Timid

An invite to go with Chuck? Though it brought on a little bit of fear, there was a warm feeling that Susanne liked. Would him actually wanting to be around her always make her feel so good, or would it wear off? She wouldn't mind if the feeling was always there. No man had ever paid attention to her. This feeling was... worth keeping.

As Chuck reaches over to brush away the strand of hair and his fingers glide across her cheek, Susanne can feel her heart begin to race. Staring into his eyes, she wonders if it was disappointment or relief she felt that he had retreated.

She'd never felt things like this before... it was a scary thrill, almost like a riding a rollercoaster. But looking into those never-ending eyes... she felt a strange urge to let him know she was okay... that she wouldn't slap him away. Lifting her hand, she slowly stretches it out until her fingertips lightly brush his face, almost mimicking his own movements. She withdraws quickly, her gaze turning to one of asking permission - it felt rather silly, but at the same time, it was something she wanted to do.

Swallowing hard, her hand moves forward again until her palm is resting against his cheek. Her eyes roam to every curve and line, studying his face as her thumb moves past his mouth to touch his lips, down to his chin, then up again. Her fingers wander to trace under his eyes, up to his forehead then down his hairline by his ear to follow his jawline. His skin under her touch sent tingles up her arm and her fingers wander down his neck and around to his hair in the back, then up through his hair to his face again. When her palm rests on his cheek where it had started, her eyes look into his once more and her lips curl into a little smile, even though she's blushing.

"I... I think I'd like to go on one of those trips with you," she responds softly... timidly. Her hand slowly moves back to her own lap and her eyes finally drop. "I don't find you repulsive in the least."


Hearing Katie, Cindy turns around in the kitchen, doing her best not to panic. Jason wasn't waking up? It was what she'd feared. Though she wanted to trust Katie, at this point, she was going to go with her gut instead.

"No... I'd rather call Angel now. I don't want to prolong it if there's something really wrong." She turns off the stove and goes for the phone. "Keep trying though," she prompts. "Maybe you can rouse him by the time Angel comes."

Picking up the phone, she calls Angel to let her know what was happening and what Rick had told her about moving Jason and putting him on an IV. And after hanging up, she calls TJY. Getting the answering service, she knew it was late, so she dials his home phone instead. How she remembered it, she didn't know. She remembered a lot of things from the good old days of living near TJY. It felt like a lifetime ago. "Rick, I'm so sorry to call you at home."

"Cindy? No, no, it's okay. What's up?"

"Katie can't wake Jason. I already called Angel and told her what you said so we're going to move him if Katie still can't get him up."

Rick sighs deeply. This wasn't good. Jason had been very tired after attacks before, but never had he been to the point of not waking up. This really had been a bad one. "Okay." He speaks calmly and gently. "You're doing the right thing. As long as he's resting, that's a good thing, okay? It means his body is trying to recuperate."

Cindy tries to hold on to his assurance. "Okay."

"All Angel needs to do is make sure he remains stable and get some fluids into him. He's probably dehydrated, but I'm sure she'll see that."

"What if... what if he still doesn't wake up?"

"Don't worry about a thing. Jason is going to be alright. I promised you things would be fine - I still mean it. Now... I'm going to pack my things, grab some stuff from the office, and fly a jet down tomorrow. If anything changes, you just call my cell phone, okay?"

"Okay. But... but why are you coming? What can you do here?"

"Oh, I just want to talk with Angel a little and see how Jason's doing. I've got a bit more information than she does about what's been happening with Jason, and it's easier to relate in person than over the phone."

Cindy swallows hard. "No, you're just worried about him and it's your last ditch effort to do something that probably won't be any different than Angel."

"Cindy... What I told you was true. There's no last ditch efforts here at all. The fact that Jason is asleep is good, okay? Trust me." All Rick had said was true. But it was also true that he wanted to see Jason for himself and make sure he ended back up in Nevada in one piece. He trusted Angel and he trusted Katie. But he'd been looking after Jason for a long time and wasn't about to leave him now. "Remember - call my cell phone if anything changes. Otherwise, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Alright." Cindy sees headlights reflecting through the window and knows someone has arrived. "Someone's here now. Thank you, Rick."

"Goodnight, Cindy."

Moo...Moon light?

Looking up at Cindy hearing her voice and feeling her hand rest on her arm Katie gives her a small nod. Her eyes were still tired, and lacked some of the spark that was normally there but maybe it was just from being drained still.

"Ok I'll see what I can do."

Once Cindy was gone Katie shifted a little bit on the couch but kept Jason's head in her lap. Looking down at his still form watching him sleep it was so very strange not to be able to feel his emotions, to know if he was really ok, if he was in pain or what was going on inside him. In a way is scared Katie even more not knowing than if she did. She still hated the feeling of being normal, but she had done what she thought was best.

"J...your mom is making some soup. Try and wake up? J..babe..."

Giving Jason's arm a gentile shake Katie waited to see if Jason movies, but not seeing him move hear him Katie could feel her heart pick up a little. Cindy had told her what Rick said made Katie worried, and feeling Jason was ok...was worse.

Moving slowly and setting Jason's head down on the couch. Leaning down she gives Jason a kiss on the forehead. It made her very nervous that he didn't wake but Katie new she had to keep her cool. Even if her emotions couldn't cause any harm to anyone else she still new to be level headed.

"Cindy, I couldn't get Jason to wake. He's still breathing normally and everything but he's in a really sound sleep. I can try again in a little while, and if still nothing we can bring him to Angel ok?"

Katie tried to stay calm though there was worry in her eyes. What was to come, or was happening now was uncertain and to not be able to see that was something she feared more than anything else. What if she could of been helping Jason right now? Had she done the right thing? She could only hope.

Listing to Susanne and some of the stuff she liked to so Chuck didn't find her boring only much different from himself, But that wasn't a bad thing. Sometimes liking things that were different was a good thing and a good way to do new things.

Cocking his head a little bit Chuck's eyes give a twinkle in the dull light. He felt at peace right now, comfortable and happy. It was nice eating with Susanne even after all the strange encounters.

"Well...maybe one time you can come on a bike trip with me, and in return you can show me your rose bushes. As for being lonely...we all get lonely but as long as your don't fine me to repulsive I can help fill that empty time for both of us."

Reaching out to Susanne Chuck pushes a peace of stray hair out of her face as he continues to smile. Her skin was soft under his fingertips. Realizing he let his hand linger longer than he had intended Chuck pulls it away. Susanne had just started opening up he didn't want to scare her away already.

Do you think you can?

Cindy nods, hoping she hadn't insulted Angel in any way. She understood that Jason and Katie were "normal" now, but... what about the physical trauma Jason had just endured? What if he really was sick or hurt from this? They were just going to leave them there? Maybe Angel was right... but Cindy really would feel better calling Rick. If they both had the same opinion, she would feel better. She trusted them both.

"Okay. Thank you, Angel." She really did mean it. She was thankful Angel had come. "I'll call Rick to let him know what happened and I'll keep an eye on Jason and Katie."

Once Angel left, Cindy looks in on the two for a moment before heading for the study once again. She remembered the email she'd written Wes just an hour or so before. Now there was more to worry about. Sighing, she picks up the phone and dials the TJY infirmary.

"Rick? It's Cindy Henson."

"Cindy! How good to hear from you."

"Thank you. Unfortunately, this isn't a pleasant call."

"Oh? What's wrong?"

Cindy bites her lip. "It's Jason. He had another attack."

"What? How? When? Is he okay?"

"He's okay right now," she assures. "Katie is here with him and Angel came too. Katie, she... she had Angel give them the antidote so Jason could rest."

"Wow. I quit suggesting that because Katie resisted it so strongly. I'm glad they did that though. Must have been a pretty bad episode."

"It... it was. That's why I'm calling. Angel was here and checked them over but...I don't know. I trust her, Rick. But she doesn't have the equipment TJY has either. Jason, he was... he was shaking so bad and throwing up."

"You think he was having seizures?"

"Well, I'm no doctor, but that's what it looked like to me. He was in an awful lot of pain, Rick. I know you were worried about internal damage... I just can't see how there was no damage caused by this one." Cindy's voice cracks. "It was horrible."

"It's okay," Rick assures soothingly. He could hear it in Cindy's voice that she was scared and worried. "He's made it through a lot of things - he can make it through this too. You said he was resting now?"

"Yes. I think he ended up passing out. Katie's helping keep him comfortable - I think she's pretty worn out too."

Rick lets a pause linger as he thinks. "I'm sure she is. They're at your place or at Angel's?"

"Here. At the house. Why?"

"I just want you to keep an eye on them. Be sure you and/or Katie try to wake him at some point - preferably no later than tonight to try and get some nourishment in him. If he was throwing up, I doubt he has much left to give him any strength and he's going to need it."

Cindy swallows hard. "What if... what if we can't wake him?"

"That's what I'm afraid of - but he may be just fine. If he wakes up, give him some clear liquids and keep him quiet. With the antidote, he'll have no risk of any more attacks right now - it's just getting his physical strength back."

"And if we can't wake him?"

Rick hesitates. That really was what he was afraid of. If Jason had indeed passed out, he might be unconscious for longer than was good. "Then you have him taken to Angel's and have her put him on an IV to give him nourishment. Then call me."

"Okay." Cindy's hands shook a little as she held the phone, fearing the worst. "Thank you."

"Oh, and one more thing."

"Yes?"

"Take care of yourself too." Rick's voice was calm and gentle. "I know you're worried, but just try to relax. Everything will be fine. I promise."


...Throughout the day, Cindy does her best to not worry, but it was nearly impossible. She takes care of Kaylee, finishes cleaning the living room and does some laundry to keep herself busy. She checks in on Katie and Jason often, making sure Katie was comfortable and wishing she could do more.

By nightfall, Rick's words played over and over in her mind. Jason still had not woken. What if there really was damage? What if there was brain damage or something? Or some other internal damage they couldn't see?

Returning to the living room, she bends and rests a hand on Katie's arm. "Honey... I'm going to get a little soup ready for supper, if you want anything. We need to try and wake Jason up too." She'd already told Katie of her phone conversation with Rick - she thought it was only right to keep her informed. After all, Katie was a bigger part of this than anyone. "Do you think you can try to do that while I'm in the kitchen?"


Susanne eats slowly, just letting herself enjoy this time. Maybe after telling off Dana, she was finally ready to try this. Maybe that little spark of determination had triggered what she really needed to be brave and start relaxing around Chuck. Maybe, just maybe something had changed today.

Listening to Chuck as she eats, she wonders what it would be like to go with Chuck on one of the road trips with his group from church. Or even go to a bike show with him. She'd never been interested in one before... and maybe it wasn't her hobby, but to do it with Chuck might be interesting. She wondered what it would be like to watch him as he played the keyboard and sang. She'd heard both on the CD tonight, but she could imagine watching him, doing something he was obviously passionate about. Her own hobbies were so different... but she did love music.

Chuck's final statement though, makes her eyes widen a little. "Oh, stop it." She gives his leg a backhanded slap. "My face can't stand to get any more red than it already has. You're cruel."

She does smile a little though before she takes another bite of sandwich to hide it. "Your life sounds peaceful," she muses. "Mine seems rather chaotic at the moment, with work and all." She sighs. "Sometimes I wish I wasn't a part of the Elite. Then I remember why I signed on in the first place and I end up continuing the crazy rat race."

She shrugs and takes a sip of her water then finishes off her sandwich. "My twittering birds and thorny rosebushes keep me company in the quiet hours, so I guess away from work it's no so chaotic. It does get..." She stops herself before saying it and gives Chuck a sidelong glance. "I guess it does get rather lonely," she finally admits. "Me being so bullheaded and a ninny when it comes to men hasn't helped matters, I suppose." She rolls her eyes. "As if you haven't noticed."

Feeling her cheeks growing warm again, she focuses on her bottle of water, feeling as though she'd just spoiled the moment.

A few times

Looking at Cindy Angel did feel bad for her. She new this must be very scary and she couldn't imagine if it was her own daughter how she would react. The Agency was cruel, and even if they weren't bothering the family's right now there mark was still present.

Resting a hand on Cindy's arm again Angel gives a small smile. Some might take what she said as an insult that Angel didn't know her job but Angel didn't take it that way at all. Rick did now a little more about this than she did.

"From my knowledge there isn't anything else that can be done. The antidote has been administered and thats the best thing right now. Katie is still with Jason so he'll be ok right now...they are normal. But you still might want to call Rick and let him know what happened."

Angel gives Cindy another reassured smile. It was all she had to offer right now. Angel had never seen it this bed before except when Jason use to have his nightmares. But he'd over come them and this was something completely different but it would be ok, at least for now.

Looking out at the water Chuck study's the colors as they dance across the water. It was so tranquil and thats why Chuck liked it here. The soft sounds to the water, the birds calling there goodnight, and the colors that God painted the sky with.

Hearing Susanne's question Chuck looks to her again chewing his food. Once gone he gives a smile. His life was pretty dull but he liked that Susanne was now trying to get to know him better.

"Well at my chuck we have a group of men and women with bikes and once a month we do a outing where we just drive and where we end up, we end up. Its really fun, and we get to witness t people a long the way."

Taking another bit of his sub and following it up with a sip of his water Chuck straightens for a few moments before sitting relaxed again.

" I like doing to motorcycle shows, and I listen to a lot of music. In my off time I liked to sing and play keyboard and guitar as well. Other than that, I sit at home watch tv or there is this woman I have grown fond of I've seen a few times now too."

Still worried

Jason had no awareness of the others in the room, being moved to the couch or being checked over by Angel. His emotions were calm, but there was no telling what was backbuilding below the surface.

His subconscious seems to sense some kind of brief, minor pain on his skin but it's quickly gone, followed by a rather chilled sensation. The lights were being turned out, but it wasn't bad. There was something missing... something being drained... but not something to be feared. His body seems to relax even more, now able to concentrate on healing rather than fighting off raging emotions.


Watching from a few feet away, Cindy's tears continue their silent route down her cheeks. It had been a very long time since she had been this frightened, and a very long time since she had worried about Jason on this level. And to think that it had all started with the Agency, tagging Derek and Jeff without them even knowing it, hoping for their offspring to be made into lab rats. It made Cindy livid. Her son was suffering in more ways than one, all because of the Agency and she hated them even more.

Going to the kitchen, she gathers a few cleaning supplies and returns to the living room to clean up the mess, trying to keep her hands busy, even though her eyes kept blurring over. Sniffing and wiping her eyes with her sleeve, she sits on her knees and stares at the half-cleaned mess, then over to Jason's still form.

Getting up again, she goes to Angel in the hallway, trying to remain composed. "Thank you for coming," she manages while wiping her eyes again. "Between you and Katie, it looks like he'll be okay." She sniffs and wraps her arms around herself. "I've never seen him like this though... before Katie got here, it was awful. I think... I think he was having seizures. Do you think Rick should come?" She searches Angel's eyes, still so worried. "Heaven knows I trust you, but if Rick has any more information or... or.... the equipment at TJY, or..." She bites her lip. Was she grasping at straws, or did something else really need to be done? She didn't know.


Hanging on tightly to Chuck, Susanne leans her head against his back and closes her eyes as they head down the road. The brief stop to get their food is only a quick pause in the ride and by the time they reach the pond, she'd had her eyes open half the time and was quite proud of it.

Joining Chuck on the blanket, she sits carefully and looks out that dimming sky that was dark purple, streaked with warm shades of gold. It was pretty on the pond. Peaceful. After the rough start with Chuck earlier, one might think by now Susanne would be beside herself with fear. But she wasn't. Looking over at him as he sat with her, she offers a little smile. No, she wasn't afraid... not really. A little nervous still, but not like she had been. She was glad she'd come.

Nodding her consent, she thanks God for the meal and also for the time with Chuck and his patience with her. After her "amen," she gives Chuck a sheepish little grin and reaches for her sandwich so she doesn't fidget.

"Thank you for bringing me here," she mentions quietly. "It really is pretty." She glances around their surroundings before her eyes find their way back to Chuck's face. "You've told me all about your niece... but surely you have other people in your life. What do you do when your niece is out and you've closed up shop for the night?"