In her dull sleep Sapphire hears the phone ring but just lets it. She was exhausted and her bed felt so nice the answering mashean could pick it up for now. But once it does kick on and Sapphire hears her brother voice she shoots up in bed not missing another beat. Taking a few quick steps across the room Sapphire reachs the phone hopping she was not to late.
"Scott....Scott? Are you there still its me Sapphire. I'm ok...are you ok?
Sapphire couldn't help but be worried. It had been a long time since her brother had called her and it made her heart race not knowing if he was ok or not.
Once Eli is in the car Ryan pulls away from the house. Hearing his reason for being at Leo's Ryan can't help but look in the rear view mirror. It was odd to hear Leo had been drunk and she could help but worry about him now.
"Well was he at least ok before you left him? I mean, he's not going to throw up and choak on it or anything?"
Stopping at a stop light and hearing his babbles Ryan couldn't help but feel a little irritated at Leo and a little sad for him too. She though for sure he would of move on by now. How could be stupid enough to let himself wallow and get drunk off his butt like that. She was the one who didn't think not him. Letting out a sigh and making a left Ryan shakes her head a little.
"He was babbling about me huh? I guess I kinda feel bad for him thats he's stuck in a rut like this. I guess I thought he was stronger than that."
7/6/10
Still okay
Bret tries not to let his worry show - the worry he felt every time he saw Charlotte in pain. He grins a little. "Luck? Us? I think that all belongs to you. All I have to do is pace and worry while you do all the work."
Getting to the hospital felt like an eternity, but really it had only taken a few minutes. Helping Charlotte out of the car, Bret grabs the bag in one arm and lets her hang onto his other arm for the slow walk to the doors. Once inside, he knows they'll be separated for a little while but he's sure to give her a kiss and a whisper of "I love you" in her ear.
Seeing his sister pull up, Eli stands, brushing off his jeans. Sliding into the passenger side, he goes for the seatbelt and gestures down the street before answering her. "My bike's at the Bullseye."
Leaning back, he mulls over Ryan's question for a moment. "I stopped there for a beer was all. Wound up finding Leo... drunk as a skunk." He gives Ryan a sidelong glance, wondering if she'd think it was as odd as he did. "Didn't want him wrecking his car I guess, so I drove him back here and dumped him in his living room. Only problem was I needed to get back to my bike. So... here we are."
He looks down and picks at some dirt under his fingernail. "He went on about some girl and you but nothing made much sense so I don't know what his problem is."
Scott sits bolt upright in bed, the sweat pouring down his face. It was a horridly familiar feeling that came all too often. His heart racing, his hands grip the bedsheets as his gaze shoots wildly around the room before he can convince himself that he's safe at Brookshire.
Flopping back down onto his pillow, he covers his face with his hands as he cringes, trying to hold back the tears. The nightmares were the worst. Reliving those moments was more torture than anything else, and each time there was something new... something he'd successfully forgotten that he was now forced to remember.
Tonight he had relived the threats... the threats that if he didn't talk that his friends and family would be murdered. Then his dream had fast forwarded to him receiving word that indeed, they were dead. His close friends. Those at TJY. And his sister.
Scott shutters, trying to rid his mind of the images but it was never easy. His stomach was in knots as he thought about it and he could not calm his heart. It was still a dream, right? It was the past, wasn't it? Everybody really was okay, right?
Swallowing hard, Scott turns to see the phone by his bed. Reaching out with trembling hand, he picks it up. Hesitating, he sets it back down. He was being irrational. He picks it up again. Sets it down. But the knots in his gut remain. So picking up the phone one more time, he finally brings himself to dial. It was three in the morning and he wasn't surprised when he got the answering machine. "Saph... Sapphire? I... I just... I wanted to make sure you were... um.... make sure you were okay."
He runs a hand over his face and leans back in his pillow, closing his eyes tightly. "They... they told me you'd been mur...murdered. And they..." He stops, trying to remain composed, though his voice cracks. "They told me how it was done and the torture..." They'd been quite descriptive. "All because... because of me. And... and I... I just um..." He pauses again, now not even sure it was such a good idea for him to have called her in the middle of the night. "...wanted to know you were still okay."
Getting to the hospital felt like an eternity, but really it had only taken a few minutes. Helping Charlotte out of the car, Bret grabs the bag in one arm and lets her hang onto his other arm for the slow walk to the doors. Once inside, he knows they'll be separated for a little while but he's sure to give her a kiss and a whisper of "I love you" in her ear.
Seeing his sister pull up, Eli stands, brushing off his jeans. Sliding into the passenger side, he goes for the seatbelt and gestures down the street before answering her. "My bike's at the Bullseye."
Leaning back, he mulls over Ryan's question for a moment. "I stopped there for a beer was all. Wound up finding Leo... drunk as a skunk." He gives Ryan a sidelong glance, wondering if she'd think it was as odd as he did. "Didn't want him wrecking his car I guess, so I drove him back here and dumped him in his living room. Only problem was I needed to get back to my bike. So... here we are."
He looks down and picks at some dirt under his fingernail. "He went on about some girl and you but nothing made much sense so I don't know what his problem is."
Scott sits bolt upright in bed, the sweat pouring down his face. It was a horridly familiar feeling that came all too often. His heart racing, his hands grip the bedsheets as his gaze shoots wildly around the room before he can convince himself that he's safe at Brookshire.
Flopping back down onto his pillow, he covers his face with his hands as he cringes, trying to hold back the tears. The nightmares were the worst. Reliving those moments was more torture than anything else, and each time there was something new... something he'd successfully forgotten that he was now forced to remember.
Tonight he had relived the threats... the threats that if he didn't talk that his friends and family would be murdered. Then his dream had fast forwarded to him receiving word that indeed, they were dead. His close friends. Those at TJY. And his sister.
Scott shutters, trying to rid his mind of the images but it was never easy. His stomach was in knots as he thought about it and he could not calm his heart. It was still a dream, right? It was the past, wasn't it? Everybody really was okay, right?
Swallowing hard, Scott turns to see the phone by his bed. Reaching out with trembling hand, he picks it up. Hesitating, he sets it back down. He was being irrational. He picks it up again. Sets it down. But the knots in his gut remain. So picking up the phone one more time, he finally brings himself to dial. It was three in the morning and he wasn't surprised when he got the answering machine. "Saph... Sapphire? I... I just... I wanted to make sure you were... um.... make sure you were okay."
He runs a hand over his face and leans back in his pillow, closing his eyes tightly. "They... they told me you'd been mur...murdered. And they..." He stops, trying to remain composed, though his voice cracks. "They told me how it was done and the torture..." They'd been quite descriptive. "All because... because of me. And... and I... I just um..." He pauses again, now not even sure it was such a good idea for him to have called her in the middle of the night. "...wanted to know you were still okay."
Informed
Returning the kiss Ryan really didn't want to leave. Stay and smooching with Alec a little while longer sounded good, but she new she had to go. She wouldnt be long and than she could come back to her spot with Eli.
"I'll be back before you even know I am gone."
Giving one more kiss to Alec Ryan goes to the front door and slips her shoes on. Grabbing her keys she gives a little wave and exits the house knowing Alec would be ok without the door locked.
...A few minutes later Ryan was pulling outside Leo's house. It hadn't taken long with not much traffic this late at night so Ryan could go a little faster. Pulling over Ryan would of normally beeped the hone but today she just didn't. It was later, and who new what was going on.
"Hey stranger. Everything ok? What were you doing at Leo's?"
Giving a squeeze back to Bret's hand Charlotte keeps her hand in his she takes the phone with her other but before dialing she gives another smile as her eyes sparkle some of her fear being turned into the excitement.
"And I am proud of you, your gonna make a great Daddy."
Another contraction hits her and Charlotte closes her eyes for a moment as her hand tightens her hands in Bret's for a second before she lets loose a little and the contractions pass. Dialing Angelica's number Charlotte waits to here her sisters voice.
"Angelica...its me. Yeah...the baby is coming. Bret's driving my to the hospital right now. I'm the best I can be for about to have a baby. Yeah, call mom, and Jamie and Con...Ok yeah we will see you there just let them know your my sister and the God mother. Ok I love you too. Bye."
Hanging up the phone again Charlotte slips it into her purse before leaning back again.
"She's going to call everyone for us and than meet us there and she wished us both good luck."
"I'll be back before you even know I am gone."
Giving one more kiss to Alec Ryan goes to the front door and slips her shoes on. Grabbing her keys she gives a little wave and exits the house knowing Alec would be ok without the door locked.
...A few minutes later Ryan was pulling outside Leo's house. It hadn't taken long with not much traffic this late at night so Ryan could go a little faster. Pulling over Ryan would of normally beeped the hone but today she just didn't. It was later, and who new what was going on.
"Hey stranger. Everything ok? What were you doing at Leo's?"
Giving a squeeze back to Bret's hand Charlotte keeps her hand in his she takes the phone with her other but before dialing she gives another smile as her eyes sparkle some of her fear being turned into the excitement.
"And I am proud of you, your gonna make a great Daddy."
Another contraction hits her and Charlotte closes her eyes for a moment as her hand tightens her hands in Bret's for a second before she lets loose a little and the contractions pass. Dialing Angelica's number Charlotte waits to here her sisters voice.
"Angelica...its me. Yeah...the baby is coming. Bret's driving my to the hospital right now. I'm the best I can be for about to have a baby. Yeah, call mom, and Jamie and Con...Ok yeah we will see you there just let them know your my sister and the God mother. Ok I love you too. Bye."
Hanging up the phone again Charlotte slips it into her purse before leaning back again.
"She's going to call everyone for us and than meet us there and she wished us both good luck."
Getting back up
"Yeah, fine... I'm cool... got it." Bret finishes getting his pants and shirt on and slips on his sneakers, ready to bolt from the room, but skids to a stop, waiting for Charlotte.
Once they're finally outside and in the car, he pulls out onto the street, trying not to drive as fast as he wanted to. There was plenty of time... plenty of time... so why was his heart racing?
"Uh... Angelica. Right. You better call while I drive." Glancing over at his wife, he smiles for the first time since being woken up. The fog of sleep was slowly lifting and he was beginning to think a little more clearly. Excitement made his adrenaline rush.
Keeping his eyes on the road, he reaches over and takes Charlotte's hand, giving it a squeeze. "I'm so proud of you."
Hearing Eli was at Leo's, Alec bristles just a little. What would he be doing there and why did he want Ryan to go? Alec would want to go along just for the sake of knowing what was going on, but Eli didn't seem to like it when he got growly around Leo so maybe he should stay. It would be okay... right? "Nah." He shrugs. "I'll hold down the fort here I guess." He pulls Ryan close for another kiss. "I'll keep the couch warm. Go do what you have to do."
Ending the call, Eli circles back to Leo's living room, finding him still face-down in the cushions. "I never took you to be a loser," he mumbles. "Life's about getting back up, not keeping yourself down." He sighs. His words were pointless right now.
Not even knowing why he cared, Eli goes to Leo and at least rolls him over with a pillow under his head. He was going to be in enough pain in the morning - a crick in the neck wouldn't be necessary.
Figuring there wasn't much else he could do, Eli heads for the door. Leo would just have to sleep it off. Locking the door as he leaves, Eli heads down the walk and eases down to sit on the curb and wait for his sister. If he didn't have his motorcycle boots on, he might think about walking back to his bike, but as it was, he figured getting a ride was best.
Once they're finally outside and in the car, he pulls out onto the street, trying not to drive as fast as he wanted to. There was plenty of time... plenty of time... so why was his heart racing?
"Uh... Angelica. Right. You better call while I drive." Glancing over at his wife, he smiles for the first time since being woken up. The fog of sleep was slowly lifting and he was beginning to think a little more clearly. Excitement made his adrenaline rush.
Keeping his eyes on the road, he reaches over and takes Charlotte's hand, giving it a squeeze. "I'm so proud of you."
Hearing Eli was at Leo's, Alec bristles just a little. What would he be doing there and why did he want Ryan to go? Alec would want to go along just for the sake of knowing what was going on, but Eli didn't seem to like it when he got growly around Leo so maybe he should stay. It would be okay... right? "Nah." He shrugs. "I'll hold down the fort here I guess." He pulls Ryan close for another kiss. "I'll keep the couch warm. Go do what you have to do."
Ending the call, Eli circles back to Leo's living room, finding him still face-down in the cushions. "I never took you to be a loser," he mumbles. "Life's about getting back up, not keeping yourself down." He sighs. His words were pointless right now.
Not even knowing why he cared, Eli goes to Leo and at least rolls him over with a pillow under his head. He was going to be in enough pain in the morning - a crick in the neck wouldn't be necessary.
Figuring there wasn't much else he could do, Eli heads for the door. Leo would just have to sleep it off. Locking the door as he leaves, Eli heads down the walk and eases down to sit on the curb and wait for his sister. If he didn't have his motorcycle boots on, he might think about walking back to his bike, but as it was, he figured getting a ride was best.
Come or Stay
Snuggling on the couch with Alec after the chocolate cake Ryan was completely comfortable. It felt nice to just relax with him. She liked having her brother around but it was nice having the place to herself at times with Alec too. The quiet was just...nice.
..Being totally wrapped up in the moment with Alec that when the phone rang it made her jump a little. Most of the time people didn't call this late unless something was wrong. Not minding Alec answered the phone Ryan gave a little kiss to his neck while he talked till the phone was passed off to her.
Hearing it was her brother and taking the phone she couldn't help but be a little worried even if she did know he could handle himself. It was that womanly instinct that liked to show up now and than in cretin things.
"Yo, Bro whats up?"
Hearing where Eli was Ryan moved her legs from over Alec and back to the floor sitting up a little bit. Leo...with out his bike?
"What are you doing at Leo's? Is everything ok? Yeah...yeah I'll come and get you. Giving me about fifteen minutes and I'll be there."
Hanging up the phone Ryan still sits on the couch for a long moment a bit confused and really not wanting to move at all. She was comfortable and in the house for the night. But it was her brother and he needed her, there was no way she would of said no.
"Eli is at Leo's for some reason and needs a ride back to his bike. Would you like to come with me or stay here?"
Taking a few steps back as Bret shoots up out of bed Charlotte blinks a little just watching him as he stumbles out of bed. She was nervous and a little on edge herself but not this bad. Last thing she needed was Bret laying in a bed next to her.
"Bert, Oh my are you ok? Slow down before you give yourself as concussion and I have to drive us both."
Going back over slowly to her side of the bed Charlotte grabs her little bag that had packed and ready for when this time came. Slipping on her slip on shoes along with her little jacket that had been waiting as well.
"I'm...I think I'm ok...just in a little bit of pain at the moment. I've got the bad, and I don't think I need anything more."
Holding her stomach as she walked out of the room Charlotte stops for a moment just holding the wall for a second as a contraction hit. Once it was passed though she breaths again and continues to walk slowly.
"Do you have your cell phone Hun so we can call Angelica on the way, and than she call Mom, and Jamie and Con..."
Charlotte new she was rambling but she couldn't help it. It was the only thing that could keep her mind off the pain right now and not freak completely out. Getting to the car and putting the bag in the back seat Charlotte waddles to the passenger side and gets in. Tilting the seat back a little bit so she could be in a more comfortable position Charlotte looks over to Bret and gives a smile.
"Did you want to call Angelica or did you want me too?"
..Being totally wrapped up in the moment with Alec that when the phone rang it made her jump a little. Most of the time people didn't call this late unless something was wrong. Not minding Alec answered the phone Ryan gave a little kiss to his neck while he talked till the phone was passed off to her.
Hearing it was her brother and taking the phone she couldn't help but be a little worried even if she did know he could handle himself. It was that womanly instinct that liked to show up now and than in cretin things.
"Yo, Bro whats up?"
Hearing where Eli was Ryan moved her legs from over Alec and back to the floor sitting up a little bit. Leo...with out his bike?
"What are you doing at Leo's? Is everything ok? Yeah...yeah I'll come and get you. Giving me about fifteen minutes and I'll be there."
Hanging up the phone Ryan still sits on the couch for a long moment a bit confused and really not wanting to move at all. She was comfortable and in the house for the night. But it was her brother and he needed her, there was no way she would of said no.
"Eli is at Leo's for some reason and needs a ride back to his bike. Would you like to come with me or stay here?"
Taking a few steps back as Bret shoots up out of bed Charlotte blinks a little just watching him as he stumbles out of bed. She was nervous and a little on edge herself but not this bad. Last thing she needed was Bret laying in a bed next to her.
"Bert, Oh my are you ok? Slow down before you give yourself as concussion and I have to drive us both."
Going back over slowly to her side of the bed Charlotte grabs her little bag that had packed and ready for when this time came. Slipping on her slip on shoes along with her little jacket that had been waiting as well.
"I'm...I think I'm ok...just in a little bit of pain at the moment. I've got the bad, and I don't think I need anything more."
Holding her stomach as she walked out of the room Charlotte stops for a moment just holding the wall for a second as a contraction hit. Once it was passed though she breaths again and continues to walk slowly.
"Do you have your cell phone Hun so we can call Angelica on the way, and than she call Mom, and Jamie and Con..."
Charlotte new she was rambling but she couldn't help it. It was the only thing that could keep her mind off the pain right now and not freak completely out. Getting to the car and putting the bag in the back seat Charlotte waddles to the passenger side and gets in. Tilting the seat back a little bit so she could be in a more comfortable position Charlotte looks over to Bret and gives a smile.
"Did you want to call Angelica or did you want me too?"
Now?
"Mmm.... chocolate cake." Alec slips his arms around Ryan, grinning down at her. "I think I could handle some of that."
Eli is standing nearby and rolls his eyes. "Save me a piece, will you?" He whacks Alec's arm, but looks to Ryan. "You two carry on... I'm gonna go through town and take a ride. Might stop for a beer or something but I'll be back to the apartment in a bit."
Alec turns to him with a sly grin on his lips. "How long you gonna be gone?"
Eli points a finger at him. "Not long enough."
Alec laughs and turns, keeping one arm over Ryan's shoulder. "Reese hasn't been so uptight last couple days so I'm gonna stay out as long as I want and enjoy that cake with you... or anything else," he teases.
...Getting back to the apartment with Ryan, Alec is quick to claim a spot on the couch with her while they find something good on television. After all the excitement at the race, rambunctiousness with the cake doesn't evolve quite like it had in the past, both tired enough to just sit and enjoy each other's company... at least for the time being.
Across town, Eli enjoys a motorcycle ride by himself. Taking the long route, he takes in the scenery, never tiring of being on the road like this. Sometimes he needed a break just to get away and ride for a while. And even if he wouldn't admit it, maybe he did want to give Alec and Ryan some time to hang out too.
Maneuvering back through town, Eli decides to stop at the Bullseye for a quick beer and saying hi to anybody he knew. He wouldn't stay long, then he'd get back to the apartment. Parking and ambling into the bar, Eli scans the smoke-filled room before wandering closer to the bar. Approaching it, he's surprised to see a familiar figure sitting on a stool. "Hey, Leo, what's up?"
Leo sits up but not too straight, glancing over at Eli with glossy eyes. An inebriated smile curls his lips. "Heeeey, Eli! Come t' join me?"
Eli's eyebrows rise. He never would have taken Leo to be one to go to a bar and get drunk, but there was no doubt that Leo had already gone past his limit. "Uh... not really. I just saw you here and..." He shakes his head. It didn't matter - Leo wouldn't remember his reasons anyway. "What about you? What are you doing here?"
"Wha's it look like?" Leo swivels back around and holds up a mug of beer. "I'm drinking! Want one?"
No, Eli's appetite for a drink had quickly faded. Normally, he'd just walk away from anybody in this state and let them fend for themselves. But for some reason, he just didn't want to do that to Leo. Leo was a nice guy... clean cut and had a good head on his shoulders - or so Eli had thought. What had happened? "No... thanks." He leans on the bar next to Leo, thinking for a moment. "Come here often?"
"Nuh-uh." Leo tips his head back as he downs a shot of whiskey that hat escaped Eli's sight. "But thr's always time for change!"
"Well sure, but... this?"
Leo glances over to Eli, finding disapproval. "Yeah well... it's better'n goin' home an' j'st sittin' around... alone and... and thinking."
"Thinking about what?"
Leo cackles and takes another swig of beer, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Eli..." He looks at him with a silly grin. "...you're smarter th'n that." He taps his head. "I know you are." Swallowing what might have been a hiccup, Leo manages another mouthful of beer.
Eli runs his thumb along the bar thoughtfully. He tries to stay fairly cheerful so as not to set off Leo. "Aw... my mind isn't working so well tonight. How about you tell me?"
Leo stares into space for a moment, swiveling back and forth on the barstool. "It's called love and lost and... and..." He frowns, having lost his train of thought. "And evr'thing else that goes along with it."
"Everything else?"
"I got a new friend, ya know." Leo turns and stares at Eli, seemingly on a completely different topic. "She's real nice... an' pretty.... She likes me ya know." He nods. "Not like... like your sister there.... what's her name?"
"Ryan."
"Yeah, her." Leo waves his hand in the air and turns back to his beer, finishing it off with several long swallows.
Eli sighs. It bothered him more than he'd like to admit, seeing Leo like this. They weren't exactly close friends but Eli did feel some amount of obligation to look out for him if he was in trouble, and at the moment he might not be in a whole lot of trouble but who knew what would happen if he was left here. "So you have a new friend?" Eli questions.
"Mmm." Leo nods and spins around again, but he does it too quickly. Sliding off the stool, he would have fallen right to the floor had Eli not caught him.
Eli grabs him by his pants and keeps him standing as they both stumble. "How about you and I take a little walk?"
"Walk..." Leo leans on him and squints, looking around for the exit and unable to find it. "I think... they want me to stay here."
"I think it's about time we got some fresh air. How about that?"
"Mmm...." Leo thinks then swivels his head to look at Eli, his eyes somewhere far away. "Okay."
"Okay good. Come on."
Starting forward, Leo's knees buckle and he trips almost taking both of them down. Running into someone sitting at a table, he snickers and pats them on the shoulder. "'Scuse me. I'm drunk."
If it hadn't been so sad, Eli would have laughed. He looks to he person at the table and rolls his eyes before pulling Leo away. "I think they can see that," he mutters under his breath.
Once they're both outside, Eli looks around for Leo's car. "Where you parked, man?"
"Parked?"
"Yeah, your car. Where is it?"
"Oh, parked!"
Eli sighs. "Yes. Car. Where?"
"It's um..." Leo looks around, still leaning on Eli to keep his balance. "Um... I parked it... um."
"Do you have your keys?"
"Yeah, sure." Leo digs in first one pocket then the other, managing to find them.
Eli takes them without asking, thankful there was a small remote. Pressing the panic button, Leo's car honks and flashes its lights down along the curb of the street.
Leo's eyes widen. "I think s'mbody's stealing my car."
Eli sighs. "Come on. Let's go stop them."
"Right." Leo staggers along beside him, banging into a light pole then stumbling off the curb once they finally reach the car.
Eli makes sure he's in and buckled before going around to the driver's side and getting in. Pulling away from the bar, he glances to Leo. "So... your new friend... a woman?"
"Uh-huh."
"Girlfriend?"
Leo snickers and leans his head against the window before he blows a raspberry. "Me? I's done with that one."
"The girl or having a girlfriend?" Leo doesn't answer right away and Eli looks over to see him with a pale face and starting to hunch over. "Aw man, not in the car." Pulling to the side, it's just in time before Leo can get the car door open and throw up. Eli grimaces. "You alright?"
Leo gives a little groan before closing the door again, slouching miserably in the seat. Eli sighs and keeps on going. "So she's not your girl."
Leo shakes his head. "Uh-uh. She wants t' be though."
"Oh yeah? Well that's kind of neat, right?"
"She's too nice for me. She'll just... just up and leave and... and... someb'dy come along and... steal her."
Eli taps his fingers on the steering wheel, realizing now where this was going. "Like Ryan."
Leo scrunches his nose and laughs. "See? I told you you were smart!" He thumbs out the window. "I have to throw up again now."
Eli didn't get much information out of Leo after that. Stopping two more times on the way, they finally make it to Leo's apartment. It takes a bit of doing, but Eli is able to get him inside and deposited on the couch. Breathing heavily he stares down at Leo's limp form as he was just about already passed out. Eli shakes his head and goes for his cell phone. Calling Ryan, he hopes she'll bother to answer.
Alec is just giving Ryan another kiss and still cuddling with her on the couch when the phone rings. He ignores it and just continues the attention to Ryan, but when the phone keeps ringing, he sighs with annoyance. Instead of letting Ryan answer it, he reaches over her and grabs it. "This better be important."
Eli smirks. "Sorry. Interrupting something?"
Alec quirks an eyebrow. "Maybe."
"Good. I'll kill you when I get back then."
Alec sits up straighter. "Not that!"
Eli shakes his head, not being worried at all about his sister and Alec. "Okay, fine. Put my sister on the line."
"What, you don't believe me?"
"Alec!"
"Alright, alright!" Alec hands the phone to Ryan. "It's your doting brother."
Getting Ryan on the line, Eli sighs with a little relief. "Ryan, it's me. Listen um... I need a ride. I need to get back to the bar where my bike is parked but, um... I'm at Leo's at the moment. Can you come pick me up?"
Bret groans into his pillow as he's shaken slightly. "Wha?" he mumbles, gripping his pillow tighter. "It's too early..."
Being shaken again, then hearing the reason, he sits bolt upright in bed. "What? The baby? Now?" Still half-dazed from his deep sleep, he goes to swing his legs over the side of the bed, but his feet get tangled in the blankets. Fighting with the covers for several seconds, he winds up losing his balance and falling off the edge onto the floor, banging his head on the nightstand on the way.
Howling with pain, a curse slips out and he finally manages to get to his feet. Grabbing his jeans, he hops on one foot, trying to get them on. "You okay? Got your bag? Do we need anything else?"
Eli is standing nearby and rolls his eyes. "Save me a piece, will you?" He whacks Alec's arm, but looks to Ryan. "You two carry on... I'm gonna go through town and take a ride. Might stop for a beer or something but I'll be back to the apartment in a bit."
Alec turns to him with a sly grin on his lips. "How long you gonna be gone?"
Eli points a finger at him. "Not long enough."
Alec laughs and turns, keeping one arm over Ryan's shoulder. "Reese hasn't been so uptight last couple days so I'm gonna stay out as long as I want and enjoy that cake with you... or anything else," he teases.
...Getting back to the apartment with Ryan, Alec is quick to claim a spot on the couch with her while they find something good on television. After all the excitement at the race, rambunctiousness with the cake doesn't evolve quite like it had in the past, both tired enough to just sit and enjoy each other's company... at least for the time being.
Across town, Eli enjoys a motorcycle ride by himself. Taking the long route, he takes in the scenery, never tiring of being on the road like this. Sometimes he needed a break just to get away and ride for a while. And even if he wouldn't admit it, maybe he did want to give Alec and Ryan some time to hang out too.
Maneuvering back through town, Eli decides to stop at the Bullseye for a quick beer and saying hi to anybody he knew. He wouldn't stay long, then he'd get back to the apartment. Parking and ambling into the bar, Eli scans the smoke-filled room before wandering closer to the bar. Approaching it, he's surprised to see a familiar figure sitting on a stool. "Hey, Leo, what's up?"
Leo sits up but not too straight, glancing over at Eli with glossy eyes. An inebriated smile curls his lips. "Heeeey, Eli! Come t' join me?"
Eli's eyebrows rise. He never would have taken Leo to be one to go to a bar and get drunk, but there was no doubt that Leo had already gone past his limit. "Uh... not really. I just saw you here and..." He shakes his head. It didn't matter - Leo wouldn't remember his reasons anyway. "What about you? What are you doing here?"
"Wha's it look like?" Leo swivels back around and holds up a mug of beer. "I'm drinking! Want one?"
No, Eli's appetite for a drink had quickly faded. Normally, he'd just walk away from anybody in this state and let them fend for themselves. But for some reason, he just didn't want to do that to Leo. Leo was a nice guy... clean cut and had a good head on his shoulders - or so Eli had thought. What had happened? "No... thanks." He leans on the bar next to Leo, thinking for a moment. "Come here often?"
"Nuh-uh." Leo tips his head back as he downs a shot of whiskey that hat escaped Eli's sight. "But thr's always time for change!"
"Well sure, but... this?"
Leo glances over to Eli, finding disapproval. "Yeah well... it's better'n goin' home an' j'st sittin' around... alone and... and thinking."
"Thinking about what?"
Leo cackles and takes another swig of beer, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Eli..." He looks at him with a silly grin. "...you're smarter th'n that." He taps his head. "I know you are." Swallowing what might have been a hiccup, Leo manages another mouthful of beer.
Eli runs his thumb along the bar thoughtfully. He tries to stay fairly cheerful so as not to set off Leo. "Aw... my mind isn't working so well tonight. How about you tell me?"
Leo stares into space for a moment, swiveling back and forth on the barstool. "It's called love and lost and... and..." He frowns, having lost his train of thought. "And evr'thing else that goes along with it."
"Everything else?"
"I got a new friend, ya know." Leo turns and stares at Eli, seemingly on a completely different topic. "She's real nice... an' pretty.... She likes me ya know." He nods. "Not like... like your sister there.... what's her name?"
"Ryan."
"Yeah, her." Leo waves his hand in the air and turns back to his beer, finishing it off with several long swallows.
Eli sighs. It bothered him more than he'd like to admit, seeing Leo like this. They weren't exactly close friends but Eli did feel some amount of obligation to look out for him if he was in trouble, and at the moment he might not be in a whole lot of trouble but who knew what would happen if he was left here. "So you have a new friend?" Eli questions.
"Mmm." Leo nods and spins around again, but he does it too quickly. Sliding off the stool, he would have fallen right to the floor had Eli not caught him.
Eli grabs him by his pants and keeps him standing as they both stumble. "How about you and I take a little walk?"
"Walk..." Leo leans on him and squints, looking around for the exit and unable to find it. "I think... they want me to stay here."
"I think it's about time we got some fresh air. How about that?"
"Mmm...." Leo thinks then swivels his head to look at Eli, his eyes somewhere far away. "Okay."
"Okay good. Come on."
Starting forward, Leo's knees buckle and he trips almost taking both of them down. Running into someone sitting at a table, he snickers and pats them on the shoulder. "'Scuse me. I'm drunk."
If it hadn't been so sad, Eli would have laughed. He looks to he person at the table and rolls his eyes before pulling Leo away. "I think they can see that," he mutters under his breath.
Once they're both outside, Eli looks around for Leo's car. "Where you parked, man?"
"Parked?"
"Yeah, your car. Where is it?"
"Oh, parked!"
Eli sighs. "Yes. Car. Where?"
"It's um..." Leo looks around, still leaning on Eli to keep his balance. "Um... I parked it... um."
"Do you have your keys?"
"Yeah, sure." Leo digs in first one pocket then the other, managing to find them.
Eli takes them without asking, thankful there was a small remote. Pressing the panic button, Leo's car honks and flashes its lights down along the curb of the street.
Leo's eyes widen. "I think s'mbody's stealing my car."
Eli sighs. "Come on. Let's go stop them."
"Right." Leo staggers along beside him, banging into a light pole then stumbling off the curb once they finally reach the car.
Eli makes sure he's in and buckled before going around to the driver's side and getting in. Pulling away from the bar, he glances to Leo. "So... your new friend... a woman?"
"Uh-huh."
"Girlfriend?"
Leo snickers and leans his head against the window before he blows a raspberry. "Me? I's done with that one."
"The girl or having a girlfriend?" Leo doesn't answer right away and Eli looks over to see him with a pale face and starting to hunch over. "Aw man, not in the car." Pulling to the side, it's just in time before Leo can get the car door open and throw up. Eli grimaces. "You alright?"
Leo gives a little groan before closing the door again, slouching miserably in the seat. Eli sighs and keeps on going. "So she's not your girl."
Leo shakes his head. "Uh-uh. She wants t' be though."
"Oh yeah? Well that's kind of neat, right?"
"She's too nice for me. She'll just... just up and leave and... and... someb'dy come along and... steal her."
Eli taps his fingers on the steering wheel, realizing now where this was going. "Like Ryan."
Leo scrunches his nose and laughs. "See? I told you you were smart!" He thumbs out the window. "I have to throw up again now."
Eli didn't get much information out of Leo after that. Stopping two more times on the way, they finally make it to Leo's apartment. It takes a bit of doing, but Eli is able to get him inside and deposited on the couch. Breathing heavily he stares down at Leo's limp form as he was just about already passed out. Eli shakes his head and goes for his cell phone. Calling Ryan, he hopes she'll bother to answer.
Alec is just giving Ryan another kiss and still cuddling with her on the couch when the phone rings. He ignores it and just continues the attention to Ryan, but when the phone keeps ringing, he sighs with annoyance. Instead of letting Ryan answer it, he reaches over her and grabs it. "This better be important."
Eli smirks. "Sorry. Interrupting something?"
Alec quirks an eyebrow. "Maybe."
"Good. I'll kill you when I get back then."
Alec sits up straighter. "Not that!"
Eli shakes his head, not being worried at all about his sister and Alec. "Okay, fine. Put my sister on the line."
"What, you don't believe me?"
"Alec!"
"Alright, alright!" Alec hands the phone to Ryan. "It's your doting brother."
Getting Ryan on the line, Eli sighs with a little relief. "Ryan, it's me. Listen um... I need a ride. I need to get back to the bar where my bike is parked but, um... I'm at Leo's at the moment. Can you come pick me up?"
Bret groans into his pillow as he's shaken slightly. "Wha?" he mumbles, gripping his pillow tighter. "It's too early..."
Being shaken again, then hearing the reason, he sits bolt upright in bed. "What? The baby? Now?" Still half-dazed from his deep sleep, he goes to swing his legs over the side of the bed, but his feet get tangled in the blankets. Fighting with the covers for several seconds, he winds up losing his balance and falling off the edge onto the floor, banging his head on the nightstand on the way.
Howling with pain, a curse slips out and he finally manages to get to his feet. Grabbing his jeans, he hops on one foot, trying to get them on. "You okay? Got your bag? Do we need anything else?"
It's time!!!
Once the commotion settled Ryan looks to Alec and Eli giving a nod. She was happy Roth was out of the race she wouldn't have to worry about any of his dirty tricks to win.
"Peace of cake now thats he's not here."
It doesn't take long for everything to get into order and tonight it seemed like the racers were all on the same page. Thankful and in a good mood Roth was not there but it an unspoken respect that made Ryan feel good.
As suspected Ryan won the race but it had been a close one with one of the other races. No one was scared to hold back today because there was no one to kick the crap out of them to beating them. The night had been a winner in more than one way for Ryan.
Coming over to Alec and her brother again her breath was heavy but she felt good. She wished this had been one of the longer races but tonight it was only short. Wrapping her arms around Alec's neck and planting a big kiss on his lips that lingers with passion Ryan finally pulls away looking up at Alec.
"The night is still young, how about you come back to the apartment and we can just hang out together. I believe there is a chocolate cake in the fridge with your name on it too."
Coming back into the bedroom Charlotte goes to Bret's side of the bed. She felt a little wobbly, and in a bit of pain but she made it there anyways. This day was coming, but even if they had planned it there was still some stuff you would never be ready for.
Shaking Bret a little bit Charlotte new he was a deep sleeping and shakes him a little more.
"Bret, Hunny...wake up."
Shaking him a little more Charlotte waits for his eyes to open a small smile formed on her face yet some worry and fear layed behind her eyes. She never had to do this before and in a way it was a little scary.
"We....we have to go. It's time...the baby doesn't want to wait anymore!"
"Peace of cake now thats he's not here."
It doesn't take long for everything to get into order and tonight it seemed like the racers were all on the same page. Thankful and in a good mood Roth was not there but it an unspoken respect that made Ryan feel good.
As suspected Ryan won the race but it had been a close one with one of the other races. No one was scared to hold back today because there was no one to kick the crap out of them to beating them. The night had been a winner in more than one way for Ryan.
Coming over to Alec and her brother again her breath was heavy but she felt good. She wished this had been one of the longer races but tonight it was only short. Wrapping her arms around Alec's neck and planting a big kiss on his lips that lingers with passion Ryan finally pulls away looking up at Alec.
"The night is still young, how about you come back to the apartment and we can just hang out together. I believe there is a chocolate cake in the fridge with your name on it too."
Coming back into the bedroom Charlotte goes to Bret's side of the bed. She felt a little wobbly, and in a bit of pain but she made it there anyways. This day was coming, but even if they had planned it there was still some stuff you would never be ready for.
Shaking Bret a little bit Charlotte new he was a deep sleeping and shakes him a little more.
"Bret, Hunny...wake up."
Shaking him a little more Charlotte waits for his eyes to open a small smile formed on her face yet some worry and fear layed behind her eyes. She never had to do this before and in a way it was a little scary.
"We....we have to go. It's time...the baby doesn't want to wait anymore!"
Left or right
Leo watches as Cassy backs away and he gives his own little wave. Waiting until she'd made it inside, he sighs deeply then backs out of the parking space once more. Heading down the road, he reaches a stop sign and just sits. There was no one behind him so no one cared if he waited even though no cars were passing by.
He looks right, then left. Left to go home. Right to go to the Bullseye. He hardly ever went there. It was a rarity. When he did, usually it was because friends were there or he was just thirsty for a beer. Tonight though... tonight it was a very different feeling that made him want to go. Should he?
He thinks of his apartment. Dark, quiet and lonely. He could have spent more time with Cassy tonight, but it was already getting hard by the time they'd parted. He wasn't stupid. He knew what that look in her eye was when she'd looked up at him as they'd danced in the park. He knew that even though they'd agreed to just be friends, that she wouldn't say no to something more. But him... he just didn't feel... or... it was just that... well, he....
Growling at himself, Leo turns right.
Sketch can do nothing but stand in his place, feet firmly planted as Roth's anger burns. Staring at him with wide eyes, he takes the tongue lashing, all defenses having flown his mind. A nervous glance in Crash's direction is the only thing he dares, but he finds that his friend is just as scared as he is.
Watching the "show," Alec sits next to Ryan, a silly grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. He was so ready for this. Eli stands by the car, arms folded casually, smiling a whole lot more on the inside than on his face. Payback without any fists - ahhhh, triumph!
As the whispers turn into snickers then evolve into outright laughter around the crowd, Eli's own smile breaks out and Alec starts to laugh. Seeing Roth headed for them though, both Eli and Alec tense and straighten at the same time, their eyes warning Roth to back off. Eli was betting that Roth wouldn't have the guts and he was right. Instead of hurling his own insult, he simply gives a quick salute. Roth would have no proof he'd been the one to paint the car, and as such, he was stuck to live with the embarrassment.
Leaning back around behind Ryan, he catches Alec's eye and they exchange a couple high-fives, palm slide and snap of the fingers. They'd won.
Ordered to get the tarp back on the car, Sketch couldn't remember having moved so quickly. Helping Crash cover up the embarrassing car, he ties his end of the tarp down and looks over to Crash, motioning to the truck. "Let's get out of here."
Back in the truck, he drives through the crowd, trying to ignore the laughing and jeers. Once free and on the road, he wipes some sweat from his face, his mind reeling. "Okay... we high-tail it back to the shop, park and get out of there before Roth catches up to us."
With the laughing show almost over for now, Alec leans over to Ryan and gives her a kiss on her lips, letting it linger for several moments. "Looks like you're down one competitor tonight."
Eli reaches over and pats her leg. "Go get 'em, Speedy. Tonight it's all yours."
He looks right, then left. Left to go home. Right to go to the Bullseye. He hardly ever went there. It was a rarity. When he did, usually it was because friends were there or he was just thirsty for a beer. Tonight though... tonight it was a very different feeling that made him want to go. Should he?
He thinks of his apartment. Dark, quiet and lonely. He could have spent more time with Cassy tonight, but it was already getting hard by the time they'd parted. He wasn't stupid. He knew what that look in her eye was when she'd looked up at him as they'd danced in the park. He knew that even though they'd agreed to just be friends, that she wouldn't say no to something more. But him... he just didn't feel... or... it was just that... well, he....
Growling at himself, Leo turns right.
Sketch can do nothing but stand in his place, feet firmly planted as Roth's anger burns. Staring at him with wide eyes, he takes the tongue lashing, all defenses having flown his mind. A nervous glance in Crash's direction is the only thing he dares, but he finds that his friend is just as scared as he is.
Watching the "show," Alec sits next to Ryan, a silly grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. He was so ready for this. Eli stands by the car, arms folded casually, smiling a whole lot more on the inside than on his face. Payback without any fists - ahhhh, triumph!
As the whispers turn into snickers then evolve into outright laughter around the crowd, Eli's own smile breaks out and Alec starts to laugh. Seeing Roth headed for them though, both Eli and Alec tense and straighten at the same time, their eyes warning Roth to back off. Eli was betting that Roth wouldn't have the guts and he was right. Instead of hurling his own insult, he simply gives a quick salute. Roth would have no proof he'd been the one to paint the car, and as such, he was stuck to live with the embarrassment.
Leaning back around behind Ryan, he catches Alec's eye and they exchange a couple high-fives, palm slide and snap of the fingers. They'd won.
Ordered to get the tarp back on the car, Sketch couldn't remember having moved so quickly. Helping Crash cover up the embarrassing car, he ties his end of the tarp down and looks over to Crash, motioning to the truck. "Let's get out of here."
Back in the truck, he drives through the crowd, trying to ignore the laughing and jeers. Once free and on the road, he wipes some sweat from his face, his mind reeling. "Okay... we high-tail it back to the shop, park and get out of there before Roth catches up to us."
With the laughing show almost over for now, Alec leans over to Ryan and gives her a kiss on her lips, letting it linger for several moments. "Looks like you're down one competitor tonight."
Eli reaches over and pats her leg. "Go get 'em, Speedy. Tonight it's all yours."
Complete
Following Leo back once again to the car Cassy is quiet as she just takes in the night sky still and the quiet sounds. It was so nice and peaceful, to just listen to everything around them she enjoyed it. Being helped into the car once again she thanks Leo. It was very sweet of him to help her and she enjoyed having that kind of pamper, it made her feel good and special.
Keeping up the small talk in the car was nice too. For Cassy it didn't have to be important, life changing stuff they talked about, just going back and forth between the little things was nice too. Soon though they were parked outside her studio once and again and though she didn't really feel like being alone yet Cassy new Leo wanted to go. She couldn't force him to stay.
"Drive safe Leo! If I don't see you this weekend, I am sure I'll be calling you wondering where you ran off too."
Giving a chuckle Cassy gets out of the car closing the door behind her. Stepping away a little bit she gives a wave to Leo before turning and going inside the studio. Maybe she'd do a little work right now to keep her mind busy before going home.
Crash could feel his own face turn pale as they started forward again through the people making it to there park spot. It was worse they had to uncover the thing in front of everyone. This was just going to make matters worse and the embarrassment greater.
"We are dead, no...we are worse. Should of left this at the shop and got out of dodge while we could. There is no where to run now."
Getting out with Sketch Crash moves slower than normal only hopping someone else would take the tarp off before him. He was the last person that wanted to do that. So helping with the ramps and fiddling with something else he looks over to his friend only to see he was not taking he tarp off ether.
"I don't have all day morons so lets not wait until Christmas."
Hearing Roth's irritated tone Crash gives a jump his hand going to the tarp. It was now or never, and they might as well get it over with. Slowly moving his side of the tarp back Crash closes his eyes, before opening them again and seeing the pink car. It was still there and he felt so sick to his stomach. Keeping his eyes down he waits for Sketch to take his side down and what to do next.
Sitting on the hood of her own car Ryan gives a large smile as she see Roth's truck with the car loaded on the back. Giving Alec a little elbow as he sat next to her Ryan looks to her right at her brother. The humor she felt inside with the whole thing she tried to keep at bay as much as she could.
"It's show time boys. Get ready to see some fireworks. Though I have to admit I kind of feel sorry for Roth's lackeys. Only a little bit though."
As the tarp is pulled away a little bit and the hello kitty is revealed Ryan lets out a small snicker. Leaning over Alec a little bit to one of the other races Ryan gives whispers to them and points to the car. Knowing now that the whispers would spread and she could hear the laughter start to roll.
Looking around the racing area Roth can see the people whispering, pointing in his direction and for a moment has no idea whats going on. Finally turning and see the car Roth's eyes go large and curse words start to come from his lips.
Seeing Roth come there way Crash moves to the other side with Sketch the words seeming lost as the look on Roth's face chills his bones.
"What is this? Is this kind of some sick joke you two are playing..."
Swinning himself up onto the bed of the truck Roth looks into the car and see indeed its his car. More curse words come from his mouth as fire burns in his eyes and the other people start laughing once again.
"You guys are dead....You didn't bother checking before you brought the car? Or did you want to embarrass me??? Idiot...stupid...idiots."
Not being able to help it anymore Ryan's laughter grows even more. Reaching into her pocket Ryan pulls out a box of Hello Kitty bandages from her pocket.
"Hey Roth, here...there are for that broken ego of yours."
Throwing the bandages to the car they land on the bed of the car. Looking down on the Roth's anger grows as he looks at up at Ryan with fire in his eyes. Taking a few steps twords her his anger burns.
"Why you little...."
Taking a few long strides to Ryan Roth stops seeing her unafraid of him and not moving. Looking to her left and seeing Alec, and than to her right to see Eli He stops and backs up a little bit. His eyes still on Eli it was easy to see he new who had done this to his car now. If looks could kill Eli surly would of been dead.
"You'll pay for this."
"Not if you know whats good for you."
Ryan snickers.
Stopping and turning around Roth points to the car, than Crash ans Sketch. He was still peeved and hated looking like a fool, but there was nothing he could do right now about it.
"Get the tarp back on the car stupid's don't just stand there. Lets go let go."
Giving a jump Crash starts to put the tarp back on the car as he looks over to Sketch wondering what would happen to them once they got back to the shop.
Ryan's smile remains as she laughs some more. She wished Eli's girl was here to see this but surely he would relive everything to her.
"Mission accomplished."
Keeping up the small talk in the car was nice too. For Cassy it didn't have to be important, life changing stuff they talked about, just going back and forth between the little things was nice too. Soon though they were parked outside her studio once and again and though she didn't really feel like being alone yet Cassy new Leo wanted to go. She couldn't force him to stay.
"Drive safe Leo! If I don't see you this weekend, I am sure I'll be calling you wondering where you ran off too."
Giving a chuckle Cassy gets out of the car closing the door behind her. Stepping away a little bit she gives a wave to Leo before turning and going inside the studio. Maybe she'd do a little work right now to keep her mind busy before going home.
Crash could feel his own face turn pale as they started forward again through the people making it to there park spot. It was worse they had to uncover the thing in front of everyone. This was just going to make matters worse and the embarrassment greater.
"We are dead, no...we are worse. Should of left this at the shop and got out of dodge while we could. There is no where to run now."
Getting out with Sketch Crash moves slower than normal only hopping someone else would take the tarp off before him. He was the last person that wanted to do that. So helping with the ramps and fiddling with something else he looks over to his friend only to see he was not taking he tarp off ether.
"I don't have all day morons so lets not wait until Christmas."
Hearing Roth's irritated tone Crash gives a jump his hand going to the tarp. It was now or never, and they might as well get it over with. Slowly moving his side of the tarp back Crash closes his eyes, before opening them again and seeing the pink car. It was still there and he felt so sick to his stomach. Keeping his eyes down he waits for Sketch to take his side down and what to do next.
Sitting on the hood of her own car Ryan gives a large smile as she see Roth's truck with the car loaded on the back. Giving Alec a little elbow as he sat next to her Ryan looks to her right at her brother. The humor she felt inside with the whole thing she tried to keep at bay as much as she could.
"It's show time boys. Get ready to see some fireworks. Though I have to admit I kind of feel sorry for Roth's lackeys. Only a little bit though."
As the tarp is pulled away a little bit and the hello kitty is revealed Ryan lets out a small snicker. Leaning over Alec a little bit to one of the other races Ryan gives whispers to them and points to the car. Knowing now that the whispers would spread and she could hear the laughter start to roll.
Looking around the racing area Roth can see the people whispering, pointing in his direction and for a moment has no idea whats going on. Finally turning and see the car Roth's eyes go large and curse words start to come from his lips.
Seeing Roth come there way Crash moves to the other side with Sketch the words seeming lost as the look on Roth's face chills his bones.
"What is this? Is this kind of some sick joke you two are playing..."
Swinning himself up onto the bed of the truck Roth looks into the car and see indeed its his car. More curse words come from his mouth as fire burns in his eyes and the other people start laughing once again.
"You guys are dead....You didn't bother checking before you brought the car? Or did you want to embarrass me??? Idiot...stupid...idiots."
Not being able to help it anymore Ryan's laughter grows even more. Reaching into her pocket Ryan pulls out a box of Hello Kitty bandages from her pocket.
"Hey Roth, here...there are for that broken ego of yours."
Throwing the bandages to the car they land on the bed of the car. Looking down on the Roth's anger grows as he looks at up at Ryan with fire in his eyes. Taking a few steps twords her his anger burns.
"Why you little...."
Taking a few long strides to Ryan Roth stops seeing her unafraid of him and not moving. Looking to her left and seeing Alec, and than to her right to see Eli He stops and backs up a little bit. His eyes still on Eli it was easy to see he new who had done this to his car now. If looks could kill Eli surly would of been dead.
"You'll pay for this."
"Not if you know whats good for you."
Ryan snickers.
Stopping and turning around Roth points to the car, than Crash ans Sketch. He was still peeved and hated looking like a fool, but there was nothing he could do right now about it.
"Get the tarp back on the car stupid's don't just stand there. Lets go let go."
Giving a jump Crash starts to put the tarp back on the car as he looks over to Sketch wondering what would happen to them once they got back to the shop.
Ryan's smile remains as she laughs some more. She wished Eli's girl was here to see this but surely he would relive everything to her.
"Mission accomplished."
Coward
Agreeing on a story, arriving at the race and having Roth yell at them already, Sketch's knuckles were white as he gripped the steering wheel. He barely heard Crash's question. When it registers though, his gaze whips around to his friend. "Are you kidding me? I don't know about you, but I'm parking this thing and then getting out of here like the coward I am."
Putting the truck back in gear, he pulls forward again, slowly maneuvering around the milling people. Bringing it to the parking area, he stops and cuts the engine. "We are in so much trouble, man."
Wiping sweat from his brow, he gets out, making sure Crash is still with him. Getting the ramps down on the trailer, he hesitates, not wanting to be the one to pull off the tarp. He could practically feel Roth coming up behind them, but he doesn't move. Now he was even too scared to disappear into the crowd like he wanted - Roth would surely have him stopped anyway.
Leo forces a smile. "Yeah... yeah I better get you back so I can go home and hit the hay. It's gonna be a long day at work tomorrow."
Finally dropping his gaze, he turns to lead the way back onto the path that led back to the parking lot. His hands were in his pockets again, his soles lightly scuffing the ground as he walked. He's quiet again, seeming to be almost in a world of his own until they reach the car and he opens the passenger door for Cassy. Making sure she was in alright, he goes around to get in behind the wheel and start up the engine.
Once on the road, Leo tries to make light conversation, rehashing the day's events and speaking positively of the visitors' reactions. By the time they reach the little studio, there hasn't been much room for other talk and he parks along the curb, leaving the engine running.
"Have a good night, Cass." He offers her a smile. "Don't work too hard."
Putting the truck back in gear, he pulls forward again, slowly maneuvering around the milling people. Bringing it to the parking area, he stops and cuts the engine. "We are in so much trouble, man."
Wiping sweat from his brow, he gets out, making sure Crash is still with him. Getting the ramps down on the trailer, he hesitates, not wanting to be the one to pull off the tarp. He could practically feel Roth coming up behind them, but he doesn't move. Now he was even too scared to disappear into the crowd like he wanted - Roth would surely have him stopped anyway.
Leo forces a smile. "Yeah... yeah I better get you back so I can go home and hit the hay. It's gonna be a long day at work tomorrow."
Finally dropping his gaze, he turns to lead the way back onto the path that led back to the parking lot. His hands were in his pockets again, his soles lightly scuffing the ground as he walked. He's quiet again, seeming to be almost in a world of his own until they reach the car and he opens the passenger door for Cassy. Making sure she was in alright, he goes around to get in behind the wheel and start up the engine.
Once on the road, Leo tries to make light conversation, rehashing the day's events and speaking positively of the visitors' reactions. By the time they reach the little studio, there hasn't been much room for other talk and he parks along the curb, leaving the engine running.
"Have a good night, Cass." He offers her a smile. "Don't work too hard."
7/5/10
Not ready
Tapping his fingers on the outside of the door as his arm hung out the window Crash was quiet his tension, patients, and nerves ran high. Tonight was not going to be the night for anyone to get in there way...or be in Roth's way.
Hearing Sketch's lie Crash looks over at him for a long moment the lights from where the race was being held coming into view.
"Right, but...we are always to check to make sure everything is in order...but...we...were running late today, and we didn't want him to miss the race so we figured since the guard Dog was outside, and everything was locked we figured it would be ok."
Crash gives a nod even though the look on his face was anything less than sure Roth would not crack there skulls. It was a known face they might be part of Roth's circle but that didn't mean they wouldn't get the crap kicked out of them if anything went wrong.
Seeing the truck pull into the lot loaded up with his car Roth was in a fowl mood to start with on Crash and Sketch being late. Crossing his arms as they stop in front of him Roth gives a growl.
"I give you idiots a few simple tasks, to be on time and make sure everything is ok with my car and you can't even get the one simple thing right. Lets hope for your sake you can get the other part right. Bright her over to the parking area, there is no time for you to unload it here."
Once Roth had his back to them and was storming back to where the car would sit before the race started Crash looks to Sketch.
"We are in serous trouble here. Should...we just tell him now? Save him a little bit of embarrassment?"
Feeling Leo's hand on her face Cassy leans her head into it still looking up into his eyes. His skin felt so nice on her even his they had a small rough tone to them. They were the hands of someone who worked, of someone who could take care of another..they were a true man's hands.
Hearing his words about the music made her smile more. He new just how to make her feel good and that she liked. Even if she never said it, she needed that feeling because it helped her know she was really worth something.
Wishing the moment wouldn't end or that Leo would say what was in his eyes Cassy's though about it is cut off with his mention of going home. Giving a small sigh Cassy's smile still stays not wanting to make Leo feel bad.
"I'm not ready to go back the night it still young but I understand if you want to head back. It's defiantly been one of my better days."
Hearing Sketch's lie Crash looks over at him for a long moment the lights from where the race was being held coming into view.
"Right, but...we are always to check to make sure everything is in order...but...we...were running late today, and we didn't want him to miss the race so we figured since the guard Dog was outside, and everything was locked we figured it would be ok."
Crash gives a nod even though the look on his face was anything less than sure Roth would not crack there skulls. It was a known face they might be part of Roth's circle but that didn't mean they wouldn't get the crap kicked out of them if anything went wrong.
Seeing the truck pull into the lot loaded up with his car Roth was in a fowl mood to start with on Crash and Sketch being late. Crossing his arms as they stop in front of him Roth gives a growl.
"I give you idiots a few simple tasks, to be on time and make sure everything is ok with my car and you can't even get the one simple thing right. Lets hope for your sake you can get the other part right. Bright her over to the parking area, there is no time for you to unload it here."
Once Roth had his back to them and was storming back to where the car would sit before the race started Crash looks to Sketch.
"We are in serous trouble here. Should...we just tell him now? Save him a little bit of embarrassment?"
Feeling Leo's hand on her face Cassy leans her head into it still looking up into his eyes. His skin felt so nice on her even his they had a small rough tone to them. They were the hands of someone who worked, of someone who could take care of another..they were a true man's hands.
Hearing his words about the music made her smile more. He new just how to make her feel good and that she liked. Even if she never said it, she needed that feeling because it helped her know she was really worth something.
Wishing the moment wouldn't end or that Leo would say what was in his eyes Cassy's though about it is cut off with his mention of going home. Giving a small sigh Cassy's smile still stays not wanting to make Leo feel bad.
"I'm not ready to go back the night it still young but I understand if you want to head back. It's defiantly been one of my better days."
Long day
Looking down into Cassy's eyes, Leo studies them, becoming enveloped in the light and life reflected through her gaze. His own eyes held so many things that were not being said... so many things on his heart that were not uttered on his lips. Though his mouth is poised to speak, his voice does not bring to the surface that which he longed to say.
He doesn't know how long he just stands there not saying anything. The music had stopped for him, long before this. But did it have to be that way? Even Cassy, with her world torn apart, could still hear it and let herself be lifted up by the melody. Why had his world become silent... still... lacking of life?
Without thinking, Leo's hand slips from around her to rise to her cheek. His fingers brush over her skin lightly before tucking a wispy lock of hair behind her ear. "To hear the music is a gift," he whispers, "and a telltale sign of an inner beauty."
Swallowing hard again, he slowly backs up a step, his hands falling back to his sides, though his eyes remain on Cassy. "I should get you back," he reasons, clearing his throat. "It's been a long day."
"Okay... right... right." Sketch nods while the wheels in his mind turn. "Let's get this thing loaded and get out of here before anyone else sees."
It doesn't take long and soon Sketch is steering the pickup down the road, pulling the trailer with Roth's car. Silence had ruled since leaving the shop, neither man wanting to admit how nervous they were. But as they get nearer and nearer to the race, the tension only rises.
"Someone else already had the car ready," Sketch reasons as he comes up with a lie to save their hides. "It was already on and the tarp over it so we didn't see a thing... we just pulled out." He gives Crash a sidelong glance. "Right?"
He doesn't know how long he just stands there not saying anything. The music had stopped for him, long before this. But did it have to be that way? Even Cassy, with her world torn apart, could still hear it and let herself be lifted up by the melody. Why had his world become silent... still... lacking of life?
Without thinking, Leo's hand slips from around her to rise to her cheek. His fingers brush over her skin lightly before tucking a wispy lock of hair behind her ear. "To hear the music is a gift," he whispers, "and a telltale sign of an inner beauty."
Swallowing hard again, he slowly backs up a step, his hands falling back to his sides, though his eyes remain on Cassy. "I should get you back," he reasons, clearing his throat. "It's been a long day."
"Okay... right... right." Sketch nods while the wheels in his mind turn. "Let's get this thing loaded and get out of here before anyone else sees."
It doesn't take long and soon Sketch is steering the pickup down the road, pulling the trailer with Roth's car. Silence had ruled since leaving the shop, neither man wanting to admit how nervous they were. But as they get nearer and nearer to the race, the tension only rises.
"Someone else already had the car ready," Sketch reasons as he comes up with a lie to save their hides. "It was already on and the tarp over it so we didn't see a thing... we just pulled out." He gives Crash a sidelong glance. "Right?"
Never stops
Just staying close to Leo Cassy didn't even take note that there movements had almost stopped. She was so comfortable that to her they were still moving, and just being this close this time with Leo it seemed different that it had in the past. It felt nice, more unity, almost like Leo was more accepted of it.
Finally though the music had stopped even if Cassy still could hear it softly in the background, Leo's words come to her. Pulling away just a little her fingers were still locked with his as she looked up into his eyes, a soft smile on her lips, her voice no more than a whisper.
"The music never stops for those who are willing to continue listing."
Letting her fingers tighten around his a little tighter for a moment she than released the grip but still kept her fingers locked with his as she looked up into his eyes. The soft lights from park, the glow from the foutain, and the moonlight that shown down from the sky just seemed to set the tone.
Finally though the music had stopped even if Cassy still could hear it softly in the background, Leo's words come to her. Pulling away just a little her fingers were still locked with his as she looked up into his eyes, a soft smile on her lips, her voice no more than a whisper.
"The music never stops for those who are willing to continue listing."
Letting her fingers tighten around his a little tighter for a moment she than released the grip but still kept her fingers locked with his as she looked up into his eyes. The soft lights from park, the glow from the foutain, and the moonlight that shown down from the sky just seemed to set the tone.
Stopped
As Cassy moves closer and rests her head on his shoulder, Leo's eyes drift shut. His movements grow smaller so they're barely moving from one spot, turning and gently stepping over the bricks under their feet. He could feel her breath on his neck and knew she was relaxed and comfortable here in his arms.
This moment in time almost felt unreal, as if it was a dream or something impossible. Leo's hand instinctively moves so his arm is wrapped around Cassy just a little tighter. And as the seconds pass and become minutes, the dance grows less and less until they're barely moving. And the music fades softly into the shadows.
Leo stands, his movements stilled, though Cassy was still resting against him. He swallows hard and starts to lean down but stops and releases his hold on her instead, though his one hand remains in hers. His mouth opens slightly, words on the tip of his tongue, but they're withdrawn and replaced.
"Hey," he prompts softly. "I... I think the music stopped."
This moment in time almost felt unreal, as if it was a dream or something impossible. Leo's hand instinctively moves so his arm is wrapped around Cassy just a little tighter. And as the seconds pass and become minutes, the dance grows less and less until they're barely moving. And the music fades softly into the shadows.
Leo stands, his movements stilled, though Cassy was still resting against him. He swallows hard and starts to lean down but stops and releases his hold on her instead, though his one hand remains in hers. His mouth opens slightly, words on the tip of his tongue, but they're withdrawn and replaced.
"Hey," he prompts softly. "I... I think the music stopped."
Nuzzle
Crash can't help the cold chill that ran over him fear was still very clear in his eyes. He liked to think he was tough and keep up with Roth's rough nature but having him be mad at them that was something he didn't want to do. Roth wouldn't be scared to take his anger out on them at any time.
"Well....do you...think its wise we....we don't call him...or...some...something. I mean...Ummm...its it's pink."
Blink once again as if maybe it was a dream and when his eyes opened again the car would be back to normal he shakes his head the car still the same and a chuckle gets stuck in his throat. Maybe more from a sicking feeling than from thinking it was funny.
"Just...hurry up and throw the tarp on it. We...we have to go....just pretend we didn't see anything. We are going to be so dead, but maybe if we act like we don't know it will save a little pain."
Letting herself come closer to Leo Cassy's eyes stay on his face. Searching his eyes, watching the light in them and seeing the calmness that came forth while he got lost in the dance. It was calming, it was nice, and Cassy didn't care about those who stopped or what they thought.
Moving with Leo Cassy almost felt like she was in a fairytale. Just moving perfectly lined up with him it was a perfect moment that they were in sink. Feeling so comfortable Cassy brings herself even closer to Leo. Bringing her head to Leo's shoulder she just lets head rest there, her face nuzzled into his neck, her breath brushing his skin. Just letting the music they sheared continue as they sheared the dance together.
"Well....do you...think its wise we....we don't call him...or...some...something. I mean...Ummm...its it's pink."
Blink once again as if maybe it was a dream and when his eyes opened again the car would be back to normal he shakes his head the car still the same and a chuckle gets stuck in his throat. Maybe more from a sicking feeling than from thinking it was funny.
"Just...hurry up and throw the tarp on it. We...we have to go....just pretend we didn't see anything. We are going to be so dead, but maybe if we act like we don't know it will save a little pain."
Letting herself come closer to Leo Cassy's eyes stay on his face. Searching his eyes, watching the light in them and seeing the calmness that came forth while he got lost in the dance. It was calming, it was nice, and Cassy didn't care about those who stopped or what they thought.
Moving with Leo Cassy almost felt like she was in a fairytale. Just moving perfectly lined up with him it was a perfect moment that they were in sink. Feeling so comfortable Cassy brings herself even closer to Leo. Bringing her head to Leo's shoulder she just lets head rest there, her face nuzzled into his neck, her breath brushing his skin. Just letting the music they sheared continue as they sheared the dance together.
Orchestra
Leo looks down at Cassy, a little smile quirking the corner of his mouth. Studying her eyes in the soft light for a moment, he seems to hesitate, but then finally takes her hand. His touch was warm and gentle as he pulls her a little closer, his hand going to her waist. She didn't have to hum... he heard the melody that only one's heart could detect.
Swaying and turning slowly, Leo's steps are light. He leads the way around the brick patio, turning as they glide around the fountain and under the glowing lights. It was as if an orchestra was playing just for them, but nobody else could hear it.
A few passersby stopped and took note of them, but Leo didn't notice. His eyes were on Cassy's, feeling her flowing motion as she danced with him.
"Uh..." Sketch stands lamely, still staring at the car. "I... I don't know how... how it... we... we can't call Roth, are you kidding? What do we tell them? 'Your car's gone girly'?!"
Sketch blinks. "No, I tell you what we're going to do." He bunches up the tarp and passes it off to Crash. "Here. We're going to load it up and we're going to cover it, and take it... just like it is. And... and... and when we get there, we'll just park and... and let Roth do whatever he wants. I mean maybe he wanted..."
His eyes drift back to the car and he shakes his head. "Naw... just... we'll just take it."
Swaying and turning slowly, Leo's steps are light. He leads the way around the brick patio, turning as they glide around the fountain and under the glowing lights. It was as if an orchestra was playing just for them, but nobody else could hear it.
A few passersby stopped and took note of them, but Leo didn't notice. His eyes were on Cassy's, feeling her flowing motion as she danced with him.
"Uh..." Sketch stands lamely, still staring at the car. "I... I don't know how... how it... we... we can't call Roth, are you kidding? What do we tell them? 'Your car's gone girly'?!"
Sketch blinks. "No, I tell you what we're going to do." He bunches up the tarp and passes it off to Crash. "Here. We're going to load it up and we're going to cover it, and take it... just like it is. And... and... and when we get there, we'll just park and... and let Roth do whatever he wants. I mean maybe he wanted..."
His eyes drift back to the car and he shakes his head. "Naw... just... we'll just take it."
Melody
Hearing what Leo had going on this weekend Cassy gives a small nod and when her question was left in the air she didn't push it. If he called her to see if they could do something than great, if not that was ok too and she was sure they would catch up later.
Seeing Leo gets up again and wanting her to follow Cassy does so just enjoying the night air, and the cool breeze. Getting to the center of the park where the little fountain was Cassy looks around at everything and takes it in. Everything looked so pretty she couldn't help how her own eyes lit up.
Taking a few steps back at Leo talks Cassy closes her eyes for a moment as she listened and than opened them again. Looking around she envisioned everything Leo said and it put a smile on her face. Getting to know just a little bit more of him and his past. It was nice to just know who Leo was, and something as simple as one story could open a whole new door.
Once Leo was done Cassy stepped up to him again her eyes giving a twinkle. In her mind she could still here a soft melody playing. Looking at Leo her eyes just continue to hold there shine as if saying maybe she heard something else he couldn't.
"I don't think its crazy at all."
Giving a small bow Cassy holds out her hand to Leo as in offering a dance to him. She need not say anything as she new he would know thats what she was doing. Having someone else who shared a love for dancing singles could be made with no words easy. A soft hum came from her lips, the same melody she had herd in her head now Leo would be able to hear too.
"Get the door, do this do that what do yall think I am? If it not Roth ordering me around its you."
Starting to go to the door Crash stops and gives a growl as his friend was not coming over to him saying there was a problem with the car. Thats all he needed was something else to be wrong so there were even later at the race and Roth could bust both there heads in.
"What? Whats the pro...."
Crash's own voice comes to a complete stop as he stands next to his friend and just looks at the car. His eyes widen as he takes in the hello kitty logo, and the flowers. For a moment it felt like his head was in his throt as his hands became extremely clammy.
"...How...how did this happen? Whats going on? There...there is no way this...if this is some kinda joke its not funny. We are dead....I...should...should we call Roth?"
Seeing Leo gets up again and wanting her to follow Cassy does so just enjoying the night air, and the cool breeze. Getting to the center of the park where the little fountain was Cassy looks around at everything and takes it in. Everything looked so pretty she couldn't help how her own eyes lit up.
Taking a few steps back at Leo talks Cassy closes her eyes for a moment as she listened and than opened them again. Looking around she envisioned everything Leo said and it put a smile on her face. Getting to know just a little bit more of him and his past. It was nice to just know who Leo was, and something as simple as one story could open a whole new door.
Once Leo was done Cassy stepped up to him again her eyes giving a twinkle. In her mind she could still here a soft melody playing. Looking at Leo her eyes just continue to hold there shine as if saying maybe she heard something else he couldn't.
"I don't think its crazy at all."
Giving a small bow Cassy holds out her hand to Leo as in offering a dance to him. She need not say anything as she new he would know thats what she was doing. Having someone else who shared a love for dancing singles could be made with no words easy. A soft hum came from her lips, the same melody she had herd in her head now Leo would be able to hear too.
"Get the door, do this do that what do yall think I am? If it not Roth ordering me around its you."
Starting to go to the door Crash stops and gives a growl as his friend was not coming over to him saying there was a problem with the car. Thats all he needed was something else to be wrong so there were even later at the race and Roth could bust both there heads in.
"What? Whats the pro...."
Crash's own voice comes to a complete stop as he stands next to his friend and just looks at the car. His eyes widen as he takes in the hello kitty logo, and the flowers. For a moment it felt like his head was in his throt as his hands became extremely clammy.
"...How...how did this happen? Whats going on? There...there is no way this...if this is some kinda joke its not funny. We are dead....I...should...should we call Roth?"
We got a problem
Even though Leo's eyes continue to flit about the park, Cassy's suggestion for doing something this weekend had not escaped him. "Only plans I got are to sleep in and I got to go down to Baxtor's Sunday night."
Was that a yes? Why all of a sudden was he having trouble just saying yes or no? It shouldn't be hard. He liked spending time with Cassy and he really had nothing going on this weekend, so what was the problem?
A car backfiring makes Leo jump and he laughs, knowing he must have looked terrified for a moment. "I must have had too much punch - I'm too wired for this late in the evening."
Standing up, Leo still leaves the question of the weekend hanging. Instead, he starts to back away, gesturing with his head for Cassy to follow him. "Come on." Leading the way to the center of the park, there was a large brick circle with lights and trees all around it. Not many people came to the city park after dark, so not many experienced the fairy-tale like world.
Ambling to the center of the circle, Leo looks down at the bricks, scuffing one with his sandal. "I have a memory of when I was little... I couldn't have been more than six years old. My mom had brought me here... not sure where Dad was. It was late and way past my bedtime, but she'd let me stay up. I can't remember why it was a special night. But she took me for a walk and we ended up here."
Standing still, Leo looks up through the trees to the navy blue sky, his hands slipping into his pockets. "She took my hands and started dancing with me." He chuckles. "She didn't know how to dance but I didn't know that. She didn't care that other people stopped and stared like she was crazy. I'd never had so much fun. She laughed and I laughed and we spun around in circles until we were both so dizzy we fell over there in the grass and looked up through the trees, listening for crickets."
Stopping, Leo gives Cassy a wry grin. It all sounded kind of silly now and he really didn't know why he'd wanted to tell her that. Perhaps he sensed she'd been trying to get to know him and it was the best he could do, without ever having really shared about himself before. Come to think of it... he'd never really told these types of things to even Ryan. He just... wasn't used to talking about himself.
A little color comes to his cheeks as his grin widens. "Crazy, huh."
"Yeah, yeah, we're on our way. Got hung up. I'll get the car there on time, no sweat. Later." Sketch stuffs his phone back in his pocket, never to admit his annoyance to Roth's face. Never did anyone question why Roth wouldn't trailer is own car to the races.
Sketch ambles across the dim shop, whistling as he went. Reaching the car, he yanks off the tarp, automatically starting to roll it up. "Yo, Crash, get the door and we'll..." his voice trails off into oblivion as his gaze finally lands on the bubblegum-pink car in front of him. "What the..." Coming closer, he looks inside to discover that this was indeed Roth's car. His face pales at the same time his stomach lurches in the most horrid manner.
"Wha...Cr... uh.... Crash?" He waves his friend over as he backs up to see Hello Kitty in full view. "We got... we got a problem."
Was that a yes? Why all of a sudden was he having trouble just saying yes or no? It shouldn't be hard. He liked spending time with Cassy and he really had nothing going on this weekend, so what was the problem?
A car backfiring makes Leo jump and he laughs, knowing he must have looked terrified for a moment. "I must have had too much punch - I'm too wired for this late in the evening."
Standing up, Leo still leaves the question of the weekend hanging. Instead, he starts to back away, gesturing with his head for Cassy to follow him. "Come on." Leading the way to the center of the park, there was a large brick circle with lights and trees all around it. Not many people came to the city park after dark, so not many experienced the fairy-tale like world.
Ambling to the center of the circle, Leo looks down at the bricks, scuffing one with his sandal. "I have a memory of when I was little... I couldn't have been more than six years old. My mom had brought me here... not sure where Dad was. It was late and way past my bedtime, but she'd let me stay up. I can't remember why it was a special night. But she took me for a walk and we ended up here."
Standing still, Leo looks up through the trees to the navy blue sky, his hands slipping into his pockets. "She took my hands and started dancing with me." He chuckles. "She didn't know how to dance but I didn't know that. She didn't care that other people stopped and stared like she was crazy. I'd never had so much fun. She laughed and I laughed and we spun around in circles until we were both so dizzy we fell over there in the grass and looked up through the trees, listening for crickets."
Stopping, Leo gives Cassy a wry grin. It all sounded kind of silly now and he really didn't know why he'd wanted to tell her that. Perhaps he sensed she'd been trying to get to know him and it was the best he could do, without ever having really shared about himself before. Come to think of it... he'd never really told these types of things to even Ryan. He just... wasn't used to talking about himself.
A little color comes to his cheeks as his grin widens. "Crazy, huh."
"Yeah, yeah, we're on our way. Got hung up. I'll get the car there on time, no sweat. Later." Sketch stuffs his phone back in his pocket, never to admit his annoyance to Roth's face. Never did anyone question why Roth wouldn't trailer is own car to the races.
Sketch ambles across the dim shop, whistling as he went. Reaching the car, he yanks off the tarp, automatically starting to roll it up. "Yo, Crash, get the door and we'll..." his voice trails off into oblivion as his gaze finally lands on the bubblegum-pink car in front of him. "What the..." Coming closer, he looks inside to discover that this was indeed Roth's car. His face pales at the same time his stomach lurches in the most horrid manner.
"Wha...Cr... uh.... Crash?" He waves his friend over as he backs up to see Hello Kitty in full view. "We got... we got a problem."
7/4/10
Rescue
Cassy thinks for a moment about this weekend. Sometimes she hung out with friends on the weekend but this week she wasn't doing anything. Looking up at the sky for a moment and seeing the few starts out she smiles a little more.
"This weekend? It's going to be a little boring for me other than a few work things. I don't really have anything to break up the weekend though"
Continuing to lean back and look out across the park Cassy puts her hands into her pockets. It was dark out but watching the few fire flys out in the darkness was nice seeing them flicker on and off.
"Maybe you could come rescue me from my work on night or something. That is...if your not busy yourself or something."
"This weekend? It's going to be a little boring for me other than a few work things. I don't really have anything to break up the weekend though"
Continuing to lean back and look out across the park Cassy puts her hands into her pockets. It was dark out but watching the few fire flys out in the darkness was nice seeing them flicker on and off.
"Maybe you could come rescue me from my work on night or something. That is...if your not busy yourself or something."
Big plans?
Leo thinks for a moment then shakes his head. "I don't know of anybody right off the top of my head but if I think of anyone, I'll be sure to let you know."
Falling quiet again, he looks around the park for no particular reason. A few fireflies were coming out as it grew darker and if one tried really hard, they might be able to see a couple stars in the sky.
Leo's knee bounces a little, his hands in his lap. Silence didn't usually bother him, but tonight it did. "Big plans for the weekend?"
Falling quiet again, he looks around the park for no particular reason. A few fireflies were coming out as it grew darker and if one tried really hard, they might be able to see a couple stars in the sky.
Leo's knee bounces a little, his hands in his lap. Silence didn't usually bother him, but tonight it did. "Big plans for the weekend?"
7/3/10
Not a bad thing
Giving a smile and biting into the cone Cassy doesn't answer right away as she chews before finally swalling. The ice cream really had hit the spot tonight.
"You know...I have no idea. I have to wake up tomorrow and draw out a chart. I am hoping to start monday but I've got to get all the paperwork and everything together first."
Taking another bit Cassy got the feeling Leo really didn't like talking about himself but she hardly new anything about him. She wanted to get to know him more.
"Needing help is not a bad thing. Pst, it means your human. I think I'd rather need help than get the image I know everything. You wouldn't happen o know anyone who would like to be my secretary do you? I might need one."
Cassy gives a little laugh as she finishes off her cone.
"You know...I have no idea. I have to wake up tomorrow and draw out a chart. I am hoping to start monday but I've got to get all the paperwork and everything together first."
Taking another bit Cassy got the feeling Leo really didn't like talking about himself but she hardly new anything about him. She wanted to get to know him more.
"Needing help is not a bad thing. Pst, it means your human. I think I'd rather need help than get the image I know everything. You wouldn't happen o know anyone who would like to be my secretary do you? I might need one."
Cassy gives a little laugh as she finishes off her cone.
Turn
Leo quirks an eyebrow, wondering at Cassy's sudden interest in his job. "Nah, most of us share the work. We get put in charge of individual cars but when it's too tough of a case we put our heads together to solve it. Well..." He pauses and rolls his eyes. "Ryan and Axel never need help, but me and the other guys sometimes do."
Shifting a little to sit almost sideways, Leo's mouth tweaks just a tad in the corner, a glint in his eye. His turn to switch the conversation back again. "So when's your first night for lessons?"
Shifting a little to sit almost sideways, Leo's mouth tweaks just a tad in the corner, a glint in his eye. His turn to switch the conversation back again. "So when's your first night for lessons?"
Differnt or the same
Cassy lets out air from her lips and a shake of her head again as she eats her ice cream before replying.
"Hardly anyone can put up with me. I asked most of them before when I was trying to get this stuff put together there. I am a difficult person and when I find someone I can deal with I gotta keep them ya know. So I think I'll stick with you for the long run."
Giving a little laugh Cassy knows Leo had turned the conversation from him but she was going to turn it back now. They hardly even talked about him and she never pushed but maybe...today was ok.
"So, working at the grudge gets you to meet a lot of interesting people I guess huh? Do you guys all have cretin jobs you do or do you all kind of share the work?"
"Hardly anyone can put up with me. I asked most of them before when I was trying to get this stuff put together there. I am a difficult person and when I find someone I can deal with I gotta keep them ya know. So I think I'll stick with you for the long run."
Giving a little laugh Cassy knows Leo had turned the conversation from him but she was going to turn it back now. They hardly even talked about him and she never pushed but maybe...today was ok.
"So, working at the grudge gets you to meet a lot of interesting people I guess huh? Do you guys all have cretin jobs you do or do you all kind of share the work?"
Enough money
Easing down next to Cassy, Leo shrugs. "Things are going alright I guess." At least he and Ryan were on speaking terms... kind of. "Work's been okay. Nothing out of the ordinary I guess. Same old stuff."
Looking down, he realizes for the first time that evening that he still had oil stains around his fingernails. It almost seemed a symbol that no matter the dreams or the goals he'd had, he was just a mechanic and it would always show.
Glancing back to Cassy, he bumps the conversation back to her instead. "I meant to tell you that whenever you need maintenance or whatever done, you can give me a call. I'd be glad to come help out where I can even though you're up and running now." He grins and gives a short laugh. "Of course, now that you are up and running, you'd have the money to hire someone who actually knew what they were doing."
Looking down, he realizes for the first time that evening that he still had oil stains around his fingernails. It almost seemed a symbol that no matter the dreams or the goals he'd had, he was just a mechanic and it would always show.
Glancing back to Cassy, he bumps the conversation back to her instead. "I meant to tell you that whenever you need maintenance or whatever done, you can give me a call. I'd be glad to come help out where I can even though you're up and running now." He grins and gives a short laugh. "Of course, now that you are up and running, you'd have the money to hire someone who actually knew what they were doing."
And All
Cassy can feel the smile grow on her face a little more. Leo had a way of making her feel good that was for sure and she needed that sometimes more than others. She was happy he offered it when he thought it was right.
Looking back at Leo under the light Cassy's eyes sparkle a little as she continues to study his face. The light just seeming to dance across it, his eyes filled with so much, yet so little.
"Yeah sitting for a short moment might be good. Don't want to strain my knee to much. Thanks."
Taking another lick of her ice cream Cassy turns to the little bench that the light illuminated. Leaning back a little she gives a content sigh turning a little to face Leo and chat with him better.
"So how are thinking going at the shop and all?"
Looking back at Leo under the light Cassy's eyes sparkle a little as she continues to study his face. The light just seeming to dance across it, his eyes filled with so much, yet so little.
"Yeah sitting for a short moment might be good. Don't want to strain my knee to much. Thanks."
Taking another lick of her ice cream Cassy turns to the little bench that the light illuminated. Leaning back a little she gives a content sigh turning a little to face Leo and chat with him better.
"So how are thinking going at the shop and all?"
Sit?
Leo smiles as he listens and he nods. "I think you'll make a great teacher. The worst teachers I had were ones who weren't passionate. But you've got the passion."
Falling silent again, he concentrates on finishing his ice cream before it melts, and succeeds. It was a nice treat to end the day. Coming upon one of the glowing lights, he stops and leans back against it, studying Cassy's face in the light for a moment. His mouth opens as if he is going to speak but he stops before a word is uttered. Then hooking his other hand in his pocket, he nods to her knee. "Need to sit a bit?"
Falling silent again, he concentrates on finishing his ice cream before it melts, and succeeds. It was a nice treat to end the day. Coming upon one of the glowing lights, he stops and leans back against it, studying Cassy's face in the light for a moment. His mouth opens as if he is going to speak but he stops before a word is uttered. Then hooking his other hand in his pocket, he nods to her knee. "Need to sit a bit?"
Who knows
Getting her cone and beaming Cassy decides not to argue this time about him paying. She wanted to congratulate her and she didn't want to rune that by insisting she payed for her own. Taking her cone and starting to eat the cold treat as she walked with Leo.
Hearing his question Cassy gives a small nod stopping eating for a moment just continuing to walk with Leo. The lights on the path leading the way as the breeze blew softly.
"I still want to dance again, this is a hold me over so I don't go crazy because even if I want it tomorrow thats not being real about it. So if I can make other people love dancing as much as me than I feel good and get a work out myself."
Returning to her ice cream Cassy takes a few more licks letting the quiet linger before she continues on.
"Who knows, maybe I will fall so in love with being a teacher I'll just keep doing that."
Hearing his question Cassy gives a small nod stopping eating for a moment just continuing to walk with Leo. The lights on the path leading the way as the breeze blew softly.
"I still want to dance again, this is a hold me over so I don't go crazy because even if I want it tomorrow thats not being real about it. So if I can make other people love dancing as much as me than I feel good and get a work out myself."
Returning to her ice cream Cassy takes a few more licks letting the quiet linger before she continues on.
"Who knows, maybe I will fall so in love with being a teacher I'll just keep doing that."
Proud
Leo laughs and shakes his head. "It's not bad - it's a gift to your tastebuds."
Making sure the girl behind the counter knew what Cassy wanted, Leo steps in, giving Cassy a sidelong glance. "On me tonight." He pauses. "As a congratulations and... an I'm proud of you."
Turning to place his own order, he requests a cone with strawberry ice cream. Once they both have their treats in hand, Leo ambles over towards the park, reaching the path. Eating slowly he tucks one hand halfway in his jeans pocket, not rushing their pace.
The sun was sinking lower and lower and the park was dim enough now for the decorative lights to come on alongside the path, lighting the way for only the few that were out and about this evening.
Leo is quiet for a while but eventually breaks the silence as they continue their slow walk. "Still think you're gonna move on from this... the studio I mean?" It didn't sound right and he scrunches his nose. "I mean you still view it as just a stepping stone to bigger and better?"
Making sure the girl behind the counter knew what Cassy wanted, Leo steps in, giving Cassy a sidelong glance. "On me tonight." He pauses. "As a congratulations and... an I'm proud of you."
Turning to place his own order, he requests a cone with strawberry ice cream. Once they both have their treats in hand, Leo ambles over towards the park, reaching the path. Eating slowly he tucks one hand halfway in his jeans pocket, not rushing their pace.
The sun was sinking lower and lower and the park was dim enough now for the decorative lights to come on alongside the path, lighting the way for only the few that were out and about this evening.
Leo is quiet for a while but eventually breaks the silence as they continue their slow walk. "Still think you're gonna move on from this... the studio I mean?" It didn't sound right and he scrunches his nose. "I mean you still view it as just a stepping stone to bigger and better?"
Venture
Following Leo Cassy had no problem he was leading. It was nice to let him take the wheel and stear where they went. Liking the idea of having ice cream at the park the smile on Cassy's face widens a little bit. This was the kind of celebrating she liked a lot.
Once the car is parked and Leo comes around to open her door it was a nice suprise but Cassy excepted the kindness. It was nice to have someone do that for her and it made her giggle a little.
Following Leo to the window Cassy looked over the menu and gives a nod before looking at him and smiling.
"I think taking a walk, or seeing on a bench in the park sounds like a great idea."
Looking at the menu again Cassy didn't know what she wanted. Most of the time she went for the fat free ice cream, but today..today she felt like something more festive.
"I think I am going to venture out and get a waffle cone with a chocolate bottom and cookie dough ice cream. I deserve being bad once and a while."
Once the car is parked and Leo comes around to open her door it was a nice suprise but Cassy excepted the kindness. It was nice to have someone do that for her and it made her giggle a little.
Following Leo to the window Cassy looked over the menu and gives a nod before looking at him and smiling.
"I think taking a walk, or seeing on a bench in the park sounds like a great idea."
Looking at the menu again Cassy didn't know what she wanted. Most of the time she went for the fat free ice cream, but today..today she felt like something more festive.
"I think I am going to venture out and get a waffle cone with a chocolate bottom and cookie dough ice cream. I deserve being bad once and a while."
Bench
As Cassy whoops, Leo laughs, enjoying seeing her excitement. She deserved it. Asked if he were ready, he nods. "Sure am." He holds up his keys. "I can drive. When we get back, I'll help you with the tables and chairs."
Leading the way, he opens the door for Cassy, letting her exit first. Once they're outside, he leads the way to his car, taking his time as he enjoys the cooler evening air.
It doesn't take long to be on their way and Leo opts for an ice cream shop not too far away, near the park. Parking and getting out, he's quick enough to get Cassy's door for her and again leads the way, but not inside - instead, he chooses the order window. "Figure we could find a bench in the park," he explains. "Unless you'd rather sit inside where the AC is."
Leading the way, he opens the door for Cassy, letting her exit first. Once they're outside, he leads the way to his car, taking his time as he enjoys the cooler evening air.
It doesn't take long to be on their way and Leo opts for an ice cream shop not too far away, near the park. Parking and getting out, he's quick enough to get Cassy's door for her and again leads the way, but not inside - instead, he chooses the order window. "Figure we could find a bench in the park," he explains. "Unless you'd rather sit inside where the AC is."
7/2/10
Excitment
Just mingaling with the people and enjoying herself the one on one interaction with people was hecktick at times but Cassy didn't mind. She enjoyed talking with them and answering questions, signing them up, and looking forward to seeing them again. She was offering three different dance styles, Ballet, Jazz, and a more modern day dance. The sign ups were pretty even and Cassy new her calendar was booked full but as long as she spread everything out she would be ok and not over do it.
Glancing around the room and seeing Leo starting to clean little things up here and there Cassy gives a smile and a soft shakes of her head. He was to sweet for his own good sometimes.
Once people started to file out Cassy holds her sign up papers in her hand. There were three sheets full of names. Tomorrow she would have to make up her chart and call each person to confirm, and write them in for the first class. Cassy couldn't help the excitement. One person stuck in her mind out of them all though, Abby and her father. They were both sweet, and extremely nice. Abby seemed to ask more questions than her dad did being a girl that defiantly new what she wanted. Cassy only hoped for someone as determined as that little girl this was the right fit for her.
Closing the door as the last person leaves Cassy spins around giving a little whoop before giving a little skip back to where Leo was holding up her papers.
"I don't know if all these people are really gonna follow through but if they do I am totally going to need some help."
Giving another giggle Cassy starts to clear off tables helping Leo before they could go out for ice cream. Dosnt take long and soon only tables and chairs were left.
"We can leave the tables and chairs up for now. I can deal with them tomorrow. I do believe some celebrating is in order, before I jump out of my skin in excitement. Ready?"
Glancing around the room and seeing Leo starting to clean little things up here and there Cassy gives a smile and a soft shakes of her head. He was to sweet for his own good sometimes.
Once people started to file out Cassy holds her sign up papers in her hand. There were three sheets full of names. Tomorrow she would have to make up her chart and call each person to confirm, and write them in for the first class. Cassy couldn't help the excitement. One person stuck in her mind out of them all though, Abby and her father. They were both sweet, and extremely nice. Abby seemed to ask more questions than her dad did being a girl that defiantly new what she wanted. Cassy only hoped for someone as determined as that little girl this was the right fit for her.
Closing the door as the last person leaves Cassy spins around giving a little whoop before giving a little skip back to where Leo was holding up her papers.
"I don't know if all these people are really gonna follow through but if they do I am totally going to need some help."
Giving another giggle Cassy starts to clear off tables helping Leo before they could go out for ice cream. Dosnt take long and soon only tables and chairs were left.
"We can leave the tables and chairs up for now. I can deal with them tomorrow. I do believe some celebrating is in order, before I jump out of my skin in excitement. Ready?"
Quiet volunteer
Leo thinks a moment then nods once, suddenly feeling just a little awkward. "I'll stick around." He shrugs, tucking his thumbs in his pockets. "I don't have anywhere else to go."
Smiling a little, he swivels to wander away and leave Cassy to her mingling while he wandered on the outskirts to wait. Eventually he finds a chair in the corner and sits back to observe, almost nodding off a time or two, but looking forward to getting some fresh air and a cold treat later.
Once he sees the people dispersing and growing thin, he gets up and quietly begins to gather up abandoned cups and empty paper plates to throw them away. Tying up the trash bag, he cleans up while the rest of the people are still mingling, grabbing a broom and just discretely sweeping up some crumbs or dropped napkins until Cassy would be finished and ready to go.
Smiling a little, he swivels to wander away and leave Cassy to her mingling while he wandered on the outskirts to wait. Eventually he finds a chair in the corner and sits back to observe, almost nodding off a time or two, but looking forward to getting some fresh air and a cold treat later.
Once he sees the people dispersing and growing thin, he gets up and quietly begins to gather up abandoned cups and empty paper plates to throw them away. Tying up the trash bag, he cleans up while the rest of the people are still mingling, grabbing a broom and just discretely sweeping up some crumbs or dropped napkins until Cassy would be finished and ready to go.
Caught Her
Cassy can't help but chuckle a little. She new Leo hated being thanked but she would continue to do so. Because it was because of him too she hadn't given up. That night at the bar, she had been ready. Steve had left her, and she had hit the bottom, she was very close to letting her dream go. But than Leo came along, and he took the time to care, and to help. Because of him she found her strength to move forward even if he never new it.
Hearing the Leo wanted to go for ice cream afterward Cassy can feel her heart start to pick up its beats. She thought tonight would be a little celebration alone but now maybe she didn't have to. Searching Leo's face for a long moment there was a look in his eye that caught her attachen, could it be the one she had been waiting for? Trying to keep herself calm over it she didn't want to get to excited if it was nothing.
"I'd love to have ice cream and celebrate with you Leo. I am not sure how much longer this will be so if you'd like to go and than come back you can. Or if you want to hang around I have no problem with that ether."
Hearing the Leo wanted to go for ice cream afterward Cassy can feel her heart start to pick up its beats. She thought tonight would be a little celebration alone but now maybe she didn't have to. Searching Leo's face for a long moment there was a look in his eye that caught her attachen, could it be the one she had been waiting for? Trying to keep herself calm over it she didn't want to get to excited if it was nothing.
"I'd love to have ice cream and celebrate with you Leo. I am not sure how much longer this will be so if you'd like to go and than come back you can. Or if you want to hang around I have no problem with that ether."
Kinda celebrate
Leo smiles and shakes his head. "You keep thanking me. Stop it. I didn't do anything but slap some paint on the walls. See all this?" He gestures around the room, people and all the work that had been done. "It's because of you."
Cocking his head, he lets his eyes linger on Cassy's face, tracing around her eyes and cheeks and back to her eyes again. She deserved someone to celebrate with. But when the evening was over, she'd be alone once again. She had been dumped by Steve and for what? She was worth so much more than being treated like that and it was a shame she would have to celebrate alone the success of the day.
Dropping his gaze, Leo glances at his watch. There was time yet for him to make it to the races. It was barely getting dark. He really wanted to see another success tonight. But...
His eyes go back to Cassy. "When everybody's gone... you wanna... I don't know... go get some ice cream or something? Kinda celebrate the evening?"
Cocking his head, he lets his eyes linger on Cassy's face, tracing around her eyes and cheeks and back to her eyes again. She deserved someone to celebrate with. But when the evening was over, she'd be alone once again. She had been dumped by Steve and for what? She was worth so much more than being treated like that and it was a shame she would have to celebrate alone the success of the day.
Dropping his gaze, Leo glances at his watch. There was time yet for him to make it to the races. It was barely getting dark. He really wanted to see another success tonight. But...
His eyes go back to Cassy. "When everybody's gone... you wanna... I don't know... go get some ice cream or something? Kinda celebrate the evening?"
Dancing and Talking.
Just continuing to talk and watching the people's reactions Cassy was very pleased. It was hard to tell what people where thinking, but for the most part a lot of different people looked excited that was a start and a good thing.
Once her talking was done Cassy left the floor open so if anyone had any questions. She wanted to make sure she could chase any doubt in people's mind away. Letting that last a little while longer Cassy brought her talking to and end, letting people know they could stay and eat more, look around, and talk with her one on one if they liked. Sign ups would be in the back and she hopped she would at least get a few.
Wondering over to Leo Cassy gives a big smile happy he had stayed knowing this probably was a little boring to him.
"I never though talking in front of people would be different from dancing in front of them. Thank you so much Leo, for everything, and for being here with me. It means a lot."
Once her talking was done Cassy left the floor open so if anyone had any questions. She wanted to make sure she could chase any doubt in people's mind away. Letting that last a little while longer Cassy brought her talking to and end, letting people know they could stay and eat more, look around, and talk with her one on one if they liked. Sign ups would be in the back and she hopped she would at least get a few.
Wondering over to Leo Cassy gives a big smile happy he had stayed knowing this probably was a little boring to him.
"I never though talking in front of people would be different from dancing in front of them. Thank you so much Leo, for everything, and for being here with me. It means a lot."
Marveling
Convinced at least for now that Cassy was okay, Leo lets the subject drop and continues to help her set up a few last-minute things. Once the people start to arrive, he takes a back seat, just observing but not mingling much. He didn't know anybody who came and felt out of place, but he stayed anyway to at least see Cassy's short performance and hear her speak.
Standing in the back and leaning against the doorway, Leo takes a sip of his punch before smiling as he listened to her. She was very confident and had done a good job in her demonstration. The people seemed receptive and he saw a few women putting their heads together and whispering as if making plans. He hoped they were plans to bring their kids for lessons.
Just watching Cassy, he leans his head to the side, marveling at how far she'd come. She really was something special.
Finishing off his punch, he throws away his cup and waits until the program was over so he could see Cassy again before leaving.
Standing in the back and leaning against the doorway, Leo takes a sip of his punch before smiling as he listened to her. She was very confident and had done a good job in her demonstration. The people seemed receptive and he saw a few women putting their heads together and whispering as if making plans. He hoped they were plans to bring their kids for lessons.
Just watching Cassy, he leans his head to the side, marveling at how far she'd come. She really was something special.
Finishing off his punch, he throws away his cup and waits until the program was over so he could see Cassy again before leaving.
7/1/10
Passion
Hearing the bit of concern in Leo's voice it makes Cassy feel a little good on the inside to know her friend did worry about her, and would stand up for her if needed. But like he had mentioned maybe it was good He wasn't here when Steve was or things could of gotten a lot messier.
Looking up and giving a smile Cassy nods a little too reassuring Leo she would be ok.
"Just a little shaken up..but I am ok. Thank you for asking Leo, and for helping out once again."
Look waves to the food he was putting on the plates very thankful for everything he had, and was doing for her.
Soon everything was set up, and the chairs facing out to where the dance floor was. A few people started to file in and Cassy greeted them, offering punch and munchies. At first it was slow, and she could feel her heart sink a little though she didn't expect a big turn out she was hopping for more. But as if someone could read her mind people started to file in and soon all the chairs were filled.
Soon after everyone had food and drink Cassy took the stage as a soft music started. Nothing to intense, but enough to show she new what she was doing in dance Cassy did a little ruteen. Soon the music died and Cassy stops taking a swig of her water.
Looking around her eyes find Leo and a smile spreads across her face just seeing her gave him a strength. People didn't bother her, but talking in front of them did make her a little nervous, but keeping her eyes on Leo she new she would be ok.
"A dream starts as a small speck, something the mind makes up and gives us that glimpse of hope that maybe it could happen. My dream was this place, and I was determined for it to happen. After people told me I couldn't, and my construction team quit I was driven even more. And with the help of a very dear friend, my dream was born into a reality."
The smile stayed on Cassy's lips and she continued talking her voice so strong as she talked about something she loved so much. This was her passion, her dream come to life.
Looking up and giving a smile Cassy nods a little too reassuring Leo she would be ok.
"Just a little shaken up..but I am ok. Thank you for asking Leo, and for helping out once again."
Look waves to the food he was putting on the plates very thankful for everything he had, and was doing for her.
Soon everything was set up, and the chairs facing out to where the dance floor was. A few people started to file in and Cassy greeted them, offering punch and munchies. At first it was slow, and she could feel her heart sink a little though she didn't expect a big turn out she was hopping for more. But as if someone could read her mind people started to file in and soon all the chairs were filled.
Soon after everyone had food and drink Cassy took the stage as a soft music started. Nothing to intense, but enough to show she new what she was doing in dance Cassy did a little ruteen. Soon the music died and Cassy stops taking a swig of her water.
Looking around her eyes find Leo and a smile spreads across her face just seeing her gave him a strength. People didn't bother her, but talking in front of them did make her a little nervous, but keeping her eyes on Leo she new she would be ok.
"A dream starts as a small speck, something the mind makes up and gives us that glimpse of hope that maybe it could happen. My dream was this place, and I was determined for it to happen. After people told me I couldn't, and my construction team quit I was driven even more. And with the help of a very dear friend, my dream was born into a reality."
The smile stayed on Cassy's lips and she continued talking her voice so strong as she talked about something she loved so much. This was her passion, her dream come to life.
Proud
Realizing he'd made Cassy jump, Leo was sorry, but as she moves on, he does as well. As he's helping put out the food though, he finds out the real reason behind her uneasiness. The mention of Steve makes him bristle.
Though his eyes were on the plate as he helped with the food, his motions were absentminded. Steve was a jerk, no doubt, and he had no right to have shown up here. Leo almost wished he hadn't waited so long to come. He would have given Steve whatfor. Maybe it was good he hadn't come until now.
Pausing with the help, Leo turns to watch Cassy for a moment. He knew she was determined and strong-willed, but somewhere, surely there was still some hurt.
"I'm proud of you," he mentions honestly. "I'm sure that wasn't easy."
Looking back to the table, then to her again, he tries giving her a smile. "You okay?"
Though his eyes were on the plate as he helped with the food, his motions were absentminded. Steve was a jerk, no doubt, and he had no right to have shown up here. Leo almost wished he hadn't waited so long to come. He would have given Steve whatfor. Maybe it was good he hadn't come until now.
Pausing with the help, Leo turns to watch Cassy for a moment. He knew she was determined and strong-willed, but somewhere, surely there was still some hurt.
"I'm proud of you," he mentions honestly. "I'm sure that wasn't easy."
Looking back to the table, then to her again, he tries giving her a smile. "You okay?"
Sticking around
Once Steve was gone Cassy had gone back to work just moving around the studio. Almost everything was ready and it was looking great she was very please with how things were turning out despite the unwelcome visitor she had earlier in the day.
Hearing and knowing it was Leo's voice Cassy couldn't help but jump a little anyways. She wasn't scared Steve would come back but the first time had been enough to startle her a little. Turning quickly and seeing Leo Cassy gives a smile.
"Of course I don't mind your here early. I was just placing the food out. People should start showing up shortly and I still need to mix the punch."
Continuing to smile Cassy new that her uneasiness would not pass by Leo and the last thing she wanted was Leo to think it was him.
"Sorry to be a little jumpy..."
Cassy gives a nod to the table and the food that needed to be placed on the plates having Leo help her.
"...Maybe about an hour ago Steve was here. He startled me because I wasn't expecting it, and he fed me some line about how he was wrong and he missed me and wanted me back."
Cassy takes some punch and pours it into a big bowl along with some ginger ale, and sherbet. Looking up at Leo she gives a small smile, and a little nod of her head.
"I sent him packing again and told him I wasn't interested."
She gives another smile, and accomplishment for sure had been over come. Even if her and Leo only always stayed as friends, Steve now new she was not sticking around and waiting for him.
Hearing and knowing it was Leo's voice Cassy couldn't help but jump a little anyways. She wasn't scared Steve would come back but the first time had been enough to startle her a little. Turning quickly and seeing Leo Cassy gives a smile.
"Of course I don't mind your here early. I was just placing the food out. People should start showing up shortly and I still need to mix the punch."
Continuing to smile Cassy new that her uneasiness would not pass by Leo and the last thing she wanted was Leo to think it was him.
"Sorry to be a little jumpy..."
Cassy gives a nod to the table and the food that needed to be placed on the plates having Leo help her.
"...Maybe about an hour ago Steve was here. He startled me because I wasn't expecting it, and he fed me some line about how he was wrong and he missed me and wanted me back."
Cassy takes some punch and pours it into a big bowl along with some ginger ale, and sherbet. Looking up at Leo she gives a small smile, and a little nod of her head.
"I sent him packing again and told him I wasn't interested."
She gives another smile, and accomplishment for sure had been over come. Even if her and Leo only always stayed as friends, Steve now new she was not sticking around and waiting for him.
Killing time
Leo rakes a hand through his hair, feeling it was mostly dry after his shower. Slapping on a bit of cologne, he finds a nice pair of jeans and a navy t-shirt to throw on. It was a casual evening - he goes for his flipflops, not bothering with socks and shoes.
Puttering around his apartment for a while longer, he glances at the clock again. Still a bit early. He'd gotten done at the shop earlier than expected, but didn't want to show up at Cassy's too early and just be in the way of her preparations. She could always need help with something though, right?
He shrugs. He'd take his time driving and maybe stop for gas. Then he'd get there only a little early. Maybe if he showed up early and stayed for a little while, it would make up for him leaving at a decent time if he wanted to make it to the races. He wasn't sure he wanted to go, but he did want to see what would happen with Roth.
Grabbing his keys, Leo heads out, locking his door behind him. After driving a little slower than normal and stopping to fill the car's tank, he makes it to the new studio, parking a little further down the street to leave room for any visitors.
Ambling up the sidewalk, he enjoys the late afternoon air before making it to the studio door. As usual, he lets himself in, though makes sure not to just barge in on whatever Cassy was doing.
Leo pauses inside the door and glances around, hoping he wasn't intruding by showing up early. "Cass?" he calls, wandering into the main room. Seeing her, he smiles his greeting. "Hey... I'm killing time. Hope you don't mind."
Puttering around his apartment for a while longer, he glances at the clock again. Still a bit early. He'd gotten done at the shop earlier than expected, but didn't want to show up at Cassy's too early and just be in the way of her preparations. She could always need help with something though, right?
He shrugs. He'd take his time driving and maybe stop for gas. Then he'd get there only a little early. Maybe if he showed up early and stayed for a little while, it would make up for him leaving at a decent time if he wanted to make it to the races. He wasn't sure he wanted to go, but he did want to see what would happen with Roth.
Grabbing his keys, Leo heads out, locking his door behind him. After driving a little slower than normal and stopping to fill the car's tank, he makes it to the new studio, parking a little further down the street to leave room for any visitors.
Ambling up the sidewalk, he enjoys the late afternoon air before making it to the studio door. As usual, he lets himself in, though makes sure not to just barge in on whatever Cassy was doing.
Leo pauses inside the door and glances around, hoping he wasn't intruding by showing up early. "Cass?" he calls, wandering into the main room. Seeing her, he smiles his greeting. "Hey... I'm killing time. Hope you don't mind."
6/30/10
Unexspected Company
Moving around the dance studio Cassy makes sure everything was almost perfect. It was still a while before people would file in but Cassy just wanted to make sure everything would be set up. She had punch and cookies, along with some cake she had made that would be placed before everyone started coming.
Tonight she would do her own ruteen to start everything off, before going into a little speech about what to expect here, and than sign ups would happen. It wouldn't be anything grand but it would be for her an accomplishment.
Hearing the little bell on the door ring Cassy continues to work not even looking up she figured it was just someone wondering by wonder what this old place had been turned into.
"We're closed...Open house is tonight if you want to come back."
"Not even for an old friend Cass?"
Hearing the low voice she new so well Cassy's head shoots up as she turns around. Seeing Steve standing in the doorway it was like Cassy's heart had been thrown into her throat. She'd gotten over Steve but just seeing him here seemed to bring back a lot feelings that hurt.
"Steve...what are you doing here?"
Walking in a little farther the tall dark haired man came a little close the charming smile on his lips his dark eyes just as luring as ever.
"I got wind you were starting your own place and I had to come and see it for myself. It looks great Cass. You did a great job."
Cassy couldn't help but beam as she looking around the studio it had turned out so much better than planned and it made her so good.
"I couldn't have done it without my really good friend Leo. He helped me with a lot of the stuff so I couldn't do it alone."
Steve cocks his head a little at the mention of Leo almost a jealous glint seeming to pass in his eyes.
"New boyfriend of yours?"
Hearing the slight change in Steve's voice Cassy's eyes search his for a long moment. Why was he really here? He had no business being here at this moment, or ever for that matter. He was the one who had cheated and than left.
"No, He's just a really good friend. Not that it should matter to you."
Giving a chuckle Steve comes closer to Cassy continuing to look down at her. Somewhere, he missed here, the ping in his heart had told him he had done the wrong thing and now...now he'd realized that and seeing her standing there and how pretty and independent she was made him miss her more.
Reaching his hand out he brushes it over Cassy's face tucking a lose hair behind her ear. Thinking with Lynn weren't the same like they had been with Cassy. She'd been perfect, and so determined.
"Listen Cass, I made a mistake and now I'm paying for it. Your so pretty today, just like you were when I first met you. I'm sorry that I hurt you, and I want you back Cass, I miss you. I'm sorry I made you wait around this long."
Closing her eyes for a moment as Steve's hand brushed her face Cassy doesn't feel the warmth anymore, of the tingle like she did when Leo did the same thing. Steve's hands were now cold to her. Opening her eyes and taking a step back out of his touch Cassy looks up at him her voice strong.
"Don't be sorry, you didn't me wait, because I didn't. I'm sorry Steve but I don't have feelings for you anymore, and I don't love you. Please leave."
Steve's eyes seem to grow a little dark as he continues to look at Cassy. Rejection was not something people did to him, not something he was use to and it didn't still well with him as his voice was agitated.
"It's because of this friend isn't it? Is that what it is Cassy?"
Cassy takes a deep breath and stands her ground not backing down from Steve. She was fine on her own and she wouldn't let him run her life.
"It doesn't matter if he is or not Steve. Now leave right now and never come back."
Turning Steve gives a snicker of disgust. Making his way to the door he shakes his head before turning again.
"You'll never make it with out me, so don't even bother trying. I'll see ya again Cass."
Once Steve was gone Cassy let out a heavy sigh as she found a chair to sink down in. Her head going to her hands as she leaned on the small table. She didn't care about Steve anymore but still seeing him shook her up. His words ringing in her ears. Could she do this? Could she make her knee strong enough again? She had to, if only to prove Steve wrong, she had to.
Tonight she would do her own ruteen to start everything off, before going into a little speech about what to expect here, and than sign ups would happen. It wouldn't be anything grand but it would be for her an accomplishment.
Hearing the little bell on the door ring Cassy continues to work not even looking up she figured it was just someone wondering by wonder what this old place had been turned into.
"We're closed...Open house is tonight if you want to come back."
"Not even for an old friend Cass?"
Hearing the low voice she new so well Cassy's head shoots up as she turns around. Seeing Steve standing in the doorway it was like Cassy's heart had been thrown into her throat. She'd gotten over Steve but just seeing him here seemed to bring back a lot feelings that hurt.
"Steve...what are you doing here?"
Walking in a little farther the tall dark haired man came a little close the charming smile on his lips his dark eyes just as luring as ever.
"I got wind you were starting your own place and I had to come and see it for myself. It looks great Cass. You did a great job."
Cassy couldn't help but beam as she looking around the studio it had turned out so much better than planned and it made her so good.
"I couldn't have done it without my really good friend Leo. He helped me with a lot of the stuff so I couldn't do it alone."
Steve cocks his head a little at the mention of Leo almost a jealous glint seeming to pass in his eyes.
"New boyfriend of yours?"
Hearing the slight change in Steve's voice Cassy's eyes search his for a long moment. Why was he really here? He had no business being here at this moment, or ever for that matter. He was the one who had cheated and than left.
"No, He's just a really good friend. Not that it should matter to you."
Giving a chuckle Steve comes closer to Cassy continuing to look down at her. Somewhere, he missed here, the ping in his heart had told him he had done the wrong thing and now...now he'd realized that and seeing her standing there and how pretty and independent she was made him miss her more.
Reaching his hand out he brushes it over Cassy's face tucking a lose hair behind her ear. Thinking with Lynn weren't the same like they had been with Cassy. She'd been perfect, and so determined.
"Listen Cass, I made a mistake and now I'm paying for it. Your so pretty today, just like you were when I first met you. I'm sorry that I hurt you, and I want you back Cass, I miss you. I'm sorry I made you wait around this long."
Closing her eyes for a moment as Steve's hand brushed her face Cassy doesn't feel the warmth anymore, of the tingle like she did when Leo did the same thing. Steve's hands were now cold to her. Opening her eyes and taking a step back out of his touch Cassy looks up at him her voice strong.
"Don't be sorry, you didn't me wait, because I didn't. I'm sorry Steve but I don't have feelings for you anymore, and I don't love you. Please leave."
Steve's eyes seem to grow a little dark as he continues to look at Cassy. Rejection was not something people did to him, not something he was use to and it didn't still well with him as his voice was agitated.
"It's because of this friend isn't it? Is that what it is Cassy?"
Cassy takes a deep breath and stands her ground not backing down from Steve. She was fine on her own and she wouldn't let him run her life.
"It doesn't matter if he is or not Steve. Now leave right now and never come back."
Turning Steve gives a snicker of disgust. Making his way to the door he shakes his head before turning again.
"You'll never make it with out me, so don't even bother trying. I'll see ya again Cass."
Once Steve was gone Cassy let out a heavy sigh as she found a chair to sink down in. Her head going to her hands as she leaned on the small table. She didn't care about Steve anymore but still seeing him shook her up. His words ringing in her ears. Could she do this? Could she make her knee strong enough again? She had to, if only to prove Steve wrong, she had to.
Time off
"Friend of yours?"
Axel glances over to Leo after Rayne and Phil had left. "The girl? No." He eyes Leo skeptically. "Just because I get to talk to a pretty woman doesn't mean it's more than a customer you know. Besides..." He grins as he wipes off a wrench. "I got my own girl to worry about."
Though Leo smiles, his eyes don't quite match. "Uh-huh."
"What about you? Got any hot dates lined up?"
"You kidding?" Leo turns back to the car he was working on. "The best I got is going to a dance studio open-house tonight."
Axel quirks an eyebrow. "Not going to the races?"
"Might if it's not too late. You?"
"What, and miss out on watching lame television? Never." Axel grins. He knew Leo still wasn't back to his old self, but maybe one of these days he would be. "Dance studio, huh?"
"Yeah... friend of mine."
"Oh, the one you helped fix up her place?"
"Mm-hmm."
"Thought you said you didn't have a hot date." Axel ducks to avoid being hit with a flying rag and he laughs. "Alright, alright. We're even now."
"So, I'd like to take a couple days, if that would be okay, to take Ty over there and see those doctors."
Reese taps his finger on his desk, mulling over Rick's request. "Think it will help?"
Rick shrugs. "Only one way to find out. If it's what I think it is, then Ty's finally going to get the help he needs and I'm sure he'll be much happier, along with probably working better as well."
"And you will gain...?"
"Experience. Information. It would be nice to study this and see how the other doctors do things."
Reese thinks for another moment or two and finally nods. "Alright. Just let me know when and you and he both can have the time off."
Axel glances over to Leo after Rayne and Phil had left. "The girl? No." He eyes Leo skeptically. "Just because I get to talk to a pretty woman doesn't mean it's more than a customer you know. Besides..." He grins as he wipes off a wrench. "I got my own girl to worry about."
Though Leo smiles, his eyes don't quite match. "Uh-huh."
"What about you? Got any hot dates lined up?"
"You kidding?" Leo turns back to the car he was working on. "The best I got is going to a dance studio open-house tonight."
Axel quirks an eyebrow. "Not going to the races?"
"Might if it's not too late. You?"
"What, and miss out on watching lame television? Never." Axel grins. He knew Leo still wasn't back to his old self, but maybe one of these days he would be. "Dance studio, huh?"
"Yeah... friend of mine."
"Oh, the one you helped fix up her place?"
"Mm-hmm."
"Thought you said you didn't have a hot date." Axel ducks to avoid being hit with a flying rag and he laughs. "Alright, alright. We're even now."
"So, I'd like to take a couple days, if that would be okay, to take Ty over there and see those doctors."
Reese taps his finger on his desk, mulling over Rick's request. "Think it will help?"
Rick shrugs. "Only one way to find out. If it's what I think it is, then Ty's finally going to get the help he needs and I'm sure he'll be much happier, along with probably working better as well."
"And you will gain...?"
"Experience. Information. It would be nice to study this and see how the other doctors do things."
Reese thinks for another moment or two and finally nods. "Alright. Just let me know when and you and he both can have the time off."
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