Disclaimer: Slayers doesn't belong to me, but to Hajime Kanzaka and Rui Araizumi. I'm just borrowing the characters for awhile

Notes: This storyline is lifted from a Slayers doujinshi called "Recovery." Ichiban Victory provided the scans for me. It really is a sweet story. Lina has fallen ill and asks Amelia to go get her some oranges to help fight off the fever. Amelia calls out to Gourry to watch over Lina and he comes upstairs to care for her while Amelia is gone. While out shopping, Amelia runs into Zelgadiss and they have a sweet encounter. Meanwhile, Lina and Gourry have their own sweet moment while he is caring for her. While the doujinshi provides the backbone of the story, most of it is original.

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Story #12 - "Wake Unto Me"

Gourry figured he spent a good bit of his free time these days sitting by Lina's bedside. It wasn't anything perverted, not by any means. It was just that despite his absolute best efforts - and he really did try as hard as he could - Lina managed to get on someone's nasty sides which would lead to an even nastier fight and her getting knocked out.

He watched as her chest rose and fell beneath the blankets. Lina had woken up with a fever, Amelia said as she had run by the table where he and Zelgadiss were having breakfast in her quest to go find Lina some medicine. Zel had offered to come sit with him, but Gourry decided that Lina was probably going to be pretty crabby and wouldn't stand for much company.

He'd been right. Lina had been grouchy, but when she realized he wasn't going to leave, she settled down. Now she was sleeping and he was soaking a rag in cool water to place on her head.

Gourry moved back to her side and slowly pushed her bangs back from her forehead as she shifted uncomfortably. He felt bad for her. This was something that he, her protector, couldn't save her from. But he could still stand guard over her while she fought the illness attacking her body. He draped the cloth over her forehead and took her hand, cracking a yawn in the process. Maybe Lina wouldn't mind if he dozed a little himself.

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"Delicious!" Lina cooed as she prepared to pop another slice of orange in her mouth. The fruit was a very tasty treat that was also quite expensive to get. She didn't have it very often. Usually, the only times she did was at Amelia's expense, simply because the princess could afford such treats. Lina loved oranges.

But...

She eyed the huge mountain of oranges stacked near her. There was no way she was going to eat all of those oranges. Not by herself - and she had a healthy appetite. Heck, not even Gourry would be able to get through all of these!

She turned her attention back to the orange she had, but just for a brief second. Lina frowned. Was that rumbling she was hearing? Lina snapped her head around in time for the entire mountain of oranges come crashing down on her.

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Lina woke up, biting back a scream. She panted as she took in her surroundings. The last thing she remembered was all the oranges crushing her chest. There was definitely no oranges surrounding her now. She let out a slow breath, thankful that it was just a dream. She frowned. But if it was just a dream, why was there something heavy still on her chest?

She shifted slightly to her side and immediately went red when she saw Gourry peacefully slumbering on the pillow next to her, the weight she felt being his arm wrapped around her body.

What the... Lina gaped at him. What does he think he's doing? What were we doing? Oh, Ceiphied... Water dripped into her eyes and she immediately reached for her forehead and felt the still damp rag resting there. The panic started to subside. Gourry had fallen asleep sponging off her forehead. What a jellyfish!

Lina's embarrassment eased somewhat as she watched him sleep. He appeared so peaceful and very young. Some of his hair draped over his shoulder and pooled onto the blankets. When she shifted, his arm tightened around her and she noticed he was actually sitting in the chair next to her bed.

She was content to simply watch him for a few minutes. He smelled good. It was the same soap and shampoo that she and Amelia had utilized in the baths the night before, but they smelled different on him. Lina rolled her eyes. This had to be the fever talking. Why else would she be musing over how Gourry smelled?

Even so...he does smell nice. She lifted her hand slightly, her fingertips grazing his bangs. And his hair is so pretty. I wonder... She reached forward, tangling her fingers in the locks. She smiled. It was as soft as it looked. She gently pushed his bangs back.

In his sleep, Gourry gave a contented sigh and smiled, pulling Lina closer. She froze, wondering what to do next. They were almost nose to nose and if she moved the wrong way, then their lips would touch.

Who said that would be a bad thing?

Lina flushed. Damn fever talking again. Despite knowing that, she scooted a little closer and angled her head slightly. She'd always wanted to know...maybe it wouldn't hurt just to give him a peck.

"Why, Lina-san! You would think you'd want Gourry-san awake before engaging in such an activity."

Lina sucked in a breath when she saw Xelloss standing behind Gourry. With a scream, she sat up and punched Gourry so hard that he flew to the other side of the room.

He hit the wall with a crash, rolling to his feet a moment later. "Lina! What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Lina gulped. "Ah...sorry. It's just he," she threw Xelloss a glare, "surprised me."

"Oh, Xelloss!" Gourry said, noticing the Mazoku for the first time.

Xelloss laughed softly, enjoying the anger and embarrassment that rolled off of Lina in waves. "I'm sorry for interrupting you, Gourry-san." He winked. "But, I do have to wonder, what were you doing with Lina-san in her bed?"

Gourry scratched at his cheek. "What're you talking about?"

"Ah, well, you see..."

"Xelloss!" Lina shrieked. The last thing she needed was for him to put any ideas in Gourry's head!

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Amelia and Zel had gone off to talk. Lina finally managed to get rid of Xelloss. And a slightly crispy Gourry remained by Lina's side, despite the spell he'd been smacked with. It was originally meant for Xelloss, but he easily dodged it and Gourry turned into a crispy critter.

"Sorry about that," she muttered as she munched on one of the oranges Amelia had brought back.

Gourry flushed. "I'm sorry about... I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

Lina stared at the bedcovers, suddenly finding them immensely fascinating. "It wasn't that uncomfortable," she admitted. It had actually felt pretty nice. She felt warm and safe next to him, and...well... She swallowed, not wanting to acknowledge the other emotion she had felt. Instead, she laid down, readjusting her blankets. Stupid Xelloss. That one bit of magic left her exhausted. She hated being sick.

"I'm going to get some sleep," she said and hesitated for a moment. Then she reached out toward him. "Would you like to stay?"

Gourry smiled and took his seat next to Lina's bed. "I wasn't going to leave," he informed her, but took her hand all the same.