Noerah: Serah’s Fever
Traversing the timeline isn’t as easy as some may believe, and this was even more true for the time traveling duo Serah and Noel.
Having just left Bresha Ruins 300 AF, the duo lazily floated through the Historia Crux. Noel looked to Serah with a goofy grin, only to furrow his brow in concern. She looked pale, and rather lethargic even as the two floated in the void.
“Serah, are you doing alright?” He floated to the girl’s side, examining her flushed face. She would smile weakly and nod, assuring Noel she was fine, but it was a lie.
Since they had left New Bodhum 3AF, Serah had been pushing herself to the furthest extent she could, getting little sleep in between fights and new places they would travel. Noel was used to these harsh environments, he practically grew up under these conditions. For Serah? Life had been much easier. The more she pushed herself, the worse her condition got, until now.
The two would land in Academia 4XXAF, the sun shining bright as there was no paradox to cloud the sky and shroud it in night. That same smile came across Noel’s face as they stepped into the warm sun. Bresha Ruins 300AF was snowy and cold, which made their return here a breath of fresh air.
“Man- the weather here is so much nicer than where we just were, makes you appreciate the war-” THUD Serah had taken a couple of steps only to collapse from sheer exhaustion, her fever rising rapidly. “Serah!!”
Scooping the girl up rather quickly, Noel made his way to the Academy’s HQ in the center of Academia. “Hope!! Hope!! Serah collapsed! I think she’s sick- i-is there anywhere I can take her for her to rest? Is there any medicine I can give her?!” His voice was shaky, tears welling in his eyes. In his village, if you caught even the slightest of colds, it could be a death sentence. That wasn’t something he could handle right now, him and Serah had come too far for her to die here.
“Whoa- Whoa Noel are you alright? Hey take it easy, you’re gonna jostle her. I’ll get you two set up in one of the many hotels here in Academia, the Academy will pay for it.” Hope tried to calm Noel down, seeing how he desperately clung to Serah, as if she was his last life line. Using his Comm Device, Hope made arrangements to have them set up in a suite at the nearest hotel. Hope led Noel to said hotel and to their room. With the two of them set up, he took his leave, assuring Noel he’d be back later with medicine for Serah.
The Hunter tucked Serah in, staying quiet as he let her rest. This wasn’t his time, maybe this wouldn’t kill her.. It couldn’t. They were so close to finishing their journey, she couldn’t go out like this- Inhaling sharply, Noel moved a chair from the side of the room beside the bed. He took one of Serah’s hands in his, rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand.
“Serah.. I’m so sorry I didn’t notice how exhausted you were..I promised I’d take care of you, and here I am letting you get sick. Please get better soon..”
Hope would return to the hotel room hours later with the proper medicine for Serah and food for Noel. Upon walking in, he saw Noel fast asleep, his head resting on one of his arms while his other hand held onto Serah’s. It was quite the sight. He simply shook his head and set the food and medicine down on the nightstand, letting the two rest. He’d come by and check on them later.
The next day, Serah opened her eyes and glanced around the room. Her vision was still blurry, but when her gaze landed on her hand, she noticed Noel was holding it. He had all night. A small smile spread across her face and she slowly pushed herself up with her free hand, gently squeezing his with her other. Noel, upon feeling Serah squeeze his hand, shot up and stared at her with wide eyes. Relief washed across his face, tears prickling in his eyes. He thought she’d never wake up. Even though Noel knew that the medicine Hope had brought would work, his experience with sickness in the past made him skeptical.
“S-Serah! You’re alright- Thank Etro..”
Crawling onto the bed, Noel pulled Serah’s head against his chest, not giving her anytime to respond. She really was going to be okay. Instead of fighting him, Serah laughed lightly and wrapped her arms around Noel, squeezing him as tight as she could.
“Yeah- of course I’m okay. Why wouldn’t I be..? Just.. a little tired I suppose.. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten this sick before to be honest.. I.. I don’t know what happened. I’m sorry if I worried you.”
“Nononono, Serah..” Noel let her go, sitting beside her on the bed, his hand moving and holding hers again, as if he was trying to assure himself she was real and alive. “It’s my fault, had I paid better attention this would have never happened. I promised I wouldn’t let you get hurt..” He brushed a couple of hair wisps from her face, smiling softly. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”
A moment of silence passed, and that’s when Noel finally remembered the medicine!! He had given it to her while she was asleep, but she needed to take more in order to fully rid herself of the fever.
“Here.. Hope brought this. He said it’ll help with your fever.. I gave some to you while you were asleep but I didn’t wanna risk choking you so I only gave you a little..”
Serah smiled, taking the potion from him and drinking the rest. It tasted horrible!! Absolutely disgusting! If she wanted to get better though, she had to drink it.
“Eugh!! That tastes so gross!! I hope I never get sick again, I’d hate to have to drink that again.”
Noel laughed and put the empty bottle on the nightstand, then pulled Serah back into his arms, leaning against the head of the bed while she rested against his chest. His eyes closed and he finally relaxed, one hand idly rubbing her back while the other played with her hair.
Serah hid her face against his chest, letting herself listen to his heartbeat. It was nice, and strong. If only things could stay like this..
“Hey Serah?”
“Yeah Noel?”
“Please don’t scare me like that again..”
“I can’t make any promises...” She laughed and smiled up at him, eyes meeting his. Noel laughed a little and pressed a kiss to her forehead, holding her closer.
“Yeah, I guess you have a point. Then how about this? I’ll keep a better eye on you, and you make sure to slow me down if I’m charging in too fast- I’m not reckless like Snow, but I know I tend to charge in sometimes without thinking.”
“Mm... Sounds like a plan to me.”
The hotel room was filled with laughter and happiness, and would be for the next couple of days while Serah recovered. Once she was feeling better, the two set off on their journey once more.
FIN
