By the time I finish my rounds, the morning has fully settled in, the hospital buzzing with the changeover from night to day shift. I catch sight of Declan in the hallway. He's probably back to check in with his friend before heading to work.

I've still got one last patient to check on before my shift ends, and that patient happens to be the one who's been occupying more of my thoughts than I'd like to admit.

Elias.

Every time I've checked on him during this exhausting sixteen-hour shift, he's been wide awake, his eyes following me with that same amused glint. And every single time, there's been that undercurrent of flirtation in his voice, the kind that makes me second-guess if he's just being playful or if there's something more to it. But I remind myself that he was like that with Tara too, his charm seemingly effortless, so I try not to read too much into it. Still, a part of me can't help but wonder if his teasing is more than just a way to pass the time.

I pause outside his room, taking a moment to collect myself. There's no reason to be nervous, I remind myself. He's just another patient. A very attractive, very charming patient, but still just a patient. I push the door open, stepping inside quietly so as not to wake him if he's sleeping.

But Elias is wide awake, propped up in bed with an iPad balanced on the bed tray. His hazel eyes lift to meet mine as I walk in, and a slow, easy smile spreads across his face.

"Morning," he says, his voice smooth and warm, like honey drizzled over toast. "You're up early."

"More like up late," I correct, unable to keep the smile out of my voice. "I'm finishing up my shift."

"Ah, the life of a night shift nurse," he says, setting the book aside. "How are you holding up?"

I shrug, moving to check his vitals. "I'm surviving. How about you? How's the pain?"

"Better," he says, his eyes tracking my movements as I work. "Whatever you gave me last night did the trick."

"Glad to hear it," I reply, making a note in his chart. "But don't be a hero. If it starts to hurt again, let us know, and we'll get you something for it."

"Wouldn't dream of it," he says with a grin.

His playful tone is disarming, and I find myself relaxing more than I should. It's easy to talk to Elias, easier than it should be considering the circumstances. But there's something about him that makes me feel...seen, in a way I haven't felt in a long time. Maybe it's the way he looks at me, with genuine interest and curiosity, like he actually cares about my answer when he asks how I'm doing. Or maybe it's just that he's different from the people I usually interact with here—less guarded, more open.

"Do you ever sleep?" he asks suddenly, his gaze lingering on my face.

I blink, caught off guard by the question. "What?"

"You look like you haven't slept in days," he says, his tone softening. "When's the last time you got a good night's rest?"

I let out a small laugh, shaking my head. "You sound like Dr. Stone."

Elias raises an eyebrow. "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

I hesitate, not sure how to answer. "He's...concerned, in his own way. But I'm fine, really. I get by."

Elias doesn't look convinced, but he doesn't press the issue. Instead, he shifts in bed, wincing slightly as he does. "So, what's next for me? Do I get to bust out of here soon?"

I check the notes in his chart, nodding as I review the plan. "Looks like you're on track to be discharged later today, assuming everything stays stable."

"Good," he says, a hint of relief in his voice. "As much as I appreciate the company, I'd rather not spend another night in this place."

I smile, understanding all too well. "Can't say I blame you. Hospitals aren't exactly known for their comfort."

Elias chuckles, the sound low and warm. "True. But if all the nurses were like you, I might reconsider."

I roll my eyes, but there's no hiding the blush that creeps up my neck. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Mr. Leroux."

"Elias," he corrects, his smile widening. "And who says I'm trying to get anywhere? Maybe I just enjoy making you smile."

I shake my head, but I can't help the smile that tugs at my lips. There's something about Elias that's hard to resist, even when I know I should keep things professional. But before I can dwell on that thought, there's a knock on the door, and I turn to see Declan standing in the doorway, a curious expression on his face.

"Hey, Val," he says, his gaze shifting between me and Elias. "Am I interrupting?"

"Not at all," I say quickly, stepping back from Elias's bed. "I was just finishing up here."

Elias raises an eyebrow, his eyes flicking to Declan and then back to me. "A cop? Should I be worried?"

I laugh, shaking my head. "No, this one's harmless. Mostly."

Declan smirks, leaning against the doorframe. "Mostly?"

Elias chuckles, clearly enjoying the banter. "Well, if you say so. But I've got my eye on you, officer."

I can't help but smile at the playful exchange, but I know I have to keep things moving. The day is already wearing on me, and I still have a few more tasks to complete before I can even think about leaving.

"Well, Elias, I hope you feel better soon," I say, giving him a warm smile. "Get some rest."

"Thanks. I appreciate everything."

I nod, then turn to Declan, who's watching me with a look that's both curious and something else I can't quite place. "Walk with me?" I ask, gesturing toward the hallway.

"Of course," he says, pushing off the doorframe and falling into step beside me as we head out.

We walk in silence for a few moments, the sound of our footsteps echoing in the oddly quiet hallway. I can feel the tension from the night starting to ease, but there's still a lingering exhaustion that I can't shake. Declan seems to sense it, and he breaks the silence with a bit of small talk.

"So, how's the rest of your shift been?" he asks, his tone casual.

"Busy," I reply, my voice a little weary. "But that's pretty standard around here. You know how it is."

He nods, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah, I do. But you handle it well. Better than most."

"Thanks," I say, offering him a tired smile. "But I'm definitely ready to get out of here and get some sleep."

"I don't blame you," Declan says, his gaze sliding over to me as we walk. "It looks like you've been running yourself ragged."

We reach the lobby, the morning light filtering in through the large windows, casting everything in a soft, golden glow. The sight of it makes me realize just how much I need to rest. Declan's still beside me, and I can't help but feel a bit grateful that he's sticking around, even if it's just for a little while longer.

"So," I say, glancing at him. "Were you here to see your friend again?"

Declan pauses, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Actually, I was here to see you."

I stop walking, surprised. "Me?"

"Yeah," he says, his tone a little more serious now. "I wanted to see how you were doing. And, well...to ask you something."

My heart skips a beat, and I'm suddenly very aware of the way he's looking at me—like he's been waiting for this moment. "What is it?"

He hesitates for just a second, then steps a little closer, his voice lowering as if he doesn't want anyone else to hear. "I was wondering if you'd like to go out sometime. Maybe grab dinner or something."

The question hangs in the air between us, and I feel a rush of emotions I'm not entirely prepared for. I shift my weight, suddenly hyper-aware of the space between us—or rather, how little space there is. I hadn't expected this—not from Declan. My first instinct is to say yes, but something holds me back. Maybe it's the exhaustion, or maybe it's the lingering doubts I've been trying to ignore. Either way, I know I need a moment to think.

"I... I appreciate that, Declan," I say carefully, my mind racing. "But I'm not sure. I just need to think about it, you know?"

He nods, his expression understanding but tinged with something else. Disappointment? "Of course. Take your time. I didn't mean to put you on the spot."

"No, it's okay," I say quickly, not wanting him to feel bad. "I just wasn't expecting it, that's all."

He offers me a small smile, one that's a little softer than his usual smirk. "No pressure. I just thought I'd ask."

"Thanks," I say, my voice quiet. "I'll let you know."

We stand there for a moment, the lobby bustling around us, but it feels like we're in our own little bubble. Declan's gaze is warm, and there's something in it that makes me feel a little lighter, like maybe things don't have to be so complicated.

"Get some rest," he says finally, his voice gentle. "You deserve it."

"I will," I promise, feeling a strange mix of emotions as I watch him turn and walk away.

I stand there for a moment, watching him go, my mind still spinning. I hadn't expected this, and I'm not sure what to do with the way it's made me feel. But as I finally turn to leave the hospital, the exhaustion weighing heavily on my shoulders, I know that I'll have to figure it out soon enough.