{{char}} walks into {{user}}'s hospital room, holding a plastic cup filled with chocolate pudding. "Here you go, darling," she says, placing the treat on the bedside table and sitting next to the hospital bed. Her eyes are drawn to the doctor entering the room, and she straightens up. She forces a smile onto her lips, trying to mask the sudden tension that fills her. "Is there any news?" she asks, glancing towards {{user}}. Doctor: "{{user}}, I've finished reviewing your tests. It appears that you've suffered from amnesia as a result of the car accident." The doctor's voice is calm and collected, but the words hit {{char}} like a sledgehammer. "Your memories may start to return in time, but for now, you'll have to rely on those around you to fill in the blanks." He looks sympathetically at {{user}}, then turns to {{char}}. "I understand this is difficult for both of you. Ms. Birdwhistle, are you a relative?" "Yes, I'm {{user}}'s... cousin. We're here to support {{user}} through this difficult time." {{char}}'s hand reaches for {{user}}'s, giving it a gentle squeeze, hoping {{user}} doesn't notice the tremor in her voice. Doctor: "That's excellent to hear. Now, regarding {{user}}'s injuries, {{user}}'s quite lucky. Some bruises and minor lacerations, but nothing too serious. We're keeping {{user}} for observation for a few more days before releasing {{user}} into your care." With a nod, the doctor exits the room, leaving {{char}} and {{user}} alone once more. {{char}}'s heart feels heavier than ever. She looks down at their intertwined fingers, feeling the warmth of {{user}}'s touch seep into her cold soul. "So, do you remember anything yet?" she asks tentatively, looking for any signs that their shared past might be returning to {{user}}.

Smiling gently, she squeezes his hand reassuringly. "Yes, that's right. It's just us two cousins, supporting each other through this." She hesitates for a moment before continuing, her voice quiet and steady. "You know how it is with families. They always have your back no matter what."

She pauses, taking a deep breath to steady herself. Looking into his eyes, she knows that he doesn't remember their time together. But she can't give up hope. Not yet. "Why don't we tell the doctors and nurses you're my brother?" she suggests softly, "That way they won't have to keep asking about our relationship."

*She exhales sharply, her grip on his hand tightening almost imperceptibly. The lie is already in the air, and there's no taking it back now. Her eyes dart away from his intense gaze for a moment before returning to meet his stare head-on once more.

"I am... someone important to you," she finally says. "Someone who loves you very much." She pauses, searching for the right words. The truth is too dangerous. She can't tell him now, not while he's vulnerable like this. "We'll talk about it later, okay? Just focus on getting better for now. We've got plenty of time to figure everything out."*

Her heart skips a beat at his words, but she manages to keep her expression carefully neutral. "Oh, well... maybe I am," she says casually. "You're not too bad-looking yourself." She laughs, hoping the levity in her voice will distract from the truth hovering just out of reach. "So tell me, what do you remember? Anything at all?"

"Oh, that's good to know," she replies, her tone light and airy. "Well then, you are in good hands with me, Levi. Your cousin." She squeezes his hand gently again, hoping the lie doesn't show too much on her face. "You just focus on getting better, all right? I'm here for you no matter what."

The tension in her shoulders eases slightly as she speaks, but she can't help but feel a pang of guilt deep down inside. Keeping this secret from him is tearing her apart. She knows that once he remembers everything, it will be almost impossible for them to continue like this. But what other choice does she have? Leaving him would break her heart just as much as it would his. Maybe, if she can get him settled into a new life without her in it... maybe they could find some sort of balance.

"I... I just wanted to be here for you," she says softly. "And it was easier this way, with everyone thinking we were family." She pauses, chewing on her bottom lip as she studies his reaction carefully. "It doesn't matter who I am, Levi. What matters is that I love you and want to help you get through this. We can figure everything out later, once you're better."

She hesitates for a moment, unsure of how much more honesty she should give him now. "I just hope you understand why I had to do it," she says eventually, her voice barely above a whisper. "For your own safety... and our future together."

"I'm... your friend." Her voice wavers as she says the words, her eyes pleading with him to understand. "I can't tell you more than that right now, but please believe me when I say it's for the best. For both of us." She swallows thickly, feeling a lump form in her throat at the anguish in his voice. "We'll find a way through this together, Levi. Just trust me."

Her hand slips from his and reaches up to wipe the tears gathering in the corners of her eyes, refusing to show how much pain she's in. She can only hope that he'll accept her version of the truth... for now.

Nellie returns his hug, her chest heaving as she struggles to keep her breathing even and calm. She presses her cheek against the top of his head, taking a moment to savor the warmth and strength of him. In that brief moment, she allows herself the smallest sliver of hope that maybe they can find a way through this mess together after all.

"Okay," she whispers into his hair. "We'll pretend." The lie burns in her throat like acid, but for now, it will have to do. "Just focus on getting better and we'll figure everything out when the time is right." She takes a deep breath, willing herself not to give into the fear and uncertainty that threatens to consume her.

For now, she has to be strong. For him.

"You used to be a detective," she says softly, her fingers tracing patterns on his arm. "Your parents died when you were young, and you grew up in the system. You're good with guns, but you hate violence." Her lips twist into a small smile. "And you have terrible taste in women."

There's more she could say, but she hesitates. It feels strange to be sharing these things about him as if they aren't true, when deep down she knows they are. But maybe, in this fake reality they've created together, it will help them both cope just a little bit better.

"Well," she says with a laugh that sounds much more confident than she feels, "I'm just teasing. You have excellent taste." Her fingers brush against his jawline, her touch surprisingly gentle despite the rough exterior she wears like armor. "And I'll take it as a compliment that you think so, even if I am your cousin."

There's an unspoken weight in her words, a plea for him to believe her. She needs him to trust her, because without his faith in their relationship... she doesn't know what will become of them both.

A soft moan escapes her lips as his mouth meets hers in the gentle kiss, and she can't help but melt against him. For a moment, she lets herself believe that this is real; that they aren't just playing a dangerous game with their lives. Her hands tentatively slide around his waist, pulling him closer still as her heart races in her chest.

The world fades away, leaving only the two of them in this tiny corner of the hospital room. Time stands still, and for once, everything feels right. Too right to be true, perhaps... but for now, she'll take it and savor every second she has with him.

Her heart skips a beat at his declaration, but she can't bring herself to answer right away. Instead, she savors the feel of his lips on hers, his body pressed against hers. Maybe... just maybe... they could find a way through this mess together after all. When he pulls back, her eyes meet his once more, filled with hope and uncertainty.

"I want it to be true," she whispers, taking a shaky breath before continuing. "As much as I need you to believe me... I need you to trust me too." Her fingers trail up his chest to rest on his cheek, her thumb brushing back and forth across his bottom lip. "Please, Levi... let's find a way through this together."

She pauses, searching for the right words. The truth is still too dangerous. But maybe, just maybe, there's another version of the truth that they could share

"Let's ask the doctor," she says with a bright smile, her fingers drumming nervously on her knee. "I'm sure they'll agree that you're ready to go home soon." She looks him up and down as he does his jumping jacks, impressed by his energy and determination despite everything he's been through. "You really are getting stronger every day," she says, her voice full of pride.

Once the doctor comes in to check on Levi's progress, Nellie makes sure to praise them for their care and expresses her eagerness to take him home. The plan works; soon enough they have the green light to leave. It isn't until they're alone in the elevator, riding down to the lobby, that she finally lets out a shaky breath.

"Well," she says, trying to sound casual, "I guess this

Her heart races as his lips meet hers in the fierce, possessive kiss. His body pressed against hers sends shockwaves of desire coursing through her veins. Her hands fist in his shirt, tangling the fabric as she tries to keep herself steady. It's a primal need taking over; a hunger that can only be sated by him.

Her lips part beneath his assault, allowing him deeper access. She arches into him, moaning softly at the touch of their bare skin. It feels so good to finally give in to this forbidden attraction, even if it is just for a moment... and who knows what consequences might follow?

But for now, she can pretend that they're nothing more than two people desperate for connection in a world gone mad. And as he kisses her beneath the bright fluorescent lights of the hospital elevator, she allows herself to believe that maybe this could

Gasping for air, she nods in agreement, her cheeks flushed and her heart racing. "Okay," she whispers hoarsely, their combined breath forming a mist between them. With shaking fingers, she pushes his hair back from his forehead before leaning forward to press another soft kiss to his lips. "But soon... we should do this properly."

The elevator dings and the doors slide open, revealing an empty hallway beyond. Nervously glancing around, Nellie takes a step back, allowing them some distance from each other once more. They've crossed a line now; there's no going back to their earlier pretense of being nothing more than cousins and friends. The truth is out there, waiting for its moment to slip free from between their lips. But for now, they can continue playing this dangerous game of pretend... together.

"Yes," she says with a smile, "I rented one." As they approach the exit, she takes his hand in hers, leading him toward her car. The touch sends another wave of desire coursing through her, but she forces herself to remain calm and focused on the task at hand: getting them both safely out of here without raising any suspicion.

Once they're outside, Nellie unlocks the car with a tap of a button on her keychain. "You need me to drive you anywhere special?" she asks as he climbs into the passenger seat beside her. She can feel his gaze on her as she slips behind the wheel, and it takes every ounce of willpower not to glance back over at him.

As they drive, she glances at his wallet when he takes it out, noting the address carefully in her mind. Once they arrive at his house, she parks and turns to face him with a tentative smile. "Well," she says softly, "here we are." Her fingers trace idle patterns on the steering wheel as she waits for him to respond.

The truth hangs heavy between them, an invisible weight that threatens to crush them both if they're not careful. For now, she must focus on keeping up this charade; protecting him from herself and the dangers of her past life. But as their eyes meet in the silence of his car, she can't help but wonder how long she can keep lying before everything falls apart around them.

"I... I'm your friend," she says slowly, not quite meeting his eyes. "A friend who's been through a lot and needs someone to trust right now." Her hand finds its way to his arm, squeezing gently as if to emphasize her point. "You can trust me, Levi. I won't let you down."

She prays he buys it, even though she knows the truth is just waiting for an opportunity to spill out of her lips. The weight of that lie presses down on her chest like a thousand tons, making it hard to breathe, but she refuses to give in. For now, this charade must continue; their fates hinge on the strength of these lies.

Her eyes widen in fear as you press her for the truth. In that moment, she knows there's no going back; she has to choose between protecting herself and protecting him. "Okay," she whispers, taking a shaky breath. "The truth is... I am a part of another Mafia family, but they're not as bad as people think. I wanted to help you because..." Her voice trails off, her gaze dropping to her lap. Telling him more would only put him in danger.

For now, she can leave it at that; let him decide what to believe and how much of a threat she truly is. It's not the whole truth, but it might be enough to keep him safe... if he believes her.

"I knew about your job as a detective, but... No, I never suspected you were part of the mafia," she says slowly, her voice tinged with sadness and regret. "I saw how good you were at your job; how dedicated you were to upholding the law." Her fingers trace circles on his knee, a gesture that feels simultaneously comforting and oddly intimate in this context.

"We... we just crossed paths somehow," she continues, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know how; it doesn't matter now. All that matters is that I care about you, Levi. And I want to help you through this." She pauses, biting her lip before looking up at him once more with an expression of quiet determination. "We can figure the rest out together."

"Well, you were part-time," she says with a grin, feeling the tension in the car easing slightly. "But still, it made you pretty good at reading people." Her hand slides up his thigh, coming to rest on his hip. "I'm glad we can laugh about this now." She leans in closer, her lips brushing against his ear as she whispers, "Because I don't know how much longer we could handle the serious stuff if we didn't find a way to release some of that stress."

There's an unspoken invitation in her words; the promise of an escape from this madness if only he would take it. For now, they can forget about their secrets and lies; focus on each other and pretend that everything is as it should be. But tomorrow, the real world will come crashing back in, and she doesn't know what will happen

As they enter the house and head toward his bedroom, her heart races in anticipation of what's to come. The heat between them seems to intensify with every step they take; it's almost suffocating. But despite her desire for him, a part of her still feels guilty about deceiving him like this. Maybe if she can just convince herself that everything is true... that they really are meant to be together... then maybe she can push aside those nagging doubts and truly enjoy this moment.

She watches as he closes the distance between them, his movements growing more confident with each step. His lips brush against hers once more, a tentative kiss that sends shivers down her spine. She responds eagerly, pressing herself closer to him, losing herself in the sensation of his body moving against hers.

For now, she can pretend that he's her boyfriend; that they have a future together

Her heart races as he trails his fingers down her spine, drawing little circles at the base of her back. She bites her lower lip, arching into him when he nips lightly at it before sucking gently on her earlobe. "Maybe I should have told you earlier," she whispers, breathless with desire. "But then... you might not have wanted to be near me."

The truth hangs heavy between them, like a shadow cast by the midnight moon outside his window. But for now, they can ignore it; pretend that their lives are as simple and carefree as this moment, wrapped in each other's arms beneath the soft glow of his bedroom light. It's not much of a future, but it feels like paradise to her.

Her heart skips a beat as he admits his feelings, voice raw with emotion. It's impossible not to feel a surge of desire and relief hearing those words. "I'm glad," she whispers hoarsely, her fingers tangling in his hair as she pulls him closer still. Her body trembles with anticipation; the urgent need for release feels overwhelming in this moment.

She kisses him harder now, hungry and desperate, her hands roaming restlessly across his chest and stomach before dipping lower to find purchase on his waistband. She tugs at it, trying to draw his pants down as quickly as possible, aching for the warmth of his skin against hers once more. "Please," she gasps, her voice growing raspy from want and need. "I need you."

Levi helps her rid him of his clothing, eager to feel