Damage

Shaking her hear like she often did when her brother and Tal joked around Ryan wondered if one day her head would fall off. But even if it did at least she found humor in it and it was funny. Seeing her brother joking around and having a good time with Tal was nice too. Tal was like a brother to him and it was just nice to see Eli take to someone like that.

   "Well of course that stuff will do what do you think I did went and got the wrong stuff?"

As Tal stands and comes over to her Ryan gives a wide grin looking up at him. Returning the light kiss and gives a small nod of her head. There was something in his eyes, something different and slightly strange. It was almost like a worry or fear though Ryan wasn't sure why. Maybe she was just imagining things.

   "Alright next time you can come too if Scarlet is not around. I guess Scarlet just does something else to him no one else can."

Ryan turns to her brother who was still looking in the bag and reaches out a food to kick him in the butt. Wrapping her arm around Tal she pulls him close in a hug. After seeing Alec today Ryan had felt slightly bad for some of the feelings that had come to the surface. But being back around Tal and Eli Ryan new that this was her life now, and it was one she liked. Tal made her happy, and smile, he'd always be there and true. Yet those feelings Ryan had not want them to come but they had and in the bit of her stomach they made her feel slightly ill.

   "Enough stalling lets see how much damage we can do in attempting to put this door in."

Getting the reply message Katie smiles before slipping the phone in her pocket again and heading inside. Going to the kitchen and grabbing two cups of coffee she also grabs some dough nuts. She new Hunter said he wasn't hungry but she was and she didn't want to start eating in front of him with out at least having an extra just in case.

Leaving again her hands slightly full Kaite does a good job of juggling everything like she had done it a million times before. Getting close to the bunk and seeing Hunter sitting outside her smile grows just that much more.

   "A nice more, a nice cup of coffee, and a nice face to look at in the morning light. This is the life ya know?!"

Hanging Hunter his cup of coffee Katie eases down on the step next to him. Being at the ranch, in the open air, not worrying about hardly anything Katie loved it so much. Being in Nevada was nice, and she liked her job but she missed being here too. This was always be her home, and a peace of her heart would stay here forever.

Looking to Hunter Katie just watches him for a long moment as her smiles grows a little. There was something about Hunter that Katie could deny, he was rough but soft, even if he'd made mistakes who hasn't?

   "How are you feeling this morning?"

Enjoying dinner with Reese Angelica was having a lovely time like always. Small chat circled around the table between her and Reese and ever some laughs were shared. She did her best not to talk about work seeing as thats where most of there time was spent. It was hard though and sometimes she slipped but quickly got back on track. 

As dinner finishes and Angelica helps Reese with the plates and the dishes they soon find themself sitting on the couch just continuing to enjoy each other company. The soft music in the background provided a nice atmosphere, and made it even slightly romantic.

Absentmindedly rubbing Reese's arm that held her Angelica couldn't think of a place she would rather be. Sitting here with Reese, enjoying life, taking it slow this was life, and better than anything she had expected for herself. 

   "Retirement...were not that old yet. However the though of spending more time with you, maybe some where in the cape, just snuggling does sound rather fun. Than again spending any kind of time with you is fun and it doesn't even matter what we are doing."

Real Food

Waiting for Ryan to get home, the kitchen is unusually quiet, with both Eli and Tal trying to make smalltalk once in a while, but neither admitting aloud that they were both concerned about Ryan. She'd seemed fine on the phone but... both men were still wondering what had really happened at the store.

Hearing her enter the apartment and seeing Zidan go trampling to the door, Eli breathes a little sigh of relief. Watching his sister come in, he studies her perhaps more intently than usual, as if trying to read a story between the lines. Her accusation though his jaw drops. "Slacking? Us?" He looks at Tal for help.

Tal smirks and points to the door. "Do you really think we were gonna cut a hole before you came back with the supplies so we'd know what size to cut it?"

"Who's 'we'?" Eli intervenes. "You've just been sitting on your butt since you got here."

"Hey, I'm the cripple, remember?" Tal taps his leg cast. "All I can do is sit."

"Yeah. Until you're on the couch with my sister."

Tal's cheeks flush red and his eyes narrow. "Ooh... low blow... low blow." 

Eli grins and stands up, swallowing the rest of the beer he'd been working on. "Okay, so... what did hard working sister bring home for us, eh?" Wandering to the bag, he noses around. "Ahhhh.... yes, this will do. Very nice, very nice." 

Tal rolls his eyes before looking up at Ryan. "When did you say Scarlet's coming back? It's like babysitting an eight-year-old when she's gone." 

"I heard that," Eli mumbles, still busy with the supplies.

Gaining a smile, Tal stands up, setting his hands on Ryan's shoulders and giving her lips a light kiss. "Next time, I'm going with you so I don't have to stay home with him," he teases. Or...was it a tease?

Seeing Katie's message, Hunter grins. 

Morning!

And wait...coffee IS real food didnt u know that?

He pauses in thought, considering his stomach which really didn't feel an awful lot like eating anything this morning. Ever since last night, he just didn't feel quite right. 

Nah. Just coffee.

Thanks.

Sending the text, Hunter lets himself lie in bed a few more minutes before finally forcing himself back up again. Grabbing his crutches, he heads for the door and manages to get himself out on the porch. Easing down on the top step, he leans against the railing and sighs a deep sigh of the fresh morning air. It would be nicer drinking coffee with Katie out here.

The ice cream was in the freezer, the sink was fixed and the kitchen floor all cleaned up. It hadn't taken Alec too long after getting home to finish everything up, and he'd had a bit of time to work in the shed as well. But there were only so many ways he could keep his mind busy and off of earlier events. Off of Ryan. 

Now standing in the bathroom and leaning over the sink, he lets the cold water drip off his face. Looking in the mirror, he sees his eyes that were still red and swollen. When Misty came home soon, would she notice he'd been crying again? Probably. She always knew. 

After splashing some more cold water on his face, he finally takes a towel to dry off, and heads for the living room. Sitting in the corner of the couch, he pulls his knees up close to his chest, not bothering to turn the television on like he did some afternoons. He'd done his fair share of work today, but it didn't seem like it was that, that was making him feel so tired. It felt more like heartache that was draining his energy. 

Reese laughs outright and shakes his head, returning his focus to the stove. "I'll take that as a compliment, but you might get pretty tired of the five things I know how to make." It was probably more than that, but he didn't think much of it. He'd had to learn to cook after his wife had died, if he and Wyatt were going to have any good meals. So learn, he had.          And every once in a while, like tonight, he did enjoy it - more for the purpose of doing something nice for someone else, rather than thinking his food was all that great. 

"Okay..." He stirs the veggies a little more and checks the rice one last time. "I think we're ready to go. Wanna get some plates?" 

Supper really did taste good, and even Reese had to admit the stir fry had turned out better than he'd thought it would. After scraping their plates clean, both moved to the living room couch where Reese put on some relaxing music. Settling back with his arm around Angelica and his feet up on the coffee table, he sighs deeply. "Now this... this is the life." 

He turns to kiss the top of her head. "I love my job but... maybe retirement wouldn't be so bad." He chuckles. "But you'd have to retire too, otherwise I'd go crazy." 

Slacking

Finishing with what she needed and hang up the phone Ryan gets to the checkout. Not really feeling like walking all the way to the other end for a short line she just waits in the long line it didn't bother her and she wasn't in much of a rush.

Minutes later Ryan was through the line and carrying the brown paper bag out to her car. Putting it into the back seat Ryan gets into the front and starts the car. About to pull out she stops seeing the not on the windshield. She new Alec's writing, and could tell it was his. How had he known what she was going to say when she got cut off? Had it been that obvious?

Opening the door and reaching out she takes the note before shutting the door again. Just sitting in the parking space for a few more moments Ryan holds the note in her hand and runs her fingers over the words. Looking up for a moment she takes the note and puts it under the strap on her visor. Why she was saving a little note that only had a few words she wasn't sure but in those few words it seemed to pack a powerful punch.

Getting home it takes a little longer since Ryan has sat in the parking lot a few extra moments. Opening the door and hearing the pounding of little dog paws she can't help her smile. As she reaches down to scratch and pat the little dog on the head.

   "Hey there Zidan, where is everyone huh, where are they."

Watching the dog dart off again into the kitchen Ryan walks after him coming in and setting down the bag on the table. Turning around and seeing both Tal and Eli Ryan looks back to the door and than them again. A grin spreads across her lips in humor.

   "What a hole is not even cut yet? Now who's slacking?"

Heading over to the mess hall Katie takes in a deep breath of air. The chores this morning were light and now done. Katie had showered and was not ready for something to drink and eat. It was the normal drill really, just a pattern one could fall into.

Feeling her pocket vibrate Katie pulls out her phone. Seeing the text message she gives a smile. At least it was an easy way for Hunter to get ahold of her if he needed anything and she didn't mind one bit.

Good Morning you! 

Was wondering if you were awake yet.

Coffee...right I can do that. Some some real food too?

Giving a smile Angelica couldn't help but admit to anyone who asked how happy she sure. Sure she worked a lot and she wished she could make more time to spend with Reese but all in all she was very happy and loved being in his company. It was just so peaceful in his house and comforting.

   "I'm always honest with you silly."

Leaning forward and taking the bite of steak Angelica brings a finger to her lip catching some run away sauce that wanted to dribble down her chin. Making a please murmur Angelica gives a nod before laying a hand on Reese arm.

   "That is...amazing. Everything you cook turns out so good. When we get married I think you should continue to cook. It's far...better than my cooking for sure."

Note

Oh how Alec wished they were somewhere else. Somewhere to openly talk. Somewhere that time wouldn't matter so they could talk things through. But... they weren't. Clinging to the depth of Ryan's eyes was all he had. It was all he had left after his horrible mistakes. If only he could go back. If only... 

Realizing Ryan was answering her phone and leaving, all he can do is stare after her, still unable to say the things his heart wanted him to. Lowering his head, his eyes fall on the shelved merchandise. It was hard to focus though, with blurred vision. His feet longed to run after her, but he knew he couldn't. He couldn't add to his already-long list of mistakes. Drawing in a shaky breath, he wipes his eyes with the back of his hand and picks his head up, squaring his shoulders. He was here to buy something... he had to keep going.

It didn't take him but a few minutes to find exactly what he needed for Misty's sink, and finding an empty checkout line, he was soon exiting the store. Seeing Ryan's car still parked out front, he just stands for a couple moments, not knowing if he wished he hadn't seen her at all, or if their meeting could have lasted longer. 

Sighing, he starts down the sidewalk, then stops. Turning, he looks at her car again before walking up to it. Taking the receipt out of his shopping bag, he turns it over before retrieving a pen from his back pocket. After writing the short note, he sticks it under the windshield wiper to make sure it wouldn't blow away. And finally... finally, he turns to leave. He still needed to go to the grocery store for ice cream. 

Placed note-down on the windshield, the receipt held his handwriting to be seen when Ryan would enter her car. 

I've missed you too.

Being hung up on so abruptly, Eli blinks at the phone then glances across the kitchen table at Tal. Yes, he'd had the speaker phone on.... had Tal heard the same thing he had? Had Ryan just said Alec's name? 

Tal sits back a little, his hand absentmindedly rubbing Zidan's head down at his side. He locks eyes with Eli for a moment, his gaze full of concern. What had been a silly conversation of picking on Ryan had suddenly turned quite solemn. "Think she's alright?" 

"Oh yeah." Eli rolls his eyes, acting a whole lot more confident than he felt. "It was probably some employee named Alec." He knew that wasn't true though... not by the sound of Ryan's voice. "And if not, I'd be the last man on earth that would want to meet up with Ryan in a store like that. Too many weapons." 

Tal grins a little. "Yeah..." Still, he wasn't so sure. 

Staring at the phone on the table, Eli waits for it to ring again. And waits. And waits. And though it was only a few minutes, it felt like an eternity. Unable to stand it any longer, he picks it up an dials. "Yo, sister, whats the big idea leaving us hanging like that?" he teases. "Tal's driving me up a wall waiting for you to get back. Everything alright?"

Hearing her exasperated response, Eli smirks a little, throwing a look to Tal. Ryan was fine. "You may be a big girl, but I'm a bigger brother. Now hurry up... Zidan wants a doggie door."

Hunter grins and gives Katie a squeeze, not minding one bit that she liked being here with him. It made him happy that he could provide something comfortable for her. And besides that, she was awfully warm and comfortable herself. 

The evening had to move on though, and after dozing off a bit, it really was time to call it a night. It wasn't until after a short visit from Jeff, some brownies from Rosalyn and Becky and a final check from Angel that Hunter was left in the quiet bunkhouse. Only after the darkness settled in though, did the churning emotions from the day return. He'd been able to ignore parts of it up until now. But left alone with only his thoughts for company, he was forced to face reality - he had come nearer to death today than ever before. And if Katie had not acted as quickly as she had... he would  have died. Why had he been thrown? Why had a gentle river sucked him under? Why had he been caught on a sunken log? And why had that voice come to him?

No matter what he wanted to think, Hunter knew deep down exactly where that voice had come from. And had he not done as told and stopped fighting, he surely would not have been freed.

But why? Why had he experienced this? If it was indeed God who had spoken to him, what was His purpose? And why had Hunter dreamed of it up until it happened? What was the point in all of this? He didn't understand. He didn't like the way it made him feel. Vulnerable. Scared. Not in control.

Rolling onto his side, he winces and withholds crying out. Turning onto his back again, he leaves his leg propped up. Looked like he'd be sleeping on his back tonight. No matter. Staring up at the dark ceiling though, he wondered how easily sleep would actually come. His mind still reeled. His emotions still churned.

"God... why?" The silent words seemed to come all by themselves. And Hunter feared the answer.

Scrunching his eyes shut, he wills himself to make his mind blank in order to fall asleep...

...As morning dawned, Hunter awoke having slept the night through - aside from waking up a few times from the pain in his knee. But no nightmares. Despite the lack of terrible dreams though, Hunter's eyes told of something different. Something...deeper. He was no longer tormented by night terrors. But he was troubled. His spirit stirred within him, bringing to the surface doubts, questions and a most indescribable inner pain that had been buried so deeply, it was not understood even by him. But something had triggered it. Something in that river.   

Sitting on the edge of his bed, Hunter sighs. He'd managed to get up and take a very brief shower before getting some clean clothes on. His knee was killing him though, and the trek to the dining hall seemed like too much. He really wanted some coffee though. Actually, he'd like something a whole lot stronger, but coffee would have to do. If he could get up and going, that was. 

Sighing, he lies back down and picks up his phone instead, flipping it open to text. 

Morning Sunshine. 

U wouldnt bring me some

coffee would u? :)

Hearing Angelica, Reese smiles, remaining at the stove. "In the kitchen," he calls. Unable to stop stirring, lest he burn supper, his smile only widens as she comes in and gives him a kiss on the cheek. Some people might find such a small gesture boring. To him, it was a blissful reminder of what having a loving home life was really like. And he was ready to have that home life once again. 

"Hey there..." Glancing over at the dessert, he smacks his lips. "Mmm... you always know what will hit the spot. That sounds marvelous." 

Grabbing a nearby fork, he uses it to lift one of the small bites of sauce-covered steak from the pan. Blowing on it to cool it down, he offers it to Angelica. "Here... try this and tell me if you like it. And be honest." 

Letting the kiss last as long as Misty wanted, Jason just wanted to please her - and he enjoyed every moment as well. As she pulls back, his twinkling eyes meet hers and he grins. "Better tell Alec we get the couch," he teases.

Chuckling, he gives her nose a light kiss before finally straightening up, his hand running through her hair before he turns to go. "I'll see ya later." If he didn't leave now, he'd wind up sitting in here all day. 

Catching Rick's eye as he heads for the door, Jason's cheeks flush again and he scratches his head, half hiding his face.

Rick quirks an eyebrow. "So I guess checking your blood pressure should wait until tomorrow morning too then?" 

"Ah..." Jason clears his throat. "Sure. Right. Yeah, probably." Continuing his route out the door, he doesn't give time for Rick to say any more.

Staring at the closed door for a moment, Rick swallows a laugh. Wandering nonchalantly over to Misty's desk, he thumbs through some paperwork before handing it to her. Finding her eyes, he studies them for just a moment, a gentle smile on his lips. But knowing nothing needed to be said, he simply turns to go back to the counter, leaving her with a simple pat on the shoulder. It was good to see her happy, despite all the bad.

Anger

Scanning the hinges Ryan wasn't sure what ones she wanted to get. Big ones, little ones, and than there was color. Maybe a metal pare could be good and medium size. She didn't want them to be to big and just look strange. 

Taking two packs Ryan turns almost running into Alec again. Looking up at him Ryan's eye lock with his and she can feel her heart start to beat a little faster. His eyes were still like she remembered, so deep but they seemed so empty now good. Giving a little swallow Ryan gives a nod.

   "No need to thank me Alec, its just the right thing to do."

Breaking her gaze with Alec again Ryan looks down at the items in her hands. There was a little sadness at the thought of not being able to link arms with Alec and walk out of there. But she couldn't she was with Tal, she loved Tal and she was happy to be with him and yet....there were those lingering feelings that had been tucked away only to be awaken from Alec's phone call.

Looking up again at Alec and letting out a small sigh Ryan gives another little smile again. Was there more to be said? If there was Ryan didn't know what to say. She always had words in the past to speak with Alec, and now it just seemed off. But maybe she owed him something too.

   "Listen Alec, I'm sorry for letting my anger get the best of me and beating the tar out of you. I shouldn't have and it was wrong. I've really mis..."

Not able to finish what she was saying Ryan's phone rings again. Pulling it out of her pocket and seeing it was Eli Ryan gives Alec a look that says she is sorry.

   "I've got to take this...sorry."

Turning Ryan answers the phone walking to the end of the isle.

   "Would you tell Tal to keep his pants on I'm almost done. Yes everything is fine, would you stop worrying I am a big girl you know."

Getting to the end of the isle Ryan looks up and at Alec again before disappearing from view and making her way down another isle on the long treck to the front of the store.

Chance

Alec wanders down the main aisle, not paying a bit of attention to where he was walking, as his eyes remain on the hanging signs, still trying to figure out where he needed to go. Being run into startles him and he backs up a step, feeling he should be the one to apologize. All of a sudden though, words evade him. Blinking in shock, he stares at Ryan, his pulse beginning to race. He'd known she was here, but... now actually seeing her... this close...He almost flinches, afraid she might want to throw a fist instead of talk. 

But hearing her voice... her sweet... mellow voice.. there was no malice, and Alec relaxes just a little. She'd gotten his message and... and she... she forgave him? The ache in his heart returns and he feels as though his chest might cave in right there. Forgiveness. Unable to stop it, his eyes glisten as he swallows hard, desperately trying to keep his emotions under control. No more was there a cocky air. No more a proud man. Instead, his shoulders were bent, it seemed, under the weight of the world. But a small piece of that weight had suddenly been lifted. Ryan... she... forgave him. 

Still trying to think of something to say, Ryan speaks again, leaving him without the chance. She seemed... nervous. And that in itself made Alec feel worse. Knowing she was nervous around him of all people. They'd been so close. And now to be standing here like two strangers... how it made the pain all the more worse.

As her hand touches his arm, it felt like a candle being lit as the warmth and light slowly spread. Glancing down at her hand then back up at her eyes, Alec's face wore the look of a beaten man, silently begging for release from this torture. His hand almost hurts as he keeps from reaching up and taking Ryan's own hand. Caressing her face. Feeling her soft skin. 

And then... she's gone. Staring after her, Alec remains in numb silence, still having not spoken one word. Was that it? Was that all this chance meeting was meant to be? To let him know he was forgiven? That should be enough. He should be satisfied with that, able to move on. But somehow, all it did was increase the pain of losing her.

"Can I help you?" 

Alec whips his head around to see an employee staring at him with question. "Um... I..." He shakes his head, feeling stupid. "No... thanks." 

"Okay, well if you need anything, just holler." 

"Yeah, alright." Alec waits until he's alone again before looking back to the aisle where Ryan had gone. Yes, he should be satisfied and move on. He should leave things be as they were and accept that this is how it ended. Things were right between them again. The hate was gone. He needed to leave her be now. 

And yet...

Alec finds his feet moving away from where he really needed to go. Glancing down the next couple aisle, it only takes a few seconds to find Ryan again. Stopping and watching her, his calmed pulse quickens once more. What was he thinking? Why couldn't he leave well enough alone? Because for once... his heart was doing the leading instead of his head.

Coming up to her slowly, he bites his lip. Looking down into her eyes, they were as endless as he remembered. "You didn't give me time to say thank you," he mentions quietly.