based on the drabble prompt βi didnβt know it was this badβ
βHey,β A groans, head pounding and muscles throbbing. βCan you grab me another blanket?β
B makes their way toward the couch where A is already nestled beneath a throw blanket and the comforter from their bed and presses a hand to their forehead. They wince, sympathetically sucking air in through their teeth.
βi donβt think so, honey,β B says apologetically. their eyes are sad as they push a stray lock of hair from Aβs face. βYouβre even hotter now than you were this morning. I want to take your temperature again, okay?β
A sighs but sits up, the room spinning a bit as they hear B gather supplies from the other room. They return with a damp washcloth, a small pill bottle, and a digital thermometer. They press a hand to Aβs chest, gently ushering them to lean back against the cushions.
Taking Aβs face in their hand, B gently pries their jaw open and slips the thermometer beneath their tongue. βGood job,β they murmur, placing the cloth against Aβs sweaty forehead. They shudder violently, but donβt resist.
βI know, I know,β B reassures them. βI know it feels like youβre freezing, but itβll help.β
A shudders again. The wet cloth is agonizing against their skin and the thermometer in their mouth is making them nauseous. It feels like itβs taking forever to read as the probe slowly heats up beneath Aβs tongue.
Bβs eyes are locked on the numbers as they slowly ascend.
As if on cue, the thermometer sounds in loud, angry trills that pierce through Aβs throbbing skull. Though theyβve closed their eyes, flashes of red still infiltrate their field of vision with every beep.
B takes in a sharp breath as they pull the thermometer from Aβs lips, rapidly feeling their face, neck and chest in succession.
βFuck,β they mutter, tossing the thermometer to the side. A wills their eyes to focus on the reading, and it takes a moment for their body to cooperate, but eventually they see the reading glaring back at them.
βShit,β B curses again, planting a kiss on Aβs boiling temple. βI didnβt know it was this bad.β