A steady beeping was the first thing I noticed. The sharp scent of antiseptic followed, making my stomach churn. I cracked my eyes open, squinting against the sterile brightness of the hospital room.

My leg throbbed, wrapped tightly in bandages. An oxygen tube rested under my nose, its presence making me uneasy. IV lines trailed from my hand, the tape securing them feeling too tight against my skin. I shifted slightly, wincing at the pain that flared through my body. A voice startled me.

"And what do you think you're doing?" Luca's tone was calm but firm as he set his laptop aside. I froze, my heart hammering. "I'm-m fine," I muttered, even though the dizziness said otherwise.

"Lay back down, Sabrina," he instructed gently but firmly, placing a hand on my shoulder to keep me from moving too much. His touch was comforting, but I couldn't shake the feeling of panic rising in my chest.

I huffed, frustration bubbling up inside me as I shot him a glare. "I'm fine," I protested weakly, even as the pain in my leg reminded me otherwise.

Theo walked in, his usual grin subdued. "You look cute when you're trying to look tough," he joked, though there was an underlying worry in his eyes. He settled at the foot of the bed, his presence too close, too much. Ace walked in as well his eyes full of worry "broken leg, bruised ribs, i can go on. Sabs one fall wouldn't do that" he wore a doctor's coat, a stethoscope hung loosely around his neck. My brothers are weirdos.

"Could you explain to us what happened, Fulmine?" Theo asked softly, his expression serious.

I hesitated, my fingers gripping the blanket. "I fell," I said quickly, my voice clipped. Theo sighed. "We know that. But what about everything else?" Panic flared in my chest. "Nothing. I'm fine." The words came out too fast, too forced. Luca's eyes darkened. He muttered something under his breath before abruptly leaving the room.

"What—" My voice caught. "Where's he going?" Theo exhaled sharply. "You need to stop hiding things from us, Fulmine. We're trying to help." I swallowed hard, refusing to meet his gaze.

Ace seemed to quietly communicate with Theo before turning his gaze to me . "Let's see how you're doing." His movements were careful, his touch clinical as he checked the IV line. "I'm increasing the pain meds slightly. You'll feel a bit drowsy, but it'll help."

"No needles," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Ace hesitated, his fingers stilling. His gaze softened as he took in my reaction. "Sabrina, I promise—"

"No," I repeated, my voice trembling. Without another word, he nodded at Theo, who immediately shifted closer. Before I could react, Theo climbed onto the bed beside me, his arms wrapping around me in a protective embrace. His warmth seeped through my hospital gown, his steady heartbeat thudding against my ear.

"I'll be as quick as possible," Ace assured me, but I barely heard him. A single tear slid down my cheek, and I buried my face in Theo's chest, shutting my eyes tightly. His hand found my hair, stroking it gently.

"You're okay," Theo murmured, his voice a low hum against my temple. "Just breathe. I've got you."

There was a faint movement at my side, followed by the tiniest pinch. And then... nothing. I blinked, my breath hitching as I cautiously pulled away from Theo's hold, my eyes darting to Ace.

He was already pulling the syringe away, a small, amused smile tugging at his lips. "There we go," he said smoothly, disposing of it with practiced ease. "All done. You barely even felt it, did you?"

I stared at him in surprise, then at Theo, who smirked slightly.

"I... No," I admitted, my voice steadier than before. "I didn't."

"See?" Ace chuckled, adjusting the IV line one last time. "Told you it wouldn't be so bad." I let out a shaky breath, some of the tension in my shoulders easing. Theo, still beside me, squeezed my hand. His grip was firm but comforting, his thumb brushing over my knuckles absentmindedly. "Just remember, Sab," he said softly, his voice warm. "We're here for you. Always."

I wanted to respond, to tell him that I knew, that despite everything, I was starting to believe it. But exhaustion crept in, the medication working faster than I expected. My eyelids grew heavier, and before I could fight it, I slumped slightly against Theo's shoulder. As sleep pulled me under, the last thing I felt was the steady rise and fall of Theo's chest.

It's a bit of a short chapter but I have lots of homework to finish don't worry i'll be back!