closer than together

Deathbelle asked her to sit nearby and Io moved to do so without hesitation. She placed her pack aside before seating herself next to the larger woman. Belle seemed surprised that she was building a cottage. "Mhmm. A stone structure built into the side of a hill. Shelves for all of my things.  Garden right outside." It would be convenient.  Plus a cottage was much less damp than an underground den.

Belle continued,  speaking of a trip and a sprained ankle. Io's brow furrowed.  "Do you need me to look at it?" Sprains werent that big of a deal,  but if Belle wanted her to look, she would. Might be wise just to make sure nothing was broken. 

"And how are things with Hannibal?" Of course that would be her next line of inquiry. That was ultimately why she was here.  To check on her former lover and see if she had given her up for good cause.