#igottired

My take on what happened after Sky Shot dragon flames at Flora in s3. This is entirely Flora x Helia centred.

The infirmary room at Alfea was quiet, save for the soft rustle of leaves from the small potted plant Flora's magic had unconsciously grown at her bedside.

The healers had done all they could to stabilize her, but her body was weak, her energy nearly drained. The rest was up to time and care. Helia wasn’t going to leave her side for a moment.

The Very First Night

🎶I wish I could fly,

I'd pick you up and we'd go back in time🎶

Flora’s fever spiked as soon as the sun set, her body trembling beneath the soft blankets in. Helia sat at her bedside, his hands steady but his heart racing as he dipped a clean cloth into cool water and wrung it out. He placed it gently on her forehead, his movements careful and deliberate, as though afraid to hurt her even in this small act.

“Flora,” he murmured, brushing a strand of damp hair from her face. “I’m right here, I’ve got you. I’ll take care of you. I promise.” At first he wasn’t sure if she heard him, but it didn’t matter, it was for him more than for her. But then she stirred faintly at the sound of his voice, her lips parting as though to respond, but no words came. Helia squeezed her hand lightly, trying to anchor her to him in whatever small way he could.

Throughout the night, he stayed awake, switching the cloth every time it grew warm and ensuring she stayed hydrated. When her breathing hitched in her sleep, he was there, whispering soft reassurances until she settled again. He spent the hours wishing he could go back in time.

The morning after

🎶 I miss your tan skin, your sweet smile

So good to me, so right

And how you held me in your arms that September night

The first time you ever saw me cry 🎶

By the next morning, her fever had dropped slightly, but Flora was still too weak to sit up on her own. Helia took it upon himself to care for her every need.

He started with water, carefully lifting her head with one hand while holding a glass to her lips with the other. “Just a little,” he said softly. “You need to stay hydrated.”

Flora’s eyes fluttered open briefly, the faintest hint of gratitude flickering in their green depths as she took a few small sips.

The girls came to visit her, all except bloom, who was still trying to navigate her way through the guilt. Later, when one of the healers brought food, a simple broth that was easy to digest, Helia insisted on feeding her himself. He sat close to her, a spoon in hand, his tone gentle but firm. “I know you’re tired, but you have to eat, Flora. Just a few bites, okay?”

She managed to take a couple of spoonfuls before turning her head away, her exhaustion overwhelming her. Helia didn’t push her; instead, he set the bowl aside and stroked her hair. “That’s enough for now. You’re doing great.”

Only minutes after she passed out again, not waking up till tomorrow. Helia spent the day staring at her, haunted by how pale her usually rich tan skin looked and how her lips were in a constant frown instead of her calming smiles. He hadn’t let his thoughts wonder till now but the at that point he could no longer deal with how overwhelmed he felt. Silent tears escaped his eyes and he remembered how the last time he cried, she was the one to wipe his tears away.

The realisation

🎶 One night he wakes,

Strange look on his face.

Pauses, then says,

“You're my best friend.”

And you knew what it was.

He is in love🎶

By the third day, Flora’s fever had subsided, but her body was still weak and sore. Bloom finally came to visit her, she cried, when she left Flora felt calmer knowing all her girls were okay. The healers suggested a light sponge bath to keep her comfortable, and Helia stepped forward before the girls even had a chance.

He made sure the room was warm before starting, pulling a privacy curtain around the bed to give her a sense of security even in her vulnerable state. He brought a basin of warm water and a soft cloth, his movements slow and cautious as he began to clean her skin.

“Tell me if anything hurts,” he said softly, his voice steady even as his heart ached to see her so fragile.

Flora didn’t respond with words, but her small nod reassured him that she was comfortable. He worked methodically, starting with her arms and shoulders, wiping away the grime of the battle and replacing it with warmth and care.

When he reached her hands, he paused, holding them gently in his own. Her hands, usually so steady and full of life, felt small and delicate in his grip. He pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles, his voice breaking as he whispered, “You’ll be back to yourself soon, I promise.” She smiled.

Later that day, Riven came in. It was his first time visiting her since the attack and he wasn’t sure what to say, what to do. What do you do when your friend nearly kills another friend? But he wanted her to know he was there for her. So he just sat, after insisting that Helia takes some time to freshen up himself. He hasn’t left her side for more than 15 minutes in three days after all. When Helia came back, having showered and eaten, Flora noticed the dark circles under his eyes and her heart fluttered with the realisation of how he cared for her, to the point where he was neglecting his own needs. Maybe he even loved her. He was still to say those words out loud though.

When Riven left and Helia was back in his chair by her bedside, she softly said, “Sleep Helia,” He only nodded and rested his head on her bed and minutes later he was softly snoring. Flora doesn’t know when she fell asleep.

When she woke up it was dark outside, Helia had woken but he was still in the position he fell asleep in, his head on his arm resting on the bed. The air in the room was still, there was a kind of peace Helia thought he hasn’t felt in ages. Not wanting to disturb it but still wanting to voice the thoughts that were racing inside his head, he whispered, “ Flora, I-,” she waited.

I love you, he thought. But no, she deserved something more romantic than a hospital room and the smell of burn cream. “You’re my best friend.” He finished.

Flora smiled. She went back to sleep thinking he is in love.

The Nights Were the Hardest

🎶 I remember you said don't leave me here alone.

But all that's dead and gone and passed tonight.

Just close your eyes, the sun is going down.

You'll be alright, no one can hurt you now.

Come morning light,

you and I'll be safe and sound🎶

Flora’s nightmares began on the fourth night. Perhaps her body was waiting for her to find the energy to be able to relive the horror. She thrashed weakly in her sleep, her face contorted in fear as she murmured incoherent words. Helia was at her side in an instant, his hands cradling her shoulders as he whispered soothing words.

“Flora, it’s okay. You’re safe now. No one can hurt you, I won’t let them,” he said, his voice calm but insistent.

When she didn’t calm down, he climbed onto the bed beside her, wrapping an arm around her trembling form. Careful to avoid her exposed Burns. The contact seemed to ground her, and her breathing eventually slowed. Helia stayed like that for hours, holding her close and humming a soft melody under his breath until she drifted into a peaceful sleep.

Daylight

🎶 I once believed love would be black and white.

But it's golden🎶

As the days turned into weeks, Flora began to regain her strength. Helia encouraged her every step of the way, celebrating even the smallest victories. When she was able to sit up on her own, he smiled and said, “See? I told you you’re stronger than you think.”

When she managed to eat an entire bowl of soup without needing his help, he clapped his hands together playfully. “That’s my Flora,” he teased.

Even when she stumbled while trying to take her first steps again, Helia was there to catch her, his arms steady and unwavering. “Don’t rush,” he told her. “We have all the time in the world.”

The later days

🎶 You are the best thing that’s ever been mine🎶

One evening, as Helia sat beside her bed sketching quietly, Flora reached out and placed a hand on his arm. He looked up.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice hoarse but filled with sincerity.

Helia set his sketchbook aside and took her hand in both of his. “You don’t have to thank me, Flora. I’d do it a thousand times over if it meant keeping you safe.”

“Me too.”

(I’m sorry for the God Awful ending guys, I was tired. Putting something good in the comments or something.)

Songs quoted:

The very first night

Back to December

You are in love

Safe and sound

Daylight

Mine