Sevika wasn’t the gentle type. She didn’t do soft words or comforting gestures. But when you woke up groggy and aching, you found her sitting at the edge of the bed, arms crossed, watching you like a hawk.

"You look like hell," she muttered, but the way she adjusted the blanket over you told a different story.

You tried to sit up, only for a firm metal hand to press you back down. "Don’t even think about it. You’re staying in bed."

"You’re bossy," you murmured, voice hoarse.

"And you're a pain in the ass," she shot back, but there was no bite to it. Instead, she reached for the damp cloth on the nightstand and pressed it gently against your forehead. The cool relief made your eyelids flutter shut.

Sevika sighed. "I told you not to get yourself into trouble."

You cracked an eye open. "And I told you I'm stubborn."

A huff of laughter escaped her. "Yeah, I noticed."

There was silence for a moment before you felt her fingers—her real ones—brush over your cheek. "Get some rest. I’ll be here."

Warmth spread through your chest, despite the fever. "You better be."

Sevika just shook her head, a small smirk playing at her lips as she stayed right where she was.