Don't take this away

Chance forces another smile to the surface, though there was much more that laid behind his eyes. "I shouldn't have let you get hurt at all," he reasons. "You shouldn't have to go through this too."

Sighing, he runs his thumb over Destiny's hand. "You just get some more rest, okay? We can go back to the house tomorrow and start getting your life put back together again."

Reaching up, he brushes aside a lock of hair from her face before leaning in to kiss her cheek. "I'm gonna leave you for just a little bit, then I'll be back."


Phil laughs. "It's not hard to get to the lake - I could give you directions, but going together might be more fun anyway."

Turning down another street, he continues the drive to where the car was for sale that he'd seen. "Got any days off this week? Weather's supposed to stay nice for a while..."

He lets the invitation hang in the air, not sure if Rayne felt comfortable doing something so soon or not. She seemed to be relaxed, but he didn't want to impose on her or make her think he was after more than just finding a new friend.


Ryder grits his teeth, fighting the urge to lash out at Thirteen. He knew in his head she didn't deserve that, but he was in pain, tired and whatever medication they were giving him was putting him even more on edge.

He hated seeing tears in her eyes - it made him feel awful. But he didn't want to feel awful. He loved his job. He loved what he did - it was a piece of home to him. Thirteen never had understood that and maybe she never would.

Lying back into his pillows, he closes his eyes, trying to stay calm. Taking a deep breath, he finally looks back to Thirteen and stretches out his hand. "Come here," he prompts softly.

Pulling her closer to the bed, he kisses her hand and looks up at her with an apology. "I'm sorry I scared you. This was a rare occurrence. Someone told me the tank was empty and I should have checked it myself anyway. It was my fault and I won't let it happen again."

His eyes plead with her. "Don't take this away from me... please. I know you worry but... you're just gonna have to learn to trust that I'll be fine."