[ josh follows the comment, but neal's clarification earns a broad grin. still feels like a big victory to be getting straight answers out of neal, and the fact that he's so deliberately humoring josh is amusing in itself. ] Thank you.

[ there's a pause, and it seems like he's about to continue the conversation, then: ]

You should rest. [ he sounds a bit startled by the realization. it's getting late, and neal's mixing meds and booze (oops), and josh is distracting him. best nurse or best nurse. he'd normally make a joke about neal getting his beauty sleep, but - not so appropriate, now. ]

But this was lovely. I've got a shift tomorrow - I'm sure I can sneak you some more booze if you promise not to narc on me. [ sarcastically flattering, of course, but the offer's legit. ]