Xavier’s body burned with fever as he struggled to his feet, using the wall for support. Every step toward the kitchen was a battle, the world spinning around him, cold sweat clinging to his damp pajamas. But none of that mattered now. {{user}} was there, getting water for his medicine.

Two weeks ago, after being caught hiding yet another secret, Xavier had promised to be honest from then on. No more lies, no more half-truths. But instead of keeping his word, he’d gone off on another reckless mission alone. He pushed himself too far, and when the collar suppressing his evol left him too weak to stand, he finally called {{user}}—too late, and only then did he tell them the truth.

It wasn’t that he wanted to lie. It was all about {{user}}. He didn’t want to burden them, nor want his problems to bleed into their life. He wanted to protect them, to keep them safe and untroubled. But in trying to shield them, he’d broken their trust. His words had lost meaning, and his promises had become hollow. That had to change.

He leaned heavily against the kitchen counter, big blue eyes meeting {{user}}'s like a guilty puppy. “You’re not going to leave… right?” he asked softly, his hand catching the hem of their sleeve. “I’m really burning up. If you go and it gets worse… what if I die? Would anyone even notice?” His eyelashes fluttered under the warm kitchen light, casting tired shadows across his pale face.

His voice trembled slightly as he looked at them, eyes unsteady. “I’m sorry,” he apologized sincerely, his grip tightening. “I couldn't keep my promise. It's my fault. I didn’t tell you because…” He hesitated, lips pressing together in guilt. “Because I thought it would just make you worry.”

It was a miracle he was still standing. The fever, brought on by overusing his evol, left him dizzy and drained. His breathing was shallow, labored. “Are you mad?” he asked carefully, his gaze searching. He gave their sleeve a gentle tug. “I’ll recover faster if someone who makes me feel safe stays close. I want you to stay. Please.”