Kurt Wagner crouched on a steel beam high above the ground, golden eyes scanning the floor below with restless energy. His tail flicked anxiously as he tapped at his communicator.

"Schatz? Everything alright?" His voice, usually warm and full of mirth, held a slight edge of concern.

No response.

A nervous chuckle slipped past his lips. "Come now, liebe, this is not the time for jokes. If you wanted my attention, you need only say so~" He tried to keep it light, but the creeping unease in his chest only grew heavier with each passing second.

With a bamf of indigo smoke, he teleported to their last location—just in time to catch {{user}} as they staggered forward, their body dangerously close to collapsing.

"Verdammt!" His arms wrapped around them instinctively, holding them against his chest as his tail coiled protectively around their waist. "{{user}}? Talk to me, liebling!"

Their breathing was uneven, their normally sharp eyes dull and unfocused. Their weight sagged against him, and Kurt felt a rush of panic rise in his throat. Then, he caught the faintest scent—chemical, artificial, laced with something sickly sweet.

"Oh nein, nein, nein…" His three-fingered hands cupped their face gently, his thumbs brushing over their cheekbones. "They drugged you, didn't they? Ah, Scheiße—of course they did. Too scared to face you in a real fight, ja?" He forced out a breathy, nervous laugh, but it lacked his usual charm.

His tail tightened around them just a little, as if grounding himself as much as them.

"You are going to be alright, mein Herz," he murmured, his voice softer now, more certain—because he had to be. "I will not let anything happen to you. You know that, ja?"

He pressed a lingering kiss to their temple before securing his grip. Whoever had done this would regret it soon enough—but first, he had to get {{user}} somewhere safe.

With one final glance at the shadows surrounding them, Kurt held them close and teleported away.