Murdock jumped out of the 'Vette as Face pulled up to the curb. He had had fun like always with Face, but he was happy to be home. Before he could go in Face called back to him.
"Hey, Murdock! Wednesday night I'm having the team over for dinner. Are you coming?" Face asked.
Murdock grinned, rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet. "Of course! What're we having, the famous 'fly soup'? Or maybe the delicious roasted rats, hunted personally in the deep jungles of L.A….."
"Actually, I don't know yet. Jess is cooking." He interrupted, knowing he'd be here all day if he let Murdock continue.
Murdock's smile dimmed slightly as he nodded. "Sounds good to me, Facey. I better hurry up now, before the nurses realize something was up." Murdock turned towards the building, starting to feel worn down. The edges of his control were fading, and he knew he needed to go inside before Face caught a glimmer of what real crazy was like.
Face nodded, unaware of Murdock's mental struggle. "Hey, you need me to check you back in?" He asked, ready to get out of the car and follow his friend in.
"No!" Murdock yelled a bit louder than he meant to. He glanced back at Face, seeing the shock and worry on his face. Murdock cringed inwardly, not having meant to yell. "Ah, I mean, it wouldn't be good. If you show up too much the nurses will start to recognize you, right?" His gaze wandered back to the doors, wishing he could just go in.
Face gave Murdock a confused frown, concerned for the pilot. "It'd be no trouble, Murdock. I go in all the time, and the turnover rate for the VA is remarkably high-" Murdock glared at him suddenly, a dark glint in his eyes. He was getting annoyed at the conman's persistence. Face realized quickly what was wrong and stopped. "But if you don't want me to, I can just go home." He finished quickly, wondering why he hadn't seen it earlier.
Murdock nodded, closing his eyes for a moment. "Thanks, Face, for everything," He muttered, turning back to the doors and practically running inside. He didn't open his eyes until he knew he was inside and could hear the nurses' surprised voices around him.
Face sighed to himself, driving back to his current beach house. He usually realized when Murdock was at his breaking point. He understood that his friend didn't want the team to see him in his worse states of mind, and knew when it was time to take him back to the VA. But it worried him that Murdock had started losing his control after only five hours away from home. If this continued what would it mean for the team? Face shook his head, deciding Murdock just must've not gotten all his meds today. Everything would be fine, it had to be.