Alaina gasped at the sight in front of them when Nico finally parked the motorcycle. There was a beautiful waterfall cascading down the side of a rocky cliff, its pristine waters sparkling in the sunlight. Surrounding the waterfall were vibrant green trees and colorful flowers, creating a picturesque scene straight out of a fairytale. Alaina couldn't help but stare in awe at the natural beauty before her, feeling a sense of wonder and enchantment wash over her. The waterfall went to a lake, its crystal-clear waters inviting and refreshing. The area was secluded, and the only sound was the gentle rustling of the wind and the soft trickling of the water. It was the perfect place to escape the stresses of the world and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Nico watched with a smile as Alaina took in the view, feeling proud and pleased with himself for being able to make her happy. It was moments like these that reminded him of why he fell in love with her in the first place. She was always so passionate about the things she loved, so full of life and energy. He couldn't help but be drawn to her, to want to experience everything she did and share in her joy. It was part of what made her so special to him. He was drawn to her like a moth to a flame, and he would gladly burn for her if it meant seeing her smile.

"This is amazing," Alaina breathes out, still in awe of the beauty surrounding her. She looks at Nico, her blue eyes shining with happiness and affection. "Thank you for bringing me here. It's absolutely stunning."

Nico smiles softly, his chest swelling with warmth and love. "You're welcome," He replies, his voice soft and full of sincerity. "I wanted to bring you somewhere special. Somewhere we could just be alone and enjoy each other's company. And I'm glad you like it."

"Like it? I love it." Alaina corrects him, stepping closer to him and pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. "You're incredible, do you know that?" She murmured against his lips.

Nico grins, a faint blush dusting his cheeks. "Well, I'm not the only one," He murmurs back, brushing his lips against hers. "You're the amazing one here, babe." He couldn't help but steal another kiss from her, his heart racing at the feeling of her soft lips against his. He loved kissing her, loved the feeling of her body pressed against his and her fingers gently threading through his hair. It was a feeling unlike any other, one that sent shivers down his spine and made him crave more.

After a few minutes of just enjoying the view, Nico leads Alaina towards the lake. They decided to explore the area further, holding hands as they walked along the edge of the lake and admiring the wildlife around them. They spotted birds flying overhead and fish swimming in the clear waters, their colorful scales shimmering in the sunlight.

As they walked, they talked and laughed, sharing stories and making plans for the future. They talked about their hopes and dreams, their fears and insecurities, knowing that they could always rely on each other for love and support. They talked about their families and friends, their pasts and their futures, knowing that they had found something special in each other.

They stopped by a rock and sat down, looking out at the water and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Alaina scoots closer to Nico, leaning her head on his shoulder and lacing their fingers together. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath and relishing the feeling of contentment that washed over her. She was so grateful for this moment, for being able to spend time with the man she loved, surrounded by nature and tranquility.

"Hey, babe," Nico breaks the silence after a while. Alaina opens her eyes and turns her head towards him, meeting his gaze. "I love you." He stated simply, his voice full of sincerity and conviction.

Alaina smiles, her heart fluttering at his words as she giggles shyly. "I love you too," She replies, squeezing his hand and kissing his cheek. "I can't believe I'm lucky enough to have found someone like you. Someone who makes me so happy and who loves me for who I am. You're incredible, and I'm so grateful to have you in my life."

Nico can't help but chuckle softly, his chest tightening with emotion. "I feel the same way, baby. I'm the luckiest guy in the world to have you in my life." He kissed the top of her head, his heart feeling full and warm. He's glad they had this time together, to just enjoy each other's company and relax. He can't help but feel excited for what the future holds, knowing that whatever happens, they'll be together and that's all that matters.

Alaina glances out at the lake, watching the way the sunlight reflects off the water. "Wanna go swimming?" She suggests, standing up and stretching her limbs. "It looks so refreshing."

"Sure," Nico stands up, shrugging off his jacket and laying it down on the rock. "Sounds like fun." He can't help but stare as Alaina removes her shoes and socks, admiring the way her curves fill out her clothes and the way her blonde hair falls around her shoulders. He could never get tired of the sight of her.

Alaina smiles and winks at him, sensing his gaze on her. Her face burns a bit, and her heart flutters. She loved the way Nico looked at her, as if she were the most beautiful woman in the world. It made her feel desired and appreciated, and it fueled her confidence. "What are you looking at?" She asked teasingly, already knowing the answer.

"Just admiring the view." Nico smirked, his brown eyes twinkling with mischief. He knew he was being obvious, but he didn't care. He loved making Alaina blush and knowing that he could make her feel flustered with just a few words or a look.

Alaina's face turns more red as she looks away, taking her cardigan off and setting it aside. She then removes her shorts and her top, standing there in her bikini. Her face was bright red, and she can't help but giggle nervously. "Well, are you just going to stand there and stare or are you going to join me?" She asked playfully as she walked to the water.

Nico chuckles and shakes his head, his eyes roaming her body appreciatively. "Don't mind if I do." He removed his shirt and kicked off his shoes, quickly joining Alaina in the water. They splashed around and played for a while, enjoying the feeling of the cool water against their skin and the freedom of being able to let loose and have fun.

Eventually, they ended up just floating around and holding hands, staring into each other's eyes and smiling. They both knew that they had found their soulmate in each other, and that they would never let go.

"We should come here more often." Alaina breaks the silence after a few minutes, her eyes still locked with Nico's. "It's so peaceful and relaxing. It's a great place to unwind and just be ourselves."

"I couldn't agree more." Nico replies with a soft smile, his fingers gently caressing hers. "We can come here anytime you want. Or anywhere else for that matter. I'll take you anywhere you want to go, baby."

Alaina blushes, her heart pounding at his words. "You're so good to me." She murmurs, her eyes filling with tears of joy. "I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I'm so thankful that I have you in my life."

Nico's expression becomes serious as he pulls her close, his brown eyes intense. "I'll always be here for you, Alaina," He promises, his voice firm and sincere. "No matter what happens, I'll always be by your side. I'll never give up on you, and I'll always love you."

"I'll never give up on you either," Alaina replies, her eyes shining with emotion. "I'll always be here for you too, Nico. I love you so much."

Nico couldn't help but grin, his chest filling with warmth and happiness. He knew that he had found his forever in Alaina, and he would never let her go. They shared a tender kiss before continuing to enjoy the afternoon. They continued swimming and realized there was something past the waterfall. So they swam through the waterfall, the sound of the water splashing and the spray surrounding them. They held hands and smiled as they saw what was behind the waterfall. It was a beautiful grotto, with moss-covered rocks and crystal clear water. Sunlight filtered through the waterfall, casting a magical glow on the surroundings. It was a place of peace and beauty, a secret haven just for them.

"Wow," Alaina breathes, her eyes wide with wonder. "This is incredible. I've never seen anything like this before."

"I haven't either." Nico agrees, his eyes drinking in the sight before him. "It's breathtaking."

They swam to the edge of the grotto and pulled themselves up onto a rock, their bodies glistening with water droplets and their hair dripping wet. The air was warm and humid, and the smell of flowers and earth permeated the air. Alaina can't help but notice how intimate the scene was, with just the two of them alone in this secluded place. It felt almost surreal, like something out of a dream.

Nico sits next to her, putting his arm around her and pulling her close. They sit in silence for a while, just enjoying the moment and each other's company. The sound of the waterfall provided a soothing backdrop, and Alaina felt a sense of peace wash over her as she leaned her head against Nico's shoulder. She felt safe and loved in his arms, and she never wanted this moment to end.

"Thank you for bringing me here," Alaina murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's like something out of a fairytale."

Nico smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I'm glad you like it," He replies softly. "I wanted to show you how special you are to me. And being here with you, in this beautiful place, feels like a dream come true."

Alaina's heart swelled with love for Nico, and she snuggled closer to him, reveling in the warmth of his embrace. She felt grateful for every moment they shared together, knowing that their love was something truly extraordinary.

As they sat together in the grotto, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the sound of the waterfall, Alaina couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. She knew that this moment would stay with her forever, a cherished memory of their love and the bond they shared. Eventually they went back past the waterfall and to the shore to dry off.  Alaina had brought some towels along with her for them to use. Nico grabbed his towel, drying himself off and running the towel through his hair. His hair was mussed and slightly damp, making it appear darker and longer than usual. 

Alaina couldn't help but admire how sexy he looked, the wet fabric of his swim trunks clinging to his toned body and accentuating his muscular frame. She averted her gaze, her cheeks turning pink as she tried not to stare. He noticed her reaction, smirking and winking at her, knowing that she was checking him out. He enjoyed teasing her, seeing her cheeks flush and her breath hitch. It made him feel good knowing that he could elicit such a response from her.

As they sat on the blanket together, cuddled up by each other, a comfortable silence fell over them. They enjoyed the warmth of the sun and the light breeze that rustled through the trees. They eventually got their clothes back on and packed everything up before they just sat on the rocks and curled up by each other. Alaina could tell that Nico was starting to get tired and honestly so was she. They did a lot today. She was wondering if they should head back to the hospital or just call it a day. She looked at Nico's face, seeing how tired he was and made her decision. He had already pushed his limits today, and it was important to give him time to rest and recover.

"I think we should head back to the hospital, Nic. You're starting to look a little tired." Alaina says softly, concern lacing her tone. "But, it was a fun day and thank you." She smiled at him, placing a gentle kiss on his cheek,

"I'm fine," Nico reassures her, smiling at her. "In fact, we should go jump off of Lulumahu Cliff." He suggested as he got up. He didn't want the day to end yet. He just wanted it to last a little bit longer. He wasn't ready to go back to the hospital. As Nico suggested jumping off Lulumahu Cliff, Alaina couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and concern. She understood Nico's desire to keep the day going, but she also wanted to ensure his well-being. She looked into his eyes, searching for any signs of exhaustion or strain.

"Are you sure you're up for it, Nic?" Alaina asks softly, standing up and cupping his face. "Remember our deal?"

Nico leans into her touch, placing his hands over hers. "I'm sure, Ali. I promise." He told her. Yes, he did feel a little tired and worn out from all the activity they did today, but he didn't want it to end.

Alaina nods, smiling softly. She could see the determination and excitement in his eyes. It made her feel better about him suggesting to do more. "Alright, then let's go." She helps bring their stuff back to the motorcycle as they walk back over to it. Her eyes widen slightly and she quickly reaches out to help steady Nico when he suddenly stumbled a bit. "Nic?" She asks worriedly. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Nico nods, straightening up and putting on a smile. "I'm fine, baby. I just tripped a bit. Let's go."

Alaina didn't believe him though. She could always see right through him. "This day was incredible and I don't want it to end, I know you don't either, but maybe we should head back to the hospital." She suggested, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.

"No," Nico argues immediately, causing her eyes widen in surprise. "I'm not going back."

Alaina is surprised by the sudden surge of energy in him and is left speechless for a moment. She looks into his eyes, trying to understand what is going on. "Nico, what are you talking about?" She questioned, her eyes full of concern.

"I checked myself out." Nico admits, earning a surprised look from her. "Alaina, I can't just lay there in bed, waiting for the day I die."

Alaina's eyes widen and her jaw drops open, taken aback by his revelation. She couldn't believe what he was saying. "You checked yourself out of the hospital?" She repeated, her voice soft. She couldn't believe what he was telling her.

"I did," Nico nods, a determined expression on his face. "I want to live my life, Alaina. I don't want to just sit there, wasting away. I want to be out here, with you."

Alaina felt her heart race, her emotions a whirlwind. She couldn't believe what was happening. She couldn't believe that he was checking himself out of the hospital. She knew that he was sick and that he needed treatment, but she understood his desire to live his life.

"Nico," Alaina began, her voice trembling slightly. "What if...What if you get worse? What if you...Die?" She hated to even say the words, but she had to know. She had to understand what he was thinking.

"Then I'll die," Nico states bluntly, causing her heart to clench. "But I won't die in a hospital bed, wasting away. I'll die doing what I love, and that's spending time with you."

His words were like a knife to her heart, and she couldn't stop the tears from flowing down her cheeks. She couldn't believe what he was saying. She couldn't believe that he was risking his life just to be with her. "I understand that, but the doctors are trying their best." Alaina tries to reason with him. "I know it's tough, but you just have to stay positive. I'm not saying it's easy, but it's something you need to try. Didn't you say the other night that I was the reason you're living life to the fullest?" She reminded him, a soft smile on her face.

"I did," Nico sighs, reaching out and wiping her tears that had escaped. "I meant it. You are the reason I'm living my life, Alaina. But I can't just lay there and wait for death. I need to live my life, and that means taking risks. That's why I want to go jump off of Lulumahu Cliff."

Alaina couldn't believe what she was hearing. She couldn't believe that he would take such a risk. She understood his desire to live his life, but she couldn't help but worry about him. "I know it's hard, and I know it's scary, but you just have to trust the doctors," Alaina pleads. "I know you're sick and tired of being cooped up in the hospital, but you just have to hang in there a little bit longer."

"Ali," Nico starts, his brown eyes locking onto her blue eyes. "I can't do that. I'm not going back. I'm sorry, but I'm not. So if you can't accept that, then we're going to have a problem."

Alaina's eyes widen in surprise and a lump formed in her throat. She couldn't believe what he was saying. She couldn't believe how adamant he was about this. She wanted to convince him, but she knew it was no use. "Nico, please, don't do this," Alaina pleads, her voice shaking with emotion. "You can't give up, not when the doctors are doing everything they can. We can still go live our lives to the fullest, Nic. You just need to focus on your health and let the doctors do their job. I know you're sick and tired of hearing the same thing, but they really are doing their best. And if anything happens, I'll be right by your side. So, please. Let's just go back to the hospital." She told him gently, reaching down and taking his hands in hers.

"No, Ali." Nico sighs. "I've had enough." He pulls his hand away from her, walking over to his motorcycle. "I'm going to Lulumahu Cliff whether you're with me or not."

As Alaina watched Nico walk away, her heart felt heavy with worry and fear. She didn't know what to do or say to change his mind. She felt torn between supporting him and trying to convince him to prioritize his health. But deep down, she knew that she couldn't force him to do anything he didn't want to do. With a heavy heart, Alaina followed Nico to the motorcycle, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions. She knew that she couldn't let him go alone, especially if he was determined to take such a risky step. Despite her reservations, she couldn't bear the thought of losing him, not after all they had been through together.

"Nico, wait," Alaina calls out, her voice trembling with uncertainty. "I'll go with you."

Nico turns to look at her, surprise evident in his eyes. He hadn't expected her to agree so easily, knowing how much she valued his well-being. But seeing the determination in her eyes, he knew that she was serious. "Are you sure?" Nico asked, his voice soft with concern. He didn't want to put her in danger or make her feel uncomfortable, but he also appreciated her willingness to stand by his side.

Alaina nods her resolve firm. "I'm sure. I can't let you go alone, Nico. Whatever happens, I want to be there for you."

Nico felt a wave of gratitude wash over him, knowing that he wasn't alone in this. He walks over to her, cupping her face in his hands. "Thank you, Ali. You have no idea how much this means to me." He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

Alaina melted into the kiss as she kissed him back, her hands coming up to hold his wrists. When they pulled away, she rested her forehead against his. "You don't have to thank me. I love you, and I'll always support you, Nic. No matter what." She tells him. "We're in this together."

Nico gave her a smile, feeling happier than he had in a long time. He knew that he could always count on her, and that meant the world to him. "Let's go, baby."

With that, they hopped onto the motorcycle and took off towards Lulumahu Cliff, Alaina praying for the best and preparing for the worst. Along the ride, Alaina noticed he kept getting dizzy and she knew he was pushing himself too much. She held onto him tighter, her mind racing with worry and fear.

"Nic, are you sure you're okay?" She questions, sounding worried and concerned. She could feel his body tensing up beneath her, his movements becoming more unsteady as they rode on. "Maybe we should turn back and head to the hospital." She suggested, her voice laced with concern.

Nico hesitates for a moment, his grip on the handlebars tightening. He knew that Alaina was right, that pushing himself further could only lead to trouble. But the desire to feel alive, to experience the rush of adrenaline, was overpowering. "I'm fine, Ali." He assures her, though his voice was strained. "We're almost there, and I want to jump. I'll be okay, I promise."

Alaina knew that she couldn't stop him, that she had to respect his decision. But that didn't stop the worry and fear from building inside her. As they neared the cliff, Alaina felt her heart pounding in her chest, her body tense with anxiety. She was terrified of what might happen, but she trusted Nico, and she would stand by his side, no matter what. Alaina bit her lip, torn between her concern for Nico's well-being and her desire to support him. She knew that arguing further would only cause more tension between them, and she didn't want to exacerbate the situation.

With a heavy heart, she nodded, silently resigning herself to accompanying Nico to Lulumahu Cliff. They continued their journey, the air between them filled with a tense silence. The closer they got to their destination, the more nervous and anxious Alaina became, her stomach churning with a mixture of dread and anticipation. Suddenly, Nico started to get dizzy and his grip on the handlebars was beginning to loosen. Alaina held onto him, her arms wrapped around his waist.

"Nico, you should pull over to let me drive. We need to head back." Alaina urged, concern evident in her tone.

Nico tried to protest, his stubbornness coming out, but the fatigue was taking over. Everything happened so fast. He got more wobbly and soon he fainted, causing the bike to veer off the road and come to a sudden stop. Alaina's heart raced as she felt the motorcycle lurch beneath her, her instincts kicking in as she tried to maintain control. She had reached over to grab the handles to take control. With a surge of adrenaline, she managed to bring the bike to a stop on the side of the road, her hands trembling while she turned off the engine. She quickly scrambled off the bike, rushing over to Nico's side. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest as she saw him lying unconscious on the ground.

"Nico!" Alaina calls out frantically, dropping to her knees beside him. She didn't care about the scratches she got on her knees from sliding on the ground. "God, please let me remember the symptoms Lahela told me." She muttered to herself as she grabbed his wrist, putting her other hand on his neck as she checked his pulse.

"It looks like dizziness, um...I think tachycardia..." She lays her hand on his forehead, wincing as she felt his forehead was warm. "And a fever." She pulls away, pulling his shirt up a little on his back, eyes widening at seeing a rash. She could feel her heart hammering in her chest, fear coursing through her veins. "And a rash. I-I think this is what Lahela said the symptoms for a post-op infection from the bone marrow biopsy were."

Nico lays on the ground in pain, breathing heavily. "I gotta get to the..."

"Baby, you aren't going anywhere but the hospital. I think this a risk of a...Crap, what was it called?" Alaina mumbles, feeling panicked as she tries to recall the name of the infection. "Wait, I think it was sepsis or something like that. We have to get you to the hospital. Now." It was so hard not to be panicking, she knew she needed to keep a cool head, but it was so difficult. "Okay, let's get you up." She grunted as she tried to pull Nico up to his feet. He kept gasping and struggling to breathe. He could barely stand on his own, and Alaina knew she needed to act fast. Summoning all her strength, she managed to hoist Nico up, supporting him as they stumbled back to the motorcycle. With trembling hands, she helped him onto the seat, making sure he was secure before mounting in front of him and putting the other helmet on.

"Hang on, Nic," She said, her voice trembling with worry as she started the engine. "We're going to get you to the hospital as fast as we can."

Nico leaned heavily against her, his breaths coming in ragged gasps as she guided the motorcycle back onto the road. Alaina's mind raced as she navigated the streets, her heart pounding in her chest with every passing second. She could feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on her, knowing that Nico's life was in her hands. The fear and panic threatened to overwhelm her, but she fought it back, refusing to give in to the urge to break down. She knew that if she faltered for even a moment, Nico's life could be in danger, and she wasn't about to let that happen.