Taste Like Medicine

Raven didn't answer, his eyes closed in tiredness, his face slightly disheveled from exhaustion.

"Hey!" Alaric gently tapped Raven's cheek. "Wake up, wake up!" he continued, tapping a bit harder.

"He's always like that after taking medicine," Marcella remarked as she emerged from the bathroom, approaching Alaric. Her voice was tinged with concern as she glanced at Raven lying still on the bed.

Alaric sighed, rubbing his forehead with a mix of frustration and worry. "Is he going to be okay?"

Marcella nodded reassuringly. "Yes, he just needs some rest. The medication tends to make him drowsy."

Standing up, Alaric extended the bouquet of flowers with a warm smile. "For you, Aunt Marcella. Sorry for coming so late. It's been a busy day."

Marcella chuckled, grasping the gesture behind Alaric's joke. "Thank you very much. Let Raven sleep after taking his medication."

Understandingly, Alaric nodded. "Yes, I agree. There's no need to disturb him. He could use some more rest."

Marcella nodded in agreement. "Alright. I'll take care of the administration first. Please look after Raven for a while."

"Oh, so you're leaving then?" Alaric echoed Marcella's words softly, glancing at Raven, who seemed to be in a state between awareness and unconsciousness. "So, you're accepting my offer, Raven?" he thought to himself.

"Yes, Alaric. I will take care of the administration. Can you please watch over Raven?" Marcella said.

Alaric nodded. "Alright."

"Help untie him too, Alaric."

"Why, Auntie, he's fine tied up!"

"Don't say such things."

Alaric chuckled. "Yes, Auntie, I understand. I am just kidding."

As Marcella left the room, Alaric returned his attention to Raven, considering Marcella's request. Approaching his bedside cautiously, Alaric realized how exhausted Raven looked. His eyes were half-open, and his face seemed to reflect profound fatigue.

Alaric clicked his tongue in frustration, though he suppressed it quickly. He carefully complied with Marcella's request to remove the nylon straps from Raven's hands, making sure not to cause any further pain or discomfort.

After the bindings were removed, Raven remained silent and closed his eyes, appearing detached from the world around him. His exhaustion permeated every movement and glance.

"This isn't like Raven," Alaric muttered to himself, concern evident in his voice. He observed Raven closely, wondering what could have caused such profound weariness in his usually defiant demeanor.

Alaric glanced at the large plastic package on the table with curiosity. He felt the need to understand more about the medications given to Raven. Carefully, he took the package and began inspecting the bottles inside.

After opening the first bottle, Alaric took out his phone and carefully photographed the labels and names of the drugs on the bottles.

He wanted clear information to understand the effects and impacts of the medications being administered to Raven.

Without wasting time, Alaric searched for each drug's contents on the internet using his phone. He typed in the names of the medications and sought reliable information about their nature, potential side effects, and impacts.

"Your medication is a very potent type of psychotropic. What did the doctor diagnose you with? HUH!!!" Alaric grabbed Raven's jaw and shook it. "Answer me, Raven! Are you drugged???"

Unexpectedly, Raven slowly opened his eyes. They looked empty, with a distant gaze behind them. His consciousness seemed detached, as if he wasn't fully present in the room. It was as if the Raven Alaric saw now was a faint shadow, fading into emptiness.

Alaric's hand reached for Raven's face, gently stroking it, ensuring that the person in front of him was real, not a hallucination.

Despite Raven's open eyes, there was no response — no reaction, no movement, just a blank stare that remained fixed.

With Raven showing no resistance, Alaric decided to bring his face closer to Raven's. With tenderness, he gently kissed Raven's lips. They felt dry and slightly cold under Alaric's gentle touch.

After a moment, Alaric slowly withdrew his face. Although Raven still showed no response, he stood by the bedside, quietly admiring the person before him.

"Hm, you… taste… like medicine. Yucks!" Alaric gagged. His face wrinkled in distaste, and without much thought, he grabbed a glass of water nearby and drank it quickly, trying to overcome the medicinal taste.

Meanwhile, Raven's blank stare persisted, and there was no immediate reaction to Alaric's actions. However, to Alaric's surprise, the corners of Raven's lips lifted slightly, forming a thin expression that almost resembled a smile.

Alaric raised one eyebrow in astonishment. "Are you laughing? Still somewhat conscious, hm?"

Before long, Alaric saw Marcella entering the room with a gentle expression, prompting him to immediately stand up from his chair.

Marcella asked for his help to assist Raven in standing up and getting out of bed. Alaric nodded amiably, understanding the gravity of the situation.

Another nurse joined in, and together they carefully helped Raven to his feet. Raven appeared unaware of his surroundings, his gaze still empty and distant.

With great care, they guided Raven out of the room and towards the hospital lobby. Alaric walked alongside them, silently observing Raven's fragile state.

The fresh air and outdoor light felt refreshing after being indoors. Marcella led the way, carrying some of Raven's belongings, while Alaric followed behind, ensuring that Raven remained stable and safe.

Upon reaching the hospital lobby, a car awaited to take them home. Alaric helped Raven into the car with care, making sure he was comfortable in the back seat.

Alaric adjusted Raven's limp arms to rest comfortably on his lap as he spoke.

"Starting tomorrow, you'll be active again in the club, as per our agreement. Remember, I guarantee your freedom, at least for the next month. After that, it's up to you. See you tomorrow, Raven!" Alaric smiled broadly while caressing Raven's cheek.

"Alright, don't bother him too much. Poor thing," Marcella requested.