Gabriel grinned at Vanessa's joke. This was as far from sexy as he could ever feel, with blood oozing from his eyebrow and his clothes muddy from the streetfight outside. He grunted in different tones as responses, instead of using words. Words hurt. [i]''This might sting.. well, it is going to sting''[/i] she said, and Gabriel couldn't help but snicker. She... Placed his hand on her arm. [i]''just pinch me if it stings''[/i] she continued and started to clean his wound. He couldn't feel the sting, or any pain. He felt dizzy, sure but... Her skin was soothing. He gently moved his thumb back and forth, feeling the softness of her arm. He found enough courage to speak. [i]"I'm sorry I woke you up... I'll let you know next time I get my ass kicked and need to hide..."[/i] he said, his voice hoarse. He looked up at her for a moment and tilted his head. Why was she helping him anyway? Returning the favor from earlier, when he had stopped the thugs from doing bad things to her? Or something else..?

When she noticed he was staring, he looked away. [i]"Thank you... For helping me."[/i]