Flu Season

Hydra frowned as she heard Jane coughing for the third time that morning as the two were getting ready for the day. “You’re sick.” She stated, turning to face her partner fully after pulling on her pants.

Jane glanced at her while continuing her own routine. “I’m always sick.” She responded dismissively. 

“The necrosis doesn’t count,” Hydra argued, closing the distance between them with just a few steps as she stood in front of Jane, forcing her to give her full attention. “You have a cold.”

Hydra’s gaze was surprisingly intense over such a minor issue, catching Jane off guard. Adjusting her belt buckle was of sudden interest as she found an excuse to break eye contact. “I’ll live,” She mumbled, “Besides, there’s too much work to be done.” 

Evidently, that was the wrong answer. Hydra took both of Jane’s cheeks in her hands and once more forced her attention, not allowing for any more distractions. “Yes, and you don’t need to be the one to do it all. You have a Quartermaster and a whole crew that can take care of it; we’re more than capable.” 

Despite feeling like she was fighting a losing battle, Jane put up further resistance. “It’s really not that big of a deal, certainly not something I should be bedridden over.” 

“I’m not asking you to chain yourself to the bed, but I am asking you to rest. Visit Peggy and get some medicine, eat a meal at the mess hall, chat with some crew members or gamble with them for all I care, just please don’t strain yourself and make it worse.” Hydra’s gaze gradually softened as she spoke, transitioning from stern to concerned. “Please. For me?” 

As the natural workaholic that she was, Jane wanted to keep arguing her case, but Hydra had always had a way of crumbling any resistances she tried to build up. The woman was persistent, even when Jane had intentionally tried to shut her out because she had initially feared what their mutual attraction would bring. 

“...Alright.” Jane finally conceded. “But just for today.”

The bright, warm smile Hydra gave her already made Jane’s impending boring day worth it.