✧TREATING THE PAIN✧

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***

The tension had started to fill her to the core, take hold of her muscles and lock her limbs from moving outright. It was the desired nature of the medication to ease into not taking it anymore, but on the negative, the side effects were awful.

Even in Alphard's tight hold, Rhea had jolted, unable to control her limbs—Or even worse, her visual attention.

As her eyes scanned the room, wishing that things would tone down. It made her fearful, at times, to go to bed.

And this was no different, as off in the corner of the room—There stood a man.
A dark and cloaked one to be exact.

A sharpened scream had taken hold of Rhea as she thrashed and hide underneath the covers. Which was all Alphard needed to know before reaching for his wand and firing a red blaze of light from the tip of his wand.

The power of it illuminated the room for just one moment, leaving both husband and wife to look at the intruder.

Only to discover that it had been a robe.

A robe now sporting a large burn mark—With the damaged door right behind it.

Yet even that hadn't been enough for Rhea to ease her breathing, it was death deafeningly terrible that her husband had ultimately gone for such a curse.

After all that's happened, all they've endured—Alphard's first reaction was to kill.

It took a moment for Rhea to register that the lights were now on, and she was wrapped entirely into her husband's arms in the center of the bed. He tried to speak to her, convince her that it was just a dream.

But she hadn't even realized she was mumbling to herself, that the tears falling down her cheeks was just the inevitable reminder that there wasn't anything she could do to stop this ongoing attack.

Her body was still on the mend, but what of her mind? That fear? Corin had already dealt with it in the past, having to come to terms with her parent's murder.

It left her frozen still at the first mention of Death Eaters, but how was Rhea meant to stomach the fact that her brother was of them?

"...That's what we're going to do, alright? A nice warm, relaxing bath while we wait for a bit of tea. Perhaps I can pull the couch closer to the fireplace—It'll be warmer." It seemed like even he was struggling to figure out a possible solution.

Yet given that Rhea was still attempting to focus on what was around her, it hadn't occurred to her that she had been dipped into the warm water so suddenly. But the moan it had earned towards her husband was constituted enough.

It had been hard for him, no doubt, even with the small headache taking a backseat to the torture he was enduring now—Rhea was more important.

Her well-being, her comfort.
It was all he could think about.

After an hour of antagonizing silence on Rhea's behalf, it seemed like they finally had awakened once Alphard had placed her on the side of the rub and wrapped her gently with towels.

Currently bent in front of her, working on getting her dry. Yet soon enough, her hand had overlapped his to pause her actions.

It all happened so fast, so sudden, that Rhea had nearly explored with desire the moment she had laid a kiss upon Alphard's lips. The fear and sense of exposure had all but melted as soon as she moved forward, continuing her approach without any sort of end goal besides being close to him.

And Alphard was far too weak to deny her.

Not so soon after, he had carried her in return to the bedroom, directly into their bed. It took all of two tugs to get the remainder of his clothes off his bed, and even then it was all so slow and sensual.

It had been a coming together, a beautiful reunion—And no part of Rhea was prepared for the emotional damage the attack had left her in, but for right now, everything Alphard was doing was the perfect distraction.

There had been a time when Rhea wanted to feel his love in a way no one else could. To have him pressed against him—To feel his heartbeat entrapped with hers.

Even now, with the fireplace lighting up the room, and other candles making everything visible to them. Rhea still felt weary as she looked about.

"Talk to me, love. Has it passed?"
"I'm sorry." She whispered, but her eyes would not connect to his. Only towards the spot on the door, the very one that had been ruined by her sudden outburst. "Sorry? Saying that means you have something to apologize for. You are not yourself, I understand that. We will get through it, it's almost done." He smoothed, but that still hadn't been enough for tears to disappear, and she ducked under his embrace once more.

The small sniffles had lingered in the room, and all Alphard could do was whisper sweet nothings—Reminding her of who she is and how wonderful a Healer she has started to become.

Inch by inch, she found herself feeling much better, but it still didn't pass the heaviness in her heart. "It's the tonic."

"It is. We were warned that it might induce some sort of night terrors. I just didn't think I would—" She silenced him with another kiss, a silent plea to stop talking about that bit.

It worried her beyond belief that it was not only her first reaction, but Alphard's as well.

Her hand had cupped his cheek in an attempt to gauge him properly, but feeling his scruff against his chin had given her the reminder of where she is.

"We will go somewhere, travel somewhere. Get out of the country, I promise. I will ask the Healer when you're well enough to do so." She let out a breathless laugh, but clearly, they were due to go elsewhere.

"Somewhere warm."
"Hm. Very warm. We'll go to a beach—I will plan it come morning, perhaps an island in Portugal. One we're both unfamiliar with, go on an adventure." There was a question right at the tip of her tongue, but when it slowly altered back to the rushed fear she felt within the last hour, she blurted it out.

What about work?

"Love, your work will be there. I looked over the document I signed. And Maverick assured me that your job will be there when you return—When we return. Sure, I might need to respond to a few owls, but this is why I pay my higher-tier employers a fair bit of coin each year. To pick up where I left off." She nodded, but it felt spoiled at the mere thought of this option.

To drop everything and escape this reality.

"What about the lads?"
"They will stay with their father, and their mother should be returning soon. An unfortunate day for us all." She hummed, but that in itself was another terrifying idea.

"I made it clear she has a list of rules she needs to follow. And I recall a mention that she doesn't do much for the wizarding world. So I've placed her with goals, something to keep her mind from running a muck and scheming." Rhea hummed, but realistically, it did not matter.

Nothing mattered. Not when Orion was still married to that wench, and it made her relive the torment thinking that there was a chance she could reawaken the distrust between her and Alphard.

How could Alpha make such promises when even he could barely control his sister? This was an endless cycle of Walburga simply not listening, even after being punished time and time again.

Was there another way?

Would she finally pay attention if he had made the ultimate decision of letting her live on her own? Isolate her to the ends of the earth?

Would that be cruel? Or was the community service that he confirmed was already well underway? At least she could put a mixture of her own interests to the forefront, as well as take some of the damned pressure off him.

Given that he was donating and she would come forward in her brother's name.

* * *

One Week Later

It was an utter relief that Rhea was feeling better, it seemed the warm weather in their Portugal estate was the best sort of relief there could be. Not to mention the fresh fruits and vegetables—Giving her a different palate to enjoy each and every day.

Alphard couldn't have been more helpful if he tried, not only did he aid her with the simplest things. But now, after a few days into their sick leave, they were enjoying the fruits of their labor, more importantly, the aftermath of an art auction.

The pieces were outstanding, and Rhea only hoped that she would have that sort of creativity in the future. But seeing so many artists, more importantly, them not wasting a moment to come in and get a word with Alphard...Rhea finally understood the wizarding art world just a little bit more.

And damns him that he was boasting that he married his own personal artist. Perhaps it was Rhea's nerves that had gotten the better of her, or the endless array of wine being passed and tasted throughout—The pair's usual nightcap had gone down differently than anything else.

"Love?"
"Hm?"
"I mean this in the best of ways...How many glasses did you have this evening?" He asked, and Rhea had soon taken to looking at her hands—Counting completely wrong as she said one number that didn't compare to the fingers she had up. So Alphard had simply placed his hand to stop her pitiful attempt.

With one hand holding her back, he turned to take away her glass to his side. "I think that is quite enough, Rhea." She gasped, going so far as to reach over and grab it back, though she slumped over his lap and began to giggle.

"Do you remember when you gave me a spanking?"
"Good Merlin, yes, love. I remember it very clearly." He managed to choke out, it had been a pure fantasy of his—And she had responded so well to his touch that it was— "I would like to do that again."
"P-pardon?"
"Again. Not tonight, I can't feel much in my arse right now to have it enjoyable. But can we?" With the lack of response, Rhea had pulled herself back up and held his thigh swiftly as though she had been prepared to plead her case.

"Yes, I can see if we have time in the future for me to spank that gorgeous arse of yours pink."
"Why do you speak so vile, it was only a question." She all but whined, and Alphard could hardly see it fit to take things any farther. He couldn't recall the last time Rhea was this intoxicated or to the point of her pouting.

"Vile? With your hand so close to my cock, I wouldn't dream of it."
"I quite like your cock, Atlas. Will you take my sincerest apology?"
"Hm, only this once. Do your best to remember this conversation when your arse is in the air for me." Her body twitched with desire, but Alphard managed to turn his head away, taking another sip of whiskey as he silently prayed for any sort of strength to continue this night.

"Are you angry with me?" She cooed, leaning into his shoulder and eyeing him, as though she could look into his eyes and read his tells. "How can I be angry with you?"
"You've been angry with me before."
"Have I? I can't recall."
"When I was fooling around with Bella...I am really sorry about that, but I think—I think it helped with—" Instantly, he had abandoned his whiskey and cupped both her cheeks, demanding her full attention as he quickly hook his head. "No, we are not going there tonight. We are enjoying things thus far. Unhappy thoughts remain elsewhere."
"O-Okay...Do you think Binkt is okay with Sirius and Regulus?"
"Yes, she couldn't be more spoiled." She nodded, beginning to babble away with how happy today had made her, and sure it had stroked his ego—Alphard couldn't find anything wrong with such an easy night.

"You aren't cross with me? You're sure?"
"The only thing I'm crossed with is that you are far too inebriated to enjoy anything more than an early night." Even then it had taken Rhea a moment to digest his words, and upon careful consideration, she had pouted once more.

"I most certainly can enjoy more than that!" No, even her voice had shifted and he wasn't sure what to make of it. So when he took his hand to her chin, noticing just how pink her cheeks had grown—Or how dilated her eyes had gotten, he sighed.

"I haven't seen you this drunk before, Rhea. It worries me."
"Don't be. Wine is good."
"Taste doesn't amount to it being good for you. How about you take a hangover tonic now and I'll have one at your bedside tomorrow. Ready and waiting." She hummed, her eyes closing in pure delight as she tapped a finger at his chest. "You are such a smart man. I am glad I married a smart bloke, not some idiot who can't make up his own mind."
"Oh, are we thinking of anyone in particular?"
"No. I don't need to anyway, I have a perfect husband." Yes, it was safe to say that Alphard was positively glowing as Rhea continued to play with strains of his hair and feed him comments.

Usually, she was much more diligent in complimenting his work or little jabs to make his cheeks grow flushed. But here and now? He wasn't sure what to make of any of it.

"...I can't drink wine soon anyway, let me enjoy it Al-fie!" She attempted to reach for it once more, but he easily deflected her reach and frowned. "You can't drink wine any more?"

Had he missed the Healer's mention of a change in her diagnosis?

"When I'm carrying a babe? Unless I take the alcoholic contents out then I won't be able to enjoy a glass. You best enjoy my loose tongue while you can." She cheered, and Alphard couldn't help but throw his head back in a fit of laughter—And Rhea soon groaned as he couldn't calm himself down even after a few good breaths.

Not when his body was still shaking at the humor of it all.

"Now what might you be laughing at, husband of mine?"
"I haven't the pleasure of meeting this type of loose tongue, love. Forgive me."
"Cruel bastard."
"Oh, but I am...Come to think of it, tell me—Healer Black, what is a pregnant witch's libido like?" The question had made her pout in thought for a moment before she nodded along.

"It could vary, depending on how well the witch is taking care of herself and has no other complications. Craving for sex is very common."
"Then I should make myself readily available, hm?" She gasped and lightly slapped her chest once more as it threw him into another fit of laughter. One that caused her to cling to his chest as she begged him to stop.

"I am not making fun of it all, I promise love. I was simply making plans."
"Well don't, my stomach will be rounder than a—"
"Rhea, you will be carrying my child. Size will not matter, your body is changing and even I know well enough that you will change." That comment seemed to sober her, if just for a moment.

"What are you referring to?"
"That I won't be your only concern. A babe puts plenty into perspective, such as now, we wouldn't be able to enjoy an evening out as much considering we have a child at home...Unless they're long in bed." She nodded but seemingly thought long and hard on the matter.

"We'll take time for ourselves too, Alfie."
"I don't doubt that. And I promise that I will be making plans to lighten my workload as the time comes closer. I want to be in the child's life. My father...I couldn't wait for him to leave the manor, not that he ever did." Rhea understood that comment more than she wanted to admit, but before she could follow up with her own suggestion, Alphard leaned forward and hooked a palm against her stomach.

"Besides, if my wife has a craving for me, it's best to supply the demand."
"You're such a git."
"I might be, but that won't stop me from caring for you in every way I know how. Even with the swell—It might take a bit of practice, but we'll manage." Now that had caused her to grin ever so wide, how did he manage to switch the conversation about so fluently?
"Cheeky."
"Oh, so I'm cheeky now, hm? I think it's best to stay a bit ahead of you when you're drunk...But given that your tongue is loose, tell me, love, a secret?" She squinted her eyes, but damn the man for using Black heir charm to his advantage.

"When I read some of my novels, I picture you and I."
"Clearly, I am underestimating you and your profound need to shock me. But I suppose that was a secret."
"I love it when you call me nicknames in public, that you don't care that everyone knows I'm your little goddess." She claimed, and all he could do was hum, keeping the motion of his hand grazing her back.

It gave such a therapeutic sense that Rhea was already mush in the grand scheme of things. But his approval had added to the moment as is.

"A-and when we were in Hogsmeade, you let me be the tour guide."
"Of course I would, I haven't been in quite some time."

"I loved that."
"I apologize we haven't had the chance to go and visit the lads for another game. Damn, and Sirius is graduating this coming year, isn't he?" Rhea's eyes had gone ultimately wide as she nodded, confirming his suspicion about his nephew.

"Come, love...Tomorrow we have plans."

And that they did, but there was a strange cloud lingering over on Alphard's side. Even when he watched in pure joy that Rhea was soaking up the sun in the private rented beach shore, it still did nothing to settle the tension.

At first, it came small—As though his headaches had given him a break at Rhea's expense only to flare up once more.

He did his best to maintain the lie that he was simply tired, and given that Rhea too was recovering not only from the attack, but the awful hangover that ensued that she hadn't taken to noticing.

Not yet at the very least.

She always seemed miles away if he caught her at the right time, and after what had occurred, he wanted to give her space if need be. Not wanting to suffocate her with the reminder that he was right there beside her, she knew that well enough.

Even now, he thought kindly back to the very innocent question she had asked in regard to being friends. Yes, they were good friends, and he hadn't been at all prepared to be consider his wife to be a good friend.

Sure, it was a naive notion, but why tie yourself to someone who you didn't consider close? Though he himself had almost fallen for the idea, given that he simply did not want to be alone any longer.

Even when his head decided to cause an influx of nausea—As though he had taken too many spins on his broom, he decided that laying down was making things exceedingly worse.

Yet how could he leave his precious little wife when she clung so close next to him?

Instead, he thought of the next best thing, as he leaned up against the headboard propped with pillows and decided to ease his eyes closed. The simple move of grounding himself did records for him, in addition to the small sips of water throughout the night.

Something was wrong, Rhea had been pestering him thus far, and while he trusted his wife and her judgment—Was it wrong to be scared?

Even if Maverick couldn't find anything, Alphard hadn't been that helpful of a patient to explain what his ailments were.

His body craved sleep, yet his mind was far too wired with the pain continuing to pulse.

By morning, it seemed to shift to the back and send small aches all throughout his body.

A part of him wanted to ask Rhea, but she had already been stricken with so much stress that there was hardly anything she could do for him without panic. He was already doing that and more.

During breakfast, he had slipped a tonic into his tea and nursed it plainly as Rhea relaid some of the plans she had upon returning. Granted, the idea of sitting through an Opera with a headache the size of a bludger was the last thing on his mind, leaving him to have the confession right on his lips.

But wasn't this exactly what others had been saying all along? That he's taking a fertile pureblooded witch away from the younger pool, and here he was now stricken with something?

He tried to convincing himself that it wasn't serious, allowing Rhea to lead the way through the Britain branch of this countries' Ministry, and before he knew it they had already passed through the portkey and arrived swiftly to their manor's courtyard.

"I promised to owl Sirius and Regulus once we arrived, perhaps we can all have dinner."
"Minus Walburga."
"You've read my mind." She sang with a kiss to his cheek, damn it all, she looked so happy—And even with the brightened day, his glum aura spoke to what he felt internally.

As he followed her inside, overhearing her speak a few orders to the elves. He claimed to make due time and respond to some owls that were no doubt left in their absents, but realistically, he wanted to reach Maverick and explain what had happened.

However, Alphard hadn't the chance to do so, given that before he was able to take a seat at his chair, his body could no longer handle the pain, and promptly overexerted himself with the traveling and outings.

He had fallen as gracefully as he felt.

Rhea, on the other hand, was drowning in a sense of urgency.

There were so many things to catch up on—firstly, thanking her family and friends for their loving support. And a sense of apology for being out of the country for a small bit, though there was a warning it was still the kind thing to do.

In addition, she felt the urge to give thanks to Alphard as well. She asked the elves to buck up some recipes that he would enjoy, and she hoped that would be a fine treat.

The true idea had come in the form of an eight-layer German chocolate cake she rushed the order, it was time to have a bit of sweetness—Given that they were still technically on Holiday until after the weekend.

Even though Rhea was not scheduled to work for another few days, taking it well and easy with only half shifts to welcome her back to her feet. She felt the excitement rush into her—Hopefully, her usual patients would understand that she too had been struck with misfortune.

With all this rushing about, Rhea had been startled at the mere sight of the dining table starting to be set. Perhaps the elves knew that they were due for an early night, but with that, she had hurried to Alphard's room to give him a warning.

"Alfie, love! The elves are setting the table, should I break out another bottle of wine? I promise not to—" Her voice had stalled as she didn't catch sight of him, there had been no awaiting smile to greet her—Or even a cloud of smoke.

What did catch her attention was his outer jacket resting idol on his chair. "Alphard!" She hurried, tripping over kindly of her dress as she skidded to a stop and dropped to her knees beside him.

In a rush of panic, she had gripped his shoulders to get a better look, and it was then a wave of advice had settled over her. Countless hours of instructors had prepared her for the inevitable.

Treating a loved one.

With a calming breath, she took a hold of his pulse and counted, realizing that it was only slightly above average she attempted once more to get him responsive.

Shining a light into his eyes from the tip of her wand had only given her some movement, which was worrying at best.

There wasn't much she could do without the proper equipment, and the thoughts from the previous few days hadn't resulted in much else. So she took to holding his hand and placing a firm kiss on his cheek.

"I am going to get help, love. Please, stay with me, alright?" With another light kiss on his temple, she hurried over to his private fireplace and called upon Saint Mungeo's extension.

"You've reached Saint Mungeo's, how can I help you?"

"Hello, this is Healer Rhea from eight towers. My husband collapsed and I'm not sure how long he's been unresponsive. He has a slightly above average pulse and—And I wouldn't call his breathing hitch but it...it doesn't sound right." She relayed what she could, but soon enough she was instructed to take a step back.

Without much of a wait, four transporting Healers had come through with a gurney in tow. "Healer Black, please set aside. We're preparing your husband to come in for evaluation." She nodded, taking a swipe of her eye as she hadn't realized that a tear had come forward.

No, she needed to keep her wits about her at a moment like this.

As she patiently awaited for her husband to follow suit to the fireplace, another Healer stepped in and escorted her—Though Rhea had only thought to take her husband's jacket as she hadn't the time to get her own.

His cologne had given her some comfort as she took the strides through the familiar halls and was set to wait.

All she was able to do was watch through a window and gaze upon her husband. "Mrs. Black, I have a few questions I need you to answer."

A few had been an understatement, but she was fair and answered to the best of her ability. They had arrived home near afternoon and she hadn't come into his study until nearly five.

He could have been lying about for nearly two hours before she had made the discovery, and it was then that she couldn't bare the strength any longer.

That mere thought and seeing Alphard in a hospital gown had been the final straw.

The admissions Healers were giving him whatever he was lacking and perhaps providing some answers following the blood tests and so forth, but as of right now, Rhea was allowed to sit beside her husband.

When one of the Healers returned, she looked immediately hopeful for some news. But was surely reminded that the process will take a moment. "Was there anything I could have done to prevent this?"

"No, ma'am. Your husband is capable of voicing his own limits. Exhaustion does terrible things to the mind and body, I am sure once he wakes the both of you will be on your way home." She nodded her thanks but still felt pleased to know that she was given privacy.

When the door had finally closed she leaned forward in her seat and took hold of his arm, wishing that it would turn to cup her cheek—And a voice of pure delight and teasing would tell her she was a fool for worrying.

But that hadn't come, it hadn't come—And the test results had beat out the former.

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Date Posted: 04/23/23

Time: 10:06

Words: 4640

Very long chapter, but I swear I meant to post earlier!!