I watched as the others began making a small fire, settling down for the evening.
Once he was gone, Mey strode forward, with a little can and spoon. “I heated it for you a little bit.”
“Don’t worry about me,” I waved at her, feeling bad for being such a burden.
“Nonsense, I’d be happy to take care of you. Otherwise I’m the one who is always the liability,” she lowered hervoice, a hint of sadness lingering in it, yet a faint smile twitched across her lips.
“You’re not—” I protested, but her light, hazel eyes met mine with such intensity that I turned silent.
“I have an illness.”
“What?” I asked, confused.
She slowly filled the spoon and reached it towards me. It would’ve seemed even worse if I denied her at this point, so I swallowed my pride and accepted being fed.
“It’s a curious thing, not knowing if it will shorten my lifespan or just be a nuisance at times,” she chuckled low, emotionless.
“The coughing?” I asked, realizing she had been doing that quite a lot during our missions. She nodded slowly, stirring the spoon in the soup before taking another filled portion of it and handing it to me.
“I often get a fever. I don’t know why, probably my useless body telling me I should give up,” I snorted, trying to lighten the mood.
She stilled. “Why haven’t you then?”
“I guess I’m either too stubborn, or too stupid?” I confessed and we both laughed at that.
“I guess we both are then,” Mey nodded. “I simply want to live like a normal person.”
“From what I’ve seen, you’re stronger than that.”
Her eyes looked like glass for a moment. “If… if something happens. Please look after Nate, don’t let him shut everyone out or… decide to join me.”
I tensed, before I nodded, fully aware of what I was suddenly committing to.
“Thanks,” she smiled, the warmest I’d ever seen, making stars falter in comparison. She grabbed my hand and put the can between, the heat spreading to my hands.
“Rest up and don’t get cold,” she instructed firmly, as she rose and walked back to Nate who had a worried look on his face.
I admired him, pursuing this career to keep his sister safe; making sure that they’d have food and water every day… that she’d always live her life rather than trying to cage her in because of a disease. Something stirred inside of me and I shivered to calm myself.
The world felt too loud until Lionel’s quiet presence fill the space beside me. He crouched down, steady, without a word. He was simply there.
No teasing. No sharp edge. Only calm patience.
My body leaned against his before my mind caught up. Slowly, my head found his shoulder, familiar and solid. No tension, no fight. Just him.
The smell of oakmoss and leather embracing me.
His smell.
“I’ve got you,” Lionel murmured, low enough for onlyme. I felt his hand finding mine, the warmth of him seeping into me and I welcomed it, leaned further into him. My body felt heavy, but at least I was safe.
Thanks to him.
“Lionel,” I muttered, low and weak. “Stay with me.”
And for the first time that day, I let the fever win, and let my eyes close.
CHAPTER
