sphere of the sacred worm

Currently in nishgranting, Theremin’s recovering from acute poisoning that's left them unable to walk very well- currently they're using a wheelchair to get around and are experiencing some manner of neuropathy. They've also gotten back together with Mara and Ovida, who've been helping to take care of them as they recover and figure out their disability.

I've been thinking about how Mara would engage with returning to that relationship and being in a position to care for someone for the first time, so here's a little nanofic/flore/whatever about it

Mara sits down at the side of the bed, running a hand along one of Theremin’s legs under the covers. Partway up they wince-
"Not there- not right now."
She nods, pulling her hand away before reaching over and hooking a finger into the ring of their collar, gently lifting them by the throat as she leans over to their ear.
"I'd be a poor hunter if I didn't take care of my hound."
She runs her free hand along the side of Theremin's face, fingers tracing the contours of their jaw as she gently bites at the tender lobe of their ear, grinning at their soft gasp.
"It used to be I was shit at caring, but then you came along and now I see you, coming back to me all hurt, and I know you're mine and something in me wants to see you made well."
She pushes them back to the bed, unhooking her hand from the collar's ring, open palm pressed to the top of Theremin’s chest just underneath.
"So that's the deal. You be my hound, and I'll keep you and take care of you, something magnificent by my side."
As Mara speaks, one hand drifts lazily across Theremin’s chest as the other runs through their hair as her lips find Theremin’s own, interrupting any words they may have.