[Yeah, yeah, she's been through this song and dance before. "Doesn't she have anyone else to talk to," "don't waste your time on me," blah blah blah. The familiarity squeezes her heart tightly into a vise that makes it hard to breathe again, but luckily he doesn't seem to need her to say anything at all to give in. She just manages another smile at his look and watches him go, almost afraid to take her eyes off him. It gives her plenty of time to check for obvious signs of injury, any sign that he might be worse for wear from his injuries or his hospital stay.

Fortunately, she doesn't look injured at all, though there's a tiredness to her eyes that hadn't been present before, a weariness lurking just behind the bright smile she gives him. Of course, it could easily be chalked up to a day of slinging around big bags of flour!]

I think you should've kept the apron, [she remarks matter-of-factly with a twinkle in her eye, because if nothing else, even in these bizarre circumstances, she can't resist pushing his buttons. They're just right there, and she hadn't been sure she'd ever be able to do it again.] C'mon, let's go outside.

[Just a beat of hesitation, then she reaches out and tugs his coat sleeve, just once, as if to make sure that he was tangibly, physically there before turning on her heel and leading the way into the relatively cooler and quieter night air. She doesn't really have a destination in mind, but for now, a walk outside will probably do them both good.]

You looked pretty happy cooking for everyone! [Did he really...] I'll have to be quicker next time so I can get a plate.