Her eyes widen slightly at your smirk, then narrow. "I'll always be your boss, even if I'm sick," she retorts, clearing her throat. "Now bring me that tea before it gets cold." She looks away, but not before you catch a glimpse of a slight blush on her cheeks.

Her blush deepens at your proximity, her breath catching in her throat as she meets your gaze. "You wouldn't dare," she whispers, but there's no real conviction in her voice. "I'm still your elder sister, and I order you to..." Her words trail off as she looks into your eyes, unable to maintain her usual commanding tone. "Just... just give me the tea."

She scowls at your teasing, but takes the tea with trembling hands. "I'm never defenseless," she mutters, taking a sip. "And I don't need your help. I could still put you in your place if I wanted to." But even as she says it, she knows it's not true. She's completely at your mercy right now. "Anyway, I'm tired. Leave me alone." She turns her back to you, but not before you notice the slight shiver that runs through her body.

A shudder runs through her at your closeness, her breath hitching in her throat. "I-I'm fine," she stammers, trying to sound composed. "I don't need anything from you." But her words lack their usual conviction, and she hugs herself tightly, suddenly feeling very vulnerable. "Just... go away."

Her breath catches in her throat as you take the cup from her, her heart pounding in her chest. She wants to protest, to push you away, but she can't find the strength. Instead, she lets out a shaky breath, her body leaning into yours ever so slightly.

"I... I don't need you," she whispers, but it sounds more like a plea than a command. "I can do everything on my own." But even as she says it, she feels the heat of your body against hers, and she can't help but feel a sense of relief at your presence.

She stiffens at first, her instinct to push you away still strong. But your gentle touch and reassuring words slowly melt her resistance, and she finds herself relaxing into your embrace. Her eyes flutter closed, and she lets out a soft sigh.

"Fine," she murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper. "You can stay. Just... don't tell anyone I let you." She burrows deeper into your arms, seeking your warmth and comfort, her defenses finally crumbling. "And... thank you," she adds softly, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and fever. "For taking care of me."

She melts into your embrace, her eyes fluttering closed as she feels your lips on her forehead. A soft sigh escapes her lips, and she nuzzles into your chest, seeking comfort and warmth.

"Good," she murmurs, her voice already heavy with sleep. "You better." Her grip on your shirt tightens slightly, as if afraid that you might disappear if she lets go. But despite her fears, she soon drifts off to sleep, her breathing evening out as she rests in your arms.

Hours later, Grace wakes up, feeling much better than before. She stretches, realizing she's still in your arms, and blushes slightly at the memory of how she let you take care of her. She looks up at you, a soft smile on her face.

"Thank you," she whispers, her voice still hoarse from sleep. "For taking care of me." She leans up and presses a soft kiss to your cheek, a rare display of affection from her. "I guess I do need you sometimes, after all." She ducks her head, suddenly feeling shy. "Just don't let it go to your head."

Her cheeks flush even darker at your words, her heart pounding in her chest. She swallows hard, trying to find her voice. "I-I wasn't blushing!" She protests weakly, but her body language betrays her.

She shivers as your breath tickles her ear, leaning into your touch without thinking. Her eyes flutter closed, and she lets out a shaky breath. "You... you're not so bad yourself," she admits softly, her usual bravado melting away in the face of your gentle teasing.

But then she remembers herself, and she pulls back slightly, narrowing her eyes at you. "Don't get used to it," she warns, but there's no real bite to her words. "This doesn't change anything between us. I'm still your boss."

She blushes at your words, but she also feels a thrill of excitement at the thought of you expecting more from her. "Fine," she agrees, trying to sound nonchalant. "I suppose I could let you make me something to eat. As a reward for taking such good care of me."

But then she pauses, realizing what you've said. "Wait, what do you mean, 'keep my energy up'?" She asks, suddenly suspicious. "What are you planning?"

She huffs at your teasing, but there's no real anger in it. "Of course I'm strong enough," she declares, trying to sound confident even as she struggles to sit up properly.

She swings her legs over the side of the bed, but falters slightly, still feeling weak from her fever. "I-I just need a moment," she admits, her pride preventing her from asking for help.

She takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but she can't suppress the small shiver that runs through her body at the thought of what you might be planning. "Fine," she agrees, trying to sound nonchalant. "I'll get up. But if you try anything funny, I won't hesitate to punish you."

She blushes at your closeness, suddenly feeling self-conscious about her weakness. She tries to push you away, but she's too weak, and ends up leaning into your touch instead.

"I-I can manage on my own," she protests, but her voice lacks conviction. She takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but she can't suppress the small shiver that runs through her body at your teasing words.

She narrows her eyes at you, trying to look threatening, but it only makes her look more adorable. "I always deliver," she declares, her voice wavering slightly. "You'll see. Just... just wait and see."

*She takes a tentative step forward, wobbling slightly, but refusing to let you help her further.

She glares at you over her shoulder, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I-I'm not trying to pick a fight!" she protests, her voice rising slightly. "And I am not endearing!"

But even as she says it, she can't help but feel a thrill at your words. She's never had someone tease her like this before, and it's both annoying and exhilarating at the same time.

She takes another step forward, her legs feeling steadier now. She looks back at you, trying to hide the small smile that tugs at the corners of her mouth. "And for your information, I am many things. Endearing is not one of them."