Chapter Text
About a week has passed since the incident that nearly led to a rift forming between the members of MD-5. Despite it all, everyone has managed to move forward with their lives and move past the event. Belle has been out on a grocery run for MD-5, since she drew the short straw out of the others, sans Tari, whom hadn't woken up yet. After picking up the items on the list and paying for the order, Belle has returned to MD-5's headquarters with the requested items.
Belle: Hey, I'm back.
Lamar: That was a quick run. Did you actually get everything?
Belle: I did. Checked it all off as I went through the list.
Sofia: She's more than capable of handling herself on a grocery run. She's done it before.
Belle then sets the items down on the countertop, noticing that Masa and Tari are absent.
Belle: Tari must still be napping. Where's Masa?
Lamar: He left not long after you did. He noticed that the medicine cabinet was running low, so he ran to the pharmacy to pick up some stuff.
Sofia: We told him it wouldn't be too much of a hassle to call you, but he said he wanted to do it as to not inconvenience you.
Belle: Typical Masa. Though I won't complain either. Well, hopefully he won't take too long. I'm gonna go check up on Tari. It's not like her to sleep in like this.
Sofia: I do hope she's alright.
Belle then heads down the hallway towards the room she shares with Tari, knocking as to make Tari aware of her presence.
Belle: Tari?
Belle then hears a low groaning sound coming from inside of the room.
Belle: That doesn't sound good...
Belle then opens the door, finding Tari lying on their shared bed on top of the covers, her hair unkempt and messy with a pained expression.
Belle: Tari!?
Belle then rushes over to her girlfriend's side, seeing her sprawled out on the blankets, her breathing heavy.
Belle: Tari... What happened?
Tari: My throat's been sore all morning... My nose is constantly leaking... And I've been coughing a lot...
Tari then experiences an uncomfortable sensation in her throat, leading to her coughing really hard, causing her head to hurt once she stops coughing.
Belle: Geez...
Tari: I-I'm sorry...
Belle: Tari, you shouldn't apologize for getting sick. It unfortunately happens.
Belle then places her organic hand on Tari's forehead, noticing that it's very warm to the touch.
Belle: You're running a nasty fever... I'd better call Masa and ask him if he can pick up something...
Belle then proceeds to call up Masa, hoping to catch him while he's still out.
Masa: Hello?
Belle: Hey, Masa. It's Belle. You still picking up medicine?
Masa: Yeah. Is something wrong?
Belle: Tari's not feeling well... She's running a high fever, has been coughing since waking up, and has a very runny nose... Think you could pick up something to help her?
Masa: Yeah, I can do that. Stay with her and keep an eye on her. I'll be back as soon as possible.
Belle: Thanks, Masa. I really appreciate it.
Masa: You're welcome.
Masa then hangs up soon after, leaving Belle with Tari.
Belle: Masa will be back as soon as he can, babe. I asked him to pick up some medicine for you.
Tari: T-thank y-you, Belle...
Belle: You're welcome.
Belle then sits down on the bed and gently places a hand on Tari's back, slowly rubbing it in a circular motion.
Belle: If you want me to stop, let me know. The last thing I want to do is hurt you.
Tari simply nods at Belle as she tries to control her shaky breathing.
Belle: She's in really bad shape... Could it have been something she ate...? No, because she ate what we did, and none of us got sick... It had to have been something else... But what?
Belle begins to ponder over what Tari could have possibly come into contact with, remembering when they went out for dinner earlier, remembering that one of the patrons at the restaurant was coughing and sneezed at one point nearby the two.
Belle: It must have been that customer that sneezed. What were they doing in public when sick anyway? She must have caught what they had... Poor Tari... Masa... Please come back soon...
Meanwhile, Masa has been searching through the pharmacy for anything that could help Tari based on what Belle told him.
Masa: I'm not really finding anything...
Pharmacist: Excuse me, can I help you sir?
Masa: I'm looking for medicine for a friend. She's not feeling well right now.
Pharmacist: What are the symptoms?
Masa: Based on what her girlfriend told me, she has a fever and has been coughing a lot.
Pharmacist: Sounds like a head cold.
Masa: Anything that could help her out?
Pharmacist: Unfortunately, there isn't really anything that can fix that, but I can recommend something that can help her rest.
Masa: That being?
Pharmacist: Dayquil and Nyquil.
The Pharmacist points to a shelf where they have a few bottles stocked of the medication.
Masa: Thanks.
Pharmacist: Always happy to help.
Masa then picks up a bottle of both and checks out with the medication he picked up before heading out of the pharmacy and making his way back to MD-5's headquarters. Masa then shoots a call to Belle.
Masa: I've got the medicine. I'm on my way back.
Belle: Thank you, Masa. You're a lifesaver.
Masa: See you soon.
Masa then hangs up and continues to make his way back to MD-5's hangout. Meanwhile, Belle has been doing her best to comfort Tari and help her take her mind off of things.
Belle: Masa's on his way, babe. He's bringing medicine as we speak.
Tari: T-thank you...
Tari then brings her hands to her head, clutching her temples as a spitting headache courses through her head.
Belle: Babe...
Minutes pass until eventually, Masa arrives back at MD-5's hideout, rushing down the hall to where Tari and Belle reside, knocking on the door.
Belle: It's open. Come on in.
Masa then enters the room with the Dayquil in his hand.
Masa: I brought the medicine.
Belle: Thanks, Masa.
Masa then hands the medicine over to Belle.
Masa: This is Dayquil, Tari. Since you have a cold, there isn't much we can do, but this should help lessen your symptoms at the very least.
Belle then takes the bottle and pours the recommended amount in the cap.
Belle: This likely won't taste good, but it's the only thing that could really help you right now.
Tari then opens her mouth with Belle placing the cup up against her lower lips, pouring the liquid into Tari's open mouth, the latter nearly gagging at the foul taste, swallowing the liquid entirely as it's poured into her mouth, finishing it all in seconds.
Belle: Hopefully this'll help...
Tari then relaxes back on the bed, feeling her breathing slowly return to normal, closing her eyes as the medication slowly takes effect.
Masa: Hopefully this'll allow her to at least get some rest.
Belle: I'm going to stay with her in case she needs anything.
Masa: I'll go grab some liquids. It's important she stays hydrated.
Belle: I'll be here. I need to keep an eye on her.
Masa then leaves to grab some fluids to keep Tari hydrated while Belle stays by her side, watching over her like a hawk, not wanting to risk taking her eyes off of her ailing girlfriend for a second.
Belle: Everything's going to be alright, babe... I'm going to make sure you get better...
As Belle watches over Tari, Masa eventually comes back, holding a few bottles of water and other drinks containing electrolytes.
Masa: This should do. Make sure she drinks enough water along with other drinks to replace electrolytes.
Belle: I will. Thanks, Masa.
Masa: You're welcome. I'll let the others know what's going on. Call us if you need any help.
Belle simply nods at Masa before he leaves the room to inform Sofia and Lamar of Tari's condition. Moments later, Tari opens her eyes, looking up at Belle.
Tari: Hey...
Belle: Hey, babe.
Tari: Thanks for the medicine.
Belle: You're welcome. You thirsty?
Tari: Mhm.
Belle: Hang on.
Belle then grabs a bottle of water and twists the cap off.
Belle: Just lay back and relax.
Belle then places a hand behind Tari's head, gently tilting it forward as she brings the bottle to Tari's lips, tilting it towards her and allowing the water to slowly pour into her girlfriend's mouth. Tari slowly drinks from the bottle for a few seconds until Belle pulls the bottle away and gently lowers Tari's head back onto her pillow.
Tari: Thank you.
Belle: You're welcome.
Belle then smiles at Tari, the latter feeling her cheeks heating up from a sudden blush before returning with a smile of her own.
Belle: If you need water or anything else, let me know. I'll be taking care of you until you get better. Just take it easy for now and don't strain yourself.
Tari nods at Belle before turning her head back to the ceiling, closing her eyes and attempting to get some proper rest as the medicine continues to kick in. Belle then grabs a nearby chair and sits down next to her girlfriend, watching over her as her girlfriend slowly falls asleep.
Belle: I'm not going to let you suffer, Tari. I will see to it that you get better as soon as possible.
Belle then takes hold of Tari's hand with her own, gently squeezing it in a reassuring manner.
Belle: I won't let you down.
As Belle watches over Tari, a certain pink-haired cyborg has been hard at work doing various chores around the prison she is currently contained in, being watched over by the prison warden.
Warden: Status report.
Evelyn: Almost done with the cleaning, ma'am.
Warden: Good.
A few minutes later, Evelyn finishes cleaning the room she's been ordered to tidy up and returns to the Warden.
Evelyn: The room is clean, ma'am.
Warden: You did a really good job. Since you volunteered to do this yourself, you are entitled to a reward.
Evelyn: What would that be?
Warden: For good behavior and continuous volunteering to do dirty work around the prison and doing a good job at it each time, I can put in a good word for you and possibly put you into a less solitary cell. Keep in mind, this isn't guaranteed to be granted, but if you keep this up, there is a strong chance you might be able to get better living conditions around this prison.
Evelyn: Understood.
Warden: Just don't get your hopes up.
Evelyn: I understand completely.
Warden: Good. With that being said, you've earned yourself an extended shower.
Evelyn: Seriously?
Warden: Yes. You could use a nice shower to clean the grime off. Follow me.
The prison warden then leads Evelyn in the direction of the prison's showers. Meanwhile, Evelyn is lost in thought.
Evelyn: If I can manage to land in a less solitary cell, I can put forth the next step in my master plan... By faking to be a model prisoner, I can get myself more leniency around here and possibly eventually break out of this filthy prison.
Evelyn then silently chuckles to herself.
Evelyn: I just need to keep up the act for a little while longer, and then, I'll be able to bust out eventually.
Warden: We're here. Enjoy your shower, Miss Claythorne.
Evelyn: I will. Thank you.
Evelyn then smirks as she enters the showering area, proud that her ruse appears to be working and that she's on the path to escaping her confinement. Meanwhile, Belle has kept watch over Tari for the past couple of hours, ensuring that her condition doesn't suddenly worsen.
Belle: She doesn't seem to be getting worse... I just hope it won't get any worse at all...
A few minutes pass by until Tari slowly blinks her eyes open, waking up to find herself in her room.
Tari: Mmm...
Belle: Tari?
Tari then turns her head over to Belle, seeing her girlfriend looking down at her with a look of concern.
Tari: Hey, Belle.
Belle: How are you feeling?
Tari: A bit better than I was earlier. That medicine you gave me seems to be helping.
Belle: Phew... That's a relief...
Tari then slowly sits up before adjusting herself so her legs are hanging off the side of the bed.
Belle: What are you doing?
Tari: I need to use the restroom...
Belle: Hold on.
Belle then takes hold of Tari's arm and slings it over her shoulders, propping Tari up to prevent her from falling.
Belle: I'll help you get there. Even if you're feeling better, I don't want to take any chances.
Tari: Belle...
Tari then smiles at Belle.
Tari: T-thank you, Belle.
Belle: You're welcome, babe.
Belle then begins to walk forward, making sure Tari is keeping up, taking her to the restroom within a few short minutes.
Tari: I can manage from here.
Belle: You sure?
Tari: Yes. I'm not feeling dizzy right now. I shouldn't take very long.
Belle: Okay. I'll be right here if you need anything.
Tari: I really appreciate it.
Tari then heads into the restroom and closes the door behind her to take care of business, leaving Belle just outside.
Belle: She seems to not be doing worse, which is a good sign. Hopefully this is nothing more than a nasty head cold... If it's only that, she should be back to her old self in a few days without any serious complications.
Soon after, Belle hears Tari let out a loud sneeze followed by a loud sniffling noise.
Belle: Gesundheit.
Tari: T-thanks.
A few minutes later, Belle hears the sound of the toilet flushing followed soon after by the sound of the sink running. Shortly after, the sound of running water turns off with a few moments passing by until the door opens and Tari walks out.
Belle: You okay?
Tari: Y-yeah. Just... Stuffed up.
Belle: Do you need my help getting back to our room?
Tari: If you wouldn't mind.
Belle: Alright. I'll assist you.
Belle then does the same thing she did before, putting her girlfriend's arm over her shoulders and helping keep her lifted up as they begin the journey back to their room.
Tari: Belle...
Belle: Yes?
Tari: T-thank you for taking care of me.
Belle: You're welcome, even though I'm nowhere near done taking care of you yet.
Tari then sheepishly smiles as Belle guides her back into their room, gently taking her back and allowing her to sit on their bed to rest her legs.
Belle: Is there anything you need right now?
Tari: Just something to drink.
Belle: I'll get you something. It's important you stay hydrated and get electrolytes.
Belle then grabs a flavored drink containing added electrolytes and twists the cap off, handing the bottle to Tari soon after.
Belle: Here ya go.
Tari: Thanks, Belle.
Belle: You're welcome, babe.
Tari then proceeds to down a bit of the drink Belle gave her before moving the bottle away from her lips, handing it back to Belle.
Belle: If you need anything else, let me know, okay?
Tari: I will.
Belle then lifts up Tari's hair and places her hand on her forehead.
Belle: Your forehead is still warm, but it isn't burning up anymore at the very least. Seems your fever is going down.
Tari: Seems like the medicine is working at least.
Belle: That's a good thing. Hopefully it'll make your recovery easier.
Tari: I hope so too.
Tari then looks towards the wall, looking at the shelf containing all of the photographs and trophies the two have accumulated over the past few months, soon after turning her face back to Belle.
Tari: Hey, Belle?
Belle: Hmm? What's up, Tari?
Tari: N-never mind...
Tari then turns her face away, a nervous blush spreading to her cheeks.
Belle: Babe...
Belle then places a hand on Tari's shoulder, causing her to look back at her.
Belle: If you need to tell me something, don't be afraid to tell me. Doesn't matter if it's personal or not, because if you need to tell me something, it's best that you tell me what it is you want.
Tari then let's out a sigh.
Tari: Could I... Lay my head on your lap?
Tari then turns her head away in embarrassment, her blush becoming deeper. Belle then smiles and pats Tari on the shoulder.
Belle: Yes, you may.
Tari: R-really?
Belle: Of course. I don't mind at all.
Tari then nervously lays down and scoots over to Belle's lap, hesitantly laying her head on it and slowly settling in. Tari then let's out a happy sigh as she closes her eyes.
Belle: Comfy, babe?
Tari: Mhm~
Belle then chuckles and begins to gently stroke Tari's head, causing the latter to let out another sigh of contentment, allowing herself to nestle into Belle's lap even more.
Tari: Her lap is very soft. Far better than any pillow I've ever slept on.
Belle: She's beyond adorable when she's like this. Heh. Here I am silently gushing about her and she doesn't even know. The strong, tough Belle Fontiere, gushing over her girlfriend like a kid in school gushing over her crush.
Belle then subconsciously begins to run her fingers through Tari's hair, causing the latter to blush from the attention her girlfriend is giving her as she feels herself nodding off.
Tari: I've never seen this affectionate side of her. Was she ever like this with Lucinia? I don't think she ever was based on what I can remember. If I am the first person she's ever done this with, then that makes this all the more special~
Tari then falls asleep soon after, a small smile on her face as her breathing falls into a steady rhythm. Belle continues to comb her fingers through Tari's hair as she looks down at her girlfriend with a smile. Belle then briefly stops to check Tari's temperature, finding her head to still be warmer than usual.
Belle: She still has a high temperature, but at least the medicine is helping her feel less crummy. Hopefully she'll be all better within a few days. Until then, I'll be with her and help her recover in any way I can.
Belle then let's out a sigh herself, happy that her girlfriend is currently happy herself and content with the situation she's in. Belle then looks over to the shelf and smiles.
Belle: We've made a lot of good memories in such a short time span. I really hope we can make more as time goes on.
As Belle continues to care for her girlfriend, the other members of MD-5 have been conversing about things with one another.
Sofia: So aside from Tari getting sick, things have at least been good in recent times.
Lamar: Gotta agree. I'm just glad our little blunder didn't cause us to split apart.
Masa: I just hope I don't end up repeating that mistake going forward.
Sofia: As long as you don't wish to spy on them again, we shouldn't have any problems.
Soon after, Sofia's phone goes off.
Sofia: Ah, that must be Marco.
Lamar: What's he want?
Sofia: He likely wants to discuss business as usual.
Masa: What kind of business?
Sofia: Just robotics stuff.
Lamar: It's kind of his thing.
Sofia: I'll be right back. He doesn't like when people listen in on conversations.
Lamar: Don't worry. We can handle ourselves.
Sofia then gets up to take the call in a more private area, leaving Masa and Lamar to themselves.
Masa: I'm glad Marco doesn't have it out for me anymore.
Lamar: He really wanted you to pay for cheating him out of a Meta Runner arm. You should consider yourself lucky the same arm ended up destroyed thanks to that explosion.
Masa: The one time losing an arm was a good thing. I'm honestly surprised he was willing to call it even.
Lamar: Marco is a strange man indeed. At least we don't owe him anything anymore.
Masa: Indeed.
Lamar: By the way... Whatever happened to Evelyn? I forgot to ask if a verdict was handed down or not.
Masa: She's serving prison time and will never be released.
Lamar: Seems like they made the right call at the end of the day. Let's hope for all our sakes that she never breaks out.
Masa: I have my doubts she will be able to. From what I've heard, she's in solitary confinement.
Lamar: I don't know, Masa. She may be arrogant, but she isn't stupid either. I just hope the prison she's locked up in doesn't fall for anything she tries to pull.
Masa: You and me both.
Sofia then comes back into the room after finishing her call with Marco, rejoining Lamar and Masa.
Lamar: What did he want?
Sofia: He said he could use some help tomorrow with some robotics he's been tinkering with.
Masa: I take it that's where you'll be?
Sofia: Yeah. It's best not to not anger him, even if we are on good terms.
Lamar: Well, I hope it all goes well.
Sofia: Me too.
Masa: I feel like it will. As long as it isn't another experiment involving AI like what Sheridan did.
Lamar: Last thing we need is history to repeat itself. Poor Tari has been through so much as it stands. I don't want her to go through anymore bad things...
Sofia: Same goes for Belle... I am happy that she and Tari found solace in one another, but I still can't shake the feeling that somehow, something bad is going to happen...
Masa: You too, huh?
Lamar: Same goes for me...
Masa: Well I don't know about you two, but I'm going to do whatever I can to keep Tari safe from anyone who intends to do her harm. Especially people like Evelyn.
Lamar: Let's just hope Evelyn herself remains behind bars.
Sofia: Amen.
As the three go back to their typical banter, Belle has been with Tari, continuing to stay with her as her girlfriend has fallen asleep with her head resting on her lap, her breathing steady and calm.
Belle: She doesn't seem to be doing any worse aside from a runny nose and some coughing. Hopefully that fever she had doesn't resurface and cause her anymore pain. She needs all of the rest she can get.
Tari then stirs in her sleep before readjusting herself and nestling into Belle's lap, letting out a content sigh as she continues to slumber. Belle can't help, but smile at her girlfriend, subconsciously placing her hand on Tari's head and stroking her azure blue hair.
Belle: You deserve to be happy, Tari. If I'm the beacon of light that can bring you happiness, then I'll continue to do everything I can to be the best girlfriend I can be.
Belle then decides to check the date planner on her digital calendar, taking note of when their next tournament is scheduled.
Belle: We still have a month before it's set to take place. Tari should be back in shape before then as long as it's nothing more than a typical cold.
Belle continues to look after Tari for some time until she eventually wakes up from her power nap, looking up to see her girlfriend looking down at her with a warm smile.
Belle: Hey, babe. Sleep well?
Tari: Y-yeah. I did.
Belle: How are you feeling?
Tari: Throat is still sore, but at least my head doesn't hurt.
Belle: That's good. The medicine is doing it's job.
Tari: Think I'll be better before the tournament?
Belle: Oh yeah. You'll be back to normal by then. It's a little over a month away.
Tari: Phew...
Belle: As long as nothing bad happens, we'll be in the clear.
Tari: Wait, aren't you going to get sick from being within proximity to me?
Belle: Probably, but I don't really care.
Tari: Why?
Belle: Because right now, you're the one who's sick, and I didn't want to leave you alone while you're under the weather. You're my girlfriend, and I'm not letting you suffer all alone.
Tari then smiles up at Belle.
Tari: You have a heart of gold, you know that?
Belle then smirks.
Belle: Only because we're dating.
The two chuckle at each other before Tari slowly sits up.
Belle: You good?
Tari: I'm feeling a bit hungry and thirsty.
Belle: Are you okay with some soup?
Tari: I probably can't eat much else.
Belle: Alright. I'll go prep you a bowl of soup.
Belle then grabs a nearby bottle of water and hands it to Tari.
Belle: Here. Masa grabbed you some water and other drinks to keep you hydrated. There's some sports drinks as well to give you a boost to electrolytes.
Tari: Thanks, Belle.
Belle: No problem, babe. I'll be right back.
Belle then stands up and leaves their shared room to make some soup for her sick girlfriend, leaving Tari by herself.
Tari: It's really nice to know she cares about me so much. Though I'd hate for her to get sick thanks to me...
Tari then let's out a sigh.
Tari: But I guess it's not the end of the world if it's only a head cold... If there's one thing about her that hasn't changed, it's her stubbornness. Not that it's always a bad thing. I'd honestly be lying if I said that she didn't care about me. She's a wonderful person when she let's this side of herself shine through.
Tari then feels her heart skip a beat.
Tari: It's one of the things I love about her the most. I just really hope that I can make her happy like she makes me happy. I'm certainly no Lucinia...
Tari then looks over to a recent photograph of her with Belle, causing a smile to form on her face.
Tari: And yet she tells me she doesn't care about any of that. She doesn't want me to be like Lucinia, she wants me to be myself.
Tari then let's out a sigh as her head tilts down to the floor.
Tari: Belle... I really need to find a way to pay you back somehow... You've helped me get through the hard times the most out of anyone... No matter what it is, I'll figure something out...
Tari then feels her stomach rumble, snapping her out of the moment.
Tari: I haven't eaten anything at all today since waking up... Hopefully I'll be able to stomach some soup.
Meanwhile, Belle has been prepping some soup for Tari with the other members of MD-5 nearby.
Sofia: How's Tari doing?
Belle: Her fever is down and her headache has subsided, though her voice is still scratchy and she still has congestion. It'll be a few days before she'll fully recover.
Lamar: Poor girl... Where do you think she could have gotten it from?
Belle: There was that one patron at that restaurant that was sneezing. She likely caught it from them.
Masa: At least it wasn't the flu... She'd be in even worse shape...
Belle: I'm glad it isn't that, though she was in pretty rough shape this morning. I thought she was just exhausted, so I let her sleep in. I didn't realize she was sick until I got back from the grocery run...
Sofia: Speaking of which, aren't you worried about getting sick yourself?
Belle: Normally I would be, but considering she and I share a bed, I feel like me getting sick is inevitable. Nothing I can really do about it since I was literally holding her last night. I really have nothing to lose at this point, and I'd rather make sure Tari is comfortable and looked after than worry about my own health right now. She's been through a lot, and she deserves to be cared for right now. To hell with my own well being when I'm fine for now. If I get sick, I'll deal with it then.
Masa: Still as stubborn as ever, but at least Tari's in good hands.
Lamar: It's nice to know you care about her so much. Hopefully she'll be better before that big major you and her are gonna take part in.
Belle: Oh, she should be. It's over a month away from now.
Sofia: Do you know what game you'll be playing?
Belle: They don't allow us to know what it is until a week before the tournament so that nobody can gain an unfair advantage. We get a week of practice and no more.
Masa: Must be serious if the rules are that strict.
Belle: It is. There is a massive cash prize for winning, but the winners also get a sponsorship deal for the next year. Tari and I want to push for the gold. We promised Lucinia we would keep her memory alive through being a tournament duo, and we're keeping that commitment.
Sofia: My sister definitely left an impact on you two. She'd be proud of you both.
Belle: I certainly hope she would be.
Soon after, Belle finishes prepping the soup she made for Tari.
Belle: Soup's done. I'd better get this to Tari. She hasn't eaten anything at all today since waking up.
Lamar: Let us know how she's doing when you can.
Belle: I will.
Belle then makes her way to the room she and Tari share, taking caution as to not spill any of the soup. Within moments, she arrives at the door, knocking before entering.
Belle: Soup's ready, babe!
Tari: It smells really good.
Belle: At least your sense of smell hasn't been affected. That's a good sign.
Tari: How so?
Belle: It means that it's nothing worse than a head cold.
Tari then let's out a loud sneeze.
Tari: I sure hope you're right about that...
Tari then sniffles before letting out a cough.
Belle: A rather nasty head cold.
Belle then approaches Tari with the bowl of soup.
Belle: Hopefully this'll put you at ease, even if only a bit.
Tari: T-thank you.
Belle: You're welcome.
Belle then pulls up a chair and takes a seat next to Tari, still holding the bowl of soup.
Tari: Belle?
Belle: I told you to take it easy, so to make it easier so you don't strain yourself...
Belle then looks away with a light blush.
Belle: I'll feed you...
Tari then blushes herself at the idea.
Tari: Huh?
Belle: I said I'll feed you, Tari. I don't want you to push yourself, so to help make it easier, I'll feed you the soup.
Tari: O-oh.
Belle: Why am I nervous? I'm just helping her while she's sick... Is this... What it feels like to truly care for someone? That you'd do things for someone else you normally wouldn't do? Or is it because it seems childish...
Belle then clears her head of her thoughts and focuses back on Tari, taking up a spoonful of soup.
Belle: J-just open your mouth and I'll spoon feed you the soup, okay?
Tari: Y-yes.
Tari then opens her mouth, allowing Belle to bring some soup to her mouth.
Belle: You might want to blow on the soup a bit before eating it. It's still a bit hot.
Belle then brings the spoon up to her girlfriend's lips, the latter blowing onto it a bit before closing her lips around the spoon, taking in the soup and drinking the small portion.
Belle: Well? How is it?
Tari: It's actually really good.
Belle: Phew...
Tari: Did you make it?
Belle: Sort of. I didn't make the ingredients, but I did cook it myself and I did add in some more things to give it a bit more flavor.
Tari: I'd say you did a good job!
Belle: You really think so?
Tari: Mhm!
Belle: Heh. T-thank you.
Belle then scoops up some more soup, blushing at the compliment from her girlfriend as she proceeds to bring another spoonful up to her girlfriend's waiting lips.
Belle: Well, there's still plenty of soup, so you'd better finish it off before it gets cold.
Tari: I will.
Belle continues to help spoon feed her ailing girlfriend the bowl of soup until she eventually finishes off the soup entirely a few minutes later.
Tari: That soup was wonderful. Thanks, Belle!
Belle: You're more than welcome, babe.
Belle then stands up, taking the bowl and spoon with her.
Belle: I'll be back in a bit. I'll be washing the bowl and then I'll be right back. I'd suggest lying down again to get some rest.
Tari: Alright. I'm gonna go brush my teeth first. I won't take long.
Belle then leaves the room to go wash the bowl out, leaving Tari alone again.
Tari: She's really been kind to me... I never knew this side of her existed under that tough exterior of hers... Not that I'm complaining. It... Honestly felt really nice.
Tari then stands up to head into the personal bathroom adjacent to the room.
Tari: I'd better make sure that my teeth are clean. I shouldn't take too long.
Tari then grabs her toothbrush and begins to brush her teeth, making sure to clean each one thoroughly before rinsing her mouth out before relieving herself and washing up, heading back into the room soon after, finding Belle to still be absent.
Tari: She must still be washing. Well, I'd better lie down to not push myself. I'm going to need a lot of rest if I want to recover ASAP.
Tari then pulls the covers to her bed away, lying down on the mattress before pulling the covers back over her body, getting herself comfortable and closing her eyes in an attempt to get some rest. Moments later, Belle comes back into the room, noticing Tari already under the covers with her eyes closed.
Belle: As long as she gets plenty of rest, she'll recover in no time.
Belle then takes a seat on the chair, sitting next to Tari as the latter rests up.
Belle: Get well soon, babe. I'll be right here if you need anything.
As Belle sits by her girlfriend, Tari soon after falls asleep to allow her body to fight the infection ailing her.
Belle: I will never let anything bad happen to you, Tari. I will never break that promise.
As Tari sleeps, a certain pink-haired cyborg currently serving her sentence in a high security prison has been escorted back to her cell, being left alone to her own devices.
Evelyn: That was absolutely terrible... I can't believe this is what it's gonna take to break out of this place...
Evelyn then lays back on her cell bed, letting out a sigh as she closes her eyes, eager to get some sleep as she continues to set her plans in motion.
Evelyn: But it'll all be worth it if it means I'll be able to finally have my revenge against that blue-haired freak.
Evelyn then smirks as she soon after falls asleep herself, continuing to scheme as she desires to break out of prison and get her revenge against those she feels have wronged her. Meanwhile, Belle has decided to turn in herself, snuggling up to Tari and wrapping her arm around her girlfriend's torso.
Belle: I may get sick, but I don't care at this point. As long as I can help her recover, I'll be happy.
Belle then falls asleep minutes later as her girlfriend continues to sleep soundly. Despite how the day began, Belle is optimistic her girlfriend will recover in due time, even if it means she'll get sick herself, she'll see to it that Tari recovers from her cold, no matter what.