10_hurt_comfort Fic: "Not Amused", G, Bridge/Sky luff
Title: Not Amused
Author: shurifanstuffs
Fandom & Pairing Power Rangers S.P.D., Bridge/Sky
Prompt: #1 Flu/Cold
Rating: G
Summary: The day before the Rangers are going to spend the day at an amusement park, Bridge is laid flat by a sudden bout of the flu.
Notes: I MAY OR MAY NOT have shamelessly ripped off borrowed the basic idea behind this plot from an episode of Azumanga Daioh.
Bridge should have known better than to wonder what could possibly go wrong with the way the Rangers were going to spend their day off.
It was close to Z's birthday, and after a lot of prodding from her teammates about what she wanted to do, she admitted that she'd wanted to visit Techland, the theme park that had recently opened on the outskirts of Newtech City. All of the others, even Sky, agreed that this sounded like a fun idea, so they had all arranged to have off that day, planning to go to the park then take Z out to dinner. It seemed like the perfect plan- the weather was going to be nice, Gruumm and Broodwing had both been quiet for several days, and there seemed to be no other crises at S.P.D. Earth to attend to.
However, the day before they were set to go, Bridge woke up feeling sluggish, as though he'd slept badly- even though knew he hadn't- and thought he felt a little bit of pain at the back of his throat. Trying to ignore it, and the pressure in his sinuses that signaled that it was only going to get worse, he attempted to go about his day like normal.
At noon, though, the coughing started. One or two little ones at first, nothing anybody else would notice... then more coughing, longer and louder, making his throat feel worse.
The sneezes started pretty soon after that.
By 2 o'clock, Jack and Z were shooting him concerned looks across Delta Command as he pushed onward with his work, blowing his now-streaming nose on his handkerchief as discreetly as possible.
He'd still be okay to go to Techland, he insisted to himself, sniffling. Even though the sluggishness had also gotten worse as the day wore on, making him type slower and slower at his computer console, taking two times as long to do simple tasks that he'd done a million times before, because he had even more trouble focusing than usual...
He jumped when he felt someone's hand placed on his forehead.
"You are burning up," Kat informed him. "Go lie down."
"I'm fi- fi-" Bridge covered his mouth when he sneezed again. "Fine, Kat," he finished.
"I'm sure," she said sarcastically. "Humor me and go take a nap, though, won't you? If you're fine after that, I won't bother you, but if you aren't better, then go to the infirmary."
"But what about my duties?" he asked, hastily wiping his nose again. His voice sounded weak and croaky. "I'm not done with my data input for today-"
"I'll get someone to cover for you." Bridge turned to frown at her. "Pouting at me isn't going to make me change my mind, Bridge. Lie down, or I'll get the Commander to order you to. If you are sick, you need to be taking care of yourself- and not be spreading it to the whole base, either."
"Yes, ma'am," said Bridge, disappointed (though knowing she had a point), and got out of his chair to plod back toward his dorm room, finally abandoning his vain hope that he was not really sick. Just his luck... he was very rarely ill, and it had to happen right before an awesome day with his friends. On the way to his room, he bumped into his teammate and boyfriend Sky.
"I was just looking for you... man, you look awful," Sky said, his face full of concern, taking one of Bridge's hands in his own. "I guess you won't be up for going out for Chinese when we're both off later, huh?"
"Wish I could," Bridge mumbled. "Kat thinks I've got a fever, so I'm going to go rest."
"Uh-oh," Sky said quietly. "I'll let you go, then. Hope you feel better."
"Thanks," Bridge replied, squeezing Sky's hand then setting back off. Upon reaching his bedroom, he set down his blaster and morpher on his nightstand, kicked off his shoes, and took his jacket off, as he felt awfully hot. He lay down on his side on his green bunk, staring at the other side of the room though heavy eyelids. It was supposed to be Sky's half, but they'd gotten so careless with their stuff, it mixed freely... they slept in the same bed usually...
...one of Bridge's jackets was on Sky's desk chair, he'd have to get it later...
...Sky had left his copy of the handbook on top of Bridge's toaster...
...toast... would be good right now...
easy on his stomach... which was growling... no lunch... felt too sick...
toasted handbook?
Bridge giggled aloud at the idea of a toasted handbook, just as a thermometer was taken out of his mouth. What was Dr. Felix doing in his room...?
"100.8," he said to Sky, shaking his head. "There is no way that he'll be up for going to that amusement park tomorrow. Make sure he takes this medicine when he's more awake and that he stays in bed the rest of the day; send him to the infirmary if he seems to be getting worse."
"I will. Thanks, Dr. Felix."
"No problem. You know where to find me." Bridge giggled again as the doors slid shut behind Dr. Felix, smiling up at Sky.
"You better find your handbook, it might get burned," he said. This was very important to tell him. Sky always seemed to have his handbook nearby, but it was on the toaster, and if it slid down inside, and the sensor activated... "You can't read it if it's crispy." Sky gave Bridge a strange look before turning to look at the toaster attached to Bridge's computer, taking the book and setting it safely on the desk instead. "Good. Real good."
"I'll give you your medicine," Sky said, picking up the bottle and spoon that Dr. Felix had left. "Because you are completely out of it, even by your usual standard."
"I'm IN it," Bridge insisted, opening his mouth and allowing Sky to spoon something nasty-tasting inside, which made him cough soon after swallowing. "Gotta be. Going to Techland tomorrow..." Sky merely sighed in return, leaving the room and re-entering a few minutes later, carrying big bottles of water and orange juice. He looked sad, and Bridge couldn't understand why... he felt perfectly OK, after all.
"Drink, alright? You need to keep hydrated."
"Hy... drated," Bridge repeated. "Like the Hydro Hog ride I read about on the Techland web site... looks like it's really fun, and you get soaked... can't wait to ride it..." He snorted with laughter when he got a mental image of a pig on a surfboard, a real Hydro Hog...
but pigs couldn't surf... surf...
he'd have to remember to bring his bathing suit to Techland...
he wondered what else...
Something cool and soothing was placed on his forehead.
"Hmmm?" he wondered, looking up at Sky, who leaned in to lightly kiss his fevered cheek.
"Just don't move, alright? It's an ice pack. You're sweating like crazy, this might cool you down a little."
"You're the best boyfriend ever," Bridge said happily, closing his eyes again... images running through his mind...
crowds of people... could almost experience the smells, sights, sounds...
He shivered. He was so cold. But he was soon warm again when someone wrapped him in his green blanket...
He sat up, sneezed, and blinked hard, looking around. It was morning, and the other bed was empty... Bridge's heart sank. The others had probably already left, he thought. He wished they'd at least have come in and said goodbye...
The door then opened, and he smiled when he saw that it was his friends, all dressed in civilian clothing. They were accompanied by R.I.C., who trotted into the room and sat down at the foot of his bed.
"Morning," he croaked at them, reaching for a tissue to blow his nose.
"Same to you," said Sky, setting a fresh bottle of water on his nightstand. "Feeling any better?"
"Not much," Bridge admitted.
"I'm sorry you can't come with us," said Z, and she looked it. "I know how much you were looking forward to it."
"Maybe next time," said Bridge. "You guys better get going, I don't want to make all of you sick, either."
"No worries," said Syd, walking forward and tucking a large stuffed elephant next to him. "Here, Peanuts will keep you company all day."
"We'll bring you a souvenir," said Jack, patting his shoulder. "Maybe a doggie bag, too."
"Get some rest," said Sky, helping Bridge take another dose of medicine before leaning in for a hug. "Kat's going to come check on you every now and then, and R.I.C. will be here too."
"Thanks, guys," said Bridge, squeezing Peanuts. "I'll be alright. Have a great time." All of his friends smiled at him before leaving the room; as soon as they were gone, he sighed, as he couldn't help but feel jealous. R.I.C. got up and came over to his side, placing his front paws on the edge of the bed and peering at him, whining. Bridge reached over to pet him. "I'm fine, R.I.C. Just wishing I could've left with them, is all." The robot dog nuzzled his hand before returning to the floor, lying down at his bedside and wagging his tail. Bridge took a drink of water, blew his nose again, stared at Sky's side of the room, then turned over on his other side, trying to get comfortable. He felt less groggy than he did yesterday, but somehow that made it much harder to sleep. He finally closed his eyes and drifted off when the medicine began to take effect, and he imagined where his friends were right now... probably still on the bus, as it was a long ride out there...
...then he had to giggle when he got a mental image of Jack and Z trying to persuade Sky to get on the biggest and scariest roller coaster in the place... Sky protesting that he didn't see the fun in getting jerked around, dizzy and sick to his stomach... began to image what else they would do while they were there...
...and the others on bumper cars, slamming into each other...
Sky in his bathing suit at Techland's water park... what a nice image...
Someone was shaking him awake, and he turned over onto his back to peer blearily at Kat, who promptly stuck a thermometer in his mouth; he sat up and waited patiently while it took his temperature.
"Your fever's gone down," she said, peering at it. "You should be feeling a lot better by tomorrow, hopefully." Bridge coughed in response, reaching for his water. "Can I get you anything? Eating something might help, if you think you can hold it down."
"Toast, please," said Bridge, and Kat complied, disappearing into the rec room and returning minutes later with a stack of toast on a plate, which she set on his nightstand. "Thanks, Kat."
"Any time," she smiled. "I have to get back to work... send R.I.C. if you need anything."
"Sure," said Bridge, plopping back down and rearranging the covers and Peanuts, and she left the room. Bridge took a few bites of toast, forcing himself to eat slowly even though he was very hungry, and said conversationally to R.I.C., "I wonder how many new stuffed animals Syd's going to come home with? I'm sure she'll sweet-talk Sky or Jack into winning some for her." R.I.C. thumped his tail on the floor, and Bridge imagined he was planning how best to steal them for his own new chew toys. When he was done with his toast, Bridge took another gulp of water and settled back onto his bunk, drifting off a bit more easily now, his dreams filled with happy images of his friends having fun.
Bridge next awoke with his bedroom full of dusky sunlight. He swung his legs around and sat up on the edge of the bed, stretching. He still felt congested and a little feverish, but on the whole, he did seem to be getting better. He then grinned as he heard voices out in the hallway, and the door to his room opened to reveal Jack, Z and Syd, all chattering excitedly. Sky brought up the rear a short time after, looking grumpy, as he was dragging the biggest stuffed unicorn Bridge had ever seen behind him.
"How was it?" he asked, and Jack and the girls all launched into descriptions of their day at once.
"It was huge! We're going to have to come back just to do everything we didn't get to. So much fun, though..."
"You would have loved The Hero, that's the big roller coaster we saw on the web site..."
"...it left you really sick because of all the corkscrews, and Z and I rode it three times..."
"...surprised we didn't throw up..."
"And these little flying carts painted like eagles... it's got nothing on riding a Zord, but it has its own charm..."
"The carousel was cute, too! It was massive and had every sort of animal you could imagine on it." Syd leaned in and whispered to Bridge, "We somehow managed to get Sky to ride the chicken and flap like one the whole time he rode it. We have blackmail photos to prove it."
"Hey! You promised you weren't going to tell him that!" said Sky indignantly. "It's the whole reason I blew $10 on that game of chance to win you this stupid unicorn!"
"I lied," said Syd, seizing the large pink stuffed animal and running out of the room before Sky could catch her. He shook his head and plopped down on his own bed, looking sour.
"I'm glad you guys had fun," said Bridge sincerely.
"Yeah," said Z, ruffling his hair. "It would've been 10 times better with you there, though."
"You look like you're feeling a lot more like yourself, at least," said Jack. "No doggie bag, unfortunately; we were all pretty hungry, so we ate like maniacs at the buffet we went to. We were going to stop and pick up a pizza for you, but we weren't sure if you could handle eating it."
"Yeah, good idea," said Bridge, patting his stomach. "I'll take a raincheck."
"Sounds good. Well, I'm exhausted, so I'm going to hit the sack," said Z, giving Bridge a big hug.
"Yeah, better let you keep resting," Jack nodded. "Sky, are you gonna sleep in my room again?"
"That's probably a good idea," said Sky grudgingly. "No offense, Bridge, but I don't want to get whatever it is you have."
"None taken," said Bridge. "I don't want you to get sick either."
"Oh! I almost forgot," said Z, fishing in the pocket of her jeans and pulling out a small toy robot. "Here, we bought this for you."
"Awww, thanks," said Bridge, peering happily at it when she placed it into his cupped hands.
"You're welcome," she smiled. "OK, we'll leave you alone now. See you tomorrow."
"Later," he said, giving a small wave; she and Jack left, but Sky lingered, hovering next to Bridge's bedside and holding his hand. "Go on and get to bed if you're tired," Bridge told him. "All I've been doing all day is sleeping, anyway. Kat said that my fever's gone down and I'll probably be better by tomorrow."
"Alright," said Sky reluctantly, going over to his closet and getting out fresh clothes for the next day. "See you. I love you..."
"Love you, too," said Bridge softly. As soon as Sky was gone, Bridge set the little robot on his nightstand then swallowed another dose of his medicine, drifting back off to sleep at once...
Morning. Bridge lay on his back and stretched without opening his eyes; true to Kat's prediction, he did feel a lot better, though still not 100%. Once he felt fully awake, he got up and changed into a fresh shirt and pair of pants, as he was still dressed in what he was wearing when he'd first gone to bed, then went to the infirmary. Dr. Felix proclaimed his fever to be gone, but still recommended that he spend the whole day resting and not try to return to work, which Bridge agreed with. He came back to return to his room, to find Sky sitting at the counter next to the synthesizer in the otherwise-empty rec room, eating breakfast. He grinned and went to sit across from his boyfriend, the two holding hands across the countertop.
"Hey," said Sky. "Sleep well?"
"Yeah," Bridge nodded. "I still need to rest, but I'll be ready to go back to work tomorrow, thankfully. As bad as I felt, I still hate lying around-" He stopped short when Sky suddenly covered his mouth and sneezed loudly. "Bless you." His face then fell. "...Don't tell me I made you sick?!"
"It's nothing," Sky protested. "Don't get all worked up over one sneeze."
"Alright," said Bridge dubiously.
However, by the afternoon, it was quite obvious that Sky was now the one feeling under the weather, with the same symptoms as Bridge- fever, a sore throat, and coughing and sneezing. The others, understandably wary of catching it from both of them now, gave Bridge and Sky's room a wide berth. Bridge helped Sky into his pajamas, then into bed, ignoring his protests.
"You're the one that needs to rest now," said Bridge, kissing his forehead. "I'll take care of you, alright? You cared for me as much as you could, it's time to return the favor."
"Fine, fine," Sky grumped. "Let's just keep our fingers crossed that we don't keep giving this to each other."
"I'll make sure of it," said Bridge confidently. "And when we're both better, we'll go to Techland."
"Alright, it's a date," Sky said. "...Night, Bridge."
"Good night."
(Crossposted to 10_hurt_comfort)
Author: shurifanstuffs
Fandom & Pairing Power Rangers S.P.D., Bridge/Sky
Prompt: #1 Flu/Cold
Rating: G
Summary: The day before the Rangers are going to spend the day at an amusement park, Bridge is laid flat by a sudden bout of the flu.
Notes: I MAY OR MAY NOT have shamelessly ripped off borrowed the basic idea behind this plot from an episode of Azumanga Daioh.
Bridge should have known better than to wonder what could possibly go wrong with the way the Rangers were going to spend their day off.
It was close to Z's birthday, and after a lot of prodding from her teammates about what she wanted to do, she admitted that she'd wanted to visit Techland, the theme park that had recently opened on the outskirts of Newtech City. All of the others, even Sky, agreed that this sounded like a fun idea, so they had all arranged to have off that day, planning to go to the park then take Z out to dinner. It seemed like the perfect plan- the weather was going to be nice, Gruumm and Broodwing had both been quiet for several days, and there seemed to be no other crises at S.P.D. Earth to attend to.
However, the day before they were set to go, Bridge woke up feeling sluggish, as though he'd slept badly- even though knew he hadn't- and thought he felt a little bit of pain at the back of his throat. Trying to ignore it, and the pressure in his sinuses that signaled that it was only going to get worse, he attempted to go about his day like normal.
At noon, though, the coughing started. One or two little ones at first, nothing anybody else would notice... then more coughing, longer and louder, making his throat feel worse.
The sneezes started pretty soon after that.
By 2 o'clock, Jack and Z were shooting him concerned looks across Delta Command as he pushed onward with his work, blowing his now-streaming nose on his handkerchief as discreetly as possible.
He'd still be okay to go to Techland, he insisted to himself, sniffling. Even though the sluggishness had also gotten worse as the day wore on, making him type slower and slower at his computer console, taking two times as long to do simple tasks that he'd done a million times before, because he had even more trouble focusing than usual...
He jumped when he felt someone's hand placed on his forehead.
"You are burning up," Kat informed him. "Go lie down."
"I'm fi- fi-" Bridge covered his mouth when he sneezed again. "Fine, Kat," he finished.
"I'm sure," she said sarcastically. "Humor me and go take a nap, though, won't you? If you're fine after that, I won't bother you, but if you aren't better, then go to the infirmary."
"But what about my duties?" he asked, hastily wiping his nose again. His voice sounded weak and croaky. "I'm not done with my data input for today-"
"I'll get someone to cover for you." Bridge turned to frown at her. "Pouting at me isn't going to make me change my mind, Bridge. Lie down, or I'll get the Commander to order you to. If you are sick, you need to be taking care of yourself- and not be spreading it to the whole base, either."
"Yes, ma'am," said Bridge, disappointed (though knowing she had a point), and got out of his chair to plod back toward his dorm room, finally abandoning his vain hope that he was not really sick. Just his luck... he was very rarely ill, and it had to happen right before an awesome day with his friends. On the way to his room, he bumped into his teammate and boyfriend Sky.
"I was just looking for you... man, you look awful," Sky said, his face full of concern, taking one of Bridge's hands in his own. "I guess you won't be up for going out for Chinese when we're both off later, huh?"
"Wish I could," Bridge mumbled. "Kat thinks I've got a fever, so I'm going to go rest."
"Uh-oh," Sky said quietly. "I'll let you go, then. Hope you feel better."
"Thanks," Bridge replied, squeezing Sky's hand then setting back off. Upon reaching his bedroom, he set down his blaster and morpher on his nightstand, kicked off his shoes, and took his jacket off, as he felt awfully hot. He lay down on his side on his green bunk, staring at the other side of the room though heavy eyelids. It was supposed to be Sky's half, but they'd gotten so careless with their stuff, it mixed freely... they slept in the same bed usually...
...one of Bridge's jackets was on Sky's desk chair, he'd have to get it later...
...Sky had left his copy of the handbook on top of Bridge's toaster...
...toast... would be good right now...
easy on his stomach... which was growling... no lunch... felt too sick...
toasted handbook?
Bridge giggled aloud at the idea of a toasted handbook, just as a thermometer was taken out of his mouth. What was Dr. Felix doing in his room...?
"100.8," he said to Sky, shaking his head. "There is no way that he'll be up for going to that amusement park tomorrow. Make sure he takes this medicine when he's more awake and that he stays in bed the rest of the day; send him to the infirmary if he seems to be getting worse."
"I will. Thanks, Dr. Felix."
"No problem. You know where to find me." Bridge giggled again as the doors slid shut behind Dr. Felix, smiling up at Sky.
"You better find your handbook, it might get burned," he said. This was very important to tell him. Sky always seemed to have his handbook nearby, but it was on the toaster, and if it slid down inside, and the sensor activated... "You can't read it if it's crispy." Sky gave Bridge a strange look before turning to look at the toaster attached to Bridge's computer, taking the book and setting it safely on the desk instead. "Good. Real good."
"I'll give you your medicine," Sky said, picking up the bottle and spoon that Dr. Felix had left. "Because you are completely out of it, even by your usual standard."
"I'm IN it," Bridge insisted, opening his mouth and allowing Sky to spoon something nasty-tasting inside, which made him cough soon after swallowing. "Gotta be. Going to Techland tomorrow..." Sky merely sighed in return, leaving the room and re-entering a few minutes later, carrying big bottles of water and orange juice. He looked sad, and Bridge couldn't understand why... he felt perfectly OK, after all.
"Drink, alright? You need to keep hydrated."
"Hy... drated," Bridge repeated. "Like the Hydro Hog ride I read about on the Techland web site... looks like it's really fun, and you get soaked... can't wait to ride it..." He snorted with laughter when he got a mental image of a pig on a surfboard, a real Hydro Hog...
but pigs couldn't surf... surf...
he'd have to remember to bring his bathing suit to Techland...
he wondered what else...
Something cool and soothing was placed on his forehead.
"Hmmm?" he wondered, looking up at Sky, who leaned in to lightly kiss his fevered cheek.
"Just don't move, alright? It's an ice pack. You're sweating like crazy, this might cool you down a little."
"You're the best boyfriend ever," Bridge said happily, closing his eyes again... images running through his mind...
crowds of people... could almost experience the smells, sights, sounds...
He shivered. He was so cold. But he was soon warm again when someone wrapped him in his green blanket...
He sat up, sneezed, and blinked hard, looking around. It was morning, and the other bed was empty... Bridge's heart sank. The others had probably already left, he thought. He wished they'd at least have come in and said goodbye...
The door then opened, and he smiled when he saw that it was his friends, all dressed in civilian clothing. They were accompanied by R.I.C., who trotted into the room and sat down at the foot of his bed.
"Morning," he croaked at them, reaching for a tissue to blow his nose.
"Same to you," said Sky, setting a fresh bottle of water on his nightstand. "Feeling any better?"
"Not much," Bridge admitted.
"I'm sorry you can't come with us," said Z, and she looked it. "I know how much you were looking forward to it."
"Maybe next time," said Bridge. "You guys better get going, I don't want to make all of you sick, either."
"No worries," said Syd, walking forward and tucking a large stuffed elephant next to him. "Here, Peanuts will keep you company all day."
"We'll bring you a souvenir," said Jack, patting his shoulder. "Maybe a doggie bag, too."
"Get some rest," said Sky, helping Bridge take another dose of medicine before leaning in for a hug. "Kat's going to come check on you every now and then, and R.I.C. will be here too."
"Thanks, guys," said Bridge, squeezing Peanuts. "I'll be alright. Have a great time." All of his friends smiled at him before leaving the room; as soon as they were gone, he sighed, as he couldn't help but feel jealous. R.I.C. got up and came over to his side, placing his front paws on the edge of the bed and peering at him, whining. Bridge reached over to pet him. "I'm fine, R.I.C. Just wishing I could've left with them, is all." The robot dog nuzzled his hand before returning to the floor, lying down at his bedside and wagging his tail. Bridge took a drink of water, blew his nose again, stared at Sky's side of the room, then turned over on his other side, trying to get comfortable. He felt less groggy than he did yesterday, but somehow that made it much harder to sleep. He finally closed his eyes and drifted off when the medicine began to take effect, and he imagined where his friends were right now... probably still on the bus, as it was a long ride out there...
...then he had to giggle when he got a mental image of Jack and Z trying to persuade Sky to get on the biggest and scariest roller coaster in the place... Sky protesting that he didn't see the fun in getting jerked around, dizzy and sick to his stomach... began to image what else they would do while they were there...
...and the others on bumper cars, slamming into each other...
Sky in his bathing suit at Techland's water park... what a nice image...
Someone was shaking him awake, and he turned over onto his back to peer blearily at Kat, who promptly stuck a thermometer in his mouth; he sat up and waited patiently while it took his temperature.
"Your fever's gone down," she said, peering at it. "You should be feeling a lot better by tomorrow, hopefully." Bridge coughed in response, reaching for his water. "Can I get you anything? Eating something might help, if you think you can hold it down."
"Toast, please," said Bridge, and Kat complied, disappearing into the rec room and returning minutes later with a stack of toast on a plate, which she set on his nightstand. "Thanks, Kat."
"Any time," she smiled. "I have to get back to work... send R.I.C. if you need anything."
"Sure," said Bridge, plopping back down and rearranging the covers and Peanuts, and she left the room. Bridge took a few bites of toast, forcing himself to eat slowly even though he was very hungry, and said conversationally to R.I.C., "I wonder how many new stuffed animals Syd's going to come home with? I'm sure she'll sweet-talk Sky or Jack into winning some for her." R.I.C. thumped his tail on the floor, and Bridge imagined he was planning how best to steal them for his own new chew toys. When he was done with his toast, Bridge took another gulp of water and settled back onto his bunk, drifting off a bit more easily now, his dreams filled with happy images of his friends having fun.
Bridge next awoke with his bedroom full of dusky sunlight. He swung his legs around and sat up on the edge of the bed, stretching. He still felt congested and a little feverish, but on the whole, he did seem to be getting better. He then grinned as he heard voices out in the hallway, and the door to his room opened to reveal Jack, Z and Syd, all chattering excitedly. Sky brought up the rear a short time after, looking grumpy, as he was dragging the biggest stuffed unicorn Bridge had ever seen behind him.
"How was it?" he asked, and Jack and the girls all launched into descriptions of their day at once.
"It was huge! We're going to have to come back just to do everything we didn't get to. So much fun, though..."
"You would have loved The Hero, that's the big roller coaster we saw on the web site..."
"...it left you really sick because of all the corkscrews, and Z and I rode it three times..."
"...surprised we didn't throw up..."
"And these little flying carts painted like eagles... it's got nothing on riding a Zord, but it has its own charm..."
"The carousel was cute, too! It was massive and had every sort of animal you could imagine on it." Syd leaned in and whispered to Bridge, "We somehow managed to get Sky to ride the chicken and flap like one the whole time he rode it. We have blackmail photos to prove it."
"Hey! You promised you weren't going to tell him that!" said Sky indignantly. "It's the whole reason I blew $10 on that game of chance to win you this stupid unicorn!"
"I lied," said Syd, seizing the large pink stuffed animal and running out of the room before Sky could catch her. He shook his head and plopped down on his own bed, looking sour.
"I'm glad you guys had fun," said Bridge sincerely.
"Yeah," said Z, ruffling his hair. "It would've been 10 times better with you there, though."
"You look like you're feeling a lot more like yourself, at least," said Jack. "No doggie bag, unfortunately; we were all pretty hungry, so we ate like maniacs at the buffet we went to. We were going to stop and pick up a pizza for you, but we weren't sure if you could handle eating it."
"Yeah, good idea," said Bridge, patting his stomach. "I'll take a raincheck."
"Sounds good. Well, I'm exhausted, so I'm going to hit the sack," said Z, giving Bridge a big hug.
"Yeah, better let you keep resting," Jack nodded. "Sky, are you gonna sleep in my room again?"
"That's probably a good idea," said Sky grudgingly. "No offense, Bridge, but I don't want to get whatever it is you have."
"None taken," said Bridge. "I don't want you to get sick either."
"Oh! I almost forgot," said Z, fishing in the pocket of her jeans and pulling out a small toy robot. "Here, we bought this for you."
"Awww, thanks," said Bridge, peering happily at it when she placed it into his cupped hands.
"You're welcome," she smiled. "OK, we'll leave you alone now. See you tomorrow."
"Later," he said, giving a small wave; she and Jack left, but Sky lingered, hovering next to Bridge's bedside and holding his hand. "Go on and get to bed if you're tired," Bridge told him. "All I've been doing all day is sleeping, anyway. Kat said that my fever's gone down and I'll probably be better by tomorrow."
"Alright," said Sky reluctantly, going over to his closet and getting out fresh clothes for the next day. "See you. I love you..."
"Love you, too," said Bridge softly. As soon as Sky was gone, Bridge set the little robot on his nightstand then swallowed another dose of his medicine, drifting back off to sleep at once...
Morning. Bridge lay on his back and stretched without opening his eyes; true to Kat's prediction, he did feel a lot better, though still not 100%. Once he felt fully awake, he got up and changed into a fresh shirt and pair of pants, as he was still dressed in what he was wearing when he'd first gone to bed, then went to the infirmary. Dr. Felix proclaimed his fever to be gone, but still recommended that he spend the whole day resting and not try to return to work, which Bridge agreed with. He came back to return to his room, to find Sky sitting at the counter next to the synthesizer in the otherwise-empty rec room, eating breakfast. He grinned and went to sit across from his boyfriend, the two holding hands across the countertop.
"Hey," said Sky. "Sleep well?"
"Yeah," Bridge nodded. "I still need to rest, but I'll be ready to go back to work tomorrow, thankfully. As bad as I felt, I still hate lying around-" He stopped short when Sky suddenly covered his mouth and sneezed loudly. "Bless you." His face then fell. "...Don't tell me I made you sick?!"
"It's nothing," Sky protested. "Don't get all worked up over one sneeze."
"Alright," said Bridge dubiously.
However, by the afternoon, it was quite obvious that Sky was now the one feeling under the weather, with the same symptoms as Bridge- fever, a sore throat, and coughing and sneezing. The others, understandably wary of catching it from both of them now, gave Bridge and Sky's room a wide berth. Bridge helped Sky into his pajamas, then into bed, ignoring his protests.
"You're the one that needs to rest now," said Bridge, kissing his forehead. "I'll take care of you, alright? You cared for me as much as you could, it's time to return the favor."
"Fine, fine," Sky grumped. "Let's just keep our fingers crossed that we don't keep giving this to each other."
"I'll make sure of it," said Bridge confidently. "And when we're both better, we'll go to Techland."
"Alright, it's a date," Sky said. "...Night, Bridge."
"Good night."
(Crossposted to 10_hurt_comfort)