“You look like a mess,” CNU murmurs, grinning playfully as he sits down beside you on the cold tile floor. He pulls you gently into his arms and your rest your head against his chest, fighting back the stirring nausea deep in your gut. The warmth of his embrace soothes the waves of morning sickness for a moment and you hum in appreciation.

“I feel like a mess,” you finally answer, the words tasting bitter and uncomfortable. You shut your eyes as he weaves his fingers into your hair and soothingly slow, lulling you into an almost dreamlike state. It distracts you from the terrible feeling in the pit of your stomach and you lean gratefully into his touch.

“Come on,” he murmurs into the shell of your ear, scooping you up and standing with you still in his arms. He cradles you like a little baby and you nuzzle your nose against the warm skin of his neck as he carries you back to your bedroom.

“Lay down, you’ll feel better soon. It’s just a temporary thing.” He gently places you among the waterfall of blankets and you sink into the welcoming comfort. “Just go back to bed.” You accept his words with a nod and you let your eyes start to shut. He goes to leave the room and the sound of the doorknob turning alerts you. You sit up in surprise and ball the blankets up in your clenched fists.

“Wait!” You call before he can leave the room. He turns in surprise. “Will you…will you stay with me?”