Crying. She looked every part a broken woman. A loser. Bruises and bandages cover her completely, but I can still see her sweet smile. I feel an immense need for her. I want to protect her.
The darkened corners of her brittle world call for gentle steps. Quietly coming to her side, I move myself into weak candle light, so she can see my face clearly.

"Hi?"

Smiling now, she opens her eyes and stops crying. But she still looks terrible. In the utter silence I looked at her, and she, me. We quietly conversed without ever speaking a word. Like two tiger cubs, lazing on a hot night. A cool wind blew briefly through the room, making her shiver.

"No need"

She says, as I lean forward to, she thinks, wrap my jacket around her. But I don't, I care much more. Taking my lips from hers, my eyes are suddenly opened again. We had sweetly kissed and her arms were around my neck. We kiss again, pationately, and she looks longingly into my soul, and my pity for her makes me want to cry.

"Don't leave"

I take her in my arms again, and hug her tight, letting her know physically and mentally, that I won't leave. I'll always be here, right by her side.
Her hair smells so sweet to me, and her frail body feels stronger in my arms. I will be her knight in shinning armour, I will be her raven. I tighten my hold, and she squirms. Darkness settles. I quickly let go, and let her ease her pain.

"Love you"

she managed to say, after a long pause, smiling the sweetest smile I had ever seen.

"And I you"

came my heart felt reply. A blanket of darkness swirled and enveloped us, but I didn't care. I was here now, and I would protect her. From what darkness and harm might come, whether it's a lonesome nurse, idly strolling the haunted corridors, or the brute who she loved, that put her in these walls. I kiss her again, and there is nothing that could compare to my feelings toward her, ever. We continue to hold each other, and I lean close to her ear.

"I love you"