Even In The Grave, All Is Not Lost

Sink or Float

To be honest, Raven was feeling strangely optimistic.

There was nothing like an overabundance of vomit and other gross bodily fluids to vanquish a silly attraction once and for all. All she had to do was wait for Luna to spill her guts and she would finally be free. Not-crush cured.

So there might just be a bright side to this whole mess, after all.

Even if that bright side was a little hard to see right about now.

Raven groaned, squeezing her eyes shut. "You're not supposed to be looking after me. You're the one with the fever."

And the immune system that had been shot to hell.

"And you're the one who's currently throwing up." Luna rubbed a hand over her back. The touch should have set her nerves on fire but instead Raven found it strangely soothing. No, not just soothing. Something more. She hated that it was something more. "I think I'm alright where I am. You don't need to worry about me, I feel fine."

Yeah, right.

Raven didn't believe that for a second.

She coughed, spitting out the last bit of bile. "Alright, I'm done."

Raven would never admit it but it had taken far more effort than she was comfortable with to get those words out. Had known that the second she managed to, Luna's hand would depart from her back and, God, it felt so good there.

Raven shut her eyes, prayed for a sword to strike her down. This was getting embarrassing. No, scratch that - it had surpassed embarrassing days ago.

They were at mortifying levels now.

Luna released her hair, stepping back, touch drifting away, and Raven barely bit back a groan at the loss.

So fucking pathetic.

When she turned around, it was to find that Luna had placed a steadying hand against the wall - and from the suspicious lean to her posture, Raven wouldn't be surprised if it was the only thing currently holding her up.

She raised a brow. "Oh yeah, you're fine."

Luna narrowed her eyes in reproach but sighed a moment later, making her way somewhat haltingly over to her bed. "Alright, I've been better."

"You look like you're going to pass out."

"Much better."

Hiding a smile, Raven turned to the bucket beside her, grimacing at the foul-smelling contents within.

"Murphy, your time has come!"

There was an answering groan from outside. "I will never forgive you for this!"

Abby had decided to place Murphy on bucket duty. The only redeeming aspect of this whole nightmare so far.

Luna moved to get up. "I can do it."

The offer was almost too weak to be audible.

Raven pointed a finger at her. "You are staying in bed and not moving even if the world ends. It's bad enough you got up to play nursemaid to me."

Luna sighed but didn't protest. A testament to how exhausted she must really be. "Poor John."

Raven rolled her eyes. "He'll be fine. He's a big boy and is more than capable of handling a little vomit."

The door swung open and Murphy scowled, entering the room. "You owe me big time for this, Reyes."

She held up her hands, the perfect impression of innocence. "Hey, Abby's orders, not mine."