#14tk

Suddenly, Sonetto feels a warm wetness drip onto her shoulder.

"Vertin, are you cryi-"

Sonetto's breath hitches as she turns her head to look at Vertin's reddened face.

"Timekeeper, you're bleeding!"

Vertin blinks at her, then turns, gasping as she squeezes her eyes shut, embarassed.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean-"

It's almost as if she's on the battlefield when Sonetto immediately feels her instincts take over as a surge to protect Vertin kicks in. She slowly leans over to the nightstand to retrieve some tissues as she feels Vertin tighten her embrace, her hands trembling. Careful to not startle Vertin, she gently pries her hands apart and pushes her back to rest on the headboard of the bed.

"It's alright. Please lean back and relax."

Sonetto holds the tissues up to Vertin's face, wiping the blood from her chin. Sonetto coaxes her to hold onto the tissue, so Vertin wipes away a tear before clasping Sonetto's hand briefly and sniffling.

"Sonetto, thank you…"

Sonetto pulls away to wipe the crusted blood off her shoulder, then rises off the bed. Vertin catches her wrist, her eyes pleading.

"Where are you going?"

Sonetto hugs her reassuringly, kisses her on the forehead, and gives her a bittersweet smile.