Work Text:
Nueng's brow furrowed with worry as she gently placed a hand on Ar-Nueng's forehead. The fever had spiked again. Beside the bed, a tray laden with herbal tea, soup, and a cold compress awaited her attention.
"Nueng, you really don't have to fuss over me," Ar-Nueng mumbled, her voice weak and raspy. She tried to sit up, but a sharp cramp in her abdomen forced her back down with a grimace.
Nueng immediately pressed a gentle hand to Ar-Nueng's shoulder. "Hush, love. You need to rest," she said softly, her voice a soothing balm in the quiet room. She adjusted the pillows, making sure Ar-Nueng was as comfortable as possible. "I'm here to take care of you. That's what girlfriends do."
A soft, albeit pained, chuckle escaped Ar-Nueng's lips. "You mean this is what you signed up for? A nurse instead of a girlfriend?"
Nueng's lips curled into a playful smirk. "Well, you know, I am a woman of many talents," she teased, tucking a loose strand of hair behind Anueng's ear. "Besides, you took care of me when I was at the hospital, remember?. It's only fair that I return the favor."
Ar-Nueng sighed, closing her eyes as another wave of cramps hit. Nueng didn't miss the way her girlfriend's hand tightened around the blanket, knuckles turning white. She felt a pang of empathy and love swell in her chest.
"I brought you some tea," Nueng said softly, lifting the cup to Ar-Nueng's lips. "It'll help with the cramps and the cold."
Ar-Nueng took a small sip, her eyes fluttering open to meet Nueng's. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Nueng set the cup down and reached for the cold compress, pressing it gently to Ar-Nueng's forehead. The relief on the older woman’s face was immediate, and Nueng felt a small sense of accomplishment.
"You know," Ar-Nueng said after a moment, her voice still weak but a bit stronger, "you look really cute when you're worried."
Nueng raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. "Oh, do I now?" she said, leaning in closer. "Well, you look adorable even when you're all sick and grumpy."
Ar-Nueng managed a small laugh, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Flattery will get you everywhere."
"I certainly hope so," Nueng replied, brushing her lips against Ar-Nueng's temple in a tender kiss. "Because I want to be everywhere you are."
A comfortable silence settled over them. Nueng busied herself with smoothing the blankets and adjusting the compress, her movements gentle and precise. Ar-Nueng watched her, a soft smile playing on her lips despite the pain.
"Nueng," Ar-Nueng murmured, reaching out to grasp her hand. "Thank you for being here.Thank you for taking care of me."
Nueng's heart melted at the sincerity in Ar-Nueng's eyes. She squeezed her girlfriend's hand gently. "You don't have to thank me, Ar-Nueng," she said, her voice filled with affection. "Taking care of you is the least I can do. I love you."
Ar-Nueng's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "I love you too," she whispered, her grip on Nueng's hand tightening briefly before relaxing.
Nueng leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to the woman’s lips. It was gentle, almost feather-light, but it conveyed all the love and care she felt for her.
"Now," she said, pulling back and giving Ar-Nueng a determined look, "let's get you feeling better. We've got a whole lifetime of adventures to go on, and I need my partner in crime healthy and ready."
Ar-Nueng smiled, the warmth of Nueng's words wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. "Deal," she said softly, closing her eyes and letting herself be lulled by the sound of Nueng's voice and the gentle touch of her hands.
As Nueng continued to care for her, bringing tea, adjusting the compress, and whispering sweet nothings, Ar-Nueng felt her pain begin to fade. It wasn't gone, but with Nueng by her side, it was more bearable.
Nueng's presence was like a balm to her aching body and soul. And as she drifted off to sleep, she felt a deep sense of gratitude and love for the woman who had stolen her heart and now stood by her side through thick and thin.
In the quiet of their shared space, filled with the scent of herbal tea and the soft murmur of loving words, Ar-Nueng knew that no matter what challenges came their way, they would face them together. And that was all that mattered.