Canon

The cold hit Ariana like a freight train, the kind of cold that makes you question if you’re even capable of surviving it. She had woken up feeling off, her throat sore, and a chill running through her body despite the warm blanket she was buried under. At first, she tried to shake it off, telling herself it was just a minor thing. But the exhaustion from the audition she had pushed herself too hard for the day before lingered in her body, making everything feel more draining. By the afternoon, she knew it wasn’t going to be that simple.

Cynthia had been busy at home, working on some scripts for upcoming projects when she heard the telltale sound of a sniffle from the couch. She looked up, seeing Ariana curled up in a blanket, her face pale and flushed with the telltale signs of a fever.

Cynthia’s stomach dropped in an instant. “Ari?” she asked gently, crossing the room. “You okay, baby?”

Ariana sniffed again, wrapping herself tighter in the blanket, looking pitiful as she let out a small whine. “I feel like crap, Cyn,” she muttered, her voice congested and thick, though there was an obvious attempt to hold back the dramatic edge that was beginning to emerge.

Cynthia knelt beside the couch, her fingers brushing against Ariana’s forehead. “You’re burning up, babe,” she said softly, her worry deepening. “Come on, let’s get you up and get you some medicine, okay?”

Ariana groaned, her eyes puffy and red. She squirmed under the blanket, looking like a child unwilling to leave her cozy spot. “I don’t wanna. I just wanna sleep,” she whined, her voice small and whimpering. “Please don’t make me get up, I feel awful.”

Cynthia felt her heart ache at the sight of Ariana in such a vulnerable state. It was hard for her to see her partner, usually so strong and composed, reduced to this. But she knew Ariana was tough—she was just letting herself be taken care of for once, and that was okay.

“I know, baby, I know. But we’ve got to get you feeling better,” Cynthia coaxed gently. “How about we just get you some water and your meds, and then you can lay back down, alright?”

Ariana let out an exaggerated sigh, rolling her eyes dramatically, but she gave in and shifted, letting Cynthia help her sit up. The effort seemed like it drained her more, and she slumped back into the couch as Cynthia went to grab the medicine.

Cynthia’s worry grew as she noticed how weak and defeated Ariana looked, almost as if the weight of her illness was too much for her to bear. She hurried to grab the fever reducer and some water, trying to maintain a sense of calm while she could feel her anxiety rising.

When Cynthia returned with the medicine, Ariana was curled into a tight ball, clutching the blanket like a lifeline. “Here you go, babe,” Cynthia said softly, holding the water and pills out to her. “Let’s get you fixed up, okay?”

Ariana looked up at her with big, puppy-dog eyes, a pout on her face. “I don’t wanna take it. It’s gonna taste gross,” she whined, her voice sounding younger than usual.

Cynthia couldn’t help but smile despite the situation, her heart swelling with affection. She could see the childlike vulnerability in Ariana that emerged when she wasn’t feeling well, and though it tugged at her, it was also a part of what made Ariana… well, Ariana.

“I know, sweetheart,” Cynthia said softly, sitting next to her and brushing her hair back from her forehead. “But you need it so we can get rid of this nasty cold. We’ll make it quick since these are pills anyway, I promise.”

Ariana scrunched up her face like a petulant child, clearly debating whether to make a fuss or just give in. After a moment of exaggerated pouting, she reluctantly took the pills and swallowed them with the water, though the entire process seemed to take way longer than necessary.

“There, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” Cynthia said, trying to keep her tone light and playful as she helped Ariana settle back down.

Ariana let out a soft groan, dramatically flopping back against the couch. “I still feel terrible, Cyn. This is unfair.” She sniffled again, and it was clear she was starting to lean into her need for care and comfort.

Cynthia smiled, brushing her fingers through Ariana’s hair in soothing motions. “I know, baby. It’s unfair, but we’ll get you feeling better. I’ve got you.”

Ariana let out a small whimper, turning her head to rest against Cynthia’s lap. “I just want you to hold me, Cyn. Please,” she mumbled, looking up at her with soft, pleading eyes.

Cynthia’s heart melted as she gently stroked Ariana’s hair. “Of course, baby. I’m not going anywhere.”

Hours passed, but as the evening wore on, Cynthia’s concern only deepened. Ariana hadn’t eaten much, and though the fever medication had helped bring down her temperature a little, she was still lethargic and weak, barely able to keep her eyes open.

Cynthia had tried to get her to drink some tea, but Ariana refused, whining that it was too hot. Now, Cynthia was pacing in their bedroom, checking on Ariana every few minutes, her anxiety creeping up.

“I’m gonna go check on you again, okay?” Cynthia said, standing up and walking back into the living room where Ariana lay curled up on the couch.

Ariana barely responded, her eyes half-lidded as she turned her head slightly, her voice barely a whisper. “Okay, but don’t leave me…”

Cynthia’s chest tightened, the intensity of her worry heightening. She gently brushed Ariana’s hair from her face, then sat down next to her, her hand resting lightly on her partner’s forehead.

“You’re still burning up,” Cynthia murmured, her voice full of concern. “This isn’t right, babe. If you’re not better soon, we might have to go to the hospital.”

Ariana barely moved, shaking her head weakly. “No hospital, please. I just need to sleep. I’ll be fine.”

But Cynthia wasn’t convinced. She watched Ariana closely, her mind running through every possible scenario. Her heart began to race, and she found herself pacing again, her thoughts running wild.

“I’m going to call the doctor, Ari,” Cynthia said with a determined voice. “We need to make sure you’re okay. You’re scaring me.”

Ariana shook her head weakly, her eyes barely staying open. “Please, don’t make me go anywhere,” she whispered. “I’m just tired, Cyn.”

Cynthia’s brow furrowed, the sharp spike of fear sending a jolt of urgency through her. “No, Ari. You’re not just tired, you’re sick. We need to take care of this. I’m calling the doctor now, okay?”

Ariana moaned in protest, but Cynthia was already pulling out her phone, unwilling to wait any longer. Something in her gut told her it was time to take this seriously.

She stepped away from Ariana, dialing the doctor’s office, her anxiety mounting with each second that passed. She couldn’t ignore it any longer—Ariana’s condition had her scared.

Cynthia stood there, her heart hammering in her chest as she waited for the call to go through. The ringing on the other end felt like an eternity. Her eyes flicked over to Ariana, still curled up in a ball on the couch, looking so small and fragile. Every little breath she took seemed shallow, and the softness in her voice, when she spoke at all, only added to Cynthia’s rising panic.

“Cyn,” Ariana whispered, her voice thick with congestion. “Please don’t… I don’t wanna go to the hospital. I’m okay.”

Cynthia swallowed, trying to hold her composure as the ringing finally stopped, and the doctor’s office picked up. She quickly explained the symptoms, her voice tight with concern, trying to sound calm even though her stomach was in knots.

After a brief exchange, the receptionist promised the doctor would be called, and they would get back to her in a moment. Cynthia hung up, her worry gnawing at her. She looked back at Ariana, whose eyes were half-closed, still lying motionless.

Cynthia paced again, her thoughts going in circles. What if it’s something more serious? What if I’m not doing enough? What if I waited too long to bring her in? The thoughts kept rushing through her mind, and her anxiety was beginning to spiral.

She returned to Ariana’s side, gently brushing her hair back from her forehead. “Ari, I can’t just sit here and watch you like this,” she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. “I’m taking you to the ER if this doesn’t change. I need you to fight this.”

Ariana opened her eyes a bit more, looking at her with those soft, tired eyes that just melted Cynthia’s heart. “Cyn, I don’t want to go. I don’t want to make you worry. I just want to sleep, and you’ll make it all better, like you always do.”

Cynthia felt the tears threaten, her throat tightening as she fought to keep her emotions in check. “I will make it better, Ari, but I can’t let you suffer. You’re not okay.”

She leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Ariana’s temple, trying to reassure her, but she couldn’t fight the growing fear anymore. Ariana’s temperature was still too high, and her breathing, though steady, wasn’t as strong as it should’ve been. It wasn’t normal.

The drive to the emergency room was tense, the silence stretching thick between them. Ariana was slumped against the window, still wrapped in her blanket, her eyes closed and her face pinched in discomfort. She looked so vulnerable, so fragile, and it was driving Cynthia crazy to see her this way.

“Ari?” Cynthia asked quietly, glancing over at her. “How are you doing?”

Ariana didn’t respond at first, her eyes fluttering open briefly before closing again. She let out a faint whimper, barely above a whisper. “I’m tired, Cyn. I just want to sleep.”

Cynthia’s heart broke at how helpless Ariana sounded. She couldn’t stop the wave of concern that washed over her. “I know, baby,” she murmured. “But we need to get you checked out. I’m sorry, I know it’s scary. But I can’t risk you getting worse.”

Ariana shifted uncomfortably in the seat, her hand reaching out weakly for Cynthia’s. She squeezed it as best as she could, but the action felt so small.

“I’m sorry, Cyn,” Ariana whispered, her voice cracking slightly. “I hate being like this. I feel so useless. You’re the strong one… you always take care of everything. I don’t want to be a burden.”

Cynthia’s heart swelled at the words, her mind racing with guilt. She wasn’t the strong one. She was just doing her best. But hearing Ariana say this… it made her feel like she had to protect her, even from herself.

“You’re never a burden, Ari,” Cynthia replied softly, her voice full of tenderness. “You’re everything to me. I’ll always take care of you, no matter what. Don’t you ever feel like you’re not worth it, okay?”

Ariana nodded slightly, though she still looked so out of it. “Okay,” she whispered. “But I just want you to hold me… just for a little while, please.”

Cynthia’s throat tightened, but she nodded. “I’m right here. You’re not alone, Ari. Never alone.”

When they arrived at the hospital, Cynthia hurried to help Ariana out of the car, her arm wrapped protectively around her waist as they made their way inside. The fluorescent lights of the ER flickered overhead, adding to the sense of urgency that had taken over the evening.

Ariana barely had the energy to walk on her own, and Cynthia felt her heart ache as she helped her sit down in the waiting area. Every time she looked at Ariana, she felt this sharp sting of fear—what if something was wrong? What if she’d waited too long?

The nurse came over quickly, taking Ariana’s vitals and asking a series of questions. Ariana answered them, her voice soft and slurred, but Cynthia could see her struggling to stay awake.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the doctor came in. They did a quick exam and took a few tests, all while Cynthia hovered close, not wanting to leave her side for a second.

“Her fever’s high, but it doesn’t seem like anything major right now,” the doctor said after a while. “It’s likely just a bad cold, but we’ll run some tests to rule out anything else. You did the right thing bringing her in. I’ll prescribe her some paracetamol before you both leave.”

Cynthia let out a relieved breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. But as she looked at Ariana, still dazed and quiet in the bed, her heart squeezed painfully.

“You’re gonna be alright, baby,” she whispered, brushing her hair from her face. “I promise.”

When they finally left the ER, the doctor’s diagnosis reassured Cynthia to some extent—Ariana was going to be fine. But the long day had taken a toll on both of them, and the silence in the car ride home was heavier than ever.

Ariana was still so quiet, her head resting against the window, her eyes closed as she fought to stay awake. The exhaustion was evident in every part of her.

Once they arrived home, Cynthia helped Ariana up the stairs and into their bedroom, where she carefully tucked her into bed. Ariana let out a soft sigh, her eyes fluttering open for a second before they closed again.

“Cyn?” Ariana’s voice was quiet and strained. “I’m sorry I worried you.”

Cynthia sat down next to her, brushing a lock of hair from Ariana’s face. “You don’t need to apologize. I’m just glad you’re okay now.”

But Ariana wasn’t convinced. She bit her lip, tears silently spilling down her cheeks. She wasn’t crying loud or out of anger—just quietly, softly, as if the weight of everything was finally catching up to her.

Cynthia’s heart broke as she gently wiped the tears away. “Ari? What’s going on, baby?”

Ariana shook her head, sniffling as she tried to hide the tears. “I don’t know. I just… I don’t like being like this. It makes me feel like I’m not strong.”

Cynthia leaned over, pulling her into a tight embrace. “Ari, you’re so strong. You’re the strongest person I know. And you don’t have to do everything on your own. Let me help you. I want to help you.”

Ariana’s small sobs echoed through the room, and Cynthia held her close, whispering comforting words into her ear. They stayed like that for a while, until Ariana’s sobs slowed and her breathing evened out.

Eventually, Ariana pulled away slightly, wiping at her eyes. “Thank you, Cyn. I just… I don’t know what I would do without you.”

Cynthia smiled softly, brushing her partner’s cheek. “You don’t have to worry about that. I’m always here.”