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The adrenaline of the launch and rescue had finally worn off and they had to get back to work. They were still on a space ship and that did not stop for anything. Not even the rescue of Mark Watney from Mars.
"Come with me," Beck said. "I need to check you out. Your ribs almost definitely need attention and I need to get a better grasp of your condition so we can make a plan."
Mark knew it was coming, but that didn't make him want to go any more. Medical exams weren't his favorite at the best of times. It certainly wasn't close to that.
"Alright."
He followed Beck to his lab with the rest of the crew going their own ways. Without being asked he undid the top half of his suit, peeling it away from his skin. The cool air of the lab hit his skin and he gasped. It was the first time since leaving the HAB that he had felt that. It was a strong feeling.
Beck turned back to him.
"Tell me if you need me to stop for any reason," he said.
Mark just nodded, overwhelmed by sensation already.
The feeling only grew when Beck's hand touched his skin on his chest above his ribs. The first skin to skin contact he had felt in years. It was the best feeling in the world. And the worst. His nerve endings lit up and sent so many mixed signals to his brain.
At first he was frozen by all the sensations. Then in an instant he was sobbing. Beck tried to pull his hands back, but Mark grabbed them and pulled him closer. He seemed to sense what was needed and hugged Mark close.
"I got you. Take all the time you need."