Chapter 48

The apartment was quiet except for the faint hum of the heater and the occasional cough that escaped you. Wrapped in a blanket on the couch, tissues scattered on the coffee table, you felt miserable. Your head was heavy, your throat sore, and even the glow of the TV felt too bright.

You’d texted Dani earlier, letting her know you weren’t feeling well. She’d been at rehearsal all day with the girls, preparing for another tour stop, and you didn’t wanna bother her. Still, you missed her.

The clock ticked past nine when you heard the familiar sound of the front door unlocking.

“Y/N?” Dani’s voice called softly, careful, as if she already knew you weren’t at your best.

You groaned from the couch. “Living room.”

She appeared a moment later, hair pulled back in a messy bun, still in her rehearsal clothes – sweatpants, hoodie, sneakers. She carried a bag in one hand, her eyes immediately softening when she saw you curled up under the blanket.

“Oh, baby,” she whispered, setting the bag down and rushing over. “You look miserable.”

You gave her a weak smile. “I feel miserable.”

She crouched beside you, brushing hair from your forehead. “You’re burning up,” she murmured, frowning. “Why didn’t you tell me it was this bad?”

“I didn’t want to distract you,” you mumbled.

Her eyes narrowed playfully. “You’re my girlfriend. You’re allowed to distract me.”

You laughed weakly, coughing. Dani kissed your temple, then stood to grab the bag she bought. “I stopped by that soup place you like. Got chicken noodle and some bread. Thought it might help.”

Your chest warmed despite the fever. “You’re the best.”

She grinned. “Obviously.”

Dani set the food out, fussing over bowls and napkins, making sure you were comfortable. She handed you the soup, sitting beside you with her own bowl.

“Eat,” she ordered gently. “Doctor Dani says so.”

You rolled your eyes but obeyed, sipping the warm broth. It soothed your throat instantly, and you sighed. “Okay… maybe doctor Dani knows what she’s talking about.”

She smirked. “Told you.”

*

After Dinner, Dani cleaned up the dishes, refusing to let you lift a finger. She returned with a glass of water and more tissues, settling beside you on the couch.

“Come here,” she whispered, pulling you against her chest. You curled into her, blanket wrapped around both of you, her arms tight around your shoulders.

“You smell like rehearsal,” you teased, voice muffled against her hoodie.

She laughed. “Sweaty chic. It’s a look.”

You groaned, coughing again. Dani rubbed your back soothingly. “You’ll feel better soon. I’ve got you.”

Her voice was soft, steady, the kind of tone that made you believe her.

*

Eventually, Dani coaxed you toward the bedroom. “Come on, bed’s better. You need to rest.”

You shuffled under the covers, Dani fussing with pillows, making sure you were comfortable. She disappeared briefly, returning with medicine and a cool cloth.

“Open,” she said, holding out the pills. You obeyed, smiling weakly.

She pressed the cloth to your forehead, her touch gentle. “Better?”

You nodded. “Much.”

Dani climbed into bed beside you, pulling you into her arms again. “There. Perfect. Now you can sleep,”

You nestled against her chest, listening to her heartbeat. “You didn’t have to do all of this.”

She kissed your hair. “Of course I did. You take care of me all the time. It’s my turn.”

You smiled, eyes heavy. “You’re too good to me.”

“Not possible,” she whispered. “You deserve it.”

You sighed, coughing lightly. “Sorry I’m gross.”

Dani laughed softly. “You’re cute even when you’re sick. Don’t argue.”

You groaned. “You’re ridiculous.”

“And you love it,” she teased, kissing your forehead.

The room was quiet, the only sound Dani’s steady breathing and the occasional rustle of blankets. She rubbed your back slowly, her touch soothing, her warmth wrapping around you.

“Sleep,” she whispered. “I’ll be right here.”

Your eyes fluttered shut, exhaustion pulling you under. The last thing you felt was Dani’s arms tightening around you, her lips brushing your hair, her voice soft.

“I love you,” she murmured. “Rest, baby. I’ve got you.”

You drifted into sleep, safe in her arms, the fever fading into dreams.

Dani lay awake a little longer, watching you breathe, her heart aching with tenderness. She brushed a hair from your face, kissed your temple, and whispered again, “I’ve got you.”

For her, rehearsal could wait, chaos could wait. Tonight was about you – soup, cuddles, medicine, and love.

And she wouldn’t trade it for anything.

———-

I’m backkkk ;))))))

Boutta put out a couple chapters I’ve written. Nothing special, but I can’t leave you hanging for too long now can i 😉