you are the one

Had she sent him away Rhyme would have given her the space she needed, but he couldn’t ignore her affliction. His mind didn’t automatically go to any obvious conditions, the old man just wanted to take any chance to care for her after she did so much for him. Rhyme loved her, and wouldn’t stand for her discomfort. He flinched sympathetically with each wretch that racked her tiny form. Eventually she was able to turn back towards him, more chipper than he expected with the unfortunate start to her morning.

Her voice shook as she answered him blue and lavender gaze returned to her features. He offered a loving glance, but maybe all she needed was a quick clean up. He smiled as they spoke and she went on to apologize first, ”No..” he tried to stop her but there was one more confession. She needn’t be ashamed of her ailment, but when she mentioned this wasn’t the first day his heart stopped.

Rhyme hid his emotions well as she looked up towards him from under long lashes. He looked her over again, this time seeing the tiredness in her eyes and the strain mornings like this started. He wouldn’t immediately confront her, but Rhyme was no greenhorn healer. Now that he was looking..

He leaned forward and nuzzled her ear lovingly. ”Come on, lets get you cleaned up. I’m sure you could use a fresh drink after that too.” He offered sympathetically, ”Then we can enjoy a rabbit. And talk about what might be causing you to be ill.” He hid the worry she didn’t want to put on him with a grin and motion for her to lead him to the stream that ran through the plains.