"When the Stomach Takes Over"

As Alec leaned against the car, trying to catch his breath, he finally let go of his pride and explained how he'd been feeling all day. "I've just felt off, you know? Like, this nagging sense of malaise that I couldn't shake. I thought it was just stress from the case, but now...I don't know, I think it's something more." Miller's expression was thoughtful as she listened. "I think I know what this is," she said, her voice gentle. "You've got the flu, Alec." Alec's face fell as he realized she was right. He'd been so focused on the case that he'd ignored his own body. "Great," he muttered, feeling a wave of self-pity wash over him. Miller handed him a bag. "Here, just in case. Let's get moving, we can continue the drive." Alec took the bag, feeling embarrassed, and they got back on the road. It wasn't long before he had to use it, his body betraying him once again. He felt a surge of mortification as he handed the bag back to Miller, who took it without comment. A few minutes later, he had to use it again, this time more violently. Alec felt like he was going to die, his stomach churning and his body wracked with pain. Miller pulled over to the side of the road and put the car in park. "We're going to your apartment," she said, her voice firm. "You're not going to make it to the station today." Alec didn't argue, too exhausted and miserable to care. Miller drove him straight to his apartment, where she helped him collapse onto the couch. As he lay there, shivering and sweating, Miller got to work making him soup. The smell of chicken and vegetables wafted through the air, making Alec's stomach growl with hunger. He sat up, feeling a little better, and Miller handed him a bowl. The soup was warm and comforting, and Alec felt a surge of gratitude towards Miller. But as he took a few bites, his stomach began to churn again. He felt the nausea rising, and before he could even react, he was puking all over the couch. Tears rolled down his face as Miller tried to comfort him, holding his hair back and talking softly into his ear. "It's okay, Alec. You're going to be okay. Just let it out." Alec couldn't help but dry heave, his body wracked with pain and misery. Miller stayed with him, holding him and talking softly, until finally the worst of it passed. As he lay there, exhausted and spent, Alec felt a deep sense of gratitude towards Miller. She was taking care of him, like a nurse or a mother, and it felt amazing.