**Chapter 1: Sick and Clingy**

Fred Weasley was laying in his bed, his body wracked with a persistent cough. Reader sat beside him, concern etched on her face as she held a steaming bowl of soup. "Come on, baby, drink your soup," she cooed, trying to coax him into taking a sip. Fred scrunched up his face in distaste. "I don't want it," he said, his voice weak and raspy. Reader set the bowl down on the bedside table and wrapped a comforting arm around his shoulders. "Just a little bit, Fred. It'll help you feel better." But before Fred could finish his protest, a sudden wave of nausea washed over him. He leapt out of bed and sprinted to the bathroom, Reader hot on his heels. He barely made it to the toilet before he started vomiting, Reader rubbing his back in soothing strokes. "My poor baby," she whispered, her voice full of concern. "You're so sick." Fred finished vomiting and wiped his mouth with his sleeve, feeling miserable. Reader handed him a glass of water and he took a few tentative sips. As he sat there, feeling wretched, a sudden craving struck him. "I want ice cream," he said, his voice a pitiful whine. Reader couldn't help but laugh. "You're dead crazy if you think I'm gonna give you ice cream, Fred Weasley. You're sick, not deserving of treats." Fred pouted, his lower lip jutting out in a comically exaggerated expression. "Awww," he whined, getting to his feet with Reader's help. As they made their way back to bed, Fred wrapped a clingy arm around Reader's waist. "Don't leave me, Reader. I don't want to be alone when I'm sick." Reader smiled, her heart melting at his plea. "I'll take care of you, baby. I'll be right here." As they settled into bed, Fred snuggled into Reader's side, his eyes closing in exhaustion. Reader wrapped her arms around him, holding him close as he drifted off to sleep. But just as she thought he was out, Fred's eyes flickered open and he gazed up at her with a mischievous glint. "Promise me you'll make it up to me with ice cream when I'm feeling better," he whispered, his voice low and husky. Reader rolled her eyes, smiling. "I'll think about it, Fred Weasley."