Hartley moved his hand to run his fingers through Axel's blond hair, combing it back from his face. Better. He looked into his eyes and smiled. "I don't exactly spend much time talking to your parents, Axel. Don't worry. If I want to tell anyone's parents that I have a friend who is popping pills, I'd tell my own." Wouldn't that be fun.

He lowered his hand again before he could get any smart ideas. "I'm proud of you. How are you feeling?"