Ball

Eli licks some sauce off his fork and laughs at Scarlet's question. "Mmm... naw, I don't think the kiss has to wait. I think we've already demolished that route, don't you think?"

Still grinning, he finishes off his food, satisfied with the good meal. Drinking the rest of his tea, he glances at his watch. "We got time to sit here for a while, or... if we leave now, we can have an extra long ride back to your place."

He knew without having talked about it that Scarlet enjoyed the longer rides, which was why he had already taken a long route this morning.


With Hope's final statement, all Scott can do is watch her walk away. A deeper frustration boiled inside of him than he'd ever felt before. He was mad at her, mad at himself and mad at the Agency. Nothing was right anymore. Everything was upside down. Nothing made sense and the light at the end of the tunnel seemed to be fading a little more each day.

Scott's eyes follow Hope until she's disappeared inside the building. His stomach revolted, threatening to throw up what little he'd had to eat today. Turning around, he trudges up the walking path with absolutely no destination in mind. Was this it? Was it over between them? Was this the second love he'd lost?

Hot, angry tears build behind his eyes and his vision is blurred as he walks. Continuing to trudge on anyway, he doesn't see the raised crack in the pavement. It's just high enough that his foot catches it and without warning, he's sprawled on the concrete slab.

Not uttering a sound, he rolls over to sit up, a sharp pain running through his knee. Looking down, he sees that he's torn his jeans and a bit of blood is soaking through. Immediately, images from that dark cell come rushing through his mind... Being thrown into the wall, scraping his knees on that harsh stone floor and having nothing to stop the bleeding or the pain.

Clenching his eyes shut tightly, he rocks, murmuring to himself and trying to stop the memories from overtaking him.

"Hey, are you okay? Did you hurt yourself? Can I help?"

The male voice breaks into Scott's thoughts. He's so stuck in a world of chaos though that he doesn't realize right away that it's a man offering help, not an Agency foe trying to hurt him further. "No!" Scott lashes out with his arm, sweeping the man's legs right out from under him.

The man gives a short cry but can do nothing but let gravity take over as he lands beside Scott on the ground.

The incident is enough to bring Scott's mind back into focus and he looks quickly to what he'd just done. "I'm... I'm sorry. You just... you startled me."

"I see that." The man rubs his elbow gingerly, but he grins a little. "Next time I'll shout from a distance, okay?"

Scott gives a little scoff. "At least you're willing to keep away."

The man quirks an eyebrow, but doesn't miss a beat. Instead of backing off, he offers his hand in a friendly gesture. "I'm Justin."

Scott isn't so sure about him, and really is in no mood for small talk, but he accepts the handshake anyway. "Scott."

"You hurt?"

"Naw... just a scratch I think."

"They really ought to get after this sidewalk. I doubt you're the first person to fall." Justin gets to his feet then offers Scott a hand up.

Scott stands a little wobbly and brushes himself off, feeling stupid. Who was this guy anyway? He wasn't an orderly or a doctor - he wasn't wearing any uniform or name tag, just dressed casually in jeans and a t-shirt. "Visiting someone?"

"In a manner of speaking." Justin cocks his head. "I came to see you, actually."

Scott bristles, his face paling slightly. Was this Agency? A trick of Austin's? He backs up a step. "W...why?"

"It's okay," Justin assures calmly. "Dr. Hawks asked me to come."

"What for?"

"You kidding me?" Justin lifts his eyebrows. "Don't tell me you actually enjoy sitting in his stuffy office and going through a bunch of routine questions."

"No..." Scott is still hesitant. "What does that have to do with you?"

"Lets just say that maybe Dr. Hawks figured you could use fresh air more than an office."

"And that's why you're here. Fresh air." Scott's frustration was quickly returning. "If you're here for me, let's get one thing straight - I don't like beating around the bush."

Justin grins. "Fair enough. I'm just here as a friend, Scott. I'm here to get you physically active so you can clear your mind and fight this thing with more than frustration and anger."

"Great. Another person who wants to fix me. Forget it."

"Hey, I don't want to fix you," Justin defends. "You gotta do that yourself. All I wanna do is show you that there's more here than that little bedroom and that stuffy office. I was told that you got an awful lot inside that head of yours, and that a little bit of physical activity might just do the trick. So come on... at least humor me, huh?"

Scott rolls his eyes. "I go for walks. It's enough."

"What? Fifteen minutes once a day? When was the last time you went for a run? Played frisbee?"

"Look, I think it's stupid. Running around wearing myself out won't do anything but make me more tired than I am already."

"Then at least prove it to me." Justin walks a few steps to the nearby bench where he'd left a baseball and two baseball gloves. Picking them up, he hands one glove to Scott. There was a nice grassy area just around the bend in the path. "Give me three days. If you still think it's stupid, I won't come back. Deal?"

Scott looks at the glove, finally taking it grudgingly. Maybe it would be good to get his mind off everything for a while, even if it felt a bit silly. He wanted to stop thinking about his problems and stop thinking about Hope. And at least Justin would leave after three days if he wanted him to. That was more than he was getting from anybody else - respect. "Fine. But don't get too fancy with the ball. I still have trouble with depth perception every once in a while on account of my eye."

"No sweat. Come on."

:( :(

Stopping Hope looks over her shoulder at Scott. Her face held no smile now, her her eyes looked tired still laced with so many emotions. Giving a shake as she got a cold shiver Hope closes her eyes for a moment another tear rolls down her cheeked. There was nothing else she could do.

"I wont bother you again. I'm sorry."

Putting her hands in her jacket pocket tilting her head to the ground Hope's head hung in surrender. What else could she do but make Scott even more upset if she tried to fight it and that wasn't good for him.

Picking up her pause again Hope lets out a sigh and started to head inside again. She felt like crap, and she hurt all over only not realizing it. Not walking all that fast she destination was set She'd see Dr. Thomas today but what she would talk about Hope didn't even know. So many things ran through her head, and so many feelings where to start she didn't know, but she would go anyways for today.

Now who's

Listening to Hope, Scott can feel frustration adding on top of everything else. There were things he wanted to say... things he wanted to respond to. There were words he wanted to yell at her to make her understand what he was feeling. He lets her finish talking though, only to have her walk away, heading inside.

Spinning on his heel, his eyes narrow. "Now who's the selfish one?" he hisses. "If you coming here is all for you, then be my guest, but leave me out of it from now on. If you can't even honor my one request, then so be it."

His jaw sets stubbornly, his hands clenching into fists inside his pockets. "You blame yourself for not doing enough? You know good and well that's not true. It's me and the Agency, not you, and I'll be hanged if I let myself believe that you're carrying that guilt around because I messed up again."

Pausing, he waits to see her eyes again. "If this is the way 'one of my best' relationships goes, then I don't have much to look forward to in a future. Stop trying to fix me and just let... me... be."

Singal Tear

Seeing the lack of life is Scott's eyes Hope can almost feel her head pick up so much more than it had before. Her hands were clamy and she wasnt even sure why yet. Maybe it was the fortold feeling of the words that were coming.

As Scott speaks Hope listens her smile never seemed to fade though but the feelings passed through her eyes as a glossy presence made itself know almost pushing to flow over though they don't. Hope wanted to be angry, herself, Scott who new...she just wanted to feeling but she couldn't.

Letting out a small sigh she continues to look at Scott, her eyes so lost, almost defeated. Trying to finger her words they seemed lost amongst emotions that wanted to be free. Finally though she trys to push back what she feels the smile though faded a little was still on her face.

"Did you ever think Scott maybe I come here for the both of us? I failed once on making you better, and maybe for me I came back here because I choose to, because maybe I needed help too and I had to try and make things right because I love and care for you that much."

The emotions still pooled in hopes eyes though she kept her voice calm, and her words uncontrolled. Sometimes she hated the councilor side of her that didn't allow her to get mad, or yell. That alone could be frustrating.

"I will continue to come. If you don't want me to stop in and say hi than I wont. If you want to break things off with me because I am coming here for me, than thats a pretty crappy reason to walk away from maybe one of the best relationships of your life. But I will continue to come, because I need to come. I'm sorry you feel as though I walked all over you, or I had no respect for you. But if I had to go back and do it again I wouldn't change it, because at least I cared."

Stepping a little to the side Hope walks around Scott and started to make her way inside the building at a slow pase like she had so many times before.

Though no one new out of her own choosing she had started seeing one of the Dr's here on each of her visits, just to talk, to voice how she felt. Everything that happened with Scott was hard for her to handle...not because it was to much but because in fact it did feel like she had failed him.

Where would they go now? She didnt know. Would Scott end it? Hope prayed he wouldn't! Would they be ok, and would there relationship mend, Hope wanted to think so because she did love Scott so much. And finally...a single tear fell from Hope's eye.

Finishing her own drink and being pulled down with Gage Sapphire comfortable tucks her on arm under her and the other lays across his stomach and her hands rests on his cest as she nuzzled her head into his shoulder.

Gage had learned so well how to comfort her, Sapphire couldn't help but think it was a trate he'd always had and giving the chanse to show it, it flourished so much and was so warm. Sapphire could spend the whole night like this and be happy.

"Mmm...ok a half hour. I am so comfortable to argue."

Scarlet can't help her laugh as she rolls her eyes. Hearing Eli agree to wanting her to be his girl felt nice and warm. Just the sounds of it felt....good. Though both seemed hesitant maybe that was the funny part about it all.

"Let's see...two days you said my bike will be ready...I don't know if I can hold out till than, but I can try."

Giving a shake of her head the grin on her lips seemed to grow even bigger. It seemed funny waiting a few days before there was an official title when they had already made up there minds but it was kind of fun to think about it at the same time.

"I do have to say though I am happy we got that first date out of the way. Just because I have to wait for the title doesn't mean I have to wait for the kiss....does it?"

Scarlet can't help the sly little smile that had formed on her lips to replace the grin. She liked Eli, and how she felt around him, she liked knowing they could throw pass back and forth at each other till they were blue in the face and never tired. It just seemed part of the fun.

Risk

Scott sees Hope approaching, but today he doesn't even try for a smile. He was tired of faking it.

Standing up, he faces Hope as she greets him. His eyes were dim, reflecting the lack of life he felt. "Morning," he returns coolly. Keeping his hands in his hoodie pockets, he shifts his weight from one foot to the other.

"I've decided to stay. It's safer for all involved if I do." He looks bravely into Hope's eyes, going over his words in his mind. He knew what he wanted to say... what he needed to say. "Before we go any further, I want to let you know that I care about you. I wish things were different so we could spend some real time together. But... we can't, because I'm messed up. And... I love you. But the fact that you came today even though I asked you not to... it just seems to confirm that nothing I say matters."

He swallows hard, knowing that his words were harsh, but he'd reached the point where he needed to express his true feelings. "I was dragged here against my will, and my wishes are consistently being disrespected. And I... I don't appreciate it."

Scott searches Hope's face before going on. "So I'm going to ask you one more time not to come back until I call. And if you do... don't expect you and me to go anywhere. Because I'm tired of being walked on."


Gage rests his head against Sapphire's as she leans it on his shoulder. He felt badly for her. He didn't know what it was like to have family, let alone a twin sibling. But he knew if he did have a brother or sister, he'd want to be close to them, not separated by these kinds of circumstances. Even if Scott had threatened him, he wished he would get better too, for Sapphire's sake.

"You will," he assures quietly. It was just another mess the Agency had created. He turns to kiss the top of her head before resting it on hers again. As much as Scott had been through already, surely he had enough strength to make it through this. Gage wondered if Reese or Hope had used Alec anymore... he could be the key to a lot of things, but it wasn't Gage's place to say.

Straightening a little, he returns to his shake before it melts too much, just enjoying some quiet with Sapphire. Much of their time was spent in silence. Gage rather liked it, learning how to read Sapphire without words, and watching her learn to read him too. Eventually though, the shakes are gone. But a glance at the clock proves they still have plenty of time to do whatever they wanted and still get out and about for the activities Sapphire had mentioned.

Setting his empty cup aside, Gage flops back down on his side on the mattress and with on arm, pulls down Sapphire too. His arm drapes around her waste and tucks her in close in front of him. "Half hour," he murmurs. "Then we can go."


Eli pauses between mouthfuls and contemplates Scarlet's question. Was it just him, or were they both undecided, tossing the idea around back and forth just to see who would make the first move? For two such confident people, surely to an outsider, this was a comical conversation. His eyes twinkle.

"Been a long time since I called someone my girl," he comments casually. "I'd say you were taking quite a risk by getting involved with the likes of me, but... it's apparent that you've done your homework." The awkward feelings about Scarlet finding out about him prior to their meeting were gone now, replaced by amusement.

He gives her another grin before taking time to sip his ice tea. What the hey. He had nothing to lose, and if things didn't work out, he could still say he'd had her for a while, right? "I think I'd like it," he finally answers. "Besides, if I don't act now, some other guy is gonna come along and steal you away and that wouldn't be any fun at all."

A wink is tossed in her direction. "But maybe you should wait to agree until after the bike's done."

Trust

Giving another small laugh at the mention to Eli bringing the bike back in one peace and never dreaming of hurting Scarlet couldn't help it though she did believe him. Taking a sip of her water and looking back at Eli she could see him studying her, as the wheels in his own head seemed to turn. It was almost like he was having a silent argument in his head, and just looking at her was drawing him to one side.

Continuing to look back into Eli's own eyes not mining it one bit being captivated buy his own eyes so easily. They said so much if one looked hard enough.

As Eli breaks his gaze Scarlet smiles and breaks hers as well looking back down at her food and singling out a peace of chicken to bit into. Savoring the taste, it had been so long since she had a good chicken salad.

Looking up again as Eli starts to talk Scarlet's chewing slows for a moment before picking up again. His question was simple, but it almost took her off guard. She had saut Eli out, She had told him flat she wanted something more than just a fling, but now faced with the question it was almost like her heart was kicked up a k notch and she was asking herself was this really a good idea? Eli was great, and he seemed even nicer than she had imaged. She had good a good job of finding out about him, but still from her own past falts that flag was there anyways.

Reasoning in her own mind Scarlet looks up at Eli again this time it was her turn to stair and thinking. Looking into his deep eyes she remembers how soft and sweet he had been, yet at the same time he had been hold and ready to match her head on. Yes, this was a man she did trust and that was something that didn't come easy with Scarlet but Eli in a short time had earned it.

"I'd say I would want to see my bike first but I like the sound of being your girl. I think I would be a fool to decline that title. Would you like me to be your girl?"

Moving from the floor to next to Gage on the air mattress Sapphire takes a sip of the cold treat. Spending time with Gage was always nice, even if they didn't do anything just being there with him felt good.

Hearing that Con had given him a ride she gives a nod not surprised by Tank's helpfulness. He had such a big heart he'd help anyone who needed it. Hearing about her brother though stricks a cord with Sapphire and her eyes turn a little sad. Taking another suck from the drink she is silent for a moment.

It wasn't often her brother was talked about not because he wasnt important but because it was just a sore subject. But even if she hated it maybe it was a good thing to with someone a once and a while on it. Who better than Gage, he already new almost everything about her he was part of her life, so he should know.

"I'm...ok. I just wish Scott would let his anger go. I heard Hope talking to Reese that they think Scott is more mad at himself than anyone else. I can see that about my brother, he's always hated not being better."

Sapphire lets out a sigh as she leans her head on Gage's shoulder for a moment. His presence was so calming she just wanted to tell him close to her. He always made her feel better even if he didn't know it.

"I just...want to see him better again."

Pulling into the parking lot Hope sits in the car for a long moment. She new what Scott had said yesterday and it still weighed heavy on her mind. He didn't want to see her till he called, but she had made a promise to him his first day here no matter what she'd come and see him. If he didnt want to see her she would say hi and than head to the library or the flower gardens that surrounded the area but she would be here.

Finally getting out of the car Hope shuts and locked the door. Walking just a tiny but slower up the walk way she is suprised to see Scott sitting at the same bench as yesterday. Drawing closer Hope smiles sweetly though she can see the look on his face was colder maybe even bleaker than normal.

"Morning!"

Touchy subject

Eli chuckles and shakes his head. "I'll definitely have your bike in one piece. I couldn't do harm to a motorcycle if I was paid to," he teases. "As for Ryan... I don't think it'll be too hard to get past her. She's softer on the inside than out. But don't tell her I said that."

Pausing, he continues to study Scarlet's eyes. She'd mentioned wanting more the very first night they'd been out together. Did he really want that? Did he really want more than just a couple casual dates? There was hesitance in his gut. He'd gone too far the last time a woman wanted to have a relationship. Moving in with Sasha had been the worst thing he could have done, so at a certain level he didn't trust himself anymore. At the same time, how could he let this drop-dead gorgeous, fun, adventurous, intriguing woman slip through his fingers?

It was ironic. He was always after dates and hanging out with the girls who walked by. But no one ever wanted anything more than an evening over drinks at the bar. This was different. This was... more. Scarlet didn't seem the type, though, to take things too quickly or too far. No... she was confident and a go-getter, but there was a certain reserve about her too, warning that she wasn't the type to go fooling around with one-night stands. No... Scarlet was... special.

Realizing that he was still staring at her, he finally drops his gaze and takes another bite of food. Being with her felt risky... but there was a sense of adventure there that beckoned him. A grin makes its way to his lips once more as he speaks again while eating. "So... a few dates, a few kisses, and we haven't killed each other yet. Does that make you my girl or do you have to see what shape your bike is in first?"


Gage finally manages a smile as he chooses the chocolate shake. "Spending time with you is always fun for me, you know that."

Sucking the cold treat up through the straw, he grins. "I guess a milkshake makes everything better, eh?" Moving over, he pats the mattress beside him so Sapphire can sit next to him instead of directly on the floor.

Quiet for a few moments, he mulls over another subject in his head, thinking through his words before speaking, like he usually did. "Con... he gave me a ride earlier today 'cause I had to go across town and he was heading that way. He... said Scott wasn't doing very well."

He pauses and runs his finger around the cup's plastic lid. He knew this was a sensitive subject and if Sapphire didn't want to talk about it, he wouldn't. But he did wonder how she was doing with it all - they rarely brought it up in conversation.

Gage glances to her out of the corner of his eye. "Are you...okay?"


For Scott, the next day came all too soon. Waking up in the morning, misery from the day before still lingered. Sleep hadn't come easily in the night, and that which had come, had been restless. All this whole mess was because of him, and he was sick of it. He was sick of needing help all the time, relying on others, and being the one to fall to pieces constantly. It wasn't fair.

Curled in bed, he glances at the window. Where had his determination go from the other day? He'd finally realized he did need the help. Was this just a bad spell? Would it pass? Would he ever have the courage he needed again? Would he even get away from here? Technically, he could leave whenever he wanted. But deep down, he knew that was the wrong choice. At least here, he wouldn't be putting his friends in danger.

Rolling out of bed, he trudges to get ready for the day. If he didn't, the nurse would be up to see him and get him up anyway. "Breakfast time!" she would say. And he would decline like normal. Then she would come up a while later with some food anyway and he would wind up eating a little bit of it. Later she'd come clear it away, still smiling and as chipper as always. It was an easy routine to learn.

It doesn't take Scott long to be showered and dressed. But before he could be approached about breakfast, he heads downstairs. Dr. Hawks said he could talk with him this morning - he might as well get it over with. He'd cooperate. He'd try not to walk out. He knew he had to do this. But there were some changes that would take place. There were some things he just couldn't handle anymore...

...Sitting outside on the very same bench as yesterday, Scott waits. He hadn't walked out this morning. It hadn't been easy... he'd told Dr. Hawks things he really didn't want to. But at least it had ended well. Now Scott knew that Hope would be coming again. He'd told her not to come, but he knew she would anyway. And that's exactly what he was ready for. He wasn't going to keep doing this stupid same routine day in and day out. It was a silly dance with silly games he wasn't going to play anymore. From here on out, he would do it his way. He'd get over this. He would win. But it would be on his terms this time.

So he waits.


Dylan knew all too well how to avoid detection when he wanted something. This afternoon was no different. It was still raining out, but not as hard, so at least he didn't get soaked on the walk from the bunkhouse to Angel's office. He'd been keeping an eye out for the traffic and knew that his dad was in the barn and that Rosetta had just gone to the mess hall, most likely for something to eat or some coffee. Dylan also had seen that Angel had slipped out the side to empty some garbage. If ever there was a chance, this was it.

Moving quickly but not too fast to be noticed, Dylan slips across the driveway and up the porch steps without hesitating. Letting himself in, he lets the door shut softly behind him and glances around. He sees the door at the other end of the room was ajar, so he goes to investigate. He wasn't really sure why he was here... maybe he felt more badly about the whole thing with BJ than he'd let on. He hadn't meant for the kid to get hurt last night. It had just been... a mess. And still was. If Mick knew he was in here, he'd be dead meat. But he just wanted to see for himself.

Dylan finds himself sliding into the cozy room, spotting BJ's sleeping form on the bed. He looked smaller now... kinda pale. But at least he was getting rest, right?

Closing the gap, Dylan's hands rest in his pockets and he looks down at the young boy, feeling the pangs of guilt again. He didn't like a little kid tagging along behind him or wanting attention all the time. But even so, he wouldn't have chosen for BJ to get hurt.

"I'm sorry," he apologizes quietly. "When you wake up, I'll... I'll help you find another frog."


Mick leans on the doorway for a moment, having entered the office right after Dylan. He'd been prepared to drag his son out by his shirt, but hearing Dylan's soft words, it suddenly hits Mick that maybe there really was another side to his son. Maybe there really was something besides the bad attitude and stupid decisions. Was this what Dan had seen in him? Perhaps. Mick still wasn't sure how he should respond to the whole situation. He didn't know how to keep himself from blowing his top when thinking about it, or blaming this all on Dylan's stupidity. Maybe he just needed to do what he'd suggested to Dylan earlier - that he could stay as long as he earned his keep and stayed out of trouble. But maybe Mick just needed to back off and quit trying to fix things.

Backing away from the door, Mick wanders back through the office, exiting onto the porch. Sighing deeply, he looks at the sky that was changing colors as it prepared for nightfall. It had been almost twenty-four hours now... Another prayer is lifted for BJ to awake and be alright.