Tears

"If you left...would...we be breaking up? I certainly don't want that nor do I want another guy. Honestly I don't even want you to go but I can't make you stay either. My job has me travil all over and it wouldn't be right to say you had to stay."

Looking down again Scarlet tried to hold in the feeling she had not waiting Eli to see them. She wanted him to stay, but she couldn't be the one who told him that. How she felt was an odd feeling happy and sad at the same time.

"I...I don't want to lose you Eli thats something I know for a fact. You've filled the hole in my life and...I enjoy having you around."

This was something Scarlet always had a hard time doing. Telling her feelings and trying to explain how she felt. She only wished Eli would understand and see she really did care a lot for him and didn't want him to go.

Sitting on the bed next to Ty Libby giving a laugh at the comment only she can hear. Finding Ty's hand on the bed her fingers lock with his as she leans a little closer to him. The night had been great, the food wonderful, and spending the time with Ty even better. It definitely nice to know she had someone like him in her life.

"I don't want to have to wait eight house either. But the faster we fall asleep the faster we can wake and see each other again."

Leaning down over top of him Libby press her lips to his letting her emotion flow to him. Words were sometimes complicated so a simple emotion just seemed to work better this time around. Finally backing away knowing Rick would be calling for Ty again soon she smiles.

"You better get going before we get into anymore trouble with the Dr."

Just enjoying the out side and listing to Sparky talk Faith gave him her fill attachen like she always did. The sound of his voice was so comforting and just made her feel so safe. Letting her eyes follow him as shifted on the blanket Faith just continued to listen.

Not even realizing it right away Faith's heart starts to race and a nervouse feeling enters her tummy. Sparky was talking about building a house, and he was talking about not shearing it alone. In a way she wondered if he was asking her to live with him, or if he was having them go there own ways so he could find what he wanted. Faith didn't think it was the last reason. Why would he bring her out here if it was? But still it was a thought that entered her mind.

Letting her eyes fall to Sparky's hand and seeing the small velvet box there was no denying what it was. Her heart beat increasing even more Faith felt as though it would pound right out of her chest. She hadn't been expecting this and it added to the excitement.

Bringing her hand down to his and running her fingers along his fingers and than to the box ever so lightly letting her fingers run over the ring a few tears seemed to escape Faith's eyes. She felt so happy right now it was hard to even try and contain.

Looking up into Sparky's eyes letting her own glisten Faith can't help the smile that was on her face. In that simple smile it said everything and held her answer to him but still with her shaky voice to hear herself say it was even better.

"Yes Tyler, yes I will marry you!"

Leaning forward and wrapping her arms around his neck Faith pulls herself close. She didn't have hardly anything to her name here in the US, but to Sparky that didn't matter he loved her anyways and that made her feel better.

Pulling away a little and looking into his eyes Faith can't help the smile, and the tears as she leans in and pushes her lips to Sparky's. She was so happy, and she just let her emotions, she passion flow to Sparky not caring how much time passed by.

So much it hurts

"Tomorrow," Jason agrees. "And it's no trouble. If it was, I wouldn't have offered."

He cocks his head looking at Destiny for a moment. Though seeming to be on the mend herself, there was still such a sadness about her that continued to make Jason feel as though he wished he could do something more to help. But there still was not. He probably shouldn't tell her that Chance had dropped off radar either... that was in the notes he'd read just this morning. Reese was less than happy but no one could explain how Chance had slipped out from under them.


Eli looks across at Scarlet for a moment and seems to shift gears a little. He clears his throat and sits up a little straighter as if trying to be more casual about the whole thing. Perhaps he'd expected a different kind of response but... he shoudn't have, right? It wasn't like he and Scarlet were joined at the hip here... she obviously wanted him to accomplish what he wanted so... he shouldn't have thought she'd react any other way, right?

"I hope so," he answers, his fingers slowly turning his glass as his eyes drift down again. "I mean, I got a lot here, ya know? Ryan... you... and Florida was alright, but never was my cup of tea."

Glancing back up again, the questions linger in his eyes. "Of course... I don't know... I might not wanna go and risk some other charmer to come along and steal you away."


Rick chuckles and heads for the front entrance. "Well come on then."

Ty hangs back a moment and grins, giving Libby's hand a squeeze. "You'll have to help me with the menu," he muses. "No lying though. I don't wanna end up with something like cow brains or something."

It wasn't cow brains he ended up with, but rather a nice large steak, the same as Rick. The restaurant really was nice, but even though they might not have been quite as nicely dressed as most of the patrons, it didn't seem to matter, and Rick made sure of that. It was rather a fun evening - very different than what was usually experienced back at TJY. And though Rick was the older leader, he did a good job at entering into conversation with both Ty and Libby. The food was good and the laughter was even better...

"...I don't think I'm gonna need to eat for a week," Ty moans. He doesn't move, still lying on his back, sideways on Libby's hotel bed.

"Ty, you coming?" Rick calls from the adjoining room.

"Uh-huh." Ty's eyes fall shut and he still doesn't move. "If you come drag me in there," he finishes, too quiet for Rick to hear.

Opening his eyes, he finds Libby and grins at her. "But I suppose I should leave you be anyway. I just didn't want to wait another eight hours to see you."


"Mmm... maybe forever can be wrapped in one single moment at a time." Sparky smiles again and finishes his piece of chicken before sitting up and taking a sip from his water bottle. For a few moments, silence is invited into their little scene until he speaks again.

"You know... a while back when Mick and Rosetta raised my pay and all, um... well I guess they talked a little more and... they're giving me a piece of land. Kinda like some of the others around here... you know, if I wanted to stick around here at the ranch and all. Finally have my own little spot that I can call mine."

He looks down and plucks a blade of grass. "I chose this spot and Mick approved." Glancing up, his eyes roam the clearing as if imagining what it might look like in the future. "I was thinking about a house over in that corner there." He points to the far corner. "Maybe even plant a few of my own fruit trees or something... but keep all these nice trees around so it's still secluded." It really wasn't that far of a walk through the trees back into the heart of the ranch, but it felt like it was far away. "I was thinking maybe a log cabin... rustic but nice."

Sparky gives Faith a sidelong glance before shifting and crawling over the blanket to take a knee front of her so he's at her eye-level, and removes his hat. Reaching out, he takes her hands in his, noting as he often did, how soft they were compared to his own. But today, his own were shaking ever so slightly. "Thing is... even with all that... it wouldn't mean much if... if I was all alone."

His eyes pierce hers, staring, searching, hoping. Swallowing hard, he lets go of her hands and fishes in his jeans pocket, pulling out a little velvet box. For a moment, he stares at it as he wonders if perhaps Faith can hear his heart, it was beating so loudly.

Opening the box, he turns it around and holds it out to her. Nestled inside was a dainty diamond ring, small but lovely, sparkling in the sunlight. It seemed to sparkle even a little more, his hand still trembled. The words seem to get stuck in his throat, but he forces them out. "I'm... tired of being alone. And you... you make things brighter and you give me more purpose than I've ever had, and... and I love you so much that some days it hurts."

He swallows again, knowing that he had so little to offer. He felt so strongly about Faith, but did she feel that way for him, too? To this degree? He didn't know what he'd do if she said no.

"Faith... will you... will you marry me?"

Maybe

Moving through the morning just keeping herself busy and trying to help with what she could Faith tryed to just let time slip by waiting for the afternoon and lunch to come. And not soon enough it did.

Getting settle under the tree with Sparky Faith couldn't be enjoying herself anymore. Shifting just a little so she could eat and see Sparky better she smiles. Taking a sip of her drink her eyes twinkle in the sun light as she looks back to Sparky.

"Mmm...I do like it here. It's so peaceful and quiet, Definitely a nice place to spend with someone you love. So its more than perfect for us."

Being here with Sparky for Faith it was perfect. She loved every moment spent with him, and had gotten use to what the other though. Now it really didn't matter anymore. She new where they both stood with each other and was happy no matter what.

"Can we just get lost and stay here forever? It's just to wonderful to want to leave."

Pulling away from being so close to Ty Libby doesn't lose full contact as her hand slips down to his and her there fingers lock. Hearing about dinner some place nice Libby's smile grows a little more. Food was something she liked, and something she could never say no too.

"I think dinner sounds like a great idea I'm starving."

Looking up from the couch and turning her attachen away from the tv Destiny looks over to Jason. It was good to see him up and about again after being sick for a little while. Though he seemed to be ok Destiny did her best not to cause any problems knowing he was still on the mend.

"Yeah maybe later today or tomorrow if your feeling up to it we can go to my parents house. There is still a few things I'd like to do there. If its..not to much trouble that it."

Over the last few days things hadn't seemed easy and though much pain still cased her heart Destiny tryed to see things in a better light. Though it didn't come easy she didn't stay in her room as much and moving around the safe house was more she still hated it. Would things get better? Would this pain stop? And would she ever stop thinking about Chance?

Looking up from her empty plate Scarlet just looks across the table at Eli. The news of him having a job offer in Florida and considering to take it surprised her though she didn't let it show.

"Wow, that would be great for you to get caught up on your bills. Than you wouldn't have those hanging over your head all the time."

Continuing to just study Eli Scarlet couldn't help a few of her own throughs that ran through her mind. A sudden sadness seemed to pass through her eyes that mixed with the softness that only Eli got to see. But trying to push it away Scarlet wanted to let her strength show though. She should be happy for Eli.

"I know Ryan would miss you, and I know I would miss you too. Would you ever be coming back?"

Gone

"Good." Sparky draws Faith even closer, kissing the top of her head before turning to watch the sun slowly come up over the horizon. He sighs with content, finally feeling as though he had a real purpose here. He finally felt like he fit... like he'd been waiting all these years for the last puzzle piece to come along. He knew that some people still didn't think they should be this close because of their age difference but he'd given up fighting them. It just didn't matter. He knew he could trust Faith. He knew she wasn't just taking him for a ride, and he certainly wasn't out for anything but Faith's love and companionship. Other people might see him as becoming bogged down with caring for her, but he loved every moment of it. Why let love slip by when it was right here within reach?

His arm tightens around her shoulders, wishing he could somehow tell her how he felt, but there really were no words. "I love you," he whispers in her ear. Cocking his head so he can give her another kiss, he smiles. "I'll see you at lunchtime if not before."

And too soon, he's ambling back towards the barn, now joined by some of the others to begin the chores for the day. With something to look forward to, hours always seemed to drag by, and this morning seemed to take even longer. But eventually lunch time does come, and eventually Sparky does get everything together along with Faith, and eventually they do make it to the little clearing he'd talked about. It had taken them a little while to walk there, taking it slow for Faith, but Sparky didn't mind.

The clearing was just like he'd described - away from the rest of the world, secluded and so pretty. The grass was waving in the breeze, and the trees surrounded them as if providing them a small world all their own. The path there had been cleared, and part of the clearing had been mowed, proving that even though this was a secluded spot, it had been taken care of.

Sparky makes a beeline for a large old oak tree, under which to spread the blanket, and after getting Faith settled near him, the food is laid out and enjoyed.

Leaning back against the tree, Sparky chews his chicken thoughtfully, turning to just watch Faith. His eyes sparkled with life that had been absent for so long. "Thanks for coming out here with me... this is nice." He smiles. "I thought you might like it here, too."


"Yeah... thanks, Misty." Rick wasn't sure how much he could "enjoy" the time away now with his mind running rampant with theories, but he would try. "I know you're quite capable of keeping everything under control. If anything else comes up, don't hesitate to call. Otherwise, I'll see you soon."

Ending the call, Rick finally wanders back over to Ty and Libby, not surprised that Ty had his arm around her. "Aright you two... how about some supper? And since we're in Vegas, we really should take advantage of a nice dinner somewhere, don't you think?"

Ty quirks an eyebrow. "But I-"

"On me." Rick winks at them. "You guys deserve it. Come on."


Jason ambles back into the kitchen to clean out the glass he'd just used, glancing out the window to check things over. He was feeling much better now - pretty close to normal, which was a relief. He'd let Katie go this morning so it was just him and Destiny again for a while.

Wandering into the living room again, he takes a seat the computers, though his eyes do glance to the couch were Destiny was. He was sorry for the last few days with him being down, but he hoped she was still recovering from her own experiences.

Swiveling in the chair, Jason eyes her with question. His idea hadn't been approved, but he didn't care. "If you want to go back to your own place... you know, just to check on things, take a look around... we can." Maybe baby steps towards her goal of getting away from the safe house was the best route.


"So... Nick's offering me the job." Eli stares down into his half-empty glass of pop as he sat across from Scarlet at Tou Han's for lunch. The meal was over, and Eli had just been telling her that an old friend from Florida was offering him a job at his trucking company.

"Not exactly what I want to do the rest of my life, but I still can't seem to get my bills paid off, I know Ryan doesn't mind me not paying her more, but I mind, and this job pays really well... well enough that I could be caught up within a year, tops."

Glancing back up to Scarlet, his eyes hold more than anticipation though. They held hesitance. A job in Florida meant he wouldn't be in Nevada... and that meant he'd be away from Ryan... and away from Scarlet. But it would only be for a year... right? He bites his lower lip, waiting to see what Scarlet would say.


"So what do we do?" Quinn's eyes remain focused outside the window. It was hard to believe he was standing in the same room as Axel, let alone having a conversation with him. It felt like a strange anomaly in time - on one hand, it felt like no time had passed, and on the other, it felt as though a lifetime had passed them by.

"Apparently you have an appointment out of town."

Quinn scoffs quietly. "Just the possibility of a minor gig."

Axel had his own questions about that, and it seemed a good enough time to attempt small talk. "How do you do it? I mean... afford to be on the road like that?" He knew well enough that Quinn couldn't be making a lot of money. Even if he was well-known, little gigs and traveling around most times didn't pan out.

Quinn finally turns around and leans against the window sill. He was hesitant to answer, knowing that it had the potential to bring about resentment. But the truth was the truth. "A few years ago, um... Granddad died."

Axel's eyebrows rise. He'd had no idea. He remembered their grandfather very well and was now saddened by this news. "I didn't know... how?"

"Heart attack." Quinn ambles back over to the couch and sits down again, sighing. "He, uh... had a will written up and... I'm going to be set for... quite a while if I don't squander."

"I see." Without even having to think about it, Axel immediately knew that he'd been intentionally left out of any inheritance. He'd always been doted upon by their grandfather and had always had a knowledge that one day he and Quinn would receive something after Granddad died. But apparently that had changed. It shouldn't be surprising though. "Well that's.... that's good for you. At least you get to do what you like, right?"

"Yeah." Quinn could see that look that passed in Axel's eyes - disappointment? It seemed there was no anger though.

Another long, awkward pause follows. Axel looks at the floor, a million and one questions running through his mind. Granddad was dead - that left no grandparents. How about their parents? Were his mother and father even still alive? How were they? What about their cousins? Where was everyone now? Were there any marriages? Children in the family? Yet he felt unworthy to ask these things. Innocent or not, it wasn't surprising that he had no idea about any of that now. He was the black sheep of the family, shunned and ignored. There was one question though, he had to ask. "Quinn... do you believe me?"

Quinn sighs deeply and folds his hands on his lap, not even sure how to reply. "I don't know, Axel... I've spent a lot of years believing in your guilt and... I've hated you for a long time. To suddenly just take your word for it is asking a lot, don't you think?"

Axel swallows hard. It was asking a lot. Could he really blame his brother for that? "Do you believe me?" he repeats quietly.

Quinn thinks for a long moment, unable to decide. It felt like a worse inner battle now than it had all those years ago. He remembers the words of Anastasia, and dwells on what he was feeling now. Belief was a choice, and he could choose to believe, whether it was backed up by evidence or not. But could he really take that step? There was still a part of him that wasn't so sure this all wasn't just a big lie. Yet the more he talked with Axel, the less that seemed likely. Quinn would be able to tell if his brother was just being manipulative... right? "I can't answer that," he finally responds. "But... I will say that... maybe for the first time, I... I want to believe you."

Axel has a hard time controlling his emotions, feeling the tears that wanted to come. That's all he'd wanted to hear. That's all he'd ever wanted. Just an ounce of faith - that's all. And in that very moment, it felt as though a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. His fingers fiddle with a loose thread on the arm of the chair, unable to speak again just yet, lest his voice crack.

The ringing phone suddenly breaks the silence, making both men jump, but Axel doesn't answer it. Instead, the answering machine picks up. "Hey, Axel, yeah, it's Leo. Thought I might catch you. I had to move that car you were working on - you know, the one from that Thornton guy. I was just gonna tell you that I drove it out into the lot 'cause we needed another open bay but... since you're not there, this message obviously has no point. Figured you must've found the problem anyway since the engine started up, but if you need the bay back, we're only using it a short while. And I have... no idea why I'm even talking anymore. Catch you later."

Both men's eyes rise to lock with one another. The car had started.

Quinn blinks. "Did you..."

"No." Axel shakes his head slowly. He had not fixed it prior to this - he had not just led Quinn to believe it wasn't so that they would talk. "Two minutes before you came, I tried to start it again and it wouldn't."

"Well then how..."

Axel's lips show a faint grin. There was a whole lot that could be said now, but words didn't really seem to be adequate. Both knew that this was impossible. But both knew that anything was possible with God. Perhaps they had done a better job together today than they thought. "I guess... you can go now."

"I guess so." Quinn had been so prepared earlier this morning but now it felt almost strange that he would take off. "I, um... yeah." Standing up along with Axel, he looks at him for a long moment. "I guess this is-"

"It was good to see you, Quinn." Axel holds out his hand. "If you're ever back in the area..."

Quinn looks down at Axel's hand. A day ago, he would have turned his back. But after a night, time to think, time to pray and a surprisingly calm conversation... that hand no longer looked like a threat. Slowly, he reaches out and grasps Axel's hand. "Yeah."

Shaking his brother's hand, it's as if the first few threads of a long lost bond find each other and begin to intertwine. "You know you can stay... I got room..."

Quinn smiles a little, letting go of Axel's hand. "Thanks, but... I better go. The open road, ya know?"

"Sure." There were still so many things Axel would like to know, but he refrains. At the very least, he had Quinn's phone number.

The walk downstairs, a final check on the car and Quinn's leave take less than twenty minutes. And even though the auto shop was busy, to Axel, it felt quiet. He excuses himself from work, asking Daryl for the rest of the day off, but doesn't explain to anyone else, simply slipping back upstairs.

Once alone again, he wanders to the couch to sit, then rolls onto his side, closing his eyes. It felt like so much had been accomplished and yet nothing at all. The whole thing was over... it was hard to fathom.

A fresh tear finds its way between his closed eyelids and trickles down to meet the couch. He had time to rest and try to recuperate before Jess called him later.

Sounds Perfect

Leaning into Sparky a little more Faith just takes in his comfort and his strength. His sense of humor went along with the whole package of who he was and Faith couldn't be happier. Tilting her head a little took look out as the sun rises the golden red, pink colors mixing together. It was so nice to be able to see this, and to enjoy it with someone she cared so much for.

"Pretending the rest of the world doesn't exists that sounds pretty good to me, and having you there to enjoy the picnic with me is even better."

If the day was going to be nice, and Sparky would be able to get done with his work in good time she'd love to spend the day with him. It was one of the things she enjoyed the most each day. The moment when all work was done and just enjoying each other was finally there.

Looking up at him as the brim of his hat brushed her head Faith's smile widens even more. Just knowing and feeling his love, and how much he cared made her feel like a million dollars and so happy to return it.

"I think the picnic sounds perfect."

Leaning her head on his shoulder and letting out a happy sigh Faith gives him a little squeeze just returning the affection. Though some still didn't approve much of there relationship she couldn't be happier.

Wrapping her arms around Ty Libby just smiles up at him. Only looking away for a moment and giving a nod to Rick as he walked away. Turning back to Ty and leaning into him Libby press his lips to his. Letting the moment linger she finally withdraws and back away.

"I really am proud of you Ty. You did great coming here and facing this head on. It's all gonna look up from here on out now."

Hearing the phone ring again Misty answers right away having a good feeling it would be Rick. He'd surely be wasting no time in trying to get a hold of her again. Hearing Rick's voice on the other end was confirmation.

"Yeah I wont be planning on telling anyone till you get back. I don't want this to get to the wrong ears, not yet anyways."

Listening to Rick again Misty gives a nod even though she new Rick couldn't see her. It was just a normal reaction.

"Ok, I'll set something up with Rick as soon as I can. He's not in the office yet but when I get wind he's in I'll set it up. Try and enjoy the rest of your time away huh? I've got things under control here."