Her skin still itches. It's a deep sensation, one that she can't scratch away, like the words that were so deeply burned there. They might be gone, but Clarke will always feel them. A memory of all that she's done. A forgiveness she can never fully have no matter how long the string of good days is.

Even sleep isn't the respite it should be. There are too many old problems her mind wishes it could solve.

She shivers slightly at his hand on her back, warmed by the touch. Her eyes are still closed, a syrupy smile sliding onto her face as she feels his lips on her neck. Squirming at the bite, she laughs as she shakes her head. "Oh yeah? Call and say, 'Sorry Dr. L, my boyfriend gave me food poisoning so that I'd stay home with him'?"