"You want to be very careful with her, doctor."

The bandages are coming off, and, damn, the tape hurts when it pulls out eyebrows. Crowley is displeased with my physician when I let out a very non-badass yelp.

"Now, Mr. Crowley, your niece is just fine. Aren't you, Miss McLeod?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. Really Uncle." It's almost laughable.

Almost.

Because at my next flinch, Crowley is out of his seat. When he is up close and personal with the doctor, he says very slowly, "You will be very careful with her, Doctor. Are we clear?"

I'm a little afraid fro the doc. I'm not the only one. He seems a bit concerned himself.

"Yes, sir. I will be gentle as I can, Mr. Crowley."

"On with it, then," the King of Hell says, flicking his hand as though he didn't just scare the piss out of the man.

Switching back to his professional manner, Dr. Finney continues removing the bandages over my eyes. "Time to see how well you've healed, young lady. This will take a little time. I'm going to remove the gauze layer by layer. When I remove the last of the bandages, keep your eyes closed until I say so. Your eyelids will be stuck together, and you will be very sensitive to the lights. I'll dim them for a few minutes to lessen the shock for you. Ready?"

"Very," I confirm. I need to know if I'm blind.

The process is unnerving, but eventually I'm given the okay to open my eyes. And I see.

"Thank God."

"Indeed," Crowley drawls. Lounging back into the uncomfortable chair, he asks, "Can she leave?"

"If she lived nearby, I would say yes, but as it is, I would like to keep her a day or two more. Just to be certain there is no infection, no complications."

"I expect there to be no complications," said with a raised brow and low tone.

"I don't believe there will be problems, but she sustained serious injuries."

"Hey. She's right here," I pipe up.

"Sorry, Miss McLeod. Use these drops if your eyes feel dry. Call a nurse if they begin to burn. I will see you in this evening." And he leaves.

"I was right," Crowley says.

"What?"

"Your eyes are brown. Quite lovely."

I stare at him; he's the first thing I've seen in focus for days. I catch the smirk on his face and turn away. For a moment he looks disappointed.

"What do you see, little Mouse?"

I shake my head. "What do you see?

"I think I see you, NIna. In all your vulnerability."

"Don't call me that."

"Does Dean know your name, Little Mouse?"

"No. Maybe. I'm sure he's forgotten."

He seems genuinely surprised when he asks, "So you told him?"
"Don't you generally introduce yourself when meeting someone?"

"How long have you been Mouse?"

"Since he called me that."

"How. Long."

"Four years, give or take."

"Long time to be anonymous."

"I like it that way."