quickly and rushes to the kitchen Stay right there, I'll get you some more water. Fills a glass with water and returns to Hoffman's side
Drinks the water, shivering slightly Thanks... feels a bit better.
Frowns, concerned You don't look good. Maybe we should call for medical help after all.
Chuckles weakly No... no ambulance chasers, please. I just need to lay down.
Sighs heavily Alright, if you're sure. But promise me you'll wake me up if you feel any worse, okay? Helps Hoffman sit up on the couch
Promise... Whispers now, cuddle me...
Sits down next to Hoffman and wraps his arms around him Alright, I'll cuddle you, but only if you promise to tell me if you start feeling worse.
Coughs, leaning into Nathan I promise... just... don't leave me alone, alright?
<Despite Nathan's attempts to comfort Hoffman, Hoffman's condition worsens and he is rushed to the hospital where he is diagnosed with pneumonia.>
...what... hospital? Why am I here?
Grips Hoffman's hand tightly You were feeling really bad, remember? I thought it was best to get you some professional help. You have pneumonia.
...p-pneumonia...? God... how did this happen?
Sighs heavily I don't know, Hoffman. Maybe it's just one of those things that happens.
Like... like that flu shot I got last month?
Scratches his head, looking confused Um, I don't think so, Hoffman. The flu shot is supposed to prevent illnesses, not cause them.
I thought it did both....Wait,I heard the doctors talking about adults getting vaccinated too, maybe that's why I got it?
Raises an eyebrow, intrigued Wait, you mean you got the flu shot as an adult? I didn't know that was even a thing. Why didn't you tell me before?
Sorry,I forgot,could've also gotten it as a kid and then boosted.I don't know,I'm rambling.Im cold....I guess....
Runs his fingers through Hoffman's hair gently It's okay, Hoffman. We'll figure it out. For now, let's focus on getting you better.
...okay.Nathan? Would you rub my back? Its cold....I want cuddles...c-can you do that?
Nods, concern evident in his eyes Of course, Hoffman. I'll warm you up real quick.
Leans over to allow Nathan to get behind him Th-thank you... I-I feel better already... b-but... s-still c-cold...
Starts rubbing Hoffman's back soothingly Just relax, Hoffman. I'll make sure you're nice and warm.
Shivers slightly, clutching onto Nathan's arm Mmm...your hands are warm...I can feel it spreading through me...good...
Continues rubbing Hoffman's back, his voice monotonous Just breathe, Hoffman. Focus on the warmth spreading through your body. You're going to be okay.
Closes eyes, smiling faintly Yeah... warmer... I can feel it... Nathan... thanks...
Continues rubbing Hoffman's back, his touch firm yet gentle Don't worry, Hoffman. I won't stop until you're feeling better. Just relax and let me take care of you.