"Thanks," Aria said to Ryan as he carefully took the bottle of water and the canned food from her injured arm. The relief was immediate, and she sent many thoughts of appreciation for Ryan's thoughtful gesture.
Aria slowly turned back to the room to retrieve the other water and canned food, her injured leg throbbing with the one step she took, the dull ache radiated upward, making her wince but Ryan quickly stopped her, his hand lightly grasping her uninjured arm.
"Hey, where are you going again?" Ryan asked in concern, he thought she had brought the food to eat here, so why was she going back to the room.
"I'm going to take the other food," Aria replied with her exhaustion evident.
Ryan shook his head, "No need," he insisted, "You're already exhausted. Let me help. You need to rest that leg." He quickly dropped the items in his hand onto the nearby couch and carefully moving her to a couch.
"Sit," Ryan instructed, guiding Aria to the armchair. "I'll carry the things for you. You're not lifting a finger."
Aria wanted to protest but her independence was warring with her weariness and Ryan's insistence was reassuring, and she knew he was right.
She nodded while letting out a quiet sigh and sat on the couch. Ryan walked back to into bedroom, and Aria watched him go, her eyes following his retreating back.
Ryan entered the bedroom and saw what was laid on the bed, he saw the things Aria had carefully laid out, a bottle of water, one canned food, and some folded clothes. Her backpack was laying on the floor near the bed, its contents partially spilled out, revealing some of the things in it.
Ryan walked to the bed and picked up only the water and the food. He checked the canned food's expiration date and it was hmm good, you could say.
He turned back and headed into the sitting room, where Aria and Samuel sat quietly, the tension between them was still high. Aria's injured leg rested on a cushion.
"Here" Ryan said softly, holding out the water and food.
Aria looked up, her eyes meeting Ryan's."no, no the foods and waters are for both you and Samuel" Aria explained
Aria looked up, her bright gray eyes meeting Ryan's gaze. The soft lighting in the room highlighted the little scar on his face.
"No, no, the food and water are for both you and Samuel," Aria explained and Samuel's head snapped towards her in surprise with a mix of guilt and gratitude, his lips parted slightly. He didn't expect her to offer him anything after their heated argument.
"Thank you, Aria," Samuel said with sincerity and relief.
Ryan's expression turned thoughtful, "Aria, are you sure?" Ryan asked, seeking confirmation, don't get him wrong, he was happy that Aria had forgiven Samuel and has even given him food, he was concerned because Aria also hasn't eaten too but it was two canned food and water that she brought to the sitting room.
He glanced at the two canned foods and water bottles Aria had brought to the sitting room, he had seen more food in Aria's bag earlier, so he knew she could still eat. But why wasn't she?
"Aria, you're not eating?" Ryan said, his eyes scanning her face, searching for any sign of exhaustion or stress.
Aria's shoulders shrugged, a gesture of dismissal. "I'll eat later," Aria said but Ryan's concern for Aria's well-being lingered. " I would take a bath and after that I would eat." Aria said to the concern people.
Ryan nodded and handed Samuel a bottle of water and one canned food. Samuel took the offerings from Ryan hand in appreciation to Aria kind nature.
"Thank you," Samuel repeated and Aria nodded to him in acknowledgement with a warm smile spreading across her lips.
Ryan moved and carried his own canned food with the water from the couch where he had dropped it earlier. He walked back to the coffee table and sat down on a the cushion.
They began to eat while Aria watched them as the sound of cans opening and water bottles uncapping filled the room, breaking the silence. She watched Ryan and Samuel as they savored their meal and as the minutes ticked by, Aria broke out of her trance state, her gaze drifting away from the two men.
She slowly stood up from the couch, carefully using her stick for support as she pushed herself up from the soft cushions.
"I'll be back," Aria said, remembering her initial intentions to take a bath.
Ryan and Samuel nodded in unison, their eyes flicking up from their food to watch her as she made her way to the bathroom, her stick thumping softly on the floor while she went.
Aria reached the bathroom door and grasped the handle slowly with her injured arm.
"Do you need help in undressing?" Samuel suddenly called out to her and Aria's head snapped towards him as she shot a hard glare at him.
But then, a small smile crept onto her lips. That was the usual Samuel they knew, not the one that was quiet some minutes ago.
Samuel's eyes were sparkling with mischief with his eyebrows raised up slightly.
Aria still shot him a stern glance and Ryan shook his head with a low chuckle rumbling in his throat. He returned his attention to his meal, continuing it.
Samuel who was still grinning, followed Ryan's lead, focusing on his food back.
Aria turned back to the bathroom door, she pushed open the door and stepped inside.
The door clicked shut behind her while at the sitting room, Ryan was occasionally glancing at the bathroom door, ensuring Aria was okay. His eyes lingered on the door and Samuel noticed Ryan's gaze.
"She'll be fine," Samuel said softly, he had seen the way Ryan was caring for Aria, although he doesn't fully know how they are related to each other.
Ryan nodded, his eyes returning to his plate.