It's been two months since {{char}} had started her battle with cancer, two long, grueling months filled with chemo, nausea, and too many days lost to the fog of fatigue. But here she was, propped up in her hospital bed with pillows strategically placed around her to provide some semblance of comfort, playing her favorite video game on her Nintendo Switch Lite. Her fingers danced over the buttons with surprising dexterity considering her weakened state. On the screen, a fierce warrior fought valiantly against hordes of digital monsters, a stark contrast to Celine's own fragile form beneath the thin hospital gown. The room was dimly lit, only the soft glow of the TV and the moonlight streaming through the window providing illumination. The rhythmic beeping of machines and distant sounds of hospital staff moving about outside served as an ever-present reminder of her confinement, drowned out by the playlist of metal music blasting through her ear buds. "Oh bad man, what's the reason why," she sang along to the lyrics of Disturbed's 'Bad Man', "the innocent always have to die, by your hand?" her voice a quiet murmur, so subdued compared to her normal powerhouse singing voice. Her eyes remained focused on the screen as she navigated the virtual world, pushing through waves of pain and exhaustion to find solace in the pixelated battles—they seemed almost trivial compared to the real one she faced daily. Just keep fighting, she told herself, drawing strength from the words she often heard in her favorite songs. The door to her hospital room opened quietly and in walked Dr. Castillo, her oncologist. His expression was serious as he approached her bedside, clipboard in hand. His kind brown eyes searched hers as he greeted her. "Hey there, rockstar. How you holding up today?" Celine gave her in-game character a break by a bonfire and offered Dr. Castillo a tired smile. "Kicking ass at Dark Souls," she responded with a shrug, trying to sound nonchalant. Inside, though, she felt her heart rate spike just a bit at his presence—his visits usually meant news, good or bad. Dr. Castillo raised an eyebrow. "Already? Impressive," he said with a hint of humor, setting the clipboard down next to her bed. "How are you feeling today?" Celine considered lying, telling him that she felt fine because she didn't want to worry anyone, but she knew better. If I don't tell him the truth, how can they help me fight this thing? She took a deep breath. "Tired," she admitted, setting the game down on her lap. "Really tired. And my chest hurts from laughing earlier." Dr. Castillo nodded solemnly. "Understood," he said, making a note on her chart. "Your energy levels are bound to be up and down. Try not to push yourself too hard." He looked down at her charts again. "We're going to need to run some more tests to see how your last round of chemo went. They'll come get you shortly." As he left, Celine couldn't help but feel a pang of dread coil around her insides. More tests meant potentially more bad news, but she pushed those thoughts away. For now, she had music and video games and the promise of seeing {{user}} again soon. Leaning back into her pillows, she resumed her game, letting the roar of guitars fill her ears and transport her far away from the sterile walls of Saint Mary's Hospital.

"Hey Col," she replied, her voice a bit breathless as if she'd been running. She turned to face him, giving his hand a squeeze before moving it away so she could return to her game. "You didn't have to come today." Even with the words of encouragement he'd given her earlier that day, part of her couldn't help but feel like she was dragging him down with her troubles.

"I love it when you do," she replied, managing a faint smile despite the fatigue that threatened to overwhelm her features. "How's everything at home? Any news on my disability check?" She quickly added, changing the subject before she could dwell on the heaviness in her chest.

"Thanks, Col," she whispered, her voice soft and raw. "I know it's not easy for you, either." She paused, glancing away for a moment before looking back at him with determination in her eyes. "But we can get through this together, yeah? One day at a time?" Even as she said the words, she couldn't help but feel like they were more of a prayer than anything else. The weight of her situation pressed down on her chest, making it hard to breathe sometimes, but when Col was around, she felt stronger, braver... like maybe she could truly beat this thing after all.

"I promise," she whispered, smiling up at him with tears in her eyes. "One day soon, we'll be out of here and back to our lives... you know, the one where I play shows all night and practice guitar with my best friends?" Even as she said it, she knew how naive that sounded, how unlikely anything close to normalcy would ever return for her. But in this moment, sitting beside Col, she could almost pretend otherwise.

"And then," she continued, drawing strength from his presence, "I'm going to beat you at Street Fighter and prove I deserve your title as king of video games." A faint giggle escaped her lips as they both shared a brief moment of laughter, defying the darkness that loomed just beyond the edges of their fragile sanity.

"So," she added, squeezing his hand in return before turning back to her game, "how about you go get us some dinner? I'm starving!" The last thing Celine wanted was for him to think he had to stay and watch her play games all day, but the truth was that these moments together were like precious gems she hoarded close to her heart. Even when there didn't seem to be much left to offer, Celine knew Col would always

"Mm, thanks, hon," she murmurs, nuzzling into his kiss before reluctantly parting her lips to let him go. "Love you," she whispers as he leaves the room, listening to the soft click of the door behind him. As soon as he's gone, she takes a deep breath, returning her focus to the game screen with renewed determination.

Her stomach rumbles loudly at the sight and scent of her favorite food wafting through the air. "Col," she calls out, voice muffled by the game she's playing, "you are literally the best." As he sets the tray across her lap, carefully making sure not to spill anything on her gown or IV line, she practically inhales a chicken fried rice-covered forkful. The food may be bland and taste like cardboard compared to what it used to, but at least it's something to help fuel her through another day of treatment and restless nights spent staring at the ceiling. "Thanks, baby," she manages between bites, mouth full. "You really are my rock."

Their gazes meet briefly before he turns away, embarrassment visible on his features despite the brave attempt to mask it with a smile. Celine's heart aches for him, for them both, but there's no denying the truth of her words. Despite everything, Col has been her rock through this ordeal; her source of strength and courage when she feels like giving up. She hopes that one day soon, their situation will change—that they can be together again as they were before, living life to the fullest with no

Tears prick at the corners of her eyes as he speaks; it's such a powerful reminder of just how strong their love truly is. She squeezes his hand gently in response, feeling a newfound surge of determination coursing through her veins. "Col... I could never think that," she says, her voice soft and steady despite the lump forming in her throat. "You're my rock, my best friend, my everything... and I promise to fight this thing until we can be together again." The words feel like a vow as they leave her lips; she means them with every fiber of her being. It's then that she decides it's time for another game, hoping the distraction will help chase away the darker thoughts creeping in at the edges of her mind.

"Hey," she says with a faint smile as his lips meet hers, her fingers still wrapped around the game controller beneath the thin hospital gown. "That's my line." A soft laugh escapes her as they continue to kiss, their connection as powerful and reassuring as ever despite the dire circumstances that surround them. She knows she can beat this thing; with Col by her side and the love and support of so many amazing people, there's no other choice but to win. And when the day comes that they do, it'll be the greatest victory any of them could ever imagine.

"Col!" Celine exclaims with joy, practically leaping out of bed as she rushes toward him. Her eyes are bright and full of life, her skin no longer pale or gaunt; instead, it glows with health and vitality. "It is! It really is." She throws her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly, the act feeling almost foreign but so glorious at the same time.

"I can't believe it," she whispers against his chest, pulling back to look up at him with tears streaming down her face. "We actually did it." A faint giggle escapes her as they both take a step back, Celine wrapping her arms around herself self-consciously. "I can't remember what my body feels like without all these tubes in it!"

"You're amazing," Col says, cupping her cheek with his hand. "And so beautiful." He leans forward to kiss her, their lips meeting hungrily as they revel in the moment, savoring the taste of victory and the joy of being together once more.

It's a celebration that lasts for days; friends and family alike pouring into the hospital room to share in their happiness. Celine spends hours telling everyone about her

Celine giggles as she pulls away from his embrace, regarding him with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "So now," she says playfully, reaching up to run her fingers through his hair, "what do you say we get the hell out of this place and have some real fun?" She flashes him an impish grin before adding, "You know, as soon as they'll let us."

Her words are laced with eagerness; after months of confinement and suffering, she's itching to break free from the hospital walls and experience everything life has to offer once more. The thought alone fills her with a newfound sense of purpose and determination. There will be plenty of time for rest later; for now, Celine intends to make the most of this second chance at life by living it to the fullest alongside the man who's stood by her side through everything.

"Well," she says with a grin that could light up the night sky, "the first thing I want to do is play some real music, you know? Get back out there with the band and belt out some tunes for all our wonderful fans. And of course," she adds, wrapping her arm around his, "I want to see your ugly mug on stage too! So what do you say, rock star?"

Their laughter fills the car as they drive away from the hospital, freedom swirling around them like a warm embrace. The world seems limitless now; anything is possible. With each mile that separates her from the place where she endured so much suffering and pain, Celine feels lighter, happier. Her heart is full of hope for the future; no matter what challenges may come their way, they'll face them together.

And as they pull up to a familiar studio, excitement bubbles up inside her like champagne on New Year's Eve. Together, she and Col climb out of the car, taking in the familiar sights and sounds. It feels like coming home after being away for far too long. With a glance at her rock star companion, Celine takes a deep breath, squares her shoulders, and walks confidently toward the entrance, ready to reclaim not only her life but also her place in the world as the fierce metal warrior she was always meant to be.

The familiar scent of old vinyl and sweat permeates the air as she strides into the studio, her confidence practically radiating from every pore. Her bandmates, seeing her approach, whoop and holler in delight, rushing forward to envelop her in a group hug that almost knocks her off her feet. She laughs, savoring the feeling of being back among them again, sharing in this moment of pure joy and triumph. As they part ways, she catches Col's eye, a smile lighting up her face like a thousand candles. "Come on, my love," she says with a wink, "let's show them what we're made of." Together, hand in hand, they make their way to the stage where their fates as rockstars await them once more.

"Are you ready?" Celine asks her bandmates, voice filled with determination and excitement. "I know we can do this. We've been through hell and back, but we came out stronger on the other side." Her eyes meet Col's as she finishes speaking; their connection solidifies them into a united front against whatever challenges they might face in the future.

With one final nod from her, the band begins to tune up, the sound of guitars and drums filling the room with electric energy. Celine takes a deep breath, feeling it expand her lungs, fill her up with purpose. She closes her eyes, focusing on the music as she lets the notes flow through her fingers, letting them carry her away from the darkness and back into the light where she belongs.

The opening chord strikes, and without warning, they're off, firing on all cylinders. Celine's voice soars above the din, every ounce of emotion poured into each word, every note. The crowd erupts in cheers, their hands raised in salute as she and Col lead them through a maelstrom of metal magic that leaves even them breathless with wonder. This is where they belong; this is who they are. And together, they're un