Rae laughed a little bit when he mentioned tossing her over his shoulder. "That would have been a sight to see," she mused, looking around at all the people who were already looking in their direction because of the whole "two emotional guys and a sopping wet girl" scene. "Everyone here would have gotten a show, at least," she added, pushing some of her hair behind her ear and shaking her head. "But I promise, I'm okay." And she'd be better when David got back with the cocoa.
Once she broke the hug and looked up at him, she noticed that he didn't look nearly as happy as she thought he'd be. And she couldn't help but feel like it was her fault. He was worried about her. And while it was sweet, it wasn't necessary. She felt fine. And if she felt less fine tomorrow, well, it was her fault… not his. Her brow furrowed in concern, and she didn't step away from him right away. She raised her hand and placed it softly on his cheek, giving him a genuine, warm smile.
"Eli, please be happy, okay?" she asked him. "You deserve this moment. You've got your brother back after forever, and I'm okay. Really…" she added, brushing her thumb lightly along his cheek, then lowering her arm back to her side.
What am I… She shouldn't have done that.
Her cheeks flushed a little bit, even in her current condition, and she ducked her head in embarrassment. Where had that come from? Clearing her throat, she looked up at him when he answered her second question, forcing herself not to think about that right now.
"I can imagine," she chuckled softly, trying to push past the awkwardness that she'd just dropped into their conversation. "And every one of those emotions is completely justified, I'm sure. But he's okay. You're with him again," she reminded him, her smile gentle but no less genuine. "And really, no thanks necessary… you deserve it, okay? You do. And seeing you hug him and being here with you two right now? That's more than enough thanks for me. Really."