Towering over Alice, Neil raised an eyebrow at her--and privately, felt a knot of tension in his gut ease because appetite was a good sign. He knew, better than most, the importance of it in recovering from a nasty fever, and if she wanted more than soup or tea or the occasional sip of water he tried to get into her? It was a win.

"Likely story, princess." he sighed, sinking into a crouch so he could catch her around the waist and hoist her up into his arms as he stood so he could carry her back to bed. "I know a jailbreak when I see one--don't blame you, though. I hate bein' stuck in bed, too."

Depositing her back in bed, Neil bent to tuck her back in and kiss her cheek.

"Tell you what: how 'bout I bring you a snack, grab something for me--and a carrot for Basil--and I'll tell you a story while you eat."

And, as subtly as he could, look her over for himself to see just how well she was really recovering.