ghost hunter

flashback

flashback, this is before lucy joined

Valentina was curled up on the couch, her cheeks flushed and eyes glazed over with fever. Her chest heaved with each painful cough, her body wracked with illness. The quiet of the house was suddenly shattered by the sound of the front door opening. She tensed, hoping it wasn't George with another one of his 'miracle' cures. But the footsteps that approached were too firm, too deliberate to be her clumsy, well-meaning colleague.

Lockwood walked into the room, his eyes immediately finding Valentina's huddled form. Concern etched deep into his features, he moved to her side and gently placed the back of his hand on her forehead. "You're burning up," he said, his voice a soft rumble that seemed to echo through the quiet. "You should be in bed."

Valentina looked up at him, her eyes watering. "I can't sleep," she croaked, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's like my lungs are made of glass." The room spun around her, and she felt faint.

He walked into the kitchen, his boots thudding against the floorboards. In the kitchen, he filled a mug with water and placed a tea bag into it. The sound of the kettle whistling pierced the quiet, and he poured the hot water over the tea, watching as the water turned a comforting shade of amber.

When the tea was ready, he returned to the living room, the steaming mug in his hand. He knelt beside the couch, his expression one of gentle concern. "Here," he said, lifting the cup to Valentina's mouth. "Drink this. It'll help." His eyes searched hers, willing her to trust him.

Valentina took a tentative sip, the warmth spreading through her, easing the cold tightness in her chest. She coughed, and Lockwood took the cup away, setting it on the side table. "Just rest," he murmured, his voice soothing. He sat behind her, pulling her gently against him so that she was lying between his legs. She stiffened for a moment before relaxing, the warmth of his body seeping into hers. Her eyes grew heavy, and she felt her grip on consciousness slipping away.

Lockwood wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly as she fell asleep. His chin rested on her head, his eyes never leaving her face.

sorry this is so short, anyway enjoy