Chapter 4 – Fight for you

Later that morning Delphine slipped out of bed with promises to return soon. She tucked the blankets up under Cosima's chin and urged her to rest. Cosima smiled weakly as Delphine kissed her cheek. Once Cosima was alone she felt fuzzy questions swim to the surface. She knew Delphine loved her. That much was clear. Cosima knew their attraction was undeniable. And the circumstances in which they found one another was remarkable.

Cosima believed in signs. She believed in destiny. But would Delphine believe? Could she believe? Delphine flashed Cosima a relieved smile last night when she told her about the homework. It was the first spark of hope Cosima felt between them in many months. There was a cure. Would the cure be enough to persuade Delphine to surrender? "Please," Cosima pleaded silently. "Please, I need you Delphine."

Sometime later Delphine returned with a hot bowl of broth and a cannula. "This is only for now," Delphine assured hwer while placing the tubes around her ears and under her nose. "I do have something to distract you though," Delphine smiled. "This is not as good as Mrs S's cooking. But it will get your energy back." She carefully pulled Cosima into a sitting position and fluffed the pillows behind her.

"What kind of soup is it?" Cosima asked after Delphine carefully tipped a spoonful into her mouth.

"It's best you don't know." Delphine twinkled.

"Delphine..." Cosima hesitated. "I heard you were shot." It wasn't a question but a statement. Cosima's heart yearned for an explanation and she held her breath waiting for an answer. She recognized the troubled expression on Delphine's face when she had to deliver bad news.

"Cosima..." Delphine hesitated. "We need to get you well first..."

"Delphine, I want to be with you. I need to be with you" Cosima admitted. "We are meant to be together. You have to believe that." Tears started to fill her eyes.

"I want that more than anything, ma petite," Delphine whispered putting the bowl down.

"But it may not be that easy. I still have my role to play."

"What role? What are you not telling me?"

"Cosima, you are in enough danger already. I cannot put you in more." Delphine said taking both of Cosima's hands in hers.

"You said last night we need to be very careful" Cosima asked. "Why? Who are these people?"

"I cannot tell you everything now, but soon. I promise."

"You came to say goodbye to me that night outside Bubbles."

Delphine didn't answer but tears filled her eyes and she bit her lip.

"You knew something bad was going to happen."

"I never stopped you know. Not once. Not for one moment." Delphine admitted.

She leaned down and kissed Cosima tenderly.

"I am going to fight for you." Cosima said.

"Listen," Delphine said. "We need to be very secret about the cure and no one can know we have it."

"Charlotte knows." Cosima said.

"She is one extraordinary little girl."

"I know." Cosima agreed. "We have to protect her."

"And we will." Delphine assured. "She will not tell anyone."

Cosima sank back into the pillows.

"Ok. Enough for now."

"Delphine this is not over" Cosima insisted.

Delphine didn't answer but her eyes held sadness and hope. She raised one of Cosima's hands and kissed the knuckles.

"Rest now."