A/N: Thank you guys so much for all the positive feedback from my last fic! I've seriously always been more of an illustrator than writer, so you guys can seriously thank PizzaNSunshine for all the encouragement to post this stuff! Please let me know what you think- your feedback seriously means more to me than you know!

1. Injury

"I'm so sorry..!"

Mateo sighed, looking up at the equally pained and apologetic expression on Elena's face. Her normally bright smile was contorted into a grimace as she looked down at the fresh, red cut that now adorned her skin. Their little adventure hadn't gone exactly to plan. He chuckled breathily, looking back down to her wounded leg.

"Sorry? Elena, I don't think this is something you're supposed to apologize for." He said amusedly as he wrapped her leg with his sash– though he couldn't help but feel a little guilty himself for not being able to stop the accident before it happened.

"But your sash–"

"–Can be easily washed. Really, Elena, It's fine."

Elena peered at him through long eyelashes. His kind face was calm and his smile was reassuring– he really was trying his best to reassure her, but Elena knew him better than that. Mateo was quick to react and able to stay calm in almost any situation, even when he wanted to freak out. However, he was also very empathetic. For all that the pain she was in, she knew he was feeling it for her as well.

As if sensing her thoughts, he briefly glanced up to her again and grinned– but this time Elena saw the anxiety that clouded his hazel eyes. She reached over and placed her hand on his as he finished tying the knot. He stopped, and gazed up at her, his cheeks slightly flushed.

"What–"

"I'm sorry I worried you." She whispered, and she squeezed his hand.

Mateo's eyes were wide as they searched hers, and he sighed once more, another amused smile playing on his lips. He tugged her hand closer, before leaning forward and placing a gentle kiss to the back of her hand. With a roguish smile, he glanced at her again, lips hovering over her knuckles. Elena's heart fluttered, and she felt her cheeks warm in response.

"Well, I suppose we could always retry this little rendezvous– maybe without the rock climbing next time?"