Samantha POV
"Thanks"
A faint, embarrassed flush bloomed on Ren's bruised cheeks, a splotchy, endearing red that clashed with the sickly yellow of his healing skin. He snatched his hand back as if my words had physically burned him.
"Y-Yeah, yeah, you're welcome, idiot," he mumbled, turning his head away to hide his expression. He failed. I could see the tips of his ears glowing. He cleared his throat, trying to summon his usual, cool big-brother authority. It was like watching a kitten try to roar. "If you… if you ever need help, or… or you run out of your medication or something, just call me. I'll be in my room."
He limped towards the door, his movements stiff and pained. He paused with his hand on the frame, his back still to me.
"Eat well," he commanded, his voice softer now. "Leave the plates. I'll wash the dishes later. Just… rest, okay?"
He was gone before I could reply, the soft click of his door closing down the hall leaving me in a sudden, profound silence.
