[sylvanSpider]

Aren looked down and saw immediately which leg it was. White cloth wrapped around the wounded area, Aren thought he could see blood seeping through, but it could have been the morning's rays playing tricks on his eyes. “Well, if you want lessons, I'm happy to teach you. It's the least I could do after...well, risking your life for me. But, you want me to be honest? I don't think you should go out for a bit, not until that shit's healed.”

Aren looked back at the sofa where Taka was trying to wake up, “Yeah, that's her. Her name's Taka. I don't know very much about her, but apparently life in District 3 was fuckin' rough.” The last part was no longer a whisper and Taka got to her feet walking to the redhead and held out her hand.

“As Aren said. Name's Taka.” Her grip was firm, strong. One that shouldn't belong to a girl her size. She had to look up to maintain eye contact, but once she had it, she kept her gaze firm as well. She was one that would have made Serj proud had he known her. He always appreciated strength – the strength that Aren always lacked.

The reunion was beautiful, and one would have thought that their separation was much longer than just one night. The love was real, and that was the important part. If the pain in his voice went unnoticed by everyone else, it didn't go over Aren's head and he resolved in his mind that he should have a look at it later. In his earlier studies, he'd read some A&P books, and he knew that cuts often got infected. It needed to be looked at immediately.

Taka stood there, taking in the moment when her gaze fell on the white cloth. The man was wounded. If he had a job in the city that kind of wound wouldn't have happened. He'd gone outside. She swallowed, looking from the rag to his freckled face. Would he be willing to take her along next time he went? If not, she'd simply follow. She had to have ways to get out. Besides, there was nothing left for her in this city. The city was a hellhole and her gang had betrayed her. Almost got her killed, and if they knew she was still alive, she certainly would be. Once she found a way out, she could start preparing to leave again.