The Wraith

--My keeper--

He stopped, setting me up on his leg and in an instant, he pulled away what little cloth I had covering me. I let out a small yelp before instinctively curling up in an extremely painful attempt to hide myself. "Amya, stop. you will only cause further damage to yourself." My face had grown hot and I felt my anger rise. "Why the hell did you do that?!" I practically was yelling by the time I finished the short sentence and he sighed.

"Because if I allowed the coverings to remain, I would not be able to properly wash you. And your current wounds would likely to have become infected." His voice was calm, and even. "Besides. Don't think I'm so unaware of where your eyes lead every morning." His voice bubbled with amusement, and my eyes went wide as I looked up at him watching him having to make an effort to suppress a grin.

I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could say anything he lifted me down gently into the tub. I hissed from the immense burn of hot water on my cuts. Though after a moment it all began to sooth out and started to actually feel nice and for a moment, I even shut my eyes. I felt the water move next to me and watched as Astor was climbing in. "What are you doing?" I asked, a little shocked as the male submerged most of his body next to me before standing.

"Making sure you don't slip while in the water." I was hit with a feeling of subconsciousness when I remembered I was full without clothes and sucked in a breath as my eyes nervously trailed down. I only allowed my breath to exit my lungs when I thankfully discovered he was still wearing his pants, though I still made an effort to put space between us.

I heard him chuckle then, and I shot a look up at him. "What's so funny?" I asked slightly irritated as I watched him find a comfortable position for himself, taking a deep breath while closing his eyes with a sudden hurt expression. "I suppose the fact you think so little of me as to try to take advantage of the situation presented." I was silent for a moment before trying to respond. "I don't think- I mean I wasn't trying to imply that I thought-" I was cut off when his lips curled playfully and subtle, light-hearted laughter began to spill out. "Especially when you spend so much time stealing views of me."

I was silent for a while. "So... how long have You known?" I spoke awkwardly, feeling completely embarrassed all of a sudden. "Not at first. But I caught on when I noticed how long it was taking you to exit the bathing room." Boom. Busted. That's all there was to it. Guess I wasn't as clever as I thought. "So, how come you never said anything?" I looked at him as I asked the question. No longer feeling ashamed. It took him a moment as if he was trying to figure that out for himself. "I suppose when one spends so many years on a planet alone. Forced to hide themselves for the sake of one's own safety until rescue arrives... One can grow an... Affection for such attention that wouldn't normally be appreciated."

I nodded. Understanding. Isolation for such a long period of time did things to the mind. "I suppose that makes sense." I sank, allowing my head to float just above the water allowing a pleasurable moan to escape as my body shuddered from the enjoyment of it. "Okay if I had to have one thing, it would probably be your bath. Just saying, if I could; I'd probably steal it." I kept my eyes closed but a chuckle emanated from the male. "Well then, I suppose it's a good thing you can't." I laughed with him. "Yes. A very good thing."

We stayed like that for a while. Talking. Enjoying each other's company. I felt him surround me then, and he slipped his arm under me to set me up. "As much as I would wish for this to continue, It is getting late. And you must rest as much as possible during your recovery." I smiled, teasing him. "So, you're like my keeper now? Taking care of me and all." He smiled, reaching past me to grab a cloth along with body wash. "Yes, I suppose I am. At least until you've recovered. So don't get used to it"

I snorted, grinning playfully. "Too late. Already there. And I'm gonna miss it when it's gone." He flashed a look at me, smiling and ran the cloth over my back, which felt amazing. Like a massage, just taking the tension in my back away. He handed it to me afterward. "I trust you can do the rest on your own." I nodded, taking it and washing over the rest of my body, going slower over the wound. Afraid of the pain from each. That was another thing about me. If I had a cut, scrape, or something else along the line; I would always be afraid to touch it. Not wanting it to hurt. It honestly made me feel like a bigger child but oh well.

Once I had finished I handed the cloth to him. He picked out another soap, and slipped behind me, and feeling him so close caused my mind to wander in places it never should have. I felt his hands slip through the strands of my hair, working the soap into a rich lather and I just sunk into him. Smiling to myself. "Yep. You're my keeper. I'm just saying, no one else is allowed to have you now." We both laughed as I leaned my head back, closing my eyes. This felt so amazing. Maybe I should get injured more often. Just saying. Probably worth it.

Afterward, he got out and helped me out. He wrapped me in a soft and warm cloth and I smiled at his closeness. I decided That I would try to walk to the bed. Yeah, bad idea. I don't know what happened but it was like my legs turned into jelly

And just like every cheesy predictable romance or semi-romance, I fell right into his arm. You know how in books or movies the women look up at the man who held her and there's that 'zing' sort of look in her eye? Like she is just waiting for the man to just lean down and meet her lips with his? Yeah, that's what I felt like. I probably even had the look to match.

Only no kiss. He just picked me right up and took me to his bed again, laying me down. "Thanks." He responded with a nod and retrieved a new set of clothes for me, helping me to get dressed. The movement was still painful. But not nearly as much as before. It was more like mild radiation with occasional stabbing points here and there. I don't know if that's how to properly describe it, but that's what it seems like to me.

I took note that Astor seemed more closed off all of a sudden, creating distance. "Are you okay?" He just ignored me, going into the bathing room with a new set of clothes and I heard him change, and it felt as if he was pushing me. I had a weird sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. I'm not sure why. But it was there. I figured he just wouldn't answer me and I began staring off into space when his words cut through the silence. "Yes, I'm fine. I just need to go off and complete my duties."

I looked at him. suddenly realizing that it wasn't distance he was creating. But radiation of concern and dread of fear. And it was him pushing that sense down. "Oh..." Was all I said as I thought of a million possible things that could turn for the worst. Mostly involving Tristan, or one of his loyal underlings. I suddenly didn't want to stay in this room. Not alone. Not without Astor. I started to make an effort to move off of the bed when a hand gripped my leg. "What do you think you're doing?"

"I don't want to be left here..." I looked at him. Feeling myself grow afraid now that the anger I held against Tristan was no longer apparent. "You are in no condition to move let alone stand." My eyes met his, and he had a knowing look. He knew why I was afraid. And he even looked almost willing to fulfill my wish. "You will be safe in here. I will ensure that much. Now rest, and trust in me." Trust. Trust in a wraith commander. The literal living embodiment of death, with life.

I wanted to point that out. But no. I already allowed myself to fall apart. I wouldn't lose my cool. Not again. Not for a while. "Okay. I trust you." It's barely a whisper as I allowed my body to relax. And I watched as resolve filled his eyes. Yet still, there was a hint of uncertainty. Yet calm when I told him that I trusted him. "I will return when my duties are done." His voice was calm. Like he knew what to do.

Though his features went blank, his hand gently tightened on my leg. Giving reassurance. Without another word, he turned and left. And silence filled the room. A part of me wanted to run to his side. Not only from a force of habit, but I truly was afraid of Tristan's unwanted appearance. I sighed and forced my mind to relax. Laying my head back as I covered myself with the blankets warm blankets. His scent still covered the bed and I found myself lying where he had awoken. Finding myself comforted by it as my mind drifted. Astor. His scent filled my lungs. Astor. My Keeper.

Word count: 1684