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The absence of the lighted collar around Liam's throat came with an almost overwhelming sense of relief that, still fairly buzzed that he was, very nearly set him on his a**. Weak-kneed, he'd hurried away from the attendants that had removed it as fast as he was able, slowing only when he'd turned a corner and removed himself from their line of sight. Even still, he kept stealing glances over his shoulder as he walked through the bar, hand up and rubbing ceaselessly around where the collar rested moments before.

He wasn't paying attention to where he was going, mostly because now he didn't have any pressing aims. There was, at the back of his mind, the selfless voice of the good hearted reminding him that there were others still that hadn't bought their freedom yet, but a combination of exhaustion, liquor, and buzzing relief made it hard to heed.

What he wanted more than anything else in that moment was to find a quiet little corner and just be, without the weight of stress and impending doom crushing him.

Liam was still looking back over his shoulder as if he expected members of the casino staff to spring forth and give chase. It meant he didn't notice the other boy, not until he was almost on top of him, and the only reason they didn't collide was Austin stepping out of the way. The movement brought Liam's attention screaming back forward, startling a yip out of him and throwing his balance enough that his hand snapped out, to grab for Austin's arm just so he stayed on his feet.

He was all wide eyes and twitchy features, glancing around the bar before finally looking up at Austin and he releasing his arm.

His expression was sheepish bordering on irritated, with very obvious unnerve all around the edges. "Not to, away." Although Austin's point was still valid, mostly. "I don't trust that they're just going to let us go, even if we it out freedom." What motivation did they have to do that? Honor? They are people.

Well, the smack certainly got his attention. Baby blues blinked once before finally settling on Austion for more than a handful of seconds at a time. His cheek tingled faintly, and he touched it, frowning at the mocking tone in the other boy's voice.

"Maybe." It probably wasn't the first time someone had considered escape, and the ones that ran the show here had probably long ago fixed any possible weak points, but, just on the off chance that maybe something has been missed, it didn't hurt to check things out. If s**t did turn surer, having a back up plan would prove invaluable.

He jerked, swatting at Austin's hand and shooting him a rather annoyed look. General panic and lingering intoxication aside, he was still sour about the 'Never have I ever' game ended. Huffing irritable, Liam fell into step behind Austin, though slipped ahead as they reached the bathroom. If nothing else, it was a quiet corner he could hide out in while he waited for his nerves to settle. If they settled at all. If Austin gave them a chance to settle.

At least dealing with the older boy was normal. Infuriating, aggravating, frustrating; all of the above, but normal.

Inside Liam immediately turned his attention up to the ceiling and high in the walls, looking for a vent he didn't really expect to be there.

He shot him a scathing look as he walked in front of him, headed deeper into the bathroom so he could do a futile search at the end of the row of stalls, past the urinals. There was a vent, but it was a small thing set in the middle of the ceiling. Too small even to fit his head through, let alone the rest of his body. Not even any of the smaller girls. He sighed, hand once again coming up to rub at his neck. It was like it was still there, a ticking time bomb.

Finally he headed back to the sinks. "Gee Austin, I wonder." It wouldn't have been the first time the older boy failed to understand, or care, why Liam was in whatever mood he happened to be in. He hadn't really expected him to, but somehow it still irritated him.

Shedding off the outer layer of his sweater, Liam turned on the cold water, cupping hands under it so he could splash a little on his face. He was done being intoxicated, it was time to sober up now.

"No." The word came out before he could snap his teeth around it, but it was also true. He didn't want to be alone. Angry as he might have been at him, petty as that even was in this situation, Austin's company was preferable to none. It was preferable to almost anyone else's, if he were honest with himself.

He didn't like being that honest with himself. Not about him. Not about that.

His molars squeaked as he ground them together, head tipping back a moment later as his chest rose and fell in a sigh from seemed to reach down all the way to his toes. It was quieter in here, easier to think, easier to not think. With a small hop he lifted himself to sit on the counter beside the sink, drying his face on the ratty sleeve of his tee shirt.

He hated it, how easily Austin read him. How easily he manipulated him. It was infuriating, sickening almost. Blue eyes widened a touch as the other took a step backward, and all and once Liam was fighting to keep from hopping off his perch to make a grab for him.

What he did instead wasn't much better, by way of will power. He Swallowed, tongue wetting dry lips, and lowered his arms to his sides again. "Wait." Stay. So easy.