WHEN THE AMBULANCE ARRIVED, I didn't know.

The first paramedic ushered me out of the way, and when I wouldn't move, a teary-eyed Olivia had to grab my arm.

My heart raced as she and another guided me to the kitchen. I hardly registered her questions. Not as they cupped one of those breathing apparatuses over Nadine's nose and mouth and carried her out, the same way they carried my mom out the last night I saw her alive.

My hands shook, my mind and heart racing.

I needed to get to her. I must have said as much because the paramedic grasped my shoulder and said, "She's going to be alright, thanks to you."

I didn't remember driving to the hospital or talking to Olivia when I got there. All I knew was I had to sit in the waiting area next to Joy, who seemed just as anxious as me.

I sat with legs sprawled, my forehead resting on my fist. I hated the smells of the hospital and the fluorescent lights that beat down like an interrogating sun.

I focused on the waxed floor beneath me, on Joy's jittering legs and how her bronze fingers knotted together. "It's been a long time," she said, breaking into the silence.

I didn't reply or allow my mind to give way to the thousand different scenarios plaguing me, one being that she didn't make it, and the paramedics were just trying to get me to stay calm with their tactics of positivity. God knew they'd done it to us when I was younger and naive.

I glanced at my phone, checking the time and the dozens of texts Rhett, Bear, Morin and a few others sent asking about Baker's well-being.

I couldn't be sure how they knew, but I didn't bother responding. I didn't have the will or emotional capacity to let them know I wasn't sure.

I tucked my phone back in my pocket, earning a sidelong glance from Joy. "What?"

Her dark eyes darted over me. "She's gonna be alright, Hunt."

I wasn't so sure, and how I looked away said as much.

She twisted, bending a knee and resting her elbow over the back of the seat. "If it wasn't for you, she wouldn't have made it. Olivia had a lecture. She'd planned on dropping the prescription off with her. Had you not been there..." she trailed off, looking away.

She brought her fingers to her mouth, her bottom lip quivering. "Nadine's a very good friend of mine," she managed, unable to look at me. "She talked me through some tough times when Liv and I started dating." I waited, and she said, "Olivia's parents aren't particularly fond of me, and it has nothing to do with the fact that I'd like to pursue music and everything to do with their daughter's sexual orientation."

I looked at her then as she brushed long, slender braids from her face. "I get it," I said, though not entirely, but I understood what it was like to be judged before you'd even been given a chance. "Baker's parents hate me too."

She smiled, lips curling over pearl white teeth. "Are we bonding?" she teased.

My grin stretched. I suppose we were.

"Look, Hunt, I don't know you, but I've heard about your reputation, and all I can say is, please, don't play with her heart. Nadine's been through enough already."

I might have mentioned that to break Nadine's heart, I'd have to earn it first. I didn't have a chance.

"They want to keep her overnight for observation," Olivia explained as she approached, her gaze flicking from Joy to me. "I have to run home and grab a bag, but if you want to sit with her, you can."

My throat bobbed, and when I didn't answer, she said, "It would be nice if someone was there when she wakes."

I glanced at Joy. "You don't want to stay?"

She shook her head, her smile kind. "You go."

I hesitated but rose off my seat, slipping shaking hands in my pockets.

"Do you need anything?" Olivia asked as I made my way down the hall.

A little more strength. "No," I replied, slowly making my way to her room.

I woke to a dimly lit room, the sterile smells of what I could only assume was the hospital around me. Ugly grey walls greeted me, the thinnest sheet covering my body and next to me, Hunt with his head in his arms. "Hey," I rasped—my throat like mud.

His head shot up—his eyes tired. "You're up."

"What happened?"

"You had an allergic reaction to the antibiotic, and they had to flush your system."

I looked up at the IVs. Then the bed as he explained everything that happened.

My throat seared at his recount of everything, but it was nothing compared to how tired and cold I felt. "Where's Liv?" I asked, trying to adjust, but my arms were so sore. However, it was nothing compared to my chest.

"She went home to grab you an overnight bag."

"And stew?" I teased.

Something like hurt stained those beautiful grey eyes. "Are you hungry?"

"A little," I managed. "I'm more cold than anything."

He rose, about to grab a nurse, I assumed, but I didn't want to be bombarded just yet. I wanted the time with Hunt before chaos reigned. He did, after all, keep my heart from stopping. "Lay with me."

Surprised struck and stopped him in his tracks, but worry seemed to cool his features.

He said nothing as he slipped in next to me, the tight space only big enough for one, but we managed. "You're so warm," I breathed as he guided the IV tubes around and tucked the blanket around me.

He smiled but was silent as I nestled into his chest, finding comfort and a strange sense of safety.

Sounds of my heart beeped slowly on the monitor, adding to the silent orchestra of foot scuffs and nurses shuffling past the slightly cracked door.

It looked like I'd been moved to a private suite. At the request of my parents, I'd guess since I was passed out and had no way of assuring the hospital I could pay for it. A flat screen hung on the wall before me, next to an open draped window overlooking the city's lights. I glanced at the clock, noting the time.

"I'm surprised they let you in here," I murmured.

"I know the nurse on staff," Hunt assured me. "She said I could stay."

I was quiet. "From your mom?"

He said nothing, giving me my answer.

A few moments passed. "I remember her," I said. "Her wheat-coloured hair, her gentle smile. You have her eyes."

Hunt was deadly quiet.

"I'm sorry," I apologized.

I felt him look down. "For what?"

"For everything. For the way I treated you, for not supporting you at your race."

"It's a race," he assured me. "And I was an ass."

"We both were."

My chin slid along his chest, my gaze meeting his. "I'm not embarrassed of you. I've never been embarrassed of you. I just... I wasn't ready to see Jace with Jessica." Or any of the betrayers.

Hunt's thumb swept against my arm—the touch a warm comfort.

"I used to wait for him at the end," I explained. "Ready to congratulate him on a win or provide comfort after a defeat."

Hunt was quiet, his expression hard, but to my gratitude, he didn't get upset.

"I don't know how to move on," I continued. "From any of it. It's like I have no place anymore. I've been squeezed out of my seat and replaced with someone else." It made me sad to admit it out loud. And it hurt to think that maybe I never had a place. Perhaps I was just filling whatever empty space I forced myself into.

"I never thanked you," I rasped, my sore getting dryer with each word said. "For the training, the rides."

"You don't have to."

"But I want to. I'm not used to being cared for," I confided. "I'm used to being there for everyone else."

For Johnny, Papa, Nico, Hama. It had been so long since someone held me like Hunt did that I almost forgot what it was like. I didn't blame my family. We were all dealing with Hama's death in our own ways, but it was nice to have someone willing to provide comfort and strength. Someone who wouldn't judge me and invalidate the thoughts I was afraid to admit out loud.

I felt Hunt's fingers slide into mine, his thumb sweeping over the back of my hand. "I got you, Baker," he murmured in my hair. "I'll always have your back."

It was such a small statement, but the intent behind it had my face crumpling. Hunt and I had been born enemies, and yet there was strange understanding between us.

I didn't pull away. I savoured, allowing him to give me the comfort he so clearly wanted, but I couldn't help but feel like he was holding back. Like he was deciding whether to erect another wall or send it all crashing to the ground.

We sat there in silence as the saline drip consumed my body when my phone buzzed.

Incoming call, Mom.

I pressed off of Hunt, my stomach squirming and chest screaming as I reached across him. "Sorry, I have to take this."

A/N: Nadine's gonna be alright! The way Hunt dotes on her is so cute! <3