Annie stood over the kitchen sink, looking out the window into the dusty street below as swarms of pedestrians trod by on their morning commute. Here and there little children ran around in their dusty, torn up clothes; the chittering of their laughter being carried up to the fourth floor window. A street peddler, with his enormous basket of peanuts atop his head, strode along with ardent fervor, getting ready for what he hoped would be a good day’s sale. It was quite a pleasant morning, cool and breezy, with a playful wind weaving through the dry foliage outside making the leaves rustle softly, adding to the peaceful ambiance of birds chirping in the distance. Annie wasn’t all too familiar with the area just yet, she’d only moved in around a month ago. It was a nice change in scenery from her previous apartment, but It was all still new to her.

Sighing softly, she began to turn around when a slender arm snaked around the back of her neck and pulled her into a tight embrace.

Meghan felt warm.

Evidently, she’d just woken up. Dark brown curls cascaded down Annie’s shoulder as Meghan rested her head on it, snuggling softly into her neck, as the dark earthy hues of her hair brushed delicately over Annie’s silky black locks. Closing her eyes, she lightly lay her head on Meghan’s. She could hear her soft breathing, feel it blow across her skin. Annie tried to stand still, adamant in her efforts to not let her partner know how much she was enjoying this.

“What’re you doing up so early?” came the muffled voice of Meghan from her refuge in Annie’s neck.

“I should be asking you the same question. Why are you out of bed, don’t you have a fever?” chided Annie.

“I woke up and you weren’t there, so I came looking for you” replied Meghan, lifting her face off of the soft alcove and smiling meekly up at Annie. Her nose and cheeks were flushed red as she wiped her nose with a piece of lavender scented tissue paper.

“What, are you scared to be alone? You’re a grown woman, Meg” Annie inquired admonishingly.

“It’s not that, it’s...” Meghan looked a little embarrassed. “It’s just that, I missed you and I wasn’t feeling well, so I wanted to find you.” She was looking at the ground, as if she’d regretted saying the words as they came out of her mouth.

Now Annie was the one with her foot in her mouth. Meghan had been sick all night, tossing and turning like she was fighting kangaroos in her sleep again. Of course she didn’t want to be alone. “Hey, don’t worry,” she said encouragingly, “The fever’s probably making you loopy. Here, let’s get you to bed.” she said as she put Meghan’s arm around her neck and propped her up with her own. “Ooh, you’re getting heavy. Maybe try that diet I told you about.” Annie teased.

“Nah,” laughed Meghan mischievously, “I just like you carrying me like this.” she said, putting the rest of her weight on her feet.

“Oh you little shit.” laughed Annie, walking Meghan to the bedroom and plopping her on the bed. “Now get some sleep this time, you hear? No more wandering.” instructed Annie.

“Yes, Ma'am!” said Meghan in a mock salute.

“Good girl,” said Annie, smiling as she got up from the bed. As she began to leave, Meghan caught her hand.

“Aren’t you going to stay with me?“ asked Meghan longingly.

“Yeah, I’ll be right back, I’m gonna make us some tea.” replied Annie.

“Milk tea?”

“Yeah, with lots of sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon and cream on top.” Annie said.

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Meghan smiled warmly.

“Did I miss anything?” Annie asked with a knowing smile set across her sharp features, trying not to look Meghan in the eyes.

“Not one thing.” Meghan giggled sweetly, and then started coughing loudly.

“Hey, hey, lie back down. I’ll get you that tea.” Annie said, patting her back and helping her lie down onto the pillow. As she lowered the brown haired girl, she realized how close they were to each other. She had to keep looking away from Meghan’s eyes, because if she looked, she’d fall deep into them, just like always. No, this time she needed to resist. She had her finals two weeks away and catching Meghan’s bug could prove catastrophic. All that said, they were still so close. Annie could smell the cough medicine mixing strangely with her vanilla bath soap. She felt warm.

“Hey wait,” interjected Meghan, causing Annie to look up into her eyes.

“What?” She asked, smiling. Meghan found her eyes and stared deep into them, her own smile growing.

“What?” Annie asked again, this time barely above a whisper, as she sat down beside the beautiful girl trying to wear down her defenses.

“Come closer Ann.” Meghan said softly, raising her face a little towards her. “Won’t you kiss me?”

She had the most infuriating puppy dog eyes, and her full reddish lips seemed to quiver as she spoke. Annie just looked at her, drank her in at that moment, and killed something deep within herself .

Invoking all her willpower, she pulled her mind away from her screaming heart and said, ”Stop it, you’ll get me sick.” She hoped Meg couldn’t see her blush, but she was sure she could feel how warm her face was.

“That’s the idea,” Meghan giggled, “then we could both be in bed all day.” laughed Meghan.

“Yeah, and the landlady will take care of us right? ” quipped Annie, giving in just a little as she softly kissed Meghan on the cheek and pulled herself away to make tea.

As she left, Meghan slumped onto her pillow. It was a bit uncomfortable, but she felt too weak to reposition it herself. She sighed, and looked at the pillow next to her. It was all neatly patted smooth and the sheets were straight and folded down the side of the bed. Organized, meticulous and tidy, just like Annie. Ever since Meghan had gotten sick a whole two weeks before their finals, Annie had been really careful around her while she looked after her. Sometimes she would tease her and call her Nannie. Though Meghan suspected Annie didn’t mind it that much. As she sluggishly sick-wiggled deeper into her pillow, she closed her eyes, touching the spot where Annie had kissed her, and smiled. It felt warm. She was probably imagining it, but she could feel the heat on her skin. And then she felt it on her lips.

Meghan felt soft familiar lips press gently against her own, as the mild taste of sweet raspberry coated the tip of her tongue. She could feel Annie’s arms wrap lovingly around her as she tried her best to embrace her back; the girl who was making her entire body pulse with heat. The girl who spent almost her entire life loving her. Eyes closed, Meghan finally was able to hold the woman she loved in her arms. Weakened by the fever, she still tried her best to return her embrace just as tightly.

Finally Annie pulled away, lying carefully across Meghan’s body. Meghan opened her eyes panting, looking at Annie smiling as she laughed sweetly. Annie looked into her eyes, brushing Meghan's frizzy bed hair away from her face.

“Ann.” Meghan breathed.

“It was those puppy dog eyes." Said Annie, breathing gently. "How could I say no to them?" She said, looking away as she rested her head against Meghan's chest.

Meghan's smile could win awards, she felt so happy she was practically beaming. She placed her hand on Annie's head and gently brushed her silky black hair.

"You put on the lip balm, didn’t you? I tasted it, raspberry bloom.” Meghan asked, giggling.

“Yup, it’s antibacterial.” Annie replied, matter-of-factly.

“But, you might still get sick.”

“Just give me this one.” Annie laughed softly, snuggling into Meghan.

“I love you so much!” Meghan cooed, squeezing her.

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