Word Count: 190
Rating: PG
Author's Note: Part 3 of the mini-series. Leave some love!
The first time she comes, he pushes her hands away with a fierce, proud passion.
"Don't touch me," he hisses, half in malice and half in pain. She leaves, and the pain returns.
The second time she comes, he is too feverish to move and in too much agony to do anything about it. He lies there, groaning in misery and embarrassment and anger as her healing hands and kind smile soothe the pain.
The third time she comes, he stares at the floor and says nothing. She changes the bandages on his arms and torso, treats the burns with cool water, then disappears without a word.
The fourth time she comes, the fever is back. He lies on his mat, writhing in pain and mumbling nonsense as she enters. Crying out in surprise, she rushes to his side.
"It's worse," she states worriedly. "Much worse. I have to go get more water..."
He grabs her hand as she stands, grasping at her fingers. "Don't leave!" He whispers desperately. "Please... don't leave!" He tugs harder, and her soft hands clasp his own tightly.
"I won't," she assures him. "I promise."
END.