[The only reason Ellie hasn't forgotten the tussle by the time they sit down is because of the way Gene's looking at her. It's been a long, long time since somebody's fussed over a bruise this light, and she has to fight down the twinge in her heart even as she leans forward, tilting her head so he can see the light blush of a bruise along her jaw.]

That? Sh'yeah, fine. He wasn't even trying to hurt me.

[Ellie gives Gene a reassuring if crooked smile, brings her glass back to her lips as she takes a seat. It's much more quiet now, the crowd just milling and tired and happy, the musicians packing up.]

Used to get much worse than this on patrol. S'weird, working where nothing's trying to kill you.