[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/t2up8aK.gif[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/rKLlkvt.png[/img][/center]

Aleks blinked when AJ's palms brusquely slapped at his own fingers. He felt the sting only on his fingertips, and when he saw AJ moving to strike he reared back defensively, evading most of the irritated swat. He rose up to his feet beside Chloé, holding his hands up in a placating gesture at his friend. 

[color=a0410d][i]Oi, oi.[/i][/color]

He tilted his head back to swallow the final bite of his roll, thankful for Chloé taking her food off his hands so he could effectively communicate. At least her fingers in his hair felt good; he was grateful for his best friend's soothing presence, or else Aleks might have even been tempted to reply. But he knew that it wasn't coming from a place of malice. Val had hit him in the nuts. It was pretty mean of her.

Aleks let out a deep breath, wondering if he had just imagining his pulse jumping up.

He probably was.

[color=a0410d]"Alright, man,"[/color] he said gently, hands only lowering slightly. [color=a0410d]"I'll be inside if you need me for anything."[/color]

He backed up towards the door of the RV and followed Ivy inside.