[Previously titled 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲]
❝No, Ace. I can't do it," I sob.
"I know you can take more than that, sunshine, come on," he encourages, pummeling into me in fervent motions. "One more for daddy, yeah?" He coaxes in a gruffly voice...
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O L I V I A
Panic grips me as I catch him. The realization hits me hard—he's still sick, and we've pushed him too far. My heart sinks and I guide him carefully to sit down in the shower. I touch his forehead, feeling his fever burning hotter than before.
"Ace, how are you feeling?" I ask, my voice trembling, tears already forming in my eyes.
Ace looks up at me, his expression weary and pale.
"I'm a bit dizzy and tired," he admits, forcing a small smile. "But nothing serious to worry about,"
The guilt is overwhelming. I feel like I've failed him, making his fever worse. Tears stream down my face as I scramble for a towel. My hands shake as I wrap it around him.
"I'm so sorry, Ace. I should have stopped us before it got that far. I didn't realize...I just wanted to be close to you, and now I've made it worse. I didn't mean to push you so hard. I'm so sorry," I choke out, my voice breaking.
I start to sob quietly and Ace's eyes soften with concern. Despite his own discomfort, he pulls me onto his lap, holding me close, his chin resting gently on my head.
"Hey, baby," he says softly, his voice soothing despite his own exhaustion. "It's not your fault at all. I wanted this. I needed this. Please don't blame yourself. I don't want to see you upset,"
I bury my face in his chest, clinging to him as my tears soak his skin.
"I hate seeing you like this," I mutter through my sobs. "I just wanted to make you feel better,"
Ace's arms tighten around me and he presses a soft kiss to my forehead, rocking us gently.
"You did make me feel better. More than you know. Just...stop crying, okay? It hurts me to see those tears," he says, kissing my hair and stroking my back. "Just stay close to me, yeah? Your presence is all I need right now. You're my little comfort, and that's what helps me the most,"
Despite his reassuring words, I continue to cry softly against his chest, making him sigh against my hair.
"Hey, I've got a deal for you," he says in my ear, his smile weary but tender.
I look up at him, my eyes red and tear-streaked, curiosity peeking through my sadness.
"Let's make a little promise," Ace says softly. "I'll get better, and in return, you have to promise me one thing,"
"What's that?" I ask, my voice shaky but attentive.
"Promise me you'll smile every day," he replies, his fingers gently wiping away my tears. "And not just any smile. I want to see that goofy grin of yours that lights up your whole face. Deal?"
His request brings a small, reluctant smile to my lips.
"I don't know if I can promise that...," I mutter and Ace lifts my chin with his fingers, his gaze earnest and full of love.
