Ellie laughs into her ear, a ha-ha that's more like a sarcastic, warm little breath than anything, but she finishes it with a kiss, there on the curve of her earlobe.

It's impulse, but it feels right.

Clarisse's arm anchors her as the tension ebbs away, and Ellie closes her eyes. It's like the exhaustion is hitting her all at once, now that she's finally allowed herself to relax.

"Think you could sleep now?"