To important.

Hearing Quinn's words and feeling his hand in her own Anastasia's heart started to race. The quiet little pain hitting her heart as she tried to swallow the thump that was in her throat. She new even if they promised to see each other again, after today when Quinn drove off into the sunset and she was not with him it would be the end.

Just letting her eyes continue to search his own she reads all his emotions, and all the worlds left unsaid yet still listing to works that were spoken. Clearing her throat Anastasia could feel a single tear roll down her cheek. Saying goodbye was never easy, and today it seemed even harder with this someone she hardly new.

"I'll always remember this tail, and princes do exists."

Not really wanting to leave the restraint or let the drive back to the auto shop happen Anastasia new she could not stop it, and the time had come. Exiting the restraint, and getting into the care a quiet hush seemed to fall over them, speaking without saying words, letting each other know how they felt.

Feeling Quinn's hand slip into her again on the way back Anastasia's own fingers curled around his. Holding on just a little be longer. But the drive is all to short, and soon they are at the auto shop. Pulling in and cutting the engine for the moment she shifts a little to see Quinn better.

As Quinn's hand went to her face Anastasia leaned her head into it feeling the warmth, taking it in, remembering it. A few tears escaped her eyes that she had been trying to hold back. But even for the strongest person, sooner or later there was a breaking point.

Continuing to look back at Quinn she didn't want him to go, she wanted him to stay. This feeling....she didn't want it to end. But it had to...and something told her after this nothing would feel the same again. This was special, she was something not everyone got to experience.

Bringing her own hand to Quinn's face her fingers run over his skin. He had to say good bye, she had to let him go. Leaning in to him she presses her lips to his letting her emotions out. Her good bye coming without words for a moment. Pulling away and leaning her forehead against his own she whispers.

"Do you really have to go? This doesn't have to be goodbye you know. It can be your home too."

Once lunch was over and there time was up Ryan really didn't feel like going back to work. This time with Alec had been nice, and the weather seemed just as good. This was the perfect day to be outside.

Going for her helmet only to have Alec set them down on the bike again Ryan looked to him with question but there was no time for words she he picked her up in his arms. Letting her arms slip around his neck Ryan gave a little laugh as a smile spreads across her face, her eyes still dancing with the fire they held.

Getting to the shaded tree and being pulled down on top of Alec Ryan braces herself with her arms one on each side of him. Looking down into his eyes, she grins as she can feel her own pulse race. It always did when she was with Alec, like every moment was new, and nothing had been done before.

Being pulled to him her pulse quickens even more as and she lets her own passion break free, gentile at first, only to grow and become more passionate as it continues. Slipping her one arm under him, and keeping herself braced with her other she leans on her elbow closing the gap between them.

As Alec pulls away and Ryan feels the bump to her bottom she grins and squints a little at Alec. Now answering him right away she leans close bringing her lips to his to brush over them slightly before retreating her own voice a whisper, still close enough that her breath brushed over his skin.

"Mmm...convincing huh?"

Moving sideways a little Ryan kiss Alec's cheek and than moves down to his neck giving it a few light kiss, and than a gentile nibble. Her words coming out between the kiss.

"Convincing...I think...is something...I can handle."

Making her way up his neck again she stopping at his ear to nibble it a little as well Ryan moves away a little to look Alec in the eye her own glinting with humor. Coming to his lips again Ryan presses her lips to his, letting the kiss be quite deep this time only to pull away again for a moment to turn her head the other way and continue the kiss.

Hearing Kyle's comment about finding a way to never let Alice go, the smile on her face seems to grow a little more as a warmth ran through her veins. It was a quiet secret, and something that didn't need attachen brought to. So leaning back with Kyle she makes no comment on it other than to give his hand a little squeeze.

Karla felt bad that kind seemed to feel so bad about messing up. She wouldn't have been able to tell without him saying something but she really didn't know there songs all that well yet either. In time she would but for now, she still though Kip had done great.

"Maybe if when your int here you close your eyes and just think your somewhere else it might help. I couldn't imagine being in there myself under that kind of pressure of doing well. But if you lose yourself like your else were it could help."

Giving an encouraging smile Karla did what she could to try and keep Kip's spirits up. She new he was trying and it wasn't his fault he seemed to freeze in there, it was just something that happened. Lots of people were like that in crowds and under pressure.

Taking Kip's hand as he helped her up Karla gave another smile just keeping his hand in hers. Things were moving slowly with both of them, but she didn't mind at all. They were taking there time and really there was no need to rush.

"Alright lets head back, I doubt they voted you out though. You really at to important to the band just like everyone else."

"So we let them try some more, and than we are done for the day. Tomorrow they can come back and finish. I know we are on a time frame and all but some things can't be rushed."

Sitting back in her own chair Jackie turns a little bit to look at the others. They all seemed to get along so well it really was amazing, she'd never seen a happier bunch.

Erik did seem to take charge on some things but he'd been with the people in the band longer so he new them better Kyle, she had seen him take action but in different ways. Maybe thats what made the band so special, they new how to share the lead. Looking back to Wayne and his Oreo Jackie just rolls her eyes.

"One of these days Wayne, one of these days. No thank you, I'd rather stay out of trouble."

Jackie gives a laugh as she kicks Wayne's foot for a moment knowing better than to eat in the room where they were. Looking down at the cookie again though Jackie can feel her own mouth wanted from the treat knowing she hadn't eaten in a while.

"Ok, maybe just one."

Taking the cookie from him and poping it quickly in her mouth as to now get crumbs everywhere she munches away.

In the shade

Feeling Ryan's foot and hearing her comment, Alec's eyebrows rise and he pauses mid-chew. His grin returns, his eyes glinting coyly in the sun. "Walk... dessert... walk... dessert. Hmm." He shakes his head and takes another bite of his sandwich. "I dunno... it's a tossup."

He chews thoughtfully. "You might have to, uh..." His foot sneaks over and runs slowly up to her knee. "...help me decide."

Still grinning, he returns concentration to his lunch, throwing Ryan a look every now and again as they continue eating.

Getting through lunch didn't take long, and soon the garbage and leftover water was back in the bike saddlebags and time was running short. Standing near the bike and looking at Ryan for a moment, Alec cocks his head. Helmets in hand, he looks to them then back at her. Seeming to change his mind, he puts the helmets down again. Taking a long stride towards Ryan, he doesn't hesitate before grabbing her and swinging her up into his arms. Spinning her around, his feet take them to the nearby tree where he flops down on the soft ground, letting Ryan land on top of him. Looking up at her, his hands brush her hair back from her face, tucking it behind her ears. The smile that was once thought to be lost forever resurfaces again.

With his head resting in the grass, he searches Ryan's eyes before pulling her close for a gentle kiss which deepens, turning into a passionate embrace. Releasing her for a moment, his grin returns and he brings one leg up to bump her teasingly with his knee. "I think I like dessert in the shade. But you'll have to convince me before I'm absolutely sure."


Hearing Anastasia's words, Quinn's eyes never leave hers. His face seems to remain expressionless, but his gaze tells of matching emotions... the need to leave, but the longing to remain... the need to say goodbye, but the want to stay.

Silence takes over the table as Quinn's gaze expresses his thoughts for him... so deep... so true. Finally though, he speaks, but not before his hand has slid across the table to wrap his fingers around hers. "I'm glad I met you too," he replies softly.

It was strange... he'd known Anastasia for one day. Yet he could, in all honesty, say he'd never felt like this about a woman before. She was different. She was special. And he recognized that.

"If I'm ever in the area again... the music store will be my first stop."

He knew if he left, he wouldn't be back. He knew that he would turn and head down the road, never to look back. By the time he ever returned, she would have set this fairytale on the shelf where it would collect dust, once in a while to be gazed at and smiled over. But he would not find her the same. This had been a once in a lifetime meeting... a once in a lifetime chance.

Quinn's thumb slowly rubs over the top of her hand, a strange lump rising in his throat. He almost felt silly. One day should not be enough for him to not wish to leave her. Yet he couldn't deny how he felt.

"Thank you... Anastasia. I'll cherish this fairytale always." Bringing her hand closer, he raises it to his lips to give it a soft kiss.

But even though he could linger forever, the clock still ticked on. And amidst the blur, they're back in her car, heading to the auto shop. The ride was extra quiet, but not awkward. Halfway there, Quinn's hand slips down to find hers again, saying all the words he couldn't.

The shop's parking lot was like a giant finish line, signaling the end of a short journey, and as they park, Quinn finally has to let go of Anastasia's hand. His finger rises to run down the side of her face, and he wants to kiss her, but he doesn't want to make it harder either. "Goodbye," he whispers.


Kyle chuckles softly and squeezes Alice a little tighter. "You kidding me?" he asks quietly. "I could never tire of having you around. As a matter of fact, if I could find a way to have you around more often, I might just do that."

Shifting his head so he can see her eyes, his grin makes his gaze shine. The implication was there and he knew it. But careful not to draw too much attention to themselves, he simply gives her forehead another light kiss and settles back to rest a while before he was up again.


Out of the corner of his eye, Kip sees Karla sit down next to him and hand him the water. Accepting it, he props himself up on his elbows and takes a long swig. "Thank you."

Sighing, he shakes his head, despite her compliment. "Glad you like it, but it's not the sound I keep messing up. I keep missing words and they're right in front of me. It's like this one line my brain just won't recognize and I just go off and sing the wrong thing with the right notes even though I know the words by heart."

Grimacing, he looks up at Karla in a sidelong glance. "I was fine 'til they put me in the booth. It's like now that I have to do it well, I can't. But I can jam all day long and do it perfectly. Go figure."

Looking back down, he sips some more water then sits up, folding his legs. "Oh well. I guess if I can't get it right, they'll just cut me from the song. At least I got my bass part right."

Taking another deep breath of fresh air and wiping a bit of sweat from his forehead, he nods decidedly then stands up. "Okay, I feel better now." He offers her his hand to help her up. "Let's go see if they voted me off the island."


Wayne swivels in his chair and tosses Jackie a glance and a little grin. He was harsher on the outside than on the inside and she knew it too. "Yeah, we'll give him more time. But we do have to get these guys out of here before the next band slot - you know how hairy it gets if we overlap schedules."

He shrugs. "I was pleased with Erik's response, though I kinda wished I would have seen it from Kyle. Sometimes I can't decide who's the leader but maybe it's just their personality differences."

Rocking back and yawning, he turns again and reaches in the drawer to retrieve a couple oreo cookies. "Want one?"

Do you really

Hearing Alec had an interview Ryan's eyes lite up more as she takes a bit of her sandwich. She figured he had been looking but to get an interview so fast that was great timing and most likely a great boost for Alec.

"Wow, thats so great Alec. I bet they will call, I mean whats not to like about you right?"

Giving a grin Ryan's foot finds Alec's under the table and runs along side it and up his leg just a little her eyes giving a small twinkle. Looking into Alec's eyes Ryan wondered about the bike and how he had gotten it. She wanted to ask but something stopped her. She had to trust Alec and know he'd do the right thing, this was one time she would hold her question for now anyways.

"So after we eat want to take a walk around the park or find a nice shaded spot to finish our dessert?"

Leaning back letting her sandwich sit on the plate for a moment Anastasia doesn't rush the meal. She didn't want it to end to quickly because than they would have to say goodbye, and she was not looking forward to it.

"Does there really have to be an excuse to not just pretend the clock has stopped? At least for a little while?"

Giving Quinn a little wink Anastasia sits up again and takes another bit of her food. The subject was off Quinn's brother now and she wasn't going to push it.

Looking back across the table at Quinn she gives a smile her eyes twinkling but something a little more deep was hidden behind them as she puts her food down.

"Well, I guess I should say it now before its to late. I already thought I missed the train once when you didn't show up for lunch."

Anastasia looks down at her plate thinking for a moment. It was not always easy for her to tell her feelings. Even if she was so bold when it came down to a personal relationship with someone it was a little hard, but not that much.

"All in all, I'm happy I got to met you and spent some special moments with you. Your a sweet guy and if you ever find yourself in this neck of the woods again I'd love to see you again."

Taking the bottle of water from Erik Karla gives a nod. She hadn't been with the group long, even shorter than Alice and Kyle but she had picked up quick on Kip and his amazing amount of energy.

Heaing out the door and down the walkway looking around a little bit she can faintly see Kip and heads in the direction knowing he would slow down sooner or later. Seeing him come to a stop and fall into the grass Karla makes her way over to him sitting down as well.

"I think you sounded pretty good. I like your voice its so soothing ya know."

Holding the bottle out to Kip Karla gives a smile. She really did think he sounded good when he was singing. A lot better than she would anyways.

Looking over at Wayne Jackie gives a shake of head. She could see the potential in Kip, and had no doubt he could sing.

"I don't think He's holding them back. Your mind often wonders all over the place too you know."

Jackie gives a sly smile as she glaces at him and than back down to the sound bored again for a moment. She always loved teasing him, but as well as teasing this time she really ment it too.

"Really I'd like to not count Kip out yet. He's part of the band too and I'd like to keep it that way. Lets just give him a little more time..ok?"

Leaning into Kyle a little bit Alice loves his soft and quiet affection. It was nice and she enjoyed it. Looking up at him and giving him a soft quick kiss before leabing her own forehead against his.

"Not in the least. I could never be bored listing to you or even being around you for that matter."

Alice eyes twinkle as she looks up Kyle completely wrapped up in him. She just looked feeling the soft beat of his heart, and his soft breath on her skin. To her this was perfect.

"Tired of having me around yet?"

Concentrate

Alec quirks an eyebrow, then grins coyly. "You wanna see me shirtless, just say so. I don't have to be working on my motorcycle for that to happen, you know."

Still grinning, he takes a bite of his sandwich. He was just as glad that she was thinking about him rather than how he'd paid for the bike, which was what Eli's main concern seemed to have been. Alec knew Ryan's brother didn't trust him.

"I'll still let you watch though," he agrees. "Whenever I get around to working on it, that is. By tomorrow, I may be a working man." A new glint shines in his eyes. Self-worth maybe? "Had an interview this morning at an independent mail courier. I figure I could drive around town and deliver packages - can't be that hard, right? Supposedly they're gonna call me tomorrow if they liked me."


Who said Axel had changed? Anastasia had, just moments before - at least she'd implied she believed as much. Quinn refrains from arguing though, and keeps his thoughts on what was really important here. He knew she was right about giving Axel a chance but... how? He was ready just to forget the whole thing and walk away. And he would have, had his car not broken down. And now...

Snapping back to attention, he grins and takes as bite of his BLT. "I don't know," he muses. "This sandwich is pretty good..."

Giving her a teasing wink, he tries not to laugh with a full mouth. "But I think sitting with a princess is better."

Dropping the subject of Axel for now, Quinn tries to just enjoy the meal. It wasn't all that easy though. His mind still wanted to dwell on his brother, and then the other part of him was thinking about how his time with Anastasia was quickly coming to an end. Why had he been allowed to experience such a good time with her, only to have it end? It didn't seem fair. But he knew he had to continue on the road. He knew he had to keep moving. That was what he did. That was his life.

Once the meal is finished, Quinn finds himself stalling as he works on finishing his pop, stirring the ice around, taking another sip, then stirring again. Once they left here and went to the shop, that was it.

Glancing over to Anastasia, the look on his face is a sheepish one. "I keep trying to think of an excuse to just stay here and pretend the clock isn't ticking but I can't."


"Remind me of my origins... Remind me why... Remind me..."

Erik sighs as he stands in the control room listening to Kip make the same mistake in the same place for the fourth time in a row. Kyle had already finished his vocals and they wanted Kip to harmonize on the chorus. He knew the lyrics and the music as well as anyone, but he just wasn't focusing.

Wayne catches the mistake again and shakes his head. "Hold it, Kip... hold it..."

Kip stops and looks through the glass at the other room, his eyes showing frustration. He knew this stuff, he just couldn't concentrate today. Scratching his head, he takes another sip of water and then stretches, spinning around a couple times to get the blood flowing again.

Wayne looks up at Erik, then glances over to Jackie. "Maybe for the sample album we need to just cut Kip on this one. If we really want that sound, we can work more on it later." He reaches for the intercom button to tell Kip they were wrapping it up, but Erik stops him.

"Wait." Reaching down between Wayne and Jackie to hit the button himself, he looks out into the other room. "Kip... take five." He knew Kip better than they did and he recognized the problem.

Kip glances up at Erik and grimaces a little, taking the cue. He knew what his older friend meant. Shedding the headphones, he wanders from the sound booth and out to where the others were hanging out, waiting and practicing. Receiving a sympathetic look from Twila, he cringes and heads for the door.

Erik watches him leave and nods. "Give him a couple minutes, okay?"

"We're already starting to push the time we've got," Wayne warns. "If he can't get it-"

"He will," Erik states flatly. These people knew music, but they didn't know the band well enough yet to make that kind of assumption. He glances at Jackie before turning and leaving to join the others for a while.

Twila looks at him with understanding and she scrunches her nose a little. "He gonna make it?"

"Yeah." Erik nods and flops down in an empty chair. "He just needs to work off that energy of his, you know that."

Twila nods. Kip was a ball of energy and sometimes it did get in the way. Everyone in the band knew that almost every day was a struggle for him to concentrate and not get sidetracked, let alone sit still for this amount of time. Twila looks over to Karla and tosses her a new water bottle. "He's probably gonna need this," she hints.


Kyle watches as he sits on the little couch with his arm around Alice. He knew what was going on but let Erik handle it. Even though technically Kyle was the head of the band now, Erik still had the better relationship with Kip, so Kyle let him handle their youngest member when anything like this came up. Besides all that, Kyle appreciated Erik's watchful eye so he didn't have to worry about some of those things himself, and just concentrate on his music.

Kissing Alice on the cheek, he leans his head against hers and sighs. It had been a long day and it was only half over. But they were halfway through the first album. "Bored yet?" he teases.


Wayne sighs and leans back in his chair. "Stubborn batch of people," he muses. "Good though. Kip's the only one that's holding them back, in my opinion. He's got talent but sometimes I wonder where his mind is."

He shakes his head and looks out through the window at the others. "They've got a chance if we can help refine them." He gives Jackie a sidelong glance. "What do you think of them so far?"


Ignoring the others, Kip is out the door, down the hall and outside into the fresh air. Taking a deep breath, he looks around the building for a good spot. Thankfully, they were in a quiet district, out a ways from other businesses and there was a little grassy lot right next to them. There were a couple benches and a few trees - not a park, but good enough for musicians that needed a break. A sidewalk led down the block in both directions too, and the parking lot was almost empty.

Eying his options for a moment, Kip takes off at a dead run. His feet pound the pavement as he shoot down the sidewalk. Sweat breaks out on his forehead an his lungs work overtime to keep up but he keeps on going, skidding to a halt once he reaches the corner. Spinning around, he takes off again, heading back the same way but veering off into the parking lot to take the long way around. Halfway back to the building, his legs start to slow until he was just jogging, but he forces himself once more around the parking lot before finally landing in the little grassy area.

Flopping down on the ground, he lies on his back trying to catch his breath as he stares up into a tree's branches, squinting in the sun. The grass tickled the back of his neck but he ignores it, too tired to care. He needed to concentrate... just concentrate... An image flashes in his mind of his father smacking him for not finishing his homework on time... another time was for failing a test... another time was for not being able to spell things right.
"You're just plain stupid!"
"I'm sorry! I just... I can't concentrate!" Another tear runs down Kip's eleven-year-old face.
"You can - you just don't want to! You're as lazy as your mother was."
Kip's face is slammed into his homework on the table.
"You're not getting supper until this is finished right." It was already nine o'clock at night.

Kip blinks and continues trying to catch his breath as his heart races from his run. Twenty years old and he still struggled to complete a simple task. Feeling stupid was all too familiar, but he shoves it aside like he always did. It was fine... he'd get it... it would all be good... right?