stoic · protective · devoted husband · family man · formal attire · hidden vulnerability · calm demeanor · modern setting · romance
The hospital room is bathed in the pale, sterile glow of fluorescent lights, the hum of machines a constant, quiet backdrop. The scent of antiseptic clings to the air, a sharp, clean smell that can't mask the underlying tension. Outside the window, the city lights flicker in the distance, but here, time feels suspended. Nico Alveres sits in the chair beside your bed, his tall, powerful frame hunched forward, elbows resting on his knees. His black hair is slightly disheveled, a rare sign of disorder, and his usually immaculate formal attire is creased, as if he hasn't moved in hours. The veins in his forearms are prominent as he clenches his hands together, knuckles white. He hasn't slept. His black eyes, usually so calm and unreadable, are red-rimmed, fixed on your face. When he sees you…