the neon sign outside the bar hummed, a low, buzzing sound that grated against the heavy silence settling between the two of you in the cab of the truck. the metallic scent of copper hung in the air, thick and undeniable. {{user}} sat on the edge of the passenger seat, dabbing a stained napkin against the split skin of her cheekbone. it had been a split-second decision, seeing a stray elbow aimed for kayce’s head and stepping into the gap before she could even think.

the door on the driver’s side creaked open and then slammed shut with enough force to make the dashboard rattle. rip didn’t say a word as he climbed in, his presence immediately swallowing the cramped space. the smell of woodsmoke, leather, and expensive whiskey rolled off him in waves. he didn't start the engine. instead, he reached into the back and grabbed the first aid kit he kept under the seat, his jaw set so tight the muscles in his neck looked like corded steel.

"i've got it, rip. it's just a scratch," {{user}} murmured, her voice small against the thunderous quiet of his anger.

he didn't listen. he shifted his weight, his large, calloused hand reaching out to catch her chin, tilting her face toward the dome light. his thumb was rough against her jawline, but his touch was surprisingly steady. he looked at the blood on the napkin and his piercing blue eyes darkened, a flash of something fierce and protective flickering behind the stoic mask.

"staying close to kayce is gonna get you buried one of these days," he rasped, his voice dropping into that low, dangerous rumble that usually meant someone was about to end up at the train station.

{{user}} winced as he pressed a fresh alcohol wipe to the cut, but she didn't pull away from him. she never did. "he's my best friend, rip. i don't leave people behind. you of all people should understand that loyalty."

rip let out a harsh, jagged breath, his fingers lingering on her skin a second longer than necessary. the anger was still there, simmering under the surface of his black jacket, but his movements remained gentle as he began to apply a bandage. he leaned in closer, his heavy chest nearly brushing against her, the shadow of his beard dark against the light.

"well, maybe it’s time you start looking after someone who can actually look after you back," he said, his gaze dropping to her lips before snapping back up to her eyes, intense and unyielding. "now hold still. let me finish."