The mission had been called off. Again. You groaned, sinking into the couch, forehead hot, chest tight with that familiar ache. Outside, rain pattered relentlessly against the window, the gray light of morning spilling into the apartment.

Yelena leaned in the doorway, arms crossed, trying to hide the smirk tugging at her lips. “Looks like someone finally lost to the weather,” she teased, her tone sharp but warm.

“Ha-ha,” you muttered, burying your face in the pillow. “I swear I’m dying over here.”

She pushed the blanket she’d brought over your lap and sat on the edge of the couch, careful not to crowd you. “You’re not dying. You’re sick. And I’m here. That’s what matters.”

You groaned again, frustrated. “I know, but it’s… annoying. I feel useless. And I hate feeling useless.”

Yelena raised an eyebrow. “Useless? You’re just… temporarily mortal.” Her smirk softened into something gentler. “Come on, at least I get to fuss over you now. Admit it — you secretly like it.”

You let out a small laugh, even as a cough rattled your chest. “Maybe I do. But that doesn’t mean I’m enjoying being sick.”

“Sure,” she said, shaking her head. Then, softer, she brushed a strand of hair from your face. “Just relax. Here, drink this.” She handed you a mug of warm tea, the steam curling up between you.

You sipped it slowly, eyes meeting hers. The storm outside made the apartment feel like its own little world, safe and quiet. Yelena sat closer, her voice dropping. “You know, it’s okay to be a little weak sometimes. I’ve got your back.”

“Even when I’m cranky?” you asked, smirking slightly despite the fever haze.

“Especially then,” she said, grinning. “And you know, whining in your sick voice doesn’t hurt either.”

You rolled your eyes but smiled. “You’re impossible.”

“And you love me for it,” she said softly, the teasing in her voice giving way to genuine warmth. She draped the blanket around both of you, letting the rain’s rhythm and quiet warmth of the room settle over you.

For a moment, neither of you spoke — just the rain, the soft light, and that quiet, steady connection between the two of you. Even sick and frustrated, you felt cared for, safe, and… maybe a little fluttery, too.