A/N: Special shoutout and huge thanks to Whitelion69 for informing about the problem on Chapter 5. Hopefully, it's now fixed.

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Chapter 8: Fever: Maggie and OA

Maggie was surprised when she received a text message from OA that he won't be going to work. But got worried when he texted that it's because he's sick. Because Omar Zidan never gets sick.

Luckily, work wrapped up fast and soon, she's in front of his apartment - the place he almost gave up for the fancy condominium unit until Scola and a case knocked some sense into him. She used the key that he gave her after a year of being partners. She found him in the sofa, cocooned up in a cozy blanket and watching a muted movie. Beside the sofa is a wastebasket, halfway full of used tissues because even in his sorry state, OA Zidan refused to have an untidy home. The sight made Maggie smile.

Slowly opening his eyes, OA muttered, "You didn't have to come."

"What, are you kidding me? OA Zidan, sick for the first time? There's no way I would miss it."

"There's nothing to miss, just colds and used tissues here. You can go now," OA said in a weak voice.

"Is that how you treat your partner, who's very concerned for you that she bought you four apples? One of which is now half-eaten because she got hungry on the way here," Maggie showing the brown paper bag.

"Aww, I'm so touched," OA meant to retort back but instead, he sneezed.

Taking pity on her partner, she helped him lie back down. As her hand touched his skin, she recoiled from the heat. "You don't just have colds, you're also have a fever."

OA sighed, "Don't worry, I'll drink my meds after dinner."

Maggie looked at her watch. "But it's almost eight already."

"Not really hungry," said OA as he snuggled against his blanket.

Chiding herself for not bringing more substantial food other than apples, she was tempted to rummage his kitchen for something he could eat. But even if she did find something, she's not exactly a great cook.

So she did what any person would do in this modern age, she pulled up her phone and ordered online. One of the best things about New York is that it never sleeps - including the food delivery.

The food finally arrived and Maggie woke up OA. "Get up, sleepyhead. Food is here."

Looking at the steaming hot bowl, he asked, "You cooked?"

"Do you want me to burn down your kitchen?" When her partner just stared at her, she continued, "No, I just ordered. So you know it's safe to eat." She lifted up the spoon, filled with soup, to his face.

"I can feed myself."

"And risk spilling hot soup all over yourself? Just let me, okay?"

A small smile graced OA's face. "Fine."

During dinner, they talked about the case they had that day. "I mean, me and Tiff and Scola can handle it but it's just not the same." Without you.

"Don't worry, I'll be back soon."

When he finished eating, he took his medicine and lied back down. He could barely keep his eyes open and he yawned.

"You should really get some rest."

"Thanks, Maggie. I l-" but he trailed off.

"What did you say?" Maggie looked at OA, now sleeping. She pulled the blanket to cover him and smiled. "Get well soon, Omar."

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Notes:

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