Enchanted in the Moonlight: a Collection of Short Stories

Bedside Manners (MC x Shinra)

"How many times did I tell you not to push yourself?!" Shinra pushed me towards my bedroom in frustrated concern.

"I'm fine re- cough! Cough!" An uncontrollable coughing fit takes over, completely shooting down my statement.

Shinra sighed as he gently guides me to bed. "Come on," he said as he pulled the covers off and ushered me in.

I gave in and climbed in. "You really don't have to worry..." I let him fluff some pillows so I could sit up and pulled the covers up.

"As if you have any say in the matter," he said as he placed a hand on my forehead. "You're burning up..."

I felt my face grow hot but I couldn't tell if it was the fever or Shinra's touch that did it, but my heart was definitely a flutter.

"I'll get some water and a cold compress. Be a good girl and stay put." Shinra leaves before I could reply and all I can do is sink onto the pillows. This constant change in weather really did me in and now that the nights are cold, night shifts are harder to deal with.

It didn't take long for him to return with a tray holding a pitcher, cup, bowl and towel in hand. Placing the tray on the table near by, Shinra puts the towel in the bowl and serves me a cup of water. "Here," he said, "Gotta stay hydrated," he said with a look of concern as he brushed hair from my face.

"Thanks," I said as I took the cup and drank some water. I felt the cool touch of the compress and the look of concern on Shinra's face. "You worry too much..." I looked at my cup to avoid his gaze.

"Hey..." His tone was deep with concern and I couldn't help but look at him. Shinra looked at me with such concern, I felt myself flush even more. "I care about you."

"I know that..." I felt his large hand pet my head and it felt reassuring.

"So stop being so stubborn and let me take care of you, got it?" Shinra poked my forehead and got up. "Samon's fixing you some soup so just drink your water and rest." He kissed my forehead and it sent tingles through my skin. He smiled at me before leaving.

I knew I was burning up, but I think it was because of Shinra's care for me. I put the half drink glass on the table and sank under the covers to hide my face. My heart pounding, I breathed deeply and close my eyes, drifting off to sleep.

*****

Shinra walks into [___]'s room holding a tray with steaming soup only to see she fell asleep. "Dummy," he muttered under his breath as he rested the tray on the table and tucked her in. Changing her compress, he brushed some hair away and kissed her forehead before replacing it and taking the soup with him.