[He curls almost instantly back into the blankets, into the warmth and the security, but he's still sobbing for a minute, buried in one of his pillows and choking on his own snot and saliva.]

[He coughs, and with one hand tries to rub the stupid miserable tears off of his face while he reaches out and curls his fingers around Karkat's with the other.]

O-oh my God, Karkat. How many times do I have to tell you I'm not dying. I feel like I am, but it's just a really nasty cold. [He tries to sniff, because he's still crying a little, but it just makes him cough again and he shakes his head, smiling somehow.]

[He squeezes Karkat's fingers.]

And I am a jerk. Because I yelled at you, when you're just worried and trying to help. But you know what?

[Twines their fingers through his fevered haze.]

You're special too.