Maxxie knocks twice on the Ainsworth's front door and waits. He's walked in on his aunt and uncle's antics a few times and doesn't exactly plan on repeating that (somewhat scarring) experience.

After a moment, his aunt opens the door. "Oh, hi Maxxie dear, how good to see you! What brings you round?"

"Hi Aunt Mag," he greets, "I was just around and thought I'd drop by and say hi to Cassie and Rueben."

She smiles, "Well I just put down the little fella for a nap, but Cassie's up in her room if you'd like."

He nods and bids her a quick goodbye. As soon as he's out of sight, he rushes to his cousin's room, hoping he's not too late.

He finds her curled up on the bed, her brown eyes glassy and bloodshot. Maxxie sinks down onto the bed and tugs her head into his lap. "Please be okay, Cass," he murmurs, stroking her hair, "I can't lose my favourite cousin."

She stirs slightly, her glassy eyes coming clearer as she slowly blinks and comes to. "Wow Maxxie, am I really your favourite? Wow."

He smiles, relieved, before he remembers why he came. "You can't keep doing this, Cass," he says softly, helping her sit up.

"I-I don't-" she shakes her head as if to clear it, "I don't know what you mean."

"Sid," Maxxie murmurs softly, "He's not worth it."

Cassie looks down at her hands. "I like him," she says after a moment.

He swallows. "But he likes Michelle."

There's a hollow laugh, "Oh of course, of course, Michelle, cause she's so fucking perfect. Well fuck her."

"Oh Cass, you don't mean that," Maxxie says quickly, reaching out to pat her shoulder.

She slaps his hand away, "You should know. He left you for her, didn't he, Tony?"

Maxxie's face falls, "H-he had a chance. He made his choice."

Her clear brown eyes meet his soft grey ones. "He totally made the wrong one," she says softly, squeezing her cousin's hand gently.

Maxxie smiles, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes. "Thanks."

"Cass?" Maxxie asks softly.

No reply.

He double checks to make sure she's sleeping and gets up from beside her, pressing a kiss on her forehead. "Sweet dreams Cass," he whispers.

The blonde moves to leave, but catches sight of a notepad on the bedside table and scrawls out a quick message.

Eat.