Piofiore - For Care of Another
May. 4th, 2023 10:21 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
squeaklingsTitle: For Care of Another
Wordcount: 3408
Fandom: Piofiore
Rating: G
Warnings: Post Orlok 1926 best ending with references to reveals within the route
Summary When he wakes up to a feverish and sick Lili, Orlok takes it upon himself to nurse her back to health.
The warm breeze wafted across his cheek and tickled his nose with the scent of flowers. Orlok tried to brush the annoying feeling away before his eyes snapped open and he sat up to look around the dimly lit room. It wasn't even dawn, what could have woken him?
Lili lay beside him, curled up beneath the covers; she'd actually managed to steal some of his, he realized as his eyes adjusted and he surveyed their room.
The rented cottage was small, but cozy. A cold fireplace took up most of one wall in the living area, with their kitchen and a table with chairs taking up the rest of the space. Their bedroom split off from the living area, with a small bath adjacent. Orlok didn't hear any noise from the other rooms, and frowned as he tried to place what exactly woke him.
Another breeze wafted over him, and he glanced past Lili towards the small window on her side of the room; it was open, and he realized it was the breeze that woke him. She must have opened it at some point in the night.
"Hey, Lili–"
Beside him Lili groaned softly and pulled the blankets tighter around her. Orlok leaned over to press his hand to her cheek and pulled it back quickly; she was burning up.
Lili was sick.
Lili was sick!
She was in his arms before he realized he'd untangled her from the bedding. Her breaths were quick and shallow, and her face was deeply flushed. Last night she laid down after barely touching her supper and complained of feeling tired, but she hadn't felt feverish when he'd finally joined her later.
Medicine. They had to have medicine, right? He gently lay her down and rushed around the small cottage, looking in every draw or cupboard.
Nothing.
He returned to their bed in what he hoped wasn't a panic, but his heart was in his throat and his thoughts tumbled over themselves. She grumbled as he pulled her into his arms again.
"Lili. Lili?"
She murmured and peeked open an eye. The smile she forced only made his heart hurt.
"Is it morning…?"
"Almost. You're sick." He did his best to look reassuring, but Lili frowned and reached up to touch his cheek. She isn't Luca, it's not like Luca. He grabbed her hand and twined their fingers together. "I'm going to get some medicine, but I have to leave. I'll be right back, I promise."
He kissed her fingers before setting her hand down across her stomach and pulling the blankets up to her shoulders. Her nightgown clung to her sweaty skin, and he brushed damp bangs from her forehead. Lili watched him with glazed eyes, and he did his best to smile for her.
"Oh, here." He ran out of the bedroom and hurried over to the sink to wet a cloth, placing it on her forehead once he returned. "I'll be back before it dries out." Orlok took her mumbled reply as acknowledgement, and with one last check to ensure she was properly bundled up, he tossed his coat over his nightclothes and left.
When they'd arrived in town a little over a month ago, Carina had been one of the first people they met. A jovial and heavyset middle-aged woman with a brood of five adult children, she ran a local panetteria in the small town. She'd needed some help around her shop, and Lili was all too happy to offer her services while they recouped funds. Orlok helped out as much as he could, delivering goods or messages or just helping with manual labor where needed. The cottage they stayed at now was Carina's; unused for years since her youngest daughter moved out to live with her new husband, they'd cleaned it up and made of it as much a home as they could.
The walk to Signora Carina's panetteria wasn't far, but to Orlok every minute felt like hours. He arrived at the back door in a rush just as the sun crested the horizon; he could already smell fresh breads and sweets.
"Signora?!" He knocked once before opening the door. Carina stood at the counter kneading dough, another girl over by the oven. They both looked up in surprise to hear Orlok's panicked call.
"Signor Silveri, is something the matter?" Carina wiped her hands off on her apron and beckoned him in.
"It's Lili, she –"
Something in his expression must have startled her, because she was there before he barely got a word out, her hands planted firmly on his shoulders. "Breathe, Noah. It'll be okay." He nodded and took in a long, shaky breath. The older woman smiled and motioned behind her back to the other girl as she led him to a chair to sit. "Now, what's wrong with Lili?"
"She has a fever. She didn't when we went to bed last night, but she said she felt tired and barely ate dinner…" The girl appeared at his side with a cup of espresso. Orlok took it, but only held it in his hands.
"Ahh, I see why you're all flustered." Carina smiled gently. "Let's see if I have anything."
"Thank you. Ah, I didn't bring any money though." He stood so quickly he nearly spilled the espresso. "Can I bring it later, do you need extra work? I'll do whatever you need–"
"Noah. it's fine. You've both been excellent workers. I'm not sure I have medicine, exactly, but I've got something that should help. Now, where did I put that…" Clearly distracted, she started rummaging through cupboards of labeled bottles. Some looked like herbs, others liquids, but nothing Orlok recognized.
"Ahhh, there you are." Carina pulled out a small bottle of herbs and turned back to Orlok. "Use this to make a strong tea; it's good for fevers, I swear by it. You'll have to steep it a little longer than usual to get it strong enough, though. And make sure she drinks often throughout the day, that's important."
Orlok nodded along, catching only every few words. Herbs for tea. Strong tea. Water? He could do that, yes.
Carina patted his shoulders and replaced the full cup of espresso in his hands with the bottle, wrapping his fingers around it. "I'm sure she's just exhausted; you two have put in a lot of extra work the past week. Go home and I’ll contact the doctor; I think Romana was due today so he may not arrive until later this afternoon, though."
"Grazie, Signora."
"Ahh, Signor Silveri?" The younger woman peeked out from behind Carina and held out a warm loaf of bread wrapped in paper, and a mix of vegetables and chunks of meat wrapped in a cheesecloth. "These will make a good soup."
"Th-thank you." He took the proffered items as well, holding everything carefully in his hands. "I'll repay this."
"Really, Noah, it's fine. Lili's done well to get herself a husband as caring and attentive as you." Orlok blushed and his heart leapt in his throat. Husband. "The first time I got sick after we were married my husband only complained about dinner being late. He changed his tune after I kicked him out and then didn't let him back into my bed for a week after he apologized." Carina belted out a laugh, and Orlok's neck burned.
"I'll…be going then…?"
"Yes, yes." She shooed him off with a smile. "Take good care of her, Signor."
Orlok bowed his head in gratitude and then quickly slipped out the door. The journey back to the cottage took no time at all; his mind was abuzz with too many thoughts.
Husband. The term left him feeling light. He glanced at the ring on his left hand; he hadn't been able to buy the really nice ones he caught Lili eyeing in Venice, but she'd been happy with the one he gave her the night they left the City of Water. Although they'd never be formally married as long as the threat of the Church sending disciples after him remained, they'd had their own ceremony of sorts beneath the stars. Sometimes he wondered what Bishop Rosberg would think, but he pushed those thoughts down quickly and buried them away. That wound never fully healed.
Lili was asleep when he returned, although she’d kicked off the blankets. Seeing her peacefully sleeping eased some of the worry gripping his heart, and he carefully tucked her back in after setting the food and herbs on the table. Her brows drew down when he replaced the cool cloth on her forehead, and with effort she opened her eyes.
“Orlok…?”
“I’m here. I brought medicine.” He smiled for her, but she was already asleep again. Brushing her sweaty bangs from her cheeks, he let his fingers linger before he left and surveyed the kitchen.
Although he’d been fending for himself since childhood, cooking was never one of his strong suits. Whenever he’d been sick he’d either simply gone hungry or found some broth to drink. Lili deserved better than that, though. Tea he could do, and surely after all the lessons Lili had given him he could handle soup.
First things first, though.
“Lili, wake up.” He shook her gently a little while later, a steaming cup of tea on the small bedside table. She groaned and turned away, a frown creasing her brows, but he scooped her up to lean against him. “Here, Carina told me to give you this. You need to drink.” He picked up the mug and blew across the top before gently pressing it against her lips. With some effort he managed to get her to swallow a small amount. “Lili, please. It’ll help you get better.”
Slowly her eyes fluttered open, and it took some time but she eventually drank everything. She was still flushed and feverish, but her breathing wasn’t labored.
“Can I…help…?”
He gently laid her back down and replaced the cloth. “Just rest.” She reached up to touch his cheek and he caught her hand to nuzzle her fingers. She fell back asleep with a smile.
Now for the challenge.
It was nearly midmorning by the time Orlok turned off the stove and took in the final product. The soup looked…passable. Chunks of vegetables and meat floated near the top, and the broth looked a bit watery compared to what he thought it should be, but it didn’t look terrible.
When he checked on Lili she was still sleeping soundly; she hadn't kicked off the blankets again, but the cloth had fallen to land on his pillow. He set the bowl of soup onto the bedside table and brushed damp bangs from her forehead before pressing the back of his hand against her skin. She wasn't burning up like this morning, but she still felt too warm.
"Lili." Carefully sitting beside her, he leaned over her and gently shook her shoulder, his right arm resting on her far side for balance. "I made food, you should–"
She rolled over onto her side, burying her face against his hip and clinging to his shirt. He combed his left hand through her hair, gently untangling some snarls as he went. Her shoulders eased slightly, and after a few minutes she pulled away enough to blearily peek up at him through her bangs.
"I made soup. Can you eat?" She nodded and he gently lifted her so she leaned against him, her hand still clutching his shirt. He shifted them both so their backs were against the wall, then carefully spooned out some soup.
She ate well, if slowly, taking breaks every few spoonfuls to doze a few moments against his shoulder. Orlok brushed her bangs and pressed his cheek against her hair. "You're doing well, Lili."
In the end she didn't eat everything, but Orlok deemed it enough as she finally dozed off completely. The meat turned out to be too difficult for her to chew in her half-awake state, and he did his best to mush the vegetables against the side of the bowl, but in the end she mostly only ate the bread and drank the broth and left Orlok to eat soggy meat and vegetable mash. He set the bowl on the table and tried to lay her down properly, but she clung to him unexpectedly. Resigning himself to being willingly trapped, Orlok settled back against the wall and closed his eyes, casually combing his fingers through his wife's hair. He startled a little while later when someone knocked at the door, and the doctor peeked into their room with a chuckle.
"I believe Carina has the right of it," the older man said later after he finished examining Lili. She slept soundly as he packed up his kit. "She's just overworked. With some rest she'll be just fine."
"Thank God," Orlok breathed out, relief coloring his voice. He hovered anxiously at the doctor's side, eyes glued to Lili's peaceful face.
The doctor smiled and patted his shoulder. "You're doing well taking care of her. You're a good husband, and you'll be a good father someday." Orlok flushed, but the doctor simply said his farewells and left.
In the quiet of the afternoon Orlok busied himself cleaning up the dishes and tidying the small living area, always finding a reason to stop by the bedroom and check on Lili: had her fever returned, did she need something to drink, was she hungry yet, ahh she kicked the blankets off again. By the time he had nothing else to occupy himself with the sun was already low in the sky, and he pulled a chair up so he could sit beside Lili. Once her fever broke early in the afternoon she didn't toss as much, and she looked peaceful as he gently brushed his left hand across her forehead and combed his fingers through her bangs.
"Get better soon, Lili," he whispered, resting his head beside hers and twining their fingers together on top of her stomach. She murmured something in her sleep and he smiled.
***
He woke suddenly to a darkened room, an angry back, and gentle touches. Lili sat up in bed, humming softly and combing her fingers through his hair. Orlok shot up quickly despite the crick in his back, grabbing Lili's hand in both of his.
"Lili! How do you feel?"
She smiled tiredly and he kissed her knuckles. "Much better. A bit thirsty though."
"Here." He grabbed the half-filled cup on the bedside table and lifted it to her lips, shifting onto the bed to sit beside her as he did. Lili leaned into him after she drank everything, eyes closed but her expression and breathing serene. Orlok brushed her bangs from her forehead and shifted her over once he set the cup down, holding her close to his side.
"Are you sure you're feeling better?"
"Mmm." Lili pressed a hand to his chest, her fingers making lazy circles against his shirt. "Thank you for taking care of me."
Orlok nuzzled the top of her head. "I like taking care of you. It means I'm capable of more than just killing."
Lili's hand froze and her breath hitched. "Orlok." She pulled away enough to look at his profile. "You absolutely are." His smile didn't reach his eyes and she reached up to squeeze his cheeks between her hands. "You are."
"Lili, I…"
“You are.”
He placed his hands over hers and tried to smile for real, but his squished cheeks just made him look like a fish pouting and Lili snorted. A laugh bubbled up in his chest and she released his face, the air easy around them as he chuckled and kissed her forehead.
"Good." Her hands found his, twining flesh and metal fingers together. Orlok ran his thumbs along her knuckles and lifted their joined hands to kiss her fingertips. "You're a good man, Orlok."
"I want to be for you." His voice was soft, and she blushed. "It's late, but would you like some food? Or I can draw a bath if you want?"
Lili screwed her eyes closed at the mention of food, and Orlok traced the backs of her hands with his thumbs. "A bath…might be good."
"I'll get it ready." He gently laid her back down and kissed her forehead. "I'll wake you when it's time." Lili caressed his cheek and closed her eyes, sighing contentedly.
When the water was hot he gently shook her awake and lifted her up bridal style from the bed. Lili nuzzled against his chest, still half asleep, but woke to help him undress her and slip into the water.
"Did you want your hair washed?" Orlok sat on a stool to the side of the tub, sleeves rolled up as he washed Lili's shoulders and upper back, her hair done up in a quick, messy bun.
"No." She sighed and leaned into his touch as she sleepily splashed water on her face. Orlok thinned his lips; he thought she'd feel better washing off and changing out of her sweaty nightgown, but perhaps he should have waited until the morning when she was more awake. "...I feel like you're pampering me."
That made him smile. "I like to." He shifted the stool so he could wash her front. She flushed but let him run the cloth over her chest and arms; she still got embarrassed when he looked at her in the light, but less so than when they first left Burlone. "Here, close your eyes." She did as he asked and he gently ran the cloth over her face and neck. "Does that feel better?"
"Yes, thank you."
Orlok smiled, and then leaned forward to kiss her. She pulled back quickly, her hand leaving a wet print on his chest as she pushed at him.
"You'll get sick!"
"I don't mind." He pressed his forehead to hers so their noses touched. "I slept beside you all night, and spent all day taking care of you. If I'm going to get sick, then I'll get sick." His expression darkened and he swallowed thickly. "But I'm glad you're feeling better. When I woke up… I was really scared. I thought…"
Lili's breath hitched and she reached up to cup his cheeks. Water dripped down his neck and dampened his shirt collar, but he didn't mind as he covered her hands with his. "I'm okay, Orlok. I'll be fine, I promise."
He nodded and pulled her hands from his cheeks to twine their fingers together and kiss her knuckles. "Let's get you back to bed, though." He kissed her forehead and stood, helping her up and out of the bath. Once she was dry and in a clean nightgown, Orlok grabbed her brush from the nightstand and carried her back to bed. Somehow he thought Lili held onto him a little tighter than usual.
"Thank you, Orlok…" She blushed as he set her down on the edge of the bed and untangled her arms from around his shoulders. He smiled and sat behind her, carefully pulling her hair from its bun. An entire night and day of tossing and turning had wreaked its havoc, and Orlok did his best to work out the knots without pulling her hair. Lili sighed as he gently brushed out the strands and ran his fingers along her scalp and the back of her neck.
"This feels nice." She glanced over her shoulder at him and smiled. "I imagine it feels similarly nice when I dry your hair."
Orlok leaned forward to kiss her and she quickly turned back around, blushing. He chuckled. "I think so."
He started humming one of the lullabies Lili taught him at the Church as he worked through a particularly difficult knot, the sound rumbling in his chest. She sighed and swayed slightly with the tune, hands loosely clasped in her lap. Just as he untangled the last thin, golden strands, Lili's head pressed against his shoulder; she’d fallen fast asleep.
She looked peaceful, and he ran his thumb along her cheek before he put the brush away and picked her up. He tucked them both in, her back to his chest as he wrapped himself protectively around her, holding her tight. He kissed the top of her head as he pressed his face into her hair.
“Sleep well, Lili.”
Wordcount: 3408
Fandom: Piofiore
Rating: G
Warnings: Post Orlok 1926 best ending with references to reveals within the route
Summary When he wakes up to a feverish and sick Lili, Orlok takes it upon himself to nurse her back to health.
The warm breeze wafted across his cheek and tickled his nose with the scent of flowers. Orlok tried to brush the annoying feeling away before his eyes snapped open and he sat up to look around the dimly lit room. It wasn't even dawn, what could have woken him?
Lili lay beside him, curled up beneath the covers; she'd actually managed to steal some of his, he realized as his eyes adjusted and he surveyed their room.
The rented cottage was small, but cozy. A cold fireplace took up most of one wall in the living area, with their kitchen and a table with chairs taking up the rest of the space. Their bedroom split off from the living area, with a small bath adjacent. Orlok didn't hear any noise from the other rooms, and frowned as he tried to place what exactly woke him.
Another breeze wafted over him, and he glanced past Lili towards the small window on her side of the room; it was open, and he realized it was the breeze that woke him. She must have opened it at some point in the night.
"Hey, Lili–"
Beside him Lili groaned softly and pulled the blankets tighter around her. Orlok leaned over to press his hand to her cheek and pulled it back quickly; she was burning up.
Lili was sick.
Lili was sick!
She was in his arms before he realized he'd untangled her from the bedding. Her breaths were quick and shallow, and her face was deeply flushed. Last night she laid down after barely touching her supper and complained of feeling tired, but she hadn't felt feverish when he'd finally joined her later.
Medicine. They had to have medicine, right? He gently lay her down and rushed around the small cottage, looking in every draw or cupboard.
Nothing.
He returned to their bed in what he hoped wasn't a panic, but his heart was in his throat and his thoughts tumbled over themselves. She grumbled as he pulled her into his arms again.
"Lili. Lili?"
She murmured and peeked open an eye. The smile she forced only made his heart hurt.
"Is it morning…?"
"Almost. You're sick." He did his best to look reassuring, but Lili frowned and reached up to touch his cheek. She isn't Luca, it's not like Luca. He grabbed her hand and twined their fingers together. "I'm going to get some medicine, but I have to leave. I'll be right back, I promise."
He kissed her fingers before setting her hand down across her stomach and pulling the blankets up to her shoulders. Her nightgown clung to her sweaty skin, and he brushed damp bangs from her forehead. Lili watched him with glazed eyes, and he did his best to smile for her.
"Oh, here." He ran out of the bedroom and hurried over to the sink to wet a cloth, placing it on her forehead once he returned. "I'll be back before it dries out." Orlok took her mumbled reply as acknowledgement, and with one last check to ensure she was properly bundled up, he tossed his coat over his nightclothes and left.
When they'd arrived in town a little over a month ago, Carina had been one of the first people they met. A jovial and heavyset middle-aged woman with a brood of five adult children, she ran a local panetteria in the small town. She'd needed some help around her shop, and Lili was all too happy to offer her services while they recouped funds. Orlok helped out as much as he could, delivering goods or messages or just helping with manual labor where needed. The cottage they stayed at now was Carina's; unused for years since her youngest daughter moved out to live with her new husband, they'd cleaned it up and made of it as much a home as they could.
The walk to Signora Carina's panetteria wasn't far, but to Orlok every minute felt like hours. He arrived at the back door in a rush just as the sun crested the horizon; he could already smell fresh breads and sweets.
"Signora?!" He knocked once before opening the door. Carina stood at the counter kneading dough, another girl over by the oven. They both looked up in surprise to hear Orlok's panicked call.
"Signor Silveri, is something the matter?" Carina wiped her hands off on her apron and beckoned him in.
"It's Lili, she –"
Something in his expression must have startled her, because she was there before he barely got a word out, her hands planted firmly on his shoulders. "Breathe, Noah. It'll be okay." He nodded and took in a long, shaky breath. The older woman smiled and motioned behind her back to the other girl as she led him to a chair to sit. "Now, what's wrong with Lili?"
"She has a fever. She didn't when we went to bed last night, but she said she felt tired and barely ate dinner…" The girl appeared at his side with a cup of espresso. Orlok took it, but only held it in his hands.
"Ahh, I see why you're all flustered." Carina smiled gently. "Let's see if I have anything."
"Thank you. Ah, I didn't bring any money though." He stood so quickly he nearly spilled the espresso. "Can I bring it later, do you need extra work? I'll do whatever you need–"
"Noah. it's fine. You've both been excellent workers. I'm not sure I have medicine, exactly, but I've got something that should help. Now, where did I put that…" Clearly distracted, she started rummaging through cupboards of labeled bottles. Some looked like herbs, others liquids, but nothing Orlok recognized.
"Ahhh, there you are." Carina pulled out a small bottle of herbs and turned back to Orlok. "Use this to make a strong tea; it's good for fevers, I swear by it. You'll have to steep it a little longer than usual to get it strong enough, though. And make sure she drinks often throughout the day, that's important."
Orlok nodded along, catching only every few words. Herbs for tea. Strong tea. Water? He could do that, yes.
Carina patted his shoulders and replaced the full cup of espresso in his hands with the bottle, wrapping his fingers around it. "I'm sure she's just exhausted; you two have put in a lot of extra work the past week. Go home and I’ll contact the doctor; I think Romana was due today so he may not arrive until later this afternoon, though."
"Grazie, Signora."
"Ahh, Signor Silveri?" The younger woman peeked out from behind Carina and held out a warm loaf of bread wrapped in paper, and a mix of vegetables and chunks of meat wrapped in a cheesecloth. "These will make a good soup."
"Th-thank you." He took the proffered items as well, holding everything carefully in his hands. "I'll repay this."
"Really, Noah, it's fine. Lili's done well to get herself a husband as caring and attentive as you." Orlok blushed and his heart leapt in his throat. Husband. "The first time I got sick after we were married my husband only complained about dinner being late. He changed his tune after I kicked him out and then didn't let him back into my bed for a week after he apologized." Carina belted out a laugh, and Orlok's neck burned.
"I'll…be going then…?"
"Yes, yes." She shooed him off with a smile. "Take good care of her, Signor."
Orlok bowed his head in gratitude and then quickly slipped out the door. The journey back to the cottage took no time at all; his mind was abuzz with too many thoughts.
Husband. The term left him feeling light. He glanced at the ring on his left hand; he hadn't been able to buy the really nice ones he caught Lili eyeing in Venice, but she'd been happy with the one he gave her the night they left the City of Water. Although they'd never be formally married as long as the threat of the Church sending disciples after him remained, they'd had their own ceremony of sorts beneath the stars. Sometimes he wondered what Bishop Rosberg would think, but he pushed those thoughts down quickly and buried them away. That wound never fully healed.
Lili was asleep when he returned, although she’d kicked off the blankets. Seeing her peacefully sleeping eased some of the worry gripping his heart, and he carefully tucked her back in after setting the food and herbs on the table. Her brows drew down when he replaced the cool cloth on her forehead, and with effort she opened her eyes.
“Orlok…?”
“I’m here. I brought medicine.” He smiled for her, but she was already asleep again. Brushing her sweaty bangs from her cheeks, he let his fingers linger before he left and surveyed the kitchen.
Although he’d been fending for himself since childhood, cooking was never one of his strong suits. Whenever he’d been sick he’d either simply gone hungry or found some broth to drink. Lili deserved better than that, though. Tea he could do, and surely after all the lessons Lili had given him he could handle soup.
First things first, though.
“Lili, wake up.” He shook her gently a little while later, a steaming cup of tea on the small bedside table. She groaned and turned away, a frown creasing her brows, but he scooped her up to lean against him. “Here, Carina told me to give you this. You need to drink.” He picked up the mug and blew across the top before gently pressing it against her lips. With some effort he managed to get her to swallow a small amount. “Lili, please. It’ll help you get better.”
Slowly her eyes fluttered open, and it took some time but she eventually drank everything. She was still flushed and feverish, but her breathing wasn’t labored.
“Can I…help…?”
He gently laid her back down and replaced the cloth. “Just rest.” She reached up to touch his cheek and he caught her hand to nuzzle her fingers. She fell back asleep with a smile.
Now for the challenge.
It was nearly midmorning by the time Orlok turned off the stove and took in the final product. The soup looked…passable. Chunks of vegetables and meat floated near the top, and the broth looked a bit watery compared to what he thought it should be, but it didn’t look terrible.
When he checked on Lili she was still sleeping soundly; she hadn't kicked off the blankets again, but the cloth had fallen to land on his pillow. He set the bowl of soup onto the bedside table and brushed damp bangs from her forehead before pressing the back of his hand against her skin. She wasn't burning up like this morning, but she still felt too warm.
"Lili." Carefully sitting beside her, he leaned over her and gently shook her shoulder, his right arm resting on her far side for balance. "I made food, you should–"
She rolled over onto her side, burying her face against his hip and clinging to his shirt. He combed his left hand through her hair, gently untangling some snarls as he went. Her shoulders eased slightly, and after a few minutes she pulled away enough to blearily peek up at him through her bangs.
"I made soup. Can you eat?" She nodded and he gently lifted her so she leaned against him, her hand still clutching his shirt. He shifted them both so their backs were against the wall, then carefully spooned out some soup.
She ate well, if slowly, taking breaks every few spoonfuls to doze a few moments against his shoulder. Orlok brushed her bangs and pressed his cheek against her hair. "You're doing well, Lili."
In the end she didn't eat everything, but Orlok deemed it enough as she finally dozed off completely. The meat turned out to be too difficult for her to chew in her half-awake state, and he did his best to mush the vegetables against the side of the bowl, but in the end she mostly only ate the bread and drank the broth and left Orlok to eat soggy meat and vegetable mash. He set the bowl on the table and tried to lay her down properly, but she clung to him unexpectedly. Resigning himself to being willingly trapped, Orlok settled back against the wall and closed his eyes, casually combing his fingers through his wife's hair. He startled a little while later when someone knocked at the door, and the doctor peeked into their room with a chuckle.
"I believe Carina has the right of it," the older man said later after he finished examining Lili. She slept soundly as he packed up his kit. "She's just overworked. With some rest she'll be just fine."
"Thank God," Orlok breathed out, relief coloring his voice. He hovered anxiously at the doctor's side, eyes glued to Lili's peaceful face.
The doctor smiled and patted his shoulder. "You're doing well taking care of her. You're a good husband, and you'll be a good father someday." Orlok flushed, but the doctor simply said his farewells and left.
In the quiet of the afternoon Orlok busied himself cleaning up the dishes and tidying the small living area, always finding a reason to stop by the bedroom and check on Lili: had her fever returned, did she need something to drink, was she hungry yet, ahh she kicked the blankets off again. By the time he had nothing else to occupy himself with the sun was already low in the sky, and he pulled a chair up so he could sit beside Lili. Once her fever broke early in the afternoon she didn't toss as much, and she looked peaceful as he gently brushed his left hand across her forehead and combed his fingers through her bangs.
"Get better soon, Lili," he whispered, resting his head beside hers and twining their fingers together on top of her stomach. She murmured something in her sleep and he smiled.
***
He woke suddenly to a darkened room, an angry back, and gentle touches. Lili sat up in bed, humming softly and combing her fingers through his hair. Orlok shot up quickly despite the crick in his back, grabbing Lili's hand in both of his.
"Lili! How do you feel?"
She smiled tiredly and he kissed her knuckles. "Much better. A bit thirsty though."
"Here." He grabbed the half-filled cup on the bedside table and lifted it to her lips, shifting onto the bed to sit beside her as he did. Lili leaned into him after she drank everything, eyes closed but her expression and breathing serene. Orlok brushed her bangs from her forehead and shifted her over once he set the cup down, holding her close to his side.
"Are you sure you're feeling better?"
"Mmm." Lili pressed a hand to his chest, her fingers making lazy circles against his shirt. "Thank you for taking care of me."
Orlok nuzzled the top of her head. "I like taking care of you. It means I'm capable of more than just killing."
Lili's hand froze and her breath hitched. "Orlok." She pulled away enough to look at his profile. "You absolutely are." His smile didn't reach his eyes and she reached up to squeeze his cheeks between her hands. "You are."
"Lili, I…"
“You are.”
He placed his hands over hers and tried to smile for real, but his squished cheeks just made him look like a fish pouting and Lili snorted. A laugh bubbled up in his chest and she released his face, the air easy around them as he chuckled and kissed her forehead.
"Good." Her hands found his, twining flesh and metal fingers together. Orlok ran his thumbs along her knuckles and lifted their joined hands to kiss her fingertips. "You're a good man, Orlok."
"I want to be for you." His voice was soft, and she blushed. "It's late, but would you like some food? Or I can draw a bath if you want?"
Lili screwed her eyes closed at the mention of food, and Orlok traced the backs of her hands with his thumbs. "A bath…might be good."
"I'll get it ready." He gently laid her back down and kissed her forehead. "I'll wake you when it's time." Lili caressed his cheek and closed her eyes, sighing contentedly.
When the water was hot he gently shook her awake and lifted her up bridal style from the bed. Lili nuzzled against his chest, still half asleep, but woke to help him undress her and slip into the water.
"Did you want your hair washed?" Orlok sat on a stool to the side of the tub, sleeves rolled up as he washed Lili's shoulders and upper back, her hair done up in a quick, messy bun.
"No." She sighed and leaned into his touch as she sleepily splashed water on her face. Orlok thinned his lips; he thought she'd feel better washing off and changing out of her sweaty nightgown, but perhaps he should have waited until the morning when she was more awake. "...I feel like you're pampering me."
That made him smile. "I like to." He shifted the stool so he could wash her front. She flushed but let him run the cloth over her chest and arms; she still got embarrassed when he looked at her in the light, but less so than when they first left Burlone. "Here, close your eyes." She did as he asked and he gently ran the cloth over her face and neck. "Does that feel better?"
"Yes, thank you."
Orlok smiled, and then leaned forward to kiss her. She pulled back quickly, her hand leaving a wet print on his chest as she pushed at him.
"You'll get sick!"
"I don't mind." He pressed his forehead to hers so their noses touched. "I slept beside you all night, and spent all day taking care of you. If I'm going to get sick, then I'll get sick." His expression darkened and he swallowed thickly. "But I'm glad you're feeling better. When I woke up… I was really scared. I thought…"
Lili's breath hitched and she reached up to cup his cheeks. Water dripped down his neck and dampened his shirt collar, but he didn't mind as he covered her hands with his. "I'm okay, Orlok. I'll be fine, I promise."
He nodded and pulled her hands from his cheeks to twine their fingers together and kiss her knuckles. "Let's get you back to bed, though." He kissed her forehead and stood, helping her up and out of the bath. Once she was dry and in a clean nightgown, Orlok grabbed her brush from the nightstand and carried her back to bed. Somehow he thought Lili held onto him a little tighter than usual.
"Thank you, Orlok…" She blushed as he set her down on the edge of the bed and untangled her arms from around his shoulders. He smiled and sat behind her, carefully pulling her hair from its bun. An entire night and day of tossing and turning had wreaked its havoc, and Orlok did his best to work out the knots without pulling her hair. Lili sighed as he gently brushed out the strands and ran his fingers along her scalp and the back of her neck.
"This feels nice." She glanced over her shoulder at him and smiled. "I imagine it feels similarly nice when I dry your hair."
Orlok leaned forward to kiss her and she quickly turned back around, blushing. He chuckled. "I think so."
He started humming one of the lullabies Lili taught him at the Church as he worked through a particularly difficult knot, the sound rumbling in his chest. She sighed and swayed slightly with the tune, hands loosely clasped in her lap. Just as he untangled the last thin, golden strands, Lili's head pressed against his shoulder; she’d fallen fast asleep.
She looked peaceful, and he ran his thumb along her cheek before he put the brush away and picked her up. He tucked them both in, her back to his chest as he wrapped himself protectively around her, holding her tight. He kissed the top of her head as he pressed his face into her hair.
“Sleep well, Lili.”
