Otter Creek The bitch came back

Santiago has missed her. Has definitely had to admit that. He doesn’t care about the blooming blood or the pain laced into his fixtures likes it’s a permanent ornament. Only when she asks if he’s alright does he pull pack. Surely the state he’s in would be a shock to her. His bloody, scabbed up face and ruined eye. He looks like shit. Yet her concern touches his heart, whereas everyone else’s just pissed him off. 

Once he’s pulled back enough to look into her own eyes he nods easily, but a shrug also comes with the motion. “Not really, cariña.” He hums with a hint of that dark humor he’s always held. “Got in a fight not too long ago. I lost. I’m getting old.” He says deeply, words slurred by his accent as he looks upon her with love in his gaze.