Why can't I?

Following Beth to the kitchen with the dogs on his heels, Justin's hands rest halfway in his jeans pockets. The smell of food in the air makes his stomach growl - if there was one thing he couldn't deny, it was that Beth was a good cook.

"Oh... I'm doing okay." Truth be told, he was pretty tired and didn't really feel all that great about the day, but he was still okay.

Leaning back against one of the countertops, his eyes watch Beth continuing to prepare supper. "Just another typical day in the life of not-so-typical me." He smiles a little to cover up his weariness. It was a strange feeling... being more comfortable here than he'd thought he'd be, along with wanting to be with Rebecca.

"Food smells awfully good..."


Ariel gives Trey a little smirk. "Yeah, like you coulda got your head blown off. I'd say this was the better option." She waves her fork around. "I wouldn't have gotten my meal paid for either."

Grinning, she takes another bite. "Okay, so you're kind of a prisoner of TJY, but really it's for your own protection. Your folks are in the drug business... sounds like you dabbled but they didn't want you in the thick of it. And it's all normal to you, huh?"

She cocks her head thoughtfully. "Some people might say you've done a lot of living. I'd say you haven't done enough." Pausing to take another sip of her drink, her eyes remain on Trey. "Stick around a while... you need to see the sights and I need someone to show them to."


Jeff returns Thirteen's hug warmly and smiles, kissing the top of her head. "You look great," he compliments. "And lunch for everybody sounds fantastic. Can I help you out?"

Ryder grins as he watches them all, feeling good that Thirteen was able to spend time with not only her dad but her uncle and cousin as well. "There's always room in the kitchen," he intervenes and hobbles in that direction. "Come on, Thirteen... let's make some of those sandwiches you know so well how to put together."


Jason tries to not let his weariness show too much and continues to keep part of it from Katie, though he does answer her. "Um... bed is good," he replies quietly. He didn't want to put anybody out, and would rather just keep this whole thing low-keyed. Seeing some of the others heading to the kitchen, he wanders towards the hall, nodding to Trent but not taking time to chat right now. Later... later after he'd rested.

Getting to Katie's room, Jason knows he doesn't need to be hesitant about entering her private space. He could ignore what he needed to, and right now, most everything was going ignored anyway. Easing face-down on the bed, he hides his face in a pillow. Katie's sweet shampoo scent was a comfort and a slight twist in his emotions prove it - almost as if he'd let the little secret slip.

Unfortunately, there were more intense emotions swirling around any good ones. They were those that told not only of the leftover damage that had been caused, but of the unsolved torment of finding out he had a brother. The emotions that were on the top were those that made him want to cry, though he held it all back. He was still confused, angry and hurt, and exhausted because of it all.

His scarred palm burned and he clenches his fist under the pillow, willing himself not to release any energy, lest he damage anything or anyone around him.


Receiving Chuck's hug and kiss to the cheek, Susanne stiffens, not having expecting it and too shocked to even return either one. A light whiff of cologne passes her nostrils and she couldn't help but close her eyes for a short moment, enjoying it.

Looking back at him though, she just blinks. "Answer for..." Her speech trails off as she begins to smile and she shakes her head. "I guess I figured your note meant your answer for more than lunch," she admits. Another little tingle runs down her spine and she reminds herself that she really did need to decline. She'd already come to terms with all of this today and had logically thought through it all, always concluding that it was best to walk away from the one fun evening.

Why then, was the word "no" simply not coming out?

Taking a little step closer to him again, she bites her lip and looks into those eyes that she was sure belonged in a fairytale somewhere, not her reality. Reaching up, she runs her fingers through his slightly matted hair before retreating again. "Why can't I say no to you?" she asks quietly. "Why do you have to make me feel so good just when I'm ready to walk away?"


Alec pokes his head around the corner and scans the garage. A few mechanics remained, but his eyes only wanted to find one. As he's spotted by Miles, he puts a finger to his lips for him to remain quiet. He was still in his khaki uniform and cap from driving all day, having come right here after work. Despite the hours on the job though, there seemed to be a new kind of spark in his eye.

Slipping back behind the cars, he comes up at Ryan's back while she is bent over an open engine. Grinning, he wraps his arms around her waist and leans in to kiss her neck, squeezing her tightly. "Mmm.... grease isn't my favorite perfume, but as long as it's you wrapped in my arms, I don't think I care."

Still grinning, he sets his chin on her shoulder. "What do you think about dumping this joint a little early?" he whispers. "I know this great apartment with a halfway-great couch and a hand-me-down table perfect for holding something exotic like..." He chuckles. "...Takeout Chinese? Or pizza and wings?"

He bites his lip before kissing her neck again. "It comes with a guy dying for some cuddle time in front of the tv and a cheesy movie." Another grin emerges. "Without big brother Eli's hawk eyes."