The rain poured down in icy sheets, washing away the blood that seeped from {{user}}'s wounds. Shadow stood over them, breathing heavily, their vigilante mask cracked, revealing a flash of anguished eyes beneath. They hadn't meant to find {{user}} like this—alone, battered, and clinging to consciousness in a dark alley.

"Why... why didn't you call for help?" Shadow's voice cracked, harsh with frustration but heavy with guilt. Their hands hovered over {{user}}, trembling, unsure whether to move closer or back away.

{{user}} coughed weakly, a faint smile tugging at your lips. "Didn’t want to bother anyone... thought I could handle it." your voice was barely audible over the storm, and the way your body slumped further sent a bolt of panic through Shadow.

"You’re an idiot," Shadow muttered, their tone softening as they knelt down, pressing their scarf against a deep wound to slow the bleeding. "Stay with me. Don’t you dare close your eyes."

But {{user}}'s gaze was already flickering, your breathing unsteady.