Blue suffered being carried to the bathroom, thankful that her hair hid her face until the door closed behind the doctor and she took a careful breath. All of her still hurt, but she obligingly tipped her head and eased around on the counter so that her mate might cut the ties of the obnoxious gown, Blue shoving it away once it came loose.

Then Omega came at her with a warm soapy washcloth, but Blue took his wrists in both of her hands, halting his advance. "--wait." She stared at her hands holding his wrists, then very slowly lifted her gaze to his, staring at him for a long, intent moment, until her lower lip began to very lightly tremble.

"...y--" She bit the words off, unshed tears choking her throat. A pause, then she tried again. "...you--came for me." Dr. Gwen had told her that, back at the hospital. A single tear, gleaming crystal, spilled from one blue eye, shimmering on her too-pale cheek. Blue abruptly released Omega's wrists, running her nails up over his arms until she could clutch the loose fabric of his shirt.

"...kiss me," she demanded in a hoarse whisper, tugging at him weakly. "Kiss me until it doesn't hurt anymore..."