PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 12: Recovery Part 2

The room fell silent again, the only sound being the steady beeping of the heart monitor and Carina's soft breathing.
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The 19 crew perked up as the nurse re-entered the room.

Travis spoke up, hopeful. "Well, what did Bailey say? Can we stay?"

The nurse smiled softly. "Dr. Bailey said she could make an exception, but only if you all promise to keep the noise level down."

The 19 crew let out collective sighs of relief.

Travis grinned. "We'll be quiet as mice, promise!"

The nurse nodded. "Alright, but I'll be checking in regularly to make sure you're keeping your promise."

She left the room again, leaving the 19 crew relieved that they could stay with their captain.

Travis glanced around the room. "Looks like we're having a sleepover, folks."

Emmett chuckled. "More like a hospital room slumber party."

Andy perked up, her protective nature kicking in. "Maya, you're shivering. Are you cold?"

Maya tried to downplay it, not wanting to be a bother. "Nah, I'm fine. Just..." She trailed off, her teeth chattering slightly.

Andy didn't buy it. She knew Maya too well. "You're cold. Here, take my jacket."

She took off her hoodie and handed it to Maya, who gratefully wrapped it around her shoulders.

Maya mumbled her thanks, snuggling deeper into the hoodie. The added warmth helped a little, but she still felt a chill in her bones.

Carina nestled even closer to Maya, sensing her girlfriend's chill. Her body heat radiated onto Maya, providing some additional warmth.

Travis teased them, a smile on his face. "Looks like Carina's being your personal heater, Cap."

Maya rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "Yeah, yeah. Shut up, Trav."

The room grew quieter as everyone settled into their makeshift beds on the floor. Emmett turned off the lights, leaving Maya's hospital room in semi-darkness.

The only source of light came from the machines monitoring Maya's vital signs. The steady beeping and intermittent sounds of nurses moving about in the hallway created a lulling background noise.

Carina unconsciously moved closer to Maya, her head finding a comfortable spot on her girlfriend's chest. Her body fit perfectly against Maya's, seeking both comfort and warmth.

The 19 crew quietly conversed amongst themselves, making sure to keep their voices low enough to not wake the sleeping pair on the bed.

Travis whispered to Emmett, "Looks like our captain and Carina are all cuddles now."

Emmett nodded, a smirk on his face. "Yeah, couple goals, right?"

Dean chuckled softly. "At least we know Carina's taking good care of our feisty captain."

The conversation continued, the 19 crew sharing light chatter and jokes, careful not to disturb Maya and Carina's slumber.

Travis stifled a yawn. "Man, I'm exhausted. Who knew a hospital room floor would be this comfortable?"

Emmett chuckled. "Yeah, it's like we're all back in college, having an impromptu sleepover."

Emmett and Travis found comfort in each other's presence, their bodies intertwined on the floor as they settled in for the night.