Author's note: Been playing a lot of Metal Gear lately, and I got this idea that I couldn't let go of. This will be a short one, but I hope you enjoy it.
He was sick. Sick enough that he couldn't move. Despite training the boy up, he had been rendered helpless by an enemy he couldn't see, hear, or smell, let alone fight. The rain beat the ground outside the cave that they had taken shelter in, and all she could do was listen to it and his fitful breathing.
The Boss placed a hand to his forehead, noting just how badly it burned with fever. Had he been in even slightly better condition, she would have turned this into an exercise. Making him fight while sick would be good for teaching the boy how to fight under the least ideal circumstances. But, she knew he couldn't move.
She built a fire in the cave, knowing the cold would only exacerbate things, and prolong his sickness. This would prevent further training, something neither of them wanted. Striking flint and steal at the gathered firewood, The Boss had to wonder if Jack knew how lucky he was that she was going easy on him. She almost smiled. She knew full well that normal people wouldn't consider this going soft, but she knew that normal people wouldn't be out here, either. They didn't have the strength or the stomach for it. That was why people like her existed, after all, so that the rest didn't have to do what she did.
The flames roared to life, and then settled down to a smaller, yet still passable blaze. The Boss went back to her protege, and sat down by him. She could tell he was in pain. She looked at him a few moments, contemplating. She carefully adjusted her position and lifted his head as gently as she could. She carefully rested it in her lap. His face, which before had shown signs of anguish, took on a look of peacefulness. Again, she almost smiled.
She wasn't worried about getting sick herself. After all, there was nothing that this place could throw at her that she hadn't already been exposed to. She knew Jack would survive this as well, and be stronger for it. She was looking forward to it.
Softly, she put her hand to his head again. She ran her fingers slowly through his hair. The motion seemed to comfort him. He let out a small noise, giving her pause.
"M...Mom?" he muttered. Her breath caught slightly. He tried opening his eyes. She kept them closed.
"Shh," she whispered. "Yes, Jack. I'm here." She leaned down and gave him a small kiss on the forehead. "Sleep, son. You'll feel better soon." At her words, he fell into a deep sleep. She looked at him a long time, a single drop of moisture escaping her eye. She slowly ran her fingers through his hair, listening to the soft sounds of his breathing, and the crackling of the flames.
She was here. And, for this moment, she was joyous.
Couldn't get this out of my head. Hope you all enjoyed. Please tell me what you thought, and hopefully i can get a few more Metal Gear pieces in while I've got the drive.