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Iroh shook his head, "you just have to show restraint. tell them no if offer you a drink and you aren't ready for your next. if they don't understand and respect that, leave them. they aren't worth it."

Daren smiled, "or just stop drinking altogether. that's always an option."

Iroh shot Daren a look through his rear view mirror, "for some people, that option is best."

Daren shrugged, "up to you, those would be good pets, i guess. thought you wanted a dog, though?"

Iroh pulled into the hotel parking lot and stopped, "Daren, the rooms are registered under your name, head up first. i need to talk a little with Tim."

Daren looked between them before shrugging and heading out, taking his and Tim's bags with him. "see you up there, i'll text you the number," he muttered as he left.

Iroh waited until he was sure that Daren was gone before leaning back, "Tim? it's ok to want to stay somewhere else. he's going to be a bit rough to be around..." he gave a small smile, "you are under no obligation to stick around and put up with his grump."

Iroh shook his head, "That self sacrificing attitude is what got you hurt in the first place, Tim." he sighed and ran a hand through his hair, "look, if you insist on staying i just need to warn you, don't ask about alcohol or anything related to it? ok? he's-well, he's touchy about it for several reasons. his dad was a heavy drinker and would, would force him to drink as well, before-" Iroh looked away, "and then there was something that happened a while back. he lost someone important and it destroyed him. he did what anyone would do, he turned to drink to take away the pain. he was doing ok, but-during a bust he lost it and nearly beat a man to death. he put himself into rehab. he hasn't touched a drop since, but he's still touchy about it. especially when it comes to someone's limit. sorry, this is kind of a lot to dump on you and Daren's going to kill me, but you should know."

Iroh nodded, "Thanks Tim. I'd appreciate that text." he smiled as Time got out, waving a little and watching until he disappeared inside the hotel.

Daren texted tim "Room 517, go to the left outside the elevator, there is a key at the front desk for you" before he fell back on the bed closest to the door. he groaned and rubbed his eyes, wanting nothing more than to just to go bed in his own bed, but that wasn't an option anymore.

Daren smiled a little, "already there, my friend." he was sprawled out on the bed, his legs hanging over the edge as he lay there. surprisingly he found it hard to open his eyes. "sorry, i think i'm about to pass out." his voice was a bit slurred, "call for room service when you get hungry. menu should be on the table-" he rolled onto his side, and was out cold, breathing deeply as his body finally got the rest it needed.

It took a little while for Jason to reply, since he was at work, but he began to worry as soon as he saw Tim's text. "hope everything is ok. let me know if i can do anything for you. even if you just need to talk, ok?"

Iroh smiled a little at the picture, glad Daren had worn himself out so completely earlier. "thanks, Tim. you get some rest too."

Iroh glanced at his text, setting up the last things before getting some much needed sleep. "One of my men will, he'll pick you up in a civilian car in civilian clothing, but he will send you a text saying what he looks like. sorry i can't give you any details, since he's coming from his house. He is taller, has black hair and black eyes, if that is any help."

Jason smiled a little at the text, "two down, three to go, wish me luck." he sent a reply smiley face and went back to work.