A/N: This takes place post To Live and Die in Mexico, but before Superhuman. Just as a warning, it involves some fairly graphic description of vomiting. My apologies fellow emetophobes.
"C'mon, baby," Kensi encouraged, holding up a small container of liquie jello. It was lemon flavored and far less appealing when it didn't jiggle. She'd spent the last 20 minutes trying to get Deeks to consume one of the five liquids that made up his lunch for the day.
"I'm too nauseous," Deeks insisted again, his face furrowed in pain. His bed was elevated enough that he wouldn't aspirate when he drank, but Kensi knew that he would be significantly more comfortable lying flat. It made her feel like she was torturing him and she hated it.
She didn't have much choice though; Deeks hadn't consumed much of anything since he'd woken up in the hospital in Mexico. The move to the naval hospital had only increased his vertigo and other symptoms. Kensi was concerned about how thin he was looking, and how weak he'd grow if this continued, after just a few days.
"I know, Sweetie, but the doctor wants you to keep trying." Deeks sighed, not responding to her. After a minute, his closed lids highlighting the bruise like shadows beneath his eyes, he took the cup and sipped at the yellow liquid. His nostrils flared as he swallowed, but after a moment he tentatively drank again. "How was that?" she asked as he handed the cup back.
He finally opened his eyes, looking completely exhausted, and smiled weakly.
"Well, it's less horrible than the grape. Which isn't saying much. Since that tasted like cough syrup…if only they had lime." He lifted his shoulders in a small shrug, still trying to reassure her even though he felt terrible. His head thumped against the pillow and he groaned, swallowing harshly.
Kensi ran her fingers through his hair, gently combing through the messy strands. The furrow between his brows eased slightly and in a few minutes his breathing deepened. Even after she was certain he was asleep, she continued caressing his face. Between the pain, frequent bed checks and tests, and other treatment, he'd gotten very little sleep.
Maybe 20 minutes later, he suddenly jerked awake, grimacing in pain as he forced himself forward, his expression desperate and twisted. Kensi automatically grabbed the basin next to his bed and shoved it under his chin, holding it as his shoulders heaved and he threw up bile and undigested jello.
"Ugh," he groaned, spitting a couple times before he fell back, completely exhausted. Kensi helped him rinse his mouth in a now well-established routine and then set the basin to the side.
"You ok?" she asked, brushing back his sweaty hair. He nodded minutely.
"Sorry I'm such a pain," he croaked out, looking miserable.
"Oh baby, you are not a pain," Kensi assured him, brushing at his cheek. "I'll be by your side as long as you need me. Just like you were for me."
"I love you," he whispered, reaching out for her hand. Kensi took it and leaned in too kiss him softly on the lips.
"I love you too. Always. No matter what."