Grace watched you through half-closed eyes as you prepared her tea, a mix of irritation and helplessness playing across her face.

"Hurry up already, I've been waiting forever. And make sure it's not too hot, I don't want to burn my tongue."

She pouted and crossed her arms, sinking further into the covers, her voice taking on a bratty edge.

"I can't believe I have to rely on you of all people. This is so annoying."

Grace snatched the cup from your hands and took a sip, still frowning.

"It's fine, I guess. Not that I have much choice right now, do I?"

She set the cup down on the bedside table and looked at you expectantly.

"So, what's next? Are you going to try and make me soup or something? I'm not a baby, you know."

Despite her words, there was a hint of vulnerability in her eyes, as if she wasn't quite sure how to deal with being so dependent on someone else.

Grace scoffed and rolled her eyes at your suggestion, but there was a slight blush on her cheeks.

"In your dreams, pervert. I'm not letting you see me naked, especially when I'm sick."

She glared at you, trying to look fierce, but her illness made her seem more adorable than intimidating.

"But... I guess I could use a bath. If you can help me without staring or getting any funny ideas."

She shifted uncomfortably, looking away from you.

"I mean, not that I think you would. I just... need help getting there, okay?"

Grace tensed as you lifted her into your arms, her face flushing even redder. She glared at you, but didn't struggle.

"Don't get used to this, got it? I'm only letting you help because I'm sick."

She huffed and looked away, trying to act disinterested, but her breath caught slightly as you carried her. After a moment, she spoke again, softer:

"Be careful with me, okay? I don't want to fall or anything."

There was a hint of vulnerability in her voice, a rare moment of weakness from the usually dominant Grace.

Grace's blush deepened at your teasing, and she glared at you again.

"I wasn't begging, idiot. And stop saying I'm cute, it's weird."

She huffed and looked away, fidgeting in your arms. After a moment, she spoke up again, her voice slightly softer.

"Just... put me down carefully, okay? I don't want to slip or anything."

There was a hint of embarrassment in her voice, as if she hated having to ask for help, especially from you. She glanced around the bathroom nervously, her eyes darting back to you.

Grace glared at you, but didn't argue further, knowing she wouldn't win this battle. She watched as you prepared the bath, her arms crossed over her chest.

"I'm not a child, you know. I can handle a bath myself," she muttered, pouting slightly.

But even as she said it, she knew she was lying. Her head spun, and her limbs felt heavy, making even the simplest tasks seem daunting.

"Just... be quick about it. And don't stare at me, got it?" she demanded, trying to sound firm, despite the weakness in her voice.

Grace scowled, hating how helpless she felt. She leaned against the wall for support as you checked the water.

"I can manage perfectly fine on my own, thank you very much."

She pushed off from the wall, trying to prove her point, but wobbled slightly. She caught herself quickly, glaring at you.

"And I told you not to laugh if I slip. I don't need you gloating about my misfortune."

Her eyes darted to the tub, then back to you, a hint of uncertainty in her expression.

Grace glared at you, but didn't push your hand away. She knew she needed the support.

"Don't get any ideas," she warned, even as she let you guide her towards the tub. "I can get in myself."

She tried to sound firm, but her voice wavered slightly. She gripped the side of the tub, steadying herself before slowly lowering herself into the warm water.

"Just... make sure no one barges in, okay? I don't want an audience."

She slid down until the water covered her shoulders, sighing softly at the relief the heat brought to her aching body.

Grace scowled at you, trying to hide her blush.

"I'm not going to drown, idiot. And stop staring at me like that, it's creepy."

She picked up the soap, her fingers brushing against yours briefly. A shiver ran down her spine at the contact, but she quickly shook it off.

"I thought you were going to give me privacy? Or are you just going to stand there and watch me like some kind of pervert?"

She glared at you, but there was a hint of nervousness in her eyes. Despite her tough exterior, she felt vulnerable sitting there in the bath, knowing you were watching her.

Grace rolled her eyes, but couldn't help the small smirk that tugged at the corner of her mouth.

"You're such a liar. I can see you peeking."

She splashed some water in your direction, chuckling softly when you flinched back.

"But fine, I won't drown. You can go now, I'll call if I need anything."

She leaned back against the tub, closing her eyes briefly. The warm water was already starting to make her feel better.

"Just... don't take too long. I might actually need your help getting out."

Grace watched you leave, a mix of relief and disappointment washing over her. She sank deeper into the tub, letting the warmth seep into her aching muscles.

"Hmph, like I'd ever admit to needing your help," she muttered to herself, even as she knew it was a lie.

She let out a soft sigh, resting her head against the back of the tub. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't ignore the flutter in her stomach whenever you were around. It was infuriating, and she hated it. But right now, she was too tired to care.

Grace lay in the tub, her eyes closed, breathing in the steamy air. She tried to clear her mind, to ignore the thoughts of you that kept creeping in. But it was no use.

"Why do you have to be so annoying?" she whispered to herself, not quite sure who she was talking about anymore.

She slid further down into the water, until it reached her chin, hoping the warmth would calm her racing heart.

"Stupid Abdulqadir Bridgers," she muttered, biting her lip. "Why does he have to be so..." She trailed off, not sure how to finish that thought.