"Bella Swift? Grow up? Never. You're basically Peter Pan," he remarked, laughing a little. "Well, mentally at least." He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt this good- it had definitely been back before the summer, back before things had gotten really bad- back when he'd still been talking to Bella and hadn't had Jace to worry about. He knew that this was all short lived- Bella would have to leave, he'd be left alone, and he'd get anxious and depressed all over again. But that just made him appreciate it all the more.
"The only person I've met who's more immature than you is Nate when he's stoned, seriously," he joked. "But at least you made me feel better- laughter is the best medicine and all that," he said. "Well, that and the chocolate and the music. They help too. I don't suppose you fancy hiding under my bed until I get out of here?" He asked jokingly- but really, he wished she could stay all the time. He wouldn't have to worry about her that way, and he'd have her all of the time to keep him company and make him laugh. That was all he really wanted.
She rolled her eyes at his comment about sheep. "You're literally a six-year old who drinks and smokes, I swear," she sighed, but she laughed. She followed his gaze, and was able to guess his thought pattern when he saw the balloon. This was Nate. There was only one thing on his mind.
"No," she said, managing to keep a straight face. But then she grinned at him. "But I'm always in the mood to laugh at you doing something funny and dickish," she said. That seemed to be so much of their friendship- him doing something stupid, and her laughing at him. If she was in a better mood, she probably would have joined in- but not quite yet. Her insecurity, frustration and self-hatred still lingered at the edges of her mind.
The waitress appeared, putting her food down in front of her. Ellie thanked her, spearing some fries on her fork and putting them in her mouth. "Dare you to do it before she comes back with your food," she whispered as soon as the waitress had walked away from the table. Ellie was still grinning, incredibly glad that she'd remembered Nate's number and had been able to call him.