You were curled up on the couch, a blanket wrapped around your shivering body, watching your favorite comfort show. The soft glow of the TV flickered in the dimly lit room, its familiar voices providing a soothing distraction from the ache in your body. Despite the congestion and fever, the show’s warmth made you feel a little less miserable.

The sound of footsteps pulled your attention from the screen, and Phillip entered the room, carrying a cup of tea in one hand and a concerned look in his eyes. He came over and knelt beside the couch, holding the cup out to you.

"Made this for you," he said gently, his Southern drawl softer than usual. "Should help with the throat."

You smiled weakly, accepting the cup with trembling hands. “You didn’t have to…”

“Yeah, I did,” he cut in, smirking. “You know I’m not one to sit back when someone I care about is feelin’ lousy.”

You took a small sip, the warmth of the tea easing the raw ache in your throat. He watched you closely, his blue eyes scanning your face for any sign of relief. You could see the tension in his shoulders—he hated not being able to fix things, and seeing you like this clearly frustrated him.

With a sigh, Phillip stood and walked around the couch. Instead of heading off to another room, he lowered himself beside you, close but careful not to crowd you. He draped an arm along the back of the couch, glancing at the TV.

“You’ve been watchin’ this all day?” he asked, half-smiling.

You nodded, sniffling. “It helps…makes me feel a little better.”

Phillip chuckled softly, his arm inching closer to rest gently around your shoulders. “Then I guess I’ll join you,” he said, pulling you just a bit closer. “Could use a break from all the noise outside, anyway.”

You leaned into him without thinking, resting your head on his shoulder. His warmth and steady presence felt like a balm, soothing in a way that even your favorite show couldn’t quite manage. Phillip’s fingers absentmindedly traced patterns along your arm, his touch gentle and comforting.