I woke up with darkness all around me. I lied still for a few seconds trying to figure out what exactly felt wrong with this scene till it finally hit me. Wasn't it still noon just a moment ago? My memories rushed back and hit me hard.

After a bit of time to adjust I tried sitting up, slowly, since my head didn't feel screwed on as tight as before. Out of nowhere two strong arms appeared.

"Giulio." I didn't even check.

The arms stopped for a sec and proceeded helping me.

"How...how would you.."

"How I knew it was you? Well, for one, I haven't got any other friends who would spend their free day keeping guard at my bed in a hospital, waiting for me to wake up."

"Oh..."

"And secondly, no one would help me wordlessly. Even Bernard would start blabbering first and move second."

"I see... am I doing something wrong?"

"Don't shout it from the rooftops, but I actually like your way better."

"Oh..." It sounded happy. At least one of us was.

He finally stepped into my field of vision.

I let myself sink in the cushions and tapped the mattress inviting him to sit beside me. Giulio hesitated but sat down after all. Gently and only at the very edge of the bed near my hand, very careful not to cause me any pain or discomfort.

"I'm not made out of glass, Giulio. No need to be so careful." I placed my hand atop of his and stroked it with my thumb. I don't know why but I always get the need to comfort and support him, when he gets that defenseless and forlorn look.

"Giulio?"

No response.

"Giulio?"

The one continued watching his hand as if mesmerized by it.

"Giulio!"

I took my hand away in irritation. Maybe he didn't like it? My palm felt oddly cold now. Giulio flinched and looked guilty.

"Yes, Signor Gian?" I sighed.

"Never mind. Can you tell me what exactly is wrong with me? I realize I'm in a hospital, but I don't know the seriousness of my injuries. Though I remember my spectacular fall." I added dryly. I ran my fingers through my hair and discovered the fat bandage wrapped around it.

"Yes... but before that.."

"Well?"

"I'm sorry." He whispered so quietly I was glad I didn't miss it.

"What for?"

"I failed to protect you." He stated with a shaking voice and bowed his head as if awaiting punishment. I know I shouldn't but I burst out laughing loudly anyway.

"Hahaha! You failed to protect me? It wasn't even your job to protect me! I can look after myself just fine and that fall was my own stupid fault. Besides you took out those three wanna-be gangsters smuggling weapons on our turf. Thanks for that and no need to beat yourself up over my fall."

"Uh.."

"I'm not lying. And I even get a vacation now. I'm trilled. Just don't know for how long. Can you tell me about my injuries now?"

"Certainly...You have a mild concussion, but it's fairly harmless. You will have a headache for a few days only. And you sprained you left foot, Signor Gian."

"I see... So about a week then, huh?"

"It would seem so...so, umm, you won't be coming with me... for a week then?"

"Yeah, hope it doesn't inconvenience you."

"Signor Gian could never inconvenience me!" I wonder why he was all on fire again.

"Right..thanks." Man what was I getting all embarrassed for. I hurriedly continued. "So do you know if I can leave yet?"

"If Signor Gian wants to leave you can." Such conviction. Have to remember never to stand in his way.

"Alrighty.. let's go then!" I swung my legs from the bed. My head felt funny for a moment. Somehow floaty... Two strong arms caught me.

"Signor Gian!"

"Ughh, sorry about that. Have to remember the head trauma, checked. Can you hand me the crutches, please?"

"There are none..."

Damn. What kind of hospital doesn't hand out crutches. Well they probably didn't think I would leave in the middle of the night but still. With a heartfelt sigh I resigned myself to skipping down the hallway on my right leg. It would be safe enough with Giulio beside me.

I managed to hopple 3 times before I was swept off my feat.

"No,no,no,no,no,no,no. No princess style. Let me down! No,no,no,no,no,no." Giulio seemed confused by my strong opposition but obeyed my wish and put me on the ground again. Only his hands continued lingering on my waist. Thank god. I really don't need anymore embarrassing things happen to me today.

"How..do you want me... to hold you?" He gulped.

"No need to hold me at all! I can skip!"

As an answer Giulio simply solidified his hold on my waist. I had no chance to escape.

"Fine!" I snapped at him. "Arrgh. You can carry me... piggy-back."

I felt miserable. Giulio on the other hand seemed to agree. He showed me his back and went down on his knees. God, please don't let anyone see this.

My prayer wasn't answered. Maybe God doesn't feel inclined to help criminals? But still..

"No comments, you hear. Only one of my legs is injured. The other one is perfectly capable to kick you in your guts."

Just outside the room we ran into Bernardo. I could literally see a joke taking shape in his mind. Alas the look on my face seemed to convince him to hold back. For now.

"Just thought I would drop in and take a look. You don't seem to be in need of help though." He smiled slyly. He won't let me hear the end of it. I just know.

"I'm doing fine. But since you're here already, can I crash at your place for the week?"

"Hm? Sure but why? Do you miss me already, honey?"

"I can't sleep without you, darling. No but, I have to vacate the room at the hotel anyway and I'm on sick leave for at least a week it seems. So I need a place to crash. I know you won't be in much but it would still be nice to know there is someone coming, since I won't be moving around much."

"Umm..If it's that..Signor Gian can also stay at.. my... apa..rtment." He ssemed to choke on his last words.

My chin dropped.

"What? Are you sure?"

"Yes. I will be home more often...and I can take care of you... Of course if Signor Gian doesn't want to... it's probably better at Bernardo's..."

"No way! You really don't mind? Than Gian is all yours!" Bernardo announced happily, turned around and took off.

"Oh..." Giulio was evidently confused.

"Idiot. He was glad to get rid of me. He couldn't refuse since I'm hurt and all and you took on all that trouble willingly."

"But I really don't mind!" He turned his face to meet my eyes.

"Ok. Let's get going then. We can get my stuff right now if you don't mind. I don't have much."

Giulio nodded enthusiastic. He lowered me into his car and sat in front of the wheel himself.

That's when it hit me. I still haven't eaten yet.

*Anyone wondering about the title? It's a wrestling move! :D Called that, when both opponents fall to the ground together. grins

*Oh, and to those disappointed by the no Lemon part - next chapter really! I will post it today already, too! ja-ne