The scene opens out onto Vanessa Lang’s hospital room in Altru Hospital. Lying on the bed, asleep, is Vanessa herself. The gentle and rhythmic beep of her heart monitor is the only noise in the room, as the camera pans around, bringing Hans von Richtoven, sat on a chair at the foot of the bed into view. Next to him on a small table are several empty styrene cups, while a full one rests in one hand, while in the other is an eBook, as he keeps himself busy.

The door to the room swings open gently, as a nurse enters the room, first of all focusing on Vanessa, before looking sympathetically at Hans.

(Nurse): You really should get some rest Mr von Richtoven. It’s very romantic that you insist on being at her side at all times, but it’s not healthy at all.

She takes a few steps towards Hans, plucking the styrene cup from his grasp.

(Nurse): And neither is drinking that so called coffee…

A smile tugs at the corner of Hans’ mouth at this, before with a low sigh escaping his lips, he switches off his eBook, setting it on the table.

(Hans): I know… it’s just with all that’s been going on, I’d rather not risk going anywhere.

(Nurse): Trust me, there’s no harm in getting a little fresh air. I’ll be here with Miss Lang.

She makes a shooing motion with her Hans, as he obligingly gets up.

(Nurse): Go on, even ten minutes. You’ve been cooped up in here that I think you’re starting to forget what sunlight feels like…

The scene fades out momentarily, before coming back onto a scene outside the hospital. Hans walks into view, deep in conversation on his phone with his brother.

(Hans): You still not allowed in?

An exasperated noise comes from the back of his brother's throat.

(Heinrich): Barred completely.

There comes a rustling sound from the phone's speaker as his brother's free hand ruffles his hair, followed by a slow sigh.

(Heinrich): I don't even think I'd be allowed in if I was at death's door…

He trails off, muttering curses under his breath.

(Hans): Want me to have another word with the doctor?

(Heinrich): Nah, forget about it Hans. Thanks, but if they were really considering it, then they'd have relented by now.

(Hans): True…

He smiles ruefully.

(Hans): Still angry at yourself for what happened?

(Heinrich): Kinda. I doubt I’d have reacted any differently had the location been any different, but I’m still angry that I fell into his hands like that.

(Hans): Heard from Jason yet?

(Heinrich): Still nothing so far.

(Hans): Damn…

He glances around, back towards the hospital, eyes searching for the window leading to Vanessa's room involuntarily.

(Hans): They say that there's no point in keeping her in any longer than this evening, so all you'd be missing out on is helping me carry the bags and holding her arm to keep her steady if I'm honest…

(Heinrich): She still not up to strength yet then?

(Hans): Physically, she's near or there about, and the bite marks are healing fast, but…

His thumb and index finger from his left hand pinch the bridge of his nose, before moving in a circular motion; rubbing sleep from his eyes.

(Hans): There's more too it than that. She's been through the wringer this past month or two with all that's been going on. She's had to see one of HWA's shining paragon's throw his lot in with Senester, watch me struggle to come to terms with that as well, have him break her leg… *Sighs* Deal with the uncertainty of why Senester chose her to referee his match and the contractual business that got brought up as well…

His brother's tone is brimming with genuine sympathy.

(Heinrich): It's one thing after another.

(Hans): Yeah… yeah… and it's getting to her.

(Heinrich): She's got a core of steel Hans, she'll pull through. Things like this have happened before…

(Hans): It may have happened before, but the only real connection she's had is that she has the job to call it from ringside. Apart from Thane, she's never had to go home with them afterwards and share their lives until we started seeing one another…

He trails off uncomfortably, glancing around him once more.

(Heinrich): Are you trying to blame yourself here?

Hans' free hand goes around his chest in an almost protective manner as he continues his walk, a quiet sigh escaping his lips.

(Hans): I… uh… I don't…

(Heinrich): Don't. Don't you dare even consider that! Your relationship is one of the only good things HWA has going for it at the moment, and I'd argue the best thing either of you have as well, so don't you dare start jeopardizing it with thoughts like that; period.

Hans remains motionless for a few moments, digesting his brother’s words, before his shoulders relax visibly, as he rubs the bridge of his nose one more time, a slight tone of optimism entering his voice.

(Hans): Yeah, you’re right. Sorry, I’m just… you know, it’s been a while since I got any proper sleep.

(Heinrich): I know; you’ve been there for her. Tell you what, I’ll go grab the Mercedes and pick you both up; give you a chance to get some sleep in the back, and I’ll have a word with mutti about using the jet to get us back to New York.

(Hans): That would be great, really, that would.

(Heinrich): Ah, don’t make a deal out of it. I’ve already had mutti going off because of what’s happened, I’ve been swamped with emotion these last few days…

The sound of Heinrich’s laughter filters down through the phone, causing Hans to smile in reaction to it.

(Hans): Well, I’m sure tomorrow I’ll be able to resume my brotherly duties in shielding you from unwanted emotions.

(Heinrich): Well I wouldn’t take up all the slack if I were you, you’ve got the Horde’s little attack puppy mouthing off at you, so you’ll want to hold something back to swat him off with.

(Hans): *Snorts with amusement* Well I’ll bear that in mind then.

Hans begins a slow walk around the manicured garden.

(Hans): All set for Eddie?

(Heinrich): Oh I’m ready for him. If that boy can somehow drag his attention away from that make believe friend of his, and look past the pain you’re bringing for him, then he might, justmight be ready for me.

(Hans): I’m still due my pound of flesh for what he chose at Havoc, so leave enough for me to tease out of him over these matches I’ve got coming up, ok?

(Heinrich): I’ll think about it, no promises though.

Again, the sound of Heinrich’s laughter filters down through the phone.

(Heinrich): Seriously though, he’s a big step up from my usual opponents, so I’m sure that there’ll be plenty left of him for you to make your point.

(Hans): Glad to hear.

He glances down at his watch as he comes to a conclusion of his walk around the small garden.

(Hans): Right, anyway Heinrich, I’ve been out here longer than I intended. I’ll see you later on tonight though.

(Heinrich): What time you wanting me to be there for?

(Hans): Mmm, say 7 o’clock?

(Heinrich): Deal. See you then.

The scene once again fades out momentarily, before resuming on a shot of the corridor outside Vanessa Lang’s room. Standing with his back to the door, is a bespoke suited individual, dark glasses shielding his eyes, while a small brown leather briefcase is held in front of him.

(Hans): Excuse me, do you mind telling me what you’re doing here?

The camera pans around, as Hans von Richtoven strides into view, interjecting himself between the door and the man.

(Man): I’m here on behalf of Lord Senester, Baron.

Hans’ eyes narrow while his fingers fold into clenched fists; knuckles turning white as they do so. He advances on the man threateningly.

(Hans): If you’ve done anything to Vanessa... so help me…

The man raises one hand to stop Hans.

(Man): I can assure you Baron that I’ve not entered the room; as the young lady attending Miss Lang can attest to.

He lifts the briefcase up.

(Man): My only reason for being here is to hand you this, at Lord Senester’s request.

Hans eyes the briefcase suspiciously, although his fists do unclench.

(Hans): What’s in it?

(Man): Your contract.

(Hans): My co… contract?

Hans takes the briefcase from the man, holding it flat on his left hand, while he opens it with the right.

(Man): My Lord Senester is at pains to highlight how much he dislikes contractual problems like what very nearly happened with Miss Lang, and has taken this opportunity to ensure that, everything is in ‘order’ with your own Baron.

With that, the suited man departs, leaving Hans in the near empty corridor, looking into the briefcase for a few moments in time, before slamming it shut, and entering Vanessa’s room.

The scene fades to black.