Just something based on something I wanna get off my chest.
...
Even with that darn lifeline hooked to her, even with her bandaged body, she still looked as beautiful as the first time he laid eyes on her. She stared at him expectantly, and he awkwardly closed the door behind him. Taking a step forward and shoving his hands in his pockets, he said, "Hey, Princess."
She smiled teasingly. "None of your usual cocky attitude today, Odd?" she asked.
He shook his head, sitting down on the edge of the hospital bed. "Nope," he said. "Haven't got the time for that." He smiled gently and rested his hand on top of hers. "How are you, Aelita?"
He rarely used her real name anymore, this was a surprise for the both of them. She glanced away, before meeting his eyes with a big grin on her face. "I'm feeling a lot better now," she chirped. "The doctors said I might be able to go home tomorrow."
His heart fluttered in his chest. "That's great!" he cheered, standing up. "Tell you what! First thing we do when you get out of here is go celebrate with some pizza!"
She nodded excitedly. "I'd like that!" she said, leaning back and licking her lips. "I'd like that..."
Her tone had just changed, and he sat back down, staring at her curiously. "Everything alright, Princess?"
"I..." Aelita closed her eyes. "I'm scared, Odd. This is the third time this month, it just keeps getting worse..." She opened them, and for the first time he truly saw the anguish in her eyes. "What if one day I just break down altogether? What if I'm just going to die young?"
His heart broke, and in that moment there were so many things he wish he could say. I won't let that happen, Princess. I'll always be there to protect you. Even if everyone else abandons you, I'd be there for you. I...
He internally sighed. I loved you ever since the moment I met you. You're so kind, and beautiful, and you taught me so much about myself. I'd cherish every moment with you, no matter what. I'd be there to support you in your darkest hour, I'd-
He smiled kindly. "Two years or twenty, I'll be there for ya," he told her. He patted her shoulder. "You're my best friend, and I promise you, we'll all get through this. Together."
"I..." Her voice trailed off, and she nodded. "Thank you, Odd. You always know how to make me feel better!"
His heart melted as her lovely lips once again tugged upwards. "Of course, Aelita." he breathed out.
"Oh!" she gasped, reaching towards the side table and lifting the vase of flowers onto her lap. "I almost forgot, look at these flowers Jeremy gave me! Aren't they lovely?"
They were as pink as her hair, he noted as his heart dropped. He had almost forgotten, she didn't look at him the way he looked at her. But, did it matter? As long as he could be there for her...
Two years or twenty...