Van and I sat outside the police station. The officer had allowed us to be outside while they discussed the issue. I iced Van’s bleeding lip and nose while he stared angrily at my face.

“I’m okay.â€? I assured him for the hundredth time.

“He hit you.â€? Van hissed.

“And I’m okay. I swear. Are you okay?â€?

Van nodded still glaring. He cradled my chin in his hand gently. “It’s swelling.â€?

“It’s fine.â€? I pecked his cheek sweetly and he blushed like a little girl. Van looked down at the ground, hiding his face from me. “How’s your lip?â€? I asked randomly.

“It still kind of hurts. But not that much.â€? He was trying to be the big man. Okay, okay, I understand. Just to stun him, I leaned forward and kissed his lips for a second.

“Does it still hurt now?â€?

“Naw.â€? He grabbed my face and kissed me again, smiling this time. I could feel him practically melting beneath me. I closed my eyes, kissing him one more time. “All better.â€?