#stephane codron

The first thing you felt when you woke was the sharp, persistent throb in your side. It wasn’t unbearable, but it was enough to drag you back to consciousness. Your eyes fluttered open, the dim light of the infirmary blinding for a moment before your vision adjusted.

The second thing you noticed was Codron.

He was sitting in the corner, his head snapping up the instant you stirred. His face was pale and drawn, shadows under his eyes betraying just how little sleep he’d had.

“Hey,” you rasped, your voice barely audible. You tried to sit up, but a stabbing pain made you wince and collapse back onto the cot.

“Don’t,” Codron said sharply, his voice rough. He was on his feet in an instant, closing the distance between you in a few long strides. “You’ll rip your stitches.”

You gave him a weak smile. “Nice to see you, too.”

But Codron didn’t smile back. His jaw was set, his eyes scanning your face as if he couldn’t quite believe you were awake.

“You shouldn’t have been out there,” he said after a moment, his tone low and tense.

You frowned. “What are you talking about? We needed food, Codron. It was the right call.”

“The right call?” he echoed, his voice rising slightly. “You got shot.”

“And we’re still alive,” you countered, your tone gentle but firm. “That’s what matters.”

Codron shook his head, stepping back as if your words were physically pushing him away. “I should’ve seen them. Should’ve stopped them before they got a shot off. This is on me.”

“Codron—” “Don’t,” he cut you off, his voice laced with self-loathing.

“Don’t try to make it better. You almost died out there because I wasn’t paying attention.”

You watched him for a moment, his posture rigid and his fists clenched at his sides. He looked like a man on the edge of breaking, and your heart ached at the sight.

“Come here,” you said softly, patting the edge of the cot.

Codron hesitated, his eyes flicking between you and the door as if he was considering bolting. But after a moment, he moved closer, sinking onto the stool beside you with a heavy sigh.

“It wasn’t your fault,” you said gently, reaching out to rest a hand on his arm. “You couldn’t have known they were there.”

He flinched under your touch, his gaze dropping to the floor. “I should’ve known. I’m supposed to protect you.”

“You did protect me,” you insisted. “You got me out of there alive. If it weren’t for you, I’d be dead.”

He shook his head, his jaw tightening. “That’s not good enough.”

You sighed, your thumb brushing lightly against his forearm. “Codron, you’re not a machine. You’re human. And humans make mistakes. What matters is that we’re both here, now.”

For a long moment, he didn’t respond. But then his hand covered yours, his grip firm but not harsh.

“I can’t lose you,” he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

“You won’t,” you promised, squeezing his hand gently. “Not if I have anything to say about it.”

Codron finally looked up at you, his expression softening just enough for you to see the vulnerability beneath. He still looked tense, still carried the weight of his guilt, but for the first time, you thought he might let himself forgive.

“We’ll get through this,” you said, offering him a small, reassuring smile. “Together.”

Codron nodded, his grip on your hand tightening slightly as he finally let out a breath he’d been holding.

“Together,” he agreed, his voice steadier now. And for the first time since the ambush, you felt like everything might be alright.

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