Memories

Prompt: Sick Day

Timeframe: Post Season 1

A/N: Inspired by a scene from "How I Met Your Mother" in which Ted kisses Robin while she's sick.

Bobby Drake picked up a tray from the counter in the kitchen. He slung the bag from the store over one shoulder and carefully walked up the staircase towards Kitty's room. Luckily, the door was open and he was able to walk in without having to set his stuff down.

Kitty Pryde was sitting up in her bed. She looked absolutely miserable and for good reason: Kitty had been battling a nasty bout of the flu for the last two days. Bobby took in his girlfriend's red rimmed eyes and tousled hair as he made his way towards her bed.

"I brought supplies," the blond boy announced as he dropped the bag on the floor and handed over the tray. "I know you don't have much of an appetite, but you should try to eat anyway."

The brunette looked down at a bowl of tomato soup and a mug of tea. "You're so sweet," she said. "This looks amazing." Shadowcat dug in to her meal as Bobby picked up the bag of items from the floor. He spread them out on the foot of the bed so Kitty could see, naming each thing as he went.

"I got you a box of tissues, the latest copies of your magazines and one of those romantic comedies you secretly love. It actually sounds like it might be a decent movie." He handed Kitty the DVD box. "I know you kind of have a thing for Shawn Ashmore."

Shadowcat scowled. "I do not," she said. But Bobby only grinned at the younger girl before sweeping some hair out of her eyes and tucking it behind her ear. His smile turned into a frown as he realized just how warm Kitty really was.

"You have a fever," Bobby said quietly. "It must be a really high one if I can tell. Did you take your medicine while I was gone?"

Normally this kind of question would have earned only an eye-roll in response. If there was one thing Kitty resented about being the youngest X-Man, it was being babied by the others. But Bobby's question was nothing more than a concerned, sweet one. Kitty knew he just wanted her to feel better. "Yes, I took my medicine. It obviously has yet to kick in."

Bobby frowned again as he studied the box's directions. "Oh well," he said as he placed the tablets aside. "I guess you'll have to reduce your fever the old fashioned way."

The brunette watched as Bobby stacked the magazines on her nightstand and moved aside the empty soup bowl and tea mug. He then turned on the TV and DVD player and slid the new movie inside. Iceman put the box of tissues where Kitty could reach them and then climbed onto the bed beside her.

"Bobby," Kitty protested halfheartedly, "You don't want to get this close. I'm contagious. I'll get you sick."

Iceman only pulled her closer, placing one chilly hand on her flushed cheek. "If I do get sick, it'll be worth it," he said sweetly. "It's part of the job description, Kitty." He kissed the top of her head. "Now be quiet; the movie's starting. You know I love me some Ellen Page."

Kitty scowled up at him again. "Just because I'm sick doesn't mean I won't kick your butt, Bobby Drake." The blond boy smiled again.

The film was fairly predictable but had a few genuinely funny and entertaining scenes. By the times the characters got their standard happy ending, Kitty's fever had broken.

Bobby turned off the DVD player and the TV with the remote before carefully disentangling himself from Kitty. The younger brunette looked to be half asleep, and the last thing Bobby wanted was to disturb her just as she was finally getting some rest. His plan backfired however, when Kitty seemed to sense what he was trying to do. She let out a small groan.

"I told you not to do that," she chided Iceman. "You'll get sick like me." Shadowcat turned her head away so that Bobby could not finish leaning over and kissing her goodnight.

Bobby gently turned Kitty's pretty face back towards him. "And I told you getting sick would be worth it." Before Kitty could protest some more, the ice manipulator kissed her swiftly.

0o0o0o0

Bobby was pretty sure he had never been sicker. His throat was raw, his eyes were red and itchy, and he simply could not keep any food down.

He was leaning against the headboard with the blue comforter wrapped around his shoulders when Kitty came in. She smiled sympathetically as she crossed the room to perch on the edge of the bed. "How are you feeling?"she asked, pressing her hand against his forehead.

"Awful," the blond boy replied. "Your hand feels nice though."

"I hate to say 'I told you so' but-"

"You love to say 'I told you so'," Bobby interrupted.

Kitty frowned at the interruption but she continued anyway. "Next time maybe you'll listen to me when I tell you not to kiss me while I'm sick." She rearranged herself next to him and took his hand. "Do you want me to stay with you?"

The ice manipulator nodded and made himself comfortable next to the smaller girl. "Just for the record, I still think getting sick was worth it."