Quiet Moments

17 - A Way to Feel Better

Octavia paced their quarters, the harsh lights of the bunker casting shadows that mirrored her anxiety. Jade lay on the bed, her skin pale and clammy, her breathing shallow. It was clear she was sick, and it tore at Octavia's heart to see her like this.

"Jade, you need to let me help," Octavia said, her voice filled with worry.

Jade forced a weak smile, shaking her head. "I'll be fine, Octavia. You have your duties as Blodreina. Our people need you."

"Our people can wait," Octavia insisted, sitting on the edge of the bed and taking Jade's hand in hers. "You need me right now."

Jade squeezed her hand gently, her strength fading. "I appreciate it, but you know how important your role is. I don't want to be the reason you neglect your responsibilities. Just go. I'll rest, and I'll be fine."

Octavia's heart ached at the thought of leaving Jade alone, but she knew Jade was right. The bunker relied on her leadership, and her absence would be noticed. Reluctantly, she nodded. "Alright. But promise me you'll rest and take it easy. I'll be back as soon as I can."

Jade nodded, her eyes already closing as exhaustion took over. "I promise. Now go, Blodreina. Our people need you."

Octavia leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to Jade's forehead before standing up. "I love you," she whispered.

"I love you too," Jade replied, her voice barely audible.

With a heavy heart, Octavia left their quarters and headed to the command center. Her mind was a whirlwind of worry, but she forced herself to focus on the tasks at hand. She knew that she had to be strong for her people, but she couldn't shake the image of Jade lying weak and sick in their quarters.

Throughout the day, Octavia managed her duties with efficiency, her mind constantly drifting back to Jade. She knew she had to do something special for her, something to lift her spirits and make her feel better. As the hours passed, an idea began to form in her mind.

When her duties were finally done for the day, Octavia hurried back to their quarters, her heart pounding with anticipation. She stopped by the storage room first, gathering a few items she needed for her surprise.

As she entered their quarters, she found Jade still lying in bed, her breathing more even but still weak. Octavia's heart ached at the sight, but she forced herself to smile. "How are you feeling?"

Jade opened her eyes and gave a small, tired smile. "A bit better. Did everything go alright today?"

Octavia nodded, sitting down on the bed beside her. "Yes, it went fine. But I've been thinking about you all day, and I wanted to do something special for you."

Jade looked curious, her tired eyes lighting up just a bit. "What did you have in mind?"

Octavia reached into the bag she had brought with her and pulled out a small, worn book. "I found this in the storage room. It's a book of short stories. I thought I could read to you for a while. Maybe it will help you relax and feel better."

Jade's eyes softened, and she reached out to take Octavia's hand. "That sounds wonderful. Thank you, Octavia."

Octavia smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. She opened the book and began to read, her voice soft and soothing. As she read, she glanced at Jade, watching as the tension slowly left her body and a small smile appeared on her lips.

When she finished the first story, Octavia looked up to see Jade watching her with a tender expression. "How was that?" she asked, her voice gentle.

"It was perfect," Jade replied, her voice filled with gratitude. "You always know how to make me feel better."

Octavia leaned down and kissed her forehead again. "I just want you to be happy and healthy. You mean everything to me."

Jade squeezed her hand. "And you mean everything to me. Thank you for this. It really helped."

Octavia spent the next hour reading to Jade, the sound of her voice filling the room with a sense of calm and comfort. As she read, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. She knew that no matter what challenges they faced, they would face them together, with love and support.

When she finally closed the book, Jade was asleep, a peaceful expression on her face. Octavia watched her for a moment, feeling a deep sense of love and gratitude. She knew that their life in the bunker was far from easy, but moments like this reminded her of what they were fighting for.

With a soft sigh, Octavia stood up and quietly tidied up the room. She placed the book on the bedside table, making a mental note to read more stories to Jade in the future. As she moved around the room, she thought about the surprise she had planned for the next day. She wanted to do something special, something that would lift Jade's spirits and show her how much she was loved.

The next morning, Octavia woke up early and slipped out of bed quietly, careful not to wake Jade. She gathered a few supplies and headed to the small kitchen area they had set up. She wanted to make Jade a special breakfast, something that would make her smile.

As she worked, she thought about everything they had been through together. The bunker was a harsh and unforgiving place, but their love had kept them strong. She knew that as long as they had each other, they could face anything.

When she finished, she carefully arranged the food on a tray and carried it back to their quarters. 

Jade was still asleep, and Octavia couldn't help but smile at how peaceful she looked. She placed the tray on the bedside table and gently shook Jade's shoulder.

"Jade, wake up," she said softly.

Jade stirred, her eyes slowly opening. When she saw the tray of food, her eyes widened in surprise. "Octavia, what's all this?"

"I wanted to do something special for you," Octavia said, her voice filled with love. "You've been so strong, and I wanted to make you feel better."

Jade's eyes filled with tears as she looked at the tray of food. "Thank you, Octavia. This means so much to me."

Octavia smiled and leaned down to kiss her. "You mean everything to me, Jade. I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

They spent the morning together, enjoying the special breakfast and talking about their dreams for the future. As they sat together, Octavia felt a sense of peace and happiness that she hadn't felt in a long time. She knew that no matter what challenges they faced, they would face them together, with love and support.

And as they held each other, the harshness of the bunker seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth of their love and the promise of a better future.