Mornings were not your forte. Always you were up with distaste any earlier than the afternoon, wishing that you were able to sleep as much as possible. It didn't matter how early you were in bed the night previous, waking up any time at least an hour before noon was difficult and you weren't interested. There was only one thing in the world that you wished you could experience, something worth getting up for even if but for a mere moment. Whenever you slept over at your boyfriend's house - a man that was up and ready at the crack of dawn - he would softly place a kiss to your head before he departed for work, a gesture that often made you smile whenever you were stirring. The man wasn't loud, often considerate of your slumber and left you with warm coffee on the pot as well as breakfast in the microwave. Those kinds of actions melted your heart, always keeping a smile on your face. If it couldn't get any better, there was always a text every "morning" you woke up, waiting for you and making your heart flutter.

Today was no exception. You had the day off and sleeping in was the plan. There was an alarm set, one that would rouse you early enough that you weren't going to waste your free time. Your boyfriend worked a lot and that made it hard for you to see him, but today the two of you finally had a schedule lined up and you made sure you went to his house last night in order to ensure that even should you fail to wake by alarm, you were at least not far from where you wanted to be. Ignis, the man you could have sworn was from a fairytale book, did have some errands to run in the morning, that familiar kiss planted to the top of your head before his departure and leaving you to fall back into slumber. He assured you that he would be finished before you awoke and you knew from experience that it was true.

The sound of your name in a soft whisper is what had you stirring, slightly confused since you were certain that you had already received your morning kiss. Groaning, your eyes were forced open, greeted by the gentle smile you loved seeing. A hand came to cup your cheek and that expression changed into a frown. Before you could ask him what was wrong, he placed a kiss to your forehead, long and lingering, and wishing to lull you back into slumber. A thumb ran along your cheek, still observing with that concern on those beautiful features before you.

"Still warm," mused Ignis, looking thoughtful.

"What do you mean?" you asked curiously.

"I believe you have a fever."

You scoffed, "I'm not sick," you told him.

In order to prove your words true, you forced yourself to sit up properly, repressing nausea in your stomach at your own actions. The unbelieving stare of Ignis on you only made your nerves worse, however, you were not going to let him be right. That man was right about everything and sometimes you needed to take down his ego just a notch in order to keep him grounded. A brow quirked in your direction, you got yourself up off the bed and walked straight into the bathroom, proud of yourself for not faltering in the slightest but unable to stop from dropping to your knees in front of the toilet and vomiting stomach acid into the bowl. It was hard to keep quiet, desperate for Ignis not to hear that you weren't healthy like you claimed.

That plan didn't work, however, the dry heave of your throat attracting the attention of your boyfriend who was there in seconds to make sure you were alright. Breathing a heavy sigh once you were finished, you flushed the evidence away and then proceeded to brush your teeth, all while avoiding the gaze that Ignis was giving you. You turned to finally face him, shoulders slumped in defeat.

"Perhaps you should rest," suggested Ignis, his voice soft.

"Aren't you always on me to get out of bed?" it was your turn to raise a brow.

"I insist."

The disdained look at your attempt for humour left you feeling even worse than the sickness that had settled into your being without you noticing. Ignis never gave you orders, but when he did you were reminded of the times that he would chide the Prince for similar mannerisms you displayed. This wasn't one of those moments where he was going to put up any of your protestings. You had your chance to prove yourself and you ruined it, sighing in exasperation and walking past him, back into the bedroom and into the bed. Ignis disappeared for a brief moment, coming in with a plate of food that you were certain he had ready before he came to wake you. The smell of it had you blanch, however the stern look you were getting meant that you had no choice but to try and eat it.

Under that watchful gaze, you picked up the fork and easily cut into your meal, almost shaking as you brought it to your mouth. The explosion of flavours through your tongue was usually a welcome sensation, something that ordinarily had you sighing in content, ready to succumb to his every whim, however, the illness that plagued you made you nearly gag. It took a lot of self-control to swallow and with another bite, you were rushing back into the bathroom to get rid of it instantly. Ignis wasn't far behind, sitting on the edge of the bathtub and gently running a hand up and down your back.

"That's a reaction I've never experienced before," his voice was still soothing.

"I'm so sorry," you apologized, "It was really good, I just-"

"Hush now, there's no need to fret. Perhaps liquids will suffice."

"I'm just not hungry."

"Now I know you're ill," he smirked at you.

You slapped at his leg playfully, rising from your position and brushing your teeth a second time that morning.

"I'm allowed to not be hungry," you placed a hand on your hip.

"Indeed, when shieldshears fly," quipped Ignis. You huffed, the motion a little too quick for you to handle, "Come, love. I'll fix you something more tolerable for your condition."

You sighed, once again walking past him and back into his bed. The silk sheets eased you far better than the bathroom floor, the nausea settled and you finally felt as if you could perhaps try eating again. It wasn't long before Ignis had returned, water and another liquid that smelled like soup in his hands. Broth, soothing your throat and sitting surprisingly well with your stomach. Little by little, you drunk what was poured for you while the man disappeared into the bathroom and the sound of water running reached your ears - likely you missed the toilet and he was cleaning up your vomit. While you weren't really interested in finishing the glass, you knew that Ignis would not allow you to leave any behind. You looked over at him as he re-entered the room and he only nodded, reaffirming your thoughts. Sighing, you obediently finished your breakfast and placed the glass on the nightstand before settling back into the bed.

"Please," he gestured toward the bathroom, "I've drawn you a bath."

"You didn't have to do that," your brows knit into guilt.

"Nonsense," he waved you off.

You padded into the bathroom once more, the aromas of the tub water reaching your nostrils and already putting you at ease. Ignis saw to it that you were settled in, jets on and a content sigh leaving you once your entire body was soothed by the heat surrounding you. It was then you were left alone and you were a little sullen about that. You wanted to spend your free time with him and here you were sicker than a dog, unable to even raise your head without feeling dizzy. Sighing, you submerged your entire body, allowing the jets to work through those kinks you never noticed unless you were here. This place was heavenly, sent by the Gods just like the man who lived here. How could you have gotten so lucky?

The towel that waited for you was warm, on the rack and set aside just for your visits. Guests had a different bathroom, however, you were privileged to use the en-suite whenever you pleased. Ignis was waiting for you, seated in the chair near the window with a book in hand. His gaze found yours and you both shared a smile before you were beneath the covers once more.

"I didn't want to spend the day like this," you apologized again.

"It's no trouble," he smiled, "I greatly enjoy spoiling you."

You groaned, "But today I wanted to spoil you."

The chuckle that left his lips had you blush, mattress dipping with his weight as fingers came to tuck loose hairs behind your ear. Your attention was on him and him alone, lost in that mesmerizing emerald gaze and causing you to swoon.

"My dear, not a day goes by that I am not reminded of how lucky I am to have you in my life. That spoils me enough."

The tone in his voice was the one that often turned your bones into water. An involuntary sigh escaped you as soon as he was finished speaking, pulse quickening, heart swelling with affection and breath caught in your throat. Gods was he ever perfect! As you leaned forward, you were disappointed that your lips did not meet his, instead having him kiss your forehead once more in the same manner he had already done twice today.

"No change," he approved.

You blushed, unsure of how you weren't already burning hotter than when you started. The means he went to check your temperature and you weren't sure with how much more you could take. How had he anticipated all of this? You barely noticed that you were sick.

"Get some rest love," his voice was soft.

A bitter chill swept along you as you felt his warmth leave you.

"Ignis wait," you called to him.

"Yes?" he turned to look at you.

"Will you stay with me?"

The smile that graced his features would have had your knees buckle if you were standing, fixated on the perfection before you.

"As you wish," he nodded.

Ignis cleared away the dishes before joining you in his bed, an arm wrapped around you as he pulled you close. It was with regret that he was still fully clothed, however, you were willing to take whatever time you could get with him. You knew that his job kept him away for long periods of time and while sometimes you were jealous of it, moments like this reminded you of how he always set aside time to allow you into his busy life. You appreciated it and never took it for granted, even now as you were sick and he was willing to take care of you despite that he was meant to have a day off. Smile plastered on your face, you didn't even notice when his heartbeat had lulled you back into a slumber, allowing yourself to slip away from the world in the arms of the man you loved.

When you woke up a couple hours later, you definitely noticed a difference than in the morning. Ignis had dutifully stayed by your side, book in hand as you rolled over to face him. You reached out your arm, grazing his thigh and gaining the attention you desired.

"Ah, you've returned," said Ignis happily, "How are you feeling?"

"Much better," you smiled, "Whatever you put in that broth did the trick."

"You're far less pale than before," he nodded, "Let's be certain."

Placing a marker in the book, he put it on the bedside table before leaning over and planting a lingering kiss to your forehead. Eyes fluttered closed, a smile spreading across your lips at his contact that left you far too soon.

"Well?"

"Still warm, however, you've cooled considerably. Perhaps it was just a minuscule virus."

The growling in your stomach interrupted your reply, a blush creeping to your cheeks and causing the man beside you to chuckle.

"A touch famished are we?" a brow quirked in your direction.

"A bit," you replied.

Ignis kissed the top of your head before moving off of the bed and standing before you.

"I'll see what I can whip up."

"Let me help," you said instantly, beginning to sit up.

"I think I'd rather like it if you were to remain here. Perhaps this one time only, we could dine in bed, together."

"Oh? Living life on the wild side? Spends one day in bed and already wants more. What happened to wasting my days away, hm?" you smirked at him.

"Once in a while, it can be rather enjoyable."

"Mm, I love it when you talk dirty to me."

Ignis sighed in exasperation, however, with a smile on his face as he walked out of the room and likely into the kitchen. You took the opportunity to clean yourself up, fixing your hair and changing into some cleaner sleepwear, something not so conservative like before. When he returned, you were dozing while playing a game on your phone, the smell of food rousing you awake and you wasted no time devouring most of what was on your plate. The man beside you chuckled at your enthusiasm, certain that you were trying to make up for spilling the first meal of the day.

Once it was all over and everything was clean, you pushed yourself against him, letting out another content sigh as you both settled in bed together. Ignis placed another kiss to your forehead and you reciprocated, committing to at least one of your plans of spoiling him today. Your trail of kisses didn't stop and he didn't argue with your actions as you showed him exactly what he meant to you. After all, he took such good care of you, it was only fair that you returned the favour.

...

thanks! one more to go for this theme!