Bass stilled, the restlessness calming under her soothing touches. Everyone had been taking care of him, effectively and efficiently, but the brush of fingers through his hair, the touch of lips, all of that was new. He'd drifted toward consciousness once or twice, before how much everything hurt drove him back under.

But Charlie's voice drew him closer to the surface. He was pretty sure that he was dreaming, but it was a better dream than he'd had so far here, since he'd left the city.

The press of the cup was solid and real, though, her fingers gentle in his hair, and he felt hot and his throat hurt. Water would be good, right? He opened his lips for the water, trying to swallow.