Get a Flu Too

Chapter 7:

A soft shuffling woke Marshall and he opened his eyes slowly.

Soft sunlight drifted into his vision and he lifted his gaze to find the source. He saw that the window that had originally been blockaded by curtains was now open, allowing sunlight and a fresh breeze to trickle into the room.

Marshall heard movement behind him and he pushed himself up off the bed, his bones creaking in protest. He really shouldn't sleep sitting on the floor. It was causing him too much unneeded discomfort.

"About time," a voice sneered behind him.

Marshall turned in surprise to see Mary.

She was buttoning the last few buttons on her shirt and turned her gaze to meet his as she fixed her collar.

"Didn't take you as a late sleeper," she chided, examining herself in the mirror.

Marshall turned to lean his back against the side of the bed, his eyes looking Mary up and down, a small smile spreading across his lips.

It was like Mary had changed into an entirely different person overnight. Her golden blonde hair had been brushed back and glittered beautifully in the sunlight. She had changed into fresh work clothes. She stood straighter with new strength and a graceful composure. The dark circles under her eyes were gone.

His Mary was back.

"Didn't take you as an early riser," Marshall countered.

Mary shot him a glare and he flashed her a smile.

Painfully, he rose to his feet and moved closer to Mary.

"I guess you're all better now," he concluded.

"Completely cured," Mary concurred as she slipped her jacket on.

"Well enough to go to work?" Marshall asked despite already knowing the answer.

"Yep," Mary answered, smoothing down her jacket. "Figured Stan would throw a fit if I missed another day."

Marshall grabbed her shoulders and turned her to face him. She stopped fussing with her clothes and looked up at him with bemusement.

"Work and Stan aside, you're sure you're feeling better?" Marshall asked, his eyes searching Mary's.

"Of course," Mary answered as if it were the simplest thing to understand. She swiped Marshall's hands away and resumed getting dressed. "I told you, I'm cured. Just needed a day to get on my feet is all."

Marshall stepped back to lean his shoulder against the wall. A prideful smile lit up his face.

"You owe me."

Mary spun around. "Excuse me?" she growled.

"You heard right," Marshall smirked.

"I owe you?" Mary asked sardonically. "Who's the one that got me sick in the first place?"

"True," Marshall shrugged, "But it was my magic kiss that cured you."

"Magic kiss?" Mary asked incredulously.

"That's right. You were a wreck until I gave you that kiss," Marshall explained triumphantly. "Now here you are: cured."

Mary stepped closer, peering at Marshall as if he had just grown another head.

"What kiss?"

Sorry this took a little longer to post than usual. But hey, nothing like a good 'ol cliffhanger to keep you guys waiting for me.

Poor Marshall, right?... And yet, I couldn't resist. Told ya I'm evil.