2.6 Bind

Paolo was given paternity leave. Since his dad insists on doing most of the child-care, Paolo spends most of his time off working out. Military training is grueling, and he can't afford to be out of shape. 

He glances behind him at Krista, hard at work on the last of her Newton's Cradles. He's not sure why she insists on making ten of them, but then again he's not an inventor. Maybe it would sell better that way. 

Krista sighs as she uses her blow-torch on a warped piece of metal. She's nearly done with this whole stupid project. She can't wait to give these to the consignment store! 

Why does Pablo want me to sell 10 of these things anyways!? Who's going to buy them? she thinks sourly. 

Her thoughts are so angry that she accidentally loosens her grip on the blowtorch. She fumbles and flails to catch it before it can hit the inventing table... 

She's able to catch it, but not before it catches on the back of her shirt. 

Krista's not having a good day. 

Not a good day at all. 

"Krista!" Paolo screams as he extinguishes her. His scream is met with incoherent shrieks of fear, confusion, and pain. 

Just for a second, it looks like the extinguisher might run out before putting out the fire. 

Though she's a charred and burned mess, the fire is put out and Krista is alive. Right before she can pass out, Paolo catches her in his arms. 

A trip to the hospital and a shower later, Krista is home and right as rain again. Physically, anyways. 

Paolo made her favourite meal, Cheesesteak, but she says she isn't hungry. Paolo isn't either, but he can't remember when his last meal was, so he dutifully consumes his share. 

"Thank you, for saving me..." she says with a weak smile. 

Paolo doesn't respond and continues to glumly chew his food. The doctors said they were lucky she's alright, but he doesn't feel lucky. He feels horrible- his girlfriend almost died! What if he hadn't been in the room? His parents are elderly and getting slower... they might not have been quick enough to help and Krista would've...would've... 

He swallows the lump in his throat. She's still here, he reminds himself. 

That, she is. He gets up and takes her hands in his. 

"I almost lost you," he says quietly. 

Krista tries to smile, "But you didn't. I'm ok, really." 

Paolo shakes his head, "No, you don't understand. You almost died. I...I couldn't bear not having you around...I don't want to lose you. Ever."

"I promise, I'll be more careful..." 

Paolo shakes his head, "No, that's not what I mean..." Krista cocks her head to the side, confused. 

Paolo tugs her to the centre of the room, and kneels down. 

"Paolo, what are you doing?" Krista asks breathlessly. She knows the answer, but she can't believe it. She needs to hear it.

"Will you marry me, Krista?" 

She knows a "no" should be at least hovering on the tip of her tongue, but looking at Paolo's smile, seeing how much he loves her reflected in his eyes... she can't do it. She's selfish, and she can't keep her distance. She will be binding him to her and her baggage, forever, and she couldn't be happier. 

"Yes! Yes, I'll marry you." 

Paolo slips the cheap ring onto her finger.

"I'm sorry I don't have anything better, I bought this in the hospital gift shop," he apologizes with a nervous laugh. He couldn't wait any longer than the time it took her to be released from the doctor's care to start the rest of his life with her. 

"No, it's perfect." Krista can't imagine how a giant rock on her finger could possibly make her feel any more elated than she does right now. 

She throws herself at him and hugs him tightly. 

"I love you, Paolo." 

He returns her hug. 

"I love you, too." 

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AN: That was a close one! My sims almost never get into these kinds of accidents in game, so I was shocked when flames starting shooting out of Krista's back! No one moved to save her, so I directed Paolo to put her out. *phew*