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"Yeah... this is one of the spots." Hunter gives Katie a wry grin as she wobbled and laughed. In a way it was kind of funny - with any of his other friends, seeing them get drunk was quite the form of entertainment. But for some reason, tonight... it seemed more sad than funny. Katie was being pretty silly, but... maybe if it wasn't  because she was hurting so badly, then it might seem more amusing. 

Shoving aside his bottle that had its label almost completely peeled off now, Hunter sighs. It was getting pretty late, and his backside was getting stiff from sitting here so long. "How about we call it a night, huh?" He nods towards the door. "I'll drive you to your place." She was going to have a nice hangover the way it was - he might as well try and get her to ease off before she drank any more. 

There was an amount of relief that seeped into Garret's veins as Victoria confirmed her love. He couldn't imagine being in her position. He knew it wasn't his "fault" about her mother, but he had still done his job and it was amazing that she wouldn't hold that against him. 

As she hugs him, he slips his arms around her too and just holds her tightly. Rocking back, he sits on the ground, pulling her into his lap and just keeping her in his arms. They should be able to sit together on a balcony under the stars, or in front of the fireplace in one of the sitting rooms. But it was the threat of death that kept them hidden in the shadows on the cold earth instead of somewhere they could be warm and comfortable expressing their affection.

"Life would be hopeless without you..." Garret rests his head on Victoria's shoulder, fighting against the rising emotions that tempted tears to fall. "Thank you... for loving me. I don't know what I'd do without that." 

Drawing in a shaky breath, he pulls back just enough to see her eyes once more. "Are we to always live like this? The rest of our lives?" 

Feeling Misty's hand on his shoulder, Carson doesn't move, but simply shakes his head. "No..." His voice was strained and hoarse. Finally he turns off the water and grabs a towel to dry his face. Taking a deep breath, he leans back against the bathroom wall, his eyes staring off into nothingness. 

"Seeing my family murdered the first time was bad enough." He swallows hard. "But seeing it over and over... and over..." He closes his eyes, fighting his emotions. The nightmare had been even more violent than reality.

"I thought I'd never have to relive that again." Lifting his hands, he stares at them trembling and he shakes his head, trying to laugh it off. "If only Medridge knew what a good job he did. He'd be pretty proud of himself."