"At least a raw steak can be turned into something delicious," Axel remarked wryly, frowning a bit. The doctor lady had been friendly enough, but not especially useful. He'd never much liked doctors, either way. He chuckled softly when the woman on the other bed assured him it was the strangest wake-up she'd ever had, and it was actually genuine amusement rather than sarcasm. "Sounds to me like you need to be a little more adventurous in your life, then, missy," he said, still grinning slyly.

He hadn't missed the way she'd gone for that flask, though, and wondered just what sort of life she did lead, that her first instinct was to turn to booze. When she inquired about his outfit, though, he looked almost comically indignant.

"Hey, now, I'll have you know this is a standard-issue uniform where I work!" he said, sitting up very straight and letting his other leg dangle over the ledge alongside the other now. He gestured at his torso. "Haven't you ever seen a stylish leather coat before?"