Caroline looked up at him and laughed through her tears. "You're such a thug, you know that?" She lifted herself a bit so she could give him a real kiss. "But you're my thug now I guess, so I'll just have to deal with it." She backed away a step and took his hand. "Let's go back to your room. I don't think I want to be around anyone else right now."

----

Alex did as she asked and chilled her shoulder, numbing the area. He shushed her as she started to cry and petted her hair, trying to calm her down. "Rest for now, alright? There will be plenty of time for lamentation when you're healthy again. For now just let me take care of you." He leaned down and kissed her forehead again, humming her a lullaby.