Hour

Such a simple thing as giving his hand a squeeze, but in that small gesture, Alec felt a warmth that penetrated his soul - a soul so barricaded that it took the strongest of emotions to unlock any part of it. With all the time he'd been with other women for the fun of it, never had one simply gripped his hand. It was a sign reserved for someone who actually... cared.

Ryan's sweet kiss brings him from his stare and seems to snap him from a trance. Why it was important to him that she did not forget him, he didn't know. But for some reason, it's what he wanted. Anybody in the past, he didn't care whether they remembered him or not, and more than likely, it would be good if they didn't. But Ryan... this beauty before him... to have her remember him was worth tucking away into his heart.

He wanted to stay. He wanted to find that freedom he was looking for. He wanted to take Ryan with him. But maybe giving up that freedom was the only way to find it.

Before he could change his mind, he turns from her to exit the car. Waiting for her, he walks to the building, waving at the security camera as they entered. Once inside and down to the main floor, there were more eyes on them this time - apparently Reese wasn't the only one who knew they were late. Alec ignores them though, and heads straight for Reese's office with Ryan behind him.

He walks past Susanne, not bothering to ask her if it was okay to enter the office, and he doesn't knock, but pushes the door open and stands inside as if saying "here I am."

Reese looks up quickly and gets to his feet, seeing both Alec and Ryan. He studies them each for a moment, wondering at their lateness. Con had told him enough, and Reese had had a fear that Alec would simply take off with or without Ryan. He was actually surprised that Alec was back here now. "Mr. Banks... Miss McKade." He folds his arms across his chest. "Glad you made it back." He eyes Alec, then moves his gaze to Ryan. "What happened to the hour?"


Seeing the look on Thirteen's face and hearing her words, Ryder feels a little lurch in his heart - one that awakened feelings he hadn't felt in a long time. He did love Thirteen and would always be there for her unless there came a day when she didn't want him, and he hoped that day never came.

Receiving her kiss, he returns it gently, his hand going to cradle the side of her face, his thumb tracing her cheek and jawline. So tender and sweet was his expression of love, even remaining in his eyes as he drew away again. A smile was on his face.

"You wanna go for a short walk? Get some fresh air? Then we can meet Trent back here."


"Eh... don't thank me." Ty shakes his head and steps out of the truck, shrugging off Libby's thanks. This is what friends did... they had each other's back no matter what.

Leading the way to the porch, Ty fishes for his keys and then lets them inside. For being a house of two bachelors, it was well-kept and clean. Heading to the kitchen, Ty sheds his jacket and throws it over the chair, going for the refrigerator. Looking inside, he pauses with the door open. "Want anything to drink?"