The Sentinels [m]y love is a lifetaker

It was a long time before Dutch felt any need — never mind ability — to speak anything other than sweet nothings again. He lay close beside her, curled around her as much as possible without crushing her beneath him. Perhaps he'd slept. Perhaps not.

"You should eat," he said again, sleepily. Contentedly.

For the moment, all appetites had been slaked. All hurts had been salved. Now all that was left was what must be — and he knew that he must see Marina cared for in each and every way.

He turned more fully on his side to watch her, half-lidded and warm. He, too, was beginning to feel a little more like his old self.