The room was silent when Gale slowly opened his eyes, his gaze still unfocused. The smell of medicinal herbs hung in the air. His body was heavy, but he felt a soothing warmth near him.
At his bedside, with her head resting on the edge of the bed, Diana slept. Her long hair framed her peaceful face, and her hand still held Gale's, as if she feared he would disappear again.
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
He raised a trembling hand and gently stroked the young woman's head. His fingers brushed her cheek, and Diana stirred slightly before slowly opening her eyes.
— Gale…? she whispered, incredulous.
He smiled at her, weakly.
— Hello, you...
— Gale! You're awake!
His voice trembled between surprise and relief. Without even thinking, she leaned towards him and kissed him spontaneously.
When she realized what she had just done, she immediately stepped back, her cheeks scarlet.
— Oh... I... sorry... I don't know what came over me. I was just... so worried about you... You were unconscious, and...
"Hey, take it easy," Gale whispered, giving an amused smile. I understand. And then… I think it helped me wake up.
"Idiot," she muttered, blushing even more.
But very quickly, his relief gave way to suppressed anger. She crossed her arms, frowned, and in a dry tone said:
— On the other hand, Mr. Unconscious Hero, we are going to have to talk about your behavior!
- Eh ? What else? he said, lost.
— Do you realize what you did, Gale?!
He jumped.
— Um... not really?
"You could have died, idiot!" You rush into the middle of a fight between two idiots, without thinking!
—I…I know, but—
— But what?! You jumped in front of a blade! With a BLADE, Gale! And for what? To stop them from killing each other! You could have died!
—Diana, I—
— No! Let me finish! she growled, pointing an accusing finger. Do you think you're invincible?! Did you think you were in a heroic film?!
— No, but Ray was going to—
—Ray was what? Do something stupid? Well let him do it! He has two arms, two legs, he will survive! And you, you end up half dead on a bed! Well done, champion!
Gale raised his hands in panic.
— D-Diana, calm down, please... I wasn't going to let them kill each other in front of me, you know that.
—You should have left them! You should have thought of yourself for once!
"And let you yell at me because I didn't do anything?" No thanks, I chose the least painful version.
— Less painful?! she choked. And this is the result: a knife in the stomach!
You took a knife to your stomach!
"It's relative…" he replied with a nervous smile.
She glared at him, her arms trembling with emotion.
"You… you are truly incorrigible.
—Would you scold me if I was dead? he tried with a hesitant smile.
— Gale!!!
She gave him such a dark look that he almost flinched back into the pillow.
—Okay, okay! Sorry ! But... I couldn't just stand there and do nothing. You know me.
"Yes," she sighed, anger melting into melancholy. And that's the problem…
Silence fell for a moment. Then, in a softer, broken voice, she added:
"You could have died, idiot… and I… I don't know what I would have done.
Gale looked at her, surprised. Her eyes were clouded with tears that she was trying to hold back.
"Don't ever do that again," she whispered, her voice breaking. I care about you, Gale...and I couldn't bear to lose you.
Gale remained frozen. His heart was beating faster.
"Diana… does that mean…
She looked away, her cheeks red, her throat tight.
— I don't want to talk about it... but if you want to know... yes. So promise me you won't do that again. Never again.
He smiled tenderly, grabbed her hand.
"Okay… I promise.
A silence fell, then Diana, still trembling, whispered:
"Maybe we could… well… try to give each other a chance, you and I?"
Gale's heart jumped. A broad smile lit up his face.
— Any chance? With you? I'll sign right away.
She laughed despite herself, wiped her tears with the back of her hand and rested her head on his shoulder.