And of course for the second half, we must reverse things and have Claudine catch a bad cold.
Disclaimer: I do not own Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight.
Chapter 2.
When Claudine wakes the next morning she briefly recalls that it's Friday, but the events of yesterday are still at the forefront of her mind. Remembering that she and Maya will both be taking the day off from classes to allow her partner to recover, Claudine instantly pushes herself up to look her over.
She finds Maya still asleep in bed beside her, lying on her side facing her. Claudine almost tenses with worry until she gets a good enough look at her. Maya's pallor is perfectly normal again, no longer flushed and heated. Her expression is as comfortable as ever, and her breathing is steady.
Claudine sighs with the utmost relief and gently folds her arms back around her again, pulling Maya in and leaving several small kisses in her hair. There are no traces of yesterday's fever other than Maya's understandable tiredness.
Claudine stays awake for a while, past the usual time she'd get up to prepare for classes. She stays with Maya, tracing her fingers lightly up and down her back and across her shoulders, willing her to rest as much as she needs to.
She sleeps until almost 10, which is very rare for her, even on a weekend, but it's typical since she's recovering from such an intense fever. When Claudine feels her stir, she eases back a little to let her move.
Maya opens her eyes slowly, but the second she does they are shining and filled with warmth. Her lips curve into a beautiful smile.
"Claudine…"
"Bonjour. How are you feeling, Tendo Maya?"
"I believe I've made a full recovery," Maya replies. "I feel as refreshed and energized as I would any day."
Claudine breathes out and kisses Maya's hair.
"I'm glad to hear it. But you're still taking all of today off, you hear me? Enjoy a long weekend for once. We'll get notes and things from Nana and Junna."
"Well," Maya purrs. "If what you're asking me to do is stay here in bed with you all day, Saijou Claudine, then who am I to refuse?"
Claudine rolls her eyes playfully, but then her eyes become a bit more serious. She tucks herself into Maya's neck and clings to her a bit.
"I'm just glad you're better… I don't ever want to see you like that ever again, Maya."
Maya's heart swells with affection as she pulls her close and kisses the crown of her head.
"I should hope you will never have to. Thank you for taking such good care of me, Claudine. I know I never would have recovered as swiftly as I did if not for you."
"And the medicine."
"Perhaps that helped," Maya admits. "But nothing cured me as efficiently as your presence. I'm certain of it."
For once Claudine accepts the compliment and simply pulls herself closer to Maya. She'd never realized just how much she loved being close to her like this until she'd experienced it when Maya was in poor condition. Now, Claudine appreciates her everyday health ten times more strongly.
They laze about in bed for a while, sharing little kisses and offering hugs until their rumbling stomachs become undeniable. Once they've both gotten up, it's a relief to find that Maya can stand and walk on her own without getting even a little dizzy. All of her symptoms are entirely gone.
As Maya goes into her personal bathroom, Claudine prepares to leave for her own room. When she opens Maya's door, she finds two trays full of food waiting on the floor outside, with a handwritten note addressed to both herself and to Maya, and signed by all of their friends. Claudine smiles and picks up the food before bringing it all inside.
She and Maya eat breakfast together, and Claudine is satisfied beyond words that Maya's appetite has returned full-force. She eats everything on her tray, and Claudine offers some of hers as well, and Maya sheepishly accepts.
In order to not get too rusty with an extended weekend, they spend some time stretching out a bit and then dancing around in their pajamas together, just to keep themselves on their toes with all this time off. They agree to go to school over the weekend to dance in the studio and make up for lost practice.
Since their breakfast had been more like lunch, Claudine ventures out for some more food around mid-afternoon, insisting Maya stay behind because Claudine want to surprise her. She comes back with a few healthy snacks like fruit slices, but the real treats are some fresh rolls of baumkuchen from the cafeteria, and Claudine even brings her a small bowl ice cream.
The way Maya's face lights up like a little kid's on Christmas morning nearly makes Claudine's eyes tear up. Maya smiles wide all the while as she enjoys her snacks, constantly offering some to Claudine, but she politely declines, insisting it's all in celebration for Maya getting better.
Maya enjoys herself to the fullest, and Claudine couldn't be happier to see her like this, healthier and more content than ever.
Once classes have ended for the week, their friends stop by to visit and express their relief that Maya has made a swift and full recovery.
All nine girls hang out in the lounge together for the afternoon, helping Maya and Claudine with the notes they'd missed until it's time for dinner. They all enjoy themselves together, though Maya notices Claudine doesn't finish all of her food, probably because she is so busy chatting and smiling with everyone. They have some sweets for dessert, and Maya expresses how she'd been getting spoiled with the treats today.
Since it's Friday night, everyone wants to stay up and have fun together watching movies and playing games.
But it's hardly even 9PM when Maya notes her partner is starting to look a bit drowsy. It made perfect sense; after all, Claudine had been under a great deal of stress in worrying about Maya yesterday and caring for her so religiously. Of course she would be tired by now.
Everyone comes to the mutual understanding, so when Maya offers to bring Claudine to bed, everyone wishes them goodnight and sees them off.
Maya takes her partner's hand and leads her back down the hallway to her bedroom. Claudine's pace is a bit sluggish, so Maya stays close to her.
After they've brushed their teeth and washed up for the night, Claudine heads straight for the bed and lies down. Maya turns off the lights and follows her.
Claudine curls up on her side, adjusting herself beneath the blankets. Being it's summertime and that the air conditioning is constantly on in the building, Maya can understand if she's a bit chilly, but she'd never known Claudine to mind the temperature all that much before. From what Maya can discern, she thinks the air in the room is just perfect.
Maya lies herself under the sheets as well, just so they won't be separated by the covers, but she leaves the heavier blankets off herself.
"Claudine?" she murmurs, carding a hand down through the length of her hair and over her side. "Are you feeling all right?"
"Hm?" Claudine blinks at her a bit hazily. "What are you saying? I'm fine. Just a little cold, that's all."
Maya frowns, but grabs as many of the blankets as she can before draping them over her. She pushes herself up and eases over Claudine to tuck the covers into her back a little, then lies down again to face her.
"Better?"
"…Yes."
Maya can tell right away that she's not being completely honest. She isn't sure why Claudine is suddenly feeling so cold when she'd been perfectly fine with the building's temperature all day and all evening. Maya just hopes she isn't catching a cold now. She doesn't want to consider the possibility.
So she moves closer and wraps both arms around Claudine, covering her back as much as she can and pressing Claudine to her front. Claudine hugs her in return, sighing with relief to have her warmth.
Maya arranges the blankets in layers over her partner and rubs slow circles up and down her back, all while peppering little kisses through her hair. She can already feel Claudine's hold on her loosening as she begins to fall asleep. Maya kisses her forehead before tucking Claudine back into her chest.
"Thank you, Claudine. You've done so much for me these past few days. Please rest now."
Claudine makes a tired little sound.
"Bonne…" She doesn't even get to finish the phrase before she's drifted off.
Maya stays awake and alert for a while longer, keeping her close. Claudine doesn't seem to be shivering or anything odd. Her breathing is normal, as is her pulse.
Perhaps she'd truly just been a bit chilly tonight.
Satisfied with this thought, Maya presses one last kiss into her soft blonde hair before closing her eyes and letting sleep come to her.
When Maya wakes the following morning, she doesn't open her eyes right away. She recalls the remnants of a strange dream, one she can't really piece together all that well, but she'd been aware of an odd clicking sound all throughout it.
Even now, the sound continues in the back of her head, but she soon realizes the impossibility of that since she's already conscious and the dream has ended. It's then she understands the sound had never been coming from inside her dream in the first place, but from her outside environment.
Maya slowly blinks her eyes open to find her bedroom colored by pale, early-morning light. That clicking sound is closer than she'd thought. It's the sound of chattering teeth.
Claudine is curled up in front of her in an abnormal position for this time of year in the summer. Even though she'd been covered with the blankets, her whole body is shivering harshly, and her breathing is clipped and uneven. Her voice tumbles out of her trembling lips in little gasps and moans, as though she'd traversed a raging snowstorm and can't get warm.
Maya feels a sting of alarm pass through her chest as she pushes herself up immediately, startled by her partner's condition.
"Claudine-"
Maya had felt something was wrong last night, but she'd opted to ignore it. She berates herself now for not acting on her instincts right away.
Maya pulls the blankets up over Claudine as much as she can, covering her up to her shoulders. When she reaches out to touch her forehead, Maya finds her skin is hot in contrast. Her heart sinks. Claudine must've caught her fever, though where it had made Maya feel horribly hot, it was making her feel terribly cold.
Since it's affecting Claudine differently, Maya isn't sure what she should do. She strokes her fingers gently through Claudine's bangs, cupping her cheek where her jaw is still chattering.
"Claudine..." Maya calls for her softly, leaning down to press a kiss to her sweltering skin. Claudine's response is another shuddering gasp as she finally wakes. But when she opens her eyes there are already tears filling them, the once-bright pink now dull and swirling with confusion.
"M… M-Maya-"
She's absolutely miserable, just as Maya had been. Maya wishes she could be the one to be sick a second time instead of watching Claudine suffer like this.
"Claudine… I'm so sorry. I should have acted last night when I suspected something was amiss…" Maya gently clears some hair from Claudine's face, almost flinching at the heat of her skin. Her fever was outrageous, but she was shivering so badly.
Maya isn't sure what to do for her, to keep her warm or cool. She slips her hand beneath the blankets to clasp Claudine's quivering ones.
"Claudine, please tell me what you need. Would you feel better to be kept warm or cooled off a little?"
Claudine continues shivering nonstop, but the fever is making her sweat too. Her breath remains jolted and her voice is choppy in between.
"I-I'm not sure…" She hadn't let the tears fall, but the torment is still clearly present in her gaze.
Maya understands all too well. She herself had hated feeling so helpless in her own body, so she knows Claudine's frustrations and her fears of this unfamiliarity.
But from how badly Claudine is trembling, Maya simply can't bear the thought of staying away from her right now. Every fiber of her being is screaming at Maya to hold her, so that's what she does.
Maya lies back down and slips herself beneath the sheets, opening her arms as much as she can. Claudine peeks up at her, and there's just the tiniest hint of relief in her eyes when she understands what Maya is offering to her. But Claudine is shaking so badly she can barely inch herself closer, so Maya goes to her instead.
She folds her arms around Claudine's sides and her back, slipping one knee between hers in order to press herself as close as possible. Claudine's arms come to lie weakly around her; she's shivering so much she can't even find purchase on Maya's clothes that well.
As soon as Maya pulls Claudine close, her stomach twists. She's trembling much worse than Maya had initially thought. Claudine isn't just shivering as if there was cold all around her - she's shaking as though there's ice inside of her, filling her veins and coating her bones. The shudders tear through her from the inside out, and they are ferocious, violent, enough to have her spasming.
And her poor heart. Maya can feel it jolting with every beat against her chest, pounding hard in a vain effort to contrast the warring sensations assaulting her body. It feels painful to Maya, so she can only imagine how awful it must be for Claudine herself.
She is shaking quite literally from head to toe, and the moment she is pressed flush-up against Maya's warmth, she only seems to shake harder as her body tries to adjust to the warmth. Her teeth continue chattering, and her breathing becomes harsher and harsher, labored with miserable gasps and dry sobs. Maya starts to cry almost instantly.
"Claudine… oh, Claudine…"
It's simply awful. The worst thing she's ever experienced. Infinitely worse than suffering her own fever had been.
Claudine doesn't even have the strength or willpower to put up her usual front or try to convince Maya she's all right. There isn't a trace of that defiant, determined classmate in her right now. Right now, she is just a girl, and she's horribly sick.
Maya rubs her hands up and down Claudine's back, alternating between firm, quick movements, and then slower, calmer ones.
It's her fault. Because Claudine had stayed with her and taken care of her, she'd caught Maya's sickness, and she knows it.
But she also knows there's no place for guilt right now. If Maya voiced such things, it would only make Claudine more upset, and that's the last thing Maya wants to make her feel.
Maya holds her tightly for several minutes, but no matter how closely she presses up against her, Claudine never seems to get any warmer. The shudders continue ripping through her, and the moans of her breathing don't improve in the slightest. Maya's entire chest aches, both with worry for her, and because of how hard Claudine's heart keeps beating up against her. She keeps one hand on her back and strokes the other through her hair.
"Claudine… oh, what can I do? Shh…"
She's at a complete loss. She doesn't want to leave her alone like this to shiver all by herself, but clearly Maya staying with her isn't doing much to help, either. She should go see the dormitory nurse, try to fetch her some food and medicine… But just the thought of leaving Claudine alone like this is out of the question.
But luckily, Maya isn't alone.
Though it pains her greatly to have to let Claudine go, she does so only for a moment to reach for her cell phone, then is back to looping her arms around her partner once again. Maya types out a message to her friends with one hand while she continues rubbing Claudine's back. She tells them of her condition and makes a request for someone to visit the nurse and explain things in her stead. Within seconds, a flood of responses come from everyone as they send hearts and other emojis.
"Oh no! Poor Kuro-chan! :("
"I hope she feels better soon."
"I'll go see the nurse for you, Tendo-san!"
"Shucks… make sure Kuroko doesn't push herself."
"Poor dear… Take good care of her, Tendo-han."
"Text us if you need anything else for her, Tendo-san."
"You can count on us too, Maya-chan!"
Maya is relieved to be reminded of their support. She knows they must all be desperate to come by and see Claudine right now, but they all know it would only embarrass her to be seen in such a state by more people than was necessary. Maya thanks them all for their help and support, promising to call upon them again if she needs to.
For now, it seemed like Mahiru was going to see the nurse to relay information about Claudine, so Maya leaves her phone on the bed behind her partner so she can pick it up when she needs to, then gets back to hugging her close. She cradles the back of Claudine's head, pressing several more kisses into her hair.
"Claudine… Everyone sends their love. They're all very worried about you. Please try to rest as best you can. Tell me whatever you need. Anything."
She wasn't even sure if Claudine was conscious anymore, but after Maya speaks to her, she hears a whimper of response. Claudine tries to clutch onto her more tightly.
"M…Merci…"
The fact that she'd used French is a bit of a relief for Maya. Claudine is still herself, even if she doesn't seem like it right now. Maya squeezes her tighter but then pauses, wondering if it's hurting her at all.
"Claudine? Would you prefer if I move away?" After all, her skin was still hot and feverish. Maya doesn't want to stifle her.
But at her offer to move, Claudine makes a sort of yelping sound.
"No-" she whimpers. "N-No, no… please stay, Maya… please…"
Maya's heart feels like it's about to shatter.
"Of course I will," she murmurs. "I just wasn't certain if you were feeling too hot or too cold."
"I'm not sure, either…" Claudine mumbles, her eyes still squeezed shut. "But… I know it feels better… with you…"
Maya almost starts crying again. She pulls Claudine as close as she possibly can. The innocent honesty of her words is almost debilitating for Maya, especially because she knows Claudine is speaking that way because she's so genuinely helpless.
Maya can't hold her closely enough or kiss her enough either.
Claudine continues to shudder and shake uncontrollably, and every now and then a particularly strong spasm tears through her. Maya holds her tight, willing her to be still. She can't bear this. It's truly horrible.
But what's even more horrible is when a soft knock comes on the door a while later, and Maya has no choice but to pull away from Claudine.
And Claudine wails softly, her arms reaching out for her to bring her back. Maya crumples softly over Claudine and kisses her burning forehead, caressing her cheek and her hair.
"I will be right back," Maya promises her. "Please hold on, Claudine." Maya forces herself to pull away carefully, then bundles Claudine up as best she can.
She hops off the bed and hurries across the room to the door to answer it. She must look as frantic as she feels, because Mahiru jumps at her sudden appearance.
"T-Tendo-san!" She lowers her voice right away. "How's Kuro-chan? A-And are you all right?"
Mahiru is carrying a tray in her arms, with a capped container of fruits, one of a salad, two bottles of water, and one of what Maya can only assume to be hot soup. There's a small bottle of medicine as well. Maya pauses long enough to take in a breath and composes herself as best she can.
"Yes-" she says. "I just… I have never seen Saijou-san quite like this before. Tsuyuzaki-san, it is simply awful…"
Mahiru's face becomes furrowed with concern, but she still manages a small smile.
"That's the worst, isn't it? When someone you care about is hurting and you can't do much to help… That's how Kuro-chan was the other day when you were sick, Tendo-san. She came to us for help and she was crying."
Maya blinks, and her eyes go wide. This was news to her. She hadn't known Claudine had been that upset for her as well, but considering how Maya has already shed tears this morning for her sake, she understands it very well.
"Saijou-san… I fear it's because she was taking care of me that she fell ill. Therefore, I feel responsible to look after her."
Mahiru gives a small pout.
"Hmm, I don't think Kuro-chan would approve of that, Tendo-san."
"...I believe you're right…"
Mahiru smiles again.
"But I know she's probably so relieved to have you staying by her side, Tendo-san. I'm sure you're already doing wonders for her." She offers the tray to Maya. "Please take good care of her. But call for us if you need anything. We'll come running!"
Maya accepts the tray from her with a nod. Mahiru slips her hands out from under hers and rests them over Maya's for reassurance. Maya can feel not only Mahiru's support, but the support from all of her friends as though it's a wave of fresh water washing through her. She draws in a deep breath before returning Mahiru's smile.
"Thank you, Tsuyuzaki-san. And please thank the others for me as well. I shall notify you if I need anything, and I will do my best to ensure Saijou-san is back in good health as soon as possible."
"Of course!" Mahiru gives Maya's hands one last squeeze, then takes a step back. Maya turns to retreat back into her room and closes the door.
She'd only been gone for a few minutes, but Claudine is shaking as badly as if she'd been on her own for hours. The smile Maya had been wearing for Mahiru fades away as she hurriedly places the tray of food down onto the floor for the moment. Maya climbs back in beside her partner, pulling Claudine directly back into her arms.
"I'm here," she murmurs.
Claudine shudders, but sighs with relief as she clings to her instantly. Maya rubs her back some more in an effort to warm her up. But in spite of it all, Claudine continues to shiver, her breathing continuously interrupted by the jolting throughout her body.
Maya holds her for a few minutes before she realizes she isn't doing her much good. So she gently pushes Claudine onto her back, and Maya carefully lowers her weight on top of her. Claudine's voice shakes with more whimpers as she clutches Maya's back.
Maya rests her head against the side of her neck, trying to cover every inch of her as best she can. Claudine's heartbeat thunders beneath her chest as Maya tries to share as much of her body heat as possible.
At first, this doesn't seem to be helping much, either. But gradually, after a few moments, Claudine's shaking becomes a bit less intense. The shudders become fewer and far between, and her breathing steadies just a bit. It's not much of an improvement, but it's the best Maya's gotten from her all morning.
She slides one hand behind Claudine's neck to cradle her head against the pillow, listening to the shallow little moans she keeps making. Maya turns her face and kisses her cheek.
"Shhh… It's all right, Claudine. Be still. It's all right."
"Hh… nn-" Claudine clings to her tighter. Maya can tell she wants to say something, so she eases back just as much as is necessary to be able to look at her. Claudine's face is still a bit flushed and sweaty in spite of her shivering. When she blinks her eyes back open, they're still wavering.
"Maya…"
"Yes," Maya says right away. "I am here, Claudine. What do you need? Anything."
Claudine shakes her head a tiny bit and lets out a heavy, shuddering sigh.
"I'm just… so cold…"
Maya's chest aches harder.
"I know. I'm sorry." All she can do is lay over her once more, trying to keep her as warm as possible.
Maya had felt as though she was going to burn from her fever. She'd felt so horribly sluggish and weak and uncomfortable. But Claudine is just the opposite.
Where Maya could lie still and at least get a bit of rest, Claudine's body has been constantly moving and shaking from the shivers. She hasn't gotten a single moment of stillness for hours. Perhaps she just needed to let them all out at once. But Maya is just worried she'll become exhausted from a lack of proper rest.
Maya does all she can to comfort her, and to help her calm down. In contrast to the quick, jagged shakes that run through Claudine's body, Maya touches her much more slowly and softly, hoping to ease her breathing. She keeps her own breath slow, wanting Claudine to match her.
Little by little, the shivers begin to ebb away. Maya can feel them weakening, becoming less intense. She kisses Claudine, murmuring sweet things to her to remind her how much Maya loves and cares for her.
Finally, after what seems like hours, Claudine gives one final shudder, and finally lies still. She's gasping, as though she'd been running all this time, because the shaking had worn her out that much. Her heartbeat is still a bit rapid for a few minutes, but soon Maya feels it beginning to slow. She eases back a little, slipping one hand between their bodies to trace circles over Claudine's chest, pressing more and more kisses to her heated forehead all the while.
"It's all right," she murmurs. "Just rest. Breathe."
Claudine is still conscious enough to listen, and she does her best to do as Maya says. Maya is relieved the shivers have stopped, but now she's worried her weight is too much for Claudine. Slowly, she moves off of her, unsure of how hot or cold she might be feeling now, so she only pulls up half the blankets over her.
Claudine lies with her eyes closed for a few minutes, still getting her breath back. She's started to wheeze a little, and Maya knows her throat must be so dry. Maya sits up beside her, rubbing her hand over Claudine's chest and stomach until her condition has improved a bit more. By then, Maya calls out for her softly.
"Claudine…?"
She must've just barely still been awake, because her eyelashes flutter again. Her eyes are still extremely tired, but there is a light in them.
"Maya…"
Maya smiles and leans down to hold a tender kiss to the bridge of her nose.
"I know you're very tired. But do you think you could eat something for me? Or at least drink some water?"
Claudine swallows, and it must hurt because she makes a face. But her eyes get a familiar spark of determination in them.
"I can't promise anything… but I'll try."
Maya lets out a sigh, grateful that she's sounding a bit more like her old self. Claudine begins pushing herself up, and Maya quickly moves to assist her. She sets up the pillows against the headboard and helps Claudine lean back. Once she's up, Claudine pulls the blankets into her lap. Maya rubs a hand up and down her arm.
"Are you still cold?"
"Not as much," Claudine admits. "But a little…"
"Even so, please try to drink some water."
Claudine nods. She's clearly still drowsy and exhausted, but she's more awake than she has been since yesterday.
Maya climbs out of the bed to retrieve the tray, bringing it back with her. She hands Claudine one of the water bottles, helping her hold it when her arms quiver a little. Maya supports her back and her grip on the bottle as she drinks. She doesn't miss it when another shiver runs through her, even though the water is room temperature. Claudine drinks all she can, then huddles back against the pillow, pulling her knees and the blankets to her chest. Maya folds her arms around her in a soft embrace. Claudine sighs, leaning into her a little with a soft whisper of thanks.
Once she's able to, Maya holds the tray between them and takes the lid off the soup. It's still very warm, but Maya doesn't want Claudine to shiver and end up spilling it and burning herself. Therefore Maya picks up the spoon and dunks it in before offering it to her.
In spite of her situation, Claudine seems to blush a bit more than the fever calls for. But she says nothing as she leans forward to sip at the soup. The heat must do wonders for her body which has been shivering and feeling so cold all day, because Claudine audibly whimpers with relief once she's swallowed. Maya can't help but crack a tiny smile.
"Is it to your liking?"
Claudine nods.
"It's perfect. But do you really have to feed me?"
"Yes. Absolutely."
Claudine sighs, but makes no further protest.
Maya wraps an arm around her shoulders, then continues feeding her the soup. She knows the sickness is making Claudine feel cold, but in truth she has a fever and her body is actually quite warm. Maya is mindful of that, not wanting to accidentally overheat her.
She feeds Claudine half the soup, then offers her the solid foods, but Claudine declines, unsure of her stomach. So Maya eats the fruits and salad herself, drinking the untouched water while Claudine finishes hers. After that, Claudine finishes her soup, and Maya puts everything back down onto the floor. Claudine leans back against the pillows, though now she pulls the blankets off of herself.
"Are you still cold?" Maya asks, feeling her forehead.
"No… Now I'm hot…"
Maya's hand had already confirmed as much. Claudine's face is a bit pink and still covered in sweat, though she believes this is a bit more normal for a fever. Even so, Maya doesn't want her to suffer anymore. She sits with her for a moment, running her hand lightly over Claudine's stomach in hopes to sooth her. But soon, Claudine starts to moan again.
"I want to shower…"
Maya frowns. She doesn't want Claudine to get dizzy from the heat of a shower and end up collapsing. So she offers an alternative.
"Perhaps a bath?"
Claudine huffs under her breath. But she must not trust herself enough to stand for long either, because she ultimately agrees.
After helping her up out of bed, Maya keeps near to Claudine as she hobbles to her dresser to pull out a clean nightgown before they continue on to the bathroom.
At the very least, Claudine doesn't seem quite as dizzy as she'd been before, but Maya still wants to be cautious. She stays with her and fills the bath until Claudine makes a pointed grunt, clearly intent on disrobing. Maya dips her head respectfully and steps toward the door.
"Please call if you require any assistance."
"I will. But don't hold your breath."
Maya exits, wandering back to the bed to smooth it out a little and to collect the wash cloths and water bottles and rearrange them more neatly on the night stand. She also takes the tray of finished food and places it outside in the hallway to take care of later. She busies herself with these tasks for about ten minutes, at which point she returns to the bathroom door to knock softly.
"Claudine? Is everything all right?"
"I'm just fine," comes the response.
Maya relaxes a little.
"Shall I wash your back for you?"
There's a pause as Claudine considers, then a faint sloshing of water as she sinks deeper into it.
"Fine…"
Not wanting to appear too eager, Maya pushes through the door slowly and enters.
Claudine is up to her chin in white, bubbly water. Her face is flushed pink, but it's different from the fever this time. Maya pulls up a small stool and sits behind her. Claudine crosses her arms over her chest as she sits up a little and leans forward very slightly away from the edge of the tub.
They'd done this sort of thing for one another a million times before in the communal baths, but evidently having Maya do it in her own personal bathroom made it a bit different.
Maya reaches for the pink body sponge on the side of the tub, pouring on a bit of soap and dunking it into the lukewarm water. Claudine pulls her hair over one shoulder to clear her back as Maya gets started scrubbing gently between her shoulders. Claudine remains stiff, much more so than she normally would be when they'd do this in front of their classmates. Maya has to remind herself that Claudine is still sick and try not to enjoy how cute she's being.
"Is the water a good temperature for you?" she wonders. "How is your fever?"
"Still hot," Claudine mumbles. "But better. The bath is helping."
"I'm glad."
Maya rubs the back of her neck before traveling lower, rolling up her sleeves before dipping her hands into the water to wash the middle of Claudine's back and her sides. Maya doesn't miss it when she shivers a few more times from her skin meeting the raw air.
She glides her free hand through Claudine's hair before gently having her lean back a little. Claudine hugs herself a bit tighter, but follows Maya's coaxings until she's leaned back enough. In turn, Maya leans forward and wraps her arms around her from behind, very lightly and loosely, but still just enough to share her warmth. Claudine huffs softy.
"Idiot. You're going to get your clothes wet."
"A small price to pay."
Maya turns her face until she can press a small kiss to Claudine's cheek. Claudine stays in her embrace for a moment longer, until Maya can feel her heart starting to flutter with embarrassment. Not wanting to make her even dizzier than the heat of the bath and the fever have already made her, Maya withdraws.
She tends to Claudine's hair for her, lathering in the fruit-scented shampoo well enough until Claudine is ready to dunk her head under to rinse it out. After that, Maya leaves her for a few more minutes so Claudine can get herself out and get changed.
But the idea of using the hair dryer and its blasting heat obviously didn't appeal to Claudine, because when Maya finally goes back in to fetch her, Claudine is padding the towel through her hair over and over to dry it. Maya comes to help her, easing as much water out as she can while still making sure not to tug or pull.
When she's done all she can, she pulls Claudine back into another embrace. And Claudine can't resist pressing into her as more little shivers break out across her body. Maya runs her arms up and down her back to generate some more warmth, unsure of whether she's feeling hot or cold.
"Claudine?"
"I'm fine," she mutters. "Just tired. Which is annoying, cuz I haven't even done anything all day…"
"You're sick. It is only natural."
Maya can sense Claudine is nearly asleep on her feet already, so she bends down to scoop her up into her arms. Claudine makes a soft yelp of surprise, but doesn't protest. In fact, she wraps her arms around Maya's neck and buries her face into her shoulder.
Maya kisses the top of her head and carries her back out into the main room, and then to bed. She lies her down, asking with her eyes what to do about the blankets. Claudine sighs and shakes her head.
"Using them is too hot, but not using them is too cold…"
Maya frowns.
"So then, what do you propose we do?"
Claudine huffs again, but a shiver runs through her at the same time, and the breath trembles as it leaves her lips. She lifts her arms up slightly and gives Maya a flustered, yet compelling look.
"Come here…"
Maya blinks, her heart soaring with delight.
"Pardon?"
Claudine sighs and shudders again, looking away bashfully.
"You're all I need, Maya…"
Had Claudine not been so sick and weak, Maya definitely would've pounced directly on top of her without restraint and ravished her with the most tender affection. But as things are, she controls herself as best she can.
Maya sinks down onto the mattress beside Claudine and pulls her into her arms, letting Claudine adjust to her body heat. She continues to shiver for a few moments as her body works the chills out. Maya rubs all along her back for comfort, humming softly and leaving many kisses behind in her hair and across her forehead.
She's relieved to find Claudine is no longer burning up so badly, nor is she breathing terribly hard. Her heartbeat still remains a bit quick, but as the moments pass and her shivers die away, her pulse also finally begins to settle. Maya gives her a little squeeze, carding back through her hair as she kisses her cheek.
"Claudine…?"
Claudine responds by hugging her torso more, inching closer and tucking herself against Maya's neck.
"I'm fine. I feel leagues better already. Honestly, I do. It should be gone by tomorrow like yours was."
"Thank goodness." Maya peppers a few soft kisses along her hairline. "It was agony to see you like that."
"Now you know how I felt," Claudine mutters. "It was horrible. I've never seen you like that…"
"It was the same for me," Maya agrees. "Hopefully we shall never have to experience something like this ever again."
"If you do," Claudine grunts. "You better call for me so I can help you. And you'd better come help me, too."
"In a heartbeat." Maya answers as such and dips her head down to hold a kiss to Claudine's chest, feeling a few faint beats of her pulse beneath her lips. Claudine hugs her close, kissing her head in return.
"Merci," she breathes. "I'm glad you were with me, Maya."
"The pleasure was all mine." Maya kisses her collar once more before easing back and returning to Claudine's face to kiss her forehead and her nose. When Maya makes a move for her lips, Claudine pulls away just a little, pursing her mouth.
"Do you want to catch this from me and start all over again?"
Maya considers it for a second.
"I've just recovered myself, so I should be immune."
"You'd better be…"
Claudine sighs, but nonetheless leans back in to meet Maya for the kiss. Then, clearly exhausted from her ordeal of being sick, she falls asleep in the middle of it. Maya chuckles against her lips, then carefully eases away, cupping the side of her head to lie Claudine down on the pillow.
Maya brings her close, listening to her breathing and feeling for her pulse, satisfied to find them both regular. She leaves one more light kiss on her lips before closing her eyes as well and curling up close.
Come evening, Claudine will be right as rain, and the two of them will join their friends for supper. Tomorrow they can both rest and ensure they've made their full recoveries before returning to classes on Monday.
She smiles to think about all of this, which will happen at a later time.
But for now, Maya simply enjoys the present, nuzzling close to Claudine and falling asleep with her.
They'd each seen sides of one another they've never seen before, and helped each other through the worst discomforts.
And in sharing vulnerabilities and trusting each other with them, they have grown undeniably and warmly closer than ever before.
A/N: And there we have it. Just another sick fic of them being soft and tender. I hope you enjoyed!
Please review!