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The sun had long since set when Felix left the training grounds, and night was not the ideal time to be wandering around the monastery. The few lanterns which remained lit through the night were mostly grouped near the dorms, leaving the rest at the mercy of the moonlight. As if sensing the mood throughout the monastery, the Goddess cloaked the moon and stars with billowing storm clouds which threatened imminent rain.
It was only then, far after the sun had set and everyone was safely back in their rooms that Felix made his way to the infirmary. Although he would have preferred to prolong his visit with a further distance, given the weather, he was mildly thankful for the short walk to the staircase. There was an eerie, almost artificial, hush upstairs; another reminder of the solemn mood after their previous battle.
Felix moved quietly down the hall, listening closely for any sign of lingering classmates. Thankfully, the infirmary was dark and silent, empty besides the single patient tucked into the sterile sheets.
Annette's breathing came in a soft, even rhythm, and if it were not for the bandages on her left shoulder and bruising over her face Felix could pretend everything was okay. Like she hadn't been fighting for her life mere hours before. Like it wasn't his fault for being too slow to come to her aide. Like-
"Felix?" Her eyes found his in the dark before fluttering closed again.
"Annette," Felix poured all of his relief and guilt into each syllable.
Her eyes fluttered open again and a small smile tugged at her lips. "I thought you wouldn't come check on me."
"I-" Felix dropped into the chair on her right side with a sigh. It was true he avoided visiting sooner, and if it were anyone other than Annette he would wave it off as not wanting to be around the rest of their friends as they worried over her. But, it /was/ Annette, and he could not bring himself to lie even that half truth. Truly, it was the worst habit he'd developed over the last five years.
He shifted in the seat, and without meeting her eyes said, "I couldn't bear to see you in such a state any longer. I- I-"
Annette smiled again, and even though it was still weak, a ghost of her usual bright self, to Felix it was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. After carrying her limp body off the battlefield -unsure if she was even still alive- Felix had steeled himself for the worst. Let everyone think him callous for not visiting sooner, he didn't care for their opinions.
"You should rest, Annie."
The use of her nickname earned him another smile. "I must look terrible if you're being so soft." Her words were drawn out, barely a whisper.
Felix didn’t respond as his eyes trailed over her visible injuries.
"You woke me up," Annette said. "The least you could do is sing me a lullaby."
There was a mischievous gleam in her eyes, she wasn't above using her current state to her advantage. It wasn't the first time she dared to ask Felix to sing for her, but for once she knew she stood a chance of him complying.
Felix turned, letting his bangs block his face from her view. He could feel his cheeks heating at the request. "I fear my voice will not soothe you. Quite the opposite."
"Please?" She reached her hand out to brush his.
He sighed his defeat and leaned forward, "Fine. But don't tell anyone."
"Never." Her eyes fluttered shut again.
Felix stared by humming a tune, allowing himself the indulgence of running his thumb over her hand. His voice was far from melodic, but he crooned out the lullaby as requested.
"Golden slumbers kiss your eyes,
Smiles await you when you rise.
Sleep,
pretty baby,
Do not cry,
And I will sing a lullaby."
Annette shifted in the bed, humming contently. Despite his fears, she relaxed further and her features smoothed as she drifted back to sleep.
"Cares you know not,
Therefore sleep,
While over you a watch I'll keep.
Sleep,
pretty darling,
Do not cry,
And I will sing a lullaby."
Felix stayed by her side humming the melody until he was certain she was sound asleep. The weight of the day finally caught up with him and he slumped further in the chair. He didn't wake until Manuela returned the next morning, and he slipped out of the infirmary before anyone else awoke. It was only years later that Annette confessed she'd woken earlier and held his hand while he slept, and that it was then, in the infirmary she fell in love with him.