Nip It

Alec knew that Misty might never even realize what her simple touch did to him, but it was indeed a comfort to him. Left alone again, he eases back down on his side, keeping the ice pack pressed to his head. Someday... someday he'd feel better. Someday the nightmares would be gone. Someday the stress and heartache would be gone. Someday...

Jason nods, understanding what Misty was saying about the Agency. Thankfully he'd never experienced it himself, but the truth of the matter was very evident in those he knew and worked with. It was a shame that they had to go through these kinds of things... and yet, it was a natural consequence of a life they had chosen. 

"Yeah..." He was glad Alec was accepting help as well. A few months ago he couldn't have cared less. But now... after spending some time with the man Alec was now... it did make a difference. 

"He's pretty fortunate to have you in his life," Jason comments softly. "If he didn't, I can't imagine where he'd be now." Most likely homeless or in with the wrong crowd just to survive. 

A smile comes to his lips and his hand slides over to Misty's. "You're just a pretty special woman." 

Listening to Ryan, Eli has a hard time concentrating on the tennis ball, but he keeps it up, just letting her talk. He bristles at the mention of Alec though. He'd had a feeling this all had something to do with him, but he just hadn't been sure how. Who was to say Alec hadn't genuinely needed to go to J&J's though? And he hadn't asked for Ryan specifically, so no one could begrudge him service. Although she just admitted it had upset her. 

Thump... Thump... The ball continues to bounce off the wall as Eli stands to the side with Zidan. 

When the flowers are mentioned though, the ball comes whizzing back into Eli's hand, stopping short as it smacks his palm. His eyes jerk towards his sister as a new tension grips his spine. Though letting her finish, he could already feel himself growing livid. His hand squeezes the tennis ball tightly to relieve his anger and keep him from yelling at Ryan, who was innocent in this whole thing. 

Finally tossing the ball to Zidan, he then wanders to his chair and sits down, leaning back and rubbing his chin, not even realizing it was exactly what their father used to do when upset and trying to keep cool. 

Looking over to Ryan, he sees the back of the magazine instead of her face. "Flowers, huh?" He purses his lips, still thinking. Going to the shop for business was one thing. Sending Ryan flowers... that was a blatant sign of interest, whether Alec had been saying thank you or not. And in Eli's mind, it had been completely uncalled for. 

"You, um... expecting Alec to keep this up? 'Cause I'll nip it right in the bud - you just have to say the word, and he won't dare come near you again."