Short Story: [Emberfate] Sick Day

Hey everyone!

Last reward post for Patreon for May! Here's the last short story in the previous installment of the Pet Name theme — Khanyisa's story! I'm actually quite happy with how this turned out, because it turned out softer and sweeter than I expected LOL 

I hope you all enjoy this! 

-----

"Careful, Khanyisa. Let me just turn on the lights — ow!" You let out a small hiss of pain as your arm bumps painfully into the surprisingly sharp edge of the shoe cabinet in the dark. It takes a couple tries for you to locate the light switch, what with the difficult task of keeping your girlfriend upright at the same time, but eventually, warm yellow lighting washes over the room — and allows you to see once again exactly how pale Khanyisa's face is.

Your heart clenches painfully in your chest at the sight. Her head is resting against your shoulder, cold sweat dotting her forehead as her usually neat and tidy curls are now a tangled mess. You tighten your grip around her, lowering your voice to be as soft as soothing as possible. "Khanyisa, we're home. Come on, let's get you in bed." 

She mumbles something incoherently, letting out a small tired groan. Her eyes crack open, taking a moment to focus on yours, and then she offers you a ghost of a smile. "I'm sorry... You should probably keep your distance from me — I wouldn't want you to catch what I have." 

You shush her as you half-carry her through the hallway to the bedroom you share together. "Nonsense. I'm not going anywhere. You're my girlfriend — it's my job to take care of you." 

"I... I appreciate it, but —" Khanyisa doesn't manage to finish her protest, as her face suddenly twists, and she clamps a hand over her mouth. At the muffled wretching sound, you panic, whipping your head around to search for a container or a bag or something for her to throw up in. 

"Oh God, oh God, wait, wait, please give me just one second!" You grab a bag of groceries from earlier this afternoon still lying on the floor, unceremoniously turning it upside down to dump everything in it onto the floor. At the very last second, you manage to shove the bag in Khanyisa's face as she can no longer hold back. 

You try to hold her hair back, patting her back as she empties the contents of her stomach. When she's done, you resume the challenge of hauling the now even weaker girl to bed so she can lie down and rest. By the time you manage to do so, you find that you yourself are drenched in cold sweat — both from the panic and the physical exertion. 

She looks at you with parted lips as if she wanted to say something before running out of energy. You stroke her hair gently, trying to comfort her as best as you can. "It's okay, Khanyisa. Close your eyes and rest. You'll feel better when you wake up once the medicine starts kicking in."

Slowly but surely, Khanyisa lets her eyes flutter shut, and just a minute later, you can feel her drift off to a restless sleep. Even in sleep, her face is far from peaceful, a deep crease forming between her brows. 

You can't help but gaze at her in worry. Although the doctor has said it's just the flu, you've never seen Khanyisa look so ill and weak before. In fact, you've never even heard her mention she was sick once in the time the two of you have been dating. You sigh, resting your head on the bed next to her. 

What was supposed to be just a quick power nap turns into far more due to your exhaustion. The next thing you know, you're jostling awake to the sound of rustling blankets, and you see Khanyisa struggling to get out of bed as gently as possible without waking you.

"Khanyisa! I'm so sorry I fell asleep. Are you feeling better? What do you need? Can I get it for you instead?"

"No, please don't apologize. I know you must be really tired from taking care of me all evening." She smiles at you, and you're pleased to see a little more color in her cheeks again, though her voice is even scratchier than before. "I think the medicine is working — I feel a little better now. I was just going to get some water for my parched throat."

"Hey, no, stay in bed. You need to rest. I'll grab you a glass, okay?" You hop to your feet, dashing out of the room before she can argue. 

When you return, you find that Khanyisa has settled back underneath the blankets as you ordered. She winces at the pain of swallowing with a sore throat, then sets the now empty glass down on the nightstand. "Thank you. I'm sorry for causing you so much trouble."

"Shh. Don't mention it. You're not causing me any trouble, I promise." You tuck her back into bed, pressing a kiss to her clammy forehead. 

Her lips curve into a beautiful smile again, and her hand sneaks out to wrap around yours, locking your fingers together. "Still, thank you so much for taking care of me. I'm... I'm so glad you're here, love. I'm really lucky to have you."

Your own lips quirk in return, tinged with surprise at the unexpected pet name. "Love, huh? Is that your new nickname for me?" 

She blinks, and you can tell the moment the realization of her slip of the tongue dawns on her, as embarrassment brings about a deepening in the color of her cheeks. She averts her gaze with a small titter. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't realize that slipped out. I — I blame the virus. I can't think straight right now. I-If you think that's too cheesy or silly, I won't use it again." 

"Why would I ever think that?" Your smile grows, and you lean forward to give her another kiss — on the lips this time, eliciting a soft protest about passing the sickness onto you. "You can call me anything you like. I'd love it as long as it's from you."

"Right. I-if you're sure." She returns your smile with a hint of shyness, her hand giving yours a gentle squeeze. "Then... would you like to lie down with me in bed with me, love? I think we could both use the rest."

A soft wave of happiness rushes over you at the affection in her voice. How can Khanyisa be this sweet even when she's literally as sick as a dog?

"Now how can I ever say no to that?" You can't resist giving her another peck on the lips before squeezing into bed beside her. 

She cuddles closer to you, and as you both drift back off to sleep, your last thought is that she's wrong — you're the one who's lucky to have her.