Affectionate

Jades, with a gentle touch, guided Ausse to his room, her injured body carefully settled onto the plush bed. He moved with a quiet efficiency, first uncapping a tube of antibiotic ointment and meticulously dabbing it onto each raw wound. Then, with practiced ease, he carefully wrapped clean, white bandages around her various cuts and scrapes, a silent testament to his concern.

The following morning, a soft light filtered through the windows as Ausse slowly awoke, a wave of confusion washing over her. As her eyes adjusted, they fell upon Jades, sleeping soundly beside her. A tender warmth bloomed in her chest when she realized the implications: he had stayed by her side all night, a silent guardian tending to her. She noticed a loose bandage still clutched in his hand, a clear sign of his exhaustion as he must have drifted off mid-task. Gently, carefully, she eased the bandage from his relaxed fingers and placed it on the nearby bedside table. Her heart swelled with a profound sense of gratitude for his unexpected kindness and the selfless care he had extended.

Jades remained in a peaceful slumber, his breathing even and soft. Ausse, a faint blush warming her cheeks, allowed herself the quiet pleasure of admiring his features. "He looks so sweet when he's sleeping," she mused inwardly, a soft smile playing on her lips. Drawn by his serene presence, she leaned in slightly closer. "He is truly handsome," she affirmed to herself. Her gaze lingered on the gentle curve of his soft pink lips, the long, dark lashes fanning over his beautiful, closed eyes, and the way his dark hair swept across his forehead. With a delicate touch, she reached out and gently brushed a stray strand of hair away from his brow. Beneath, a faint, almost silvery scar became visible. "What is this mark?" she wondered, a sudden curiosity sparking within her. Her fingers, acting on instinct, lightly touched the raised skin. "Where did he get this from?"

In that precise moment, Jades' eyes snapped open, a sudden alertness in their depths. His hand, quick and firm, gently clasped hers where it rested on his scar, his gaze locking with hers in an intense stare. "What are you doing?" he asked, his voice a low, steady murmur that seemed to fill the quiet room.

"Ummm... just..." Ausse stammered, her face flooding with a deep, embarrassed crimson.

Their faces were now inches apart, a tangible tension hanging in the air between them. A slight, almost imperceptible curve touched the corner of Jades' lips. "You truly enjoy observing me?" he inquired, a hint of playful amusement in his tone. Ausse's blush deepened even further, and she instinctively tried to pull away, attempting to sit up and create some distance. Jades, however, maintained his gentle hold, guiding her back down onto the bed. "You should rest for now; your wounds are still not fully healed," he advised softly, his voice kind but firm, before quietly exiting the room.

Ausse, still flustered but undeniably captivated by his presence, let out a soft, lingering sigh. "That was so close! Why did he wake up so soon?" she pondered, a small, puzzled frown creasing her brow. Then, a genuinely fond smile spread across her lips as she whispered to herself, "He is incredibly kind to me. I truly, deeply like him!"

A short while later, the door creaked open again, and Jades reappeared, carrying a polished wooden tray laden with a steaming bowl of food. He settled down effortlessly beside her on the edge of the bed. "Open your mouth," he instructed, his voice calm and clear, "I will feed you."

Ausse's cheeks burned with a fresh wave of embarrassment at his straightforward declaration. "I will eat it myself," she insisted, trying to assert some independence.

"Your hands are covered in wounds; moving them too much will cause pain! So I will do it! Just open your mouth," he countered, his voice firm and unwavering, leaving no room for further argument.

Reluctantly, Ausse yielded, parting her lips slightly. He offered her the first spoonful. Ausse took it and swallowed, but almost immediately her eyes widened, and she nearly choked on the unfamiliar taste. "You made this?!" she exclaimed, her voice betraying her surprise.

"Yes, you don't care for it?" he asked, a subtle note of genuine concern entering his tone.

"No... that's not it," she quickly clarified, sensing his slight dismay.

"I know I'm not particularly skilled at cooking. I apologize sincerely for not providing food more to your liking," he said, a hint of genuine regret in his voice.

"No, you don't need to apologize at all, you tried very well!" she insisted, surprising him by opening her mouth for another spoonful, a silent reassurance.

He looked genuinely taken aback by her acceptance. "I will order something else," he declared, rising from the bed and leaving the room once more.

After a brief interval, he returned with a fresh, more appealing meal and, true to his word, proceeded to gently feed her. "What precisely happened last night? You were so terribly injured," he finally asked, his voice soft with concern, once she had finished eating.

Ausse, feeling a newfound trust, recounted everything in detail: the painful and relentless abuse from her parents, the terrifying encounter with the predatory boys who had cornered her, and her desperate, headlong flight to escape them.

Jades listened intently, his eyes closing slowly, a cold, hardened expression settling upon his features as she spoke. "You can remain here for as long as you wish," he stated, his eyes opening to fix on her with a piercing gaze. "But you must not interfere with my work."

Ausse's face brightened with immense relief and a rush of profound gratitude. Overcome, she instinctively leaned forward, embracing him lightly. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. Their gazes met once more, and Ausse, feeling a familiar, warm flush creep up her neck, quickly pulled away, a shy smile touching her lips.

He continued to care for her with meticulous attention throughout the entire day, a quiet, reassuring presence. As evening descended, after feeding her one last meal, Jades rose from the bed, preparing to leave the room.

"Where are you going?" she asked, her voice soft, almost hesitant, a subtle longing woven into the words.

"I am going to sleep," he replied simply, turning towards the door.

"Where? Is this your bedroom?" the words tumbled out before she could properly censor them, a deep, immediate blush flooding her cheeks.

He paused at the doorway, a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips, a spark of amusement in his eyes. "You wish for me to sleep with you?" he inquired, his voice a low, teasing murmur.

Ausse's face burned a fiery crimson, and she averted her gaze. "...Ummm... oh... you... can... go..." she stammered, unable to meet his playful stare.

He chuckled softly at her flustered response, a quiet, pleased sound, and then proceeded to the lobby for his rest.

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