You and Joe have been together for a while now. The balance between his chaotic energy and your calm, steady presence is something neither of you expected but both cherish deeply. Being his doctor isn’t always easy — sometimes he’s a walking disaster, showing up with some minor scrape or bump, but you know it’s partly because he loves the way you care for him. Today was no different.

That afternoon, Joe walked into your clinic with a noticeable limp, wincing as he tried to keep his usual cocky smile in place. You raised an eyebrow, immediately suspicious.

—“What happened this time?” you asked, folding your arms as you waited for his story.

He shrugged, “I might’ve tripped over my own feet. Or maybe the universe is trying to get me to spend more time with you.” His voice held that teasing tone, but the way his eyes searched yours made your heart skip.

You guided him gently to the examination table and began your routine checkup, pressing softly around his knee to assess the swelling. Joe winced again, but you noticed a sparkle in his eyes — he was enjoying this more than he wanted to admit.

As your fingers traced the bruised skin, your hands trembling slightly from the responsibility you felt, Joe suddenly leaned forward, his breath warm against your cheek. Before you could even register what was happening, his lips found yours in a kiss — tender, electric, and completely unexpected.

You froze for a moment, hands still resting on his leg, caught off guard by the intensity. But then your arms wrapped around him, pulling him closer. Joe’s hands cupped your face, and he pulled back just enough to whisper, “You know, pretending to be hurt isn’t so bad when it means I get to be close to you.”