Ways of Feeling Fine
“Bria-a-a-a,” Toni wandered into the kitchen, “Rhodey’s being mean to me while I’m dying.”
“I was there when you were actually dying, you’re fine. Bri, tell her she’s fine.” Jamie Rhodes followed her, both of their bare feet padding against the tile. They moved in perfect harmony together, even as Toni swayed on her way to grab a coffee mug. A mug which Jamie quickly took from her, filling with green tea instead of the espresso the billionaire had been making a move for.
Since she was the unofficial doctor for the team, Briana knew what it was like when Toni wasn’t feeling fine. Broken ribs, concussions, even her own heart poisoning her earned little reaction from Toni. She wrapped her own wounds, tried to work through any damage, and overall made Dr. Banner’s life a living hell trying to get her treated.
It was different when the reactor flicked from intense battle, when the migraines that came with brilliance were too much. The smoke and mirror distractions and hiding away of being ‘fine’ with other injuries faded away. If Toni was quiet, something was wrong.
As Rhodes poured herself some coffee, it was clear that, today, Toni was far from quiet. Paper cuts, biting her tongue, whatever this small cold was, those were the ailments Toni cared about. She could burn her whole hand while soldering and would hardly notice, but burn her lip when Stephanie made hot chocolate? It was the end, she was seeing the light, someone tell the bots she loved them. It was usually kind of cute, in Briana’s opinion.
She knew Toni was fine. Jamie noticed Toni was a little warm after she arrived at the Tower a few days ago, and Jarvis confirmed a mild cold. Three days later and Toni was probably in the best health she’d been in all year – well rested, properly fed, generally avoiding stress. It was all just what the doctor ordered.
Still, Dr. Banner got up from her spot on the couch. The chills must have subsided, since Toni was wearing cropped tights instead of the MIT sweatpants she’d stolen from Jamie as soon as the Colonel landed. Her sweatshirt was acceptable, thin but fleece, with a paw print on the front. Probably something Toni had impulse bought online in the middle of a work binge.
Bri placed a hand on Toni’s forehead, making her pause with the mug still at her lips. Wide brown eyes watched her hand, still a little glazed over. At least she wasn’t feverish anymore. Briana ran her hands back through Toni’s hair, watching as she leaned into the touch, before grabbing the hood of the sweatshirt and pulling it over Toni’s head. The tea nearly spilt, but it was worth it for the surprised grin Toni gave from under the kitten ears of the hood.
“You’re fine. More bed rest couldn’t hurt and you definitely need to keep hydrated.” She concluded.
“You guys suck.” But Toni finished her tea, which had enough water that Briana was halfway satisfied. The billionaire grabbed Rhodey by the hand, stalking back to her bedroom. The Colonel gave a small, appreciative wave to the doctor before the elevator doors closed behind her.