Tabitha was out of sorts, but she also hated to be a burden. There was always the persistent nagging feeling he was helping her simply because of the veela blood, but in this instance she preferred to believe that Mr. Browne would do this for anyone. It was a healer's nature after all. Not to mention she had seen him with patients before.

"You're right, of course." Tabi sighed quietly, allowing Mr. Browne to lead the way to an exam room. Tabitha could still feel the blood dripping down her cheek, though it had slowed, she was sure there was probably some other damage she couldn't see or feel.

Feeling the fatigue from the evening's events seeping into her bones, she took a seat where she would normally direct a patient to. "It's quite odd to be on this side of the situation." She chuckled quietly. "I truly appreciate your help and patience this evening, Mr. Browne." Tabitha added, wanting ensure she expressed her gratitude.

---

  

---

absolute beauty by MJ

At her gratitude—imagine, Miss Chevalier being grateful to him!—Gideon's cheeks flushed, and he manged to utter an uncomfortable yes, well, or something to that affect before they stepped into a nearby workroom.

Gideon left the door open, utterly aware of how alone the pair were, as he moved to get some antiseptic and a potion for settling nerves from the supply cabinet. All too quickly, though, he ran out of things with which to busy himself, and had to set his attentions back upon the goddess Miss Chevalier.

"This might sting," he murmured softly, the warning likely unnecessary. After all, she was a fellow healer. Gently, he dabbed a small cloth dipped in antiseptic along the wound, studying it carefully as he worked. Miss Chevalier, quite fortunately, would not need sutures; her face would continue to be as lovely as her spirit. "There now, that's better."

He pulled away, eyes daring to look into hers.

  

Tabi could see he was a little flustered and she hated that she had that effect on him. She was extremely grateful for him tonight and she wished she could just express as much without making things awkward. Why couldn't she just ever have a normal interaction with a man? Ever? Was it so much to ask for?

Wincing, despite his warning, she hissed out her discomfort slowly, trying not to move too much. "Better yes," The sting did leave a tingling feeling in its wake, but it no longer felt quite so severe.

Meeting Mr. Browne's eyes, her breath caught in her throat a little bit, watching him carefully for a moment, before she smiled hesitantly.

---

The following 1 user Likes Tabitha Chevalier's post:1 user Likes Tabitha Chevalier's post
   Aldous Crouch

---

absolute beauty by MJ

Her smile was not the sun.

No, it was the moon, bright, ethereal in its beauty, but something that could still be looked upon with mortal eyes. His heart skipped a beat and Gideon's breath once again caught in his chest at the sight of it, and his own mouth turned into decidedly less elegant smile in return—he did not think he could fight it if he tried.

"Would—" he began hesitantly, stopping himself for a moment before deciding to be bold, "would you allow me to accompany you home, Miss Chevalier? Even with young Bernard tucked away, I do think the streets must be somewhat chaotic, given the occasion."

The following 1 user Likes Gideon Browne's post:1 user Likes Gideon Browne's post
   Tabitha Chevalier

Tabi was relieved that Mr. Browne only saw to cleaning it up. Dittany or a spell to heal it would make it smooth again and she was certain she'd rather have it scar. Pity it wasn't deeper. Maybe a scar would mar some of the effects.

"Oh—" Tabs had already been enough of a distraction for poor Mr. Browne tonight. She would hate to be a further imposition. He'd already been so incredibly kind to her. "I would hate for you to miss any more of the festivities." Truthfully, she would be grateful for his company for just a little longer, but did not have the wherewithal to strictly ask. "I won't say no, if you really don't mind?" There was a hopeful uptick in her voice, but she clearly didn't expect him to.

---

  

---

absolute beauty by MJ

He would have offered even if he had minded, would have insisted, but for Miss Chevalier it would be an honour, not a duty; a pleasure, not a burden.

"I would not rest easily," he reassured the other healer warmly, "if I were left to worry as to your safety, however near 'home' may be." Gideon was relieved Miss Chevalier seemed pleased to allow it—he would hate to cause her any additional discomfort, after all!

  

Tabi nodded slowly, sliding off her perch on the exam table delicately. "You are a true gentleman, Mr. Browne." She replied kindly, hoping he would find her words genuine. Tabitha craved that normal human connection any young woman would, except she was not completely human and therefore always plagued by the nagging feeling that things were not as they seemed. It was a negative way to think, certainly, but realistic in her position.

Passing him another soft smile, Tabi pulled her scarf more securely around her neck and moved toward the doorway. Though she felt guilty about monopolizing his time this evening, she was extremely thankful for him tonight, as she was sure her father would be as well.

---

  

---

absolute beauty by MJ