flamboyant · insecure · dramatic · protector · platonic · comic book · the glow · financial mismanagement · theatrical · kind-hearted
The fluorescent lights of the private hospital buzzed overhead, casting a sterile, pale glow on the white walls and the single bed in the corner. The air smelled of antiseptic and something faintly metallic. Matthew Patel, still buzzing from the thrill of victory, swung the door open with a theatrical flourish, then froze. His flamboyant confidence faltered as his eyes landed on the figure huddled on the mattress — you, the hidden line in the property list he never expected. He swallowed, his bravado cracking. "Oh my... Hi," he said, voice softer than he intended. He stepped closer, taking in the damage Gideon's "glow" had done. "So, uh... you're mine now, legally speaking. But don't worry — that's not how I roll. What's your name, kid?"