Eli stares blankly at the wall as he hears his sister's tone and what she has to say. What on earth was going on? "You mean you... wait... I don't understand. Why... why are you so upset with Tal? I thought you two were getting along. After last night..."
He realizes that he had yet to tell his sister he'd seen her making out with Tal. Though Tal may have told her. But Eli didn't know if he had or not. "I mean... what did he do??"
Knowing Katie was coming only serves to frustrate Jason more. He had to stop this. There had to be a way. If he could just hold this off a little while longer... keep Katie safe... keep himself from getting worse.
But the emotions had already reached their boiling point. Having been held back, shoved around, and finally intensified by the stressful day, they were going to come out one way or another. Seeing Katie come into the infirmary, it barely even registers.
Rick looks up, grateful she's there. "I'm sorry, but we need to put you two back on the antidote. This is getting out of control and we need to slow things down so we have more time to-"
Jason doubles over as a new wave of pain washes over him and he rocks back and forth, tears starting to stream from his eyes. He'd tried so hard... this couldn't be happening. It just couldn't. A scream slips out. "Katie!"
Everything becomes a blur and he can't tell who is with him or who's not. The room spins and nothing makes much sense. It was worse than a nightmare. Worse than a flashback. His senses grow dim and numb and he fights to stay conscious, needing to be laid down on the table so he doesn't fall to the floor. He balls his fist tightly, not seeing the lights flicker and not hearing the nearby vials burst, throwing glass everywhere.
He feels Rick prepping his arm and he yanks it away. "No!" he resists. "No, leave me alone!"
"Jason... settle down." Rick fights with his arm while holding the syringe with the antidote. "Just stop and let me help."
"No!" Jason's eyes roll back in his head as he fights and thrashes. "Too much... too much... no, don't." He hits Rick's arm, knocking the syringe to the floor.
It's only then that Rick realizes that Jason might have just saved his own life. It's only then that he remembers the night he and Katie had been brought in with burning hands and uncontrolled emotions. And it's in this moment that Rick feels the most helpless and useless. Grabbing the syringe again, he moves to the counter to prep something else instead. He wipes sweat from his brow and works in haste. "The antidote will hit him like a freight train... he needs to settle down first. Misty!" He gestures for her help. "We need to make our own cocktail and make it fast. We need to get a sedative in him and a mild dose of the antidote to start him off before giving him the full dosage. He needs something to calm his body and something to take the edge off his emotions."
Feeling the only light that existed, Jason knows Katie is near, even if he can't manage to speak to her. His fingers lock hers in a vice grip, unwilling to let go. He was slipping and he knew it. But without warning, his whole body starts to shake uncontrollably and his consciousness is lost.
His grip on Katie's hand grows limp.
Rick whirls around and leaves Misty with the needles. "He's having a seizure. Katie, help hold him still and keep his head up," he orders. "Misty, get the antidote in Katie too." He couldn't have both of them go down... not now... not like this. "Hang in there, Hotshot... hang in there."
Mick smiles and nods at Stacy. "I have a feeling you're right. I think you and Ashlee are going to do just fine here." A part of his smile is given to the girl as well.
Throughout the rest of the meal, small talk is offered. Some of the others come and go, talking a little bit with Stacy and Ashlee both, being friendly and making an effort to let them know they were willing to welcome them here. A few people start to drift out for the evening and the crowd becomes less and less...
...Dylan still sits at the same table, struggling to finish up his schoolwork before he went back to his bunk. There were only a few people left in the dining hall now. His eyes glance up to see Mick talking with Stacy... Ashlee was there... Becky was in the kitchen washing dishes... and a couple other people were starting a card game it looked like. But that was about it. He'd been alone since he'd sat down here, but that was the norm.
He sighs and looks back at his book. Almost done.
2/28/11
2/27/11
Joke
Seeing Tal off Ryan goes back to work on her car finishing up what needed to be done before pulling it out of the bay and driving the next car in. She wondered if Eli would call her once Tal talked to him or not.
Right one que like Eli was almost reading her mind Ryan's cell phone goes off. Looking and seeing it was her brother a little sly smile forms on her lips as she walks over to Axel's work bench for a moment.
"It's my brother I gotta take this call. I'll only be a moment."
Going outside and around the corner Ryan compose herself slipping into a role like she was angry and disgusted. Over the phone it would be pretty easy to do but she made her body language match it just to make sure it was convincing.
"Hello...Eli. Yeah I wondered if you would call or not. Yeah Tal was here. Of all the dirty...I mean the nerve of that guy. Coming here to my work and begging to be forgiven. I looked like a complete idiot, and I though I could trust him but I guess I was wrong. I don't want him at our place anymore. I am totally disgusted."
Ryan tried her best to hold her laughter in though now she was happy Eli wasn't face to face with her. She just couldn't help the smile on her face. This was just to priceless.
Sitting at her desk Katie can feel Jason's emotions rise and fall even if he was trying to hide them. Little bits and peaces were coming through and she new he was upset. Looking up as Jason and Rick came inside Katie could feel her own insides twist. She hated having Jason upset with her and she new he was. But what else could she have done? He was sick and didn't want anyone to know. This was for his own good...right?
Just staying quiet in at her desk Katie takes the waves of emotions that come at her from Jason. She wanted so bad to go into the infirmary to see what was going on and to try and calm him but she new Rick had said not to so all she could do was sit and wait.
Finally though as Rick's voice cracks over the intercom Katie was to her feet and heading there. Stopping at the infermary door though she hesatates for a moment. Would Jason be mad at her? Did he even want to see her? Katie new she had to go in no matter what the outcome was.
Pushing the door open and entering Katie looks to Rick and than Jason trying to give a little smile before coming in more and going over to Jason before looking back to Rick once again.
"Hey Rick. Whats up?"
Sitting at the table with her mom and the other Ashlee can't help but let her eyes drift to Dylan every now and than just watching him for the longest of moments. Today she wanted to talk to him more but time just didn't allow it. Now at dinner she was stuck sitting with everyone else but Dylan was alone. Why did he sit by himself? Did he not like being with the others? Ashlee had so many questions about Dylan and she wasn't even sure why. He just seemed to interest her. Maybe later or tomorrow she could talk with him more.
Trying to take in everything being told to her and leaning about the two different family's Stacy enjoyed knowing this was going to be a challenge. Learning and trying to remember everything. There was so much to learn here that would help her grow it was in a way refreshing.
Hearing about Rosetta's one brother Eric Stacy stops for a moment. The names like one she had heard somewhere else but that was almost imposable. She'd never been here before. Giving a shrug she thinks nothing of it. Maybe it was just something close to that she had heard.
"Wow that was alot to take in at once. But...I think I like it. Its quite the little community you guys have built here and I think its really great. To see you all pull together is just comforting that there are places like this still in the world. It is very obvious that God has his hand in this all."
Taking another sip of her soup Stacy savers the taste as she though a little. It was funny how God worked things out. Sometimes not how we wanted at all but in the end he always did work it out that was for cretin.
"I am very happy to be here to help you guys out. So far from what I can tell we are going to have no problem fitting in."
Right one que like Eli was almost reading her mind Ryan's cell phone goes off. Looking and seeing it was her brother a little sly smile forms on her lips as she walks over to Axel's work bench for a moment.
"It's my brother I gotta take this call. I'll only be a moment."
Going outside and around the corner Ryan compose herself slipping into a role like she was angry and disgusted. Over the phone it would be pretty easy to do but she made her body language match it just to make sure it was convincing.
"Hello...Eli. Yeah I wondered if you would call or not. Yeah Tal was here. Of all the dirty...I mean the nerve of that guy. Coming here to my work and begging to be forgiven. I looked like a complete idiot, and I though I could trust him but I guess I was wrong. I don't want him at our place anymore. I am totally disgusted."
Ryan tried her best to hold her laughter in though now she was happy Eli wasn't face to face with her. She just couldn't help the smile on her face. This was just to priceless.
Sitting at her desk Katie can feel Jason's emotions rise and fall even if he was trying to hide them. Little bits and peaces were coming through and she new he was upset. Looking up as Jason and Rick came inside Katie could feel her own insides twist. She hated having Jason upset with her and she new he was. But what else could she have done? He was sick and didn't want anyone to know. This was for his own good...right?
Just staying quiet in at her desk Katie takes the waves of emotions that come at her from Jason. She wanted so bad to go into the infirmary to see what was going on and to try and calm him but she new Rick had said not to so all she could do was sit and wait.
Finally though as Rick's voice cracks over the intercom Katie was to her feet and heading there. Stopping at the infermary door though she hesatates for a moment. Would Jason be mad at her? Did he even want to see her? Katie new she had to go in no matter what the outcome was.
Pushing the door open and entering Katie looks to Rick and than Jason trying to give a little smile before coming in more and going over to Jason before looking back to Rick once again.
"Hey Rick. Whats up?"
Sitting at the table with her mom and the other Ashlee can't help but let her eyes drift to Dylan every now and than just watching him for the longest of moments. Today she wanted to talk to him more but time just didn't allow it. Now at dinner she was stuck sitting with everyone else but Dylan was alone. Why did he sit by himself? Did he not like being with the others? Ashlee had so many questions about Dylan and she wasn't even sure why. He just seemed to interest her. Maybe later or tomorrow she could talk with him more.
Trying to take in everything being told to her and leaning about the two different family's Stacy enjoyed knowing this was going to be a challenge. Learning and trying to remember everything. There was so much to learn here that would help her grow it was in a way refreshing.
Hearing about Rosetta's one brother Eric Stacy stops for a moment. The names like one she had heard somewhere else but that was almost imposable. She'd never been here before. Giving a shrug she thinks nothing of it. Maybe it was just something close to that she had heard.
"Wow that was alot to take in at once. But...I think I like it. Its quite the little community you guys have built here and I think its really great. To see you all pull together is just comforting that there are places like this still in the world. It is very obvious that God has his hand in this all."
Taking another sip of her soup Stacy savers the taste as she though a little. It was funny how God worked things out. Sometimes not how we wanted at all but in the end he always did work it out that was for cretin.
"I am very happy to be here to help you guys out. So far from what I can tell we are going to have no problem fitting in."
Uh oh?
Tal laughs and shakes his head. "I'd say we were terrible, if it weren't for the fact that Eli started this. I just want to see the look on his face when he thinks he's really messed something up."
Rolling his eyes, he turns, one arm slung around Ryan's shoulder to head back around the corner of the shop. "In the meantime, I need to let you get back to work and I need to get back too." He stops her right before one of the open bay doors. "I'll um... be in touch about that date."
Smiling, he runs a thumb down the side of her face before backing away and heading to his car. Getting in and going back to work, his mind bounced from one thing to another. First, Ryan wanted to go on a date? A real date? He'd honestly had no intentions to date her - he'd just wanted to be her friend. That didn't mean he wouldn't go along with it though. He certainly liked her, and if this would help her, then by all means. If going out with her would bring back her smile, then it was worth it.
And second, his mind was on Eli and how to get him back for the stunt he'd pulled...
...Parking at the body shop, Tal sits for a moment, the smile fading from his face. He glances at himself in the mirror, seeing misery in his own eyes. Embarrassment.... disappointment... a tinge of pain. More disappointment than anything though - he wouldn't want to be over dramatic.
Finally getting out and going inside, he heads for the back garage. Entering, he sees Eli working on a pickup with a scratched door. He approaches with a downcast expression, his shoulders slouching slightly. "Working on this truck already? Thought it was fifth on the lineup."
Eli looks up and quirks an eyebrow. "Got bumped up..." He studies Tal's face, even though his friend wouldn't look at him. Something didn't feel right. "You okay?"
Tal studies the pickup door for a moment, then finally turns to Eli, his brow furrowed. "Sure, if you wanna keep our hanging out to my place or the local bar."
Eli blinks. "What?"
"Look, you were right, okay? Your sister doesn't want to have anything to do with me. I didn't mean to upset her, but I'm the jerk of the year and I'm not welcome at hers and your place anymore." Tal frowns and turns back to the truck. "Can we just finish this job so I can quit feeling like an idiot?"
"I... um... sure?" Eli was totally confused. Tal had gone to Ryan to apologize? And she really had been upset with him? But... why? How? Had somehow Tal going there confused things? Had he apologized and Ryan took it the wrong way? "I'll... be right back. You can start sanding."
Exiting the room, Eli grabs his cell phone and dials quickly. What on earth had happened? Was it because of what he'd let Tal believe this morning? Hearing Ryan answer her phone, he stops walking, right near an exit. "Ryan? It's me. Was Tal just to see you? Did you say you didn't want to see him again?"
Rick sees the look on Katie's face, and he knows that probably there was a part of her who disliked coming to him about Jason. But it wasn't her fault. He reaches out to put a hand on her shoulder. "I'll go get him. I was... going home early anyway, right?" He gives her a wink then takes his lab coat off and dons his own jacket, grabbing his keys. "If you want to go back to your desk, I'll give you a holler when and if you should come back in here."
Heading out, he exits the building and aims for his car, throwing a few sidelong glances around the parking lot to find Jason's pickup. Thankfully, it was close by, so he takes his route past the pickup on his way. As he nears, he sees Jason leaned back in the driver's seat with his eyes closed. Even from here, Rick could see he looked pale and his heartbeat quickens. Stopping at the door, he taps his knuckles on the window. The only response is Trooper eying him suspiciously and growling. Even with that, Jason doesn't move.
Rick decides to risk Trooper's interference, and opens the door. Thankfully, all the big dog does is growl some more. "Jase?" Rick shakes Jason's shoulder. "Jason..."
Jason's eyes fly open, though it takes him a moment to focus on anything. Glancing to the side and seeing Rick, he's too lethargic to wonder what he was doing there. "Hmm?"
"You alright?"
"Mm-hmm. Just... heading home." Jason puts his hands back on the steering wheel drowsily.
"How about you come back inside instead?"
Jason is waking up now, and he wishes to be alone again. "What for? I'm fine."
"I noticed you limping earlier. If the pain killers aren't enough, I've got something else to give you. Come on back inside and I'll get you set up, okay?"
Jason throws him an annoyed look. "Nice try. I'm fine, Rick. Leave me be."
Rick sighs. He'd tried to do it the nice way, but it was obviously not going to work. "You're not fine," he states flatly. "Now please... just come inside and let me have a look at you."
"No."
Rick reaches around and takes Jason's keys out of the ignition, moving quickly enough to not be stopped. There was no way he'd let Jason drive in his condition. "Now you have a choice. You can stay out here for no good reason, or come with me."
Jason glares at him. "Why can't you just let it go, huh? You're as bad as Katie."
"I doubt it. But you know why? She cares the most about you than anyone, save your mother, probably. So she's the last one you should be upset with." Rick was stern, tired of the silly games. "Now I'll only say this one more time before I go and get Con to drag you - come back inside."
Jason would like to refuse. But even as irritated as he was, he simply didn't have the energy to fight, and he knew Rick wasn't kidding about Con. So minutes later, he was limping back into the building, using Rick for support. Making their way to the infirmary, Jason doesn't look over to Katie's cubicle - not this time. He had a feeling she had something to do with this - it seemed like too big of a coincidence that Rick had been leaving when he had. But he couldn't prove it, so he'd keep his mouth shut.
Getting to the infirmary, Rick points Jason to the table and he grudgingly obeys. He glances over to Misty, almost as if asking for help out of this, but he knew it was no use. So he sits lamely as Rick starts to look him over, checking this, checking that, drawing blood and taking his temperature.
"What are your symptoms?" Rick questions as he shines a light in Jason's eyes.
"I told you, I'm fine."
"You have a fever. Your eyes don't look good. And you say you're fine." Rick shuts off the light and looks at Jason sternly. "You better start leveling with me, Jase. You promised."
"I don't care!" Jason raises his voice but then regrets it, putting a hand to his head as the pain worsens. "Why can't you just leave me alone?!"
"Because I care! We all care!" Rick was beginning to grow more angry than anything - angry at Jason's insistence on not wanting help. "You're being pigheaded and stupid!"
"I'm doing the best I can!" The light above Jason starts to flicker and he immediately clenches his fist and puts a tighter lid on his emotions. He knew Katie had probably felt a nice jolt with that one. "Don't make this harder than it is," he hisses. "For once, let someone die in peace instead of trying to fix it until their last breath is gone."
Whether Rick wanted it to or not, that statement hurt... and hurt a lot. His tone lowers again, though his eyes burn. "I'm sorry that I care that much about my friends that I want to save them." Taking a deep breath, he turns around for a moment to try and regain his composure.
Jason keeps talking to him anyway. "I did this for Katie and you know it. You told me not to keep things from her, but how can I knowingly put her in pain? How can I knowingly allow her to feel the way I feel, putting her through this... this sickness? It may not be real for her, but she'd feel it and that's just as bad. She might not die from it because it's not in her body, but she'd feel like she was dying just like I do and I cannot - will not allow her to go through that." Without warning, the tears are back, stinging his eyes as he tries to hold them back. His voice wavers though, and his emotions start spurting out against his will, sending the feeling of him crying in Katie's direction. He wraps his arm around his stomach as another wave of nausea hits him.
Rick turns around, and though he's pained to suddenly see the fear and anguish in Jason, his anger for stupidity remains. "You should have come to me," he emphasizes. "How long have you been feeling like this?"
Jason looks at the floor. "It started a day or so after we stopped the antidote. But it wasn't bad, just... minor, so I ignored it. When it got worse, I -"
"Why didn't you tell me so you could go back on the antidote?!"
"Because I-"
"Do you have a death wish?!" Rick's voice is raised again. "You're killing yourself, Jason! I told you for a reason to not hold back your emotions! Did you think I was joking?! Did you think I just thought it would be a fun experiment to see what would happen if you let Katie feel everything?!"
"Of course not!" Jason clenches his fist shut tighter as his palm feels as though it were on fire. At this point, his emotions were so heightened that they were bubbling and boiling through the cracks and crevices, surely taking Katie for a ride at this point. "If it were you, you'd do the same thing! If it were Janet who felt every ache and pain and hurt and emotional trauma you did, do you think you'd let it go on like that on purpose?!" Wincing, he doubles over as his pain spreads, feeding off of his emotional fireworks.
Though Rick was still upset, he sees that this is not only not helping, but hurting Jason, and it needed to stop. No matter how much he wanted to argue and make Jason understand how stupid he was being, the fact of the matter was that riling up Jason only made things worse. Heaving a sigh, he reaches out to put a hand on Jason's shoulder. "Why didn't you just opt to get back on the antidote?" he questions more calmly.
Jason's eyes were scrunched tightly against his pain and he shakes his head. "Because... a part of Katie gets lost and... and I can't stand seeing that."
"But if you're going to refuse to share your emotions, you have to take the antidote... otherwise, we're going to lose you." Rick grits his teeth. "And whether you like it or not, I can't just stand back and watch you die without trying to help." Spinning on his heel, he goes for the phone and punches the intercom to Katie's direct phone. "Katie... please come to the infirmary."
Dylan sits in the same old corner of the dining hall, a perfect vantage point to see everyone else in the room, but back far enough that he could go unnoticed. Jade had invited him to sit with her and Dan, but he just hadn't felt like it tonight. He usually didn't... but once in a while he accepted, so that was good enough, right? Maybe tonight, his mind was just too preoccupied with everything else. He was still feeling leery about the newcomers and just wasn't quite sure yet how to handle that whole thing. He'd seen them come in earlier but hadn't made eye contact with either one of them.
Dipping a piece of soft garlic bread into his vegetable soup, he takes a bite then looks down at the side to his history book. As predicted, he hadn't gotten all of his schoolwork finished today because of his stupid hangups during math earlier in the day. History wasn't exactly interesting... he hated all the reading he had to do - it was hard for him to retain the information, but at least he didn't have to figure out any equations or enormously long division. If he could just skim through his history book and pick out the answers he'd need for his quizzes, then he should be okay.
A round of laughter at one of the tables brings his head up and he wonders what the joke had been. Part of him wishes that sometimes... just once in a while... that he could be in on some of that laughter. But choosing to sit back in his own little corner had a price.
Mick sits with his family at one of the tables in the big dining room. It might have been an evening to eat at home, but tonight was a night he'd asked everyone to be there so they could all meet Stacy and Ashlee and he could make sure she could put faces to names and they could recognize her as well. He'd made formal introductions to just about everyone, but now wanted to fill in some of the gaps.
"... So, most of the two families are almost always here." He eats slowly, speaking mainly to Stacy across the table, but including Ashlee as much as she wanted so she would be familiar with the people as well. "Myself, Rosetta and BJ here..." He reaches over to catch some runaway soup with his napkin before it dribbles off the table into BJ's lap. "Angel runs the doctor's office every day and Luke - they're the ones you first met tonight - he doesn't get around very well on his own on account of a back injury, so they're always here..." He goes on to explain more about some of the people there and what their jobs were - details that weren't included in the reports Reese had given Stacy.
"...Jeff is here most of the time - he's the one sitting over there with Trent." Mick pauses to point. "Though he does take off to visit his daughter, Katie, in Nevada - she's an Elite agent herself..." A few more explanations of the family was due and Mick doesn't mind sharing while they continue to eat. "...so I expect Trent will come and go more often too, on trips to Nevada to see his daughter as well."
There was a lot of information but Mick presents it in such a way that it wouldn't feel too overwhelming, and he makes sure Rosetta can add anything she wants as well. He had everything written up in his own report he would give Stacy later anyway, so she could go back over it and get to know people and routines quickly.
"Then there's Eric Pent - one of Rosetta's brothers. He, um..." Mick pauses, not wanting to sound too negative, but knowing he should fill Stacy in. He glances at Rosetta, then back to Stacy and looks at her for a moment, his eyes revealing that it was a fairly touchy subject. He would be careful in front of BJ and Ashlee too. "He's a truck driver, so he's on the road a lot. He keeps this as his home base though and helps support the ranch. He... recently got married though, so... his routine might change." He gives Stacy a wry grin. "We're not sure that his new wife would... well... fit in very well into ranch life." His eyes give away that there was more to the story, but perhaps it would be best to keep some of it just in the family for now.
"And I guess that's really just about everybody. The only other one not here is Cindy's husband Wes - my brother. He's the one that's overseas right now."
Rolling his eyes, he turns, one arm slung around Ryan's shoulder to head back around the corner of the shop. "In the meantime, I need to let you get back to work and I need to get back too." He stops her right before one of the open bay doors. "I'll um... be in touch about that date."
Smiling, he runs a thumb down the side of her face before backing away and heading to his car. Getting in and going back to work, his mind bounced from one thing to another. First, Ryan wanted to go on a date? A real date? He'd honestly had no intentions to date her - he'd just wanted to be her friend. That didn't mean he wouldn't go along with it though. He certainly liked her, and if this would help her, then by all means. If going out with her would bring back her smile, then it was worth it.
And second, his mind was on Eli and how to get him back for the stunt he'd pulled...
...Parking at the body shop, Tal sits for a moment, the smile fading from his face. He glances at himself in the mirror, seeing misery in his own eyes. Embarrassment.... disappointment... a tinge of pain. More disappointment than anything though - he wouldn't want to be over dramatic.
Finally getting out and going inside, he heads for the back garage. Entering, he sees Eli working on a pickup with a scratched door. He approaches with a downcast expression, his shoulders slouching slightly. "Working on this truck already? Thought it was fifth on the lineup."
Eli looks up and quirks an eyebrow. "Got bumped up..." He studies Tal's face, even though his friend wouldn't look at him. Something didn't feel right. "You okay?"
Tal studies the pickup door for a moment, then finally turns to Eli, his brow furrowed. "Sure, if you wanna keep our hanging out to my place or the local bar."
Eli blinks. "What?"
"Look, you were right, okay? Your sister doesn't want to have anything to do with me. I didn't mean to upset her, but I'm the jerk of the year and I'm not welcome at hers and your place anymore." Tal frowns and turns back to the truck. "Can we just finish this job so I can quit feeling like an idiot?"
"I... um... sure?" Eli was totally confused. Tal had gone to Ryan to apologize? And she really had been upset with him? But... why? How? Had somehow Tal going there confused things? Had he apologized and Ryan took it the wrong way? "I'll... be right back. You can start sanding."
Exiting the room, Eli grabs his cell phone and dials quickly. What on earth had happened? Was it because of what he'd let Tal believe this morning? Hearing Ryan answer her phone, he stops walking, right near an exit. "Ryan? It's me. Was Tal just to see you? Did you say you didn't want to see him again?"
Rick sees the look on Katie's face, and he knows that probably there was a part of her who disliked coming to him about Jason. But it wasn't her fault. He reaches out to put a hand on her shoulder. "I'll go get him. I was... going home early anyway, right?" He gives her a wink then takes his lab coat off and dons his own jacket, grabbing his keys. "If you want to go back to your desk, I'll give you a holler when and if you should come back in here."
Heading out, he exits the building and aims for his car, throwing a few sidelong glances around the parking lot to find Jason's pickup. Thankfully, it was close by, so he takes his route past the pickup on his way. As he nears, he sees Jason leaned back in the driver's seat with his eyes closed. Even from here, Rick could see he looked pale and his heartbeat quickens. Stopping at the door, he taps his knuckles on the window. The only response is Trooper eying him suspiciously and growling. Even with that, Jason doesn't move.
Rick decides to risk Trooper's interference, and opens the door. Thankfully, all the big dog does is growl some more. "Jase?" Rick shakes Jason's shoulder. "Jason..."
Jason's eyes fly open, though it takes him a moment to focus on anything. Glancing to the side and seeing Rick, he's too lethargic to wonder what he was doing there. "Hmm?"
"You alright?"
"Mm-hmm. Just... heading home." Jason puts his hands back on the steering wheel drowsily.
"How about you come back inside instead?"
Jason is waking up now, and he wishes to be alone again. "What for? I'm fine."
"I noticed you limping earlier. If the pain killers aren't enough, I've got something else to give you. Come on back inside and I'll get you set up, okay?"
Jason throws him an annoyed look. "Nice try. I'm fine, Rick. Leave me be."
Rick sighs. He'd tried to do it the nice way, but it was obviously not going to work. "You're not fine," he states flatly. "Now please... just come inside and let me have a look at you."
"No."
Rick reaches around and takes Jason's keys out of the ignition, moving quickly enough to not be stopped. There was no way he'd let Jason drive in his condition. "Now you have a choice. You can stay out here for no good reason, or come with me."
Jason glares at him. "Why can't you just let it go, huh? You're as bad as Katie."
"I doubt it. But you know why? She cares the most about you than anyone, save your mother, probably. So she's the last one you should be upset with." Rick was stern, tired of the silly games. "Now I'll only say this one more time before I go and get Con to drag you - come back inside."
Jason would like to refuse. But even as irritated as he was, he simply didn't have the energy to fight, and he knew Rick wasn't kidding about Con. So minutes later, he was limping back into the building, using Rick for support. Making their way to the infirmary, Jason doesn't look over to Katie's cubicle - not this time. He had a feeling she had something to do with this - it seemed like too big of a coincidence that Rick had been leaving when he had. But he couldn't prove it, so he'd keep his mouth shut.
Getting to the infirmary, Rick points Jason to the table and he grudgingly obeys. He glances over to Misty, almost as if asking for help out of this, but he knew it was no use. So he sits lamely as Rick starts to look him over, checking this, checking that, drawing blood and taking his temperature.
"What are your symptoms?" Rick questions as he shines a light in Jason's eyes.
"I told you, I'm fine."
"You have a fever. Your eyes don't look good. And you say you're fine." Rick shuts off the light and looks at Jason sternly. "You better start leveling with me, Jase. You promised."
"I don't care!" Jason raises his voice but then regrets it, putting a hand to his head as the pain worsens. "Why can't you just leave me alone?!"
"Because I care! We all care!" Rick was beginning to grow more angry than anything - angry at Jason's insistence on not wanting help. "You're being pigheaded and stupid!"
"I'm doing the best I can!" The light above Jason starts to flicker and he immediately clenches his fist and puts a tighter lid on his emotions. He knew Katie had probably felt a nice jolt with that one. "Don't make this harder than it is," he hisses. "For once, let someone die in peace instead of trying to fix it until their last breath is gone."
Whether Rick wanted it to or not, that statement hurt... and hurt a lot. His tone lowers again, though his eyes burn. "I'm sorry that I care that much about my friends that I want to save them." Taking a deep breath, he turns around for a moment to try and regain his composure.
Jason keeps talking to him anyway. "I did this for Katie and you know it. You told me not to keep things from her, but how can I knowingly put her in pain? How can I knowingly allow her to feel the way I feel, putting her through this... this sickness? It may not be real for her, but she'd feel it and that's just as bad. She might not die from it because it's not in her body, but she'd feel like she was dying just like I do and I cannot - will not allow her to go through that." Without warning, the tears are back, stinging his eyes as he tries to hold them back. His voice wavers though, and his emotions start spurting out against his will, sending the feeling of him crying in Katie's direction. He wraps his arm around his stomach as another wave of nausea hits him.
Rick turns around, and though he's pained to suddenly see the fear and anguish in Jason, his anger for stupidity remains. "You should have come to me," he emphasizes. "How long have you been feeling like this?"
Jason looks at the floor. "It started a day or so after we stopped the antidote. But it wasn't bad, just... minor, so I ignored it. When it got worse, I -"
"Why didn't you tell me so you could go back on the antidote?!"
"Because I-"
"Do you have a death wish?!" Rick's voice is raised again. "You're killing yourself, Jason! I told you for a reason to not hold back your emotions! Did you think I was joking?! Did you think I just thought it would be a fun experiment to see what would happen if you let Katie feel everything?!"
"Of course not!" Jason clenches his fist shut tighter as his palm feels as though it were on fire. At this point, his emotions were so heightened that they were bubbling and boiling through the cracks and crevices, surely taking Katie for a ride at this point. "If it were you, you'd do the same thing! If it were Janet who felt every ache and pain and hurt and emotional trauma you did, do you think you'd let it go on like that on purpose?!" Wincing, he doubles over as his pain spreads, feeding off of his emotional fireworks.
Though Rick was still upset, he sees that this is not only not helping, but hurting Jason, and it needed to stop. No matter how much he wanted to argue and make Jason understand how stupid he was being, the fact of the matter was that riling up Jason only made things worse. Heaving a sigh, he reaches out to put a hand on Jason's shoulder. "Why didn't you just opt to get back on the antidote?" he questions more calmly.
Jason's eyes were scrunched tightly against his pain and he shakes his head. "Because... a part of Katie gets lost and... and I can't stand seeing that."
"But if you're going to refuse to share your emotions, you have to take the antidote... otherwise, we're going to lose you." Rick grits his teeth. "And whether you like it or not, I can't just stand back and watch you die without trying to help." Spinning on his heel, he goes for the phone and punches the intercom to Katie's direct phone. "Katie... please come to the infirmary."
Dylan sits in the same old corner of the dining hall, a perfect vantage point to see everyone else in the room, but back far enough that he could go unnoticed. Jade had invited him to sit with her and Dan, but he just hadn't felt like it tonight. He usually didn't... but once in a while he accepted, so that was good enough, right? Maybe tonight, his mind was just too preoccupied with everything else. He was still feeling leery about the newcomers and just wasn't quite sure yet how to handle that whole thing. He'd seen them come in earlier but hadn't made eye contact with either one of them.
Dipping a piece of soft garlic bread into his vegetable soup, he takes a bite then looks down at the side to his history book. As predicted, he hadn't gotten all of his schoolwork finished today because of his stupid hangups during math earlier in the day. History wasn't exactly interesting... he hated all the reading he had to do - it was hard for him to retain the information, but at least he didn't have to figure out any equations or enormously long division. If he could just skim through his history book and pick out the answers he'd need for his quizzes, then he should be okay.
A round of laughter at one of the tables brings his head up and he wonders what the joke had been. Part of him wishes that sometimes... just once in a while... that he could be in on some of that laughter. But choosing to sit back in his own little corner had a price.
Mick sits with his family at one of the tables in the big dining room. It might have been an evening to eat at home, but tonight was a night he'd asked everyone to be there so they could all meet Stacy and Ashlee and he could make sure she could put faces to names and they could recognize her as well. He'd made formal introductions to just about everyone, but now wanted to fill in some of the gaps.
"... So, most of the two families are almost always here." He eats slowly, speaking mainly to Stacy across the table, but including Ashlee as much as she wanted so she would be familiar with the people as well. "Myself, Rosetta and BJ here..." He reaches over to catch some runaway soup with his napkin before it dribbles off the table into BJ's lap. "Angel runs the doctor's office every day and Luke - they're the ones you first met tonight - he doesn't get around very well on his own on account of a back injury, so they're always here..." He goes on to explain more about some of the people there and what their jobs were - details that weren't included in the reports Reese had given Stacy.
"...Jeff is here most of the time - he's the one sitting over there with Trent." Mick pauses to point. "Though he does take off to visit his daughter, Katie, in Nevada - she's an Elite agent herself..." A few more explanations of the family was due and Mick doesn't mind sharing while they continue to eat. "...so I expect Trent will come and go more often too, on trips to Nevada to see his daughter as well."
There was a lot of information but Mick presents it in such a way that it wouldn't feel too overwhelming, and he makes sure Rosetta can add anything she wants as well. He had everything written up in his own report he would give Stacy later anyway, so she could go back over it and get to know people and routines quickly.
"Then there's Eric Pent - one of Rosetta's brothers. He, um..." Mick pauses, not wanting to sound too negative, but knowing he should fill Stacy in. He glances at Rosetta, then back to Stacy and looks at her for a moment, his eyes revealing that it was a fairly touchy subject. He would be careful in front of BJ and Ashlee too. "He's a truck driver, so he's on the road a lot. He keeps this as his home base though and helps support the ranch. He... recently got married though, so... his routine might change." He gives Stacy a wry grin. "We're not sure that his new wife would... well... fit in very well into ranch life." His eyes give away that there was more to the story, but perhaps it would be best to keep some of it just in the family for now.
"And I guess that's really just about everybody. The only other one not here is Cindy's husband Wes - my brother. He's the one that's overseas right now."
Lesson
Smiling up at Tal Ryan couldn't help the joy in her eyes. Would this feeling last? Or was it just the need to feel cared for she wasn't sure, but something told her it was more than that. It was a peace she was lacking, a comfort, something that even with Leo she didn't feel. If it lasted that would be cool, if not at least they had this moment, and the moments that were to follow.
"I do really want to get together again. Maybe we can have a real date or something away from the eyes of over protective brothers."
Giving another giggle Ryan couldn't help it. Though she was upset with Eli at the same time she though it was kind of funny too. Getting back at Eli sounded even better and hearing Tal wanted to do the same thing it was even better.
"Oh that would be so great and if he ends up calling me I am just going to play right along. I'm a pretty good actor he'll never know."
Scrunching her nose at him Ryan's eyes still sparkled with excitement for trying to pull one over on her brother. She'd always been good at playing she was angry, and if it would teach her brother a lesson that would be even better.
"I do really want to get together again. Maybe we can have a real date or something away from the eyes of over protective brothers."
Giving another giggle Ryan couldn't help it. Though she was upset with Eli at the same time she though it was kind of funny too. Getting back at Eli sounded even better and hearing Tal wanted to do the same thing it was even better.
"Oh that would be so great and if he ends up calling me I am just going to play right along. I'm a pretty good actor he'll never know."
Scrunching her nose at him Ryan's eyes still sparkled with excitement for trying to pull one over on her brother. She'd always been good at playing she was angry, and if it would teach her brother a lesson that would be even better.
Good fun
Hearing Ryan laugh, Tal begins to feel a little less embarrassed and a grin starts to form. This really was silly and come to think of it, it really was pretty funny once he got past feeling mortified.
Letting her take his hand from his face, he scrunches up his nose and gives her a funny look. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure I don't want to get hit by you. I have a feeling it would hurt."
At least she was glad he'd have the guts to apologize should he ever really make a mistake, right? That was good. Maybe at the very least, if he took away how silly he was being, it did prove he had self-respect, along with respect for Ryan.
He's about to reply when he's tugged a little closer and feels Ryan come in for a kiss. It felt just like last night, and he knew now without a doubt that his assumptions had indeed been wrong. His arms slip around her as he returns her kiss. He couldn't help it. She was so warm and passionate and she felt so good in his arms... to deny kissing her back would be to deny everything in this moment. He knew she was on the rebound. He knew she missed Alec. He knew that this might never mean anything more than a brief physical attraction. But he wouldn't deny her the pleasure either. If she needed to be held, he would hold her. If she needed to be shown affection, he would show it. She deserved so much more than she'd been dealt.
When she pulls away he looks down at her, finally smiling and the redness fading from his cheeks. "Thanks... for not thinking me too much of a fool. And if... you really do want to get together again... I think I'd like that too."
Still smiling, he shakes his head. "But first, I think I'm gonna go back to work and tell Eli that you said you never want to see me again. Let him chew on that guilty thought all day." He winks at her. "All in good fun, of course."
Letting her take his hand from his face, he scrunches up his nose and gives her a funny look. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure I don't want to get hit by you. I have a feeling it would hurt."
At least she was glad he'd have the guts to apologize should he ever really make a mistake, right? That was good. Maybe at the very least, if he took away how silly he was being, it did prove he had self-respect, along with respect for Ryan.
He's about to reply when he's tugged a little closer and feels Ryan come in for a kiss. It felt just like last night, and he knew now without a doubt that his assumptions had indeed been wrong. His arms slip around her as he returns her kiss. He couldn't help it. She was so warm and passionate and she felt so good in his arms... to deny kissing her back would be to deny everything in this moment. He knew she was on the rebound. He knew she missed Alec. He knew that this might never mean anything more than a brief physical attraction. But he wouldn't deny her the pleasure either. If she needed to be held, he would hold her. If she needed to be shown affection, he would show it. She deserved so much more than she'd been dealt.
When she pulls away he looks down at her, finally smiling and the redness fading from his cheeks. "Thanks... for not thinking me too much of a fool. And if... you really do want to get together again... I think I'd like that too."
Still smiling, he shakes his head. "But first, I think I'm gonna go back to work and tell Eli that you said you never want to see me again. Let him chew on that guilty thought all day." He winks at her. "All in good fun, of course."
Earfull
Not expecting that Tal was going to pull her Ryan goes a little off balance before regaining her footing. Looking back into the auto shop before disappearing around the corner she could see everyone standing there looking at them. She could only imagine what was going to be said once she got back.
Once getting around the side of the building Ryan stands there just listing to Tal. Hearing Eli had something to do with this her eyes squint just a little bit. How could he do that and make it sound like she was upset with Tal? Maybe he did assume a little bit but Eli could of told him she wasn't upset. She'd deal with that tonight once he got home. She was less than happy and he would know about it.
"Tal calm down..its ok really. Eli will get a good earful from me."
Seeing him put his hand over his face and mumble just a little bit Ryan did what she could to hold back a snicker that want to come out. Seeing him remove his hand a little though and his comment Ryan can't hold it anymore and a laugh comes forth. This hole thing had been pretty silly. Reaching out and taking Tal's hand in her own Ryan smiles through her laughs.
"I'm glad you were wrong too because if not...I would of punched you last night not continue to kiss you."
Ryan shakes her head her eyes twinkling just a little bit. She couldn't believe what a big mess this was and she felt so bad for poor Tal. He was mortified that she really was upset with him only to find out he'd been fooled.
"I do have to say though...if nice to know you would say sorry if you did do something wrong."
Once getting around the side of the building Ryan stands there just listing to Tal. Hearing Eli had something to do with this her eyes squint just a little bit. How could he do that and make it sound like she was upset with Tal? Maybe he did assume a little bit but Eli could of told him she wasn't upset. She'd deal with that tonight once he got home. She was less than happy and he would know about it.
"Tal calm down..its ok really. Eli will get a good earful from me."
Seeing him put his hand over his face and mumble just a little bit Ryan did what she could to hold back a snicker that want to come out. Seeing him remove his hand a little though and his comment Ryan can't hold it anymore and a laugh comes forth. This hole thing had been pretty silly. Reaching out and taking Tal's hand in her own Ryan smiles through her laughs.
"I'm glad you were wrong too because if not...I would of punched you last night not continue to kiss you."
Ryan shakes her head her eyes twinkling just a little bit. She couldn't believe what a big mess this was and she felt so bad for poor Tal. He was mortified that she really was upset with him only to find out he'd been fooled.
"I do have to say though...if nice to know you would say sorry if you did do something wrong."
Pulling on his arm a little bit Ryan makes him closer as she leans up and puts yet another kiss on his lips. Soft, but deep for a long few moments before finally pulling away and looking up at him.
So stupid
As Ryan explains she has no idea what Tal is talking about, his eyes go a little wide and he just stares at her with what he knew had to be the dumbest look on his face. He blinks once and his mouth hangs open slightly as he knows he should say something, but now he didn't know what.
"I... it..." He blinks again. "You're... not upset? I mean... you do want to get together again? Even though it...." He keeps searching her eyes. Surely there was some kind of an explanation here, but unless he was blind, he saw pure confusion in her eyes - no irritation or fear or sign of being upset at all. Nothing. Just confusion.
Then it dawns on him. His eyebrows shift back a little and he can feel his face growing so hot, he was sure it was bright red. "I... think I just made a fool out of myself." Movement catches his eye and he sees Miles awfully close, seeming to be trying to listen. Not wanting any more gossip than there probably was already, he grabs Ryan's hand and pulls her away from the car. Leading her outside and around the corner he stops and turns to face her again.
"Your brother came to me this morning and said not to hurt you. Apparently he saw us kissing." A little more heat piles on top, making his cheeks burn. "I thought he was just giving me a blanket statement 'cause he didn't want to see you hurt but he was so serious I thought for sure I'd done something wrong."
Tal pauses, chewing on his lower lip. "I told him if I'd upset you that I'd come apologize and he said I should, so... I... I assumed..." He lets his statement trail off. It wasn't worth trying to explain everything that had gone through his mind. It was entirely his fault based on assumption. Eli never had said Ryan was upset... Tal had come to that conclusion on his own.
"I feel so stupid." He puts a hand to his head and cringes. Scrunching his eyes shut, he shakes his head. "And knowing Eli, he's probably laughing his butt off right about now. He had to have done this on purpose just to see what I'd do."
Opening one eye, he looks down at Ryan, utterly embarrassed and sheepish. "I'm glad I was wrong though... does that make it better?"
"I... it..." He blinks again. "You're... not upset? I mean... you do want to get together again? Even though it...." He keeps searching her eyes. Surely there was some kind of an explanation here, but unless he was blind, he saw pure confusion in her eyes - no irritation or fear or sign of being upset at all. Nothing. Just confusion.
Then it dawns on him. His eyebrows shift back a little and he can feel his face growing so hot, he was sure it was bright red. "I... think I just made a fool out of myself." Movement catches his eye and he sees Miles awfully close, seeming to be trying to listen. Not wanting any more gossip than there probably was already, he grabs Ryan's hand and pulls her away from the car. Leading her outside and around the corner he stops and turns to face her again.
"Your brother came to me this morning and said not to hurt you. Apparently he saw us kissing." A little more heat piles on top, making his cheeks burn. "I thought he was just giving me a blanket statement 'cause he didn't want to see you hurt but he was so serious I thought for sure I'd done something wrong."
Tal pauses, chewing on his lower lip. "I told him if I'd upset you that I'd come apologize and he said I should, so... I... I assumed..." He lets his statement trail off. It wasn't worth trying to explain everything that had gone through his mind. It was entirely his fault based on assumption. Eli never had said Ryan was upset... Tal had come to that conclusion on his own.
"I feel so stupid." He puts a hand to his head and cringes. Scrunching his eyes shut, he shakes his head. "And knowing Eli, he's probably laughing his butt off right about now. He had to have done this on purpose just to see what I'd do."
Opening one eye, he looks down at Ryan, utterly embarrassed and sheepish. "I'm glad I was wrong though... does that make it better?"
What on earth...
Working on her car Ryan seemed in a little better mood today. Her night had been good and while she slept tears hadn't found her eyes but the thoughts of Tal and the comfort he gave her did. A long needed rest did wonders and waking up feeling rested seemed to help too.
Looking up from the car she was working on and seeing Tal come twords her Ryan gives a smile as she stands up. This was a surprise for sure. She wasn't expecting him to come see her. Taking a closer look at his face though Ryan can see something off in his eyes. The calmness was gone and it was replaced with nerves, fear..and it made Ryan worry.
"Hey Tal, whats up?"
As Tal starts talking about being sorry and how he didn't mean to upset her about last night Ryan raises and eyebrow. Whipping her hands off on a rag she wanted to say something anything not really understanding where Tal was coming from or what he was talking about but she couldn't get a word in for her life as she just continued. Finally as he stopped though Ryan cocked her head a little her own look being totally confused.
"Tal...what on earth are you talking about? I don't want you to leave me alone, nor am I made at you or upset or anything. Where on earth did you get that idea from? I had a great time with you late night and I'd like to get together again."
Ryan couldn't help the look on her face. She wasn't angry just really confused on what changed from last night to now. She though for sure after all the kiss she given him and her own way she acted he wouldn't have thought she was upset. She was totally confused and just wanted to clear the air now.
Looking up from the car she was working on and seeing Tal come twords her Ryan gives a smile as she stands up. This was a surprise for sure. She wasn't expecting him to come see her. Taking a closer look at his face though Ryan can see something off in his eyes. The calmness was gone and it was replaced with nerves, fear..and it made Ryan worry.
"Hey Tal, whats up?"
As Tal starts talking about being sorry and how he didn't mean to upset her about last night Ryan raises and eyebrow. Whipping her hands off on a rag she wanted to say something anything not really understanding where Tal was coming from or what he was talking about but she couldn't get a word in for her life as she just continued. Finally as he stopped though Ryan cocked her head a little her own look being totally confused.
"Tal...what on earth are you talking about? I don't want you to leave me alone, nor am I made at you or upset or anything. Where on earth did you get that idea from? I had a great time with you late night and I'd like to get together again."
Ryan couldn't help the look on her face. She wasn't angry just really confused on what changed from last night to now. She though for sure after all the kiss she given him and her own way she acted he wouldn't have thought she was upset. She was totally confused and just wanted to clear the air now.
Sorry
Joined at the door by Ryan, Tal looks down into her eyes, wondering what she might be thinking. As she leans up closer to kiss his lips, he doesn't resist. Cocking his head slightly, he returns the brief exchange, his hand finding its way to her arm.
When she draws back, he's left with a racing heart. A soft little smile comes to his face. "I will... thanks for the nice evening." Though part of him wanted to ask her now if she'd like to get together with him again sometime, he holds off. He didn't want to push her, not to mention he should probably sit back and think about this whole thing first.
After a slightly awkward pause, he finally opens the door. "Have a good night..." One last look over his shoulder at Ryan and he turns to leave, heading back out to his car.
It felt like a long drive home for some reason tonight. Thoughts of Ryan continued to swirl in Tal's mind, and a few times, he wondered if everything had just been his imagination. He certainly hadn't set out to get involved with Ryan on that kind of level... he'd wanted to be a friend, sure but... he never would have guessed that would be her response. Had she meant it though? Maybe only time would tell. For now, a smile remained on his lips....
The next day came all too soon - hours to sleep just never seemed long enough. It was quiet in the shop except for a few clanking tools and random comment from one or two of the guys. Tal kneels by the car and tapes around the edges in preparation for a paint job, lost in his work. Eli hadn't come in yet, but he was already started on today's lineup. A few minutes later though, Eli's voice jerks him to attention.
"Morning."
Tal looks up at him and smiles. "Morning."
"How ya doing?"
"Good. You?"
"Fine... You, um... have a good time last night?"
A queer little feeling settles into the atmosphere. "Of course I did." Tal holds his smile. "Thanks for having me over."
Eli squats down next to him and runs a hand over the unfinished fender, his eyes on the job. "Don't hurt her."
Tal gives him a sidelong glance, finding Eli's tone just a little harsher than normal. Not mad. Not mean. Just... not quite as easy going as usual. He feels a shiver run down his spine. "The car?" he teases with a grin. "You know I'm always nice."
Eli finally looks back at him without a smile. "I mean it, Tal. Hurt her and you'll pay."
Tal's grin slowly fades and he swallows hard. His eyes lock with Eli's and he knew that last night he and Ryan had been seen kissing. Guilt creeps up his neck in the form of heat and he looks back at the car, unable to hold Eli's gaze. He didn't know if this was just Eli talking or if Ryan had complained. If she had, he felt terrible. "Last night was my fault, and I'm sorry," he apologizes. "I didn't mean to be inappropriate and if Ryan or you were uncomfortable because of it, then I take full responsibility." He knew she could have refused to kiss him... right? He'd given her the offer, but he hadn't forced her... right? And he hadn't been the one to instigate a goodbye kiss either... had he? All of a sudden, he was unsure. He'd enjoyed himself... thought maybe this had been a start of a good thing but... not with that look on Eli's face this morning.
Sitting in awkward silence, Tal finally gives Eli a sidelong glance then looks back at the car again. The expression on Eli's face was not a happy one. What had Tal done? He stares at the spot on the car that needed another strip of tape, but he couldn't focus enough to put it on straight. Apparently he really had done something wrong. Had he been so caught up in the moment that he hadn't realized what he was doing? Had he been more forward than he'd thought? His stomach gives a little churn. He'd never misread someone that badly, but apparently last night he had, and now he needed to make it right before it got blown out of proportion. He liked Ryan, and he'd never intended on displeasing her. "If I upset Ryan, I'll go apologize to her as soon as I'm off for lunch."
Eli is quiet for another moment before he rises and heads over to the work bench to get together their tools. "Yeah. Why don't you do that?"
Tal is left to his work, his face feeling hot and his emotions feeling embarrassed and guilty. So he had upset her. He never should have even remotely suggested Ryan kiss him. He shouldn't have tickled her in the first place. He probably shouldn't have even been sprawled out on the couch, as comfortably as he had. Come to think of it, the whole thing had started when he'd changed shirts - that had been highly inappropriate, and he should have gone around the corner to change. He hadn't even thought of it at the time, and now he felt stupid. And that last kiss before he'd left... somehow, he must have read her all wrong and should have just left. What had he been thinking?
"Are you gonna finish putting that tape on, or do you have some magic power that will get it to stick itself to the car?"
Tal jumps at Eli's joke, now completely unsure how to take him. "Um... I'm almost done." Forcing himself to concentrate, he finishes his task and sets about painting with Eli, though it was awfully hard to shake the mixed feelings he was experiencing. Eli seemed fine now but... he was afraid he'd really done something wrong...
...Arriving at J&J's, Tal parks and just sits for several long moments. He saw Ryan's car so he knew she wasn't away at lunch. That was a good thing right? Maybe he just should have called. No, this was better.
Taking a deep breath, he finally gets out. Instead of going through the customer area, he goes straight for the open bay doors, finding where Ryan was. There were a couple other guys around... Leo... Miles... that redhead - Axel? It was fairly quiet, but Tal still wishes no one else were around. But he didn't have time to go somewhere else - he only had a while on his break and then he'd have to get back to work. He couldn't waste the minutes that he had.
Coming up around the car Ryan was working on, he waits until she sees him, and he tries to smile while attempting to read her face. She... didn't seem upset to see him... did she? Now he was second guessing himself. "I... I only have a couple minutes. I just..." He glances over his shoulder to see Leo quickly look away. Turning his eyes back to Ryan, the heat is back in his face. "I wanted to say I'm sorry," he apologizes quietly so the others couldn't hear him. He was still confused, but he'd take all the blame if that's what it took to fix things. "I had no idea I upset you and... and... it wasn't my intention at all."
He stops short and swallows hard, feeling utterly ridiculous. "I'll just... keep things between me and Eli and leave you alone... if that's what you want... whatever you want... I'll do..." His voice trails off as he stumbles to find the right words. "Just don't be mad at me, please?" His eyes plead with her. "I couldn't stand it, knowing it was something I did without meaning to. If I misread you I am so sorry."
"What's up with you and Tal?"
"Hmm? What do you mean?" Eli sits on the stool in the break room, eating his sandwich for lunch.
Paul sits a few seats away eating his own lunch. "I mean there seemed like there was some weird tension between you two this morning. I thought you were buds."
"Oh, that." Eli's mouth shapes a wry grin. "I was just giving him a bad time about last night."
"Last night? What happened last night?" Paul leans in, anticipating juicy information.
"Walked in on him and Ryan making out on the couch."
Paul's eyes widen. "Whoa."
"Oh it was nothing bad," Eli clarifies. "Just some good old fashioned smooching."
"Nice. Bet you surprised them."
Eli snickers. "They didn't know I saw. So this morning I gave Tal the old 'don't hurt my sister' speech. I think he was mortified I knew, and he apparently thought my reason for giving him the speech was that he upset Ryan so he went to apologize to her just now on his lunch break."
"She was making out and then was upset about it afterward?"
Eli shakes his head, holding in a laugh. "Not that I know of."
"Eli!" Paul's eyes were wide. "You're terrible! Why did you tell him she was upset?"
"I didn't!" Eli holds up his hands. "It's not my fault he assumed. I meant it about him not hurting Ryan - she's been through too much crap already. But then I was actually gonna tease him about the whole thing. He took me so seriously though, I just couldn't resist letting him squirm a while."
"You turkey. You should have told him. You realize now he's gonna make a big fool out of himself."
Eli shrugs. "Oh, he'll get over it. Besides... if he actually follows through with apologizing to her, then she's got a winner."
When she draws back, he's left with a racing heart. A soft little smile comes to his face. "I will... thanks for the nice evening." Though part of him wanted to ask her now if she'd like to get together with him again sometime, he holds off. He didn't want to push her, not to mention he should probably sit back and think about this whole thing first.
After a slightly awkward pause, he finally opens the door. "Have a good night..." One last look over his shoulder at Ryan and he turns to leave, heading back out to his car.
It felt like a long drive home for some reason tonight. Thoughts of Ryan continued to swirl in Tal's mind, and a few times, he wondered if everything had just been his imagination. He certainly hadn't set out to get involved with Ryan on that kind of level... he'd wanted to be a friend, sure but... he never would have guessed that would be her response. Had she meant it though? Maybe only time would tell. For now, a smile remained on his lips....
The next day came all too soon - hours to sleep just never seemed long enough. It was quiet in the shop except for a few clanking tools and random comment from one or two of the guys. Tal kneels by the car and tapes around the edges in preparation for a paint job, lost in his work. Eli hadn't come in yet, but he was already started on today's lineup. A few minutes later though, Eli's voice jerks him to attention.
"Morning."
Tal looks up at him and smiles. "Morning."
"How ya doing?"
"Good. You?"
"Fine... You, um... have a good time last night?"
A queer little feeling settles into the atmosphere. "Of course I did." Tal holds his smile. "Thanks for having me over."
Eli squats down next to him and runs a hand over the unfinished fender, his eyes on the job. "Don't hurt her."
Tal gives him a sidelong glance, finding Eli's tone just a little harsher than normal. Not mad. Not mean. Just... not quite as easy going as usual. He feels a shiver run down his spine. "The car?" he teases with a grin. "You know I'm always nice."
Eli finally looks back at him without a smile. "I mean it, Tal. Hurt her and you'll pay."
Tal's grin slowly fades and he swallows hard. His eyes lock with Eli's and he knew that last night he and Ryan had been seen kissing. Guilt creeps up his neck in the form of heat and he looks back at the car, unable to hold Eli's gaze. He didn't know if this was just Eli talking or if Ryan had complained. If she had, he felt terrible. "Last night was my fault, and I'm sorry," he apologizes. "I didn't mean to be inappropriate and if Ryan or you were uncomfortable because of it, then I take full responsibility." He knew she could have refused to kiss him... right? He'd given her the offer, but he hadn't forced her... right? And he hadn't been the one to instigate a goodbye kiss either... had he? All of a sudden, he was unsure. He'd enjoyed himself... thought maybe this had been a start of a good thing but... not with that look on Eli's face this morning.
Sitting in awkward silence, Tal finally gives Eli a sidelong glance then looks back at the car again. The expression on Eli's face was not a happy one. What had Tal done? He stares at the spot on the car that needed another strip of tape, but he couldn't focus enough to put it on straight. Apparently he really had done something wrong. Had he been so caught up in the moment that he hadn't realized what he was doing? Had he been more forward than he'd thought? His stomach gives a little churn. He'd never misread someone that badly, but apparently last night he had, and now he needed to make it right before it got blown out of proportion. He liked Ryan, and he'd never intended on displeasing her. "If I upset Ryan, I'll go apologize to her as soon as I'm off for lunch."
Eli is quiet for another moment before he rises and heads over to the work bench to get together their tools. "Yeah. Why don't you do that?"
Tal is left to his work, his face feeling hot and his emotions feeling embarrassed and guilty. So he had upset her. He never should have even remotely suggested Ryan kiss him. He shouldn't have tickled her in the first place. He probably shouldn't have even been sprawled out on the couch, as comfortably as he had. Come to think of it, the whole thing had started when he'd changed shirts - that had been highly inappropriate, and he should have gone around the corner to change. He hadn't even thought of it at the time, and now he felt stupid. And that last kiss before he'd left... somehow, he must have read her all wrong and should have just left. What had he been thinking?
"Are you gonna finish putting that tape on, or do you have some magic power that will get it to stick itself to the car?"
Tal jumps at Eli's joke, now completely unsure how to take him. "Um... I'm almost done." Forcing himself to concentrate, he finishes his task and sets about painting with Eli, though it was awfully hard to shake the mixed feelings he was experiencing. Eli seemed fine now but... he was afraid he'd really done something wrong...
...Arriving at J&J's, Tal parks and just sits for several long moments. He saw Ryan's car so he knew she wasn't away at lunch. That was a good thing right? Maybe he just should have called. No, this was better.
Taking a deep breath, he finally gets out. Instead of going through the customer area, he goes straight for the open bay doors, finding where Ryan was. There were a couple other guys around... Leo... Miles... that redhead - Axel? It was fairly quiet, but Tal still wishes no one else were around. But he didn't have time to go somewhere else - he only had a while on his break and then he'd have to get back to work. He couldn't waste the minutes that he had.
Coming up around the car Ryan was working on, he waits until she sees him, and he tries to smile while attempting to read her face. She... didn't seem upset to see him... did she? Now he was second guessing himself. "I... I only have a couple minutes. I just..." He glances over his shoulder to see Leo quickly look away. Turning his eyes back to Ryan, the heat is back in his face. "I wanted to say I'm sorry," he apologizes quietly so the others couldn't hear him. He was still confused, but he'd take all the blame if that's what it took to fix things. "I had no idea I upset you and... and... it wasn't my intention at all."
He stops short and swallows hard, feeling utterly ridiculous. "I'll just... keep things between me and Eli and leave you alone... if that's what you want... whatever you want... I'll do..." His voice trails off as he stumbles to find the right words. "Just don't be mad at me, please?" His eyes plead with her. "I couldn't stand it, knowing it was something I did without meaning to. If I misread you I am so sorry."
"What's up with you and Tal?"
"Hmm? What do you mean?" Eli sits on the stool in the break room, eating his sandwich for lunch.
Paul sits a few seats away eating his own lunch. "I mean there seemed like there was some weird tension between you two this morning. I thought you were buds."
"Oh, that." Eli's mouth shapes a wry grin. "I was just giving him a bad time about last night."
"Last night? What happened last night?" Paul leans in, anticipating juicy information.
"Walked in on him and Ryan making out on the couch."
Paul's eyes widen. "Whoa."
"Oh it was nothing bad," Eli clarifies. "Just some good old fashioned smooching."
"Nice. Bet you surprised them."
Eli snickers. "They didn't know I saw. So this morning I gave Tal the old 'don't hurt my sister' speech. I think he was mortified I knew, and he apparently thought my reason for giving him the speech was that he upset Ryan so he went to apologize to her just now on his lunch break."
"She was making out and then was upset about it afterward?"
Eli shakes his head, holding in a laugh. "Not that I know of."
"Eli!" Paul's eyes were wide. "You're terrible! Why did you tell him she was upset?"
"I didn't!" Eli holds up his hands. "It's not my fault he assumed. I meant it about him not hurting Ryan - she's been through too much crap already. But then I was actually gonna tease him about the whole thing. He took me so seriously though, I just couldn't resist letting him squirm a while."
"You turkey. You should have told him. You realize now he's gonna make a big fool out of himself."
Eli shrugs. "Oh, he'll get over it. Besides... if he actually follows through with apologizing to her, then she's got a winner."
Safe Trip
Sitting back and starting to watch a movie Ryan pulls her legs up in the chair to get comfortable. Dinner had been good, company had been good, and now a cheese movie would be even better. Tonight had turned out to be pretty good filled with the much needed laughter. It was funny to watch Tal and Eli go at it wondering who would win a round of the jokes or bantering.
Hearing Tal was leaving Ryan glances at the clock. It was later than she thought that was for sure. Giving a chuckle to herself she realizing maybe the old saying "Time fly's when you having fun." Her father use to quote all the time had some truth to it after all.
Snapping out of her though though and looking to Eli and Tal at the monition to the pregnant roommate Ryan couldn't help her eyes getting big. She wouldnt have guess Tal was like that all. Maybe there was a good explanation thought there had to be right? A sudden wave of releaf passed over her as Tal quickly explain that it was his dog who was the room mate. Giving a laugh and a chuckle she stands.
"Puppies are cute. I think thats pretty cool you breed them."
Giving a stretch and watching as her brother went into the kitchen Ryan heads to the door with Tal. She might as well be a good guest and let him out since Eli wasn't going too. Stopping at the door with Tal Ryan just looks up into his eyes for a long moment. Taking in there depth and the same feeling she got before. The calm, the peace...it was nice and she liked it.
Coming in a little closer to Tal Ryan places her hand on his arm. Leaning up for him she left her eyes fall shut for a long moment. Letting her lips brush his and than come back to press against them again before pulling away after a few moments.
"Good Night Tal...have a safe trip home."
Hearing Tal was leaving Ryan glances at the clock. It was later than she thought that was for sure. Giving a chuckle to herself she realizing maybe the old saying "Time fly's when you having fun." Her father use to quote all the time had some truth to it after all.
Snapping out of her though though and looking to Eli and Tal at the monition to the pregnant roommate Ryan couldn't help her eyes getting big. She wouldnt have guess Tal was like that all. Maybe there was a good explanation thought there had to be right? A sudden wave of releaf passed over her as Tal quickly explain that it was his dog who was the room mate. Giving a laugh and a chuckle she stands.
"Puppies are cute. I think thats pretty cool you breed them."
Giving a stretch and watching as her brother went into the kitchen Ryan heads to the door with Tal. She might as well be a good guest and let him out since Eli wasn't going too. Stopping at the door with Tal Ryan just looks up into his eyes for a long moment. Taking in there depth and the same feeling she got before. The calm, the peace...it was nice and she liked it.
Coming in a little closer to Tal Ryan places her hand on his arm. Leaning up for him she left her eyes fall shut for a long moment. Letting her lips brush his and than come back to press against them again before pulling away after a few moments.
"Good Night Tal...have a safe trip home."
2/26/11
Goodnight...
Eli nods at his sister's compliment as he chews his own bite of steak. "Thanks. I aim to please." He really was glad she enjoyed it. He hardly cooked anything else, so at least when he did, she liked it, and that made him happy.
As Tal is mentioned, he looks up, pausing his chewing for a moment. An odd sort of look crosses his face... perhaps one that mirrored an ever-so-slight confusion. A confusion born of the rarity of someone thanking him for being anywhere, let alone meaning it.
A little grin curls his lips though... a grateful kind of grin. "Getting thanked for coming and stuffing my face with your guys' good food... can't get much better than that." He looks down to finish chewing his mouthful, but realizes that he'd totally shrugged off her thanks. So he lifts his eyes once more. "You're welcome. And thank you."
Eli pauses his own eating his eyes suddenly going back and forth between Tal and Ryan for a moment or two. He clears his throat and grabs the television remote. "Who's tired of this stupid football game?"
Tal laughs. "I am. Your team stinks."
"I refuse to call them my team anymore." Eli nods with emphasis and flips the channel .
"Some loyal fan you are - abandoning them when they have a tough year."
"It's not my fault!" Eli swings his fork around in the air, forgetting that there was a piece of steak on the end of it. The meat goes flying across the living room, landing somewhere behind Ryan's chair. Eli's eyes widen, and there's a moment of quiet shock before the laughter starts.
Tal shakes his head between his laughing and looks over at Ryan. "Have you noticed the longer Scarlet is gone, the more hyper he gets? I think we need to keep her in town so she can keep this guy's feet on the ground."
Eli stops and thinks a moment, then shrugs as he gets up to go find the piece of meat. Come to think of it, he really didn't know what to do with himself during his free time when Scarlet was out of town. Maybe that's why couldn't sit still lately.
A movie is found on tv and the rest of the meal is enjoyed with a relaxed atmosphere of light chatting and more laughter. Tal and Eli were pretty well matched for wit, which only encouraged them to banter back and forth, trying to outdo each other, whether it was something funny or just smart remarks.
Eventually though, the room settles down into the evening and less light comes through the windows, signaling that the day was coming to a close. Tal sighs as he sits back in the couch and he glances at his watch. "I should probably get going."
"You sure you don't wanna stick around for that B movie that's coming on next?" Eli gestures to the television where a cheesy movie had been advertised.
Tal grins and shakes his head. "Naw. I gotta get home - Holly's gonna wonder where on earth I've been."
"Ah, yes. Your pregnant roommate."
As Tal stands from the couch, he kicks Eli in the shin. "You go around saying that, you're gonna get me into trouble!" He looks quickly to Ryan. "My dog," he explains. "Holly is a dog and she's having puppies." Another sour glance is thrown at Eli.
Eli just grins at him. "And what a poor dog she is. Making her go through all that just for a few extra bucks."
"Hey." Tal points a finger at him. "Those pups are gonna help me pay my bills."
"Didn't you tell me you had trouble selling off the last litter?"
"Yeah, but I found a guy up north who wants at least five if he can get them. He's got a training program for the police and military and after seeing Holly's papers, he got pretty interested in her pups."
Eli's eyebrows rise. He'd had no idea Tal was that serious about the whole thing. "Wow. Cool." He stands up too, picking up some of the leftover dishes to take them to the kitchen. "Well, glad you could stay and hang out for a while. We'll have to do this again sometime."
"Sounds good." Tal kneels to tie the laces on his sneakers and sighs, looking around to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything. Spying his shirt, he grabs it and rolls his eyes. "I'll bring your shirt back to ya," he yells into the kitchen.
Eli's response is muffled from the other room. "Yeah, whatever."
Tal grins a little and shakes his head. His eyes find Ryan and a quiet moment follows. "I guess I'll... see you around..." He wanders towards the door...slowly. He pauses with his hand on the doorknob and looks at Ryan again. His eyes held calmness... a gentle peace that existed even though there were unanswered questions that lay beneath the surface. Was tonight the only time their lips would meet? Was tonight the only time his arms would find their way around her? He could only wait and wonder. "Goodnight, Ryan..."
As Tal is mentioned, he looks up, pausing his chewing for a moment. An odd sort of look crosses his face... perhaps one that mirrored an ever-so-slight confusion. A confusion born of the rarity of someone thanking him for being anywhere, let alone meaning it.
A little grin curls his lips though... a grateful kind of grin. "Getting thanked for coming and stuffing my face with your guys' good food... can't get much better than that." He looks down to finish chewing his mouthful, but realizes that he'd totally shrugged off her thanks. So he lifts his eyes once more. "You're welcome. And thank you."
Eli pauses his own eating his eyes suddenly going back and forth between Tal and Ryan for a moment or two. He clears his throat and grabs the television remote. "Who's tired of this stupid football game?"
Tal laughs. "I am. Your team stinks."
"I refuse to call them my team anymore." Eli nods with emphasis and flips the channel .
"Some loyal fan you are - abandoning them when they have a tough year."
"It's not my fault!" Eli swings his fork around in the air, forgetting that there was a piece of steak on the end of it. The meat goes flying across the living room, landing somewhere behind Ryan's chair. Eli's eyes widen, and there's a moment of quiet shock before the laughter starts.
Tal shakes his head between his laughing and looks over at Ryan. "Have you noticed the longer Scarlet is gone, the more hyper he gets? I think we need to keep her in town so she can keep this guy's feet on the ground."
Eli stops and thinks a moment, then shrugs as he gets up to go find the piece of meat. Come to think of it, he really didn't know what to do with himself during his free time when Scarlet was out of town. Maybe that's why couldn't sit still lately.
A movie is found on tv and the rest of the meal is enjoyed with a relaxed atmosphere of light chatting and more laughter. Tal and Eli were pretty well matched for wit, which only encouraged them to banter back and forth, trying to outdo each other, whether it was something funny or just smart remarks.
Eventually though, the room settles down into the evening and less light comes through the windows, signaling that the day was coming to a close. Tal sighs as he sits back in the couch and he glances at his watch. "I should probably get going."
"You sure you don't wanna stick around for that B movie that's coming on next?" Eli gestures to the television where a cheesy movie had been advertised.
Tal grins and shakes his head. "Naw. I gotta get home - Holly's gonna wonder where on earth I've been."
"Ah, yes. Your pregnant roommate."
As Tal stands from the couch, he kicks Eli in the shin. "You go around saying that, you're gonna get me into trouble!" He looks quickly to Ryan. "My dog," he explains. "Holly is a dog and she's having puppies." Another sour glance is thrown at Eli.
Eli just grins at him. "And what a poor dog she is. Making her go through all that just for a few extra bucks."
"Hey." Tal points a finger at him. "Those pups are gonna help me pay my bills."
"Didn't you tell me you had trouble selling off the last litter?"
"Yeah, but I found a guy up north who wants at least five if he can get them. He's got a training program for the police and military and after seeing Holly's papers, he got pretty interested in her pups."
Eli's eyebrows rise. He'd had no idea Tal was that serious about the whole thing. "Wow. Cool." He stands up too, picking up some of the leftover dishes to take them to the kitchen. "Well, glad you could stay and hang out for a while. We'll have to do this again sometime."
"Sounds good." Tal kneels to tie the laces on his sneakers and sighs, looking around to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything. Spying his shirt, he grabs it and rolls his eyes. "I'll bring your shirt back to ya," he yells into the kitchen.
Eli's response is muffled from the other room. "Yeah, whatever."
Tal grins a little and shakes his head. His eyes find Ryan and a quiet moment follows. "I guess I'll... see you around..." He wanders towards the door...slowly. He pauses with his hand on the doorknob and looks at Ryan again. His eyes held calmness... a gentle peace that existed even though there were unanswered questions that lay beneath the surface. Was tonight the only time their lips would meet? Was tonight the only time his arms would find their way around her? He could only wait and wonder. "Goodnight, Ryan..."
Meal
Coming into the living room and sitting down with the food Ryan can't help the growl of her stomach. Eli always did make good steak that was for sure. And the company tonight was even better for her to enjoy the meal.
"I have to say I've never met someone who burnt something in the microwave before. But I guess now thats changed."
Ryan gives a grin. Watching her brother as he walked into the kitchen again she didn't think anything of his comment to Tal figuring it was just her normal brother comment. Looking to Tal though and seeing the look on his face Ryan gives her own of question. Not having time to reply before Eli was back Ryan gives a smile to him before taking a bite of her steak.
"Eli you have out done it again. No wonder I always let you cook them. They just melt in you mouth. Thank you for the meal...and Tal...thank you for joining us."
"I have to say I've never met someone who burnt something in the microwave before. But I guess now thats changed."
Ryan gives a grin. Watching her brother as he walked into the kitchen again she didn't think anything of his comment to Tal figuring it was just her normal brother comment. Looking to Tal though and seeing the look on his face Ryan gives her own of question. Not having time to reply before Eli was back Ryan gives a smile to him before taking a bite of her steak.
"Eli you have out done it again. No wonder I always let you cook them. They just melt in you mouth. Thank you for the meal...and Tal...thank you for joining us."
Crispies
As Ryan shifts her weight and looks at him, Tal gives her a soft kind of grin that said he was comfortable too, but he knew they both should probably get up. Having her come in for a last short kiss, he returns it softly and watches as she leaves. His hand absentmindedly trails across his chest where her touch had been.
Sighing, he sits up in the corner of the couch, trying to keep his eyes focused on the television. But even though that's where his gaze was, his mind was a very long ways away. He and Ryan barely knew each other. He'd been watching her from a distance for a long time, sure, but what guy didn't? He did feel like he knew her a little better than some, because of Eli - he talked about his sister a lot and for a while now, Tal had been getting to know Ryan without any interaction at all. But still... was this even possible?
Had Ryan really meant that kiss? Had she really liked cuddling into him and being held by him? Or had it just been to satisfy a need after she'd been put through the wringer by Alec? Had it actually just been her needing someone for the moment and he'd happened to be there? If that were the case, then he felt a little guilty - he didn't want to take advantage of her. She was probably on the rebound and he didn't want to give her the impression he'd just been waiting to pounce. On the contrary, he'd seen her with Leo and Alec both and had always kept his distance. One, because he'd always figured he didn't have a chance anyway, and two, because he respected her relationship with other guys and wouldn't interfere.
His whole intention here had been to just try and see if there was any way he could help. He didn't like the thought of what Alec had done, and he knew Leo was taken now, which meant she had no one else to go to. And like he'd talked to Eli about... he understood she could vent to her brother and have his company, but it wouldn't be the same. Tal had simply wanted to see if there was anything he could do, and if not, he wouldn't have fought it. It helped that he and Eli were becoming friends - but that was just a natural opening for him to be here tonight and he didn't have any "plans" to try and help Ryan... he just wanted to keep his eyes open and be there, should an opportunity arise. Now though... now he really wasn't sure what to do or what would happen after this.
Joined in the kitchen by Ryan, Eli grins. "Yeah, I figured you'd probably wanna do the salad yourself anyway. I can't ever cut the lettuce right to keep anybody happy." He smirks as he turns over a steak. "You know me - I'd probably just chew the lettuce right off the head and have a carrot on the side, rather than work at chopping it all up. And by the way yes, of course it smells good in here - it always does when I cook." He tosses her a silly look - the only thing he cooked well was steak or hamburgers. He points his fork at her. "Not a word, Speedy."
It didn't take long for the food to finally be ready. The apartment really did smell good and everybody's stomachs were growling by now. The living room was the dining area of choice tonight so they could finish watching the game while they ate and it was more comfortable anyway...
"Soup's on!" Eli comes traipsing into the living room with Ryan, bringing the food and presenting it to Tal. "One medium rare steak for you and one well-done for me." He sets down both the plates on the coffee table, letting Ryan have the easy chair and end table. "Neither of which are little burnt crispies, mind you."
Tal grins as his plate is set down and he shakes his head. "I'm never going to live that one down, am I? All I was doing was warming something up in the microwave and I accidentally put it in for way too long!"
"There was smoke everywhere!" Eli waves his arms around. "We had to clear out the break room and everything."
Tal sighs and stands up. "Yeah, yeah."
"Hey, where you going?"
"To get a glass of water."
"Well sit down... I'm going back there anyway."
Tal rolls his eyes, but obeys and sits. "I really don't know why you're treating me like a king, but I guess I won't complain."
"Don't worry," Eli shoots over his shoulder. "Come tomorrow at work, you'll be my slave again."
Something in Eli's tone made Tal just a little bit leery. Glancing up while Eli is out of the room, he catches Ryan's eye, his gaze one of hesitance. Had their brief little makeout session meant anything more than what it was or... did he need to forget about it and move on? He didn't have enough time to say anything before Eli got back though, making the moment an awkward one. He bites his lower lip and lifts his eyebrows slightly.
Sighing, he sits up in the corner of the couch, trying to keep his eyes focused on the television. But even though that's where his gaze was, his mind was a very long ways away. He and Ryan barely knew each other. He'd been watching her from a distance for a long time, sure, but what guy didn't? He did feel like he knew her a little better than some, because of Eli - he talked about his sister a lot and for a while now, Tal had been getting to know Ryan without any interaction at all. But still... was this even possible?
Had Ryan really meant that kiss? Had she really liked cuddling into him and being held by him? Or had it just been to satisfy a need after she'd been put through the wringer by Alec? Had it actually just been her needing someone for the moment and he'd happened to be there? If that were the case, then he felt a little guilty - he didn't want to take advantage of her. She was probably on the rebound and he didn't want to give her the impression he'd just been waiting to pounce. On the contrary, he'd seen her with Leo and Alec both and had always kept his distance. One, because he'd always figured he didn't have a chance anyway, and two, because he respected her relationship with other guys and wouldn't interfere.
His whole intention here had been to just try and see if there was any way he could help. He didn't like the thought of what Alec had done, and he knew Leo was taken now, which meant she had no one else to go to. And like he'd talked to Eli about... he understood she could vent to her brother and have his company, but it wouldn't be the same. Tal had simply wanted to see if there was anything he could do, and if not, he wouldn't have fought it. It helped that he and Eli were becoming friends - but that was just a natural opening for him to be here tonight and he didn't have any "plans" to try and help Ryan... he just wanted to keep his eyes open and be there, should an opportunity arise. Now though... now he really wasn't sure what to do or what would happen after this.
Joined in the kitchen by Ryan, Eli grins. "Yeah, I figured you'd probably wanna do the salad yourself anyway. I can't ever cut the lettuce right to keep anybody happy." He smirks as he turns over a steak. "You know me - I'd probably just chew the lettuce right off the head and have a carrot on the side, rather than work at chopping it all up. And by the way yes, of course it smells good in here - it always does when I cook." He tosses her a silly look - the only thing he cooked well was steak or hamburgers. He points his fork at her. "Not a word, Speedy."
It didn't take long for the food to finally be ready. The apartment really did smell good and everybody's stomachs were growling by now. The living room was the dining area of choice tonight so they could finish watching the game while they ate and it was more comfortable anyway...
"Soup's on!" Eli comes traipsing into the living room with Ryan, bringing the food and presenting it to Tal. "One medium rare steak for you and one well-done for me." He sets down both the plates on the coffee table, letting Ryan have the easy chair and end table. "Neither of which are little burnt crispies, mind you."
Tal grins as his plate is set down and he shakes his head. "I'm never going to live that one down, am I? All I was doing was warming something up in the microwave and I accidentally put it in for way too long!"
"There was smoke everywhere!" Eli waves his arms around. "We had to clear out the break room and everything."
Tal sighs and stands up. "Yeah, yeah."
"Hey, where you going?"
"To get a glass of water."
"Well sit down... I'm going back there anyway."
Tal rolls his eyes, but obeys and sits. "I really don't know why you're treating me like a king, but I guess I won't complain."
"Don't worry," Eli shoots over his shoulder. "Come tomorrow at work, you'll be my slave again."
Something in Eli's tone made Tal just a little bit leery. Glancing up while Eli is out of the room, he catches Ryan's eye, his gaze one of hesitance. Had their brief little makeout session meant anything more than what it was or... did he need to forget about it and move on? He didn't have enough time to say anything before Eli got back though, making the moment an awkward one. He bites his lower lip and lifts his eyebrows slightly.
2/25/11
Wine
Hearing her brother voice again Ryan is quiet for several moments. She was so comfortable laying here with Tal and it was much different than when she had done it before. There was a calmness, a strength, a protection and it felt nice. Ryan didn't want to leave this saftly and for a long moment she dosnt.
"Just make salad I'm to comfortable to move."
Keeping her arm draped over Tal her head moving up and down with his slow breath Ryan just soaks it in. She could feel the soft beat of Tal's own heart as her head just lied nestled into him. Tal was different and that was clear. She hardly new him but something....it felt like they had been best friends.
Moving her head a little to be able to look at Tal Ryan gives a smile. A true smile she hadn't shone since everything went down with Alec. Looking into his eyes for a long moment Ryan finally shifts a little to sit up.
"I guess I should go make the salad I said I was going to. Right when I was getting really comfortable too. Stick one up for perfect timing again."
Leaning down one more time and giving Tal a bref kiss to the lips again Ryan stands letting her hand drag across his chest. Before she aims for the kitchen.
"Alright Alright I dont want you to wine I'll make what I originally planned. Man it smells good in here."
"Just make salad I'm to comfortable to move."
Keeping her arm draped over Tal her head moving up and down with his slow breath Ryan just soaks it in. She could feel the soft beat of Tal's own heart as her head just lied nestled into him. Tal was different and that was clear. She hardly new him but something....it felt like they had been best friends.
Moving her head a little to be able to look at Tal Ryan gives a smile. A true smile she hadn't shone since everything went down with Alec. Looking into his eyes for a long moment Ryan finally shifts a little to sit up.
"I guess I should go make the salad I said I was going to. Right when I was getting really comfortable too. Stick one up for perfect timing again."
Leaning down one more time and giving Tal a bref kiss to the lips again Ryan stands letting her hand drag across his chest. Before she aims for the kitchen.
"Alright Alright I dont want you to wine I'll make what I originally planned. Man it smells good in here."
Unspoken
If Ryan's words didn't seem true at first, Tal believed them as she nuzzled in to his shoulder and neck. Letting both arms wrap around her, he felt for a moment, almost as if he were a blanket, wrapping around her to protect her from the storm she'd been facing. He'd set out to try and be a friend and be nice to someone he knew had been hurt. But he hadn't realized how far a small part of his care could go. And now... as Ryan lay here in his arms... he wanted to hold her all the more closely. He wanted to tell her how beautiful she was. He wanted to tell her how much more she was worth than she had been treated. He wanted to tell her that he could see how much she had to offer and to not let some jerk hold her back.
But all those feelings... all those words... those were things that had filled his mind since he'd first found out about Alec running off. And those were all things that if spoken, would be spoken too soon, and risk closing the door that had just been opened.
So all he can do is tighten his arms just a little, as if to say, 'Stay right here - I won't let you go.'
"Hey, you two...it'll be about twenty minutes." Eli's voice comes barreling through the air again, shattering yet another quiet moment. "Ryan, did you wanna fix anything on the side? Or I can throw a salad together."
Tal takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, letting Ryan's head rise and fall with his breath. His arms loosen and he straightens his leg back out, giving her the opportunity to leave. It was probably best if they get up before Eli sauntered in - Tal really didn't want to get kicked out after he'd just made friends.
But all those feelings... all those words... those were things that had filled his mind since he'd first found out about Alec running off. And those were all things that if spoken, would be spoken too soon, and risk closing the door that had just been opened.
So all he can do is tighten his arms just a little, as if to say, 'Stay right here - I won't let you go.'
"Hey, you two...it'll be about twenty minutes." Eli's voice comes barreling through the air again, shattering yet another quiet moment. "Ryan, did you wanna fix anything on the side? Or I can throw a salad together."
Tal takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, letting Ryan's head rise and fall with his breath. His arms loosen and he straightens his leg back out, giving her the opportunity to leave. It was probably best if they get up before Eli sauntered in - Tal really didn't want to get kicked out after he'd just made friends.
Skin
As Eli's voice is heard and the moment was broken Ryan gives a small sigh as she trys to catch her own breath. She loved her brother to death but his timing was crappy that was for sure. Looking back down at Tal again and hearing his words a soft smile comes to her lips. Was started as a joked seemed to turn into something more. Even if she didn't say it, she could feel it.
"I've never been on to believe in magic....till now."
Letting out a different sigh from the first this was seemed to be filled with contentment. Letting her arm that was proping her up slide a little so it was out of the way Ryan leans down and nestled her head into the crook of Tal's shoulder and neck facing the tv. Though it was the football she would seem to be watching her mind was far from paying attachen to it as the soft smell of Tal's skin filled her every breath.
"I've never been on to believe in magic....till now."
Letting out a different sigh from the first this was seemed to be filled with contentment. Letting her arm that was proping her up slide a little so it was out of the way Ryan leans down and nestled her head into the crook of Tal's shoulder and neck facing the tv. Though it was the football she would seem to be watching her mind was far from paying attachen to it as the soft smell of Tal's skin filled her every breath.
o.O
Without much sense left at all, Tal let the moment continue. The room seemed to tilt a little bit, almost making him dizzy, but not enough to give this up now. His hand absentmindedly moves behind Ryan's head, his fingers gently raking through her hair. Bringing one knee up, it forces her closer and tighter to him.
"Hey, Tal, you want onions on your steak?" Eli shouts from the kitchen.
Tal's eyes fly open as his surroundings come back into focus again. He didn't want to be the one to break the moment, but if he didn't, Eli was going to walk in on them. Reluctantly pulling back from the kiss, his eyes roll towards the ceiling. "No," he calls back. "Not tonight, thanks."
With his arms still around Ryan, his eyes swing back into place, locking with hers. Had he really just been kissing her? Had she really just been kissing him back? He could count their encounters on one hand... she didn't know him... he didn't know her... but what he did know was that his heart was still racing, his breath was still shallow, and Ryan fit perfectly in his embrace.
"That sure felt like magic to me," he breaths quietly.
"Hey, Tal, you want onions on your steak?" Eli shouts from the kitchen.
Tal's eyes fly open as his surroundings come back into focus again. He didn't want to be the one to break the moment, but if he didn't, Eli was going to walk in on them. Reluctantly pulling back from the kiss, his eyes roll towards the ceiling. "No," he calls back. "Not tonight, thanks."
With his arms still around Ryan, his eyes swing back into place, locking with hers. Had he really just been kissing her? Had she really just been kissing him back? He could count their encounters on one hand... she didn't know him... he didn't know her... but what he did know was that his heart was still racing, his breath was still shallow, and Ryan fit perfectly in his embrace.
"That sure felt like magic to me," he breaths quietly.
*cough cough*
Feeling Tal's hands slide up her back and the other finding the side of her face Ryan gives a little shiver but it was not from cold, or fear but from the strange but good new feeling she felt. Her own mind lost its sense in what she was doing or even remembering this was Eli's friend she was kissing someone she hardly new. But that just didn't seem to matter.
Accepting the passion Ryan's returns it with her own liking the softness of it. It was nice, and it felt good. Just continuing the exchange Ryan wondered if Tal could feel the fast beat of her heart, and the butterfly's that seemed to form in her stomach. The game on tv lost, and whatever else that was going on around them just not seeming to matter.
Stopping for a moment Ryan pulls away only to tilt her head the other way once again her eyes falling just as she just soaked up the moment, the feelings, and letting herself be free. Tal's lips so soft, so passionate, so full of emotion hers just seeming to match perfectly with his.
Accepting the passion Ryan's returns it with her own liking the softness of it. It was nice, and it felt good. Just continuing the exchange Ryan wondered if Tal could feel the fast beat of her heart, and the butterfly's that seemed to form in her stomach. The game on tv lost, and whatever else that was going on around them just not seeming to matter.
Stopping for a moment Ryan pulls away only to tilt her head the other way once again her eyes falling just as she just soaked up the moment, the feelings, and letting herself be free. Tal's lips so soft, so passionate, so full of emotion hers just seeming to match perfectly with his.
*facedesk*
Tal wasn't sure, but he didn't think he'd assumed Ryan would actually take him up on his offer. As she leans back down again, he wonders if he was really doing a smart thing here, but it seemed as though he were glued to this spot, unable to move at all.
Her lips brushing his again make his heart skip a beat and he looks at her eyes again before she returns. Her hands sliding to his neck and back of his head make his pulse race faster and his eyes fall shut.
As the exchange lingers, all common sense seems to fly out the window and he allows the kiss to gently deepen. His hands grow minds of their own and his palms slide up Ryan's back, one stopping near her shoulders, the other coming up to cradle her head. Tilting his head a little more he returns her kiss with a soft but strong passion.
Her lips brushing his again make his heart skip a beat and he looks at her eyes again before she returns. Her hands sliding to his neck and back of his head make his pulse race faster and his eyes fall shut.
As the exchange lingers, all common sense seems to fly out the window and he allows the kiss to gently deepen. His hands grow minds of their own and his palms slide up Ryan's back, one stopping near her shoulders, the other coming up to cradle her head. Tilting his head a little more he returns her kiss with a soft but strong passion.
O.O O.O Will we ever learn?
Ryan can feel the heat rise in her own cheeks a little bit as she continued to look down at Tal. Feeling his hands on her side just sitting there Ryan wasn't sure herself if she should move or not. On one hand something screamed in the back of her head to get up, but than there was another voice that told her to stay right there.
Not even paying any mind to her brother Ryan just keeps looking down at Tal. Biting her lip for a moment and hearing his words Ryan can feel her heart beat a little faster in her chest. He'd just told her that she could kiss him again if she wanted to see what happened. If any other before had said that to Ryan she could of given them a bloody nose, but for some reason the only reaction she felt with Tal right now was impulse, and the sound of her heart pounding in her ears.
"Maybe...it would be...like magic!"
Bringing her one hand to Tal's chest and her other arm to the side of his head so she could brace herself and not lay completely on top of him cutting off his air Ryan brings her lips to his again letting them brush softly before pulling away a little and looking at him. Letting her hand slip up his neck, to the side of his face and than the back of his head. Coming back into turning her head the other way Ryan lets her lips press a little more to his.
Not even paying any mind to her brother Ryan just keeps looking down at Tal. Biting her lip for a moment and hearing his words Ryan can feel her heart beat a little faster in her chest. He'd just told her that she could kiss him again if she wanted to see what happened. If any other before had said that to Ryan she could of given them a bloody nose, but for some reason the only reaction she felt with Tal right now was impulse, and the sound of her heart pounding in her ears.
"Maybe...it would be...like magic!"
Bringing her one hand to Tal's chest and her other arm to the side of his head so she could brace herself and not lay completely on top of him cutting off his air Ryan brings her lips to his again letting them brush softly before pulling away a little and looking at him. Letting her hand slip up his neck, to the side of his face and than the back of his head. Coming back into turning her head the other way Ryan lets her lips press a little more to his.
Oops?
Seeing how ticklish Ryan was, Tal can't help but keep it up, wondering how long she could last. He wasn't going to give up either.
Hearing the ruckus from the kitchen, Eli tries to peek around the corner, but he's just too far away, trying to keep the steak from burning. "What on earth..." Ryan's laughter was about the only thing that kept him from abandoning the food all together. She and Tal were... having a good time? He shakes his head. Trust them, he did, but Ryan was definitely acting peculiar and Tal was apparently in a goofy mood. "Knock it off," Eli hollers. "Distract me and I'll burn supper!"
His words aren't even heard though. As Ryan slides down further on top of him, Tal keeps up the tickling, for no other reason than to just see when she'd give up. But it was him who gave up first.
As her lips brush past his accidentally, his hands come to a screeching halt, cradling her sides. With all of the laughing and moving around, he was a little breathless and his heart raced even faster now. Staring up into Ryan's eyes, he doesn't dare move. Had she... had they just... was it....?
He swallows hard. It was the first time he realized he could smell her sweet shampoo and her lips had been so soft and warm, even if the brief encounter had been a split-second accident. His eyes don't leave hers.
"Um... it..." He swallows again. "It's great. I mean fine. I mean..." Heat comes to his cheeks. He realizes his hands are still around her sides but he's almost afraid to move them away now. His gaze flicks back and forth from one of her eyes to the other and back again. His voice comes out in almost a whisper this time. "You could always try that on purpose just to see what happens."
Hearing the ruckus from the kitchen, Eli tries to peek around the corner, but he's just too far away, trying to keep the steak from burning. "What on earth..." Ryan's laughter was about the only thing that kept him from abandoning the food all together. She and Tal were... having a good time? He shakes his head. Trust them, he did, but Ryan was definitely acting peculiar and Tal was apparently in a goofy mood. "Knock it off," Eli hollers. "Distract me and I'll burn supper!"
His words aren't even heard though. As Ryan slides down further on top of him, Tal keeps up the tickling, for no other reason than to just see when she'd give up. But it was him who gave up first.
As her lips brush past his accidentally, his hands come to a screeching halt, cradling her sides. With all of the laughing and moving around, he was a little breathless and his heart raced even faster now. Staring up into Ryan's eyes, he doesn't dare move. Had she... had they just... was it....?
He swallows hard. It was the first time he realized he could smell her sweet shampoo and her lips had been so soft and warm, even if the brief encounter had been a split-second accident. His eyes don't leave hers.
"Um... it..." He swallows again. "It's great. I mean fine. I mean..." Heat comes to his cheeks. He realizes his hands are still around her sides but he's almost afraid to move them away now. His gaze flicks back and forth from one of her eyes to the other and back again. His voice comes out in almost a whisper this time. "You could always try that on purpose just to see what happens."
O.O
Giving a little laugh Ryan can't help but be able to feel Tal flex a little underneath her. The same muscles she'd felt in the kitchen now showing themselves a little more and it was quite impressive.
As Tal's fingers come to Ryan's side she lets out a loud shriek. Only Eli new how ticklish she was and now Tal did too. Squirming to try and get away Ryan's laughter rings out but she was unwilling to move from Tal. She was stubborn and didn't want to lose this battle.
"Ah...no...stop....Oh Tal..."
Continuing to move and try to block Tal's hands Ryan moves down closer to his own body as she was almost laying on top of him just to get her sides away. Miss judging where she was leaning her head though Ryan's lips find there way to Tal's brushing them lightly before moving away. Almost in shock that she had just done that Ryan stops her laughing and just looks down into Tal's eyes. Had she really just brushed his lips with her own? As it becomes clear she did Ryan can't help but smile a little bit. He had soft lips that was for sure.
"I...Sorry?"
As Tal's fingers come to Ryan's side she lets out a loud shriek. Only Eli new how ticklish she was and now Tal did too. Squirming to try and get away Ryan's laughter rings out but she was unwilling to move from Tal. She was stubborn and didn't want to lose this battle.
"Ah...no...stop....Oh Tal..."
Continuing to move and try to block Tal's hands Ryan moves down closer to his own body as she was almost laying on top of him just to get her sides away. Miss judging where she was leaning her head though Ryan's lips find there way to Tal's brushing them lightly before moving away. Almost in shock that she had just done that Ryan stops her laughing and just looks down into Tal's eyes. Had she really just brushed his lips with her own? As it becomes clear she did Ryan can't help but smile a little bit. He had soft lips that was for sure.
"I...Sorry?"
Um...
Glancing up and seeing Ryan at the back of the couch, Tal just watches her, then catches her eye as she looks down at him. "Score is lousy," he replies. "Twenty-one to three." A little grin crooks his mouth but he doesn't say anything more.
Catching the strange new look in her eye, he furrows his brow, trying to figure it out, but he never would have guessed her next move. Having her sit right down on his stomach, he tenses up so he can still breath, giving a start. His arms come out from behind his head as a reflex, one hand landing on her lap, the other on her arm. His eyes widen and for a moment he retreats, realizing he didn't want to be improper.
But as Ryan hollers back to Eli, Tal grows less concerned about being proper and more concerned about who was winning this little game. His grin returns, humor flashing in his eyes.
Back in the kitchen, Eli quirks an eyebrow but can't leave the steaks at the moment. "Lumpy couch?" He had no idea what she was talking about.
Tal catches Ryan's sassy little grin and his eyes narrow. Bucking his stomach, he bounces her to try and get her off, but it wasn't enough. Bypassing good sense, his fingers go for her ribs. "Think you're pretty funny, do you?" he teases, starting to tickle her. "Well this seat doesn't like to sit still."
Catching the strange new look in her eye, he furrows his brow, trying to figure it out, but he never would have guessed her next move. Having her sit right down on his stomach, he tenses up so he can still breath, giving a start. His arms come out from behind his head as a reflex, one hand landing on her lap, the other on her arm. His eyes widen and for a moment he retreats, realizing he didn't want to be improper.
But as Ryan hollers back to Eli, Tal grows less concerned about being proper and more concerned about who was winning this little game. His grin returns, humor flashing in his eyes.
Back in the kitchen, Eli quirks an eyebrow but can't leave the steaks at the moment. "Lumpy couch?" He had no idea what she was talking about.
Tal catches Ryan's sassy little grin and his eyes narrow. Bucking his stomach, he bounces her to try and get her off, but it wasn't enough. Bypassing good sense, his fingers go for her ribs. "Think you're pretty funny, do you?" he teases, starting to tickle her. "Well this seat doesn't like to sit still."
2/24/11
New Couch
Katie gives a small nod to Rick. She could see he was upset and she hadn't meant too but she did understand why he was and it was not with her. But she still felt bad like she was tattling on Jason it was for his own good though.
"Mmmm...He left but..."
Thinking for a moment Katie could feel a little jolt of Jason's emotions again but not to much. He was still close...outside.
"He's out in the parking lot now. I don't think he's doing all that well."
Looking down at her hands Katie fiddles a little. She didn't want Jason to be angry with her for coming to Rick but she really had been worried and if she hadn't said something and he'd gotten worse she would of felt horrible.
Giving another small smile Ryan shrugs a little too. She was smiling and it did feel good after everything that had been happing. Tal really did seem nice and it felt good to have someone else in the house again. Not to mention to keep Eli company when she wasn't around.
Hearing Tal yell from the living room again Ryan rolls her own eyes and gives a chuckle. She wasn't sure if he really wanted to help, or he just thought he should but either way at least he was offering. Hearing her brother telling her to go keep Tal company Ryan looks at him again raising her eyebrow for a moment. Not saying anything her look gave it away that this seemed all to convenient. Shaking her head though she leaves what she was doing.
"Why do I feel like this is a blind date or something."
Not saying anything else Ryan wondering into the living room. Standing behind the couch she doesn't look down at Tal right away for focus on the tv and the game.
"Whats the score?"
Going to say something else Ryan glaces down at Tal stopping what she was saying as she see him stretched out across the couch. Even looking down at him he looked good. Just continuing to look him over for a long moment a devilish smile forms on Ryan's lips as she moves around to the other side of the couch. Not saying anything she positions herself and sits down landing right on Tal stomach.
"Mmmm...this couch seems lumpy today. ELI...I think we need a new couch."
Ryan can't help but give Tal a sassy side long glance. She'd known he was there but it was way to funny of a move to give up.
Standing Stacy gives a nod to Mick. She new he had alot of work to do still and didn't want to keep him from that. She wanted to make sure she could get settled in with Ashlee a little before dinner herself anyways. Maybe even scope things out a little herself before it got to dark.
"Nope no more questions at this time. I will see you at dinner though and look forward to meeting everyone else. Thank you once again Mick."
Giving a nod she turns and heads out of the office. Taking in the surroundings as she exited Stacy had a good feeling about this. Maybe she would take a little look around now and than find Ashlee.
"Mmmm...He left but..."
Thinking for a moment Katie could feel a little jolt of Jason's emotions again but not to much. He was still close...outside.
"He's out in the parking lot now. I don't think he's doing all that well."
Looking down at her hands Katie fiddles a little. She didn't want Jason to be angry with her for coming to Rick but she really had been worried and if she hadn't said something and he'd gotten worse she would of felt horrible.
Giving another small smile Ryan shrugs a little too. She was smiling and it did feel good after everything that had been happing. Tal really did seem nice and it felt good to have someone else in the house again. Not to mention to keep Eli company when she wasn't around.
Hearing Tal yell from the living room again Ryan rolls her own eyes and gives a chuckle. She wasn't sure if he really wanted to help, or he just thought he should but either way at least he was offering. Hearing her brother telling her to go keep Tal company Ryan looks at him again raising her eyebrow for a moment. Not saying anything her look gave it away that this seemed all to convenient. Shaking her head though she leaves what she was doing.
"Why do I feel like this is a blind date or something."
Not saying anything else Ryan wondering into the living room. Standing behind the couch she doesn't look down at Tal right away for focus on the tv and the game.
"Whats the score?"
Going to say something else Ryan glaces down at Tal stopping what she was saying as she see him stretched out across the couch. Even looking down at him he looked good. Just continuing to look him over for a long moment a devilish smile forms on Ryan's lips as she moves around to the other side of the couch. Not saying anything she positions herself and sits down landing right on Tal stomach.
"Mmmm...this couch seems lumpy today. ELI...I think we need a new couch."
Ryan can't help but give Tal a sassy side long glance. She'd known he was there but it was way to funny of a move to give up.
Standing Stacy gives a nod to Mick. She new he had alot of work to do still and didn't want to keep him from that. She wanted to make sure she could get settled in with Ashlee a little before dinner herself anyways. Maybe even scope things out a little herself before it got to dark.
"Nope no more questions at this time. I will see you at dinner though and look forward to meeting everyone else. Thank you once again Mick."
Giving a nod she turns and heads out of the office. Taking in the surroundings as she exited Stacy had a good feeling about this. Maybe she would take a little look around now and than find Ashlee.
Glad
Seeing Katie, Rick sits back in his chair and abandons his work for now as she approaches. Listening intently, he purses his lips as his eyes flash with irritation - not towards Katie though.
"I wish Jason would have told me." He sighs. Jason had promised him he would. And it was getting more and more obvious that he was just being stubborn and trying to fight this thing on his own, which was stupid.
"Thanks for cluing me in, Katie. I noticed he's been avoiding me lately and I didn't think he looked well, but I let it go, thinking he'd see me if he didn't feel good. But apparently that was my mistake to trust him on that one." He shakes his head. "I don't know what to do. I need him in here to find out what his symptoms are and see if it's something halfway normal or if it's more serious than that. If I think it's connected to this trouble he's been having, then either you two will have to go back on the antidote, or he's going to have to shape up his attitude and do what I told him to do. Either way though..."
He lets that thought trail off. There was no point in saying it straight to Katie's face. She knew that it didn't look good for Jason no matter what they did, unless they could find something to combat the invisible toxin.
Rick stands up and pushes his chair back under his desk. "Is Jason in his office still? I can go talk to him so at least he won't get mad at you for coming to me."
Outside in the parking lot, Jason sits in his pickup, bent over the steering wheel. He'd made it this far but had given up on trying to drive just yet. His knee hurt so bad he knew he shouldn't be trying to drive at all, let alone his nausea and dizziness.
Trooper sticks his head up between the seats and nudges Jason's arm, giving a short whine. Jason ignores him. He just needed to let this wave pass then he'd go home and sleep this off. He'd feel better after a nap... right?
Jerking his head up, he realizes that for several seconds he'd just drifted off into that same deep, lethargic sleep. Still holding on to all of his emotional and physical discomfort, it starts to hurt and bubble beneath the surface. But he didn't want Katie to feel it... he didn't want her to suffer too. If he was going to die, she shouldn't have to feel like she was dying too. It wasn't right. It wouldn't be fair. She deserved more than that.
For the first time since Rick had told him that this might be terminal, tears surface in Jason's eyes. Not for himself... but for Katie. He hated seeing her suffer... he hated seeing her hurt or sad. She hated the antidote and how she became so quiet and unlike herself. He wanted to see the real Katie... the happy Katie. So no antidote was better. Yet without it, all he was trying to do was keep her from feeling how sick he was... and now... after today... she'd be more worried about him, unless he could do a better job of hiding it.
Resting his head on the steering wheel, he feels a desperation that he never had and never would let Katie feel. It was a desperation that was kept only between him and God. What was happening to him? Would he survive? Would he die? How long would it take? Would he suffer more than this? Would Katie be okay when he was gone?
His muddled thoughts are the closest he can come to a prayer as his emotions swirl and distort his feelings. Taking a deep breath, he sniffs as the last couple tears fall. Another nudge to his arm gets him to look up at Trooper and he reaches over to pat his head. "It's okay, buddy... I'll be okay." One way or the other, in the end, he would be okay.
Sitting up again he wipes his eyes with his shirt sleeve and goes to start the engine, but a new and stronger wave of nausea keeps him from going anywhere just yet.
Eli just grins a little at Ryan and shakes his head. "Nothing." He continues with the steaks but does look back at her again. "Naw, that's a lie. I'm just... glad you're smiling, that's all."
He shrugs and turns on the stove burner, heating up the pan. His tone becomes quieter. "Tal's a good guy. I'm glad we can give him some good company too. I don't think he gets much of that."
"You sure I can't help with anything?" Tal hollers from the living room.
Eli smiles and rolls his eyes. "Not unless you want those black crispies again!" He swings his gaze to Ryan. "Go keep him busy while I cook these things. The hungrier he gets, the more annoying he gets."
"I heard that!" Tal was stretched out on the couch, on his back with his hands behind his head, grinning. He felt comfortable here... it was nice. He didn't have many friends, and even fewer that he'd hang out with. He and Eli had known each other for quite a while now, but just recently seemed to make an effort to get together. Now that they had, they were quickly becoming more than just coworkers. Tal enjoyed it... he hoped Eli felt the same and he also hoped he wasn't intruding on Ryan's territory.
Mick nods, glad Stacy had taken the information as well as she had. He knew if he were in her position, he'd have to think on it a while, and even then, it might still be hard to know what to do exactly.
"You're welcome... and thank you, too. I appreciate your willingness to be here and help be our eyes. Even though Dylan's been in trouble, I... I'm still his father and I just don't want to see anything happen before he has a chance to get going on the right path."
Glancing at the clock, he stands slowly. "Unless you have any questions right now, I need to finish up a few things out in the barn, then around seven or so, everyone will gather in the dining hall. I'll want to make sure you know who everyone is and I'll give you a rundown on who comes and goes and who usually sticks around so you'll get an idea of what to expect."
"I wish Jason would have told me." He sighs. Jason had promised him he would. And it was getting more and more obvious that he was just being stubborn and trying to fight this thing on his own, which was stupid.
"Thanks for cluing me in, Katie. I noticed he's been avoiding me lately and I didn't think he looked well, but I let it go, thinking he'd see me if he didn't feel good. But apparently that was my mistake to trust him on that one." He shakes his head. "I don't know what to do. I need him in here to find out what his symptoms are and see if it's something halfway normal or if it's more serious than that. If I think it's connected to this trouble he's been having, then either you two will have to go back on the antidote, or he's going to have to shape up his attitude and do what I told him to do. Either way though..."
He lets that thought trail off. There was no point in saying it straight to Katie's face. She knew that it didn't look good for Jason no matter what they did, unless they could find something to combat the invisible toxin.
Rick stands up and pushes his chair back under his desk. "Is Jason in his office still? I can go talk to him so at least he won't get mad at you for coming to me."
Outside in the parking lot, Jason sits in his pickup, bent over the steering wheel. He'd made it this far but had given up on trying to drive just yet. His knee hurt so bad he knew he shouldn't be trying to drive at all, let alone his nausea and dizziness.
Trooper sticks his head up between the seats and nudges Jason's arm, giving a short whine. Jason ignores him. He just needed to let this wave pass then he'd go home and sleep this off. He'd feel better after a nap... right?
Jerking his head up, he realizes that for several seconds he'd just drifted off into that same deep, lethargic sleep. Still holding on to all of his emotional and physical discomfort, it starts to hurt and bubble beneath the surface. But he didn't want Katie to feel it... he didn't want her to suffer too. If he was going to die, she shouldn't have to feel like she was dying too. It wasn't right. It wouldn't be fair. She deserved more than that.
For the first time since Rick had told him that this might be terminal, tears surface in Jason's eyes. Not for himself... but for Katie. He hated seeing her suffer... he hated seeing her hurt or sad. She hated the antidote and how she became so quiet and unlike herself. He wanted to see the real Katie... the happy Katie. So no antidote was better. Yet without it, all he was trying to do was keep her from feeling how sick he was... and now... after today... she'd be more worried about him, unless he could do a better job of hiding it.
Resting his head on the steering wheel, he feels a desperation that he never had and never would let Katie feel. It was a desperation that was kept only between him and God. What was happening to him? Would he survive? Would he die? How long would it take? Would he suffer more than this? Would Katie be okay when he was gone?
His muddled thoughts are the closest he can come to a prayer as his emotions swirl and distort his feelings. Taking a deep breath, he sniffs as the last couple tears fall. Another nudge to his arm gets him to look up at Trooper and he reaches over to pat his head. "It's okay, buddy... I'll be okay." One way or the other, in the end, he would be okay.
Sitting up again he wipes his eyes with his shirt sleeve and goes to start the engine, but a new and stronger wave of nausea keeps him from going anywhere just yet.
Eli just grins a little at Ryan and shakes his head. "Nothing." He continues with the steaks but does look back at her again. "Naw, that's a lie. I'm just... glad you're smiling, that's all."
He shrugs and turns on the stove burner, heating up the pan. His tone becomes quieter. "Tal's a good guy. I'm glad we can give him some good company too. I don't think he gets much of that."
"You sure I can't help with anything?" Tal hollers from the living room.
Eli smiles and rolls his eyes. "Not unless you want those black crispies again!" He swings his gaze to Ryan. "Go keep him busy while I cook these things. The hungrier he gets, the more annoying he gets."
"I heard that!" Tal was stretched out on the couch, on his back with his hands behind his head, grinning. He felt comfortable here... it was nice. He didn't have many friends, and even fewer that he'd hang out with. He and Eli had known each other for quite a while now, but just recently seemed to make an effort to get together. Now that they had, they were quickly becoming more than just coworkers. Tal enjoyed it... he hoped Eli felt the same and he also hoped he wasn't intruding on Ryan's territory.
Mick nods, glad Stacy had taken the information as well as she had. He knew if he were in her position, he'd have to think on it a while, and even then, it might still be hard to know what to do exactly.
"You're welcome... and thank you, too. I appreciate your willingness to be here and help be our eyes. Even though Dylan's been in trouble, I... I'm still his father and I just don't want to see anything happen before he has a chance to get going on the right path."
Glancing at the clock, he stands slowly. "Unless you have any questions right now, I need to finish up a few things out in the barn, then around seven or so, everyone will gather in the dining hall. I'll want to make sure you know who everyone is and I'll give you a rundown on who comes and goes and who usually sticks around so you'll get an idea of what to expect."
2/22/11
The Talk
Watching as Dylan left the barn Ashlee cocked her head for a moment a look in her eye thinking about the look she had seen in Dylan's. It was leery, maybe a little sad. One might interpreted it as cold but as Ashlee would guess it was one because of the weight he bore. He was interesting and definitely took after his dad in the good looks. Maybe she'd get to learn more about him as the time went on.
Enjoying taking a look around the ranch and getting to meet everyone Ashlee stayed with her mom but couldn't help the excitement and that laid in her eyes. Stacy couldn't help but just smile watching her daughter having fun already and getting to know everyone.
Helping get the stuff inside Ashlee deiced to stay in there new home and opening up some of the stuff they had placing it around and making it look a little more like home. Stacy slips from the room and heads outside with Mick again following him to the office. Seeing Rosetta and giving a little bigger smile Ashlee was so pleased to meet her.
Sitting in one of the chairs across from Mick she folded her hands in her lap. Listing closely to what he had to say. Giving a nod here and there so Mick new she was listing Stacy was just quiet taking everything in. Some of what Mick said was surprising but from what she ready about the Agency themselves she wasn't surprised with most.
Once Mick was done with his whole explanation Stacy just sits in the chair for a long moment thinking and processing everything. She did trust Ashlee, and well she didn't know Dylan to know if she trusted him or not but she would definitely keep her eyes open just a little closely till she new for sure.
"First and foremost I do want to thank you very much for telling me about Dylan Mick. Knowing that before hand in a way has put my mind at ease a little bit about being here at he ranch. I can't only imagine how hard it was for you to tell me but since you did it made an effort to not hide anything. For that alone is a comfort."
Shifting a little again Stacy sits up a little more thanking for another long moment. It was nice to know this all but she still didn't know how she felt about it. For now all she could really do it just deal with it.
"As for Ashlee spending time with Dylan...it will be something I keep a little closer eye on. Thank you again."
Giving a little jump and a small gasp Katie stops for a second holding onto the counter in the kitchen. She hadn't expected that and it startled her. Feeling Jason's anger she felt bad. She hadn't meant to make him upset. She just wanted to know he was ok was all.
J...I...I'm sorry.
Not knowing what else to say or do for fear of making things worse Katie lets her emotions die down a little and lets Jason go. Standing in the breakroom Katie's hunger seemed to be gone now she was just worried.
Leaving the breakroom and going across the floor and going to the infermary. Slipping inside and looking to Rick's desk and seeing him there Katie was glad. Going over to him she stands there for a moment before finally speaking.
"Rick....I need to talk to you."
Collecting her thoughts for a moment Katie tried to process everything she wanted to say making it as simple as she could. Finally sinking down in one of the chairs and letting out a sigh Katie starts.
"I think something is wrong with J. He's been really tired and keeping things from me. Not hungry...and just something is off. He's been pretty snappy too. I don't know what it is Rick but it doesn't feel right."
Ryan can't help but laugh again as Tal and Eli go back and forth once again. It was funny to watch them interact but it was funny at the same time.
"You two sound like your married to know that?"
Shaking her head again Ryan goes back to what she was doing before looking to her brother. Seeing the look on his face Ryan can't help the small little smile. She did think Tal looked cute, and it seemed easy to flirt with him if it went past that she didn't know. But it was nice to have fun again.
"What..?"
Enjoying taking a look around the ranch and getting to meet everyone Ashlee stayed with her mom but couldn't help the excitement and that laid in her eyes. Stacy couldn't help but just smile watching her daughter having fun already and getting to know everyone.
Helping get the stuff inside Ashlee deiced to stay in there new home and opening up some of the stuff they had placing it around and making it look a little more like home. Stacy slips from the room and heads outside with Mick again following him to the office. Seeing Rosetta and giving a little bigger smile Ashlee was so pleased to meet her.
Sitting in one of the chairs across from Mick she folded her hands in her lap. Listing closely to what he had to say. Giving a nod here and there so Mick new she was listing Stacy was just quiet taking everything in. Some of what Mick said was surprising but from what she ready about the Agency themselves she wasn't surprised with most.
Once Mick was done with his whole explanation Stacy just sits in the chair for a long moment thinking and processing everything. She did trust Ashlee, and well she didn't know Dylan to know if she trusted him or not but she would definitely keep her eyes open just a little closely till she new for sure.
"First and foremost I do want to thank you very much for telling me about Dylan Mick. Knowing that before hand in a way has put my mind at ease a little bit about being here at he ranch. I can't only imagine how hard it was for you to tell me but since you did it made an effort to not hide anything. For that alone is a comfort."
Shifting a little again Stacy sits up a little more thanking for another long moment. It was nice to know this all but she still didn't know how she felt about it. For now all she could really do it just deal with it.
"As for Ashlee spending time with Dylan...it will be something I keep a little closer eye on. Thank you again."
Giving a little jump and a small gasp Katie stops for a second holding onto the counter in the kitchen. She hadn't expected that and it startled her. Feeling Jason's anger she felt bad. She hadn't meant to make him upset. She just wanted to know he was ok was all.
J...I...I'm sorry.
Not knowing what else to say or do for fear of making things worse Katie lets her emotions die down a little and lets Jason go. Standing in the breakroom Katie's hunger seemed to be gone now she was just worried.
Leaving the breakroom and going across the floor and going to the infermary. Slipping inside and looking to Rick's desk and seeing him there Katie was glad. Going over to him she stands there for a moment before finally speaking.
"Rick....I need to talk to you."
Collecting her thoughts for a moment Katie tried to process everything she wanted to say making it as simple as she could. Finally sinking down in one of the chairs and letting out a sigh Katie starts.
"I think something is wrong with J. He's been really tired and keeping things from me. Not hungry...and just something is off. He's been pretty snappy too. I don't know what it is Rick but it doesn't feel right."
Ryan can't help but laugh again as Tal and Eli go back and forth once again. It was funny to watch them interact but it was funny at the same time.
"You two sound like your married to know that?"
Shaking her head again Ryan goes back to what she was doing before looking to her brother. Seeing the look on his face Ryan can't help the small little smile. She did think Tal looked cute, and it seemed easy to flirt with him if it went past that she didn't know. But it was nice to have fun again.
"What..?"
Flex
Dylan's smile to Stacy is a weak one, his eyes still showing he was leery - unsure about all of this. Something about her didn't seem too bad though. She didn't seem arrogant or too stern. Despite Dylan sensing she was alright though, he wouldn't let his guard down... not yet.
Ashlee's extended hand surprises him and he looks down at her for a moment, almost confused. She wasn't the "little girl" he'd expected, and she seemed to be quite comfortable, for just having been here a few minutes. She was even kind of cute, now that he really looked at her.
Taking his glove off, he accepts her hand, giving it a strong shake. His face still bore little expression, but a glance to his dad makes him extend his hand to Stacy too, to be polite.
An awkward pause follows and Dylan puts his glove back on, clearing his throat. He gestures to the wheelbarrow, looking to Mick. "I, um... need to get this out... still cleaning..."
"That's fine." Mick nods. "You can get back to work."
Dylan picks up the wheelbarrow again, glancing back over his shoulder at Ashlee once before heading out of the barn.
Watching his son leave, Mick holds back the sigh that wanted to come. Would he ever see Dylan open up? He was beginning to wonder. He smiles again though, turning back to Stacy and Ashlee. "Well, that's the short tour. We can get some of your stuff unloaded now if you like and you two can settle in before supper in a few hours." He glances at Stacy directly. "Though I'd like to sit down with you privately sometime to discuss a few things." He'd rather get the necessary things over with and out of the way as soon as possible.
Things move quickly and smoothly - most people were having a good day, putting them in a good mood and open to welcoming Stacy and Ashlee to the ranch. Several men help unload their car into one of the guest houses that would now be Stacy and Ashlee's home.
It was later in the day that Mick was able to introduce Stacy to Rosetta, then meet in the main office...
"Well first off, I want to thank you for coming." Mick sat in one of the office chairs, letting Stacy sit in another. He kept the atmosphere casual, wanting to start off on the right foot. "Reese sent me your file and it looks like you're a good fit for the job." He nods with approval.
Taking a deep breath, he rethinks a few things. "I... wanted to speak to you about Dylan before any questions or concerns arose." Mick purses his lips in thought, having gone over and over in his mind what he should say. "As you know, the Agency got him in some trouble a while back, and we know that they know he's here. Haven't had any trouble, per say, but there's always that chance, so that's how this whole thing got started. I... think it's only fair that you know the kind of trouble he was in... he got into drugs, stealing, and was involved with plenty of girls as well." He knew he needn't explain that one - Stacy was smart enough to figure it out. "He went through some rehab at a nearby facility to get him off the drugs and he's been clean since then."
Another sigh, and Mick leans his elbows on his knees. It was only when he spoke of Dylan that one could see a weariness in his eye... one that said he cared but it was a daily struggle to keep trying with his son.
"Dylan's pretty bitter still. He's come a long way since I brought him here, but he's still very withdrawn and he doesn't socialize with the family much. He tolerates being here because he knows it's the safest place for him to be, and he's scared of being manipulated again. But... if he actually likes it here, he keeps that fact to himself."
A light chuckle comes out, but it really isn't because he found the circumstances funny... they were just ironic and it was all he could do not to constantly worry or become upset about Dylan's attitude.
"I guess I wanted you to know about him for two reasons. One, because you need to know about everyone here. And two..." He pauses again, wanting to say this the right way. "...because of your daughter. She seems very bright and from what I've heard, she's a good kid. I'm sure you trust her. Unfortunately... I... can't say the same yet about Dylan. I want to trust him, and I know that even though he hides it well, he is trying to make good choices and do the right thing. But..."
He shrugs lamely. "I guess if I were Ashlee's parent, I might be careful about how much time she spends with Dylan. He's had a lot of life experiences he shouldn't have and... while I don't want to think he'd take advantage of having a young girl around, I'm disappointed and even a little embarrassed to admit that I'd be careful with that situation."
Mick really was embarrassed. Even though it wasn't his fault about Dylan, he was still his father, and he was still responsible for him. He knew Dylan was trying, but the progress was so slow and Dylan talked so little that it was hard to see it sometimes, and it made Mick worry that somewhere the old Dylan was just waiting to come out again.
"I don't think Ashlee or anybody needs to be scared of Dylan," he reiterates. "But I just wanted you to be aware so that you could make the best decisions."
Dylan growls and erases what he'd just penciled into his workbook. It was too nice of a day to be cooped up inside, so he'd chosen a spot out behind the barn to sit and try to get some schoolwork done. He was running behind today, and if he didn't catch up, it would be back to being watched by Rosetta and he hated that. He'd rather be able to do his work on his own and just turn in the assignments.
Sighing, he leans his head back against the barn and stretches his legs out in the grass. Glancing down, he flicks a cricket off his jeans. Pretty soon it would be a too chilly to do his work out there. Then he'd really be cooped up. For a moment, he wonders what it would be like to be living back in a town again where there were things to do and places to go instead of seeing the same old things over and over again.
Looking back down at his workbook, he taps his pencil on the page absentmindedly. He was having a hard time concentrating today anyway. What with Stacy and Ashlee having arrived, things just felt... different. Someone new was here and they weren't just a guest that would stay a while, get help then leave. They were here to stay and live. Dylan tried to keep himself out of trouble, but it just felt like he'd have to watch his step even more carefully now, with another pair of hawk eyes around here. On the other hand, maybe Mick would lay off a bit since Stacy was there.
Then there was Ashlee. It felt a little strange to have a girl around - one younger than him, but not a little kid. Would she keep to herself? Would she spend more time in doors or out? Would she be helping her mom or staying inside and doing school? Would she stick close to her mom or venture out and be independent? Dylan wondered. He studied everyone here though, so those questions probably wouldn't exist for too long.
He sighs and tries to concentrate on his math problems again.
Jason lets the silence linger for several long moments as he battled the way he felt both physically and emotionally. On one hand, Rick had told him not to hold anything back from Katie. On the other hand, if he didn't, she'd be suffering now as well and he didn't want that. But if he didn't open up, all it was doing was serving to make him feel worse. So what was the point in trying? They'd suffer no matter what, so maybe they'd be better off just living on the antidote the rest of their lives and forgetting about these stupid abilities.
The emotions connected with that final thought slip through, and he knows Katie knew now what he was thinking. He sighs. He didn't really mean it, but he was angry with it all.
If you want to talk to Rick, go ahead.
He stands up from his desk and grabs his jacket. Pausing at his door, he takes a deep breath and closes his eyes, allowing for just a moment or two, his emotions and physical discomforts to escape. He was upset. He was worried. He was angry. He was frustrated. His head hurt, his knee hurt, and he felt like he was going to throw up.
Shutting it off again, he resumes his route into the hall, limping towards the main floor.
There. Now you know how I feel if Rick asks. I'm going home.
Ryan's comment sends Tal's eyebrows shooting up again, and only then does he realize how wrong his comment had sounded, even though he hadn't meant it that way. Instead of getting embarrassed over it though, he just grins and shakes his head.
Getting a shove in return, he straightens up, figuring their little banter was over. Ryan's next statement, though, makes him laugh outright, his eyes twinkling. "Well thank you." He looks down at himself then raises his arms to flex his biceps with a fake macho expression on his face. "I like to think I've succeeded in creating an irresistible physique."
"Oh, come on." Eli had just tried to enter the kitchen again, and now rolls his eyes. "Are you sure I invited you to stay?"
Tal laughs again and deflates his muscle pose. "Sorry. I'll behave."
"You?" Eli slides his empty beer bottle on the counter and sets about getting the steaks out. "I don't think you're the one that started all this misbehavior."
Tal grins from ear to ear and steals another glance at Ryan before he winks at her. "Oh, you're right. What was I trying to do, stealing all the credit?" He gives Eli's shoulder a pat. "It all belongs to you."
Eli throws him a smirk. "I'm not even going to dignify that with an argument."
"Good." Tal rubs his hands together. "Do I get to help cook the steak?"
"The last time you cooked something, it came out as little black crispies." Eli points to the living room. "Go... be a guest and park yourself somewhere."
Tal bites his lower lip, trying not to laugh again, and he looks to Ryan one more time before exiting the kitchen with sheepishness. Going to the living room and flopping down on the couch, he looks at the television for a moment. "No wonder you're in a bad mood," he hollers back at Eli. "Your team is losing."
"Don't remind me!" Eli smiles to himself as he starts preparing the steaks. He does glance over to his sister though, one eyebrow quirked with unvoiced question. She was being awfully flirty tonight. Maybe she was just in a silly mood. He had to admit it was good to see her playing around again though - the last couple weeks had been hard, seeing her so down. Maybe having Tal here tonight was a better idea than he'd thought.
Ashlee's extended hand surprises him and he looks down at her for a moment, almost confused. She wasn't the "little girl" he'd expected, and she seemed to be quite comfortable, for just having been here a few minutes. She was even kind of cute, now that he really looked at her.
Taking his glove off, he accepts her hand, giving it a strong shake. His face still bore little expression, but a glance to his dad makes him extend his hand to Stacy too, to be polite.
An awkward pause follows and Dylan puts his glove back on, clearing his throat. He gestures to the wheelbarrow, looking to Mick. "I, um... need to get this out... still cleaning..."
"That's fine." Mick nods. "You can get back to work."
Dylan picks up the wheelbarrow again, glancing back over his shoulder at Ashlee once before heading out of the barn.
Watching his son leave, Mick holds back the sigh that wanted to come. Would he ever see Dylan open up? He was beginning to wonder. He smiles again though, turning back to Stacy and Ashlee. "Well, that's the short tour. We can get some of your stuff unloaded now if you like and you two can settle in before supper in a few hours." He glances at Stacy directly. "Though I'd like to sit down with you privately sometime to discuss a few things." He'd rather get the necessary things over with and out of the way as soon as possible.
Things move quickly and smoothly - most people were having a good day, putting them in a good mood and open to welcoming Stacy and Ashlee to the ranch. Several men help unload their car into one of the guest houses that would now be Stacy and Ashlee's home.
It was later in the day that Mick was able to introduce Stacy to Rosetta, then meet in the main office...
"Well first off, I want to thank you for coming." Mick sat in one of the office chairs, letting Stacy sit in another. He kept the atmosphere casual, wanting to start off on the right foot. "Reese sent me your file and it looks like you're a good fit for the job." He nods with approval.
Taking a deep breath, he rethinks a few things. "I... wanted to speak to you about Dylan before any questions or concerns arose." Mick purses his lips in thought, having gone over and over in his mind what he should say. "As you know, the Agency got him in some trouble a while back, and we know that they know he's here. Haven't had any trouble, per say, but there's always that chance, so that's how this whole thing got started. I... think it's only fair that you know the kind of trouble he was in... he got into drugs, stealing, and was involved with plenty of girls as well." He knew he needn't explain that one - Stacy was smart enough to figure it out. "He went through some rehab at a nearby facility to get him off the drugs and he's been clean since then."
Another sigh, and Mick leans his elbows on his knees. It was only when he spoke of Dylan that one could see a weariness in his eye... one that said he cared but it was a daily struggle to keep trying with his son.
"Dylan's pretty bitter still. He's come a long way since I brought him here, but he's still very withdrawn and he doesn't socialize with the family much. He tolerates being here because he knows it's the safest place for him to be, and he's scared of being manipulated again. But... if he actually likes it here, he keeps that fact to himself."
A light chuckle comes out, but it really isn't because he found the circumstances funny... they were just ironic and it was all he could do not to constantly worry or become upset about Dylan's attitude.
"I guess I wanted you to know about him for two reasons. One, because you need to know about everyone here. And two..." He pauses again, wanting to say this the right way. "...because of your daughter. She seems very bright and from what I've heard, she's a good kid. I'm sure you trust her. Unfortunately... I... can't say the same yet about Dylan. I want to trust him, and I know that even though he hides it well, he is trying to make good choices and do the right thing. But..."
He shrugs lamely. "I guess if I were Ashlee's parent, I might be careful about how much time she spends with Dylan. He's had a lot of life experiences he shouldn't have and... while I don't want to think he'd take advantage of having a young girl around, I'm disappointed and even a little embarrassed to admit that I'd be careful with that situation."
Mick really was embarrassed. Even though it wasn't his fault about Dylan, he was still his father, and he was still responsible for him. He knew Dylan was trying, but the progress was so slow and Dylan talked so little that it was hard to see it sometimes, and it made Mick worry that somewhere the old Dylan was just waiting to come out again.
"I don't think Ashlee or anybody needs to be scared of Dylan," he reiterates. "But I just wanted you to be aware so that you could make the best decisions."
Dylan growls and erases what he'd just penciled into his workbook. It was too nice of a day to be cooped up inside, so he'd chosen a spot out behind the barn to sit and try to get some schoolwork done. He was running behind today, and if he didn't catch up, it would be back to being watched by Rosetta and he hated that. He'd rather be able to do his work on his own and just turn in the assignments.
Sighing, he leans his head back against the barn and stretches his legs out in the grass. Glancing down, he flicks a cricket off his jeans. Pretty soon it would be a too chilly to do his work out there. Then he'd really be cooped up. For a moment, he wonders what it would be like to be living back in a town again where there were things to do and places to go instead of seeing the same old things over and over again.
Looking back down at his workbook, he taps his pencil on the page absentmindedly. He was having a hard time concentrating today anyway. What with Stacy and Ashlee having arrived, things just felt... different. Someone new was here and they weren't just a guest that would stay a while, get help then leave. They were here to stay and live. Dylan tried to keep himself out of trouble, but it just felt like he'd have to watch his step even more carefully now, with another pair of hawk eyes around here. On the other hand, maybe Mick would lay off a bit since Stacy was there.
Then there was Ashlee. It felt a little strange to have a girl around - one younger than him, but not a little kid. Would she keep to herself? Would she spend more time in doors or out? Would she be helping her mom or staying inside and doing school? Would she stick close to her mom or venture out and be independent? Dylan wondered. He studied everyone here though, so those questions probably wouldn't exist for too long.
He sighs and tries to concentrate on his math problems again.
Jason lets the silence linger for several long moments as he battled the way he felt both physically and emotionally. On one hand, Rick had told him not to hold anything back from Katie. On the other hand, if he didn't, she'd be suffering now as well and he didn't want that. But if he didn't open up, all it was doing was serving to make him feel worse. So what was the point in trying? They'd suffer no matter what, so maybe they'd be better off just living on the antidote the rest of their lives and forgetting about these stupid abilities.
The emotions connected with that final thought slip through, and he knows Katie knew now what he was thinking. He sighs. He didn't really mean it, but he was angry with it all.
If you want to talk to Rick, go ahead.
He stands up from his desk and grabs his jacket. Pausing at his door, he takes a deep breath and closes his eyes, allowing for just a moment or two, his emotions and physical discomforts to escape. He was upset. He was worried. He was angry. He was frustrated. His head hurt, his knee hurt, and he felt like he was going to throw up.
Shutting it off again, he resumes his route into the hall, limping towards the main floor.
There. Now you know how I feel if Rick asks. I'm going home.
Ryan's comment sends Tal's eyebrows shooting up again, and only then does he realize how wrong his comment had sounded, even though he hadn't meant it that way. Instead of getting embarrassed over it though, he just grins and shakes his head.
Getting a shove in return, he straightens up, figuring their little banter was over. Ryan's next statement, though, makes him laugh outright, his eyes twinkling. "Well thank you." He looks down at himself then raises his arms to flex his biceps with a fake macho expression on his face. "I like to think I've succeeded in creating an irresistible physique."
"Oh, come on." Eli had just tried to enter the kitchen again, and now rolls his eyes. "Are you sure I invited you to stay?"
Tal laughs again and deflates his muscle pose. "Sorry. I'll behave."
"You?" Eli slides his empty beer bottle on the counter and sets about getting the steaks out. "I don't think you're the one that started all this misbehavior."
Tal grins from ear to ear and steals another glance at Ryan before he winks at her. "Oh, you're right. What was I trying to do, stealing all the credit?" He gives Eli's shoulder a pat. "It all belongs to you."
Eli throws him a smirk. "I'm not even going to dignify that with an argument."
"Good." Tal rubs his hands together. "Do I get to help cook the steak?"
"The last time you cooked something, it came out as little black crispies." Eli points to the living room. "Go... be a guest and park yourself somewhere."
Tal bites his lower lip, trying not to laugh again, and he looks to Ryan one more time before exiting the kitchen with sheepishness. Going to the living room and flopping down on the couch, he looks at the television for a moment. "No wonder you're in a bad mood," he hollers back at Eli. "Your team is losing."
"Don't remind me!" Eli smiles to himself as he starts preparing the steaks. He does glance over to his sister though, one eyebrow quirked with unvoiced question. She was being awfully flirty tonight. Maybe she was just in a silly mood. He had to admit it was good to see her playing around again though - the last couple weeks had been hard, seeing her so down. Maybe having Tal here tonight was a better idea than he'd thought.
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