"Nah, I checked; beers on tap are really damn good," Ellis laughed as to add to Rochelle's humor , "But we can always feed Nicky some vegetarian pizza." Oh that would be cruel and unusual but it would serve the purpose quite well.

This was something he couldn't imagine happening outside of safe house dreaming so Ellis paid close attention to what both his elders said. "I wouldn't be able to either. Roughin' it was fun but I think I'm ready to jus' chill an' not have to spend every night hoping whatever wound we get aren't lethal." His eyes drifted to Nick, a worried manner. Those sabertooth cats did a number on the gambler and it surprised El that he could still patch his friend up as well as he did, considering Rochelle was the team medic.

"Nick an' I agreed tha' if we were the last two standin', or if one of us is too hurt, we'd have to get tha' outta the way real quick," Ellis explained, "Quick goodbye an' hope for the best." At least Nick's scolding stuck to the younger man; no more self-sacrificing. If they were all getting out of the Arena, it was all in.