Iridescent: The Prequel

I Don't Want Anyone But Her And She Feels The Same

(A/N- The end is nearing my friends!)

*February 1997*

"Babe, if you're sick you should stay home," Mila told her hacking up a lung boyfriend who had spent his day sleeping and looked as though he could pass out at any moment.  "The guys will understand if you can't go to one gig.  Your health is more important than any potential record contract."  Mike began to speak before being taken over by coughing once again.  "I rest my case.  You wouldn't even be able to rap with coughing like that.  I'm telling Brad you're bowing out and don't even think of arguing with me."

"Officious," He mumbled giving into her pushes that were felt on his back moving towards their bed.  It was only after making sure he was under the covers and comfortable that she walked away from him.

"I've learned from the best," She smirked seeing the eye roll he sent her way seconds before leaving the room.  Mila was never one who controlled what Mike did, but she knew if she didn't do something that he would be struggling all night at the show.  To her, he was more important than anything to do with the band.  Mike had already been nonstop with school, work and the band which had made the cold he had ten times worse than it should have been.  He was stretching himself thin and she had no problem putting her foot down when needed.  Her boyfriend struggled at times with putting himself first when he needed to and after years of him looking out for her, she finally got to return the favor.  The good thing about being friends long before they were in a relationship is that he would listen to her and accept the care.

After calling Brad and letting him know that Mike would be a no go for the show tonight, something their friend was happy to hear, she went back into their bedroom to find him fast asleep.  That was the biggest tell tale sign that Mike was more sick than he was letting on.  The normal high energy guy who would be up until all hours of the morning was once again knocked out.   She felt bad that he felt so poorly, but was thankful that he had no issues getting rest.  It was one of the differences between the two of them.  When Mila was sick sleep wasn't something that came easy to her whereas with Mike it's all he did.  Not to mention the sleep he was getting also brought forth a decently loud snoring that meant when she would go in the room to also go to bed, that's what she would be falling asleep to.  With a soft kiss to his forehead, she left the room closing the door most of the way behind her. 

Figuring their Saturday night which was suppose to be spent out at the Xero gig was now not happening, Mila changed into her pajamas and setting onto the couch with the television remote in her hand.  The movie that she had settled on, A Little Princess, was maybe a quarter of the way through when the door to the bedroom opened.  With a small groan, Mike tucked himself between her body and the couch resting his head against her chest.  Automatically, her hand went to his hair offering it calming strokes and gentle scratches to his scalp.  "You okay, babe?" She asked him softly placing her lips to his forehead. 

"I feel like shit," Mike replied hoarsely thanks to a mix of sleep and being sick.  "Thank you for forcing me to stay home."

Mila hummed pressing another kiss to his head.  "You always look out for me and it's about time I return the favor.  Do you need anything?"

The man against her tightened his hold around her waist slightly while snuggling closer to her chest.  "Just this.  I love when you massage and scratch my head.  It feels so good and it's relaxing."

"I'm glad it helps.  You're always so busy and on the go.  Maybe one day you'll learn to relax."

"Doubt it."

His head jostled with her silent laughter.  "I doubt it too, but I still had to say it."

"I love you, Cams," Mike said weakly cuddling closer into her chest.