He was starting to take it for granted that she would be there, so here was hoping reality and space monsters behaved awhile longer.

He unwound his arms from around her, and helped her as best he could to get up without hurting her.

Getting up in the same groany manner, his back popped and he grunted.

"So... I only remember some bits an' pieces of that fight, but did I really get pitched through the air?"