Renee winced as Curie dabbed at the wound. "Ouch," she whimpered, her muscles tensing.

"Maybe next time you will not be so careless." Curie tightened her grip.

She glanced over at the Synth, watching her as she cleaned the deep cut. Curie's brows were furrowed, her hazel-blue eyes dark. She looked angry. Renee flinched, though not from any pain. "I'm sorry…"

"Madame, please, zhere is only so much I can do to 'elp you when you are injured. You must take better care of yourself!" Curie sighed. "I know zhis is not such a bad wound, but I cannot sew your arm back on like I can close a cut." She rummaged in her bag. "Now 'old still."

Renee gritted her teeth as Curie began to stitch the gash closed. A soft gasp slipped through her lips. All at once Curie stopped and she felt warm fingers at her arm.

Curie adjusted her position next to Renee. "I know zhis 'urts. I am…trying to be gentle." She lightly squeezed the woman's bicep, alternating her fingers in an effort to relax the muscle.

As the Synth continued, Renee let her mind wander. She thought of similar situations with Piper in the past, when they tried to patch each other up at the end of a fight. Normally Piper just stabbed her with a couple Stimpaks and told her to walk it off. The reporter was never rough; but she was much less gentle than Curie.

She glanced at her companion. Curie was focused on her task, methodical and precise. Her fingers still massaged against Renee's arm in a rhythm. Though her eyes seemed tired, disappointed almost. Which meant she most likely was.

"I didn't mean to worry you." Renee kept her voice soft.

Curie finished and sliced the remaining thread with a knife. She reached for some bandages. "I know. But…" She sighed again, deeper this time. "Renee, please, promise me zhat you will do whatever you can to stay alive. If you want to die…" She looked away.

"I'll…try to be more open." Renee swallowed hard and tried not to think of all the times she hoped she wouldn't make it through battle.

"Merci." Curie wrapped the gauze around her arm and tied it off. "Et voilá. Be gentle with zhis arm."

"Thanks, Curie." Renee offered her a weak smile. "Well, guess we should get back on the road…"

"Mm, yes. You are right." Curie got to her feet and held out her hand.

Renee slid her palm into the Synth's, relishing the warmth for just a moment.