The tiny brunette yawned and let out a string of sneezes as she shuffled down the hallway. Artie looked up from his locker and frowned in concern.
"Rach? What's wrong?" He asked, rolling towards the girl.
She pouted at him, "I'm sick." Her small frame swayed as she held a hand to her head and closed her eyes in pain.
Artie rolled right in front of her and caught her as she collapsed on his lap in exhaustion. He pressed a hand to her forehead and winced when he felt the heat radiating off of her. Artie made sure that her head was tucked safely into his shoulder and rolled towards the choir room.
Once he had assured Mr. Schue that Rachel was just sick and needed to recuperate, he rolled to the corner of the room and wrapped his arms around the girl protectively.
Santana burst into the room with her arms flailing and a scowl on her face, "Alright, Wheels, what's up with our girl. Don't make me hurt you," She whispered fiercely before her eyes landed on Rachel and she softened immediately.
"She's sick and her body just needed to rest," Artie informed the Latina as he ran his fingers along Rachel's head to sooth her. Santana smiled affectionately at her best friend and suddenly ran out of the room with a snap of her fingers.
A few minutes later, she came back carrying a large black jacket and she gently tucked it around Rachel with a kiss on her forehead. The Cheerio nodded at Artie before sitting down next to the pair and tangling her fingers in Rachel's hair.
"Thanks, San." Artie said and the girl responded by squeezing his hand lightly. Rachel stirred, burying her face deeper into the boy's shoulder and her forehead wrinkled as she twisted around in her sleep. Artie ran his hand over her head again and kissed the top of her head repeatedly.
The fiery Latina smiled fondly at the two before looking at her watch and jumping up and down frantically before sprinting out the door with a "Bye Artie, Cheerios practice!"
Artie grinned after her and tightened his arms around the small brunette and rocked slowly back and forth, trying to keep her safe. The girl in his arms had been through so much already that Artie couldn't prevent, but he could protect her now. She was like a little sister to him and he wanted her safe.
Rachel shivered and Artie started to sing quietly, lulling her back to sleep.
I remember tears streaming down your face
When I said I'd never let you go
And all those shadows almost killed your light
I remember you said, don't leave me here alone
All that's dead and gone and passed tonight
Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound
The soft lullaby soothed the girl until she returned to a deep, calm sleep. Artie pressed his hand against the back of her neck and smiled as he found that her skin had cooled down a little.
"I love you, sweetie. Sweet dreams," He whispered, leaning his head against hers and drifting to sleep.