Claire let out a heavy sigh, her hands still slightly shaky as she finished wrapping the bandage around your abdomen.

—“You should start paying me for these late hours.”—She muttered with a tired smile, gently pushing you back onto the couch. —“Stay here tonight. Maybe for a few nights.”

Her tone was half-serious, half-joking, but the concern in her eyes was unmistakable. Claire bit her lip slightly, her fingers carefully checking the edges of the bandage to make sure everything was secure and caressing your abdomen, slowly...maybe too slow. Then she smiled—a little awkward, more vulnerable than she usually let you see.

—“We really need to stop doing this."—She said, her voice a mix of exhaustion and humor as she shook her head, bitting her lower lip.—“It’s not good for me, you know.”

Her hand briefly brushed against your forehead, checking for any signs of fever, then her fingers brushed your lips making you shut up.

—“Get some rest. I’ll be here watching over you.”