As soon as you opened the door to Chappell's apartment, you could tell something was wrong. Usually, her place smelled faintly of lavender and peppermint, but tonight, there was just... silence. No music, no humming, just a heavy, muffled stillness.
You found her lying on the couch, bundled in blankets, looking as miserable as you'd ever seen her. Her usual spark—her wild hair, her wide eyes, her bold smile—was nowhere in sight. Instead, her eyes were heavy-lidded, cheeks flushed, and her voice came out in a pathetic, congested croak.
"Don't look at me," she groaned, burying her face into the pillow. "I'm a disaster."
"Hey, now," you said softly, smiling as you walked over and perched on the edge of the couch. "You're not a disaster. You're just a little... damp."
She sniffled, giving you a half-hearted glare. "Damp? Oh my god, just put me out of my misery."
Rolling your eyes, you pulled the blanket a little tighter around her and placed a cool hand on her forehead. Definitely a fever. "Looks like the flu got you good, huh?"
"Yeah," she mumbled, giving in and leaning her head against your shoulder. "Can't believe you're even here. I look terrible."
"You're beautiful," you whispered, letting your fingers brush through her hair softly. She closed her eyes, sighing contentedly as you traced gentle circles on her forehead.
"Okay, you're not allowed to be nice right now," she muttered, smiling despite herself.
You laughed, pressing a light kiss to her temple. "How about I make you some tea and find that giant hoodie you love? You'll be warm and cozy, and you won't even feel sick."
She nodded, the hint of a smile tugging at her lips. As you got up, she grabbed your hand and looked up at you, her voice softer than ever. "Thank you for being here. I'd be totally lost without you."
You bent down and kissed her forehead, lingering there for a moment. "I'll always be here for you. Even when you're a damp, sniffly, adorable disaster."
Chappell rolled her eyes but pulled you back down, cuddling close as she whispered, "I love you, too."
Seeing her like this tugged at your heart. You hated that she felt so miserable, and you were determined to make her feel even a little bit better.
"Alright, how about a bath?" you suggested, brushing a few stray hairs off her forehead. "A nice warm soak might help."
Chappell groaned, eyes barely open, but she gave you a little nod. "That... actually sounds amazing. But stop saying sappy shit for the love of God." she chuckled, "I'm too weak to move, though. You'll have to carry me."
She managed a grin, and you laughed. "As you wish, your highness," you said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.
You made your way to the bathroom, turning on the water and adding a little lavender-scented bath oil she kept by the sink. The soothing scent quickly filled the space, adding a soft, calming warmth. You adjusted the temperature, testing it with your fingers until it was just right.
Returning to Chappell, you wrapped your arms around her, lifting her gently. She leaned against you, nuzzling into your shoulder, mumbling, "You're so nice. It's not fair."
"Shh, it's my job to take care of you," you whispered, carrying her into the bathroom. You helped her ease out of her blanket cocoon, and she shot you a grateful, tired smile as you helped her into the warm water.
"Oh my god, this feels incredible," she sighed, leaning back as the water enveloped her. Her head rested against the edge of the tub, eyes closed, a faint hint of a smile tugging at her lips. You pulled a stool over to sit beside her, gently reaching for a washcloth and dipping it into the water. With a gentle touch, you dabbed the cloth along her forehead and cheeks, wiping away the thin sheen of sweat.
Chappell opened one eye, giving you a sleepy smile. "You're like... my personal nurse," she mumbled. "Can I keep you?"
You laughed softly, brushing her damp hair back from her face. "Yeah, I think you're stuck with me."
Her eyes softened, her fingers reaching out to graze over yours. "Good. Because I'm starting to think I don't want to do any of this without you."
Your heart skipped a beat, and you felt a rush of warmth that had nothing to do with the steam rising around you. You leaned forward, brushing a gentle kiss across her knuckles. "Then you don't have to."
A blush crept up her cheeks, and she quickly looked away, embarrassed but clearly pleased. You continued washing her face, your movements slow and gentle, lulling her further into a state of relaxation. Eventually, she let her head fall back, her eyes fluttering closed as you rinsed the washcloth and continued wiping her arms and shoulders.
When the water cooled, you helped her out, wrapping her in a fluffy towel and drying her off with care. She shivered a little, and you quickly reached for her favourite oversized hoodies (that was actually yours), slipping it over her head. She let out a content sigh, tugging the sleeves over her hands and nuzzling into the soft fabric.
"Alright, now to bed, I'm not having you on the couch." you said, guiding her to the bedroom. She let you tuck her in, smiling up at you as you settled in beside her, wrapping your arms around her as she nestled close.
"Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "For everything."
You kissed her forehead, tightening your arms around her. "Always. Just don't get me sick." you whispered with a light chuckle. "No guarantees" she murmured. And as she drifted off to sleep, you could feel her breathing even out, her face finally free of worry and discomfort. You knew you'd stay right there, watching over her, for as long as she needed.
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a/n
i love me some sappy shit
