Warm

Even though neither of them were up to par with their connection, Jason could feel Katie's love, and it almost physically warmed him from the inside out. His whole body relaxed, and he tried to give her an extra dose of his own affections too. 

"Mm... I agree." He wasn't sure what they could do for his mom, but they'd think of something. Maybe once this was all over, Wes would have an idea. The question was... when would this be over? Jason would like to think it would be short-lived. He was being bombarded so quickly and strongly that he hoped that meant the maximum severity would also come quickly. But... he had the sinking feeling it wasn't going to be that simple. For whatever reason, Katie's progress was so much slower that the end was too far out of sight. How long would they really be here?

Realizing his negative emotions were seeping through, he quickly changed his train of thought and tried to focus on the movie instead. But as he watched, he was so warm and comfortable that soon he'd fallen fast asleep...

"...Jason?" Cindy reached down to brush his cheek.

Jason's eyes fluttered open, and it took a moment to focus on his surroundings. "Hmm?"

Cindy smiled. "Think you could handle some lunch? You can eat in here of you like."

Jason's stomach was still a bit woozy, but he knew he needed to at least try. "Yeah... Okay." He yawned as she left to bring lunch in to them. Giving Katie a squeeze, he finally righted himself to sit up next to her. The movie was half over by now, and he yawned again. Before he could really say anything, Cindy was back with a TV tray they could share, and two bowls of hot chicken soup.

"Just eat as much as you can," she prompted both of them. "I promised Rick I would make sure you had lunch."


Aaron smiled before starting forward, back towards his room. "Well then... next time I've got a free day away from here, we'll play." He rolled his eyes. "Oh right... my days off are spent here too."

Reaching the room and going inside, he eased down to sit on the bed, wincing as he did. He sighed deeply and looked up at Sam. His expression had shifted back to one that more closely resembled his depression. "Thanks for the walk... I um... I appreciate it."


Axel's cheeks gained a little color, but he smiled. "Yeah well... It was the least I could do for a friend." He nodded  "I'm glad to see you driving it. I knew you could. So did your brother. The whole thing was his idea and he was so excited to get it done for you."

"Hey!" Miles called. "What are Leo and me? Chopped liver?"

Axel chuckled. "Your fanclub awaits." He tossed Ryan a wink. "Enjoy it. You deserve it."