Sparks Fly- L.N

Chapter 18

The night stretched on, each passing moment etching deeper lines of weariness across Elenore's face as she remained steadfastly by Lando's bedside. The hospital room was bathed in the soft, muted glow of dimmed lights, casting delicate shadows that danced across the walls. Elenore fought the fatigue that tugged at her eyelids, resolute in her desire to be awake for every possible instant, in case he were to awaken. The events of the day played over and over in her mind, every emotion still vivid and raw. Lando had been whisked away for examinations upon arriving at the hospital. When he was eventually brought back to the room, the exhaustion etched onto his face was palpable, rendering him almost speechless. The clock ticked toward the early hours of the morning, the steady hum of the hospital filling the air and intermingling with the rhythmic beeping of monitors. Elenore sat in quiet alertness, her fingers tenderly interlocked with his, her thumb tracing calming circles over his hand. The connection they shared felt like a lifeline, a tangible reaffirmation of their unbreakable bond.
"I was so scared, Lando," her voice barely surpassed a whisper, a fragile thread woven into the silence of the room. "I was convinced that I was going to lose you, and just that thought... it felt like the ground was slipping away beneath me." Her words lingered in the air, each one heavy with the weight of her vulnerability. She drew in a shaky breath, gathering herself against the flood of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.
"I don't know what I would do without you," her admission came softly, a tremor of honesty in her voice. A lone tear escaped her eye, her swift movement to wipe it away a determined act to erase her own vulnerability."Please don't leave me," her voice wavered, her plea a raw reflection of her deepest fear. "I don't think I could survive without you." Her head lowered, her lips brushing his hand in a tender kiss, a wordless promise of her boundless love.

Suddenly, a frail voice broke the silence, and Elenore's head snapped up.
"Darling?" Lando's voice, though weak, was unmistakable. Her eyes, bloodshot from hours of vigil and her cheeks stained with tears, met his gaze in disbelief.

"Lando?" Her voice quivered, a mixture of astonishment and relief lacing her tone."Oh, my darling," he sighed, a fragile smile curving his lips. His hand, weakened by his ordeal, reached out and cupped her cheek. "Come here," he whispered, the invitation a gentle pull. Elenore's heart raced as she processed his words. He shifted within the small hospital bed, determination pushing past his exhaustion as he made space for her. Her initial instinct was to refuse, urging him to rest, but his gaze held a plea that tugged at her heartstrings.
"No, Lando, you need to get some sleep," she protested softly, her concern for his well-being never wavering.
"I sleep better with you next to me, please?" His voice was a fragile plea, carrying the weight of his longing and vulnerability. His gaze bore into hers, his eyes reflecting an unspoken desire to share this moment of comfort and closeness. With a mixture of tenderness and resolve, Elenore nodded. She carefully moved to the side of the bed, slipping under the covers with him, her body curling into his. His arms wrapped around her, holding her close as if protecting her from all the fears and uncertainties that had gripped them both. The hospital room, with its dimmed lights and soft sounds, became a cocoon of solace. Elenore's fingers traced soothing patterns on his chest as Lando's steady heartbeat pulsed beneath her touch. A tear escaped from Elenore's eye once again, but this time it was from pure exhaustion. She inhaled a shaky breath and looked up at Lando who was already looking at her.
"Are you alright?" Lando's voice carried a touch of worry, his concern so endearing. It was ironic - he was the one who had just had a rather unfortunate meeting with a wall, yet he seemed more focused on her well-being. A soft chuckle escaped her lips.
"Never been better," she responded, a playful smile gracing her face as she leaned in, letting their foreheads touch. His closeness was like a soothing balm, easing the tension that had built up within her. Lando chuckled his laughter a welcome sound that eased the atmosphere around them.
"I haven't slept this well in the past 8 weeks; you're like my personal sleep pill." She rolled her eyes playfully, giving him a gentle shove.
"I think it might be the drugs, mon amour." His grin was infectious, and she couldn't help but laugh at his cheeky response. His humor, even in these circumstances, managed to put her at ease. He raised an eyebrow, his smirk suggesting that he was up for a bit of banter.
"That too, I suppose."Shifting her hand from his, she cupped his cheek, her thumb tracing soothing circles against his skin.
"I have missed you so much," she admitted, her voice softening as the weight of the day's events settled in. It had been a whirlwind of emotions, and having him by her side made everything feel a bit more bearable. His lips brushed against her forehead in a tender kiss, sending warmth coursing through her.

"I have missed you even more," he murmured against her skin, his breath a gentle caress that matched the rhythm of her heart.
"Impossible," She whispered with a smile, her eyes locking onto his. Time seemed to slow as they shared this quiet moment, the beeping of monitors creating a steady backdrop to their unspoken connection. In this room, it was as if the world had narrowed down to just the two of them, and the bond that held them together.

"You know," Lando began, his voice breaking the silence, "crashing into walls isn't exactly the most romantic way to reunite." A soft laugh bubbled out of her, his attempt at humor a welcome distraction.
"Well, you certainly know how to make an entrance," Her fingers absentmindedly played with a strand of his hair. His gaze held hers, a warmth in his eyes that eased any lingering worries.
"I guess I missed you so much that even walls couldn't keep me away." A fond smile tugged at her lips, and she leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek.
"You're ridiculous, you know that?" He grinned, his thumb tracing patterns on the back of her hand.
"But you love me for it," he said with a playful grin, and her laughter danced softly through the room, an unspoken agreement to his statement.
"Yeah, I do," she replied, her eyes meeting his with a warmth that matched the morning sunlight streaming through the window. The tenderness in her gaze was undeniable, a silent affirmation of the feelings she held for him. He blinked in slight shock as if processing her words.
"Wait, you do? You love me," he uttered, a mixture of disbelief and elation tinging his voice. She chuckled, the sound light and full of affection.
"Yes, Lando, I love you." Her words were simple, carrying a weight that transcended their brevity. A smile tugged at his lips, a radiant expression that seemed to light up the room.
"And I love you." His words were a declaration, a promise, as he leaned closer, their faces mere inches apart. The air around them seemed to hum with anticipation as he closed the distance, his lips gently brushing against hers.