"Dad, why is there spilled coffee all over the stairs and a mug-" Daniel started, but stopped when his father shushed him.

His parents were lying in bed, Victoria sound asleep curled into Conrad. Her hair covered part of her face and her mouth was open the slightest bit but she looked peaceful and calm.

"She just fell asleep about an hour ago. We should let her rest, hmm?" Conrad said, brushing the hair from her face. Her skin was paler than it normally was and the tip of her nose was red and irritated but he didn't care. She was the most gorgeous woman he had ever seen; even at her worst she blew everyone else out of the water.

"You can't just lay with her. You're going to get sick."

"Yes, I think I am. I'm feeling a little achey myself. To be expected, I guess." He didn't need to kiss and tell, especially to his own son. Daniel took the hint and seemed to understand. After all, something must have happened to bring his parents so close together.

"I just don't get it. You two fight constantly. You hate each other and she's sick and contagious-"

"We don't hate each other, son."

"You might not hate her but she sure hates you." Daniel snapped.

"See that tray over there? I fell asleep and your mother made her way down the stairs and back up to bring fruit back. For me."

"That doesn't sound like mom."

"She was so shaky that she couldn't keep the coffee from spilling so she set it down on the way up. I can't promise that she loves me but I can tell you that she doesn't hate me."

"That doesn't mean you should just get yourself sick. You're going to have to be quarantined just like her."

Conrad smiled and shook his head. This wasn't a rash decision, it was one that Conrad had thought through.

"That's twisted-"

"It's romantic."

Daniel rolled his eyes.

"There's soup in the fridge. Just text me if you need me to bring some up for you two. I've got work to do." He said before heading out.

Victoria woke up almost two hours later, surprised that she had slept so long in Conrad's arms. She watched him for a moment, his attention directed to the TV. His usual frown was replaced by a small smile, clearly amused at whatever he was watching. As the show turned to commercials he glanced down.

"You're awake. How do you feel?"

"Confused as to why you're still here." She griped, her voice sounding more congested than it had earlier.

"Trying to contain this thing. I think I'm coming down with something..." He bluffed.

"You're not sick!" She wailed, her s sounding more like a d.

"Say that one more time for me, nice and slow..." He teased. He knew she wouldn't be amused but her voice sounded husky and deep. On top of that, regardless of what she meant to say, it sounded dirty. He silently praised himself for thinking of this quarantine idea.

"You can't stay here! I can't sleep," she said but instead of sleep it sounded like she said 'leap.'

"Victoria, you should wait until you're feeling better to leap." Conrad joked. He saw how angry she was but he couldn't help it. She looked so cute when she was mad.

"Get out!" She screamed before placing her hands on her knees to steady herself. She was certain that she had died of the flu. She was in hell.

"Calm down," he began as he moved closer to her. "We're in this together sweetheart. We've got to boost each other's immune systems."

Whether it was his words, his closeness or a coincidence, Victoria fell to her knees, retching and throwing up.

He waited until she was finished before scooping her up and moving her to the bathroom. She was soaked in sweat and panting, worrying him even more.

"The carpet..." She started.

"I'll make Charlotte get it." He joked. She stared at him unsure and he had to remind her that he was joking.

She let him peel her clothes off but curled up in the tub, blocking her body with her knees. He didn't know if it was her aging or the turmoil in their marriage that made her so self conscious, but whatever the reason it broke his heart. He watched her, so small in the large tub, her skin turning red with the hot water.

"Thank you." She finally whispered without looking up.

"In sickness and in health, right?" He said making her laugh.

"We're such sticklers for our vows." She teased.

"The steam seems to have helped your congestion."

"I know how much you'll miss that husky voice."

"Small price to pay for you to feel better." He said. He reached behind him and grabbed the tub of vapor rub.

"What are you doing?" She asked.

"This isn't foreplay. You need this."

She sighed but sat up. She liked the way he seemed to get lost at the sight of her body. He ran the cream over her chest and she hated to admit it, but it felt good. She closed her eyes, secretly wishing he would run her chest all night.