As on the wind

Looking up quickly as Nikki approaches, a smile forms on Pete's lips - one wider than earlier today. He was glad she'd shown up and wasn't offended about earlier.

Chuckling, he shakes his head. "Naw, we're good. I just had a tiger on a leash earlier and couldn't risk any mishaps. Sorry about that."

As she sits down across from him, his eyes follow her, just taking her in as anyone would who hadn't seen her in so long. "Wow, it's... it's good to see you." A thousand and one thoughts and memories pass through his mind... things he hadn't thought about in years. Nikki, his brother... the three of them hanging out... high-school when it wasn't cool to hang out with others not of your same age bracket but they did it anyway... graduation... late-night fun times at the lake... college when they saw less of each other but remained close. Pete and Nikki had never dated, though they'd been teased enough. They'd simply been good friends. Then it had all drifted away, as on the wind, thought to never be reborn again. In Pete's life, things had taken a turn for the bad until he'd found his way again, leading him to law enforcement. And Nikki? What had her life been like?

Pete's hands fidget with his glass of water and he laughs again. "You look great... and I have no idea what to say." He bites his lip a little, feeling awkward and relaxed at the same time. "It's been what... ten years or so?" So much life had happened to him since then... had it for her, too? Did she know about his mom or what had happened to his brother? He didn't know. "Are you just passing through or...?"


"Hmmm..." Alec pretends to think for a moment, then shakes his head. "I don't think you've ever told me that before."

Leaning closer, he gives Ryan another kiss, letting it linger on her lips as his fingers toy with her hair. Drawing back, the corner of his mouth quirks. "Sounds pretty good though."

He's just about ready to return for another kiss when a loud motorcycle engine revs as it pulls up near the car. Looking quickly, Alec tenses then relaxes, seeing it's just Eli and Scarlet.

Eli gives a wave and lifts the visor on his helmet. Though one couldn't see his lips, his raised cheeks prove he's smiling. "Looks like we got here just in time," he teases. Cutting the motor, he sits back with his feet on the ground and takes off his helmet where a black bandanna was keeping his hair in place. "Alec, you met Scarlet?"

Alec cocks his head as he eyes the woman. "Don't think so. I'm pretty sure I woulda remembered if I had."


Back on the road again, this time it's off to the fishing hole. Justin felt better after his quick shower and fishing was relaxing to him anyway, so this was good. It had been a long last few hours, but this was his reward.

Eventually they find their way back to the pond, through the grass and bramble and back into the clearing beside the water. Thought it was hot, the trees provided much shade and since the grass was kept mowed near the water, the insects weren't bad either.

Justin sets down all his tackle and scans the area, trying to decide where the best spot would be, and he chooses one pretty near, doing as he had before with one line and bobber and the other pole to cast and reel. Light conversation was interspersed between quiet moments, creating a relaxing and safe atmosphere.

The dogs ran around, barked and chased each other, having a great time and panting like crazy as they played. Justin didn't bother telling them to be quiet - to him, fishing was more than catching fish anyway and he enjoyed seeing the dogs have fun.

Once his line with the bobber is set, he picks up his other pole, but pauses, looking over to Beth. He wasn't sure if she just wanted to sit on a rock, play with the dogs or if she did want to try fishing. He holds up the pole. "Wanna try?"