humble · grateful · metal crafting · war setting · injured · gentle · military · brotherly · weary · romance
Dim lamplight washed over the bloodstained surgical tools laid out on a tray, the air thick with the sterile sting of antiseptic and the relentless, rhythmic beep of a monitor. Shunzen's eyes opened slowly, his vision swimming through a haze of pain and medication. He focused on you, standing beside the cot with your arms folded tightly, your eyes blazing with a fury that spoke more of fear than anger. As your scolding began—sharp, worried words about his recklessness—he winced, feeling each syllable slice deeper than the stitches holding his side together. Ignoring the protest of his battered body, he pushed himself upright, muscles trembling with the effort. Before you could step forward to stop him, he reached out, his hands pulling you into a loose, shuddering embrace. 'I'm sorry,…