Not really a new update as this chapter and the next are already on Ao3 but for some reason FF doc manager wasn't working when updated. Oh well need another proof read anyway.
With a sigh, Imogen slumped further and rested her forehead on the taller woman's shoulder. or meant too. it was more like a gentle head butt. But despite wincing, she still stayed close in there half embrace as Constance stroked her back. It was hard to accurately tell how hot Imogen's forehead was through her dress. But Constance doubted it would have cooled much in the last ten minutes.
Imogen then frowned (Constance could feel it wrinkle her dress) and looked up at her with concern. "And what about you? Have you been looking after everyone by yourself? The whole time? Are you sure you're alright?"
Constance rolled her eyes and reassured her.
"Don't be ridiculous. I've had Miss Bat's, Ms Tapioca's and Mr Blossom's help. Until I sent him to the sick bay. The Doctor from the village cameWednesday- although that wasn't much help at all. And the girls who aren't have been ill have pitching in to here and there."
"Pussycat, you didn't answer my question." Imogen said, straightening up.
"Which? You asked several, I'm sure I've answered a couple. I am perfectly fine." Constance insisted. Then changed the subject back before the courage she'd gathered evaded her again. She took a deep breath and held her at arms length, despite Imogen's fingers tugging on her belt. "And you also asked how did that even happen, correct?"
Imogen nodded.
"Well to state the obvious you have flu."
"That's not what I meant. And you know it!"
"Well it's true. Don't pout at me like that, the wind will change and you'll be stuck like that."
Imogen made another face, complete with tongue out.
"You said I've been asleep since Tuesday." she repeated. "On and off. What do you mean?"
Constance didn't respond right away. Or even look her in the eye for a moment. She reached up and swept her fingers over Imogen's hair, smoothing a stray flick back into place then said "Imogen…dear, at some points you were very feverish. It hasn't even broken yet. But you didn't sleep a solid day or night straight." she paused again and tucked another blonde strand behind her girlfriend's ear. "You were awake some times, although not always awake to the world. We've had several conversations but I think you may have forgotten them. You were delirious on more then one occasion and when you did sleep it wasn't soundly…"
Truth when unpleasant, hurts.
"Well- volleyballs." Again, Imogen's shoulders slumped and she looked away, miserably staring off into space. Constance now felt just as down in the dumps. Even as she trailed her hand back over Imogen's jaw and Imogen lent her cheek into the gentle touch. It didn't improve ether of their moods.
"Are you sure you don't remember any of it?" She pressed.
"I'm not sure what I'm supposed to remember." Imogen shrugged. She offered the witch a glance and attempt at a smile before moving away. Then sat back down on the bed where she put her head in her hands and rubbed her tired face.
"Don't strain yourself. It's not surprising under the circumstances." Constance fussed, sitting down next to her. Between her fingers, Constance saw her frowning and trying to concentrate. It didn't seem help matters and the phase "Trying to hold water with a sieve" came to mind.
If Imogen couldn't remember there would be no need to jog her memory and then perhaps Constance herself could forget about it. but judging how Imogen looked up at the witch again, that was becoming less of a possibility.