A/N: I know I haven't updated in CENTURIES. I'm sorry! Life has been really crazy and tbh I haven't felt up to writing. But I'm hoping to slowly work back into some stuff. So I hope this is okay/you enjoy! It felt good to write a little something again.

Bella hummed a little (out of tune) ditty as she straightened Gene's room. To him, it sounded as beautiful as any bandstand performance. He was just glad to see her smiling again. The ice around her had melted, and little by little, they were becoming close. Bella would greet him in the morning, open his curtains, and chat about the rabbit outside her house that followed her around everywhere. Gene would smirk and chuckle at all the right places, frowning only when she had to go, his only comfort that she always promised to return.

Bella seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood this morning. The curtains were pulled back further than usual, and Gene's pillows had received two fluffings. If only it had been three, so that he could smell her sweet perfume as she leaned over him again. He settled for basking in her chipper glow, sipping his orange juice as she set out his medicine.

"So what's the special occasion?"

Bella paused in her duties to look down at Gene. "Excuse me?"

Gene shrugged. "You're floating on a cloud. Any particular reason?" He froze. "Did you meet someone?"

The corner of Bella's mouth turned down for a fragment of a second before returning to its upright position. "No, no, of course not." She sighed and gestured to the window. "It's just that spring has finally arrived. It feels as if the whole world has been reborn," she smiled.

Gene couldn't help but return her grin. "That's a beautiful observation." His eyes flickered as an idea popped into his head. "Bella, do you think it would be possible for us to go outside today?"

Bella paused for a moment, hesitating. Then she waved off her doubts. "Oh, I don't see why not. A little trip around the gardens would do you some good, bring a little color into your cheeks again." She beamed. "I'll go get the wheelchair, you wait right here."

"I haven't got much choice, have I?" Gene joked, a smile already spreading across his face. This was just what she needed. And if Gene played his cards right, he could make this a daily activity. Oh, the world may be cruel, but it wasn't without its respites.

"Doesn't the sun just feel so lovely on your skin?" Bella asked, wheeling Gene along the brick path. It was an exceptionally pleasant day, even better than the first time they had come out to the gardens. Bella was rarely seen without a smile on her face now, and the nursing staff and patients alike knew it was more than just the occasional trip outside. No, Bella was almost whole again, and it was all thanks to Gene. His patience and kindness had healed her, and she could only try to repay him with her friendship. Except lately, it seemed she was giving more than was due.

"You look beautiful today," Gene commented as Bella pushed him towards the gardenias. Bella blushed, stopping to smell the flowers.

"You're very kind."

"As are you." Gene leaned over and plucked a blossom from the bush, motioning for Bella to come closer. She leaned in, the tips of her hair brushing Gene's chest as he tucked the flower behind her ear. He loved the way the white petals contrasted her dark hair. He tucked a loose strand behind the flower, his eyes searching hers for a moment before crinkling in a smile. "There. Perfect."

Bella stood up again, releasing a breath she didn't know she'd been holding. She took hold of the wheelchair's handles and started moving towards the rose bushes. "Gene," she sighed, taking in the bright sunshine. "Tell me again about performing on the warship."

Gene smirked. Bella loved to hear about his performances. The lights, the cheers, the glamour of it all. He knew she longed for that lifestyle. He only wished he could give it to her.

"The soldiers were dressed all in uniform, freshly cleaned and fed. The drinks were abounding and everyone was happy. We had just won the battle and things were looking up." Gene paused and motioned for Bella to stop near the bench. She sat down on it, facing him in his chair with the roses as a backdrop behind him.

"My buddy Billy had just gotten engaged to his girl, so I wanted to make it a really special performance," Gene continued, plucking a rose from the bush. "I put on my best shoes, the pair I'd just had shined. I remember, I could see myself in them as I waited behind the curtain." Gene glanced up at Bella, whose eyes were shining as she imagined the scene he lay out for her. He smiled. "The curtain was so red, as red as this rose," he noted, tipping his head towards the bloom. Bella leaned in, soaking up the red as if it could envelop her like Gene's story. He took a deep breath. "The band began to play…" Bella nodded, "the curtain began to rise…" Bella leaned in, mirroring Gene, "and then…"

Gene closed the space between them, dropping the rose to the ground so that he could properly hold Bella. It was a soft kiss, full of the tenderness Bella had needed to survive. She responded in kind, breath escaping her as Gene rubbed his thumb along her cheek. They parted, each flushed but with a smile playing on their lips. The white gardenia remained untouched in Bella's hair, a symbol of the gentility of their embrace.

Bella started to grin but then bit her bottom lip. "Gene, I need to tell you someth-"

"I know," Gene interrupted, reaching out to smooth her hair back once more. "I know."

"But Gene, you don't understand – "

"I know you lost your love. I would never try to replace him. I just want the chance to make you happy," he paused. "If you'll let me."

Bella sighed, vowing to tell him later. Now was not the time. "Of course I'll let you, if you can accept my faults as well."

"What faults?" Gene asked with a grin, leaning in to kiss Bella once more. And for the first time in a long time, Bella let herself be consumed with something other than misery.