Modified

Kururu gave Saburo a critical inspection, and there was not much that he could say.

“Tch...” He snapped his laptop shut, cutting off the monitor displays that had flicked there; heart and breathing rates, pulse, a scan revealing internal problems. That was the main piece of information he had gained from the examination, there were still numerous “internal problems,” popping up on his screen in a bubble of scarlet text. The fact that Saburo had not died yet presumably meant that he would not, but there was still an element of risk, and probably a fair amount of discomfort for the boy. “This isn't telling me anything new... Maybe you should just tell me what's going on yourself.”

“I'm...” Saburo paused, rolling onto his back with some difficulty. He winced. “I'm going to be fine... a little sore...”

“Oh, and how about now?” Kururu inquired, and though his tone was not especially harsh, it was an undeniably sharp question.

“...I may not be... as good as I could... but that's okay, for a little while...”

The Keronian made another quiet, discontented sound through his teeth, and crawled sloppily onto Saburo's bed. He rested a hand against the boy's forehead, though his monitoring systems had made the fever clear enough. “Why, yes, it is okay. Just be glad you're alive, and all that.”

However, Kururu had clambered back down as he spoke, flipping his laptop back open and rapidly working the keys, each stroke serving as a shovelful of dirt cleared from a long-sought treasure chest. Certainly, this had taken too much time to sort out. The scientist had considered this method before, naturally, but he had avoided it for the sake of clarity, to be sure that his results were not obscured by something artificial. Also, because he frankly doubted that a pain medication powerful enough to truly alleviate any of the Pekoponian's symptoms would not damage him in his current state. However, a particularly simple alternative remained, one that he believed Saburo had knowledge of, but avoided mentioning so that Kururu could have his all-important test results.

“Yeah...” The belated response came from Saburo with a note of acceptance, but the slowness itself indicated that he was less than pleased with his condition. Kururu did not seem to find this worth replying to, though, as he adjusted his glasses and walked out of the room. Saburo watched him go patiently, expecting something. He didn't seem to be actively contemplating what that was any further, as if he had decided it wasn't worth straining over. He trusted Kururu, as it happened, regardless of the fact that many people would question his sanity for that. If Kururu had something in mind, then he would hardly argue with it.

It did seem to be taking a while, strangely. Time had been all smudges and white noise for Saburo recently, but having something immediate to focus on, as opposed to lying in bed while his stomach gnawed itself and the walls of his skull played a game of catch with his brain, added an unusual note of distinction. Still, he was patient enough.

Of course, Kururu did return about an hour later, clutching a steaming mug. Producing tea from actual fresh herbs was a bit trickier than making instant curry, especially when it came to obtaining the materials needed to begin with, not to mention preparing them, but he had managed it with unique precision that he credited to his profession. He approached the edge of the bed and held it up as high as he could reach for Saburo to accept, proclaiming wryly, “Well, if being alive is enough for you, then that's all you have to do. But I'm not going to complain if you want to not feel like your having your stomach ripped out or whatever~”
The Keronian had to stand on the tips of his feet for their combined efforts to ultimately be successful, but they did accomplish the transfer. The cinnamon-tinged smell drifted about aimlessly, but Saburo caught a great deal. An edge of his mouth curled into a delicate smile. “Ah... thanks...”

He took a swallow, and the liquid sank down his throat as lightly as the scent. It was quickly finished, and eventually, it took a steadily increasing effect, rubbing the cutting edges of the aches away. Kururu continued to monitor him carefully, with nothing but his own eyes this time. He repeated his question.

“Hmm, how about now...?”

“I think... I'm fine...” Saburo set the cup down on the bedside table with an elegant plink, and lay down again.

“Good. Now, we'll just have to keep it that way. I expect that you won't slack off in this. Kukuku~” Kururu chuckled, and though it was not completely empty of sarcastic amusement, one might have at least noted that there was less than usual.