This was so embarrassing. Pepper kind of wished the boy had intervened a little too late and she'd been knocked unconscious instead! At least then she wouldn't be aware of the looks they got, or the way his face brushed against hers when he leaned. Pepper was no doubt bright as a tomato by the time they got inside the infirmary.
Oh gods, this was gonna follow her the entire time she was here, wasn't it? She'd already gotten a reputation on day one, no doubt—the only question was what it was.
As for Connor, though? HE clearly had a reputation of his own. It seemed everyone knew his name here—and he was on a first AND last name basis with the nurse.
Uhhh...so...who was HE?
Settled down on the seat, Pepper gave a sheepish look from Connor to the nurse. "It's not that bad..." she said weakly, uncomfortable with all the fussing. And then, trying to make a dumb joke, added, "Ya should see the other guy."