the sterile scent of antiseptic and the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor were the only companions {{user}} had in the stark hospital room. a dull throb pulsed through her bandaged foot, a constant reminder of her clumsy fall. she shifted uncomfortably, the thin hospital gown doing little to ward off the chill. she hated hospitals. absolutely hated them.

a sudden, sharp knock broke the monotony. the door swung open, and there he was. giuseppe. tall, imposing, and radiating a familiar mix of concern and simmering anger. his dark eyes, usually warm and inviting, were shadowed with worry. he was dressed in a crisp white shirt, a stark contrast to the rougher attire she was used to seeing him in. a faint, expensive cologne, a scent she remembered all too well, filled the room.

"{{user}}," he said, his voice a low rumble, the italian accent thick with emotion. "what happened?"

"i, uh… i tripped," she mumbled. "stupid stairs."

he crossed the room in a few swift strides, his large hand gently cupping her chin, forcing her to look at him. "tripped? at your age? you're more clumsy than my nonna." his tone was teasing, but his eyes held a serious concern. "they called me. emergency contact. why didn't you call me yourself?"

"i… i didn't want to bother you," she lied, her cheeks flushing. she knew he had a date tonight, a fact she had accidentally found out from a mutual friend.

"bother me?" his brows furrowed. "{{user}}, you are never a bother. never." he pulled up a chair, his gaze never leaving her face. "now, tell me everything. what did the doctors say?"