"Rui—" Shen's eyes searched Rui's face for any sign of delirium from the fever.
"I'm not asking you to do anything improper." Her thumb traced across his pulse point, feeling the rapid beat beneath his skin.
"I just don't want to wake up sick and alone in a strange place."
Shen's free hand moved to cover hers, his calloused fingers gentle against her fevered skin.
"If anyone discovers—"
"Let them talk." Rui's voice carried a thread of her usual defiance despite her weakened state.
"We're teammates. Teammates look after each other."
A long moment passed before Shen nodded, resignation and something deeper flickering across his features.
Shen removed his outer robe, folding it before placing it on the chair.
He settled beside the bed, spine straight as a blade, hands clasped formally in his lap.
"You look like you're guarding a fortress, not keeping someone company." Rui patted the expansive mattress beside her.
"There's plenty of space."
"This is inappropriate—"
