They arrived at the New Earth Hotel in short order and after showing his ID and credit card, they were given a key to their room and walked as quickly down the hall as Kathryn would allow. Once inside the room, Kathryn sat down on the bed, not really having the energy for anything else. Pressing a hand to her stomach she closed her eyes and willed her body not to betray her again.
Chakotay was thankful there was a stocked refrigerator and food basket in the room, and he quickly uncapped a bottle of water and handed it to Kathryn. She took a few small sips, cringing as her stomach roiled again at the unwanted invasion. It seemed as though Chakotay's body had just been biding its time in getting Kathryn somewhere to rest. Now his stomach revolted again and he quickly excused himself to the bathroom. Kathryn frowned as she could hear him being sick, though he'd turned on the fan and was trying to be quiet. He came out a few minutes later, breathing heavily but otherwise no worse for the wear. "Sorry," he spoke softly as he sat down on the bed beside her.
"It's alright," he could see more tears forming in her eyes and one escaped before she could stop it. She wiped it away quickly, but Chakotay took hold of her hand.
"Hey, don't cry." She sniffed, giving him a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"This just isn't how I imagined spending the day with you. After this morning," she paused, not even sure she had the mental energy for this conversation, "I just...wanted today to be really special. I thought maybe we could see the museum, take a walk through Central Park, maybe even see a show." She looked down at their twined fingers, feeling fresh emotion well up, "I didn't want us to be sick."
Chakotay raised her hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss on her knuckles, "Neither one of us planned this, and of course it isn't how I wanted to spend the day either, but I'm here with you, and we can just relax and get you feeling better." Kathryn leaned against him again, several more tears spilling down her cheeks. Her entire body hurt, and all she wanted to do was crawl in bed and sleep for a week. "Come on, why don't you lay down?" He moved to pull her shoes off, pulling the blankets back so she could get in bed.
"I don't want to get too comfortable. I still feel like I might be sick again." She leaned back against the pillows. Chakotay moved off the bed and found the garbage can that was next to the tv stand. Bringing it back over, he put it on the floor by the bed.
"There you go. Try to relax. I'm going to go to the front desk to see if there's a pharmacy around that will deliver some things." He pressed another kiss to her forehead, noting that it felt as though she had a slight fever. "I'll be right back, okay?" He handed her the television remote before moving towards the door.
He walked back down the hall and to the front desk. The young woman behind the counter was hugely sympathetic, calling the pharmacy for him and requesting everything he'd asked for. She gave the room number and was actually able to charge everything to their room. Chakotay thanked her and went back down the hall to their room to await delivery.
He entered slowly and quietly when he saw Kathryn's eyes were shut. She had put on the television to some documentary on Animal Planet about primate behavior, but had obviously fallen asleep in the short time Chakotay had been gone.
He still felt queasy, but had a feeling that his stomach wouldn't betray him again; this was merely the aftermath of him being sick. His stomach muscles were sore and he still had a headache, but other than that, he felt okay. He knew that simply relaxing for the rest of the day and drinking lots of water would more than likely have him feeling much better by tomorrow...but he doubted that Kathryn would be ready to travel tomorrow morning.
"Chakotay?" She whispered quietly, causing him to turn and sit down beside her.
"I'm right here. You okay?"
She cringed, "I feel like I'm gonna be sick again," her voice was hoarse from her previous exertions, and Chakotay reached for the trash can on the floor. She leaned into it, her body heaving once again. She cringed away from him, not wanting him to be witness to this, but was comforted by his hand on her back nonetheless.
Once she was finished she continued to sit on the edge of the bed holding the can between her knees, her eyes shut as her headache pulsed behind closed lids. Pressing her hand to her forehead she willed her body to give her some modicum of control back. She felt Chakotay take the garbage can from her, "No, don't. Just leave it," she croaked.
"Kathryn, it's okay." He pushed the can farther away before turning back to face her, "It's gonna be okay." With a sigh she lay back on the pillows, letting her arm fall over her face.
"I feel disgusting," she whispered out, turning her face away from Chakotay. She couldn't imagine why he would want to be there witnessing this. She knew he wasn't feeling one hundred percent, but he was much better off than she was.
"I ordered some things from a nearby pharmacy. The delivery should be here soon, and then we'll get you feeling better," he rested his hand gently on her stomach, letting his fingers move in featherlight strokes over her sweater. "Do you want something else to drink? There's still some water, and ginger ale in the fridge." She furrowed her brow beneath her arm.
"Not right now. I just want to lay here and wish for death," she let out a rueful chuckle, and Chakotay was glad that she was trying to make light of the situation.
They sat in the quiet of the room for a few more minutes, the only sounds coming from the television, the narrator speaking of the small primate species featured on the program. After a time there was a knock on the door.
Chakotay got up to answer it, trying to keep himself between whoever was doing the delivery and Kathryn, knowing she wouldn't want a stranger to see her so indisposed. A young man in a white jacket stood at the door, a large paper bag in hand, "Delivery for...Chak...Chako…?"
"Yeah, that's me," Chakotay spoke with a grin, taking the bag from the young man, giving him a generous tip for his efforts. "I really appreciate you bringing this so quickly."
"No trouble at all. If you need anything else, just give us a call." The young man gave Chakotay a smile before turning to leave. As Chakotay went to move back into the room he noticed his neighbor across the hall, looking at him as if wanting to speak.
"Can I help you with something?" Chakotay queried.
"Is there some type of medical emergency? I see you have a delivery from the pharmacy, but that's a fairly large bag. I don't mean to snoop, but I am a Doctor, and wondered if there is someone in need of medical attention."
Chakotay contemplated the man. He was balding, but with a ring of black hair around the back of his head. He had slightly odd features, but there was something about him that Chakotay trusted. "Uh, my friend and I just have a case of food poisoning I believe. She's got the brunt of it so far."
"Hmm, I see. Nausea and vomiting? Diarrhea? Muscle cramping?"
"Uh, nausea and vomiting for sure. Muscle cramping too. I have a pretty bad headache and I think she does as well." The man across the hall nodded.
"Keep hydrated as much as possible. That's especially important if you're still actively vomiting. Dehydration can be even worse than the food poisoning itself. May I see what you have in the bag?" Chakotay moved away from his door, keeping his foot there to prop it open before handing over the bag. The Doctor opened it, "Ah, Emetrol, that's good. And a heating pad, antacids...yes, excellent. Saltines...good. Bland foods are good. I'd also suggest gatorade once the vomiting stops, or before if you can stomach it. That will help replenish electrolytes as well. Keep to a bland diet for the next twenty four to forty eight hours to make sure all systems are working normally, but I'm afraid there is no cure for food poisoning. Relax as much as you are able for the next few days, and all will be well." The man gave Chakotay a smile, handing the bag back to him.
"Thanks Doc, I appreciate it." The man nodded before going back into his room. Chakotay went back inside and closed the door gently. Kathryn was still awake and still looking miserable. He made his way over to the bed, dumping the contents of the bag out for Kathryn to see. "Sort through this and take what you want." He opened the box of the heating pad and plugged it in, laying it gently over her stomach, "I'm going to go find a vending machine and get us some gatorade. Do you have a favorite flavor?" Kathryn shook her head, taking the anti nausea medication bottle in hand and pouring some into the dose cup before swallowing it. She pulled a face, but set the bottle and cup down on the nightstand.
"Thank you for all of this," she spoke softly, "How are you feeling?" She took a sip of her bottled water which Chakotay took as a good sign.
"I'm okay. Still feel a bit queasy and my head hurts, but I don't think I'll be sick again," he brushed his thumb across her cheek, "I didn't eat as much of that foul concoction as you did."
She nodded, taking another small drink of water, holding the heating pad to her stomach again.
"I'll be right back, okay?" Chakotay pulled away, getting up and slipping a keycard in his pocket. Kathryn nodded, situating herself up against the pillows.
There was a vending machine about fifty feet down the hall and Chakotay got two bottles of gatorade and a Sprite, knowing he preferred the fizz and sweetness of the soda when he was nauseated.
Just as he got back to the door he was surprised to see B'Elanna and Tom coming down the hall, luggage in hand and concern painted plainly on their faces. B'Elanna was the first to speak.
"Hey, how are you doing?"
"I've been better, but this really hit Kathryn hard. Neither of you feels sick at all?"
"No," Tom spoke, "And neither does Tuvok and Harry. It had to have been the Leola root." Chakotay nodded in agreement.
"Well I'm glad none of the rest of you had any of it." He glanced at the bags, recognizing the one Tom carried as his own.
"Well we headed right back to the RV to get your bags. We figured you'd rather have more comfortable clothes if you're feeling lousy. At least I know I would." B'Elanna pulled Kathryn's bag in front of her and gave the handle to Chakotay and Tom handed him the other bag.
"That was really sweet of you both, and I know Kathryn will really appreciate it too. I'm hoping that after some rest and plenty of fluids we'll both be back to our old selves by tomorrow morning so we can leave."
"Well, we're not in any hurry. You guys just take care of yourselves and we'll be in touch, okay?" B'Elanna spoke, giving her friend's arm a squeeze before they all bid each other goodbye. Chakotay opened the door to their room, setting the drinks down before pulling the bags in as well.
"What's all that?" Kathryn watched him questioningly.
"Tom and B'Elanna went and got our bags for us so we'd be more comfortable. You wanna change into pajamas or anything?"
Kathryn thought a moment, "I don't even know if I have the energy for it," she sighed, scrubbing her face, her skin still feeling clammy and warm.
"How about I run you a bath? You can soak and relax and get comfortable and then we can try to get some sleep." Kathryn's lips turned up a bit at the prospect of a bath.
"That does sound nice," she looked over at the bathroom, "Ugh, I don't even feel like moving." Chakotay smiled down at her.
"You just stay right there," he smiled again before moving into the bathroom.
The tub was jacuzzi style and large enough for two people and he frowned at the thought of them both being sick. He would enjoy very much sharing a bath with Kathryn, but that would have to wait for another day, or at least he could hope it would happen another day. Turning on the faucet, he tested the temperature until it was fairly warm. Once it was filling, he went back into the main room. "Do you want bubbles or oil or anything in the water, and how hot do you want it?"
"There's some lavender soap in the front of my bag, if you don't mind. And I like it pretty hot."
Once her bath was drawn, Chakotay came back out to get Kathryn. She had pulled a worn t-shirt and shorts from her bag and was sitting slouched at the edge of the bed. Without asking he slid one arm under her knees and put the other behind her back and lifted her slowly into his arms, smiling when she leaned into him.
He carried her into the bathroom, flipping the toilet lid down with his foot before setting Kathryn down on it. She put her pajamas on the counter and reached up to cup his cheek, "You're such a sweet man. Thank you for all of this, especially since you don't feel well yourself."
"It's no trouble at all, Kathryn. Do you need any more help with anything?" Under normal circumstances it could have been read as a suggestive question, but Kathryn knew he asked in earnest. With a smile of her own, she shook her head.
"No, I'll be alright. Thank you," she watched him as he turned to leave, "Um, could you leave the door cracked open? Just in case..."
Chakotay looked back at her with a smile, "Of course." He closed the door behind him, leaving it open a couple inches.
He waited outside the door, listening to make sure she got in the tub alright. It took her a few minutes to undress as she was sore from her neck to her toes. Finally she slid over to the tub and lowered herself into the warm water.
Kathryn let out a moan as the water caressed her strained muscles. Closing her eyes, she let the water engulf her from the neck down, taking a deep breath of the lavender scent in the air. She still felt nauseated, but her empty stomach and the medication Chakotay had purchased seemed to be staving off any more bouts of vomiting for the time being.
Chakotay sat down on the bed, leaning back against the pillows, taking a sip of his Sprite. It tasted wonderful, so he dared another few sips before opening one of the sleeves of crackers, munching on a few of them as he watched the program on television. The small animal featured was a monkey no bigger than a cat, its coat a blur of black and white as it swung from tree branch to tree branch. Chakotay watched the show to its conclusion before another episode began; this time a show about deadly storms. He felt his eyelids grow heavy, and before he knew it, he was dozing.
Kathryn lay in the water for nearly a half an hour, relaxing further as the warm water soothed her aching body. She was feeling relaxed, almost to the point of exhaustion. Between her body's exertion and her lack of energy from zero calories currently fueling her system, she started to doubt if she had the strength to get out of the tub. Her arms and legs felt leaden, and a headache still pulsed naggingly behind her eyes.
Deciding that she had to make some effort to get out, lest she stay in there until the water evaporated, she sat up and pulled the drain plug. The water began to slowly swirl down the drain, and Kathryn reached for the towel she'd lain on the floor beside the tub. It took a fair amount of energy, but she got herself seated on the edge of the bath. She dried off and slipped the t-shirt over her head. With a sigh, she sagged forward, leaning her elbows on her knees, willing herself to have the energy to finish getting dressed. Not remembering the last time she felt so sick, she furrowed her brow, drawing the remnants of her strength into her limbs as she slipped her feet into the pajama shorts she'd brought in, pushing herself to a standing position as she pulled them up.
Leaning heavily into the bathroom vanity, she didn't dare look at her reflection for fear of the haggard, pale face that would greet her. She unwrapped one of the complementary toothbrushes, not having the energy to go and get her own, and not having the heart to bother Chakotay when he'd already done so much for her. Brushing her teeth, slowly and methodically, she rinsed out her mouth before working up the energy to make it back into the main room. Chuckling ruefully to herself at how daunting such a mediocre task now seemed, she flipped off the bathroom light as she exited.
Chakotay lay on his back, his eyes shut. The television was on low, and he'd dimmed the lights. He'd mentioned that he had a headache, and Kathryn could still feel hers pulsing dully behind her eyes. She was grateful for the darkness as she moved to the other side of the bed. Taking another dose of the anti-nausea liquid, she slipped beneath the covers, turning to face Chakotay. He didn't stir at her movements, and for that she was glad, taking a moment to watch him as he slept. She let her eyes travel across his brow, over the ink of his tattoo, down the bridge of his crooked nose, along his perfect lips. With the last bit of energy she possessed, she leaned towards him, pressing her lips gently to the corner of his mouth. The warmth of his skin washed over her like a balm, and she finally sunk back into her pillows, her cheek landing on Chakotay's shoulder as exhaustion took her under.