Mixed emotions

Axel takes a moment to figure out what Jess was asking. "Um... groggy." Groggy on top of groggy just about covered it as his mind tried to shake the drugs. "...and thirsty." 

He manages to squeeze her hand a little, ironically trying to reassure her, when it was him who was lying in the infirmary bed. "...and it hurts." 

Stopping, he thinks about his statement and a little smile turns up just the very corner of his mouth. "I never thought I'd... feel good... about pain. Tell Misty... it hurts."

Eli grins and nudges his sister in return for the slap. "Yes... did I do a good job?" 

Leo comes up behind them, shaking his head. "Sorry we kept you waiting."

"Oh, no trouble. I just figured I'd like to kill two birds with one stone."

"What birds are those?"

"Saving both your lives as I forced you to come up for air, and saving my life so I don't starve." Eli sidesteps, knowing that a swat was going to come in his direction. Sidling up to the door, he opens it quickly, holding it for Ryan and Leo.

Within minutes, the three are at a booth and Dani is at their table. "Good evening. What can I get for you?"

Eli looks up, a sly glint in his eye. "How about a date so I don't have to control these two on my own?"

Dani laughs and shakes her head. "Sorry, mister, you're on your own for that one. I learned the hard way that once they're gone, they're gone and there's nothing you can do about it."

"Rats." Eli sighs dramatically. "Well... then I guess I'll settle for a coke."

Dani giggles as she jots it down. "Now that I can do." She asks Leo and Ryan what they want, then promises to return. "I'll be right back to take your order."

"Good, 'cause I'm starving... Dani" Eli winks at her.

Dani smirks, though some color comes to her cheeks anyway. "So am I, but I don't get to eat until after closing."

"Mm, well maybe I'll have to stick around until after closing then."

Dani turns to go, but can't help looking back at Eli again. "You see that hulk over there in the corner?"

Eli leans forward to see a giant of a man in a corner booth. "Yeah."

"If you stay after closing, you'll have to contend with him."

Eli quirks an eyebrow and takes a second look at the man before grinning up at Dani again. "Boyfriend?"

"Mm-hmm." 

"Well... you know what they say... sometimes downsizing is a good thing." 

Dani's jaw drops, but a laugh slips out without her permission, finding Eli quite amusing. "I think I'll go get that coke now."

Eli grins and winks. "By the time you get back, we'll have our order ready." Watching her leave, he turns his attention to his sister. "Right? What kind of pizza we getting?"

Kip's fingers run along his door, contemplating Karla's offer. He felt miserable right now  and didn't want to make her feel any worse than she already did. But even though he was embarrassed and upset, he really didn't want to be alone either. 

Eventually, he nods and opens the door a little wider for her to come in. Shutting it behind her once she was in his room, he wanders to his couch and sits down to stare at the floor. She knew where the bathroom was if she wanted anything from there. 

A lump rises in his throat as he battles with his mixed emotions. He hated this. He hated people seeing him like this. He hated the blend of shame and anger. He hated the weakness. 

Heat rises behind his eyes as he wills the stinging not to get the best of him. He'd clean up then just go to bed. Tomorrow was a new day. It always was.

JT leans down to rest his elbows on his knees and sighs deeply before putting his face in his hands. He nods to Hope though, acknowledging what she'd said. "I never made her talk about anything... but I'm sure there's a lot pent up inside of her. I'm so..." He closes his eyes, controlling his temper. "...angry with Bree's parents."


Lowering his hands so he can see Hope, he purses his lips. "What about your evaluation on whether or not she belongs in a hospital?"