Chapter 1
You had hoped you were overthinking it. Maybe you were stressed and that’s why your head was killing you. Maybe the furnace had broken in the night and that’s why you couldn’t seem to keep warm. Your denial had been short lived; as you attempted to roll out of bed and go get some painkillers you found yourself unable to stand up. As much as you tried to will yourself to move your limbs felt like lead. It took all your effort just to sit up slightly before you flopped back down again.
You had tossed and turned to try and get back to sleep but it was pointless. There was no denying it, you were sick. You debated waking up Sevika, briefly. As you glanced over at her sleeping figure you couldn't help but admire how peaceful she looked. She was sprawled out in way that wasn't too graceful but still, this was the most relaxed she had looked in months. You couldn't bring yourself to disturb her sleep, you didn't want to bother her and Gods knew she needed the rest.
You stayed in bed for a while longer, trying and failing to make yourself comfortable as your body quickly cycled from feeling like it was on fire to being on the verge of hypothermia. Eventually, when the pounding in your head had become too much, you had managed to drag yourself out of bed.
The world felt… off as you made your way to the bathroom. Your head was swimming and it felt like you were walking in slow motion. It took all your effort just to stay upright as you stumbled your way into the bathroom. When you finally got to your destination you stopped in your tracks as you caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror. You looked extremely pale and your face was covered in sweat. As you stared at your reflection your vision began to blur slightly as your head spun more. As you steadied yourself on the sink and tried to will yourself to stop shivering a gruff, sleepy voice made you jump.
“You ok?”
Sevika was standing in the doorframe, looking you over with concern. You straightened as you tried to meet your girlfriend’s gaze.
“Yeah, I’m all good. Just a headache.” You lied as you tried to put on a brave face.
Your attempt was short lived as you were cut off by a harsh bout of coughing that nearly made you double over. As you struggled to catch your breath you felt a familiar metal hand gently rub circles on your back as Sevika soothed you.
“It’s ok, I’ve got you.”
As you managed to regain your breath Sevika pulled you close to her before feeling your forehead with her flesh hand.
“You’re really hot.” She mumbled, concern flashing across her face.
“Why thank you, I try.” You quipped, weakly.
Sevika let out a short laugh before she placed a hand on your cheek.
“You know what I mean, smartass.”
“It’s fine. It’s just a cold, I’ll be ok.”
You hoped you sounded more convincing than you looked, leaning heavily on the sink, covered in sweat and shaking like an over carinated student during exam season. Judging by the way Sevika stared at you, you could tell she didn’t buy a word. She raised an eyebrow at you before moving to press a hand to your forehead again.
“Bullshit. You’re burning up.”
You shifted from one foot to the other as you tried to focus on Sevika and think of an excuse. You didn’t want her to worry and you certainly didn’t want to interrupt her sleep more than you already had. Before you could let your mind wander too far you felt your head pound as the room began to spin. You leaned into Sevika’s touch as you closed your eyes and waited for the feeling to pass.
Sevika gently kissed the top of your head before pulling you closer to her.
“Ok, let’s get you back to bed princess.”
You opened your mouth to protest before you found yourself being lifted off your feet as Sevika scooped you up, bridal style.
“You don’t have to do this!” You protested, weakly as you tried to wriggle out of her hold.
It was an effort that was short lived. Your body felt like it was screaming at you to stop moving and rest. Sevika managed to catch your gaze for a brief moment. The way she looked at you made your heart swell, her gaze was so full of love and concern. It was almost enough to assuage your worries.
“I know. Let me take care of you sweetheart.”
You could feel yourself practically melt at the nickname as you allowed her to carry you back to bed. It never failed to amaze you how strong Sevika was. She gently placed you amongst the soft covers before disappearing to the other room. She returned a moment later with a glass of water and some cold medicine.
"Here." She said, awkwardly holding out the medicine.
"Who knew you were such a good doctor?" You joked, playfully nudging Sevika with your elbow. She rolled her eyes as you downed the medicine. It tasted bitter, it was almost enough to make you gag. You pulled a face at Sevika.
"That good, huh?" Sevika asked, amused by your reaction.
"Are you sure that was medicine or are you trying to poison me?"
Sevika snorted before getting up once more. You called out to her as she disappeared into the other room once again.
"That wasn't a no!"
Sevika returned shortly with an extra blanket and an ice pack before setting them down on the dresser next to your side of the bed. As she approached you limply reached out an arm for her. She approached the bed and gently took your hand. You could feel the medicine starting to work as the pounding in your head began to subside. As the pain cleared you felt a pang of guilt for disturbing your girlfriend's sleep. As you gently caressed her hand you found yourself unable to meet her gaze.
“I’m sorry I woke yo-”
Sevika didn't let you finish the thought as the hand in yours moved to gently comb through your hair. The motion soothed you and you felt your body start to relax in her hold. You tried to continue but Sevika was having none of it.
“It's ok. My love is sick, I want to help.”
You nestled into the bed and let yourself fully relax at her words. Something about hearing Sevika call you hers made your heart do backflips. You reached your hand up to take her hand in yours once more.
“Aww. Being a romantic suits you.” You teased gently. Sevika scoffed quietly before climbing under the covers with you, her hand still holding yours.
“Shut up and get some rest, would you?” Sevika chuckled before kissing a gentle kiss to the top of your head.
She pulled you close to her chest and wrapped her arm around you. Maybe it was the medicine kicking in but you liked to think it was Sevika keeping you warm as you drifted back to sleep.