Diplomacy

pale and sweaty once more as things finally began to wrap up.
    The Belgian Prime Minister, German Bundeskanzler and French President were brought in at the last minute to finalize the talks.
    Jack, having the seats of the European Union and NATO in ‘his’
    country, was given the last word on behalf of the ambassadors. His voice was strained and thick, but like the consummate professional he was, he also sounded in control and calm and Lucas wondered if he was the only one who realized just how sick Jack was. The American talked about the necessity of showing a united front, of how these three countries not only D i p l o m a c y | 119

    weakened the stance of the western nations against the Islamic fundamentalism that was taking over the world, but also weakened the European Union.
    It was no use, as was expected.
    As Jack got up from the table to shake hands with his counterparts, Lucas could see him flinch but quickly recover. It wasn’t until the political leaders had left the room, and it was just the six U.S. Ambassadors and U.K. Foreign Officials again that Jack literally collapsed. Lucas was on the other side of the conference table when he saw the American turn grey.
    The Ambassador to Germany was quick enough with a chair to prevent him from falling down after Jack knocked against him. “Well, it seems they left just in time,” the portly American chuckled. “Christensen here doesn’t seem to take defeat very easily,” he added to their host.
    Lucas was quick to come around the table and squat down in front of Jack, studying his pale face. “Can’t you see he’s sick? Call a doctor, please.” The Ambassador to France raised an eyebrow and called over one of his assistants.
    Jack raised his hand. “No, no doctor.”
    Lucas put his hands on his lover’s knees. “Jack, please, you’re clearly sick, you need…”
    Jack shook his head. “I have a cold, maybe the flu, nothing worse than that. Let’s go back to the hotel so I can sleep.” A tall young man with a heavy French accent leaned over the two of them. “Your car will be here shortly, sirs.” Lucas noticed the raised eyebrows and unsure looks in the other men’s eyes as he helped Jack up from his chair and put his arm around his shoulder.

    ONCE inside the hotel room, Lucas helped Jack out of his suit jacket. As he put his hand on his lover’s back he realized Jack’s shirt was soaking wet. “Jack, you’re burning up, let me help you.” Jack was too exhausted to struggle and let Lucas pull his shirt off him. Lucas pushed the American into the bathroom and wet a washcloth to wipe across his face, shoulders and chest, before pulling him back into the dimly lit hotel room.

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    “Here, sit down,” he whispered and returned a little later with dry boxers and a fresh T-shirt. Before he helped Jack change he offered him a glass of cool water.
    “You’re not allergic to aspirin, are you?”
    Jack didn’t reply immediately.
    “Love, it’s important. It’ll help the fever go down and maybe ease the headache too, so you can sleep.”
    Jack shook his head and smiled faintly. “Aspirin’s fine. Thanks.” Lucas handed him two tablets. “Now take these and drink the whole glass. You need to drink, Jack, because judging from your shirt, you’ve lost a lot more fluids than that glass already.” Jack did as he was told and after handing his empty glass back, wanted to lie down.
    Lucas could see from Jack’s face that his whole body ached, so he helped him to settle on the bed. As Jack’s body touched the fresh sheets, Lucas saw him shiver. He quickly stripped to his boxers and T-shirt as well.
    “God, I’m cold,” Jack groaned.
    “I know, love, hold on, I’m right here.” Lucas wrapped the blanket around Jack and got into bed with him, wrapping himself around Jack as well. Slowly the shivering and chattering teeth subsided and Jack’s breathing calmed down.
    The next morning Lucas woke to the soft sound of a travel alarm.
    He was on his side, Jack asleep in his arms. The damp washcloth he had moistened over and over again to put on Jack’s neck until the painkillers started their work was now discarded on the floor. He smiled at the congested snoring sounds coming from his lover. At least they had gotten a few hours of sleep and Jack didn’t feel anywhere near as warm as he had during the night.
    Lucas quickly slipped out of the bed and made his way to his own bathroom.
    When he got out of the