Once everything is closed, Cole comes back over, crouching down next to Cullen and holding the flask of pain medicine. "Just a little," he coaxes softly. "Blunt the edge, softer, an uncomfortable ache digging into your neck rather than a shearing slice."

He reaches to Cullen's neck slowly, telegraphing his moves. His fingers are cool even to normal skin and probably feel almost cold with the fever of pain.