I wrote this 2-shot sick fic back in summer of 2021. That's how long it's been waiting to see the light of day! I don't know about you guys, but I never get sick (hah) of sick fics. Like...ever. It's probably my favorite trope, so even though I've written it for Mayakuro a billion times already, I had no problem doing it again, so I hope you'll still enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight.
Closer
Chapter 1.
Tendo Maya is undefeatable.
She is Top Star, head of the class, the most skilled student in all of Seishou Academy, regardless of rank or year.
She is the thoroughbred, the grand finale, and more often than not, the star of the show.
She is the one who draws everyone's attention simply by walking into the room.
She is the one who demands an audience without even saying a word.
She is the one who compels those around her to surrender their senses and be swept away in whatever performance she is about to give.
She is spectacular. Professional. Undefinable.
She does not waver. Does not falter. Does not lose.
Claudine knows all of this better than anyone else on the planet.
Which is why it's so truly terrifying when that grandiose image of her comes crashing down one day without warning.
Because Tendo Maya is not one to suddenly collapse unconscious in the middle of a dance lesson.
She is not one to turn meek and pale and helpless without warning.
She is not one to be carried by the teacher to the nurse's office.
And yet, it still happens. On just another Thursday like any other.
Claudine, the person closest to Maya in all the world, hadn't seen it coming. Not even an inkling. Not even a little bit.
Maya had been exactly the same as always; teasing, haughty, and smart in front of their classmates. Then tender, warm, and secretive alone together with Claudine in between lectures.
She hadn't so much as a hair out of place today, not so much as a tremble in her eyes like she might when something was bothering her, nor a slouch in her posture when she wasn't feeling well.
There had been no indication whatsoever that she might be feeling off today, let alone unwell enough to pass out in the middle of a lesson.
Claudine hadn't been directly beside her when it had happened. She hadn't even registered what had occurred right away.
Someone had stumbled and fallen.
'Someone.' That was all.
Not Tendo Maya.
Never Tendo Maya.
It hadn't even been a possibility that had crossed her mind.
It was never Maya. Never…
But today, it had been.
After the moment of initial shock and disbelief, Claudine had cried out and rushed to her side, only to find Maya was already unconscious. All of her friends had shrieked in concern, while the rest of their classmates had been utterly frozen, not knowing what to do.
It was so unheard of. So impossible. For Tendo Maya to be the one to fall.
It was like some kind of strange dream that no one could fathom or accept as reality. But as the seconds had continued to pass by and Maya still hadn't stirred, it became clearer and clearer that this was all too real.
When their teacher had finally made her way through the crowds and picked Maya up, Claudine hadn't even asked to accompany her to the infirmary. She'd simply followed after her, and no one had dared to protest.
After laying Maya down on the bed, their teacher told the nurse what happened. Claudine, being Maya's partner and someone who was always close to her, was asked if she'd noticed anything off with her today, to which Claudine had answered in the negative. She was allowed to stay by Maya's beside as the nurse checked her over.
Claudine is still in such shock that, at the very least, she hasn't burst into tears yet due to her fright.
She and her teacher stay to hear the nurse's diagnosis, which is that it was simply a case of a very sudden, strong fever. She assures them it's nothing serious, and that it shouldn't affect Maya for longer than a day or two. Since it is a short-lived sickness, it is a bit intense. But so long as Maya rests properly, stays hydrated, and takes tomorrow off from classes, she'll have the weekend to recover and be back in classes by Monday.
The two women then step out into the hallway to speak privately and discuss calling Maya's parents to inform them of their daughter's condition. In the meantime, Claudine is left alone with her for a moment.
She feels like she hasn't breathed properly since the moment Maya had collapsed, but now she's finally able to remember how to use her lungs. Her heart has been pounding all this time, so now Claudine puts a hand on it in an effort to calm it down. With her other hand, she reaches out to Maya on the bed, and picks up her hand.
"Tendo Maya…" Claudine whimpers. "You scared me half to death…"
Even just touching her a little bit, Claudine can feel the heat of the fever wafting off of Maya's skin. Her face has now become flushed and pink, and a sweat has come over her.
Not sure of when the nurse will return, Claudine takes matters into her own hands and stands up to go to the sink. She retrieves a clean wash cloth and runs it under some cold water before returning to Maya's bedside. She runs the damp cloth over Maya's forehead, wincing just to feel the heat already absorbing into the material.
Claudine wipes each side of Maya's face, then down the sides of her neck before turning the cloth onto its clean side and wiping down her arms to her wrists. Maya doesn't stir all the while, save for the slight furrow of discomfort in her brow and her troubled breathing.
Claudine's heart shakes with concern.
Of course she'd seen Maya catch a cold before.
Of course she'd see her nose red with sniffles, or her body stiff from cramps or a stomachache. They've all suffered such things before throughout the year.
But she's never seen her like this before.
Right now, Tendo Maya is officially down for the count.
She's hurt. She's helpless.
It feels like it goes against the laws of nature itself.
But then again… Claudine reminds herself, as she continues cleaning the sweat from Maya's face. She is only human. I guess we'd all gotten so used to how amazing she is that we'd forgotten about that.
Claudine bites her lip in mild frustration. Of course if it was a freak and sudden fever with no notable implications of its symptoms, there was no way she nor anyone else ever could have known it was affecting Maya until it already had her in its clutches like this.
But even so, Claudine feels a terrible guilt. What good was she as Maya's partner if she couldn't even tell something was wrong until it was already too late? It's impossible not to blame herself, no matter how blameless she might be.
A few moments later, the nurse returns, commending Claudine for her vigilance over Maya. Claudine volunteers herself to take care of Maya tomorrow when she'll have to stay home from classes, so the nurse gives her some instructions, and tells her to call the infirmary if anything seems wrong.
A short while later, Nana and the others come by to visit, bringing Claudine's and Maya's uniforms and bags for them. Claudine changes back into her uniform in the private bathroom, and in the meantime the nurse dresses Maya into a fresh, clean set of light clothes to help keep her cool.
The others stay for a while, glad to hear that Maya will be fine in just a day or two, and they all offer to help Claudine care for her if need be, promising to support her in every way they can. Claudine thanks them all before they head off for the afternoon, though Claudine opts to stay with Maya.
About an hour before suppertime, Maya finally stirs. Claudine notices right away, perking up and putting aside the magazine she'd been rifling through in favor of holding Maya's hand instead. Maya blinks her eyes open tiredly, her vision glazed and puzzled. Claudine lets out a long breath.
"Thank goodness…"
The moment Maya hears her voice, she turns her face toward her. And though she's awake now, Maya still looks horribly sick and miserable.
"Saijou-san…?" Her voice is hoarse and feeble, nothing like the strong, articulate tone she always has.
Claudine nods.
"I'm glad you're finally awake. Do you remember what happened?"
Maya looks up at the ceiling for a moment and closes her eyes, as if the lights are bothering her.
"I was dancing… and then…"
"That pretty much sums it up," Claudine affirms. "You were dancing, and then… out of nowhere you just collapsed. Everyone was shocked."
"But why…?"
"You've got a really bad fever," Claudine informs her. "You're staying home tomorrow to recover, and I'm staying with you. It's already been decided."
At first Maya looks as though she might protest. But then, after a moment of actually feeling her body's condition, all the sweat on her skin and aches in her muscles, she relents.
"I see…" She sighs and closes her eyes again briefly before looking back up at her. "At the very least… I am glad I will have you by my side, Saijou-san."
"Of course." Claudine nearly forgets where they are for a second and almost leans in to kiss her from sheer relief alone. But before she can, the nurse comes over, wearing a smile.
"Tendo-san, I'm glad you're awake."
She goes on to tell Maya about her current state and what she must do in order to get better as soon as possible. She hands Claudine a few bottles of medicine, which Claudine tucks into her school bag. And though the nurse offers to let Maya stay the night here in the infirmary, Maya expresses she would feel much more comfortable in her own room.
Therefore, with Claudine's assistance, Maya gets up out of bed. Claudine is startled by how much of Maya's weight she needs to support - nearly all of it. But she doesn't sway so much as an inch, keeping a firm hold across her partner's back.
With Maya slouched against one side, and both their bags hanging off her other shoulder, Claudine takes her time, and the nurse flanks Maya's other side.
Unwilling to let the two girls walk all the way back to Starlight Hall in such a state, the nurse accompanies them back on a small bus, and then as far as the hallway where Maya's bedroom is located. Claudine and Maya thank her for her help before the nurse ultimately takes her leave.
By now, the few girls who had gathered in the hallway have scampered off, pretending not to see Maya in her current state, out of respect. Claudine guides Maya to her room, step by step, pausing frequently to let her rest. She's already gotten so exhausted and sweaty again from all the movement and the bus ride here. Claudine fears Maya might collapse to her knees again before she can even make it to her room. She can tell Maya is pushing herself to make it, and she's started to pant from the effort. Claudine brings them to a stop, encouraging Maya to lean against her more.
"Easy," she murmurs. "There's no rush, Maya."
But Maya casts her a tormented look that says otherwise. There is a rush, at least to her. Maya doesn't want to be seen in this poor state anymore than Claudine wants to see her like this. She feels weak and vulnerable, and she just wants to hide in the privacy of her own bedroom. Claudine understands that desperation, but she doesn't want Maya to hurt herself because of it.
Claudine offers the best reassurance she can, given the current circumstances and their position. She leans in close to press a light kiss to Maya's cheek. Maya makes a withering sound and slouches against her more.
"We're almost there," Claudine murmurs again.
In just another minute or so, they arrive at Maya's room. Claudine helps her in, then locks the door behind them. She turns on the light and drops their bags onto the floor, then helps Maya the rest of the way to her bed.
They both sit down heavily on the edge, with Maya panting from the fever and Claudine breathless from having carried her the whole way here. But Claudine recovers right away, turning to take Maya in her arms and gently lie her down onto her back.
"There," she says gently. "Now you just need to rest." She picks up Maya's legs and helps her bring them up onto the bed, then positions her a bit more comfortably, moving the pillow beneath her neck. She takes a moment to carefully remove her classmate's shoes and place them onto the floor.
Maya's eyes fall shut without a word. Her face has already become so flushed and sweaty again.
Claudine has no choice but her leave her for a moment, hurrying into the bathroom to grab some more cloths to wet them. She returns to Maya's bedside to wipe her down again.
The nurse had dressed her in a tank-top blouse and shorts to help keep her as cool as possible, so Claudine runs the cloth over every inch of Maya's skin that she can. When she's finished, she hurries back to retrieve their bags, pulling out the water bottles they'd had with them for lessons and placing them on the night stand. She takes out the medicine too and reads over the instructions. When she knows what she needs to do, Claudine carefully touches Maya's shoulder.
"Maya…?" She speaks softly, knowing that loud noises might aggravate her. It's very clear she's suffering from a pounding headache at the moment. Claudine places another cool cloth across her forehead and rubs gently.
After a moment, Maya slowly cracks her eyes open, tired and miserable. Claudine's heart hurts to see her like this.
"Hey," she murmurs even more softly. "Do you think you can drink something? You really should."
Maya flinches, but nods.
Claudine braces an arm beneath her back as Maya prepares to push herself up. Claudine moves the pillows with her, having her lean back against them and the headboard. The cloth falls from Maya's forehead, so Claudine gently replaces it before picking up one of the water bottles. She hands it to Maya and sits beside her, keeping her arm steady as she drinks.
Maya finishes the whole bottle, so Claudine hands her the other one, which she drains halfway as well. Claudine is glad she'd at least gotten some water back into her body after all the sweating she'd done.
"All right," she says. "What about food? You need to take this medicine with something."
At the mention of food, the Tendo Maya who is known for her nearly-indiscriminate and insatiable appetite deflates. It's the most unnatural sight Claudine has ever seen. Maya shakes her head.
"I'm sorry… I don't think I can…"
Claudine shakes her head.
This is all wrong. Horribly wrong. Tendo Maya should be starving right now. She doesn't want to force her, but she really wants her to eat something so she can at least take the medicine.
"Anything," Claudine begs her. "Even just something small. What about just a bit of baumkuchen?"
Maya's eyes almost sparkle. Almost. But before they can, the light dies away.
"No… I wouldn't want to associate baumkuchen with thoughts of this awful sickness…"
It is, without a doubt, the most depressing thing Claudine has ever seen. Her heart actually hurts to hear Maya say such a thing.
"Okay," she says. "Then what about just some fruit? Something light? Or if solids are too much, how about some yogurt? It'll be nice and cool."
Maya is absolutely miserable by the notion of rejecting baumkuchen, but she manages a small nod. Claudine smiles briefly, cradling a hand to the back of Maya's head and kissing her hair.
"All right, then. I'll be back as soon as I can." She bends down for their bags, reaching into Maya's to get her cell phone and hand it to her, while placing her own into her skirt pocket. "If you need anything, text me and I'll be back sooner than you can think my name."
Claudine leaves the phone in Maya's lap. Maya blinks down at it as though she doesn't recognize it. She's so out-of-it, so confused and fuzzy and so unlike herself that it really unsettles Claudine. She's worried about leaving her alone, even for just a few minutes. She fears Maya might sway or fall out of bed sitting up like this. So Claudine helps lie her back down again, placing her cell phone right at Maya's fingertips.
"Close your eyes," Claudine wills her, adjusting the cloth on her forehead once again. She leans down to kiss her cheek, combing her nails back through Maya's hair, which is wet with sweat and droplets of water. Maya's only response is a small moan as her eyelids close.
Claudine waits an anxious moment, making sure she'll stay put before she dashes out the door. She's so worried that it fuels her with adrenaline. Nothing like this has ever happened before. Maya's never been like this, and it's making her so restless with concern.
When Claudine reaches the lounge, all of her other friends are there. Everyone looks up in surprise and starts asking questions. Claudine breathlessly explains everything she can about Maya, about what the nurse said, about how she'll need to stay home tomorrow, about her fever and the medicine and how she won't even eat bamukchen…
"Water-" Claudine mutters, briskly heading for the kitchen area. "I need to get her some more water-"
Her friends all watch her, baffled and worried. But before Claudine can reach the fridge, Nana hurries forward to intercept her.
"Kuro-chan!"
Claudine stops when a pair of warm arms circles around her. Nana pulls her into a big, tight hug, squeezing her and patting her back.
"Kuro-chan, it's okay! Calm down and take a breath!"
Only then does Claudine feel a warm wetness running down her cheeks. The tears she'd been holding back since the moment Maya had collapsed now all flood out at once. When the others notice she's started to cry, they all yelp.
"K-Kuro-?"
"Kuro-chan?!"
"Are you okay?"
"What's the matter?"
But it's clear enough. Every one of them is worried about Maya, but none more so than Claudine. She's been the one most stressed about it all day long, and the one closest to Maya in general. Of course she'd be this upset to see Maya in such a state.
Mahiru scurries over to help Nana, who guides Claudine to the couch to help her sit down for a second. Mahiru kneels down on the floor in front of her, holding one of Claudine's hands in hers.
"Kuro-chan, it's okay! You're not alone with all of this. You have us!"
"That's right!" Futaba pats a sturdy hand on Claudine's shoulder from behind. "Just tell us what ya need, Kuro. We got it."
Claudine has been so flustered and worried all this time, she'd neglected to remember all of the wonderful friends who were ready and willing to help both Maya and herself. She sniffles, and Hikari hurries over with a box of tissues for her to pull from. Claudine buries her face in one for a moment as she tries to get her bearings.
It's not like her to break down crying either, but she'd just been so worried about Maya. She's never seen her like this before - no one has. It's a little scary.
But her friends are right. She isn't alone to face it.
After drawing in a deep, shuddering breath, Claudine lifts her face once again, and her eyes and mind are much clearer now.
"Water-" she starts. "She'll need to drink a lot of water."
"Already on it!" Karen replies. She steps aside to reveal five full bottles of cold water already on the coffee table in front of Claudine. Claudine nods and breathes again.
"Then, some yogurt. She can't eat much, but-"
"Got it!" Junna says, already digging through the fridge. "She likes blueberry, right? And strawberry for you."
Claudine nods, looking around at all the rest of them, who are ready and eager to help.
"I'm going to stay with her tonight," she continues. "So I was going to stop by my room and get-"
"A change of clothes?" Kaoruko guesses. "Say no more. I'll fetch you your nightgown, Kuro-han." And with this she turns and takes off down the hall.
Claudine watches them all, and her heart beats fully. Mahiru, who is still closest to her, can't resist standing up to hug her again.
Within just a few minutes, Claudine has everything she needs in her lap. Her tears have stopped, and her heart and mind alike are clear.
"Everyone… merci." She stands up with everything in her arms, ready to return to Maya's side. "I'll take care of her and make sure she's recovered as soon as possible."
"If anyone can do it, it's you, Kuro-chan!" Karen cheers. "But don't think you have to do everything by yourself!"
"She's right," Futaba says, patting Claudine's back again. "You have us, Kuro. We want Tendo to get better, too. We'll help with anything you need us for."
"I bet," Nana says. "That you told Maya-chan to text you if she needed anything, right? Well, it's the same for you, Kuro-chan. Text us if you need help. Any time. Okay?"
Claudine draws in another deep breath, but finally manages to smile.
"Right. Thank you, everyone."
With their support given, they send her off back to Maya with their love.
Claudine hurries back down the hallway, though she isn't quite so flustered any longer now that she realizes she doesn't have to handle this all by herself. She makes it back to Maya's door and pushes inside, once again locking it behind herself.
Maya is lying in bed exactly as Claudine had left her, though she doesn't look any better. Claudine puts everything down on the bed, then turns on the lamp in favor of the main lights so as not to provoke Maya's headache.
Maya doesn't even stir at her entry, suggesting she's so preoccupied by her discomfort that she didn't even notice. Claudine sits down beside her again, exchanging the old cloth for a new one, refreshingly cold. Maya opens her eyes at the contact, though her gaze is still rather hazy. Claudine smiles gently down at her.
"Did you miss me?"
Maya tries to smile, but she's just so miserable she can't even manage to give a playful comment in return. She's still hot all over, in spite of the fact that it's summertime and the air conditioning in the dorms is on at full blast. Maya's only response is a whimper in the back of her throat, like a wounded, dying animal.
Claudine curls over her, brushing the hair away from the side and back of her neck where it'd been stuck with sweat. She presses a sweet kiss to Maya's lips. Maya moans with protest, but Claudine know it isn't that she disliked the kiss - not at all - but that she fears transferring her sickness to her. Claudine huffs.
"Please. I wish I could take this from you. I would whole-heartedly accept it."
Maya's brow furrows, and her eyes plead the contrary. She still has no will to use her voice, as if doing so might hurt her head more. Claudine is still worried, but at the very least now she'll be able to give Maya her medicine.
"Come on," she urges her. "You need to eat."
Claudine helps prop her up once again, moving very slowly as she does so. She sits with Maya and lets her rest her head on her shoulder so her headache won't get worse.
Once Maya is up, Claudine hands her the half-full bottle for her to finish, then gives her the blueberry yogurt and a spoon Junna had prepared. Claudine opens it for her, encouraging her to take a spoonful first and get the flavor on her tongue so the medicine won't taste too bitter. She pours the correct amount into the cap, then has Maya drink it down.
And Maya actually makes a face, like a little kid might when forced to drink medicine. It's cute, and in spite of herself, Claudine smiles. It's the first expression she's seen from Maya other than pain and exhaustion for hours.
Claudine sits beside her and eats her own yogurt together with Maya. Maya lets out a sigh when she finishes, and Claudine collects their garbage and puts in into the trash. She rewets another cloth and brings it back to start wiping Maya down again.
"Do you feel any better?" she wonders.
Maya, who had closed her eyes briefly to enjoy the treatment and her touch, reopens them again to look her way. She finally cracks a tiny smile, and her silver eyes which had been so dull all evening have gotten a bit of shine back in them. Claudine can read her gratitude loud and clear. She's glad Maya is doing a little better, at least.
"Just take it easy," she murmurs. "You're always pushing yourself when you're healthy. You're not allowed to do it now, got it? You take your time getting better, even if it takes longer than the nurse said."
Maya reaches out for her, the first time she'd really moved on her own all evening. Her hand is so hot and clammy as it comes to rest on Claudine's side that she can feel the heat through her clothes as though Maya had touched her directly. Claudine doesn't like how feverish she still is, but she puts that thought aside for the moment as she tries to decipher what it is Maya wants without making her say it.
Claudine leans closer, letting Maya move how she wants to. In the end, Maya rests her chin on Claudine's shoulder and lets her head lull to lean against hers. Claudine remains very still, not wanting to jostle her or cause her any more pain. She carefully brushes Maya's hair away from her back and to the side for a moment, then wipes down the nape of her neck and as much of her back as she can. Maya whines softly, but it's a sound of relief.
But Claudine doesn't want to stay too close for too long, not for fear of catching her sickness, but because she's worried her own body heat may be too much for Maya to handle when she's already overheating like this. So after a few minutes, she gently eases Maya away and back against the headboard.
By now the sun has set. Claudine leaves her for a moment to go into the bathroom to change into the nightgown Kaoruko had fetched for her. She brushes her teeth with the spare brush she kept at Maya's sink, washes her face and does everything she needs to, short of showering. She re-wets some cloths, then returns to Maya once again.
Though she's dressed in a tank top and shorts and lying still in an air-conditioned room, Maya's fever rages on. Claudine diligently sits beside her, wiping the sweat away and then drying her off as best she can. She only pauses to send a text to Nana, requesting some ice.
Not five minutes later, a knock comes at the door. Nana and Junna stand there, each with a large zip-lock baggie of crushed ice. Claudine thanks and hugs them both, though she doesn't want to let them in, because she knows Maya will be embarrassed. They understand, and once again let her know they'll do anything they can to help before taking their leave.
Claudine returns to Maya's bedside with the ice. She takes one of the larger towels and wraps it around one bag so it won't bother Maya's skin with the drastic difference in temperature.
Claudine gingerly rolls up Maya's shirt just a little and places the ice on her stomach, hoping to cool her off from her core. Immediately, Maya jolts a bit. Claudine puts a hand on her cheek.
"Maya? Is it too much?"
Maya opens her eyes and gives the slightest shake of her aching head. For the first time in hours, she utters a few words.
"No… It feels very nice…"
Claudine's eyes water with relief. Maya lets out a sigh and closes her eyes again.
Claudine leaves the other bag of ice on the nightstand for now, letting it keep the water bottles cold. She continues her task of cleaning the sweat from Maya's body, focusing mostly on her face, neck, and collar, but occasionally she manages to turn her a little onto her side and wipe her back as well. Maya makes an occasional moan, sometimes of relief and sometimes of pain.
About an hour after she'd eaten, Claudine can finally give her the headache pill. She sits her up again and has her drink it with cold water. Maya still looks dizzy overall, but Claudine wants to bring her to the bathroom before bed. She helps her to her feet, stopping every few steps across the room to let Maya lean on her more. Once she reaches the sink, Claudine cautiously lets go of her.
"Are you sure you'll be all right for a moment?"
Maya gives her a nod and an attempt at a smile. She reaches out to touch Claudine's hand and squeeze it gently. Claudine leaves her with a kiss to her temple, then waits outside.
The moment Maya is finished, Claudine is right there to bring her back to bed. Again, she has her drink, then lies her down and cools her off. She can only assume Maya has fallen asleep, because she doesn't open her eyes or make a sound for a while, then.
Claudine tidies up the room, turning off the bathroom light so it's only the bedside lamp. She brushes the backs of her nails lightly through Maya's bangs, still feeling a heat emitting from her skin. But it isn't as bad as it had been that afternoon. Maya's breathing seems to be a bit steadier too, and when Claudine rests her palm against her chest, she finds her pulse to be calmer as well. She really hopes it will be over within just a day or two.
Until midnight, Claudine sits beside her and keeps her as cool as possible. No matter how repetitive and mundane the tasks are. She can feel for herself that Maya's condition is improving, bit by bit. When the ice has melted, Claudine carefully pours the water out from the bags and onto the cloths to run them across Maya's heated skin again.
Maya sleeps all the while, though every now and again a moan or two slips free. Every time that happens, Claudine always leans down to kiss her until she's quiet again.
It's close to 2AM when Claudine feels she can't stay up much longer. She wets a few more cloths, laying one across Maya's collar and one on her forehead. Claudine kisses her cheek and then her lips before turning off the bedside lamp.
She wants to sleep beside her, but she doesn't want to risk making Maya too warm, or accidentally nudging or pushing her in a way that might make her headache worse. So Claudine slowly gets off the mattress and sits herself on the carpet to lie on her side facing the bed. But she hasn't even closed her eyes yet before she hears a soft, upset sound.
"Claudine…"
Maya calls for her, sounding so tired and lost that Claudine can't sit back up quickly enough. She scrambles back to her side, trying not to let the alarm into her tone.
"Maya…?" She touches her forehead lightly, guiding Maya to where she is. "I'm right here."
Even in the darkness and even through the haze of her fever, Maya's eyes find her with ease. She smiles.
"Claudine…"
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you think I'd gone and left you."
Maya shakes her head, then flinches and has to stop.
"I know," she murmurs. "I know you didn't…" She still sounds so unlike herself, both with her tone and her pattern of speech. Claudine can't bear it any longer. She wishes she could get better now.
"How's your fever?" she asks. "What about your head?"
Maya's hand twitches on the bed, and Claudine reaches out to hold it. Maya squeezes her fingers.
"I don't feel half as hot as I did before," she reports. "In fact, I feel the fever might be on its way out. But my head-" She whimpers again, and Claudine watches her jolt a little bit. Claudine slips her hand gently beneath Maya's head and the pillow. She can feel her head pounding, but she doesn't know what she can do.
"You already took the pill-" she frets. "You can't have another until morning at the earliest…"
"Then I will endure it."
Claudine frowns.
"You shouldn't have to. There must be something I can-"
"Claudine." Maya squeezes her hand again to stop her. "Claudine. Ma Claudine. You have done far more than enough already. You have done so much for me. I'm not sure I can ever thank you enough."
"Idiot." Now that Maya is beginning to sound just a little like her old self again, Claudine lets herself chide her back. "You don't have to do any of that. Just get better."
"Of course that would be your answer." Maya tries to smile again, but another painful beat slams through her skull. Claudine cradles her head gently and leaves a kiss on her throbbing temple.
"Is there anything I can do?" she asks dejectedly.
Maya gives a small tug on her hand.
"I would like it very much," she murmurs. "If you would sleep beside me, Claudine."
Claudine tenses, about to voice her fears about doing that. But it's Maya's only request. She can't deny her this.
So Claudine carefully climbs into bed beside her and lies herself down.
She doesn't touch her too much, worried of making her overheat. But Maya touches her instead, and Claudine is relieved to feel she really isn't half as sweltering as she had been earlier. Her body temperature is only a bit higher than normal now. It's the headache that's hurting Maya most at the moment.
Maya tries laying on her back as she has been all this while, but perhaps that centers too much weight on the same spot for too long. So she tries turning onto her side, and Claudine helps her as best she can. Maya keeps wincing and gasping softly, and then she actually yelps.
Claudine can't stay away after that. She loops her arms loosely around Maya's shoulders and peppers little kisses across her forehead. She can feel the pulsing in her temples as she kisses her and wishes she could chase it all away.
"Just rest," Claudine murmurs. "I'll be here. Rest, Maya."
Maya whimpers, lifting her arm up to drape it across Claudine's stomach. And as she nuzzles into the side of her neck, Maya is granted her first moment of relief in hours.
When she rests her head just right on Claudine's chest, she can feel the beat of her heart. And the pulse of it somehow combats the slamming chaos in her head. Maya lets out a whine and rests more fully over her. They rhythm of Claudine's heartbeat drums in her ear, filling her head with a different, more calming beat. Its pulse cancels out the beating of the headache almost perfectly.
Claudine had heard the sound she'd made and stayed still, letting Maya move however was best for her. But when Maya doesn't move anymore, and instead stays put on top of her, Claudine lightly taps her back.
"Maya…?"
Maya hugs Claudine around her sides, letting out a long, deep sigh.
"Claudine… Ma Claudine…"
That enough lets Claudine know that Maya has found her most comfortable position.
Slowly, Claudine folds both arms across her back. She lets one hand rub circles across Maya's shoulder blades, then lets her other fingers massage softly against the back of her head. Maya whimpers and hums at her touch, and little by little the aches and pains taper off.
Maya falls deeply asleep.
Claudine can tell as much by her breathing, and she's glad for it.
She remains awake a while longer, not caring about her sleep schedule since she'll be staying here with Maya tomorrow anyway. She just holds her and kisses her for as long as she can, for as long as she's able to, until finally Claudine can't stay awake any longer.
Finally, she lets herself sleep, feeling proud and relieved that she had accomplished her task of helping Maya get better. After taking tomorrow off to recover, and then resting up a bit more on the weekend, there is no doubt in her mind that Maya will be back on her feet as though nothing had ever happened, come Monday.
But… could the same be said for Claudine herself…?
A/N: Unlike most of my previous sick fics, I decided to go for a more serious vibe this time. Sickness that really took out Maya 110%, the worst kind ever. I imagine it as you don't get sick often, but when you do it hits super hard.
But thanks to Claudine's mindfulness and caretaking, Maya should be all better soon!
And of course, poor Claudine must be next...
Please review!