Out of the Pan and into...

He wanted to curse. How could being in her presence hurt so bad? They shouldn't have to be like this together, they were the perfect partnership and here he was avoiding her gaze. The tension was palpable, like lightning was going to strike the space in between them. "I'm fine." her words brought his eyes back towards her as she explained, and he could see her running from him all over again.

He closed his eyes to try and avoid the image but it only made them more clear. What had they done? Their night had seemed so perfect, but they had ruined everything.

Rhyme took a deep breath as she returned the question to him. He forced himself to find her eyes, but hated himself for it as his heart ripped quietly in his chest. "Better, now that you're here." His attempt at humor was flat, but he felt it convincing enough to hide the storm within. Regret almost stronger than the regret he had for letting himself and Rhythm get captured ate at him. But he didn't want Shaye to see. Everything was alright. he repeated to himself. "Have you seen Tana yet?" Had she already been told about the accidental pups?

They needed a new topic, though talking about the woman was what led him into the messes he'd created. Ruined his relationship with his best friend and he'd gone and knocked Tana up.