it all happens too fast. one second , caroline is laughing at some random fact buck is sharing with her as they walk down the street towards the park. the next , a screeching noise comes from somewhere behind her and then her body is being thrown aside , her left side hitting the hard pavement. her ears ring and she feels a little dizzy , needing a handful of seconds to realize she'd hit her head pretty dang hard. someone comes to her aid , gently patting her cheeks and asking if she's okay at least three times before she manages to nod. they help her get to her feet , slowly and a little wobbly. her eyes scan her surroundings and her stomach drops when she notices a small crowd around someone. one of the bystanders steps aside and caroline gasps , ❝ buck! ❞ she's stumbling towards him before her mind has fully caught up with her body , dropping to her knees next to him and sweeping her eyes over him for possible injuries. his eyes are open and he seems to be coherent , which has got to be a good sign , right? ❝ oh my god , are you okay? ❞ caroline asks , blinking back some stubborn tears that prick her eyes. stupid , stupid question! her hands cradle his face , thumb brushing his cheekbone soothingly. ❝ you seriously need to stop playing hero. i swear , one of these days you're gonna give me a heart attack. ❞