The next days were exhausting for Saint but he was determined. Perth was going to make it come hell or high water.

The days were rounds of changing the poultice on Perth's back, steadily increasing his fluids, trying to keep his fever down. Nights were spent soothing his fevered nightmares. They fluctuated between Perth desperately explaining why he couldn't do something and mumbling about someone would surely feed him today. It broke Saint's heart to hear the despair in his voice. All he could do was hold him, reassuring him it was all okay as Perth relived those past events over and over again.

Saint was afraid he wasn't effectively treating him when he couldn't get the fever to break. He kept reading through his herb books and notes Tul had brought him. Maybe he missed something? In the darkest hours, he worried and gnawed on his inexperience and lack of knowledge. What if he was actively harming Perth?

Tul and Miri came each day with food and other supplies. Tul kept an eye on Perth and Miri for a couple of hours while Saint stretched out on the bed next to Perth for a nap. Miri and Unicorn picked flowers for 'Mista Pooth' so he would feel better.

Max came over during the evenings. Usually, he was bearing a little something to keep Saint's spirits up. Apples, books, a berry cobbler all made their way to the little cabin.

Privately, Max and Tul were worried. Perth didn't seem to be improving and Saint had thrown himself completely into caring for him. What if Perth didn't make it?

The third night, his fever finally broke in a torrent of sweat. Saint had been so relieved he almost cried. He cleaned the sweat from Perth and gently covered him with a sheet. Five minutes later, Saint was sound asleep in his rocking chair.

~~~~~

Perth blinked and rubbed his eyes. He was draped over a pile of pillows. He wasn't thirsty. He was clean. He could smell lavender. He felt like he'd been run over by a truck.

Directly in front of him, was a sleeping man slumped in a rocking chair. He looked exhausted. Shadows were smudged under his eyes. His brown hair was longer and tumbled into his face obscuring part of it.

Perth glanced around the room. Clean and neat with flowers in an old jar on the tiny table. Sunshine poured in through the windows. It was a homey place.

"How did I get here?" He muttered hoarsely. The last thing he remembered was the highway.

Perth was startled when Saint started murmuring softly in his sleep. "I'll feed you. I promise... better first... S'okay... Shhh..." He voice trailed off leaving a wide eyed Perth. 'What did he say?'

That's when Perth made a huge mistake. At the prodding of his bladder, he tried to sit up. Tried being the operative word. He grunted as his stiff muscles complained loudly. He ached all over.

"How long have I been laying here?" He asked himself as he tried to get his muscles to listen.

"Four days." A quiet voice answered him. "At least in this bed. You were two days with the group of travelers who found you on the highway." Saint sat up. His eyes never left Perth who had jumped when Saint answered him. "The soreness will pass as you move more. Where are you going?"

A bright red flush spread across his face. "Ummm... I gotta pee." He dropped his face.

"Let me help you up right. I think you can take care of everything if we get you sitting on the edge of the bed. Yes?"

An embarrassed nod. He glanced up at Saint who was all smiles. It was rather dazzling. Perth found himself smiling back. The moment stilled then passed as Saint shifted him then swung his feet over the edge. "Wait a second, Perth." Again he was startled.

"You know my name?"

"You told me the first night." Saint handed him a medical urinal. "Here you go. I'm going outside to take care of the same problem. If you need help, just call." He smiled again.

"O-okay." Perth gave him a small smile back and got serious about the business at hand. He sighed. Wow, did he feel better.

It wasn't long before Saint was back in to empty the container. He glanced at it and grinned. "Looks like your kidneys are working. I was getting worried."

Perth was confused. "My kidneys?"

"You were really dehydrated. I don't have and don't know how to use an IV so I've been giving you water and broth a spoonful at a time. I was worried being dehydrated that long might damage your kidneys. I'll be back."

Saint was thrilled. Perth was lucid. His eyes were clear, focused. Things would be easier at this point. At least he hoped so.

As he returned to the cabin he realized Perth was still sitting on the edge of the bed but now he was trembling. "Let's get you comfortable." Gently, he settled the man back across his pillow pile. They found themselves face-to-face.

"Who are you?" Perth asked.

"Oops sorry. Saint. My name is Saint." A small smile. "Hungry?"

"Starving." Perth grinned. Saint laughed. "Give me a minute."

Rice porridge flavored with herbs satisfied Perth's hunger in five spoonfuls. "It's not surprising. I don't know when you last had solid food so don't push it. Any time you feel like eating, you can." Saint took the bowl and set it on the table. He glanced at the man who now had tears on his face. He was pretty sure he knew why.

"You're safe here. No one will lock you up or starve you. I don't know what it was they wanted you to do but you don't have to do any of it. You're safe here, Perth."

That was when Perth broke into sobs. Saint kneeled by the bed and, avoiding his cuts, held him. He spoke soothing words of comfort and let Perth let it go.

~~~~~

Perth had slowed to sniffles. He was exhausted and his head hurt.

"I'll be back."Saint whispered. Perth could hear water in the kitchen and the pop whoosh of a gas stove being lit. Saint came back with a wet wash cloth and wiped Perth's face clear of the tear trails. Now he knew why he could smell lavender.

A shrill whistle. A shuddering breath from Perth. Saint came back with a cup of tea for both of them.

"I put cool water in it after I steeped it. You should be able to comfortably drink it. It will help you rest." Saint held the cup to his lips. It was sweet and warm.

"Thank you. For everything, Saint." Perth looked up.

A smile. "You are most welcome."

Perth made it through half the cup before he was drowsing. Saint smiled and gently covered him. Leaning back in the rocking chair, he watched Perth sleep as he sipped his own tea and hummed softly.

~♡~♡~♡~

Hi, Everyone! Hope you're having a great weekend! Take Care and Stay Safe! ❤

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