Serenity felt miserable, physically and emotionally. She woke up not feeling well but she had to go to school for an exam. The first part of the day went as well as could be expected but she grew worse. By lunchtime, she could barely stand. One of her friends noticed how she looked.
"Are you ok," they asked.
"I'm fine," Serenity said quietly and out of breath.
She stumbled forward toward the stairs. She tried to stop herself but she tripped and the forward motion and gravity pulled her downward. Serenity knew she was going to hit the ground so she braced for the impact. But what she hit was much softer and warm. She felt arms wrap around her and she grabbed a cotton shirt.
"Serenity? Are you alright?"
She recognized that voice but wasn't completely coherent at the time and then she fainted.
Lucas was worried about her all day. He noticed how sick Serenity looked and couldn't believe she would still come to school. He kept an eye on her, making sure she didn't hurt herself. As Lucas made his way down the stairs to get lunch, he turned to see Serenity take a tumble towards the stairs and managed to catch her. He asked if she was alright but she looked at him with a blank expression and then she went limp in his arms. Lucas picked her up bridal style and carried her home. Once he passed her off to her parents he went back to school but he was still worried about her. Lucas might not be able to visit but Lupus would.
Hoppe was worried about her charge. She tried to keep her from leaving home sick, but there wasn't much she could do. She was grateful to Lucas for helping bring her home to rest. As the day went on, Serenity rested with Hoppe sleeping close by. Nighttime came and Serenity was still sleeping. Then, Hoppe heard the sound of a window being open. Sensing Lupus was here, she hid. Lupus crept silently, hoping to not disturb Serenity's peaceful sleep. She was on her bed with her back to him. There was just enough room for the both of them so he climbed onto the bed and just laid down beside her. His hand gently touched her shoulder and he noticed how tense she was. But the longer he kept it there, the more relaxed she became. Serenity began to stir and then turn over to face him. A soft smile formed on his face.
"Hey Princess," he whispered.
Serenity opened her eyes to see a familiar face of black mask, whiskers and purple eyes.
"Lupus? What are you doing here," she asked groggily.
Lupus sat up on her bed.
"I heard you were sick and wanted to check on you. Are you feeling better?"
"Yeah, I am."
"Well, I won't disturb you further. Get well soon."
Just before Lupus was about to get up, Serenity grabbed his arm.
"Stay, sit," she asked softly.
"Of course," he answered softly.
"Lie down," she asked again.
"Okay."
Lupus then laid back down.
"Good boy," Serenity said patting his head.
"Do I get a treat," he smirked.
Serenity blushed and gave him an Eskimo kiss. Lupus' face also turned red.
"When I'm better, I'll give you a proper treat."
She then turned her back again to save herself from further embarrassment. Lupus scooted closer and placed his arm around her waist. He hadn't meant to stay all night but he did. When he woke up, he realized two things; it was morning and he wasn't transformed anymore. Lucas tried to move his arm but couldn't, Serenity had a hold on it.
"Quite the predicament, huh," came a voice. It was a wolf-like kwami.
"Faang," whispered Lucas. "Keep your voice down! And what the heck?! You couldn't keep the transformation up all night?!"
"Hey! I was dog tired and you didn't feed me! Now unless you want your Princess to find out who you are, get up and let's get moving."
"But I don't have..."
"I found some, now come on! Let's go!"
Lucas carefully removed his arm from Serenity's waist and eased himself off her bed. She started to move and Lucas froze.
"Lupus," she called out sleepily. She kept her back to him.
"Shhhhh, it's alright. Go back to sleep."
"Don't go," she whined.
As much as he wanted to stay, he couldn't.
"I have to go now. I'll come see you another time."
"Promise?"
"Promise." Lucas then leaned in and kissed her temple. "Sleep well, Princess."
Lucas transformed and bolted out the window.