[pfsb+new mexico] achoo

[porcupineliz]

It's morning on the third day of a four-day visit, and they seem to actually be still enjoying each other's company. For a miracle. Today they're supposed to go exploring one of the nearby neighborhoods, and Liz went to bed last night in happy anticipation.

... and can't seem to pull herself out of the guest bed this morning.

Maybe it's got something to do with the cough and headache she seems to have developed overnight.

Comments

[porcupineliz]

"Yes, definitely. Snacks and libations."

She eats some more soup, as though elliptically reminded.

[dr_j]

"...if you're okay here," he says after a moment, "I'm going to go toss some clothes in a bag."

[porcupineliz]

She smiles up at him -- and if her eyes are just a little brighter than they should be, it's probably the fever.

"I'm good here. Thanks."




By the following morning, it seems pretty definite that she isn't going to be feeling better in time to make her flight. Milliways it is.

It doesn't take too long to throw her own bag together. Getting dressed after that's done takes most of her remaining energy, but she urges herself not to be a wimp; she can go back to bed as soon as they're there.

[dr_j]

His backpack on, he helps her up the stairs to the small suite waiting for them; there's a big bedroom, and a squishy pull-out couch in the living room.

Jordie escorts her into the bedroom. "I'll run downstairs." Quietly. "For tea. Et cetera -- oh."

There's a tray on the desk in the corner; two thermoses, labeled, one soup, one tea. A covered plate labeled sandwiches; another one labeled cookies.

"We're covered."

[porcupineliz]

"... someone is looking out for us." Her smile hurts her throat, or maybe that's just the flu.

"I think I'm gonna be really boring and go back to bed."

[dr_j]

"Sure." Quiet. "I'll just bring over something for you to drink. And I might venture downstairs, but I'll be right outside otherwise."

[porcupineliz]

"Okay."

She sits down on the bed to toe her shoes off. Changing back into her pajamas seems like an unbearable amount of work; maybe she'll just take off her jeans and sweater and crawl into bed in her thermals. Or maybe crawl into bed and then take them off.

[dr_j]

Meanwhile, Jordie has edged out of the room, closing the door softly behind him.

He tosses his backpack on the couch and goes into the bathroom, picking up a clean glass from the side table as he goes.

[porcupineliz]

By the time he returns, Liz has shed jeans and sweater and is burrowed under the blankets.

She's starting to regret the sweater, as it feels colder in here than it should.

[dr_j]

Jordie fusses over by the tray -- and brings Liz two cups: one water, one hot tea.

Light: "You might want to drink the tea first, so it doesn't get cold."

[porcupineliz]

"Thanks," she murmurs, and reaches to close one cold hand around the hot tea, propping herself up on one elbow to drink it.

The heat is soothing against her sore throat, and warming once she's swallowed it, but she's still shivering a little.

[dr_j]

Jordie watches this.

And goes to the closet, to pull out the spare blanket. He unfolds it, and starts to arrange it over her, fussily.

[porcupineliz]

Liz swallows some more tea, and blinks hard.

"'S better."

[dr_j]

"Yeah?" Quiet. "Good."

His hand lingers on her shoulder.

[porcupineliz]

It feels like she's going to cry in a moment. Which is stupid, there's no reason for it, but she's just so damn tired --

She drinks some more tea, almost finishing it. Tries not to let her voice wobble too badly. "C'n you ... put the cup back?"

[dr_j]

"You bet." He takes it. "Can I get you anything else?"

[porcupineliz]

"... think 'm just gonna sleep now."

She wants him to stay until she's asleep; she's a little afraid to ask for that.

[dr_j]

It's presuming a little much, he thinks, to offer to stay until she's asleep. It might make things awkward.

So he gives her a crooked smile. "See you soon."

[porcupineliz]

She swallows.



"Could ..."

It's easier if she doesn't look at him.

"C'd you stay a little?"

[dr_j]

Oh.

Jordie blinks.

"Sure." He sounds a little surprised. "Where do you want me?"

[porcupineliz]

"... 's there a chair?"

There is: a small armchair around on the other side of the bed, between it and the curtained window.

[dr_j]

"You'll have your back to me." Light. "But I can be there, sure." He's already moving.

[porcupineliz]

"'s okay," she mumbles.

But as he circles the bed, she struggles to roll over so as to face him.

[dr_j]

Jordie settles in the armchair, tilting his head back, eyes closing.

[porcupineliz]

She thinks she says thank you again before she falls asleep. She's not sure whether or not she remembers in time not to say it out loud.

Sleep drags her down like an undertow.



Some hours later she's still asleep, but not quietly; she's been tossing for some time now.