The Waterhole
Roxy is slowly and deliberately loudly clearing the plates from Pierce, Chloe and Hendrix's meal. Pierce correctly assumes that Sheila has spoken to Roxy.

ROXY: What, about me getting canned?
PIERCE: It might not happen, okay? If we can avoid staff cuts, we will. So you might want to adjust your attitude in front of the other customers.
ROXY (false smile): Yeah, sure! Is that it? Because I need to get these plates back to the kitchen - the rats are waiting to lick them clean.

Roxy walks off.

HENDRIX: Way to make friends and influence people, Dad.
PIERCE: Well, unfortunately, staff cuts are the downside to running a business.

Chloe wants to change the subject and talk about the wedding. Hendrix is about to hurry off, but...

CHLOE: Pump your brakes, kid. Your dad needs your help.

Chloe explains that she needs to start looking for a wedding dress, so won't have time to help Pierce shop for a tux - she wants Hendrix to help him instead.

HENDRIX: Me?
CHLOE: Yeah. You've got a great eye. Amazing taste. You're the best person for the job.
PIERCE: ...
CHLOE: Right?
PIERCE: Yeah, it'd be great to have you involved, mate... But if you don't want to, that's okay.
HENDRIX: Nah, I'll pass.

Pierce looks hurt.

No 30
Toadie, Shane, Dipi, Yashvi, Kirsha, Nell and Hugo are finishing up a takeaway dinner, to celebrate Kirsha's last night at home. Dipi is clearly still unhappy about her leaving and changes the subject when it comes up. Yashvi is also nervous about her first day at work tomorrow; Dipi icily remarks that with the 'ridiculous lawsuit' going on, anything could crop up. Toadie looks sheepish.

Toadie takes Nell and Hugo to bed, and Kirsha is about to crack on with her packing - but Dipi reminds her they still have a big shop to do when they get to Sydney. Kirsha says that's 'cool' but looks worried, and Yashvi notices.

In the kitchen, Shane reassures Dipi that she's not saying goodbye to Kirsha yet - they have weeks together in Sydney before that, and she'll feel much better once Kirsha is settled in. Meanwhile in the living room, Yashvi asks Kirsha if she's okay.

KIRSHA: Yeah, I'm fine.
YASHVI: You just seem quiet. Like, more quiet than usual... Are you worried about Mum? She still seems pretty upset, don't you think?
KIRSHA: Yeah... Can I talk to you about something?

The Waterhole
Hendrix is trying his luck with Roxy on the alcohol front.

HENDRIX: Hey, so, what craft beer have you got?
ROXY (laughs): Ah, kiddo! How about a pink lemonade instead? What you even still doing here? The boss went home with your stepmum.
HENDRIX: Yeah, no thanks to you! You said you'd help me break them up, but all you're doing is annoying my dad.
ROXY: He wants to fire me.
HENDRIX: Nothing's for sure. But the way you're going... You do realise I could change his mind about you? Wouldn't be hard. But as long as you start following through with the love advice.
ROXY: Alright, alright - where are we at?
HENDRIX: Chloe just tried to make me go tux shopping with Dad for the wedding. Of course, I shut it down.
ROXY: Okay, tip number one - Chloe is never gonna go for you if you keep being a little brat. It's not hot, okay? Here's what you do...

Meanwhile, in the beer garden, Yashvi and Bea are out for a drink. Yashvi is worried about her first day at work as Chloe's assistant, and particularly the thought of seeing Ned every day. Bea suggests that being around one another professionally might help make things normal between them again. But Yashvi points out that Bea has been worried about Ned, and asks if he might be in a gang again.

BEA: I don't think so. The guy that he's hanging out with is recruiting for something shady, but Ned is a closed book.

No 30
The next morning, Kirsha is saying goodbye to Clancy the dog, warning him not to follow her to Sydney!

KIRSHA: Stay here and help these guys, like you've helped me. Just don't forget me.

Shane, Toadie, Nell and Hugo are milling around, and Toadie offers Kirsha some breakfast, but she insists she's not really hungry. Yashvi emerges, all dressed up for her first day at work. Toadie thinks Yashvi has nailed the corporate look.

KIRSHA: Yeah, now no-one will know what a total slob you are.
YASHVI: You're lucky you're leaving, cos you'd get it for that. I can't believe you're leaving me to deal with these jokers. Got you a present - earplugs, to protect you from Nana's snoring.
KIRSHA: Thanks.
YASHVI: Sydney's only an hour away, so if anyone gives you a hard time, I'm gonna be on the first flight over.

The girls share an emotional hug, and Kirsha wishes Yashvi good luck at work.

YASHVI: Good luck with what you have to tell Mum. I think now's the best time to do it.

Dipi comes in with bags packed, and Kirsha looks nervous...

Lassiter's
Yashvi is working in the foyer when Ned turns up, late for work and looking wild-eyed - he claims he slept in. Yashvi notices severe bruising on Ned's hand and asks what happened; he claims it's an injury from working out at The Shed, but that it's no big deal.

YASHVI: You look terrible; Chloe will flip if she sees you. You should go... brush your hair or something.
NED: Sure.

Ned walks off. Yashvi spots Aaron and David outside the hotel and rushes out to talk to them. Yashvi asks if they knew about Ned's accident at the gym, explaining about the bruises on his hand. Aaron hasn't but promises to look into it, thanking Yashvi for letting him know. He looks worriedly at David.

No 24
Chloe is working at home. Pierce asks if she wants to get lunch together later, but she's too busy answering emails about the lawsuit. She reminds Pierce that he should also be busy shopping for a tux. He agrees unenthusiastically.

CHLOE: Don't take Hendrix's rejection to heart.
PIERCE: I'm just sick of him being so negative.

Hendrix comes in, having seemingly had a bit of a change of attitude. He says he's taken on board what Chloe said about his taste in fashion - and while tux shopping is still a bit bland, he wants to help her with ideas for the wedding dress. To this end, he's put together a Pinterest board with some locally available options for her. He hands her a tablet to show her.

CHLOE: They're gorgeous!
HENDRIX: They didn't crown me best-dressed at the Be You Ball for nothing.
PIERCE: Or the Melbourne Cup comp. Mate, this is really... thoughtful.
HENDRIX: I'm happy to help.

He smiles, pleased to see how excited Chloe is by his ideas.

Harold's Café
David and Aaron come in for coffee; Aaron's just coming off the phone from his staff at the gym, where apparently no-one saw Ned injuring himself yesterday, but they did see Finn training with him. Finn is already in the café with Elly and Bea, so Aaron and David go to join them.

Finn confirms that he was training with Ned yesterday, but says Ned didn't have an accident while he was there. Aaron tells them all what Yashvi said about Ned's hand being bruised, and his explanation. Elly and Bea admit they've all been worried Ned might be caught up in something, as his behaviour has been quite odd since Scarlett stabbed him, and they've seen him chatting to Kane.

Aaron thanks them all for their input, and takes David aside. He explains there have been rumours that Kane has been running some sort of illegal fighting racket. David then recalls that there have been a few admissions to hospital lately where people have clearly been beaten up, but have been using flimsy excuses for their injuries.

DAVID: Could Ned be involved in something like that?

No 30
Toadie and Shane are preparing to see Kirsha and Dipi off to Sydney - but Kirsha has something that she needs to say.

KIRSHA: ... I want to go to Sydney alone.
DIPI: ... What?!
KIRSHA: I know you wanted to come and help me settle in. But this is a new chapter for me. I want to be independent and not rely on you.
DIPI: ... You can't go all that way by yourself!
SHANE: No, no - your mum's right. It's not safe.
KIRSHA: It's totally safe! I'm legally old enough to fly without an adult. If there's an issue on the plane, a flight attendant can help me - and Mishti can pick me up from the gate.
DIPI: Kirsha, you can't expect us just to wave you off at the airport!
KIRSHA: No. I want Miss Conway to drive me over there and drop me. If she's okay with that.
SHANE and DIPI: ...
KIRSHA: Look, I get it. It's hard - saying goodbye like this. But next year's gonna be big. I want to prove to myself, and you, that I'm ready for it.

Dipi looks hurt, and Shane tells Kirsha they will need to talk about it.

No 24
Chloe and Hendrix are going over the wedding dress ideas he's prepared. She's panicking that she should be focusing on the hotel, but Hendrix reminds her she'll only get married once, hopefully. Roxy turns up, on the pretext of picking up some paperwork from Chloe; Chloe says she's been caught up with her 'personal stylist' and shows Roxy what Hendrix has done. Roxy feigns surprise.

ROXY: Wow! That's so helpful!
HENDRIX: It's no big deal.
ROXY: Oh, Hendrix, you're too modest! Chloe's lucky to have you around.

Hendrix adds that he'll talk the boutique that most of the dresses are from into arranging a fitting for Chloe - they should send them her measurements, to save time. Chloe agrees, and goes to fetch the papers for Roxy. Roxy tells Hendrix that the pub was quiet and Sheila was stressing, so thought she'd pop around to help 'however I can'. Hendrix smiles knowingly, and says Sheila's lucky to have her.

Lassiter's
With Chloe off-site for the day, Yashvi asks a still dishevelled-looking Ned for some practical tips on how to get started in her new job, starting by showing her the checking-in system. But Ned's standoffish and in a hurry, saying he doesn't have time to show her now. He's evidently struggling with her being in such close proximity, and asks her to give him some space.

YASHVI: I'm just trying to learn!
NED: Yeah, but you're kind of suffocating me. So maybe just back up a little.
YASHVI: Why are you telling everyone you're fine, when you're clearly not?
NED: What are you talking about?
YASHVI: Well, you're jumpy, and you're angry - you're still messed up with what Scarlett's done to you.
NED: No, please don't start, alright? I don't need this today.
YASHVI: She hurt you; she played you badly. Everyone can see you have issues to work through!
NED: Okay, what about you?
YASHVI: What about me?!
NED: I'm not the only one Scarlett played, am I? Didn't take much for you to think the worst of me!
YASHVI: That's not fair!
NED: Isn't it?! I cannot be here today; this is ridiculous. I'm going home!

Ned walks out. Aaron, who has been lingering nearby listening to much of this, looks worried.

No 30
Kirsha has goodbye hugs with Toadie, Nell and Hugo. Shane and Dipi come in from the garden following a chat; Dipi is still insistent that she won't send Kirsha to Sydney alone. Shane admits he's not keen himself, but...

SHANE: The tighter we hold on, the more damage we do. And one day, she's gonna want to break free.
DIPI: One day - in the future! Not now.
SHANE: Whenever it happens, I don't want her resenting us for not letting her go, when she thinks she's ready.
DIPI: Kirsha would never do that.
SHANE: Well, I don't want to take that risk. Do you? Come on, Dip - it's the right thing to do, for her sake.

Dipi looks upset as she watches Kirsha hanging out with her cousins.

No 24
Hendrix has got Chloe an appointment at the wedding dress boutique, but says they need the measurements for her ASAP. Chloe says there are a couple that she can't do on her own, so asks Hendrix to give her a hand. He looks a bit flustered as Chloe asks him to measure from her neck to the base of her spine, and properly lovestruck as he touches her skin...

CHLOE: Hendrix? What's the measurement?

He regains his senses and reels off the numbers, but clearly has It bad for Chloe...

Ramsay Street
Dipi has acceded to Kirsha's request to go to Sydney on her own, and Elly has turned up to take her to the airport as requested. Shane is loading up the car, while an emotional Dipi hugs Kirsha. Kirsha explains to Shane her reasoning for wanting Elly to take her.

KIRSHA: You know, if you and Mum took me, Mum would just cry all the time, which would set me off, which would just make her worse...
DIPI (crying): That's not true!
KIRSHA: Please, don't worry! I'm gonna be video-calling you so much that you'll probably get sick of the sight of me.
DIPI: No, we won't.
KIRSHA: It's because of you two that I'm even brave enough to do this. You guys are the best parents ever.
DIPI (crying): We are *so* proud of you. I don't want to let you go.

They hug, and then Shane hugs and kisses Kirsha too, also very emotional.

SHANE: Go get 'em, Lionfish.

Toadie, Shane and Dipi wave as Kirsha gets into the car with Elly.

TOADIE: Knock 'em dead.
SHANE: Call us as soon as you land, eh?
DIPI (crying): We love you.

Kirsha smiles as she looks back, and they wave her off. Once the car's driven away, Shane goes to comfort Dipi, but...

DIPI: Don't.
SHANE: What?
DIPI: I don't want anything from you right now.
SHANE: Come on, I know you're upset...
DIPI: Upset? You basically called me a bad mum.
TOADIE: I'm sure he didn't mean that.
DIPI: You stay out of it! I think you've done more than enough! I would've never agreed to any of this, but you two just kept pushing and pushing, and now she's gone!

Shane encourages her to come inside, but Dipi says she's going for a walk.

Lassiter's
Bea and Finn call in to see Yashvi at work. She admits she hasn't had a thrilling day, but has been more worried about Ned.

Chloe turns up; a last-minute reservation has come in online for a big party, so she needs to brief Ned about it. Yashvi's forced to explain that Ned has gone home early, and says he wasn't feeling well. Chloe says she'll find someone else, and walks off, promising to be here tomorrow for Yashvi.

BEA: Ned's not sick, is he?

237 Torrance Road
Ned's not sick, but back at the illegal fighting ring, where he is facing off against his latest opponent (Judd Fincher, according to the credits).

However, someone else is watching from the crowd - Aaron.

Lassiter's Complex
Chloe is raving to Pierce about how brilliant Hendrix has been with the wedding dress, and how he got her an 'impossible appointment' with the boutique.

CHLOE: He's a charmer, just like his father.

Roxy brings Pierce and Chloe a bottle of wine on ice. She says she knows they didn't order it, but thought it might help with their paperwork, since it's nearly knock-off time.

PIERCE: You wouldn't be trying to butter up the boss, would you?
ROXY: This is nothing. You should see how well I polished all of the glasses, and reorganised behind the bar.
PIERCE: Chloe told me you'd been looking out for Sheila.
ROXY: It's what you do when you're part of one, big, happy Lassiter's family.

Roxy goes to clear some nearby tables, evidently having impressed Chloe and Pierce. Hendrix turns up and joins them at the table.

PIERCE: I'm glad you're here. There's something I've been meaning to ask.
HENDRIX: Is this about the tux again? If you're really struggling, I guess I can help.
PIERCE: It's not that. I'm wondering if you would be my best man.
HENDRIX: ...

Hendrix is unsure what to say, but from behind Pierce, Roxy gestures to him that he should say yes.

HENDRIX: Umm... I'd love to!
PIERCE: Yeah?
HENDRIX: Yeah, of course! Yeah!

Everyone looks happy, albeit Hendrix a little conflicted.

237 Torrance Road
Ned's fight is now in full swing, and his opponent Judd punches him square in the face. Aaron looks worried as the match continues and the crowd around him cheers. Judd seems to have the upper hand and gets him in a headlock, but Ned elbows him and breaks free.

They exchange more punches, and Ned takes one to his stab wound, leaving Aaron concerned. But Ned then regains momentum, repeatedly punching Judd until he's on the floor. The crowd cheers as Judd is down and no longer moving. But even so, Ned goes back in for more punches, hitting him hard and repeatedly, causing an alarmed Aaron to rush in and pull Ned off him...

Coming up on Neighbours
- Paul and Kyle goad each other about the class action lawsuit
- Shane shows Toadie an envelope that was put under the door at home
- Prue tells Paul and Terese that the house is full of negativity, crime and scandal
- Prue asks Harlow to return to London with her, so they can live a 'beautiful life together'
- Terese tells Prue, 'surely you can see that this is so sudden!'