Outside Work We... •[TNN One-shots]•

Morning Sickness •|| CLORSHA ||•

Prompt: Clodagh is experiencing morning sickness.

The sun had barely risen, casting a soft glow over the bedroom as Clodagh stirred awake. The slight morning light peeked through the curtains, but it wasn’t the warm sunlight that made her eyes flutter open. It was the growing nausea twisting in her stomach that roused her from a restless sleep.

She sat up slowly, trying to take deep breaths, but the sensation was unmistakable. A wave of queasiness washed over her, and she clutched her stomach, eyes closing in an effort to steady herself.

Sorcha, still asleep beside her, shifted at the sound of Clodagh’s movement. The irish woman, ever attuned to Clodagh’s every need, blinked open her eyes and turned to see her wife sitting up with her hand on her stomach, looking pale.

“Clodagh?” Sorcha murmured, her voice thick with sleep. She reached out, her hand immediately finding Clodagh’s arm, her touch gentle. “What’s wrong?”

“I think…” Clodagh’s voice was weak, and she swallowed hard, “I think I’m going to be sick.”

Sorcha’s eyes widened in instant concern. “Oh no, are you okay? Do you need to get up?”

Clodagh nodded slowly, her face pale, and she gingerly swung her legs off the bed, her feet touching the cool floor. “I’m fine… I just—” She paused, breathing in shallowly. “I think it’s morning sickness.”

Sorcha immediately sat up, her concern deepening. She knew that IVF pregnancies came with their own set of challenges, and they had been prepared for the possibility of morning sickness. But seeing Clodagh like this, pale and fragile, still made Sorcha’s heart tighten.

“Hey, hey, don’t try to tough it out,” Sorcha said softly, her voice full of care. She quickly got out of bed and moved to Clodagh’s side, helping her to her feet. “Come on, I’ll help you.”

Clodagh nodded, her movements slow and careful. She was grateful for Sorcha’s calmness—her presence was grounding, like a steady anchor in a storm. They made their way slowly toward the bathroom, Clodagh’s hand clutching Sorcha’s as they walked.

Once inside, Sorcha helped her sit on the edge of the bathtub, offering her a glass of water. “Here, drink this slowly, okay?”

Clodagh took the water, her hands shaking slightly as she sipped, grateful for the cool relief, even if it didn’t completely ease the nausea. She leaned her head back, closing her eyes. “I knew it was coming, but… I didn’t expect it to be this bad.”

Sorcha sat beside her, her hand resting lightly on Clodagh’s back. “I know, babe. It’s tough, but this is just a phase. It’ll pass.” She reached for the small towel on the counter, wetting it with cool water before gently placing it on Clodagh’s forehead. “Just breathe, okay? I’m right here.”

Clodagh nodded again, grateful for the softness of Sorcha’s touch. As much as she felt miserable, there was comfort in Sorcha’s care, the way she always seemed to know exactly what to do without needing to ask.

After a few moments, the nausea began to subside slightly, and Clodagh’s breathing became more regular. She opened her eyes and glanced at Sorcha, offering her a weak smile. “Thanks, babe. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Sorcha smiled back, her eyes soft. “You’ll never have to find out, Clo. I’m here, no matter what. Always.”

Clodagh leaned against her, the two of them sitting in silence for a moment. Despite the discomfort, there was a warmth that filled the space between them—this shared journey they were on, one that had already brought its challenges, but also so much love.

Finally, Sorcha broke the silence with a quiet chuckle. “I guess we’re going to need to stock up on crackers and ginger tea, huh?”

Clodagh laughed softly, the sound light despite the lingering discomfort. “I think that’s a good idea. And maybe some toast.”

“Toast it is,” Sorcha agreed with a grin. “I’ll go get some food for you. You stay here, relax for a little longer.”

Clodagh hesitated but then gave in, leaning back against the wall. “Thank you, Sorcha. You’re amazing.”

Sorcha’s grin softened into something more tender. “Anything for you. Now, you just rest, and I’ll take care of the rest.”

As Sorcha left to prepare breakfast, Clodagh closed her eyes again, her mind a little calmer now, knowing that Sorcha was right by her side, helping her through the tough moments. She felt her heart swell with gratitude as she placed a hand on her stomach, a reminder of the precious life growing inside her.

This journey wouldn’t always be easy, but with Sorcha by her side, Clodagh knew they could face whatever came their way.