Rick woke up slowly, with awareness coming back in gentle waves instead of the harsh shock that came with waking up in the past. He felt warmth right away, but it wasn't from healing magic.
It came from another body pressed against his. When he opened his eyes, he saw that he was still lying across Sylvia's lap. She was absentmindedly stroking his hair while she looked out the window at the sky before dawn.
"You're awake," she said softly, not looking at him.
"Huh... oh... yeah..." Rick's voice was rough. "How long have I been gone this time?"
"Just a few hours. You went to sleep after..." She stopped for a moment, and Rick could have sworn he saw a hint of color on her cheeks. "After we celebrated your win."
Rick's own face got hot as the memories came rushing back. Sylvia kept her promise of a reward last night, after he was well enough to stay awake.
