Joe stretched, still grinning despite the dirt and bruises covering his face. "Man, I must've been way too exhausted. Guess I just… passed out, huh?"
Julian narrowed his eyes, ready to unleash a scolding but his body swayed before he could say a word. The world spun for a second, and his knees buckled.
"Whoa, hey!" Joe quickly caught him before he hit the ground, supporting him with both arms. He laughed softly. "Easy there, man. Don't get mad, or you'll pass out for real. Just rest on my back."
Julian gritted his teeth weakly. "No. I can walk by myself."
Joe raised an eyebrow, half amused, half concerned. "Don't be stubborn. You'll just collapse again, tough guy."
"I said no," Julian muttered, trying to shrug him off, but his limbs refused to cooperate. Joe sighed dramatically, then crouched and hoisted Julian onto his back in one motion.
"Relax already," Joe said, adjusting his grip with a grin. "Let's head back together. Don't you miss the girls waiting for you?"
