Little Accident: A Luke Castellan Story

Chapter Seven; Sick

The air was crisp and the leaves were just beginning to change colors as Luke made his way through the forest. He had a purposeful stride, his shoulders squared in determination. He had been training non-stop since Theo's confinement had been lifted, honing his skills and preparing himself for whatever the future might hold.

Theodosia hadn't been feeling well. Chiron told her she could take a break, but once she felt better she would resume her duties as janitor. She had been vomiting and had been cramping and dealing with some back pain

She trudged through the camp, her steps slow and weary. Her stomach rolled uncomfortably, and she winced with each step. It had been a week since her confinement, and she still felt... off. She wondered if she was just exhausted from everything that had happened, or if there was something else wrong with her.

As Luke approached the clearing where he knew Theo would be, he noticed her looking a bit pale and moving with obvious discomfort. His heart sank, concerned for her wellbeing. "Hey, Theo," he called out to her, slowing his pace as he approached. "You don't look so good. Are you feeling alright?"

Theo glanced up, forcing a small smile. "I'm fine, Luke. Just a little tired, that's all." Her voice sounded weak, even to her own ears. She winced as she moved, the pain in her abdomen making it difficult to stand up straight. "I'm just a bit behind on my rounds, that's all."

Luke didn't look convinced. He stopped in front of her, his expression concerned. "Theo, you don't have to keep up with your usual pace. Chiron told me you've been feeling ill. Why don't you head back to the infirmary and get checked out? We can finish your rounds for you."

Theo hesitated, knowing that Luke was right. She was exhausted, and something was definitely wrong with her. But she couldn't help feeling guilty about letting everyone else do her work. "I'm fine, really," she insisted, trying to stand a little straighter. "I can do this."

Luke sighed, obviously not convinced. "Look, Theo, you don't have to prove anything to anyone. We all understand how you feel. But you need to take care of yourself. You can't keep going like this." He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, offering her support.

"I swear I'm fine. Just don't worry about it."

Luke's expression softened, but he didn't remove his hand from her shoulder. "Okay, Theo. If you're sure. But please, if you start to feel worse or need anything, let me know. You're not alone in this." He gave her a reassuring squeeze before stepping aside, allowing her to continue with her rounds.

Theo nodded, feeling a little guilty for not being more honest with Luke. She took a deep breath and tried to straighten her back, hoping she didn't look as weak as she felt. As she continued on her way, she couldn't help but wonder if Luke was right.

 As Theo made her way through the camp, Luke watched her go, a worried expression on his face. He knew she was stronger than she was letting on, but he couldn't help but feel that something was seriously wrong. He decided that he would keep an eye on her and make sure she was okay.

Deciding to take a walk himself, Luke made his way around the camp, making sure that everything was in order. He checked on the weapons, ensuring they were all securely stored and accounted for. He then went to check on the horses, making sure they had enough food and water. As he did this, he couldn't help but keep an eye on Theo, making sure she was alright.

Theodosia continued on her rounds, her steps growing more and more sluggish with each passing moment. She could feel her energy draining away, and her head was starting to pound. But she had to finish her rounds, had to make sure that everything was in order. She couldn't let anyone down.

Luke spotted her from across the camp, her movements growing more labored with each step. He quickly made his way over to her, concerned for her wellbeing. "Theo, are you sure you're okay?" he asked, offering her a worried smile. "You don't look well at all."

She forced a smile, trying to convince herself as much as Luke. "I'm just a bit under the weather, that's all. I'll be fine in a little while." Her voice was shaky, and her breath came out in ragged gasps. She could feel herself starting to sway on her feet, and she knew she couldn't keep this up much longer.

He frowned, concerned. "You don't look fine, Theo. You're pale as a ghost and sweating buckets. You need to sit down and rest."

She finally gave in, her legs too weak to support her any longer. She sat down heavily on a nearby log, her shoulders slumping forward. "I'm sorry," she whispers.

Luke knelt down beside her, his expression a mixture of concern and frustration. "There's nothing to be sorry for, Theo. You're only human, and you've been pushing yourself too hard. You need to take care of yourself first, so you can be strong for the others." He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, offering her what comfort he could.

Theodosia looked up at him, her eyes filling with tears. "I just want to be strong," she whispered. "I don't want to let everyone down."

Luke's expression softened further as he saw the tears welling up in her eyes. He reached out and gently wiped them away with his thumb, then cupped her cheek in his hand, gazing deeply

In that moment, Theo felt a surge of gratitude and comfort. It was like being wrapped up in a warm blanket on a cold night. Luke's touch was so gentle, so reassuring. It made her feel like everything was going to be okay. She closed her eyes, basking in the moment, wishing she could hold on to this feeling forever.

Luke continued to hold her cheek, his thumb now caressing her cheekbone. "Theo, you are strong. You've proven that time and time again. You don't have to be the strongest person here, or the fastest, or the most skilled to be perfect or invincible to be strong. to Sometimes, the strongest thing you can do is accept when you need help, and let others take care of you." His voice was soft, soothing. "That's what family's for."

She felt her heart swell at his words, and she took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing thoughts. His words made perfect sense, but it was hard for her to accept them. She was used to being the one who took care of everyone else, who made sure they were okay. It was difficult for her to let go of that role and allow someone else to take care of her.

He saw the struggle in her eyes, and he smiled gently. "It's okay... I love you"

Theo looked back at him, her eyes shining with tears. "I love you too, Luke," she whispered, her voice barely audible. And in that moment, she knew that she could trust him, that she could let him take care of her. She leaned into his touch, feeling a sense of peace wash over her.

He held her close, his strong arms enfolding her in warmth and comfort. He pulled her into a gentle embrace, her head resting on his broad shoulder. They sat together in silence for a while, the only sound the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze. Theo could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, and it was oddly soothing. She closed her eyes, letting the weight of her exhaustion pull her under.

"Yes, I'm fine." She said sarcastically

"You know, you could have fooled me with that reply." Luke teased playfully, "You don't have to be so tough all the time, you know. It's okay to let people see how you really feel."

Theo let out a small laugh, feeling the tension in her shoulders begin to ease. "I guess I'm just not used to it," she admitted. "Being vulnerable isn't exactly something I'm good at."

"You're not alone in that," Luke said, his voice soft and understanding. "It takes time to learn how to open up to people, especially when you've been hurt in the past." He paused, then added, "But trust me, it's worth it."

"I love you..." She said with a small smile, looking up at him

Luke returned her smile, his own heart warming at the sight of it. He leaned down, pressing his lips softly against hers in a gentle kiss. "I love you too, Theo. You know that."