As Marcus eases back, Jude shifts the both of them up. His ear's closed by now, healing up, filling back in bit by bit. His shoulder's deeper, but it won't take long to follow.

Jude meets his eyes, unflinching through the ache. There's no pity there, just a steadiness, a light push that says keep going, don't stop, I'm right behind you.

Reaching up with his free hand, he brushes Marcus' wet hair back, curls his fingers around the back of his neck and holds him securely for a moment, the both of them winding down.

"There you are."