Even if it was a little smile Hope liked seeing it, and knowing that a little bit of a twinkle was still there in Scott eyes. Just continuing to walk with Scott Hope lets the silence linger some more not minding the quiet and enjoying the fresh air.
Sitting down on the bench with Scott Hope lets him lean into her not minding one bit. Making it a tiny bit more comfortable she puts her arm up and over Scott's shoulders so she is holding him as he leaned on her. It was a nice feeling knowing that even if he was still upset with her he did in fact not hate her.
As Scott bolts up right breaking the silence Hope takes her arm from his shoulder putting her hands in his to try and stop them from shaking a little bit. Listing to him and his realization on who came to see him that night he has slipped into all the data Hope's own face pales just a little.
Austin, the same Austin that beat Scott up? Why would he be here and what did he want with Scott? Had he helped the process of Scott's madness along but why?
"Scott...are you sure it was Austin? Can you remember what he said to you if anything? Any little bit might help us Scott. He's harmed you before and if he's trying to again I want to do all I can to keep him away from you."
Hope keeps her hands in Scott as she looks at him. Worry, anger, confusion was all written on her face. She'd never met Austin before and she hoped in a way she never did least give him a peace of her own mind.
Ryan can't help the laugh that came from her mouth. She was happy Eli left already so he wouldn't ask why she was laughing.
"Clothes yes yes of course. I don't want people to stair after all. However I think we should all live in a nudest colony. Cloths can be so uncomfortable."
Giving another laugh and a shake of her head Ryan pokes at her eggs with her fork before setting it down and sitting up in the chair.
"Ok, well I better let you go for now. I need to take my shower and head to work. I'll see ya about one."
Giving another laugh and shaking her head at Rick her face expression stays unchanged. Alec didn't shock her, he was a Banks after all. She did like seeing Rick squirm though and she was going to have to remember to tell Carson about this. Maybe they could take a trip down memorie lane themselves.
Saying a quick prayer Cassy new it was something Leo wasn't use to but it was important to her to bless the meal they were going to eat and thank God he gave it to them. Though it seemed each time they prayed it seemed a little easier for Leo to adjust. Maybe one of these time he would take the honor of praying.
Once finished and breakfast started Cassy couldn't help but feel the meal came out better than normal. Maybe it was the simple fact that putting a little more love into it because it was for someone else really did make it that much better.
Hearing Leo's comment a little color comes to Cassy's face. It wasn't often she ever heard them but it was really nice coming from Leo.
"And I would have no problem doing that. It's nice shearing a meal with a friend and its a great reason for me to cook."
Taking another bit of her food and than a sip of her OJ Cassy just lets the liquid slip down her throat waking her up a little more than she had been before.
"You look alot better than you did the other night when I first came over. I do believe Leo you are on the mend and by tomorrow you should be as right as rain."
4/23/10
Stir
Scott musters up something close to a smile... almost. On one hand, he felt no humor, and on the other, he was glad that at least Hope could still tease.
Continuing their walk, Scott falls silent once more. He was quieter than the last few days. After the fiasco with him then Alec and all that, he'd realized he needed help but... but now a few days later... the desire to go home had returned. He just wanted... peace. He just wanted to be left alone and to stop having to deal with all of this. He felt as if his will to fight was gone.
Walking the circular path, it eventually winds back to the bench where they'd started at. Scott wished the path would just go on forever in one direction so he wouldn't have to look back.
Sitting down, his hands are still in his pockets, his shoulders slouched. He was the picture of someone who had lost so much... miserable... broken. Leaning to the side, he rests his head on Hope's shoulder, closing his eyes. Could he just will it all away? Could he just wake up and have it all be just a bad memory?
Without warning, an image comes to Scott's mind and he sits bolt upright, his face turning white as a sheet. His hands start to shake. "I... I remember." He swallows hard, trying to stay in control. "It was Austin..." He takes a sharp, ragged breath as his pulse races and he beings to rock slightly. "It was him... he... he was the one who came."
Alec's grin widens, the sly spark in his eye increasing as he leans on the counter with his back to the others, still listening to Ryan. "That all sounds great to me, late lunch and all. But, um... I'd recommend getting on some clean clothes after you're out of your grubby ones. I mean, I don't mind, but when you come to pick me up, I doubt you'd want to start that kind of stir."
Rick spins around, his eyes widening before he looks back at Misty. "You call that cute? And yes, unfortunately, I hoped it would end with you and Carson. But noooo, his brother had to end up here." He rolls his eyes. "Why me?"
Joining Cassy at the table, her request to pray wasn't unusual. She usually prayed before meals. Leo wasn't totally on board with that whole thing. He was sort of on-again, off-again with the God thing happening, but he did find it surprisingly nice to have a prayer before meals. It just seemed to set a peaceful tone before eating.
"Um... you can." He gives Cassy a sheepish grin. He wasn't used to praying much, let alone aloud.
After the prayer, he starts in on his eggs and a smile comes to his lips. "Don't know what you did, but these are better than any eggs I ever make." He chuckles before taking a sip of his orange juice. "When I'm feeling better, you'll have to make those hashbrowns too."
Continuing their walk, Scott falls silent once more. He was quieter than the last few days. After the fiasco with him then Alec and all that, he'd realized he needed help but... but now a few days later... the desire to go home had returned. He just wanted... peace. He just wanted to be left alone and to stop having to deal with all of this. He felt as if his will to fight was gone.
Walking the circular path, it eventually winds back to the bench where they'd started at. Scott wished the path would just go on forever in one direction so he wouldn't have to look back.
Sitting down, his hands are still in his pockets, his shoulders slouched. He was the picture of someone who had lost so much... miserable... broken. Leaning to the side, he rests his head on Hope's shoulder, closing his eyes. Could he just will it all away? Could he just wake up and have it all be just a bad memory?
Without warning, an image comes to Scott's mind and he sits bolt upright, his face turning white as a sheet. His hands start to shake. "I... I remember." He swallows hard, trying to stay in control. "It was Austin..." He takes a sharp, ragged breath as his pulse races and he beings to rock slightly. "It was him... he... he was the one who came."
Alec's grin widens, the sly spark in his eye increasing as he leans on the counter with his back to the others, still listening to Ryan. "That all sounds great to me, late lunch and all. But, um... I'd recommend getting on some clean clothes after you're out of your grubby ones. I mean, I don't mind, but when you come to pick me up, I doubt you'd want to start that kind of stir."
Rick spins around, his eyes widening before he looks back at Misty. "You call that cute? And yes, unfortunately, I hoped it would end with you and Carson. But noooo, his brother had to end up here." He rolls his eyes. "Why me?"
Joining Cassy at the table, her request to pray wasn't unusual. She usually prayed before meals. Leo wasn't totally on board with that whole thing. He was sort of on-again, off-again with the God thing happening, but he did find it surprisingly nice to have a prayer before meals. It just seemed to set a peaceful tone before eating.
"Um... you can." He gives Cassy a sheepish grin. He wasn't used to praying much, let alone aloud.
After the prayer, he starts in on his eggs and a smile comes to his lips. "Don't know what you did, but these are better than any eggs I ever make." He chuckles before taking a sip of his orange juice. "When I'm feeling better, you'll have to make those hashbrowns too."
4/22/10
Rather Cute
Keeping quiet herself Hope starts to walk again with Scott just letting the silence rain for now. Sometimes it was just nice to let the silence take over and think in the quiet.
Looking up at Scott again with his comment on his eating habit Hope gives a small nod. Knowing he was going to ask her to look after his eating felt good. It was nice to know he still did want her help. Letting her mind shift from what they had been talking about to this one here she gives a smile looking up at Scott again.
"I wouldn't mind at all to keep and eye on ya and help you with that. I'm good at nagging huh?"
Bumping Scott's shoulder lightly there was a little humor in her voice hoping to at least get him to smile a little bit. She missed his smile, and the light that shone in is eyes. It had been a long time since the last time she saw it.
"Almost a garinte Dalton would have no problem helping you out ether. Anyways I've been skipping meals myself lately witch is not good so if I remind you than I can remind myself too. We both need to keep our strength up."
Giving a laugh as the plates her food Ryan could hear Rick in the background and could not help but think it was to funny. She though it was way to much fun freaking him out.
"I think lunch out sounds nice, and as for keeping you mind off the pain..thats defiantly something I think I could handle. I just have to remember not to climb all over you because of your foot. Its gonna take alot of self control for that you know."
Bringing the plate over to the table Ryan sits down but doesn't start eating yet. She'd finish her conversation first than eat. She had a little time before being to work anyways. Taking her fork and poking at the food she just continues her conversation.
"Well Babe, I only have a half day today so I should be out by noon. If we eat at one that will give me some time to get clean up and out of my grubby work cloths. If thats ok with you."
Misty can't help the laugh that escaped her lips. She really didn't mind the way Ryan and Alec talked to each other it reminded her to much of Carson and herself. It was however funny to see how Rick reacted.
"And you though it would end with Carson and myself...guess you were wrong. I think they are rather cute."
Shaking her head a little and looking down at her paper work again the smile was still on Misty's face.
Giving a nod and heading out of the bedroom and into the kitchen Cassy starts on breakfast. By now she pretty much new her way around Leo's kitchen and felt good about using his stuff. It wasn't a big kitchen so it was easy to memories though it had that nice home feeling to it.
Almost done with the food and hearing Leo behind her the timing couldn't be better. She would hate if the food got cold before it got to him. Plating the food up she gives a small laugh at his comment about breakfast in bed.
"Ok, I guess I can give you that one without a shoe throwing at your head."
Turning with the plates of food Cassy grins and lets her eyes dance with humor. Setting Leo's plate down at the table and than her own she goes back to the fridge to pour some OJ for both of them before sitting down again.
"Would you like to say grace before we eat or do you want me to do it?"
Looking up at Scott again with his comment on his eating habit Hope gives a small nod. Knowing he was going to ask her to look after his eating felt good. It was nice to know he still did want her help. Letting her mind shift from what they had been talking about to this one here she gives a smile looking up at Scott again.
"I wouldn't mind at all to keep and eye on ya and help you with that. I'm good at nagging huh?"
Bumping Scott's shoulder lightly there was a little humor in her voice hoping to at least get him to smile a little bit. She missed his smile, and the light that shone in is eyes. It had been a long time since the last time she saw it.
"Almost a garinte Dalton would have no problem helping you out ether. Anyways I've been skipping meals myself lately witch is not good so if I remind you than I can remind myself too. We both need to keep our strength up."
Giving a laugh as the plates her food Ryan could hear Rick in the background and could not help but think it was to funny. She though it was way to much fun freaking him out.
"I think lunch out sounds nice, and as for keeping you mind off the pain..thats defiantly something I think I could handle. I just have to remember not to climb all over you because of your foot. Its gonna take alot of self control for that you know."
Bringing the plate over to the table Ryan sits down but doesn't start eating yet. She'd finish her conversation first than eat. She had a little time before being to work anyways. Taking her fork and poking at the food she just continues her conversation.
"Well Babe, I only have a half day today so I should be out by noon. If we eat at one that will give me some time to get clean up and out of my grubby work cloths. If thats ok with you."
Misty can't help the laugh that escaped her lips. She really didn't mind the way Ryan and Alec talked to each other it reminded her to much of Carson and herself. It was however funny to see how Rick reacted.
"And you though it would end with Carson and myself...guess you were wrong. I think they are rather cute."
Shaking her head a little and looking down at her paper work again the smile was still on Misty's face.
Giving a nod and heading out of the bedroom and into the kitchen Cassy starts on breakfast. By now she pretty much new her way around Leo's kitchen and felt good about using his stuff. It wasn't a big kitchen so it was easy to memories though it had that nice home feeling to it.
Almost done with the food and hearing Leo behind her the timing couldn't be better. She would hate if the food got cold before it got to him. Plating the food up she gives a small laugh at his comment about breakfast in bed.
"Ok, I guess I can give you that one without a shoe throwing at your head."
Turning with the plates of food Cassy grins and lets her eyes dance with humor. Setting Leo's plate down at the table and than her own she goes back to the fridge to pour some OJ for both of them before sitting down again.
"Would you like to say grace before we eat or do you want me to do it?"
Eating
"Mmm... egg and toast but no hashbrowns... unless you want them." Leo nods. "I'm hungry but I don't think I should overdo it." It felt... different, having someone around to share a meal with, to talk to... to help take care of him when he was sick like this. It felt... nice.
Once Leo is alone, he manages to get himself out of bed. A bit dizzy, he moves slowly. He hears Cassy in the kitchen so he aims for the bathroom to at least take a shower. After sweating half the night, he needed it.
It doesn't take him long, and soon he feels a little refreshed, though tired, and manages to get into a clean pair of sweats and t-shirt. Shuffling down the hall in his bare feet, he makes it to the kitchen, pausing in the doorway to let his dizziness pass. He spots Cassy and gives her a wry grin. "I just didn't feel deserving of a breakfast in bed."
Alec hobbles to the phone at Rick's request and hearing Ryan's voice, he smile. "I'm always awake if you're the one at the other end of the line."
Rick rolls his eyes and looks to Misty, shaking his head.
Alec toys with the phone cord, a grin on his face. "Lunch sounds fantastic. Dessert sounds even better. And, if this doctor here will at least let me out for a little while, we can-"
"Minimal walking," Rick interrupts, pointing a finger at him. "For at least a day. After that, you're on your own again."
Alec resumes his conversation. "...we can go out instead of being stuck in here. Of course... you'd have to... help me around... be extra nice... you know, make sure I was comfortable and give me some extra attention so I wouldn't... think about all the pain I'm in."
"Oh for crying out loud." Rick throws his hands in the air. "Do I really have to listen to this?"
Scott sighs deeply, forcing himself to look at Hope as she speaks. He deserved better than this.... he did... he did... did he? It seemed all he did lately was question himself.
Turning and starting to walk again, Scott knows Hope will follow. He falls silence once again, giving the impression that he might have brushed off everything Hope had said. But in reality, he was letting his mind mull it over, thinking through every word she'd spoken. Again though, the subject was changed. Or was it?
"Hawks says I need to eat more than my brain is telling me," he comments. "He said even after I'm gone from here that I need someone to help keep me eating... I figured I'd... I'd ask you and maybe Dalton or something."
Once Leo is alone, he manages to get himself out of bed. A bit dizzy, he moves slowly. He hears Cassy in the kitchen so he aims for the bathroom to at least take a shower. After sweating half the night, he needed it.
It doesn't take him long, and soon he feels a little refreshed, though tired, and manages to get into a clean pair of sweats and t-shirt. Shuffling down the hall in his bare feet, he makes it to the kitchen, pausing in the doorway to let his dizziness pass. He spots Cassy and gives her a wry grin. "I just didn't feel deserving of a breakfast in bed."
Alec hobbles to the phone at Rick's request and hearing Ryan's voice, he smile. "I'm always awake if you're the one at the other end of the line."
Rick rolls his eyes and looks to Misty, shaking his head.
Alec toys with the phone cord, a grin on his face. "Lunch sounds fantastic. Dessert sounds even better. And, if this doctor here will at least let me out for a little while, we can-"
"Minimal walking," Rick interrupts, pointing a finger at him. "For at least a day. After that, you're on your own again."
Alec resumes his conversation. "...we can go out instead of being stuck in here. Of course... you'd have to... help me around... be extra nice... you know, make sure I was comfortable and give me some extra attention so I wouldn't... think about all the pain I'm in."
"Oh for crying out loud." Rick throws his hands in the air. "Do I really have to listen to this?"
Scott sighs deeply, forcing himself to look at Hope as she speaks. He deserved better than this.... he did... he did... did he? It seemed all he did lately was question himself.
Turning and starting to walk again, Scott knows Hope will follow. He falls silence once again, giving the impression that he might have brushed off everything Hope had said. But in reality, he was letting his mind mull it over, thinking through every word she'd spoken. Again though, the subject was changed. Or was it?
"Hawks says I need to eat more than my brain is telling me," he comments. "He said even after I'm gone from here that I need someone to help keep me eating... I figured I'd... I'd ask you and maybe Dalton or something."
Carma On
Thinking for a moment as she stood at the end of the bed Cassy brings a hand to her lips in a thinking manor. Her mind being side tracked for a moment as an image of Leo clinging to her leg passed through her mind making her give a chuckle before standing a little taller.
"How about a poached egg, some toast with jelly and some hash browns on the less greasy side. As long as that sounds good to you?"
Giving a tiny nod that is Leo did want something else she would be more than happy to make it for him but this combination was not greasy and probably one of the easiest things on his tummy.
With a roll of her eyes, a scrunch of her nose and a swat to Eli's arm Ryan just shakes her head as her brother started to walk away. She was happy to see a small glint in his eye at the mention of a woman. Granted Eli had spend lots of time with women but there was never that one that stuck and gave him the look in his eyes. But this new one she was different.
Turning around again and going back to the stove Ryan continues to cook her own food. With her other hands she pulls out her phone and dials TJY. Getting Susanne she asked if she can talk to Alec not sure if he was around or not. Waiting and finally hearing Alec's voice on the other end Ryan smile.
"Morning, I didnt have my spy Carma on to you so I wasn't sure if you'd be awake or not. I was wondering if you'd like company for dessert and lunch today?"
Still standing with Scott Hope lets out a small sigh. The look of hurt passing through his eyes once more and she can feel the yank on her heart.
"I know you don't know who you are anymore Scott and I know it can be frustrating, but thats why your here and why everyone is trying to help you. To help you fight and win this Agency battle and find who you are again."
Turning to look out over the flowers again Hope just tried to concentrate. She new Scott was still hurting and it hadn't been nearly enough time here for him to heal. In a way she felt like she was failing Scott herself even though she new there was nothing more she could do.
"Bad things happen ever day Scott and though its not the same as the pain you went through everyone always blames themselves. You have started to make some big steps already admitting you need help. I just don't want to see that all lost because what happened was not your fault, and even if you had been stronger there is no telling if you could of stopped them or not. I just want to see you get better, not for me but for yourself because you deserve it, and you deserve better than this."
"How about a poached egg, some toast with jelly and some hash browns on the less greasy side. As long as that sounds good to you?"
Giving a tiny nod that is Leo did want something else she would be more than happy to make it for him but this combination was not greasy and probably one of the easiest things on his tummy.
With a roll of her eyes, a scrunch of her nose and a swat to Eli's arm Ryan just shakes her head as her brother started to walk away. She was happy to see a small glint in his eye at the mention of a woman. Granted Eli had spend lots of time with women but there was never that one that stuck and gave him the look in his eyes. But this new one she was different.
Turning around again and going back to the stove Ryan continues to cook her own food. With her other hands she pulls out her phone and dials TJY. Getting Susanne she asked if she can talk to Alec not sure if he was around or not. Waiting and finally hearing Alec's voice on the other end Ryan smile.
"Morning, I didnt have my spy Carma on to you so I wasn't sure if you'd be awake or not. I was wondering if you'd like company for dessert and lunch today?"
Still standing with Scott Hope lets out a small sigh. The look of hurt passing through his eyes once more and she can feel the yank on her heart.
"I know you don't know who you are anymore Scott and I know it can be frustrating, but thats why your here and why everyone is trying to help you. To help you fight and win this Agency battle and find who you are again."
Turning to look out over the flowers again Hope just tried to concentrate. She new Scott was still hurting and it hadn't been nearly enough time here for him to heal. In a way she felt like she was failing Scott herself even though she new there was nothing more she could do.
"Bad things happen ever day Scott and though its not the same as the pain you went through everyone always blames themselves. You have started to make some big steps already admitting you need help. I just don't want to see that all lost because what happened was not your fault, and even if you had been stronger there is no telling if you could of stopped them or not. I just want to see you get better, not for me but for yourself because you deserve it, and you deserve better than this."
Messed Up
Leo flinches, but still gets beaned in the head with Cassy's sock. He smirks at her, but even though his eyes were tired, humor was still visible. "Okay, okay, I got it! But once you wanna leave and I'm begging you to stay and clinging to your legs as you try to walk out the door, I'll remind you that you said you wanted to be here."
Giving her a crooked grin, he shakes his head. "Breakfast, um... something light?" He pats his stomach. "I think I can handle just about anything as long as it's not greasy or spicy."
"Oh, you sweet woman." Eli accepts the breakfast with a murmur of pleasure. "Did I ever tell you that you're the best sister in the world? Eh... except for the popcorn part."
Laughing, he accepts the breakfast sandwich, his mouth already watering. Hearing Ryan's question, his eyebrows rise. "There ain't no 'maybe' about the kiss, I'll tell you that much." He smirks at her, knowing that he was leaving way too much to her imagination, but he found it quite funny.
Putting a foot up on a chair to fix the laces in his boot, he shrugs. "Don't know what I'm gonna do yet, but I'm working on her bike, so I gotta call her regardless. Thinking about asking her out again but... not sure yet."
He'd just given Ryan a whole lot of nothing and he knew it. Straightening back up, he flashes her a smile and waves the sandwich before taking a bite. "Thanks, Speedy. I'll see ya tonight."
Heading outside, he walks to his bike, eating as he went. Then sitting on his bike, he starts it up, but just sits for a few moments until he's finished breakfast before putting on his helmet and driving to work.
Having Hope turn around and give him her response, Scott could feel his gut twist just a little bit. Why did it hurt her when he asked to leave? He didn't understand. He kept his arms around her shoulders though, part of him wanting nothing more than to be with her, while the other part of him wanted to feed off his anger and hurt, still upset she'd brought him here.
Completely going around what Hope had said, Scott reverts to her previous question. "Yeah... what Hawks said did bother me. Now not only was I too weak to keep myself from the Agency in the first place, but now I'm too weak to even keep myself away from a place like this. It really is all in my head."
Scott lets his hands slide from Hope and drop to his sides before tucking them in his hoodie pockets. "I don't know how to... tell myself that what I did was fine... normal... all I could do. It's just not good enough." His tone drops a little, wavering between hurt and growing cold once again. "So basically my option is to either let myself go totally insane and let the Agency data take over, or live in misery, recognizing it was my own fault but being told not to be upset with myself for it."
He wasn't even sure he was making sense anymore, and he sighs in frustration. "I don't know who I am anymore, Hope. I don't... I... I don't feel like me. It's all... messed up."
Giving her a crooked grin, he shakes his head. "Breakfast, um... something light?" He pats his stomach. "I think I can handle just about anything as long as it's not greasy or spicy."
"Oh, you sweet woman." Eli accepts the breakfast with a murmur of pleasure. "Did I ever tell you that you're the best sister in the world? Eh... except for the popcorn part."
Laughing, he accepts the breakfast sandwich, his mouth already watering. Hearing Ryan's question, his eyebrows rise. "There ain't no 'maybe' about the kiss, I'll tell you that much." He smirks at her, knowing that he was leaving way too much to her imagination, but he found it quite funny.
Putting a foot up on a chair to fix the laces in his boot, he shrugs. "Don't know what I'm gonna do yet, but I'm working on her bike, so I gotta call her regardless. Thinking about asking her out again but... not sure yet."
He'd just given Ryan a whole lot of nothing and he knew it. Straightening back up, he flashes her a smile and waves the sandwich before taking a bite. "Thanks, Speedy. I'll see ya tonight."
Heading outside, he walks to his bike, eating as he went. Then sitting on his bike, he starts it up, but just sits for a few moments until he's finished breakfast before putting on his helmet and driving to work.
Having Hope turn around and give him her response, Scott could feel his gut twist just a little bit. Why did it hurt her when he asked to leave? He didn't understand. He kept his arms around her shoulders though, part of him wanting nothing more than to be with her, while the other part of him wanted to feed off his anger and hurt, still upset she'd brought him here.
Completely going around what Hope had said, Scott reverts to her previous question. "Yeah... what Hawks said did bother me. Now not only was I too weak to keep myself from the Agency in the first place, but now I'm too weak to even keep myself away from a place like this. It really is all in my head."
Scott lets his hands slide from Hope and drop to his sides before tucking them in his hoodie pockets. "I don't know how to... tell myself that what I did was fine... normal... all I could do. It's just not good enough." His tone drops a little, wavering between hurt and growing cold once again. "So basically my option is to either let myself go totally insane and let the Agency data take over, or live in misery, recognizing it was my own fault but being told not to be upset with myself for it."
He wasn't even sure he was making sense anymore, and he sighs in frustration. "I don't know who I am anymore, Hope. I don't... I... I don't feel like me. It's all... messed up."
Next
Quirking an eyebrow at Leo Cassy dosnt miss a beat throwing one of here socks at him that she had yet to put on hitting him in the head.
"Next time you say that I am going to throw a shoe."
Giving a little laugh and letting her eyes twinkle to show she wasn't mad at and was only messing around though she really did mean what she said next,
"If I had something else I needed to do, OR something better all together I wouldn't be here still. I am actually having a nice time taking care of my friend. After here I am just going to go over to the studio to practice a little anyways."
Reaching over and taking her sock from off Leo where she had thrown it Cassy gives another giggle and shakes her head slightly. She really didn't have anything better to do and not working only added to the dull daily humdrum of nothing.
"How about if it makes you feel better we can say you owe me one? Who knows when I might get sick and might need some attachen myself. So what do you think your tummy can handle this AM?"
Hearing her brothers voice Ryan gives a small laugh. She enjoyed cooking for someone other than just herself and knowing it smelled good made her feel good.
"Well I am happy it smells good because I made you some for on the go. You need to have a good breakfast in the morning."
Finishing up with what she was doing at the counter Ryan turns around to her brother holding a bagel with egg, bacon and cheese on it wrapped nicely in a napkin.
"I know you can't eat this while riding your bike but I figured you can at least eat it on the way out the door."
Ryan gives her brother a big smile. She'd made this just for him and she new he'd eat it and for that she was happy. It made her feel better to see him having a meal before going into work instead of just waiting till lunch.
"So did you decide what your gonna do with your lady friend, non girlfriend that maybe you kissed, and cant stop thinking about friend?"
Walking with Scott Hope didn't mind. It was nice to just enjoy the fresh air with him and not be in the stuffy hospital. Just being with Scott was nice.
Coming to the small flower garden it was nice to see spring was finally coming. The cold weather had stayed around for far to long now. Feeling Scott behind her and his arms around her felt so good. Just having him there always felt good. Even being in a place like this Scott was always more than a man to Hope and she never though any less of him.
Leaning against Scott slightly Hope lets her head back to rest against his shoulder. Listing to what he had to say and just looking at all the flowers.
"I can see where Dr. Hawks is coming from on that one, and I think he might be right. Did it make you upset that he said that?"
Waiting for his answer but only receving his next question it made Hope's heart ach. It had been a long time since Scott had asked that and now that he did again it almost felt like maybe she really had failed. To see that look of suffering in his eyes it hurt so much. Pulling away just a little but only enough to turn and face him his arms still around her Hope lets out a small sigh.
"No, but I'm not making that decsition anymore Scott. I can't take telling you no anymore it hurts to much every time I have to. So now I leave it in your hands if you go or stay and I'll love you just the same ether way. But I do think your not ready to go yet. It might suck but your starting to move forward here, and if you leave now your going to be throwing it all down the drain. Thats only what I think though."
Leaning into Scott Hope gives him a soft kiss on the lips before backing up just a little to search his eyes. She loved him so much words could not be put on it. And her heart broke every time she could give Scott what he wanted but now...now she would let it in his hands and hope for the best.
"Next time you say that I am going to throw a shoe."
Giving a little laugh and letting her eyes twinkle to show she wasn't mad at and was only messing around though she really did mean what she said next,
"If I had something else I needed to do, OR something better all together I wouldn't be here still. I am actually having a nice time taking care of my friend. After here I am just going to go over to the studio to practice a little anyways."
Reaching over and taking her sock from off Leo where she had thrown it Cassy gives another giggle and shakes her head slightly. She really didn't have anything better to do and not working only added to the dull daily humdrum of nothing.
"How about if it makes you feel better we can say you owe me one? Who knows when I might get sick and might need some attachen myself. So what do you think your tummy can handle this AM?"
Hearing her brothers voice Ryan gives a small laugh. She enjoyed cooking for someone other than just herself and knowing it smelled good made her feel good.
"Well I am happy it smells good because I made you some for on the go. You need to have a good breakfast in the morning."
Finishing up with what she was doing at the counter Ryan turns around to her brother holding a bagel with egg, bacon and cheese on it wrapped nicely in a napkin.
"I know you can't eat this while riding your bike but I figured you can at least eat it on the way out the door."
Ryan gives her brother a big smile. She'd made this just for him and she new he'd eat it and for that she was happy. It made her feel better to see him having a meal before going into work instead of just waiting till lunch.
"So did you decide what your gonna do with your lady friend, non girlfriend that maybe you kissed, and cant stop thinking about friend?"
Walking with Scott Hope didn't mind. It was nice to just enjoy the fresh air with him and not be in the stuffy hospital. Just being with Scott was nice.
Coming to the small flower garden it was nice to see spring was finally coming. The cold weather had stayed around for far to long now. Feeling Scott behind her and his arms around her felt so good. Just having him there always felt good. Even being in a place like this Scott was always more than a man to Hope and she never though any less of him.
Leaning against Scott slightly Hope lets her head back to rest against his shoulder. Listing to what he had to say and just looking at all the flowers.
"I can see where Dr. Hawks is coming from on that one, and I think he might be right. Did it make you upset that he said that?"
Waiting for his answer but only receving his next question it made Hope's heart ach. It had been a long time since Scott had asked that and now that he did again it almost felt like maybe she really had failed. To see that look of suffering in his eyes it hurt so much. Pulling away just a little but only enough to turn and face him his arms still around her Hope lets out a small sigh.
"No, but I'm not making that decsition anymore Scott. I can't take telling you no anymore it hurts to much every time I have to. So now I leave it in your hands if you go or stay and I'll love you just the same ether way. But I do think your not ready to go yet. It might suck but your starting to move forward here, and if you leave now your going to be throwing it all down the drain. Thats only what I think though."
Leaning into Scott Hope gives him a soft kiss on the lips before backing up just a little to search his eyes. She loved him so much words could not be put on it. And her heart broke every time she could give Scott what he wanted but now...now she would let it in his hands and hope for the best.
4/21/10
If I promise
Scott has his head turned enough that he sees Hope coming, though his gaze drops to the ground. He'd never get used to her seeing him like this. It was one thing when he was her patient. But now that they were in a relationship, all he did was feel so weak all the time. Hope said she loved him regardless of the problems and he believed her, but... whether she minded or not, he did, and it wasn't a good feeling. He wanted to see her, but didn't like her seeing him like this. He never would.
Having her sit beside him and take his hand, he lets his fingers curl around hers, despite the misery he was feeling from the morning. "I'm doing okay," he responds quietly.
Standing abruptly, he pulls her up by the hand as well. "Let's walk," he suggests. He'd sat enough already today. Sitting meant thinking and talking about his problems, and right now, he wanted to do neither.
Heading down the now-familiar path, Scott is quiet for a long time, just walking with Hope. Eventually, they're by the little flower garden behind the buildings and hidden from view of the windows with watchful eyes. Stopping to look a the spring flowers just starting to push up through the earth, Scott slips behind Hope to drape his arms over her shoulders and rest his head down against hers. Catching a whiff of her hair, he breathes it in deeply.
"I ran out on Hawks again," he admits softly, staying behind her so she could lean back against his chest. At least this way he could feel like a man, if just for a moment, having a woman in his arms instead of the other way around... and he wouldn't have to look Hope in the eye either. "He's decided I'm more angry at myself than the Agency."
Only allowing a brief pause, he speaks again. "If I promise to talk to you every day, can I go home?"
Eli makes a quick task out of his shower, one, because he was late, and two, because even though he'd laughed at Ryan's comment, he wanted to save her some hot water. Finally out, dressed and ready to get going, he heads by the kitchen towards the door, but stops as his nose catches the scent of breakfast. His stomach growls a complaint about being forgotten.
He pokes his head into the kitchen, spying Ryan fixing breakfast. "You realize when you make food smell so good, it's pure torture when I gotta leave for work, right?"
Leo thinks for a moment, yawning. "I... think I'm feeling a little bit better, yeah. Thanks to you, I think. Though... I don't remember much." He gives Cassy a sheepish grin. Memories from the day before were a bit foggy.
Hearing her question about food, he gives a light laugh and shakes his head. "I would love some breakfast. But holy cow, you've done so much already..." His eyes showed how tired he was still, even though he was trying to look well. "I know you got better things to do than stick around and keep playing nurse."
Having her sit beside him and take his hand, he lets his fingers curl around hers, despite the misery he was feeling from the morning. "I'm doing okay," he responds quietly.
Standing abruptly, he pulls her up by the hand as well. "Let's walk," he suggests. He'd sat enough already today. Sitting meant thinking and talking about his problems, and right now, he wanted to do neither.
Heading down the now-familiar path, Scott is quiet for a long time, just walking with Hope. Eventually, they're by the little flower garden behind the buildings and hidden from view of the windows with watchful eyes. Stopping to look a the spring flowers just starting to push up through the earth, Scott slips behind Hope to drape his arms over her shoulders and rest his head down against hers. Catching a whiff of her hair, he breathes it in deeply.
"I ran out on Hawks again," he admits softly, staying behind her so she could lean back against his chest. At least this way he could feel like a man, if just for a moment, having a woman in his arms instead of the other way around... and he wouldn't have to look Hope in the eye either. "He's decided I'm more angry at myself than the Agency."
Only allowing a brief pause, he speaks again. "If I promise to talk to you every day, can I go home?"
Eli makes a quick task out of his shower, one, because he was late, and two, because even though he'd laughed at Ryan's comment, he wanted to save her some hot water. Finally out, dressed and ready to get going, he heads by the kitchen towards the door, but stops as his nose catches the scent of breakfast. His stomach growls a complaint about being forgotten.
He pokes his head into the kitchen, spying Ryan fixing breakfast. "You realize when you make food smell so good, it's pure torture when I gotta leave for work, right?"
Leo thinks for a moment, yawning. "I... think I'm feeling a little bit better, yeah. Thanks to you, I think. Though... I don't remember much." He gives Cassy a sheepish grin. Memories from the day before were a bit foggy.
Hearing her question about food, he gives a light laugh and shakes his head. "I would love some breakfast. But holy cow, you've done so much already..." His eyes showed how tired he was still, even though he was trying to look well. "I know you got better things to do than stick around and keep playing nurse."
Cold Shower
Turning a little on the bed so she could see Leo Cassy gives a smile as she yawns just a little. Of course she had stayed to make sure Leo was going to be ok. Maybe part of the reason she'd stayed as well was to curb her own loneliness too, but for the most part it was because of Leo.
"Of course I stayed, thats what friends are for you know...to help when we need it. I'm sure you would of done the same fore me. Feeling any better?"
Bending over to grab her socks that had been kicked off sometime in the night Cassy slowly puts them on looking up at the clock once before back to Leo.
"It's a little after 8. I though maybe I could make us some breakfast if your feeling up to it."
Ryan gives a little shriek as she moves to the other end of the couch trying to get away from her brothers fingers that were treating to tickle her. Though she couldn't help laughing at the same time thinking her brother was pretty funny.
Looking at the clock herself she lets out a small sigh. She had another hour before she had to be into work at least today would be a short shift if they slowed down any. Watching her brother spring bored over the back of the couch she gives a laugh calling after him.
"You always have dibs on the shower first and than leave me with the cold water."
Shaking her head and giving another laugh Ryan stands and heads into the kitchen rooting around for some breakfast. Maybe she would make something for Eli this morning to take along his way as well. She hated when he left for work without eating.
Parking in the lot Hope slips out of her car starting to walk up the way. The last few days Scott had been doing pretty good and she had been happy of that. He was trying and that in itself was something great to see. It brought some hope that everything would be ok, and Scott was once again on the road to recovery.
Coming around the bend and see Scott now on the bench Hope's heart gave a small jump. He looked upset like something might be wrong. She new he would have bad days she only hoped one wouldn't have come so soon.
Getting to the bench Hope sits down next to Scott and gives him a small smile reaching her hand over to her and giving it a tiny squeeze.
"Hey there. How are you doing today?"
"Of course I stayed, thats what friends are for you know...to help when we need it. I'm sure you would of done the same fore me. Feeling any better?"
Bending over to grab her socks that had been kicked off sometime in the night Cassy slowly puts them on looking up at the clock once before back to Leo.
"It's a little after 8. I though maybe I could make us some breakfast if your feeling up to it."
Ryan gives a little shriek as she moves to the other end of the couch trying to get away from her brothers fingers that were treating to tickle her. Though she couldn't help laughing at the same time thinking her brother was pretty funny.
Looking at the clock herself she lets out a small sigh. She had another hour before she had to be into work at least today would be a short shift if they slowed down any. Watching her brother spring bored over the back of the couch she gives a laugh calling after him.
"You always have dibs on the shower first and than leave me with the cold water."
Shaking her head and giving another laugh Ryan stands and heads into the kitchen rooting around for some breakfast. Maybe she would make something for Eli this morning to take along his way as well. She hated when he left for work without eating.
Parking in the lot Hope slips out of her car starting to walk up the way. The last few days Scott had been doing pretty good and she had been happy of that. He was trying and that in itself was something great to see. It brought some hope that everything would be ok, and Scott was once again on the road to recovery.
Coming around the bend and see Scott now on the bench Hope's heart gave a small jump. He looked upset like something might be wrong. She new he would have bad days she only hoped one wouldn't have come so soon.
Getting to the bench Hope sits down next to Scott and gives him a small smile reaching her hand over to her and giving it a tiny squeeze.
"Hey there. How are you doing today?"
4/20/10
What about him?
Still half asleep, Leo opens one eye just a little bit to see that there is light in his room. He'd been in the middle of a dream... what had woken him? He feels the bed move, and for a moment, he wonders what on earth was with him in bed. Oh yes... Cassy had spent the night. Had she cared for him more? He thinks he remembers her bringing a cold cloth in the night. Thinking about it for a few seconds, he concludes that he didn't have a fever anymore, though he was very tired and a bit sore too.
Rolling over onto his back, he squints sleepily to see Cassy sitting on the edge of the bed. She really was something special to have stayed to make sure he was okay.
"I didn't expect you to really stay," he comments quietly, his voice hoarse and scratchy. "What time is it?"
"Ahhh!" Eli gives a holler and sits bolt upright as he's bombarded with popcorn. He had been sound asleep. Feeling the popcorn hit him and roll down his shirt had brought on images of some horrible creatures or insects, adding to his already-weird dream.
Spotting Ryan laughing with the popcorn bowl, his eyes narrow, though the corners of his mouth start to twitch as he tries to keep from smiling. "You twerp." Rubbing a hand over his face, he then eyes her skeptically. "Did you just call me lover boy?"
He gets up off the couch and moves towards her, threatening to tickle her or at least drag her onto the floor, but he stops and straightens quite abruptly. Reaching to his back, he does a little dance but is unsuccessful so finally he sheds his shirt, sending bits of popcorn onto the floor.
"Fine way to wake a man up," he complains, though humor dances in his eyes. "I'll have to warn Alec about that one. No more popcorn for you." He points a finger at her in a teasing warning. "What time is it anyway?"
Looking around for the clock, it's to his dismay that he finds he has very little time to make it to work. "Aww man!" Springing over the couch, he jogs down the hall. "Dibs on the shower!" he calls over his shoulder.
"So what is the goal?"
"To let go of my anger so I can deal with the Agency crap." Scott's eyes stay glued to the floor in Dr. Hawks' office. He hadn't run away from sessions the last couple days. Hope had brought Domino once and that had distracted him for a while. Fighting the data in his mind though had become almost constant and he was growing so tired of trying to conquer it. But if he let go for even a few moments, he could get trapped again, but a second time and there might not be a way out again. He was still here... still stuck... still miserable. But he knew he needed help getting back on his feet now. Maybe he'd known it all along and just hadn't wanted to admit it. But with this whole data thing, he knew he needed to do something about it. Unfortunately, in order to get there, he needed to quit being angry and scared of the data he was seeing so that he could adequately deflect it when it came to mind.
Dr. Hawks smirks at him a little. "Okay. I prefer to call it data, but we can call it crap if you want."
Scott's eyes rise to meet his. "I'm tired."
"I know. But what will happen if you don't work through this?"
"I'll die lonely and miserable in a mental institution somewhere, locked in a padded room."
"Well... yeah, you might." Dr. Hawks leans forward on his desk, folding his hands. The last few days had been typical. Scott wanted help but was scared and hurt. He wanted to hold onto his anger, which was keeping him from adjusting to any other problems he had. One thing that had been accomplished though, was with Hope's help, Scott was finally willing to share bits and pieces of his story, so Dr. Hawks could get a better grasp on what was going on. Aside from all that was the medical perspective, which showed Scott's declining health due to lack of eating. "Scott... do you want to get better? I mean... really want to?"
Scott shrugs. "Why wouldn't I? You think this if fun?"
"No, I think it's probably quite miserable. But sometimes we like the way anger feels. It doesn't make sense, but sometimes anger gives us a feeling of control. If we can stay angry, then someone can't hurt us as much - or so we think." Dr. Hawks cocks his head. "Sound familiar?"
Scott's gaze lowers again and he picks at the arm of the chair he was sitting in.
"Or maybe... it's not really the Agency you're angry with."
Scott pauses and eventually looks up once more. "Well it wasn't anybody else who tortured me and left me to rot."
Dr. Hawks sighs deeply and leans back in his chair, studying Scott. He'd learned a lot in the last couple days, about Scott's personality and the way he functioned. Maybe to some, it looked like they had gotten nowhere, but Dr. Hawks believed they had. "When someone wrongs you, what do you usually do?"
"Depends on what they do."
"Say they steal something from you."
"I tell them to give it back."
"And if they don't?"
"I call the cops, or arrest them myself, for that matter."
"What if they apologize?"
"I guess I'm supposed to forgive them."
"Do you?"
Scott thinks for a moment. "Eventually."
"What if they give back whatever they stole?"
"It's easier to forgive them."
"What if whatever it was got broken while in their possession?"
Scott purses his lips and shrugs. "I guess if it wasn't that important to me, it doesn't matter much. But if it was important, then I gotta see if they're really sorry."
"Before you forgive them, you mean?"
"I guess. I'm supposed to forgive them. Hard sometimes, but I try."
"What about the Agency?"
Scott grits his teeth. "I guess I just haven't gotten there yet."
Dr. Hawks studies his face. "Haven't you? If one of those men was brought in here and I left you two alone, what would you do?"
"Would he be armed?"
"No. He'd be in handcuffs at least, unable to fight. What would you do?"
Scott has to think about that one, imagining that scenario. He'd finally gotten to the point that he'd play along with Dr. Hawks. It made Hope smile when he told her they had a good session, so that was as good a reason as any. "I'd stare him straight in the eye and tell him to look at what he created. Then I'd tell him that I would hope he could live with himself, knowing what he'd done."
"You wouldn't beat him to a pulp?"
"I'd want to... but no."
"Why not?"
"Bigger impact not to, don't you think?"
"And in the end... would you have forgiven him?"
"I guess... kinda. There'd be some closure there. I could finally have the upper hand. I'd be the one in control, not him. He'd be the one at my mercy. And that would be enough for me to let it go."
"And move on?"
"Yeah."
Dr. Hawks opens his desk drawer and pulls out a mirror, pushing it across to Scott. "What about him?"
Scott glances down in the mirror, his jaw automatically tightening. He picks up the mirror for a moment and looks at his reflection. His face was thin... pale... his blind eye was a stark reminder of what had happened to him. His stomach tightens and he puts the mirror face-down on the desk. Looking back to Dr. Hawks, his eyes have a new, cold burn in them. "What about him?"
"Can you forgive him, too?"
"For what?" Scott's tone has become rigid.
"For not being able to protect himself."
Scott's leg bounces slightly before he stands up, pacing away from the desk. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Unfortunately, he'd just shown his hand, and Dr. Hawks knew it. "Yes you do, Scott. Where does the core of your anger lie? Is it really with the Agency? Or is it with yourself for allowing them to do to you what they did?"
There was no window to look out. Only pictures. Scott finds a painting to stare at, his back to Dr. Hawks. This conversation struck a little too close to home. Had he been aiming his anger in the wrong direction? Had he just been afraid to admit it?
Scott feels his defenses start to weaken as his emotions begin to churn. A brief flashback of his cell allows a piece of data to attach itself to a memory and try to pull his mind away from the subject at hand. Feeling it coming on, Scott tries to refocus, knowing he had to distract himself. "Who did this painting?"
Dr. Hawks lifts his eyebrows at the sudden change. "I'm... not sure. Why?"
"I like the colors... the blues and greens... it's pretty."
"Well, thank you. Does this... apply to our conversation?"
"No. I was just... commenting." A bead of sweat runs down the side of Scott's face. Had he thwarted the data's attempt? He thinks for a moment, satisfied that he was still lucid. Turning back to Dr. Hawks he wanders back to the chair and sits down again, slouching his shoulders. "I've always been weak."
"Didn't you have any training in the Elite?"
"Not much to start out. What's the tech guy gotta know? When I was on suspension, Gunner put me through some paces and I learned enough to get away if one or two tried to jump me but..." Scott shakes his head. "I just wasn't good enough to defend myself. I just... didn't have the strength."
"You're only human, Scott."
"I know!" Scott's hand balls into a fist as his anger flares. "But I shoulda done more. I... I should have."
"From what I hear, it was incredible that you made it out of there alive at all."
"Yeah, and look at me now."
"I am, and I see someone who just needs a little help finding the way up again, that's all."
"I need a padded room somewhere."
"I don't believe that." Dr. Hawks could feel his hold on Scott starting to slip. "What you do need is to forgive yourself. Once you can do that, anger will no longer have a foothold. But you have to decide to do it. It can't be me, it can't be Hope... this is something you have to do... inside. You have to let go."
...Scott sits on the bench alongside the walking path, elbows resting on his knees. A soft breeze blew the tree above him, while the sun tried to peek through the waving branches. But his soul was far less peaceful as he replays his session with Dr. Hawks. He'd walked out... first time in days. He just... had a hard time facing up to the fact that maybe this whole thing was because he was more angry at himself than anything. Was it true? It was hard enough to deal with that it would appear so.
Sitting back on the bench, he stuffs his hands in his hoodie pockets. Anyone else outside today would be in short sleeves. But it seemed he'd been more cold lately. Sighing, he glances down the path to the parking lot. Hope would be here soon.
Rolling over onto his back, he squints sleepily to see Cassy sitting on the edge of the bed. She really was something special to have stayed to make sure he was okay.
"I didn't expect you to really stay," he comments quietly, his voice hoarse and scratchy. "What time is it?"
"Ahhh!" Eli gives a holler and sits bolt upright as he's bombarded with popcorn. He had been sound asleep. Feeling the popcorn hit him and roll down his shirt had brought on images of some horrible creatures or insects, adding to his already-weird dream.
Spotting Ryan laughing with the popcorn bowl, his eyes narrow, though the corners of his mouth start to twitch as he tries to keep from smiling. "You twerp." Rubbing a hand over his face, he then eyes her skeptically. "Did you just call me lover boy?"
He gets up off the couch and moves towards her, threatening to tickle her or at least drag her onto the floor, but he stops and straightens quite abruptly. Reaching to his back, he does a little dance but is unsuccessful so finally he sheds his shirt, sending bits of popcorn onto the floor.
"Fine way to wake a man up," he complains, though humor dances in his eyes. "I'll have to warn Alec about that one. No more popcorn for you." He points a finger at her in a teasing warning. "What time is it anyway?"
Looking around for the clock, it's to his dismay that he finds he has very little time to make it to work. "Aww man!" Springing over the couch, he jogs down the hall. "Dibs on the shower!" he calls over his shoulder.
"So what is the goal?"
"To let go of my anger so I can deal with the Agency crap." Scott's eyes stay glued to the floor in Dr. Hawks' office. He hadn't run away from sessions the last couple days. Hope had brought Domino once and that had distracted him for a while. Fighting the data in his mind though had become almost constant and he was growing so tired of trying to conquer it. But if he let go for even a few moments, he could get trapped again, but a second time and there might not be a way out again. He was still here... still stuck... still miserable. But he knew he needed help getting back on his feet now. Maybe he'd known it all along and just hadn't wanted to admit it. But with this whole data thing, he knew he needed to do something about it. Unfortunately, in order to get there, he needed to quit being angry and scared of the data he was seeing so that he could adequately deflect it when it came to mind.
Dr. Hawks smirks at him a little. "Okay. I prefer to call it data, but we can call it crap if you want."
Scott's eyes rise to meet his. "I'm tired."
"I know. But what will happen if you don't work through this?"
"I'll die lonely and miserable in a mental institution somewhere, locked in a padded room."
"Well... yeah, you might." Dr. Hawks leans forward on his desk, folding his hands. The last few days had been typical. Scott wanted help but was scared and hurt. He wanted to hold onto his anger, which was keeping him from adjusting to any other problems he had. One thing that had been accomplished though, was with Hope's help, Scott was finally willing to share bits and pieces of his story, so Dr. Hawks could get a better grasp on what was going on. Aside from all that was the medical perspective, which showed Scott's declining health due to lack of eating. "Scott... do you want to get better? I mean... really want to?"
Scott shrugs. "Why wouldn't I? You think this if fun?"
"No, I think it's probably quite miserable. But sometimes we like the way anger feels. It doesn't make sense, but sometimes anger gives us a feeling of control. If we can stay angry, then someone can't hurt us as much - or so we think." Dr. Hawks cocks his head. "Sound familiar?"
Scott's gaze lowers again and he picks at the arm of the chair he was sitting in.
"Or maybe... it's not really the Agency you're angry with."
Scott pauses and eventually looks up once more. "Well it wasn't anybody else who tortured me and left me to rot."
Dr. Hawks sighs deeply and leans back in his chair, studying Scott. He'd learned a lot in the last couple days, about Scott's personality and the way he functioned. Maybe to some, it looked like they had gotten nowhere, but Dr. Hawks believed they had. "When someone wrongs you, what do you usually do?"
"Depends on what they do."
"Say they steal something from you."
"I tell them to give it back."
"And if they don't?"
"I call the cops, or arrest them myself, for that matter."
"What if they apologize?"
"I guess I'm supposed to forgive them."
"Do you?"
Scott thinks for a moment. "Eventually."
"What if they give back whatever they stole?"
"It's easier to forgive them."
"What if whatever it was got broken while in their possession?"
Scott purses his lips and shrugs. "I guess if it wasn't that important to me, it doesn't matter much. But if it was important, then I gotta see if they're really sorry."
"Before you forgive them, you mean?"
"I guess. I'm supposed to forgive them. Hard sometimes, but I try."
"What about the Agency?"
Scott grits his teeth. "I guess I just haven't gotten there yet."
Dr. Hawks studies his face. "Haven't you? If one of those men was brought in here and I left you two alone, what would you do?"
"Would he be armed?"
"No. He'd be in handcuffs at least, unable to fight. What would you do?"
Scott has to think about that one, imagining that scenario. He'd finally gotten to the point that he'd play along with Dr. Hawks. It made Hope smile when he told her they had a good session, so that was as good a reason as any. "I'd stare him straight in the eye and tell him to look at what he created. Then I'd tell him that I would hope he could live with himself, knowing what he'd done."
"You wouldn't beat him to a pulp?"
"I'd want to... but no."
"Why not?"
"Bigger impact not to, don't you think?"
"And in the end... would you have forgiven him?"
"I guess... kinda. There'd be some closure there. I could finally have the upper hand. I'd be the one in control, not him. He'd be the one at my mercy. And that would be enough for me to let it go."
"And move on?"
"Yeah."
Dr. Hawks opens his desk drawer and pulls out a mirror, pushing it across to Scott. "What about him?"
Scott glances down in the mirror, his jaw automatically tightening. He picks up the mirror for a moment and looks at his reflection. His face was thin... pale... his blind eye was a stark reminder of what had happened to him. His stomach tightens and he puts the mirror face-down on the desk. Looking back to Dr. Hawks, his eyes have a new, cold burn in them. "What about him?"
"Can you forgive him, too?"
"For what?" Scott's tone has become rigid.
"For not being able to protect himself."
Scott's leg bounces slightly before he stands up, pacing away from the desk. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Unfortunately, he'd just shown his hand, and Dr. Hawks knew it. "Yes you do, Scott. Where does the core of your anger lie? Is it really with the Agency? Or is it with yourself for allowing them to do to you what they did?"
There was no window to look out. Only pictures. Scott finds a painting to stare at, his back to Dr. Hawks. This conversation struck a little too close to home. Had he been aiming his anger in the wrong direction? Had he just been afraid to admit it?
Scott feels his defenses start to weaken as his emotions begin to churn. A brief flashback of his cell allows a piece of data to attach itself to a memory and try to pull his mind away from the subject at hand. Feeling it coming on, Scott tries to refocus, knowing he had to distract himself. "Who did this painting?"
Dr. Hawks lifts his eyebrows at the sudden change. "I'm... not sure. Why?"
"I like the colors... the blues and greens... it's pretty."
"Well, thank you. Does this... apply to our conversation?"
"No. I was just... commenting." A bead of sweat runs down the side of Scott's face. Had he thwarted the data's attempt? He thinks for a moment, satisfied that he was still lucid. Turning back to Dr. Hawks he wanders back to the chair and sits down again, slouching his shoulders. "I've always been weak."
"Didn't you have any training in the Elite?"
"Not much to start out. What's the tech guy gotta know? When I was on suspension, Gunner put me through some paces and I learned enough to get away if one or two tried to jump me but..." Scott shakes his head. "I just wasn't good enough to defend myself. I just... didn't have the strength."
"You're only human, Scott."
"I know!" Scott's hand balls into a fist as his anger flares. "But I shoulda done more. I... I should have."
"From what I hear, it was incredible that you made it out of there alive at all."
"Yeah, and look at me now."
"I am, and I see someone who just needs a little help finding the way up again, that's all."
"I need a padded room somewhere."
"I don't believe that." Dr. Hawks could feel his hold on Scott starting to slip. "What you do need is to forgive yourself. Once you can do that, anger will no longer have a foothold. But you have to decide to do it. It can't be me, it can't be Hope... this is something you have to do... inside. You have to let go."
...Scott sits on the bench alongside the walking path, elbows resting on his knees. A soft breeze blew the tree above him, while the sun tried to peek through the waving branches. But his soul was far less peaceful as he replays his session with Dr. Hawks. He'd walked out... first time in days. He just... had a hard time facing up to the fact that maybe this whole thing was because he was more angry at himself than anything. Was it true? It was hard enough to deal with that it would appear so.
Sitting back on the bench, he stuffs his hands in his hoodie pockets. Anyone else outside today would be in short sleeves. But it seemed he'd been more cold lately. Sighing, he glances down the path to the parking lot. Hope would be here soon.
4/19/10
Lover Boy
Soon even to Cassy the tv started to drown out as her eyes became heavy, finally closing a smile on her lips, and her arm still around Leo.
Only once in the night did Cassy wake feeling Leo was burning up again. Gently getting out of the best and going to the bathroom to grab a cool cloth for his head. Sitting on the edge of the bed with Leo till the fever broke Cassy soon crawled back into the bed behind him draping her arm over his side drifting off to sleep again.
As the sun peeked through the widow Cassy shifts in bed just a little. Realizing her arm was over a body she freeze for a second almost forgetting where she was. Remembering finally that she had spend the night with Leo to keep an eye on him she relaxes again.
"Good Morning!"
Cassy whispers. Finally shifting on the bed softly as to not wake Leo Cassy swings her legs over the edge of the bed just sitting there for a long moment before stretching her arms up. After she woke up a little more maybe she would make some breakfast for Leo and herself. That would be something nice to do.
Shifting her weight and squinting her eyes at the sun that shone right in the window onto the couch Ryan gave a stretch but was constricted just a little on the couch. Opening her eyes more and seeing Eli a grin forms no her face. They must have been exhausted to have passed out here.
Spying the bowl of popcorn that some how didnt end on the floor all over the place Ryan's grin grows even more. Taking a handful she takes aim before letting it go all over Eli, in his face, hair down his shirt. A laugh followed as she gasped for air talking.
"Rise and Shin Lover Boy!"
Only once in the night did Cassy wake feeling Leo was burning up again. Gently getting out of the best and going to the bathroom to grab a cool cloth for his head. Sitting on the edge of the bed with Leo till the fever broke Cassy soon crawled back into the bed behind him draping her arm over his side drifting off to sleep again.
As the sun peeked through the widow Cassy shifts in bed just a little. Realizing her arm was over a body she freeze for a second almost forgetting where she was. Remembering finally that she had spend the night with Leo to keep an eye on him she relaxes again.
"Good Morning!"
Cassy whispers. Finally shifting on the bed softly as to not wake Leo Cassy swings her legs over the edge of the bed just sitting there for a long moment before stretching her arms up. After she woke up a little more maybe she would make some breakfast for Leo and herself. That would be something nice to do.
Shifting her weight and squinting her eyes at the sun that shone right in the window onto the couch Ryan gave a stretch but was constricted just a little on the couch. Opening her eyes more and seeing Eli a grin forms no her face. They must have been exhausted to have passed out here.
Spying the bowl of popcorn that some how didnt end on the floor all over the place Ryan's grin grows even more. Taking a handful she takes aim before letting it go all over Eli, in his face, hair down his shirt. A laugh followed as she gasped for air talking.
"Rise and Shin Lover Boy!"
In honor of
"Kiss kiss? You kidding me?" Eli takes a handful of popcorn, not minding a bit if Ryan snuggled in behind him. He'd called her a foot-warmer before and wouldn't be afraid to do it again.
Even with his statement of distaste though, he's already changing the channel from where he'd had it. It had, in fact, turned out to be a romance movie, but he wasn't about to tell Ryan that. "Ahh, here we go." He turns up the volume a little, settling on a different channel. "How about a good ol' shoot 'em up western? In honor of Pops."
Leo makes himself comfortable next to Cassy, too sick to mind her staying with him for the night. Tilting his head so he can see the tv, it was fun watching the old shows. They're funny enough that they start him laughing and he can't fall asleep just yet. His head hurt when he laughed, but the shows were too funny not to laugh, and finding the humor along with Cassy made it even more fun.
Eventually though, his tiredness finally wins out and he falls to sleep to the sounds of canned laughter from I Love Lucy. Somewhere in the night, he feels himself burning up again, but this time there's someone there to help him through and bring the cool cloth for his head. By the time the morning light is starting to peek around the curtains in his room, his fever had finally broken, and he was sleeping peacefully.
Even with his statement of distaste though, he's already changing the channel from where he'd had it. It had, in fact, turned out to be a romance movie, but he wasn't about to tell Ryan that. "Ahh, here we go." He turns up the volume a little, settling on a different channel. "How about a good ol' shoot 'em up western? In honor of Pops."
Leo makes himself comfortable next to Cassy, too sick to mind her staying with him for the night. Tilting his head so he can see the tv, it was fun watching the old shows. They're funny enough that they start him laughing and he can't fall asleep just yet. His head hurt when he laughed, but the shows were too funny not to laugh, and finding the humor along with Cassy made it even more fun.
Eventually though, his tiredness finally wins out and he falls to sleep to the sounds of canned laughter from I Love Lucy. Somewhere in the night, he feels himself burning up again, but this time there's someone there to help him through and bring the cool cloth for his head. By the time the morning light is starting to peek around the curtains in his room, his fever had finally broken, and he was sleeping peacefully.
4/18/10
Alone
"Ha, I'll make you clean it up for...for...well just because."
Giving another laugh at Eli sits up Ryan couldn't help it. Teasing him was sometimes the best part of having him here.
Watching as he curls to the other end of the couch she stands heading into the kitchen to ready some popcorn. Back in only a few short moments the aroma of popcorn follows with the big red bowl in hand.
Sitting close to Eli Ryan hands him the bowl so she can curl up next to him behind where his legs were folded and lean her arm on his hip. She didn't mind curling up with her brother he was rather comfortable and being the youngest that made it her right.
"Ok...did you find something and it better not be all kiss kiss."
Giving a small chuckle at Leo Cassy leans her head against his for a moment and gives him a slight squeeze. She made a good pillow...at least she made a good something.
"Ok lets see what else is on tv than."
Picking up the remote Cassy flips through the channels till finally landing on not a movie but tv land with all the old black and white shows. Snuggling a little father down in the bed herself Cassy props her head up to watch tv. This was nice, just having a friend there, and not being alone.
Giving another laugh at Eli sits up Ryan couldn't help it. Teasing him was sometimes the best part of having him here.
Watching as he curls to the other end of the couch she stands heading into the kitchen to ready some popcorn. Back in only a few short moments the aroma of popcorn follows with the big red bowl in hand.
Sitting close to Eli Ryan hands him the bowl so she can curl up next to him behind where his legs were folded and lean her arm on his hip. She didn't mind curling up with her brother he was rather comfortable and being the youngest that made it her right.
"Ok...did you find something and it better not be all kiss kiss."
Giving a small chuckle at Leo Cassy leans her head against his for a moment and gives him a slight squeeze. She made a good pillow...at least she made a good something.
"Ok lets see what else is on tv than."
Picking up the remote Cassy flips through the channels till finally landing on not a movie but tv land with all the old black and white shows. Snuggling a little father down in the bed herself Cassy props her head up to watch tv. This was nice, just having a friend there, and not being alone.
Nurse
Eli laughs and sits up on his own, opting not to be too much of a pain. "Okay. And yes, you can throw popcorn at me, but you have to clean it up."
Curling up into the corner of the couch, he flips on the television to search for whatever movie it was that he'd seen advertised.
Leo gives Cassy another sleepy grin. "If you get up to get me some soup, I lose my pillow." Yawning again, he slides down just a little further under the blankets, feeling chilled again. "Find a movie on tv and I might stay awake long enough to fall asleep somewhere in the middle. But if I do, stay wherever you want to, okay?"
His hand finds hers to give it a little pat. "You're a good nurse, and don't let anybody tell you otherwise. If you stay though, ignore any messes you see. I think I have a lot of them."
Curling up into the corner of the couch, he flips on the television to search for whatever movie it was that he'd seen advertised.
Leo gives Cassy another sleepy grin. "If you get up to get me some soup, I lose my pillow." Yawning again, he slides down just a little further under the blankets, feeling chilled again. "Find a movie on tv and I might stay awake long enough to fall asleep somewhere in the middle. But if I do, stay wherever you want to, okay?"
His hand finds hers to give it a little pat. "You're a good nurse, and don't let anybody tell you otherwise. If you stay though, ignore any messes you see. I think I have a lot of them."
warm
Ryan grins again shaking her head at her brother and handing the remote to him. She liked spending time with her brother. Even if sometimes he did get on her nerves it never lasted long, and she never let it linger. She cherished this time with him to much.
"And I get to throw the popcorn at you right?"
Bringing her hand to Eli's hair and gives it a ruffle before leaning down and planting a big kiss on his for head.
"Just find the movie you goober."
Giving a soft smile Cassy continues to look at Leo. Just friends had been a disappointment to her at fist but now, she was happy they at least had that, even if it was a little awkward still, it really was better than not having a friend at all.
"Mmmm..I think I will take up your couch for the night. I think I need a reason to get up though. It's so warm right here."
And it was having half of Leo laying on her send a warmth through her. It was just nice having someone close, someone to talk to, it felt good to just know he was there.
"Would you like some more tea or soup before you pass out for the night? Maybe another movie if you can stay awake."
"And I get to throw the popcorn at you right?"
Bringing her hand to Eli's hair and gives it a ruffle before leaning down and planting a big kiss on his for head.
"Just find the movie you goober."
Giving a soft smile Cassy continues to look at Leo. Just friends had been a disappointment to her at fist but now, she was happy they at least had that, even if it was a little awkward still, it really was better than not having a friend at all.
"Mmmm..I think I will take up your couch for the night. I think I need a reason to get up though. It's so warm right here."
And it was having half of Leo laying on her send a warmth through her. It was just nice having someone close, someone to talk to, it felt good to just know he was there.
"Would you like some more tea or soup before you pass out for the night? Maybe another movie if you can stay awake."
Comfy
Eli laughs even though he'd just been whacked on the head. "Okay... I promise not to break anything... for now."
Reaching over, he grabs the remote control, leaving his head in Ryan's lap just to see how long it would take for her to throw him off. "How should I know what movie it is? I just know something's on. If it ends up being too cheesy, we can at least pop some popcorn and enjoy it anyway."
Leo closes his eyes and shakes his head. "I don't think you could outstay your welcome even if you tried, Cassy." He pats her arm. "It just isn't in you."
Rubbing his eyes, he yawns again before looking back up at Cassy. "If you don't wanna go, you don't have to. Really. Your company has been nice." It wasn't just him being sick that made him say it. Cassy really had made the day more bearable. He'd never have asked her to come, first because he wouldn't want to put her out, and two, because the whole "just friends" thing was just still a bit awkward at the moment. But she'd come all on her own... she'd fed him, nursed him and kept him company. If she was comfortable here, he wouldn't ask her to leave.
Leo searches her gaze for just a moment. How lonely she must feel. He'd been feeling sorry for his own self after not having Ryan anymore. But Cassy had had even more with Steve, so in a way, her loss had probably been greater. He wouldn't want to go home to an empty apartment either. He knew Steve hadn't lived with her, but he did know they'd spent an awful lot of time together. How quiet her place must seem to her.
"The couch is comfy," he adds. "I mean if... if you really didn't wanna go."
Reaching over, he grabs the remote control, leaving his head in Ryan's lap just to see how long it would take for her to throw him off. "How should I know what movie it is? I just know something's on. If it ends up being too cheesy, we can at least pop some popcorn and enjoy it anyway."
Leo closes his eyes and shakes his head. "I don't think you could outstay your welcome even if you tried, Cassy." He pats her arm. "It just isn't in you."
Rubbing his eyes, he yawns again before looking back up at Cassy. "If you don't wanna go, you don't have to. Really. Your company has been nice." It wasn't just him being sick that made him say it. Cassy really had made the day more bearable. He'd never have asked her to come, first because he wouldn't want to put her out, and two, because the whole "just friends" thing was just still a bit awkward at the moment. But she'd come all on her own... she'd fed him, nursed him and kept him company. If she was comfortable here, he wouldn't ask her to leave.
Leo searches her gaze for just a moment. How lonely she must feel. He'd been feeling sorry for his own self after not having Ryan anymore. But Cassy had had even more with Steve, so in a way, her loss had probably been greater. He wouldn't want to go home to an empty apartment either. He knew Steve hadn't lived with her, but he did know they'd spent an awful lot of time together. How quiet her place must seem to her.
"The couch is comfy," he adds. "I mean if... if you really didn't wanna go."
Overstay
Shifting just a little Cassy had been in and out of dozing off herself after the movie had ended. She was so comfortable and she didn't want to wake Leo so continuing to sit there had been the best option.
"Mmm...I'm comfortable so if you don't want to you don't have to, I have no problem with it. I'd rather spend time with my friend than go home to an empty house anyways."
Cocking her head a little to look down into Leo eyes Cassy's sparkle a little. She really was that warm and comfortable. The thought of going out into the cold sounded horrible, but she new maybe she had to.
"I guess I should go though so I don't over stay my welcome huh?"
Ryan gives a smile at her brother, she liked he valued what she thought even if he was the older one. It just simply felt nice that they could ask each other anything and get there honest opinion on it. She'd been with out it for far to long, and it took having Eli back for her to realize how much she had missed it.
About to say something else Ryan stops as her brother jumps onto the couch. Feeling everything shake and the lamp on the table about to topple Ryan's eyes grow bigger than they were before.
Looking down at Eli Ryan's own eyes dance with a little humor to show she wasn't upset with him, but giving him a wack to the top of the head anyways she shakes her head.
"If you think maybe you can not tare the apartment down than yes, I'll watch the movie with you. What one is it anyways?"
"Mmm...I'm comfortable so if you don't want to you don't have to, I have no problem with it. I'd rather spend time with my friend than go home to an empty house anyways."
Cocking her head a little to look down into Leo eyes Cassy's sparkle a little. She really was that warm and comfortable. The thought of going out into the cold sounded horrible, but she new maybe she had to.
"I guess I should go though so I don't over stay my welcome huh?"
Ryan gives a smile at her brother, she liked he valued what she thought even if he was the older one. It just simply felt nice that they could ask each other anything and get there honest opinion on it. She'd been with out it for far to long, and it took having Eli back for her to realize how much she had missed it.
About to say something else Ryan stops as her brother jumps onto the couch. Feeling everything shake and the lamp on the table about to topple Ryan's eyes grow bigger than they were before.
Looking down at Eli Ryan's own eyes dance with a little humor to show she wasn't upset with him, but giving him a wack to the top of the head anyways she shakes her head.
"If you think maybe you can not tare the apartment down than yes, I'll watch the movie with you. What one is it anyways?"
Five minutes
Eli listens to Ryan intently. Even if he was older, he respected her opinion, especially when it came to the subject of women. After all, she should know better than he.
He hadn't thought about Scarlet having a past. Maybe that's where her tough-chick attitude came from. Or she could have been born with it too. He sighs once more. Was he determined enough to figure her out rather than just letting the whole thing go?
"Yeah, she's something alright." He grins a little. "Determined, I'll give her that. Does a lot for the ol' ego... And you know I need that." Still grinning, he throws Ryan a wink. "Thanks... gives me some more to think about." He laughs and sits up straighter to finally take off his jacket. "I guess I'll try to figure out what my conclusion is by the time i get her bike done. But for now..."
Standing up, he kicks off his boots and takes a couple steps to the couch before cannonballing himself onto the the cushion next to Ryan. The whole couch shakes and the lamp on the end table rattles and threatens to fall to the floor. Bouncing around, Eli winds up with his legs hanging over the armrest and his head in Ryan's lap, looking up at her and batting his eyes. "There's a movie on in five minutes. Wanna watch it?"
Leo opens his eyes slowly, realizing that the movie he and Cassy had been watching was over... and probably for quite a while. Yawning, he shifts a little, his fever not gone, but having gone down a little bit. Then he feels Cassy still next to him. She'd stayed all this time?
Turning his head that's still resting on her arm, he gives her a sleepy, sheepish grin. "Hi. I suppose I should let you go home now, huh?"
He hadn't thought about Scarlet having a past. Maybe that's where her tough-chick attitude came from. Or she could have been born with it too. He sighs once more. Was he determined enough to figure her out rather than just letting the whole thing go?
"Yeah, she's something alright." He grins a little. "Determined, I'll give her that. Does a lot for the ol' ego... And you know I need that." Still grinning, he throws Ryan a wink. "Thanks... gives me some more to think about." He laughs and sits up straighter to finally take off his jacket. "I guess I'll try to figure out what my conclusion is by the time i get her bike done. But for now..."
Standing up, he kicks off his boots and takes a couple steps to the couch before cannonballing himself onto the the cushion next to Ryan. The whole couch shakes and the lamp on the end table rattles and threatens to fall to the floor. Bouncing around, Eli winds up with his legs hanging over the armrest and his head in Ryan's lap, looking up at her and batting his eyes. "There's a movie on in five minutes. Wanna watch it?"
Leo opens his eyes slowly, realizing that the movie he and Cassy had been watching was over... and probably for quite a while. Yawning, he shifts a little, his fever not gone, but having gone down a little bit. Then he feels Cassy still next to him. She'd stayed all this time?
Turning his head that's still resting on her arm, he gives her a sleepy, sheepish grin. "Hi. I suppose I should let you go home now, huh?"
Maybe
Continuing to look at her brother Ryan listens closely. It was odd him saying he didnt have a woman figured out. As far as she could remember he always said he new what this woman wanted, and what that woman wanted...now to see the confusion in his eyes was off it was a bit odd, and a tiny bit humors though she wouldn't tell Eli that.
"Because she probley does need someone to hold her hand because she is lonely."
Ryan rolls on her back looking up at the ceiling not saying anything again for a long second as she just thinks. It was often hard to talk about her own feelings let alone a woman she didnt even know. Everything was just speculation a guess on how she might be feeling.
"The world shapes us into who we are. Every day, every conversation or action we take molds us. And sometimes as we both know life can be...not so nice to us. Maybe she is strong, but I am sure she does not think she has everything figured out. Its possible she has that outside shell to protect herself from something, and she might always have it..."
Putting the pillow down that she was holding again Ryan sits up at the couch pulling her legs up to sit Indian style facing her brother again the pillow in lap now, for some reason she just couldn't sit still.
"...I think she'd have to find you pretty special or trust worthy to show you past the shell. I guess the bigger question is do you have the determination to go beyond the shell and get to see more. She must be something to have you in such deep thought even if there is a warning sign there."
"Because she probley does need someone to hold her hand because she is lonely."
Ryan rolls on her back looking up at the ceiling not saying anything again for a long second as she just thinks. It was often hard to talk about her own feelings let alone a woman she didnt even know. Everything was just speculation a guess on how she might be feeling.
"The world shapes us into who we are. Every day, every conversation or action we take molds us. And sometimes as we both know life can be...not so nice to us. Maybe she is strong, but I am sure she does not think she has everything figured out. Its possible she has that outside shell to protect herself from something, and she might always have it..."
Putting the pillow down that she was holding again Ryan sits up at the couch pulling her legs up to sit Indian style facing her brother again the pillow in lap now, for some reason she just couldn't sit still.
"...I think she'd have to find you pretty special or trust worthy to show you past the shell. I guess the bigger question is do you have the determination to go beyond the shell and get to see more. She must be something to have you in such deep thought even if there is a warning sign there."
TLC
A little grin appears on Eli's face. Ryan could read him so well, even after their years apart. There were just some things that only siblings shared.
The fact that his expression reminded her of their father sends a little pang to his heart. Would his father be proud of him now? He wondered.
"Mmm... yeah, I'm okay." He chuckles. "I guess that leaves thinking too hard."
Slinking down a little more in his chair, his shoulders slouch and he still hasn't bothered to take off his jacket or boots. His eyes wander to his sister, knowing she wouldn't let him go this easily. Her and her big cute eyes looking back at him, open to hear his explanation of why he'd come in so dismally.
"Remember the other night... when I said I didn't have a date, but I wound up with that girl who wanted a paint job on her bike? Well... we went out again today for lunch when she brought in her bike." Eli shrugs lamely. "I don't know. She's... different."
He gives Ryan a sheepish grin. "Yeah. Me not being able to figure out a woman. I guess it bothers me for some reason. One minute I think she's got no business wanting a man 'cause she's got the world figured out and knows how to get whatever she wants. Bold-headed, gutsy... got a good head on he shoulders. Then the next minute I see a woman who wants some good ol' TLC, almost like she's lonely and wants to hold someone's hand."
Eli sighs and shrugs again. "She wants to date me... steady-like, ya know. I'm just not so sure."
The fact that his expression reminded her of their father sends a little pang to his heart. Would his father be proud of him now? He wondered.
"Mmm... yeah, I'm okay." He chuckles. "I guess that leaves thinking too hard."
Slinking down a little more in his chair, his shoulders slouch and he still hasn't bothered to take off his jacket or boots. His eyes wander to his sister, knowing she wouldn't let him go this easily. Her and her big cute eyes looking back at him, open to hear his explanation of why he'd come in so dismally.
"Remember the other night... when I said I didn't have a date, but I wound up with that girl who wanted a paint job on her bike? Well... we went out again today for lunch when she brought in her bike." Eli shrugs lamely. "I don't know. She's... different."
He gives Ryan a sheepish grin. "Yeah. Me not being able to figure out a woman. I guess it bothers me for some reason. One minute I think she's got no business wanting a man 'cause she's got the world figured out and knows how to get whatever she wants. Bold-headed, gutsy... got a good head on he shoulders. Then the next minute I see a woman who wants some good ol' TLC, almost like she's lonely and wants to hold someone's hand."
Eli sighs and shrugs again. "She wants to date me... steady-like, ya know. I'm just not so sure."
Same look
Holding a shocked look on her face Katie looks between Carson and Jason though her eyes, and her emotions said other wise she played it out anyways.
"Why I never...ornery...ornery...I...You better watch it mister or I'll sick that wife of yours on you."
Finally Katie's lips turn into a smile from the shocked stage as she chuckled. The bantering back and forth was fun and it had been so long. Hearing Jason's order Katie new he was trying to stear away from the topic before they never got there food and she couldn't help but pull on Jason's silly emotions.
Turning her attachen back to him full after Carson walked away Katie gave him a smile letting her warm emotions flow to him and tug on his own. Her eyes twinkled as she looked back across the table at the man she loved so much.
"Because I am more cute, and sweet than ornery, and even in the time when I am you think it makes me look cuter."
Katie gives a laugh her smile still beaming on her face.
Hearing the front door open Ryan wasn't alarmed. It was ether Alec witch he doubted because Rick had yet let him walk on it, or it was her brother. Anyone else would be stupid to enter her house with out her permission.
Finally moving her head away from the tv as Eli comes into the living room sooner than normal Ryan just looks at him for a long moment. He looked tired, but something else looked on his mind and the tone of his voice seemed to match. He always had this cretin expression when he was thinking a little to much about something.
"Hey, well..I worked, talked to Leo yesterday a little and didn't see him today. Darrel said he called in sick. Didn't get a chanse to see Alec because work was swamped and I only got home about ten minutes ago myself. but I called him and he's doing ok, though he is driving rick batty and its kind of funny. Oh and I have a race tomorrow night."
Taking a deep breath Ryan looks away from Eli at the tv for a moment. Though she had just giving him the whole run down and it sounded like a lot she said it all in one breath witch mean all in all it was a pretty boring day.
Turning off the tv and looking back to Eli again she studys his face for a moment. Shifting on the couch so she was laying on her tummy and her chin rested in her hands Ryan just looks at him for a long moment before finally saying anything.
"Alright I know somethings up by the look on your face. Its the same one Pops use to get when something was wrong or he was thinking to hard. Are you ok?"
"Why I never...ornery...ornery...I...You better watch it mister or I'll sick that wife of yours on you."
Finally Katie's lips turn into a smile from the shocked stage as she chuckled. The bantering back and forth was fun and it had been so long. Hearing Jason's order Katie new he was trying to stear away from the topic before they never got there food and she couldn't help but pull on Jason's silly emotions.
Turning her attachen back to him full after Carson walked away Katie gave him a smile letting her warm emotions flow to him and tug on his own. Her eyes twinkled as she looked back across the table at the man she loved so much.
"Because I am more cute, and sweet than ornery, and even in the time when I am you think it makes me look cuter."
Katie gives a laugh her smile still beaming on her face.
Hearing the front door open Ryan wasn't alarmed. It was ether Alec witch he doubted because Rick had yet let him walk on it, or it was her brother. Anyone else would be stupid to enter her house with out her permission.
Finally moving her head away from the tv as Eli comes into the living room sooner than normal Ryan just looks at him for a long moment. He looked tired, but something else looked on his mind and the tone of his voice seemed to match. He always had this cretin expression when he was thinking a little to much about something.
"Hey, well..I worked, talked to Leo yesterday a little and didn't see him today. Darrel said he called in sick. Didn't get a chanse to see Alec because work was swamped and I only got home about ten minutes ago myself. but I called him and he's doing ok, though he is driving rick batty and its kind of funny. Oh and I have a race tomorrow night."
Taking a deep breath Ryan looks away from Eli at the tv for a moment. Though she had just giving him the whole run down and it sounded like a lot she said it all in one breath witch mean all in all it was a pretty boring day.
Turning off the tv and looking back to Eli again she studys his face for a moment. Shifting on the couch so she was laying on her tummy and her chin rested in her hands Ryan just looks at him for a long moment before finally saying anything.
"Alright I know somethings up by the look on your face. Its the same one Pops use to get when something was wrong or he was thinking to hard. Are you ok?"
Ornery
"Chicken parm, okay..." Carson doesn't need to write it down, and waits for Jason's order, though Katie's teasing brings his eyes back to her. A grin sneaks across his lips. "You didn't used to be so mean, you know that?" He looks to Jason. "What are you teaching her?"
"Hey, don't look at me!" Jason holds up his hands. "She's ornery all on her own, trust me."
Carson chuckles. "Why is it the ornery ones we fall for, ay?"
"I have absolutely no idea." Jason knew he better swing this conversation around before it was an all-out teasing war. "But I do know that I want the meatball sub for lunch."
"You got it."
Watching Carson walk away, Jason's gaze drifts back to Katie. "Why did I fall for someone so ornery, hmmm?"
Eli takes off his mask and glasses, surveying his work of sanding before putting things away for the night. He was the last one out of the shop - he'd worked late, not really wanting to go home yet. This kind of work... he could get lost in it. It's where his mind could wander. He could turn up the music, and just let everything go when he had a paint job in front of him. He'd let his craft go at one time, too wrapped up in making money and gambling most of it away. Now though... now he'd renewed his love for the art and wasn't willing to let it go again just yet.
He takes one last look at Scarlet's bike before shutting out the lights and locking the garage doors. He'd be able to start painting it later tomorrow and he already had a pretty good idea of what he wanted to do.
Heading home, Eli takes his time, riding more slowly than normal. His mind wandered through the day's events, including his luncheon with Scarlet. There was something about her that intrigued him and drew him in. She could turn any man's head and had certainly turned his with her looks, those eyes and that smile. Yet at the same time, there was some feeling Eli got when around her - sometimes she almost seemed too bold, then when he looked into her eyes, he saw a timidness that begged him just to hold her. Sometimes she almost intimidated him with her confidence and even her occupation. But at the same time, she was seeking out his attention. Eli couldn't deny the fact that he liked women. But they didn't usually confuse him like this. He just wasn't sure what to do with it.
Arriving back home, he parks and heads inside the apartment. Seeing Ryan in the living room in front of the television, his normal routine would be to kick off his boots, throw his jacket somewhere, grab a beer and join her. Tonight though, he simply wanders into the living room, easing down in the overstuffed chair. Taking off his gloves, he yawns. "Hey, Speedy." His tone wasn't quite as chipper tonight - maybe he was just tired. "What have you been up to all day?"
"Hey, don't look at me!" Jason holds up his hands. "She's ornery all on her own, trust me."
Carson chuckles. "Why is it the ornery ones we fall for, ay?"
"I have absolutely no idea." Jason knew he better swing this conversation around before it was an all-out teasing war. "But I do know that I want the meatball sub for lunch."
"You got it."
Watching Carson walk away, Jason's gaze drifts back to Katie. "Why did I fall for someone so ornery, hmmm?"
Eli takes off his mask and glasses, surveying his work of sanding before putting things away for the night. He was the last one out of the shop - he'd worked late, not really wanting to go home yet. This kind of work... he could get lost in it. It's where his mind could wander. He could turn up the music, and just let everything go when he had a paint job in front of him. He'd let his craft go at one time, too wrapped up in making money and gambling most of it away. Now though... now he'd renewed his love for the art and wasn't willing to let it go again just yet.
He takes one last look at Scarlet's bike before shutting out the lights and locking the garage doors. He'd be able to start painting it later tomorrow and he already had a pretty good idea of what he wanted to do.
Heading home, Eli takes his time, riding more slowly than normal. His mind wandered through the day's events, including his luncheon with Scarlet. There was something about her that intrigued him and drew him in. She could turn any man's head and had certainly turned his with her looks, those eyes and that smile. Yet at the same time, there was some feeling Eli got when around her - sometimes she almost seemed too bold, then when he looked into her eyes, he saw a timidness that begged him just to hold her. Sometimes she almost intimidated him with her confidence and even her occupation. But at the same time, she was seeking out his attention. Eli couldn't deny the fact that he liked women. But they didn't usually confuse him like this. He just wasn't sure what to do with it.
Arriving back home, he parks and heads inside the apartment. Seeing Ryan in the living room in front of the television, his normal routine would be to kick off his boots, throw his jacket somewhere, grab a beer and join her. Tonight though, he simply wanders into the living room, easing down in the overstuffed chair. Taking off his gloves, he yawns. "Hey, Speedy." His tone wasn't quite as chipper tonight - maybe he was just tired. "What have you been up to all day?"
4/17/10
Lovey Dove
Finally finding a movie they both wanted to watch Cassy moves one of the pillows up a little more on the bed so she could lean on it too. Keeping her arm around Leo with his head on her she felt more than comfortable.
As the move played on she could feel Leo's head droop into her a little more telling her he was comfortable enough to sleep. That was a good thing. Feeling his head was warm once again Cassy didn't want to move to much and wake him so her slid down on the bed a little more herself but not to much her arm still tucked nicely behind Leo. Pulling the blankets up a little more to his chin to keep him warm and break the fever. In a little while she would get up and get another cloth for his head, but for now she just wanted him to rest.
Shaking her head at Carson Katie can't help but laugh. It had become so normal to them she often forgot sometimes other people could tell who new them by there faces if they were talking or not. She found it a little funny sometimes.
"I think I am going to have the chicken parm after all. It is my favorite and I haven't had it in so long."
Straightening a little Katie looks to Carson with a grin on her face. Sometimes picking on him was fun and since it had been so long a little extra was ok.
"And you better stop ease dropping...before I call Misty and get a list on all the lovey dove stuff you do. At least you don't have to listen to us."
Katie sticks out her tong out at Carson playfully before letting out a laugh, giving a pull to some of Jason's funny emotions.
Giving a small laugh Scarlet takes a few steps back as Eli revs his engine. Giving her own wave she shakes her head as he peels out of the driveway obviously showing off. She thought it was kind of funny, but at the same time she thought it was cute, and liked it.
Once Eli was out of sight Scarlet lets out a small sigh and head back into her place figuring out what she would do for the next few days while she waited for her bike to get worked on.
As the move played on she could feel Leo's head droop into her a little more telling her he was comfortable enough to sleep. That was a good thing. Feeling his head was warm once again Cassy didn't want to move to much and wake him so her slid down on the bed a little more herself but not to much her arm still tucked nicely behind Leo. Pulling the blankets up a little more to his chin to keep him warm and break the fever. In a little while she would get up and get another cloth for his head, but for now she just wanted him to rest.
Shaking her head at Carson Katie can't help but laugh. It had become so normal to them she often forgot sometimes other people could tell who new them by there faces if they were talking or not. She found it a little funny sometimes.
"I think I am going to have the chicken parm after all. It is my favorite and I haven't had it in so long."
Straightening a little Katie looks to Carson with a grin on her face. Sometimes picking on him was fun and since it had been so long a little extra was ok.
"And you better stop ease dropping...before I call Misty and get a list on all the lovey dove stuff you do. At least you don't have to listen to us."
Katie sticks out her tong out at Carson playfully before letting out a laugh, giving a pull to some of Jason's funny emotions.
Giving a small laugh Scarlet takes a few steps back as Eli revs his engine. Giving her own wave she shakes her head as he peels out of the driveway obviously showing off. She thought it was kind of funny, but at the same time she thought it was cute, and liked it.
Once Eli was out of sight Scarlet lets out a small sigh and head back into her place figuring out what she would do for the next few days while she waited for her bike to get worked on.
Unfair
Leo manages a little smile as Cassy joins him on the bed. He didn't feel smothered or awkward... not today. He was too busy being sick to worry about giving the wrong impressions or taking things the wrong way. All he wanted was some company and right now, Cassy was all he had. There wasn't anybody else who would sit with him while he was sick.
Nestling down a little further in his blankets, his head rests back against Cassy's arm. She was warm... comforting. He focuses on the television as she searches for a movie and they finally land on one both want to watch.
Despite wanting to stay up to at least enjoy the company though, soon Leo's eyes are growing heavy again. And eventually, he's fallen asleep once more, his hot forehead resting against Cassy's shoulder.
Jason's grip on Katie's hand tightens as his smile widens.
I love you too, Hero... I wouldn't trade my life right now for anything.
At one time, he'd hated it... had felt suffocated and had wanted out. But now... now that he had Katie, he could love her freely, he'd found God and was surrounded by friends... what could be better?
I guess watching each other's back is a perfect trade, huh?
"Alright, enough sweet talk, you two. It's enough to drive the customers away." Carson sets their drinks down, honestly not being able to know for sure if they'd been communicating or not, but the way Jason and Katie were looking at each other, Carson was pretty sure there was talk going on, and he was convinced it wasn't about the menu.
Jason lets go of Katie's hand and looks up at Carson to smirk at him. "You ought not be spying."
"It doesn't take a spy to notice those looks," Carson counters teasingly. He looks to Katie with a grin. "You guys decided what you want yet? For lunch, that is."
Eli smiles, seeing again that little bit of timidness coming through as Scarlet's cheeks redden. He's not about to let her get away with her first comment though. "If the next time is still a first date, I'd never make it back to your lips and that would be way too unfair." His thumb runs over her lips again before his hand slides from her face. How could he ignore the genuine hope that was in her eyes? As strange as it seemed to him, Scarlet wasn't after a one night good time. She really was serious about trying to make something out of this. Was Eli willing?
"Oh... I have a feeling it won't be the last."
Winking, he lets her go and puts on his helmet, leaving the question hanging in the air as to whether there really would be more dates or not. He throws her a salute and straightens his bike, revving the engine before pulling away. Peeling out of the parking lot with a squeal, he speeds down the street, lucky that there were no cops around to see it.
Nestling down a little further in his blankets, his head rests back against Cassy's arm. She was warm... comforting. He focuses on the television as she searches for a movie and they finally land on one both want to watch.
Despite wanting to stay up to at least enjoy the company though, soon Leo's eyes are growing heavy again. And eventually, he's fallen asleep once more, his hot forehead resting against Cassy's shoulder.
Jason's grip on Katie's hand tightens as his smile widens.
I love you too, Hero... I wouldn't trade my life right now for anything.
At one time, he'd hated it... had felt suffocated and had wanted out. But now... now that he had Katie, he could love her freely, he'd found God and was surrounded by friends... what could be better?
I guess watching each other's back is a perfect trade, huh?
"Alright, enough sweet talk, you two. It's enough to drive the customers away." Carson sets their drinks down, honestly not being able to know for sure if they'd been communicating or not, but the way Jason and Katie were looking at each other, Carson was pretty sure there was talk going on, and he was convinced it wasn't about the menu.
Jason lets go of Katie's hand and looks up at Carson to smirk at him. "You ought not be spying."
"It doesn't take a spy to notice those looks," Carson counters teasingly. He looks to Katie with a grin. "You guys decided what you want yet? For lunch, that is."
Eli smiles, seeing again that little bit of timidness coming through as Scarlet's cheeks redden. He's not about to let her get away with her first comment though. "If the next time is still a first date, I'd never make it back to your lips and that would be way too unfair." His thumb runs over her lips again before his hand slides from her face. How could he ignore the genuine hope that was in her eyes? As strange as it seemed to him, Scarlet wasn't after a one night good time. She really was serious about trying to make something out of this. Was Eli willing?
"Oh... I have a feeling it won't be the last."
Winking, he lets her go and puts on his helmet, leaving the question hanging in the air as to whether there really would be more dates or not. He throws her a salute and straightens his bike, revving the engine before pulling away. Peeling out of the parking lot with a squeal, he speeds down the street, lucky that there were no cops around to see it.
Smothered
Scarlet gives a slight nod the shy look appearing in her eye again. She was bound and determined to say there was at least a first date.
Feeling his hand takes hers and there fingers lock Scarlet looks down for a moment just studying there hands and the way it felt to be firm in his grasp. It felt nice, safe and warm. Looking back up into his eyes Scarlet's smile held on her face though it seemed like her words were lost.
Being pulled back to Eli though Scarlet has no will to try and back away nore did she want to other than the soul fact of indeed calling this a first date. But like an unknown force pulling her she felt like she melted into Eli's arms.
Feeling his cheek brush against her Scarlet could felt the slight scruff and couldn't help but think it felt nice, and a wiff of maybe the soap Eli used in the morning enters her nose it just threw Scarlet into a trance that made her eye automatically close just taking in the moment and the smell.
Than feeling his lips on her neck it almost would seem like she had lost total control as a soft moan slipped from her lips liking the feel of Eli's kiss on her neck, and than close to her ear, Her fingers still linked with Eli's hand tightens just a little as her heart thumps and her breathing picks up just a little.
Once Eli pulls away again and Scarlet can feel his hand on her face her eyes open slightly looking back into his eyes once again. A smile forms on her lips as she bits the one softly her eyes twinkling in the sun light continuing to just hold Eli's hand.
"I guess I finally did. Mmmm...can we say the next one is a first date too so we can have a replay?"
A small chuckle comes from Scarlet's lips as some color comes to her face. Trying to move on quickly feeling a little bit of a fool for saying that.
"Thank you for the ride, and for lunch it was the perfect first date. I do hope it wont be the last."
Yeah, I am sure it is hard on him once and a while. He seems to deal with it ok though maybe its just something he has come to terms with.
Holding Jason's hand and locking fingers, Katie gets an even stronger rush of emotions. They felt so warm, and soft, inviting as they flowed from Jason to herself. Katie loved this bond, and these emotional flows just the heightened feelings felt so nice and to feel Jason's love so close no one else could understand only they could.
Mmmm...talking is one thing but actually getting to see you thats another all together. I am happy we are a team too. Its nice knowing I have someone to watch my back, and that I can watch theirs. I love you so much J, thanks for being by my side.
Coming back into the room once she was finished cleaning the mess in the kitchen Cassy though for should Leo would be sleeping. But drawing closer to the bed and seeing his eyes open and hearing his voice Cassy's lips turn up into a smile.
Leo's request was quiet and simple and way to cute to blow off. Looking down at him and just studying him for a long second he looked so cut cuddle up in his blankets, how could anyone tell him now.
Setting her purse down on the chair that was by the nightstand and slipping her jacket to the floor Cassy gives a shake of her head as she gives a smile.
"The only reason I was leaving so soon is because I didn't want you to feel smothered by me."
Walking over to the tv that sat on Leo's dresser she grabbed the remote before coming over to the bed again. Kicking off her shoes she sits down and swings her legs up before moving close to Leo and putting her arm around his shoulder so they were both snuggled together.
"..But as long as your asking I wouldn't mind staying to watch a movie for you. What are friends for if they can't see us at our worst right?"
Cocking her head a little Cassy looks at Leo's face and gives a smile. She didn't want him to feel uncomfortable and she hoped he didn't. She was doing this as a friend, and had her arm around him like a friend. She new what they talked about and new the lines, nothing more was wanted than just cuddling with her friend and making him feel better.
"Alright shall we see what on the movie channels?"
Feeling his hand takes hers and there fingers lock Scarlet looks down for a moment just studying there hands and the way it felt to be firm in his grasp. It felt nice, safe and warm. Looking back up into his eyes Scarlet's smile held on her face though it seemed like her words were lost.
Being pulled back to Eli though Scarlet has no will to try and back away nore did she want to other than the soul fact of indeed calling this a first date. But like an unknown force pulling her she felt like she melted into Eli's arms.
Feeling his cheek brush against her Scarlet could felt the slight scruff and couldn't help but think it felt nice, and a wiff of maybe the soap Eli used in the morning enters her nose it just threw Scarlet into a trance that made her eye automatically close just taking in the moment and the smell.
Than feeling his lips on her neck it almost would seem like she had lost total control as a soft moan slipped from her lips liking the feel of Eli's kiss on her neck, and than close to her ear, Her fingers still linked with Eli's hand tightens just a little as her heart thumps and her breathing picks up just a little.
Once Eli pulls away again and Scarlet can feel his hand on her face her eyes open slightly looking back into his eyes once again. A smile forms on her lips as she bits the one softly her eyes twinkling in the sun light continuing to just hold Eli's hand.
"I guess I finally did. Mmmm...can we say the next one is a first date too so we can have a replay?"
A small chuckle comes from Scarlet's lips as some color comes to her face. Trying to move on quickly feeling a little bit of a fool for saying that.
"Thank you for the ride, and for lunch it was the perfect first date. I do hope it wont be the last."
Yeah, I am sure it is hard on him once and a while. He seems to deal with it ok though maybe its just something he has come to terms with.
Holding Jason's hand and locking fingers, Katie gets an even stronger rush of emotions. They felt so warm, and soft, inviting as they flowed from Jason to herself. Katie loved this bond, and these emotional flows just the heightened feelings felt so nice and to feel Jason's love so close no one else could understand only they could.
Mmmm...talking is one thing but actually getting to see you thats another all together. I am happy we are a team too. Its nice knowing I have someone to watch my back, and that I can watch theirs. I love you so much J, thanks for being by my side.
Coming back into the room once she was finished cleaning the mess in the kitchen Cassy though for should Leo would be sleeping. But drawing closer to the bed and seeing his eyes open and hearing his voice Cassy's lips turn up into a smile.
Leo's request was quiet and simple and way to cute to blow off. Looking down at him and just studying him for a long second he looked so cut cuddle up in his blankets, how could anyone tell him now.
Setting her purse down on the chair that was by the nightstand and slipping her jacket to the floor Cassy gives a shake of her head as she gives a smile.
"The only reason I was leaving so soon is because I didn't want you to feel smothered by me."
Walking over to the tv that sat on Leo's dresser she grabbed the remote before coming over to the bed again. Kicking off her shoes she sits down and swings her legs up before moving close to Leo and putting her arm around his shoulder so they were both snuggled together.
"..But as long as your asking I wouldn't mind staying to watch a movie for you. What are friends for if they can't see us at our worst right?"
Cocking her head a little Cassy looks at Leo's face and gives a smile. She didn't want him to feel uncomfortable and she hoped he didn't. She was doing this as a friend, and had her arm around him like a friend. She new what they talked about and new the lines, nothing more was wanted than just cuddling with her friend and making him feel better.
"Alright shall we see what on the movie channels?"
There
As Scarlet kisses Eli's cheek from behind, his eyebrows rise. He could feel her face against his, her hair soft and blowing in the light breeze. He was surprised enough that he doesn't turn, just a bit curious as to her intentions. When she pulls away, his eyes follow her, looking up as she stands beside him with that smile on her face... and those eyes...
His gaze narrow slightly as his own grin appears. "Think you're pretty smart, don't you, hmm?" His left eyebrow quirks higher than his right one. "Bound and determined to say you were on a date with me or what?"
Reaching to her hand, he takes it in his own so their palms press together and his fingers lock with hers. "I'll let you have it your way... this time."
He pulls her a little closer. "But I have to get my way too."
His other hand reaches up and takes her jacket collar, drawing her back down to his level. His cheek brushes hers as his lips go for her neck, giving her a lingering kiss, then one or two lighter ones up nearer her ear.
Drawing back, his palm moves to her cheek, his thumb running over her lips. "There... looks like you got your first date."
Jason thinks about what Katie's saying and finds that his emotions relay he understands, but there's a bit of compassion... maybe even admiration for Carson. Perhaps that's some of why they were getting along now - because Jason was seeing the good in him, like Katie. Not everyone would give up what they loved in order to accept an honor instead.
Yeah... maybe you're right. Must be kinda tough on some days though. Especially now that his wife is getting in on all the Elite action and he's not.
Jason quirks a grin and slides his hand across the table, taking Katie's palm, so their spiraled scars meet.
I'm glad we get to be a team together. It would be rotten not seeing you all day, even if we could talk.
Leo watches Cassy leave and sighs again, sinking a little further down under the blankets. His pillow was the only place his head felt comfortable. Resting quietly, he drifts in and out of sleep for a while, waking again as Cassy comes back to check on him before leaving.
Looking up at her, he bites his lip, knowing she was ready to go. "You wouldn't... wanna stick around for a movie or something... would you?"
Leo didn't normally feel lonely, but maybe it was just being sick and a tinge miserable that made him not want to be alone today. But as soon as he'd asked Cassy, he realized that she probably hadn't planned on staying so long and he felt just a tiny bit stupid.
"Sorry... you got better stuff to do than keep a sicko company. I'm glad for the soup and visit though."
His gaze narrow slightly as his own grin appears. "Think you're pretty smart, don't you, hmm?" His left eyebrow quirks higher than his right one. "Bound and determined to say you were on a date with me or what?"
Reaching to her hand, he takes it in his own so their palms press together and his fingers lock with hers. "I'll let you have it your way... this time."
He pulls her a little closer. "But I have to get my way too."
His other hand reaches up and takes her jacket collar, drawing her back down to his level. His cheek brushes hers as his lips go for her neck, giving her a lingering kiss, then one or two lighter ones up nearer her ear.
Drawing back, his palm moves to her cheek, his thumb running over her lips. "There... looks like you got your first date."
Jason thinks about what Katie's saying and finds that his emotions relay he understands, but there's a bit of compassion... maybe even admiration for Carson. Perhaps that's some of why they were getting along now - because Jason was seeing the good in him, like Katie. Not everyone would give up what they loved in order to accept an honor instead.
Yeah... maybe you're right. Must be kinda tough on some days though. Especially now that his wife is getting in on all the Elite action and he's not.
Jason quirks a grin and slides his hand across the table, taking Katie's palm, so their spiraled scars meet.
I'm glad we get to be a team together. It would be rotten not seeing you all day, even if we could talk.
Leo watches Cassy leave and sighs again, sinking a little further down under the blankets. His pillow was the only place his head felt comfortable. Resting quietly, he drifts in and out of sleep for a while, waking again as Cassy comes back to check on him before leaving.
Looking up at her, he bites his lip, knowing she was ready to go. "You wouldn't... wanna stick around for a movie or something... would you?"
Leo didn't normally feel lonely, but maybe it was just being sick and a tinge miserable that made him not want to be alone today. But as soon as he'd asked Cassy, he realized that she probably hadn't planned on staying so long and he felt just a tiny bit stupid.
"Sorry... you got better stuff to do than keep a sicko company. I'm glad for the soup and visit though."
O.o
Cassy gives a little nod as she watches Leo lay down again. She liked him, maybe more than she should already but they had agreed on being just friends right now and thats where she would keep it for the time being. There was nothing wrong with a friend checking on a friend.
"I am happy you are sick as well than, and don't you worry about me. I'll be ok."
Giving his leg a pat Cassy stands and takes the bowl from him leaving the tea for now so he could drink a little more.
"Your welcome. There is pleany more too so if you want anymore in a bit before I head home I'll warm some more up. I'm going to go wash up these few dishes and than will be back in to check on ya. Try and get some rest."
Wrapping her own arm around Jason's wast as they made there way to there normal table she takes in his words thinking about them for a long moment. She'd seen the look that passed in Carson's eyes as well.
Yeah you can tell he does, but Herb have him this place, only a sliver still belongs to him. Without Carson this place would be forced to close down. Maybe he is content in knowing that even though he does miss it this place is almost really his and someone believe in him enough to turn there dream over to his hands.
Stopping and sliding into the booth Katie looks over to where Carson was just watching him for a long moment. She remembered when she'd first met Carson, and what he did to Jamie. To have her father now trust Carson enough to give him his business that had to bring some kind of feeling to Carson.
I think maybe its a feeling of honor as well to stay here, knowing Herb thought of him as a son after everything that happened. Carson has come a long way and maybe this place is a good reminder to him, and Maybe TJY calls him once in a while is a nice fix on his hunger for action as well. Even if its not as much as he likes.
Letting out a tiny sigh Katie looks back to Jason giving him a smile. Her eyes twinkling as she gazed at his face like she had so many times before.
Sometimes we just gotta take things as they come and roll with it. Even if its not what we planned, or even if we want something more. God doesn't always have that in mind for us. Not yet anyways.
Holding on tight to Eli once again Scarlet relaxes and enjoys the ride showing him where to turn, and what apartment building was hers. The cool air washing over her as she held on to Eli felt nice and Scarlet truly did enjoy it.
Finally getting to her place Scarlet was almost sad the ride was over. Taking her helmet off but staying on the bike for a moment she lets out a low sigh. Not of distress but almost contentment.
"Sounds good. I can find a ride to shop when my bike is ready unless your going to come give me a ride again."
Leaning forward on the bike Scarlet leans over Eli's shoulder bringing her lips to his cheeks pressing them firmly for a moment. Retreating after a few moments Scarlet finally dismounts but doesn't move to far away keeping her hand on his arm and coming around a little to look him in the eyes the grin on her face as her eyes continues to twinkle looking at him, searching his own face.
"There now its a first date, and you got a kiss on the cheek."
Scarlet gives Eli a little wink as her smile grows.
"I am happy you are sick as well than, and don't you worry about me. I'll be ok."
Giving his leg a pat Cassy stands and takes the bowl from him leaving the tea for now so he could drink a little more.
"Your welcome. There is pleany more too so if you want anymore in a bit before I head home I'll warm some more up. I'm going to go wash up these few dishes and than will be back in to check on ya. Try and get some rest."
Wrapping her own arm around Jason's wast as they made there way to there normal table she takes in his words thinking about them for a long moment. She'd seen the look that passed in Carson's eyes as well.
Yeah you can tell he does, but Herb have him this place, only a sliver still belongs to him. Without Carson this place would be forced to close down. Maybe he is content in knowing that even though he does miss it this place is almost really his and someone believe in him enough to turn there dream over to his hands.
Stopping and sliding into the booth Katie looks over to where Carson was just watching him for a long moment. She remembered when she'd first met Carson, and what he did to Jamie. To have her father now trust Carson enough to give him his business that had to bring some kind of feeling to Carson.
I think maybe its a feeling of honor as well to stay here, knowing Herb thought of him as a son after everything that happened. Carson has come a long way and maybe this place is a good reminder to him, and Maybe TJY calls him once in a while is a nice fix on his hunger for action as well. Even if its not as much as he likes.
Letting out a tiny sigh Katie looks back to Jason giving him a smile. Her eyes twinkling as she gazed at his face like she had so many times before.
Sometimes we just gotta take things as they come and roll with it. Even if its not what we planned, or even if we want something more. God doesn't always have that in mind for us. Not yet anyways.
Holding on tight to Eli once again Scarlet relaxes and enjoys the ride showing him where to turn, and what apartment building was hers. The cool air washing over her as she held on to Eli felt nice and Scarlet truly did enjoy it.
Finally getting to her place Scarlet was almost sad the ride was over. Taking her helmet off but staying on the bike for a moment she lets out a low sigh. Not of distress but almost contentment.
"Sounds good. I can find a ride to shop when my bike is ready unless your going to come give me a ride again."
Leaning forward on the bike Scarlet leans over Eli's shoulder bringing her lips to his cheeks pressing them firmly for a moment. Retreating after a few moments Scarlet finally dismounts but doesn't move to far away keeping her hand on his arm and coming around a little to look him in the eyes the grin on her face as her eyes continues to twinkle looking at him, searching his own face.
"There now its a first date, and you got a kiss on the cheek."
Scarlet gives Eli a little wink as her smile grows.
I wonder
Eli's grin twitches at Scarlet's comment, but he can't read her face anymore as it disappears behind her helmet visor. Shaking his head, he dons his own helmet and joins her on the bike, making sure she's holding on before taking off down the street.
Having Scarlet point the way, he rides across town, eventually finding her apartment. Pulling into the lot, he sets the bike on its kickstand but leaves the motor running as he takes off his helmet. "Alrighty... guess you'll be hearing from me when your bike is done."
He shifts his weight forward so she can get off the bike more easily as his eyes scan the nice but not too expensive apartments. Scarlet had told him about her job and the money she made, but it looked like she didn't spend it all - at least not on a place to live.
Carson laughs outright and shakes his head at Katie. "Yeah, we probably would. Nah, Misty would go crazy working here. She needs the Elite to keep her blood pumping."
And there was a part of Carson that needed it too, though he forced himself to be satisfied with just once in a while. A dimmer look passes in his eyes. It was brief, but it was there.
"Alright - you two pick a table and I'll get your drinks."
Jason wanders over to an empty table his arm still over Katie's shoulders.
He misses it, doesn't he? He likes it here... and he's good at it... and people love him running this place... but he really misses the action, doesn't he? I wonder why he stays here.
Leo finishes off the bowl of soup, finding it settled with his stomach quite well. Setting the bowl aside, he looks at the foot of the bed where Cassy sits. His eyes were a bit droopy, his hair matted, and he felt like crap. But part of him did feel a little bit better and he was grateful.
"Thank you... for coming. And... for bringing soup."
He leans his head back and sighs, wishing his head would stop feeling as though it were on fire. "I woulda gone and quit at Baxtor's today... so maybe it's a good thing I got sick. I just don't want you catching it now."
Having Scarlet point the way, he rides across town, eventually finding her apartment. Pulling into the lot, he sets the bike on its kickstand but leaves the motor running as he takes off his helmet. "Alrighty... guess you'll be hearing from me when your bike is done."
He shifts his weight forward so she can get off the bike more easily as his eyes scan the nice but not too expensive apartments. Scarlet had told him about her job and the money she made, but it looked like she didn't spend it all - at least not on a place to live.
Carson laughs outright and shakes his head at Katie. "Yeah, we probably would. Nah, Misty would go crazy working here. She needs the Elite to keep her blood pumping."
And there was a part of Carson that needed it too, though he forced himself to be satisfied with just once in a while. A dimmer look passes in his eyes. It was brief, but it was there.
"Alright - you two pick a table and I'll get your drinks."
Jason wanders over to an empty table his arm still over Katie's shoulders.
He misses it, doesn't he? He likes it here... and he's good at it... and people love him running this place... but he really misses the action, doesn't he? I wonder why he stays here.
Leo finishes off the bowl of soup, finding it settled with his stomach quite well. Setting the bowl aside, he looks at the foot of the bed where Cassy sits. His eyes were a bit droopy, his hair matted, and he felt like crap. But part of him did feel a little bit better and he was grateful.
"Thank you... for coming. And... for bringing soup."
He leans his head back and sighs, wishing his head would stop feeling as though it were on fire. "I woulda gone and quit at Baxtor's today... so maybe it's a good thing I got sick. I just don't want you catching it now."
Difficult
Giving a chuckle at Eli some color comes to Scarlet's cheeks, not that she was embarrassed, but maybe it wasn't often a genuine comment like that was told to her without anything more attached. It felt good and warm, Eli's words hard and quick the meaning though seeming so soft.
"I guess thats a difficult choose than, first date or a kiss."
Scarlet stops for a moment bringing a hand to her face tapping her lips for a moment as if thinking very hard. Turning though she continues to walk to the bike under her hand a smile forming.
Finally moving her hand to take her helmet the grin is so easy to see lighting up her face, and her eyes even more almost as if plotting something on the decsition they were just talking about. But not saying anything on it Scarlet puts her helmet on half way before speaking again.
"Hot..mmm...Thank you, and since we are being honest here I guess you are the sexy hunk giving me a lift."
Pushing her helmet down all the way her grin disappears under the mast but her eyes still sparkle through it as she goes over to get onto the bike waiting for Eli to join her. Once he does she wraps her arms around his wast once again holding on tight.
"I don't know that pizza smells pretty good and I haven't had it in a while..but chicken parm sounds good to. This is going to be a tough desition today."
Continuing to contemplate in her head on what to eat Katie listens to Jason and Carson talk. She couldn't help her own little squeal as Carson said it was ok to have the little party there. It sure had been a long time, and taking a trip down memorie lane like this would be fun.
"Psht, like she would mind...coming in that is. You guys are so darn cute together I am surprised she doesn't work here already."
Stoping for a moment Katie thinks about it before back tracking just a little.
"Thank again maybe its a good thing you guys might kill each other."
"I guess thats a difficult choose than, first date or a kiss."
Scarlet stops for a moment bringing a hand to her face tapping her lips for a moment as if thinking very hard. Turning though she continues to walk to the bike under her hand a smile forming.
Finally moving her hand to take her helmet the grin is so easy to see lighting up her face, and her eyes even more almost as if plotting something on the decsition they were just talking about. But not saying anything on it Scarlet puts her helmet on half way before speaking again.
"Hot..mmm...Thank you, and since we are being honest here I guess you are the sexy hunk giving me a lift."
Pushing her helmet down all the way her grin disappears under the mast but her eyes still sparkle through it as she goes over to get onto the bike waiting for Eli to join her. Once he does she wraps her arms around his wast once again holding on tight.
"I don't know that pizza smells pretty good and I haven't had it in a while..but chicken parm sounds good to. This is going to be a tough desition today."
Continuing to contemplate in her head on what to eat Katie listens to Jason and Carson talk. She couldn't help her own little squeal as Carson said it was ok to have the little party there. It sure had been a long time, and taking a trip down memorie lane like this would be fun.
"Psht, like she would mind...coming in that is. You guys are so darn cute together I am surprised she doesn't work here already."
Stoping for a moment Katie thinks about it before back tracking just a little.
"Thank again maybe its a good thing you guys might kill each other."
More hot
Eli chuckles and follows Scarlet outside. "I'll tell you after I've dropped you off home if this has been a date or not. If I kiss you, I'll have to say it wasn't, on account of my first date rule."
Looking down into Scarlet's eyes, her words almost get lost to the wind. Every time he gazed into those deep blue pools, everything else seemed to vanish into a strange fog. Blinking, Eli brings himself back and gives a little smirk. "Knight, huh? Would that make you the damsel in distress?" He cocks his head. "Nah... I think it would take an awful lot for you to be in distress, and I think damsel sounds a little too fluffy too."
He retrieves her helmet and hands it to her. "Maybe you're just the hot babe in need of a lift." A grin returns to his face. "More hot than in need, if I dare say so while we're not even talking over drinks."
Looking down into Scarlet's eyes, her words almost get lost to the wind. Every time he gazed into those deep blue pools, everything else seemed to vanish into a strange fog. Blinking, Eli brings himself back and gives a little smirk. "Knight, huh? Would that make you the damsel in distress?" He cocks his head. "Nah... I think it would take an awful lot for you to be in distress, and I think damsel sounds a little too fluffy too."
He retrieves her helmet and hands it to her. "Maybe you're just the hot babe in need of a lift." A grin returns to his face. "More hot than in need, if I dare say so while we're not even talking over drinks."
One day
Giving a slight nod Scarlet did agree with Eli. Her job was exciting and different from many but even than sometimes it got annoying.
There were days Scarlet did wish she had a regular sit down job where she didn't have to travel all over the place, but for now till anything changed she liked it. Maybe one day if she had reason she cut back to only doing state jobs.
"I wouldn't mind painting motorcycles ether. Sometimes a change is nice and at least you have consistent work. Sometimes I can go weeks, or months without anything. But all in all yeah I like its fun. Maybe sometime you can take a road trip with me."
Giving a slight chuckle Scarlet stands with Eli. Her eyebrow raising a little not sure how to disypher his tone but smiling non the less. Taking a few steps forward before stopping next to Eli to look up at him.
"I thought you said this was the first date? And if its not than I need to pay you back for lunch."
Stepping outside once again Scarlet toss her jacket on once again moving her hair to the outside. It was a nice day out today, the sun was shinning and the warmth felt good, defiantly a good day to ride.
"My chariot huh? I dont know if I like how that sounds...all fluffy and what not. I think its more of a knight in shinning armor motorcycle style and what a good knight you make. Mmmm...mmmm...mmm."
There were days Scarlet did wish she had a regular sit down job where she didn't have to travel all over the place, but for now till anything changed she liked it. Maybe one day if she had reason she cut back to only doing state jobs.
"I wouldn't mind painting motorcycles ether. Sometimes a change is nice and at least you have consistent work. Sometimes I can go weeks, or months without anything. But all in all yeah I like its fun. Maybe sometime you can take a road trip with me."
Giving a slight chuckle Scarlet stands with Eli. Her eyebrow raising a little not sure how to disypher his tone but smiling non the less. Taking a few steps forward before stopping next to Eli to look up at him.
"I thought you said this was the first date? And if its not than I need to pay you back for lunch."
Stepping outside once again Scarlet toss her jacket on once again moving her hair to the outside. It was a nice day out today, the sun was shinning and the warmth felt good, defiantly a good day to ride.
"My chariot huh? I dont know if I like how that sounds...all fluffy and what not. I think its more of a knight in shinning armor motorcycle style and what a good knight you make. Mmmm...mmmm...mmm."
4/16/10
Chariot
"I see." Eli listens, his eyes squinting slightly as if trying to imagine all that Scarlet did on her trips.
"Seems... pretty exciting." He nods and cleans the rest of the food off his plate before washing it down with another swig of coke. "Traveling... adventure. I can see you liking that."
Grinning a little, he fishes out his wallet to pay for both their meals. "And I thought painting motorcycles was exciting. Looks like you got me beat."
Setting the money to the side for the waiter to take, he swirls the ice around in his glass so he can finish off the pop. There was a slightly strange tone to his voice, most difficult to identify. "Miss ya? Just throw me a Tomb Raider movie and that'll tide me over." He winks at Scarlet before sliding from his seat to stand up. "But what am I saying? We haven't even been on a date yet."
A smile creases his lips and he turns to swagger to the door, opening it up for Scarlet. "Melady. Your chariot awaits."
"Seems... pretty exciting." He nods and cleans the rest of the food off his plate before washing it down with another swig of coke. "Traveling... adventure. I can see you liking that."
Grinning a little, he fishes out his wallet to pay for both their meals. "And I thought painting motorcycles was exciting. Looks like you got me beat."
Setting the money to the side for the waiter to take, he swirls the ice around in his glass so he can finish off the pop. There was a slightly strange tone to his voice, most difficult to identify. "Miss ya? Just throw me a Tomb Raider movie and that'll tide me over." He winks at Scarlet before sliding from his seat to stand up. "But what am I saying? We haven't even been on a date yet."
A smile creases his lips and he turns to swagger to the door, opening it up for Scarlet. "Melady. Your chariot awaits."
Miss me
Giving a short laugh at Eli's comment Scarlet can't help it. Men, typical men. Giving a shake of her head the grin stayed on her lips. Taking another peace of beef and chewing it for a moment before speaking again. Her eyes seemed to twinkle a little more as she talked about her job showing she did enjoy it almost as much as riding.
"State, Nation, and world wide...all three. Most is just state to state. The world wide jobs come maybe three or four times a year and they pay well enough that, thats all I really need."
Leaning back in her chair and wiping her mouth Scarlet lets out a thoughtful sigh. Her tummy was defiantly starting to get full.
"I just got request today to take a trip out to New York in a few weeks. Looks like its going to be an interesting one. Have to check up one some pottery the South West Academy museum is looking into buying."
Looking across the table at Eli Scarlet leans forward her arms crossed in front to hold her weight.
"If your worried about missing me I'm never gone for more than a few days unless I run into a problem."
"State, Nation, and world wide...all three. Most is just state to state. The world wide jobs come maybe three or four times a year and they pay well enough that, thats all I really need."
Leaning back in her chair and wiping her mouth Scarlet lets out a thoughtful sigh. Her tummy was defiantly starting to get full.
"I just got request today to take a trip out to New York in a few weeks. Looks like its going to be an interesting one. Have to check up one some pottery the South West Academy museum is looking into buying."
Looking across the table at Eli Scarlet leans forward her arms crossed in front to hold her weight.
"If your worried about missing me I'm never gone for more than a few days unless I run into a problem."
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