being in this line of work, it would be an understatement to say they'd seen some things.

being aventurine's shield from brawls and bullets? they'd done it more times than they could count on both hands. stay by his side as business meetings went sideways? they could do it in their sleep. but this.. this was beyond their capabilities.

they coughed. again. really, they hadn't anticipated what would put them out of action for the first time in this job was a common cold. though, it felt like way more than just a cold. everything hurt, their head, their nose, their throat. they kind of wanted to cry, but they knew he'd never let them live it down, so they held back.

speaking of,

"darling, I made you soup," aventurine smiled, holding out a tray with a bowl that seemed to hold.. something. it did not resemble soup. they sighed, sitting up. ever since they'd got the cold, aventurine had been practically hanging off their back, giving them everything they could need and more. they'd never seen him this.. worried, it was almost endearing, the way he'd be at their beck and call, no matter what they asked for.

he sat beside them, resting his hand on their forehead, checking their temperature.

"how are you feeling, princess?"