A/N: Sorry, I know it's very, very short. But: I'll post the next chapter today, it's almost finished by now. This was just the introducion ;0)
Chapter I: Somewhere
When he opened his eyes, he was startled to find a pair of bright honey-colored ones staring down at him, wearing an almost frightened expression. Seeing he was wide awake, her gaze turned all professional, but there was something else, too. Something that had been missing far too long for his liking, even though he couldn't place it now. He tried to smile, but found he wasn't able to. A sharp pain shot through the lower half of his face, making him wince. He dimly wondered how they had even managed to fasten the bandage there.
"Hey."
Her voice held an unusual warmth, embracing him like a soft blanket on a cold winter day. And she was as welcome. But when he tried to respond, he found he couldn't speak at all. A moment of sheer panic flared within him, but she had already seen his struggling and was at his side in an instance.
"It's okay! Just don't try to speak. You still need that breathing tube. Just nod or shake your head, will you?"
He did as told, even though it hurt like hell. This time she caught his grimace.
"Are you in much pain? Do I need to call the nurse? Is there anything I can –"
She stopped when his questioning fingers found her cold hand and squeezed it gently. Almost ashamed, she lowered her gaze to the floor. He couldn't see it, but he knew she was toying around with the laces of her shoes, twisting them back and forth in a rapid motion.
Suddenly, he felt the overwhelming urge to run his fingers through her soft chestnut curls and tell her everything would be alright. But he couldn't, not now.
His frustrated sigh made her turn her head up again, her eyes wide with worry.
"That's it. I'm gonna call the doctor."
Before he even had a change to protest, her hand had slipped out of his and she was gone.
If he hadn't been hurting so badly, he'd have chuckled.