Chapter Text
As Financier slowly awoke and caught her bearings she registered her bedding felt rather off, and as she opened her eyes she found them hard to open. The bright light she was met with spiked a headache that made her wince and turn her head to bury her face in the pillow.
She took a few seconds to wait for the sudden headache to go before attempting to push herself on her elbows. A sharp pain just under her rib made her gasp and fall back on the bed. That’s not right, she thought to herself, where did this sudden pain come from?
Financier took in her surroundings once her vision cleared. She immediately recognized the pure white walls and white-gold tiles of the Republic’s hospital rooms, she was dressed down to her simple white tank top and slacks and her cloak and armour folded neatly on the chair next to the bed. Her hand gently touched her side where the pain was and felt the rough texture of the bandages wrapped around her stomach. Ah that’s right, Now she remembers.
A couple of white masks within the Divine Sanctum; there weren’t a lot at all, but they sure knew how to time their surprise attacks. It had completely caught them off guard, one had slipped behind the Consul which prompted her to jump forward to take the hit. The dagger piercing her dough stung harder than she expected, everything had begun to slow down. She barely even registered her attacker trying to flee or her head on Clotted Cream’s lap, her body slowly began to go numb, Clotted Cream’s words were becoming deaf in her ears—feeling clogged with silence, and it was getting harder to keep her eyes open. Surely this wasn’t the end? Surely this wasn’t how she was going to die? It wasn’t right, she didn’t want to die…not yet.
A shiver crawled up her back and her eyes stung with a wetness she was unfamiliar with. She blinked rapidly and took a deep breath to shake off the tears, pull yourself together, she scolded herself, you’re a paladin for Divine’s sake!
The door of her room opened suddenly as Clotted Cream Cookie entered with a small cup of water in hand. His clothes were slightly wrinkled and a few strands of hair were sticking out, his slightly disheveled look was accompanied with tired eyes that lit up when he saw her awake.
“Financier Cookie, you’re awake!” He said cheerily, resting a hand behind her back gently helping her to sit up. “How are you feeling?”
Once up he gingerly handed her the water and let her take a sip, her hands idly fiddling with the blanket. Her throat feeling slightly sore when she swallowed from not drinking anything in a while. “I’m fine, Consul. My side still hurts a little, but it is only whenever I move too fast. I will be fine as long as I am careful and take some rest.” Her voice carried the same neutral and formal tone, but Clotted Cream could tell something was wrong, it was more flat and on edge than usual. He’s worked with her long enough to notice even the smallest of details that something is bothering her.
Her hands shook slightly as they gripped the blanket, something she didn’t even take notice of until he placed his gloved hand over hers to stop their shaking.
“Are you sure, Ser? The white masks have been taken care of by the other paladins if that’s what you’re concerned about.” Clotted Cream stated, his eyes softening into concern. Suddenly, a wave of gratitude hit her— she was thankful to hear the republic was safe, thankful to hear the white masks were taken care of, and thankful to hear her consul was safe.
None of that she would know of if she were dead.
That thought hit her like an airship, fear bubbling in her stomach as she turned her head away in an attempt to hide the tears welling up in her eyes. How pathetic of her…She’s a paladin! A warrior of the light! The thought of death should mean nothing, so why does it scare her so much?
“Apologies Consul, please ignore me.” She murmured hoping to hide the shakiness in her voice.
However, Clotted didn’t relent, he snaked a coattail under her chin and turned her face back over to him. He felt slightly taken aback by the shiny glint in her eyes, so without a word he straightened his back and pulled her into a hug. Financier’s breath hitched and horror flooded through her as she felt herself cry against his chest.
It was strange indeed for him, during their time together he has never truly seen his bodyguard cry ever during their travels. Even after the truth of Elder Mille-feuille Cookie had been uncovered she had stayed mostly professional—perhaps only grieving in private. It made him feel awkward and almost shameful with his bold attempt at comforting her, but he didn’t want her to suffer silently like this.
After a minute when her sobs had turned to sniffles she finally was able to speak again, “Please forgive me, Consul. This is rather very unprofessional of me…” She trailed off.
Clotted took a step back, quickly putting her armor on the bedside table next to her to sit down on the chair himself, “It is completely alright Financier. If there’s something bothering you you may tell me of course.”
“It's…rather silly of me to be honest,” She let out a strained chuckle. “During my days at the Paladin academy, I thought I had trained and prepared for anything. But every time I remember that near-death experience, then and even now I feel… shaken.” She admitted.
Clotted Cream tilted his head silently encouraging her to keep speaking, she sighed and continued shaking her head slightly, “I don’t know the words to describe it other than the thought of almost dying is terrifying. I know as a Paladin I must make myself prepared for such an outcome but,” she stared at her bed, her eyes unfocused and distant. “You don’t understand. It’s too terrifying; I don't want to die.”
Clotted froze, he never thought about that. Of course Clotted Cream was never ignorant or purposely got into danger cause he had a bodyguard. But he never thought about the fact that she too could fear death.
Once again, before he could properly think about what he was doing. Clotted Cream stood and pulled her into another hug. Only this time, he spoke softly, “Your..a strong Paladin, Ser Financier Cookie. I know you can protect yourself from that. Even then,” he felt a bit of heat rise into his cheeks. “I will make sure such an outcome doesn't occur.”
Financier laughed, letting go of the other to look at him, “The Consul having to protect his own bodyguard? I’m sure that's a sight nobody is prepared to witness.”
Clotted immediately turned away bashfully and began fiddling with his bangs as blush turned even harsher on his face, a nervous tick she admittedly found adorable. “Well in my own way of course, maybe I’m truthfully not the strongest but I’m smarter than others may think.”
She let out another laugh, this one much harder, "Either way, I thank you Consul, it is definitely comforting to hear.” She never been good with sentiment so she quickly moved on. “Do you mind getting me something to eat? I am feeling rather hungry…”
Clotted smiled, simply glad to see her already feeling better, getting her something could certainly be a start. “Very well.”