When Alex seemed averted to anything beyond a couple of sips of water, Chase's suspicions were confirmed and he took the IV bag of fluids out with a shake of his head, pointing at it. "This means I'm staying. I'm just desperate to get my fluids in you," he told him, continuing the light banter. "Right after I get you into bed. Everything else, I'm in charge. Just the way I like it." He wasn't going to take no for an answer.

"She is, yes. But she's catching up with friends she worked with at PPTH today and tonight. We're going to have lunch tomorrow. Bedroom upstairs?" He stood up and helped Alex stand, keeping a steadying hand on his shoulder while he woozily got his balance. "Depending on what 'it' is, it's not automatically out of the question. I think we need to talk about it, but when you're feeling better."