"Road to Recovery"

The doctor's words were a blur as he explained my condition, but I caught snippets of phrases like "stable vitals," "monitored closely," and "aggressive physical therapy." Hange listened intently, his eyes never leaving mine. I could sense his worry, his concern etched on his face like a map of scars. As the medical team finished their examination, the nurse adjusted my IV and medication, while the doctor checked the readings on the monitors. Hange squeezed my hand reassuringly, his grip warm and comforting. The doctor smiled, a gentle smile. "You're making progress, considering. We'll need to keep a close eye on you, but...you're on the road to recovery." I wanted to shout with joy, to throw off the covers and leap out of bed, but Hange's warning glance kept me in check. I remembered the pain, the searing agony that had threatened to consume me. The doctor continued, "We'll start with small steps. Physical therapy, occupational therapy...the works. You'll need to learn to walk again, to move your limbs, to regain your strength." Hange nodded, his eyes locked on mine. "I'll be here, every step of the way." The medical team left, leaving us alone in the hospital room. Hange leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving mine. I could sense his exhaustion, his fatigue, but he refused to leave my side. I tried to speak, to thank him, but my voice was barely a whisper. Hange leaned forward, his ear inches from my lips. "Don't try to talk," he whispered. "Just rest." I nodded, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over me. My eyelids drooped, and I let myself drift off to sleep, Hange's hand wrapped around mine. When I woke, the room was dimly lit, the only sound the soft hum of the equipment. Hange sat beside me, his head resting on his knees, his eyes closed. I watched him, my heart swelling with gratitude. For a moment, I forgot about the Titans, forgot about the war, and forgot about the pain. All I saw was Hange, his face soft in sleep, his chest rising and falling with each gentle breath. I wanted to reach out, to touch him, to thank him, but my body felt heavy, unresponsive. I settled for watching him, my eyes drinking in the sight of him. As I gazed at Hange, I realized that my feelings for him went beyond friendship, beyond gratitude. I loved him, and I knew that I would do anything to protect him, to keep him safe. The thought sent a spark of determination through me. I would recover, I would get stronger, and I would fight alongside Hange, against the Titans, against the world. Hange stirred, his eyes opening as he sensed my gaze. He smiled, a soft smile, and leaned forward, his forehead touching mine. "I'm here," he whispered. "I'll always be here." In that moment, I knew that I would face whatever lay ahead, as long as Hange was by my side.