There was a knock at the door, then a smiling doctor entered. He raised an eyebrow at her. "Should have known you'd be called."
She chuckled softly.
"Did he try to run yet?"
"And promptly fell on the floor."
The doctor laughed, then sighed. "Did his stitches break? Cause I really don't feel like pinching the artery closed again."
"I think he'll be alright."
He smirked slightly. "You gave in, didn't you? Used a spell?"
She sighed, "I just couldn't watch him keep hurting."
"That's my Mia. Still think you should have finished your internship."
She shrugged, "I'm a pretty good bodyguard though."
"No arguments here." He kissed her cheek. "I've got rounds. Keep him here, will you? Sit on him if necessary. He lost a lot of blood and is nowhere near discharge." He waved and headed for the door.
She nodded, "Have fun."
"'M fine. He's over exaggerating." Ryon's voice was quiet, his eyes still closed.
"I know him and know he's probably right."
His lips twisted and he sighed. "You're not going to let me leave."
"Probably not," she said quietly.
He grumbled quietly. "So, is he your boyfriend?"
"No, I worked with him for a while."
Ryon opened his eyes, but remained silent. After a minute, he smiled slightly. "You don't have to watch me every second, you know."
She chuckled, "I know, but I do have to watch you most seconds." She stood, "I'll be right back." She stepped into the restroom and closed the door.
He reclosed his eyes, ignoring the door opening. He heard a man cluck his tongue and froze.
"You're not supposed to remove this, you know."
He felt the pinch of the IV being reinserted and relaxed. 'Just a nurse,' he thought. Then he felt something injected into the tubing. Struggling to open his eyes, he tried to fight but began to gasp for air as his lungs contracted violently.
"You can't escape us."
He heard the door close and shakily tried to pull the IV out again, but he couldn't make his hand obey.
Mia exited the bathroom and looked over at him. She froze for a moment, eyes analyzing the situation before she rushed to him and began muttering spells under her breath.
His eyes were panicked, locked on hers as he fought desperately to breathe.
She continued saying spells rapidly before injecting something into him.
He sucked in a ragged breath, clinging to her hand before he slumped to the side unconscious.
She stayed by him for a few more minutes, watching his vitals before sitting down. Her mind raced with ideas until she finally decided she had to take him to her safe house.
"Mia?" The doctor from before entered with two coffees. His eyes widened and he quickly crossed to her. "Something wrong?"
"I'm going to move him. It's not safe here.. I went to the bathroom and in just a minute of being gone he was almost killed."
The doctor growled. "Understood. I'll get his prescriptions and pack a kit for his dressings." He set the coffees down and strode out quickly.
Mia watched Ryon carefully.
"I'm sorry for causing trouble." Ryon opened his eyes. "You can just drop me at my apartment."
She shook her head, "We're going to my safehouse."
"I..I shouldn't." He looked away, one hand absently rubbing his shoulder.
"It's alright. It's my job to keep you safe, and this will be the best way to do it."
"I can't convince you otherwise?"
"Not really."
"Don't say I didn't warn you." He blinked at her. "What the hell did he give me? Felt like my lungs were shrinking."
She shook her head, "I'm not entirely sure. Are you feeling better though?"
He nodded. "I'm fine. I don't think I'm safe anywhere."
"You'll be safe at my place, don't worry."
He went silent as the doctor returned with a bag he handed to her.
"I've already signed the paperwork, so just go."
She nodded before looking thoughtful. She sighed and shook her head, "We'll take my car."
The doctor removed the IV, helping Ryon into a wheelchair. "Be careful."
She nodded and began pushing Ryon outside. She got him into her car before starting it and taking off into traffic. Her eyes darted around, making sure they weren't being followed.
"You shouldn't do this. I don't want you getting hurt over me." Ryon's eyes warily stared out the windshield.
"It's kind of my job," she chuckled. "But seriously, I just like helping people."
"I'm not worth helping."
"That's not for you to say."
He side eyes her, the green orbs glinting in the sunlight. "Pretty sure I know the truth better than you."
She shrugged quietly.
He returned his attention ahead before wearily closing his eyes and drifting off.
After a while, she gently shook his arm, "We're here."
He slowly blinked, sitting up with a look of confusion.
They were in front of a small secluded cabin in the woods.
"This is yours?"
"One of mine," she nodded.
"One?" His eyes were wide as he climbed out of the car.
She chuckled and watched him for a moment before going to unlock the door.
He trailed behind her, looking back worriedly. "Sure it's safe?"
"Yeah," she nodded. "I made sure we weren't followed."
"Okay.." He still sounded unconvinced as he entered, his eyes surveying the interior. "This is nice. Homey."
"Thanks. I don't come here much but it's nice for camping or hideouts."
"Got another one to sell me?" He gave her a quick smile.
"Not like this," she chuckled.
"Oh well." He made a beeline for the couch, slowly sitting down with a sigh of relief. "I'm going to be useless in concert."
"Just give yourself more time to heal. When's your next concert planned?"
"In a week. Unless Naoto postponed it. This was supposed to be a quick break to finish up the album." He pushed himself up. "Where's the bathroom?"
She pointed to a door quietly.
He gave her a smile before entering and closing the door behind.
She went to the kitchen and double checked their food supplies.
The sound of a thud echoed in the small building.
She went to the bathroom door, "Are you alright?"
"May..have overdone it a little.." His pained voice replied over the sound of the shower.
"Is it alright if I come help you?"
The door slowly opened to reveal Ryon shakily on his feet, a gash on his forehead streaming blood steadily.
She cursed and gently led him to the couch before getting supplies and beginning to clean him up.
He flinched at the cotton ball's touch. "You're not yelling.."
"Why would I?"
He shook his head. "Nevermind." He crossed his arms self consciously in front of his chest, then curled his knees up as if trying to hide.
She finished cleaning him up before looking at the time, "Are you hungry? I can start dinner?"
"Sure. If you are." He kept his eyes averted, his position appearing like a child.
She frowned but went to the kitchen and began to cook. A little bit later, she came out with a plate for him.
He hadn't moved, his head buried in his knees.
"Hey, are you okay?" She sat beside him.
"Fine." He raised his head. "Thanks." He took the plate. "I'll get out of your hair after this." A smile faintly appeared, then disappeared just as quickly.
"You're not leaving until it's safe for you to."
"I'll be fine. I've been on my own for a long time." He started eating, giving her a more believable smile. "This is good."
"Well, not only is it my job to be protecting you, I personally just don't think it's safe for you yet. If you really insist on leaving, I will just follow you."
"I'm sure you've already been paid. You don't have to worry about me anymore."
"I'm not just going to stop protecting you."