The sun was setting over the city, casting a warm, golden hue across the skyline. The medical bay was quiet, the hum of machines and the steady beeping of monitors providing a steady rhythm. Ethan lay in his bed, his injuries slowly mending, while Lucas and Darius, both with visible injuries from the recent battle, sat in nearby chairs.
Sarah had stepped out to get some food for everyone, her absence leaving a noticeable gap in the room’s atmosphere. As the door slid shut behind her, Lucas and Darius exchanged knowing glances, the playful gleam in their eyes betraying their intentions.
“Hey, Ethan,” Lucas began, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. “So, I hear Sarah’s been taking good care of you. She’s quite the nurse.”
Darius chuckled, joining in. “Yeah, and she’s been hanging around here quite a bit. Is there something you’re not telling us?”
Ethan, still feeling the effects of the battle, gave them a weary look. “What are you guys talking about?”
Darius leaned closer, a mischievous grin on his face. “Come on, Ethan. We’ve seen the way she looks at you. You two seem pretty close.”
Lucas added, his tone teasing, “Are we looking at the start of a new romance here? Should we start calling her ‘Missus Sentinel’?”
Ethan tried to suppress a smile, though his face flushed slightly. “It’s not like that,” he said, though his voice lacked conviction.
Caleb, sitting quietly and still recovering from his injuries, glanced over but chose to remain silent. His focus was on a stack of documents he was reviewing, his expression thoughtful rather than amused.
Lucas continued, his tone light but genuine. “She’s pretty amazing, though. I mean, she’s been here every day, checking in on us, making sure we’re okay. Not many people would go to such lengths.”
Darius nodded in agreement. “Yeah, she’s got a good heart. And from what I’ve seen, she’s not just beautiful, but smart and resourceful too. You’re lucky to have her by your side.”
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Ethan felt a mix of embarrassment and appreciation. “Yeah, she’s all those things,” he said quietly. “But she’s not just here because of me. She’s got her own strengths and reasons.”
Lucas’s tone softened, a hint of sincerity underlying his playful banter. “We know. We’ve seen how much she cares. It’s nice to see someone who isn’t just here for the fight but actually cares about the people involved.”
Just then, the door slid open, and Sarah walked back into the room, balancing a tray of food. The aroma of freshly made sandwiches and coffee filled the air, a welcome distraction from the previous conversation.
“Got something to eat for everyone,” Sarah announced cheerfully. She set the tray down on the table and began distributing the food.
Ethan, trying to focus on the meal, felt the warmth of Sarah’s presence beside him. He noticed the way she moved with purpose, her usual mischievous sparkle in her eyes replaced by a genuine concern for his well-being.
As Sarah handed Ethan a sandwich, she glanced at Lucas and Darius, who were still smirking. “What’s going on here?” she asked, her tone playful but curious.
“Oh, nothing much,” Lucas replied, his grin widening. “Just admiring the company you keep.”
Darius added, “Yeah, Ethan’s a lucky guy. We were just talking about how you’ve been taking good care of us.”
Sarah’s cheeks flushed slightly, though she maintained her composure. “Well, I’m just doing what I can. You all need to get better quickly.”
As Sarah sat down beside Ethan, the atmosphere shifted. The teasing stopped, replaced by a more relaxed and comfortable camaraderie. The team shared a meal, their conversation moving to lighter topics, and for a brief moment, the weight of their recent battles seemed to lift.
After they finished eating, Sarah took a moment to clear away the empty plates and make sure everyone was settled. The medical bay was filled with a sense of quiet contentment, the team’s bonds growing stronger amidst the challenges they faced.
Later that evening, as Ethan lay in bed, he reflected on the day’s events. The teasing from his teammates, Sarah’s unwavering support, and the camaraderie shared among his friends gave him a renewed sense of hope. Despite the challenges ahead, he felt ready to face whatever came next, buoyed by the strength of those around him.
In a brief moment of solitude, Ethan closed his eyes and whispered to himself, “We’ll get through this. Together.”
As the chapter drew to a close, the lights in the medical bay dimmed, leaving Ethan alone with his thoughts. The fight was far from over, but with Sarah and his teammates by his side, he knew he wasn’t alone in this battle.