I was thankful that he had listened. I had feared that without my intervention he'd just let it fester. I fumbled blindly in wait for him. I sat myself back down on the plush chair.

My world had been blind for months now. I had gotten used to not seeing things, but - I had also given up. Before it was so much smaller. I knew the coldness of the hard walls. The stench of putrid garbage, and the footsteps of many who passed by. I Had no reason to venture out - away from my hole. There was no reason.

Sometimes, I still wondered if there was any reason, even now.

But then, just as my thoughts drifted down the highway to that cold, lonely place I heard Tristan's footfalls. Padding ever so familiarly, softly, as though a mother were preparing a meal the sounds bought an equal feeling of warmth to me.

“Ready?”

His fingers gently grazed mine as he lead them to the metal of his arm. I paused as I felt the rough material of his shirt. Gone was the familiarity of his upper armour. “Mmm.” I gave him a nod. “Not wearing your chest armour.” I commented as my grip around his arm tightened. The armour was familiar, welcomed. But so was his warmth. I wanted to leech it from him, but I was ever so afraid my cold, thin fingers would scare him away. “Let’s get you the attention you need.”

He laid one of his large hands over mine, holding it in place as he turned and began slowly walking. “No, I am not. Most doctors do not appreciate armoured men coming in. I feel naked without it, but I must if I must.” His fingers tightened on mine.

We left the house, Tristain being careful to lock up and walking slowly. I could tell it wasn’t his usual pace. His step was off kilter, but he was ever mindful of me. I closed my eyes and drew in a deep breath. I always enjoyed the fresh air. I concentrated on the sound of the metal, his footsteps.

“You’re like my clang-clang tin man…” I mused.

“I am your wh… Girl.” He paused, and I couldn't make out the tone of his voice. “I am at least your clang-clang iron man.” He was doing it on purpose, he must be, because now I could hear the amusement in his words.

I laughed, it almost hurt to do so. I wasn’t sure when the last time I earnestly, honestly laughed was. It hurt my chest. It hurt my cheeks and my mouth. My eyes stung… was laughter meant to be like this? I shook my head and drew in a breath. “Don’t trip on my behalf.” I jested as I nudged his side with my elbow.

“There are many things I would do on your behalf. I will remove tripping from that list.” He still sounded amused as he gently took elbow I had just nudged him with, his fingers warm against my skin. “But how about next fall? Can I attribute that to you?”

“I suppose you could.” I felt him take my hand in his and bring it up to his face - and he pressed my fingers to his lips, so I could feel the grin on his face. He quickly let go, hand falling from mine and I pulled away slowly. Confused. What? Was that? I clenched my fingers as I rubbed the soft pads against the palm of my hand. “Tris-” I wanted to ask him what he meant but his words drowned out my barely audible whisper.

“Then I will. ‘Help, I have fallen for Aynur.’ Yes, I think that will work.”

“Fallen for me?” I asked. “I’m...confused…” I felt him stop beside me, and heard him walk in front of me.

“What is it, Aynur?” His voice was softer now, pitched just to reach my ears. “Did I say something wrong? I - apologize if I did, I was trying to continue our jokes and I know I am not very good at them and I let things-”

“Ah- no- I just…” I paused. I didn’t mean to interrupt him. “Tristain.” I began. “That phrasing can be misinterpreted.” I gave him a smile. I knew this was not what he meant. We were friends, had only known each other a few days and whilst his presence brought me a great deal of comfort I did not, could not seek anything more.

There was silence for a long moment, dragging on long enough that a weight began to form in my throat. Then, softly, a sigh, so faint I barely heard it - and his hand clasped mine. “I apologize, Aynur. I did not want to upset you. While it was not the meaning, it is not outside the realm of the possible. I cherish -” he broke off, his normally rough voice almost smoothing out from how softly he was speaking. “You are a fast, dear friend to me. The first to give me a gift that had no ulterior motive, but just because. I..” He broke off, and sighed again.

“We are near the inn. I should.. Let you rest here while I find a doctor.”

The feeling of elation I had felt quickly subsided, being replaced with concern. Worry. Doubt. “Of course.” What more was to be said -

his hand tightened on mine, not painfully but reassuringly. “I have to be in good condition before I try to figure out what my feelings are, Aynur. I know I care about you. For now, I hope that is enough.”

“Eh?” I jolted, turning toward him. “I…” I hadn’t been expecting that. I wanted to be his friend, I didn’t want to upset him or attempt any sort of...romantic relationship. I didn’t think I was capable of such a thing. “That’s more than I deserve.” And it was true. I didn’t deserve any sort of affections. Especially not from him.

We weaved through the tables in the inn as he lead me to the back corner. I preferred it that way.

“Why...this place though?”

He asked as he pulled out a chair for me to sit down. Of course… this place wasn’t exactly kind to me before, and I very much doubted they’d be kind to me now. But to me, it was special.

“Because…” I began as I sat down. “It is where we met.”

He paused beside me, quiet for a moment, before he reached out and squeezed my shoulder tightly with one hand. Finally he let out a slow breath. “If anyone gives you any trouble - and I do mean any, trouble, Aynur - run out in the streets and shout my name. I will come for you.” Tristain’s hand lingered on my shoulder, and I knew he didn't want to leave. Much like me, it seemed he remembered how the matron of this place had treated me before.

“I’ll be fine. Set me up with a warm drink and I can amuse myself for an hour at least just by listening to the people.” I reached out toward thin air and my hand landed on the table. “I promise. I’ll be ok.” And I would be this? This warm place dressed in clean clothes with a belly full of food.

I was the most ok I had been in a very long time.