Continuing to walk Trey took in Ariel's words and thought about them for a few moments. Though he didn't say anything more about them he just kept the thoughts to himself for now. It was interesting to say the least having these new feelings stirred.
Stopping for a moment as Ariel does Trey just waits as she continued to talk. Looking down into her own eyes there was something there he could see. Something soft but said she had her own past as well. A strange sensation comes over Trey the need to want to know what it was about her. She was different and...he liked it.
"And so the time moves on, not waiting...but the path we walk can lead back to the start so we can try life once again."
Trey shakes his head a little and gives a tiny scoff. Why he remembered that from a move he'd watched with one of his ex girl friends he didn't know. It was a chick movie and he had hated it but now in this moment he remembered that one line.
Feeling Ariel's arm link with his Trey looks down at her quickly. He hadn't expected her to do that and he couldn't help but wonder why. She hardly new him. Not even thinking Trey's own arm tightens just a little bringing Ariel closer to him. He was warm as it was, but feeling her closer she had her own warmth that was different and sent a strange feeling through him. Looking down at her as they walk Trey grins returns.
"I've been told I am like a human heating blanket. Stick close and I am sure you wont get cold."
Moving his arm a little bit so her arm let go of his Trey reached out and put his arm around her shoulders bringing her even closer into him as they walked trying to offer some of his warmth to her. Yet he could not deny the new feeling he felt inside and was odd, but good at the same time.
Taking some plates and some pans from Carson to dry Misty does so before putting them away in the right places. She new pretty much where everything went in the kitchen just from helping out once or twice so it was easy to talk and put them away at the same time.
"Well at least Ryder will be coming home. Thats a step in the right direction and I am sure it will help him continue to heal. As for Thirteen helping him, I think when it comes to Ryder she wouldn't take no from him."
Looking to Carson and giving him a little snap with her towel at his comment she shakes her head her mind going back to the comment of some time off.
"I think we both need some time off together. I miss spending the days with you. They just come few and far between. Oh well, it will come soon though...right?"
Dalton was up and out of bed before Dani even agreed to him coming to see her. He was awake now, and already throwing on some lounge clothing. He wanted to be there for Dani, he loved being there for her.
"I'll be there shortly, just need to find an old hoodie to throw on."
Not bothering to change out of his soft cotton pajama pants Dalton goes to the closet and pulls out his black hoodie slipping it on over his head. Grabbing his phone, wallet and keys Dalton heads out.
Not taking to long he pulls into Dani's drive way and shuts the car off before getting out. Heading up the side walk and to the door he new it would be open for him. Letting himself in he lets his eyes get used to the dim light for a moment before glancing into the living room. Seeing Dani's form on the couch he enters and leans down of her giving her a soft kiss on the lips.
Retreating Dalton's comes around the couch and sits down next to Dani. Putting his arm out and around her shoulders he pulls her closer to him giving the top of her head a kiss. He would be her shelter, he was be her strength.
"Hey Babe, I'm here. You're safe now I promise I wont let anything happen."
9/9/10
Thoughtful
"Um..." Dani really didn't want to be a bother to Dalton. She knew she'd woken him up - he'd have to get up, dressed and drive over here. Even if he didn't mind, she still didn't want to make him do that. But...
She bites her lip. Curling up in his big strong arms was all she wanted right now. "M...maybe just for a little while?"
Dani felt just a little silly about this whole thing, but a few minutes later as she waits for Dalton to come, she turns on the one small lamp in the living room and grabs an extra blanket for the couch. Sitting sideways, she leans her head on the back cushions, trying to settle her nerves as she waits. She knew he could just let himself in and she'd let him. Knowing that he would come... it gave her a nice warm feeling.
"It was alright." Carson rinses another pan and hands it to Misty to dry. "Busy. Party tonight was a bit of work, but it was worth it to see them having a good time. Any group with the bands is always a good one - I never have to worry about anything, even if I do give them a hard time."
Continuing to work, his mind wanders a little. "I'll be glad for a few days off eventually, but until Ryder's back on his feet, I doubt it'll happen." The only day he had off was Sunday and what he really wanted right about now was a vacation. "He gets to go home tomorrow, but he'll be on crutches for a while. Sounds like he got tore up worse than he wanted to admit, the galah. At least he's got Thirteen to look after him, if he'll let her."
Sighing, Carson rinses off one of the large pots and sets it in the strainer to air dry. "Us Aussies like to take care of ourselves, you know." He grins and gives Misty a sidelong glance. "Though I must admit... I'm kinda getting used to you taking care of me."
Ariel found it thoughtful of Trey for him to suggest they go back to the fire. Even though she wanted to stay out here and keep looking at the stars, she knew it was a good idea to head in that direction.
Ambling along beside Trey, she listens, curious about his past and his family. She got the feeling that there were secrets. She wasn't sure why, but just the way he spoke... there seemed to be a mystery there, and quite possibly one that she didn't want to find out about. He seemed a little lost, and she did wonder if he would be staying in the area or traveling back home anytime soon.
"I guess if someone looks hard enough, there's almost always something worth staying for," she muses quietly. "It does take open eyes though." She pauses her steps near the beginning of the pier and glances back over her shoulder at the water. "Sometimes it takes being away from what we love, only to realize that we did love it."
Turning her gaze back to Trey, she looks up into his eyes, finding them rather soft, but with what seemed to be a hard exterior. She wondered if it was penetrable.
Smiling a little, she hooks her arm through his without asking and continues the walk towards the fire. "If nobody's made hot chocolate, that's what I'm going to do."
She bites her lip. Curling up in his big strong arms was all she wanted right now. "M...maybe just for a little while?"
Dani felt just a little silly about this whole thing, but a few minutes later as she waits for Dalton to come, she turns on the one small lamp in the living room and grabs an extra blanket for the couch. Sitting sideways, she leans her head on the back cushions, trying to settle her nerves as she waits. She knew he could just let himself in and she'd let him. Knowing that he would come... it gave her a nice warm feeling.
"It was alright." Carson rinses another pan and hands it to Misty to dry. "Busy. Party tonight was a bit of work, but it was worth it to see them having a good time. Any group with the bands is always a good one - I never have to worry about anything, even if I do give them a hard time."
Continuing to work, his mind wanders a little. "I'll be glad for a few days off eventually, but until Ryder's back on his feet, I doubt it'll happen." The only day he had off was Sunday and what he really wanted right about now was a vacation. "He gets to go home tomorrow, but he'll be on crutches for a while. Sounds like he got tore up worse than he wanted to admit, the galah. At least he's got Thirteen to look after him, if he'll let her."
Sighing, Carson rinses off one of the large pots and sets it in the strainer to air dry. "Us Aussies like to take care of ourselves, you know." He grins and gives Misty a sidelong glance. "Though I must admit... I'm kinda getting used to you taking care of me."
Ariel found it thoughtful of Trey for him to suggest they go back to the fire. Even though she wanted to stay out here and keep looking at the stars, she knew it was a good idea to head in that direction.
Ambling along beside Trey, she listens, curious about his past and his family. She got the feeling that there were secrets. She wasn't sure why, but just the way he spoke... there seemed to be a mystery there, and quite possibly one that she didn't want to find out about. He seemed a little lost, and she did wonder if he would be staying in the area or traveling back home anytime soon.
"I guess if someone looks hard enough, there's almost always something worth staying for," she muses quietly. "It does take open eyes though." She pauses her steps near the beginning of the pier and glances back over her shoulder at the water. "Sometimes it takes being away from what we love, only to realize that we did love it."
Turning her gaze back to Trey, she looks up into his eyes, finding them rather soft, but with what seemed to be a hard exterior. She wondered if it was penetrable.
Smiling a little, she hooks her arm through his without asking and continues the walk towards the fire. "If nobody's made hot chocolate, that's what I'm going to do."
To much
Continuing to watch the sky and seeing the shooting star Trey's grin turns into a small smile. He'd seen something like that in a movie before but seeing it right in front of his eyes was a whole new meaning.
"Wow, this is defiantly a new experience. I think I like a little."
Seeing Ariel shiver a little out of the corner of his eye Trey wished he had taken his own jacket along today. He would of let her use it. Some might think it was odd someone like him would have manors, but among anything everything else his parents had taught him manors so he could make them look good and it just stuck.
Giving a little nod to the area Trey didn't want her to get sick, and he was a little chilly himself. Nor did he know when Pete wanted to leave.
"Come on lets go back to the fire where its warm."
Slowly starting back the way they came Trey's walk was slow almost like he didn't want to go back but new for there own sakes he had too.
"Don't know. As far as it looks now I am going to be here a long while, but for what is to come...I don't know. Mexico is my home, my friends and family is there. But if I had something worth staying for I just might."
Giving Ariel a side long glance he watches her for a moment. He'd had a nice time talking with Ariel but did he belong in a group like his? He wondered it was so different than the norm for him.
"It's my job to make you feel good. Though its not hard because you make yourself look good."
Watching as Carson walked back to the sink Misty leans hear head aganst the door again just watching. Letting out a content sigh. Every moment she spend with him her heart grew to his even more. She'd fallen hard for him and loved every moment of being married.
"Here, let me help so we can get home sooner."
Coming up behind Carson Misty grabs the towel from his shoulder and starts to dry a few things off. She didn't mind helping him even if there was work at home waiting too. Just spending time with him was what mattered.
"So you have a good day?"
Hearing Dani's voice on the other end of the phone Dalton snaps out of his sleepy state instantly alert as his heart pounds wanting to know whats wrong with Dani.
"Hey babe, no no no...don't worry about it. "
He didn't care Dani had called him. He could never be angry with her for waking him when she was in need. He cared to much about her for that.
"Want me to head over and sit with you? I don't mind at all knowing your ok with my own eyes would be me at ease."
Dalton would do anything for Dani she was just that important to him. Her being safe, and knowing she was ok was always on the top of his list.
"Wow, this is defiantly a new experience. I think I like a little."
Seeing Ariel shiver a little out of the corner of his eye Trey wished he had taken his own jacket along today. He would of let her use it. Some might think it was odd someone like him would have manors, but among anything everything else his parents had taught him manors so he could make them look good and it just stuck.
Giving a little nod to the area Trey didn't want her to get sick, and he was a little chilly himself. Nor did he know when Pete wanted to leave.
"Come on lets go back to the fire where its warm."
Slowly starting back the way they came Trey's walk was slow almost like he didn't want to go back but new for there own sakes he had too.
"Don't know. As far as it looks now I am going to be here a long while, but for what is to come...I don't know. Mexico is my home, my friends and family is there. But if I had something worth staying for I just might."
Giving Ariel a side long glance he watches her for a moment. He'd had a nice time talking with Ariel but did he belong in a group like his? He wondered it was so different than the norm for him.
"It's my job to make you feel good. Though its not hard because you make yourself look good."
Watching as Carson walked back to the sink Misty leans hear head aganst the door again just watching. Letting out a content sigh. Every moment she spend with him her heart grew to his even more. She'd fallen hard for him and loved every moment of being married.
"Here, let me help so we can get home sooner."
Coming up behind Carson Misty grabs the towel from his shoulder and starts to dry a few things off. She didn't mind helping him even if there was work at home waiting too. Just spending time with him was what mattered.
"So you have a good day?"
Hearing Dani's voice on the other end of the phone Dalton snaps out of his sleepy state instantly alert as his heart pounds wanting to know whats wrong with Dani.
"Hey babe, no no no...don't worry about it. "
He didn't care Dani had called him. He could never be angry with her for waking him when she was in need. He cared to much about her for that.
"Want me to head over and sit with you? I don't mind at all knowing your ok with my own eyes would be me at ease."
Dalton would do anything for Dani she was just that important to him. Her being safe, and knowing she was ok was always on the top of his list.
Shooting star
Feeling Trey's touch as he moves her lock of hair, Ariel glances to him quickly, searching his eyes for a moment. There was no fear... no reprimand. Perhaps only curiosity as to why he'd done that. She remains silent, even when his hand brushes hers, though her fingers move just a little as if testing to see what his hand felt like.
When he withdraws to look at the sky, she smiles and follows his gaze. "Sometimes taking time out to notice the little things makes life worth living."
A falling star shoots through the dark and Ariel sucks in her breath before smiling again. "So pretty. Sometimes I just come out here all by myself at night. I could sit for hours just watching the sky. In town there are just too many lights and I like to get away from the noise. Towns and cities make me feel like I'm suffocating after a while. But if I can get out of there a little bit every once in a while, it revives me."
The breeze picks up a little and it was surprisingly chilly for as warm as the day had been. Ariel rubs her arms and then folds them across her chest, wishing now she'd brought her jacket with her. "Are you staying in the area for long, Trey?"
Just letting the affectionate moment linger as long as it would, Carson can feel the tension of the day beginning to melt away. Pulling back just a little, he rests his forehead on Misty's, his eyes bright. "You always know how to make me feel good, don't you?"
Kissing her nose, he grins. "I missed you today, too. Unfortunately, I have to finish up cleaning now. But I don't open 'til late tomorrow so if we want to watch a movie tonight or something, I'm all for it."
He gives her a last kiss before finally letting her go and returning to the sink.
"Dalton?" Dani's voice quakes as she clutches the phone in her hand. She sits in the corner of the couch with her knees up to her chest and a blanket pulled up over her, a box of kleenex on the end table. It was late and she knew she might have woken Dalton, but a nightmare had woken her and without even Libby here, it was too quiet. She'd tried getting up then going back to bed, but she just couldn't settle down enough to make it work.
"I'm... I'm sorry to call but... but I... I had a nightmare and I just... I needed to hear somebody's voice."
When he withdraws to look at the sky, she smiles and follows his gaze. "Sometimes taking time out to notice the little things makes life worth living."
A falling star shoots through the dark and Ariel sucks in her breath before smiling again. "So pretty. Sometimes I just come out here all by myself at night. I could sit for hours just watching the sky. In town there are just too many lights and I like to get away from the noise. Towns and cities make me feel like I'm suffocating after a while. But if I can get out of there a little bit every once in a while, it revives me."
The breeze picks up a little and it was surprisingly chilly for as warm as the day had been. Ariel rubs her arms and then folds them across her chest, wishing now she'd brought her jacket with her. "Are you staying in the area for long, Trey?"
Just letting the affectionate moment linger as long as it would, Carson can feel the tension of the day beginning to melt away. Pulling back just a little, he rests his forehead on Misty's, his eyes bright. "You always know how to make me feel good, don't you?"
Kissing her nose, he grins. "I missed you today, too. Unfortunately, I have to finish up cleaning now. But I don't open 'til late tomorrow so if we want to watch a movie tonight or something, I'm all for it."
He gives her a last kiss before finally letting her go and returning to the sink.
"Dalton?" Dani's voice quakes as she clutches the phone in her hand. She sits in the corner of the couch with her knees up to her chest and a blanket pulled up over her, a box of kleenex on the end table. It was late and she knew she might have woken Dalton, but a nightmare had woken her and without even Libby here, it was too quiet. She'd tried getting up then going back to bed, but she just couldn't settle down enough to make it work.
"I'm... I'm sorry to call but... but I... I had a nightmare and I just... I needed to hear somebody's voice."
9/8/10
Never took the time
Getting to the pier Trey leans aganst the small railing looking out across the water. It was quiet here, and it was kind of nice. Night time was always his favorite time as well though being alone didn't come often.
"Night is one of my favorite times of day to be out and about."
Looking over at Ariel and watching her for a long moment at the wind blows her hair Trey gives grin. She was definitely very pretty and there was a spark in her eye that Trey just seemed to enjoy. Seeing another stay strand of hair fall from the braid Trey reaches his hand out and brushes the hair behind her ear.
"Rebel strands of hair, they can't be caged can they?"
A hidden meaning to his words...maybe, but he'd leave it at the hair. Looking up at the stars it only now dawns on Trey that this was one of the first times he has ever looked at the starts.
"Ha, this is the first time I have taken the time to bother looking up at the sky. Back home my nights were filled with clubs, friends, and business deals for my parents. Never really left time for star gazing. It's not to bad looking now."
Letting his hands fall from his pockets Trey's hand brushes Ariel's and for a moment he does nothing but look down at her hand. It felt so strange no having a woman who was all over him, in a way it was kind of refreshing, and than on the other hand he wondered if he'd lost his touch.
Moving his hands again Trey cross his arms across his chest as he continues to look at the stars leaning against the railing.
Still leaning against the door frame as Carson reply Misty couldn't help but let her sassy grin grow even more, as the flame in her eyes steamed to glow a little brighter today than normal. She was just in a good mood, and had missed Carson today. So to play around with him a little now was well worth it.
"Sugar, spice, everything nice, What she doesn't know wont kill her right?"
Being pulled to Carson Misty's arms go around him without hesitation as the one finds it's way to the back of his head and the other on his lower back. Returning her own kiss with a fiery passion a murmur comes from Misty as she enjoyed the kiss. As Carson pulls away Misty's smile was very big as her eyes just roam her husbands face.
"I missed you so much today. It was my pleasure to come and see you."
Returning again for another kiss Misty lets the passion out again before retreating and turning her head the other way to return for another kiss. Her fingers running through his hair and her other rubbing his back.
"Night is one of my favorite times of day to be out and about."
Looking over at Ariel and watching her for a long moment at the wind blows her hair Trey gives grin. She was definitely very pretty and there was a spark in her eye that Trey just seemed to enjoy. Seeing another stay strand of hair fall from the braid Trey reaches his hand out and brushes the hair behind her ear.
"Rebel strands of hair, they can't be caged can they?"
A hidden meaning to his words...maybe, but he'd leave it at the hair. Looking up at the stars it only now dawns on Trey that this was one of the first times he has ever looked at the starts.
"Ha, this is the first time I have taken the time to bother looking up at the sky. Back home my nights were filled with clubs, friends, and business deals for my parents. Never really left time for star gazing. It's not to bad looking now."
Letting his hands fall from his pockets Trey's hand brushes Ariel's and for a moment he does nothing but look down at her hand. It felt so strange no having a woman who was all over him, in a way it was kind of refreshing, and than on the other hand he wondered if he'd lost his touch.
Moving his hands again Trey cross his arms across his chest as he continues to look at the stars leaning against the railing.
Still leaning against the door frame as Carson reply Misty couldn't help but let her sassy grin grow even more, as the flame in her eyes steamed to glow a little brighter today than normal. She was just in a good mood, and had missed Carson today. So to play around with him a little now was well worth it.
"Sugar, spice, everything nice, What she doesn't know wont kill her right?"
Being pulled to Carson Misty's arms go around him without hesitation as the one finds it's way to the back of his head and the other on his lower back. Returning her own kiss with a fiery passion a murmur comes from Misty as she enjoyed the kiss. As Carson pulls away Misty's smile was very big as her eyes just roam her husbands face.
"I missed you so much today. It was my pleasure to come and see you."
Returning again for another kiss Misty lets the passion out again before retreating and turning her head the other way to return for another kiss. Her fingers running through his hair and her other rubbing his back.
A little spice
Ariel smiles and walks slowly towards the pier, her body language that of someone who was enjoying this atmosphere. With the noise of the party behind them, the quiet seemed extra so, and the darkness on the lake even blacker. Heading onto the pier, Ariel knows the way and wanders towards the end, eventually reaching it in silence. The glow from the fire seemed far away now, and the noise drifted beyond them on the wind.
"Mmm... I always liked it here," Ariel muses. The breeze toyed with a few loose strands of her hair, curling them around her face. She looks out across the water, then up at the moon and stars. "It's just so peaceful... quiet. I'd much rather be here at night than during the day."
Glancing over her shoulder, she has to look up to see Trey's eyes and only now does she realize just how tall he is. She grins a little, then turns back to her stargazing. "No matter where I am, the stars will always be shining. I guess I find that kind of comforting or something."
"Uh-huh." Wayne watches the passing scenery. "Yeah, it was fun. Nice to get to know them a little more. They got a lot of potential and... they seem to work well together." He shrugs. "Time will tell."
Leaning his head back, he grows silent... perhaps a little quieter than normal. After a while though, he winds up cracking some joke that starts small talk until they reach Guthrie Square and split up for the night.
Though Carson doesn't turn around, a grin creases his lips when he hears Misty's voice. Still washing a pan at the sink, he throws a sly glance over his shoulder. "Oh, I dunno... If my wife found out I was staying late with a sheila like you, she might meet me at the door and put that knife of hers to my neck."
Rinsing out the pan and setting it aside, he gives the counter a quick go-over with a towel. As he turns, he pauses and looks at Misty, the grin still on his face. "Of course... we wouldn't want things to get boring, now would we?"
He gives Misty a wink before slinging the towel over his shoulder and wandering to the doorway just inches from her. "A little spice never hurt anyone, ay?"
His grin turns into a smile as he reaches out and pulls Misty roughly to him, wrapping his arms around her and swaying just a little. "A minute or two couldn't hurt, right?" Leaning down and cocking his head, he plants a passionate kiss on Misty's lips before pulling back and smiling at her. "Thanks for coming in. It was getting too quiet down here."
"Mmm... I always liked it here," Ariel muses. The breeze toyed with a few loose strands of her hair, curling them around her face. She looks out across the water, then up at the moon and stars. "It's just so peaceful... quiet. I'd much rather be here at night than during the day."
Glancing over her shoulder, she has to look up to see Trey's eyes and only now does she realize just how tall he is. She grins a little, then turns back to her stargazing. "No matter where I am, the stars will always be shining. I guess I find that kind of comforting or something."
"Uh-huh." Wayne watches the passing scenery. "Yeah, it was fun. Nice to get to know them a little more. They got a lot of potential and... they seem to work well together." He shrugs. "Time will tell."
Leaning his head back, he grows silent... perhaps a little quieter than normal. After a while though, he winds up cracking some joke that starts small talk until they reach Guthrie Square and split up for the night.
Though Carson doesn't turn around, a grin creases his lips when he hears Misty's voice. Still washing a pan at the sink, he throws a sly glance over his shoulder. "Oh, I dunno... If my wife found out I was staying late with a sheila like you, she might meet me at the door and put that knife of hers to my neck."
Rinsing out the pan and setting it aside, he gives the counter a quick go-over with a towel. As he turns, he pauses and looks at Misty, the grin still on his face. "Of course... we wouldn't want things to get boring, now would we?"
He gives Misty a wink before slinging the towel over his shoulder and wandering to the doorway just inches from her. "A little spice never hurt anyone, ay?"
His grin turns into a smile as he reaches out and pulls Misty roughly to him, wrapping his arms around her and swaying just a little. "A minute or two couldn't hurt, right?" Leaning down and cocking his head, he plants a passionate kiss on Misty's lips before pulling back and smiling at her. "Thanks for coming in. It was getting too quiet down here."
People
Now done with his own food Trey sets the plate aside picking his beer up and taking another swig. It tasted good night as he sipped it slowly just savoring the taste and tonight not wanting to have to much and miss anything that might be going on.
"Ah, so you moved around and have been a little bit of everywhere. Moving around is not to bad, but I can see where it would start becoming a bore."
Trey hadn't moved around with his family much except when he went off to another area for school. Taking another sip of the beer and standing Trey goes to the trash and throws his own stuff away. Coming back over to where Ariel was He stands for a moment. A bit surprised by the offer to walk on the pier. She hardly new him and she wanted to walk with him?
Taking a glance around the fire and everyone else that was there Trey takes the last sip of his beer before turning and tossing it into the garbage. Giving a little shrug he sticks his hands in his pockets.
"Sure, why not, its not like I have a people lined up to talk to me."
Coming along side of Ariel Trey gives a little nod that he was ready. Starting to walk he takes in the quiet around him. It was different from the busy atmosphere he was use to, but it wasn't all that either.
Heading to her car with Wayne Jackie lets out a small sigh. Going to say something to him she stops as Erik voice is heard. Stopping and turning Jackie gives a smile to him. He was an easy guy to get along with and out of them all she felt as though they had the most understanding. Maybe it was there closeness in age, or it was just there personalty that seemed to work.
"See you tomorrow Erik, try to keep everyone out of trouble till than huh?"
Shaking her head a little and letting her eyes sparkle with humor as the reflection of the moon shone down Jackie gave a little wave. Turning back to the car and getting in she waits for Wayne to join her. Driving him home was not something she minded and it would help pass the time on the drive back.
Waiting for him to get in Jackie finally starts the car and heads out of the driveway. Heading down the street she is quiet only a few moments before she starts talking.
"Well, I think that went well and we really got a chance to see what the group was like outside the stress. I think it was a good thing to see that, and maybe we can bend a little more to there personalty when we need too. What do you think?"
Seeing everyone coming out of the building Misty new that Carson would be a long inside now. He had said to call but a surprise would be much better. Parking in the lock and using her own key on the front door she enters quickly before making her was to the kitchen.
Standing in the door way and just watching him for a long moment Misty gives a grin before leaning on the frame and giving a smile.
"Herd you wife was working late...Though I might some time in with you before you had to run home."
Misty new Carson would of heard her coming. He was a trained assassin and just because he was retied didn't mean he could ignore his sharp hearing. So she really had no worry about startling him at all.
"Ah, so you moved around and have been a little bit of everywhere. Moving around is not to bad, but I can see where it would start becoming a bore."
Trey hadn't moved around with his family much except when he went off to another area for school. Taking another sip of the beer and standing Trey goes to the trash and throws his own stuff away. Coming back over to where Ariel was He stands for a moment. A bit surprised by the offer to walk on the pier. She hardly new him and she wanted to walk with him?
Taking a glance around the fire and everyone else that was there Trey takes the last sip of his beer before turning and tossing it into the garbage. Giving a little shrug he sticks his hands in his pockets.
"Sure, why not, its not like I have a people lined up to talk to me."
Coming along side of Ariel Trey gives a little nod that he was ready. Starting to walk he takes in the quiet around him. It was different from the busy atmosphere he was use to, but it wasn't all that either.
Heading to her car with Wayne Jackie lets out a small sigh. Going to say something to him she stops as Erik voice is heard. Stopping and turning Jackie gives a smile to him. He was an easy guy to get along with and out of them all she felt as though they had the most understanding. Maybe it was there closeness in age, or it was just there personalty that seemed to work.
"See you tomorrow Erik, try to keep everyone out of trouble till than huh?"
Shaking her head a little and letting her eyes sparkle with humor as the reflection of the moon shone down Jackie gave a little wave. Turning back to the car and getting in she waits for Wayne to join her. Driving him home was not something she minded and it would help pass the time on the drive back.
Waiting for him to get in Jackie finally starts the car and heads out of the driveway. Heading down the street she is quiet only a few moments before she starts talking.
"Well, I think that went well and we really got a chance to see what the group was like outside the stress. I think it was a good thing to see that, and maybe we can bend a little more to there personalty when we need too. What do you think?"
Seeing everyone coming out of the building Misty new that Carson would be a long inside now. He had said to call but a surprise would be much better. Parking in the lock and using her own key on the front door she enters quickly before making her was to the kitchen.
Standing in the door way and just watching him for a long moment Misty gives a grin before leaning on the frame and giving a smile.
"Herd you wife was working late...Though I might some time in with you before you had to run home."
Misty new Carson would of heard her coming. He was a trained assassin and just because he was retied didn't mean he could ignore his sharp hearing. So she really had no worry about startling him at all.
Pier
"Mexico, huh?" Ariel nods, having picked up a slight accent, but not having been able to place it. Though it was dark, she could tell that Trey had fair skin, so it made her curious if he'd been in Mexico all his life or not.
Taking another bite of her hotdog, she shrugs at his question. "Yeah, pretty much. My family moved around a lot until I was like eight or nine, then we settled here. They moved again a couple years ago but I decided to stay. Got a job I like and I like the town, so why leave? Figured I better grow roots so I could call somewhere home." She smiles and nods towards the party. "And I got friends here too."
Continuing to eat, Ariel points out a few more people to Trey then explains a little bit about the lake and the places along the shore that were nice to go to. Soon she's finished eating, and rises to wander to the trashcan to throw away her plate and now-empty pop can.
Sighing with content, she cocks her head at Trey. With a group of people this close by, she had no fear of the newcomer. "Want to walk out on the pier with me?"
Erik smiles and shakes his head. "Hate to tell you this, but I think you're stuck with us now." Still smiling, he takes a sip of his pop. "But you're welcome. Glad you came along."
It seemed all too soon before the evening was winding down. Though no one wanted to call it quits, minds and bodies were growing tired, and even Kip had finally quieted down. Finishing up and helping Carson clean up a little so he wouldn't be stuck with all of it, the group eventually begins to disperse with farewells.
Out on the sidewalk, Erik takes a deep breath of the night air, tired but feeling good. Catching Jackie out of the corner of his eye, he gives her a little wave. "See you tomorrow, I guess."
Taking another bite of her hotdog, she shrugs at his question. "Yeah, pretty much. My family moved around a lot until I was like eight or nine, then we settled here. They moved again a couple years ago but I decided to stay. Got a job I like and I like the town, so why leave? Figured I better grow roots so I could call somewhere home." She smiles and nods towards the party. "And I got friends here too."
Continuing to eat, Ariel points out a few more people to Trey then explains a little bit about the lake and the places along the shore that were nice to go to. Soon she's finished eating, and rises to wander to the trashcan to throw away her plate and now-empty pop can.
Sighing with content, she cocks her head at Trey. With a group of people this close by, she had no fear of the newcomer. "Want to walk out on the pier with me?"
Erik smiles and shakes his head. "Hate to tell you this, but I think you're stuck with us now." Still smiling, he takes a sip of his pop. "But you're welcome. Glad you came along."
It seemed all too soon before the evening was winding down. Though no one wanted to call it quits, minds and bodies were growing tired, and even Kip had finally quieted down. Finishing up and helping Carson clean up a little so he wouldn't be stuck with all of it, the group eventually begins to disperse with farewells.
Out on the sidewalk, Erik takes a deep breath of the night air, tired but feeling good. Catching Jackie out of the corner of his eye, he gives her a little wave. "See you tomorrow, I guess."
9/7/10
Trouble
Throwing a few more things on his plate Trey has no problem following along side Ariel. He didn't know his way around here or who many of the people were so following her was not a problem, though making friends never was either, but seeing as this was all new territory he'd rather feel it out first.
Getting to the nice grassy spot Trey sits down next to her. Placing his own plate in his lap and the beer next to him Trey takes another chip and pops it into his mouth just taking in everyone around them, his eyes turning back to the fire one more. Turning his head slightly to look at Ariel his lips were still turned up into a grin. Taking in her looks again for a moment he couldn't help but notice her delicit features that weren't dolled up to look like a barbie like most women he new.
"Yeah, I moved here about a few weeks back from Mexico. My older cousin lives here, and my parents wanted to keep me out of some trouble that seems to follow my family. So here I am."
Picking up the beer and taking another long swig Trey looks back to the fire again. He missed home and his friends, maybe it was the freedom he had, or it was actually the people he wasn't sure. Turning back to Ariel again he takes another bit of his burger chewing before talking again.
"What about you? You lived here all your life?"
Giving a smile and a nod of agreement to Erik Jackie was about to say more when she is cut off by the yelp. Turning her head quickly to see Kip dancing trying to get the ice out of his shirt. Not being able to help the laugh Jackie's eyes seem to sparkle. It was nice to see the energy of someone younger than herself.
"Ah, energy can be a good thing. It means he'll be able to keep up with you all. Even if that means he has to burn some of it sometimes. It's better to have to much than to not have enough thats for sure."
Shaking her head a little bit and giving a chuckle Jackie looks down to where her slice of pizza was waiting for her. Taking a bit and savoring the taste she is quiet for a long moment. It had been a while since she had pizza and this tasted so good. Whiping her mouth her eyes twinkle as she looks at her pizza again and than to Erik.
"Now I know why everyone raves about this place. It's amazing. Thank you so much for inviting us along."
Getting to the nice grassy spot Trey sits down next to her. Placing his own plate in his lap and the beer next to him Trey takes another chip and pops it into his mouth just taking in everyone around them, his eyes turning back to the fire one more. Turning his head slightly to look at Ariel his lips were still turned up into a grin. Taking in her looks again for a moment he couldn't help but notice her delicit features that weren't dolled up to look like a barbie like most women he new.
"Yeah, I moved here about a few weeks back from Mexico. My older cousin lives here, and my parents wanted to keep me out of some trouble that seems to follow my family. So here I am."
Picking up the beer and taking another long swig Trey looks back to the fire again. He missed home and his friends, maybe it was the freedom he had, or it was actually the people he wasn't sure. Turning back to Ariel again he takes another bit of his burger chewing before talking again.
"What about you? You lived here all your life?"
Giving a smile and a nod of agreement to Erik Jackie was about to say more when she is cut off by the yelp. Turning her head quickly to see Kip dancing trying to get the ice out of his shirt. Not being able to help the laugh Jackie's eyes seem to sparkle. It was nice to see the energy of someone younger than herself.
"Ah, energy can be a good thing. It means he'll be able to keep up with you all. Even if that means he has to burn some of it sometimes. It's better to have to much than to not have enough thats for sure."
Shaking her head a little bit and giving a chuckle Jackie looks down to where her slice of pizza was waiting for her. Taking a bit and savoring the taste she is quiet for a long moment. It had been a while since she had pizza and this tasted so good. Whiping her mouth her eyes twinkle as she looks at her pizza again and than to Erik.
"Now I know why everyone raves about this place. It's amazing. Thank you so much for inviting us along."
9/6/10
Ketchup
Jason can't help a little grin and he moves his foot in Katie's palm.
Juice sounds good, but I'm enjoying myself right here...
All teasing aside though, he knew she was right. Other times, he could simply have a glass of orange juice or something similar and pick him right back up again. This time, his levels were rising slowly - steadily but slowly, and it was apparent that Katie knew well enough to keep up the nursing so he didn't worsen.
Promise to come back and I'll let you leave.
He nudges her leg with his heel to tease her.
Nurse Katie. I could get use to this, you know. Pampering... footrub... mmm... yeah, it's not so bad...
Eying Trey, Ariel's mouth upturns just a little at his indirect compliment. Continuing to fiddle at the table, getting herself a hotdog and some chips, she looks up as he asks her to show him around.
"Oh, I think I might be able to do that." She tosses him a wink. "Pete has a way of ditching people, doesn't he? And somehow he manages to do it with the utmost respect." Smiling, she indicates she was teasing, and she grabs her plate and can of pop. "Come on. I got dumped right before getting here, so I don't have anybody to sit with."
Wandering around the small crowd closer to the outside edge, Ariel makes sure Trey's following her. As they walk, she points out a few other people. "That's Dan over there, and Mikaela, and over there is Trudy - she's married to Dirk, so do yourself a favor and don't hit on her."
She points out a few more people, then reaching a nice level spot in the grass just a ways from the fire, she sits down and motions for Trey to join her. She automatically nods her head a little to the music that was playing, her eyes roaming from the people to the fire, then back to Trey - alert and alive. Dressed simply in fitting jeans and a tanktop, she didn't wear may frills other than a small locket around her neck and a sparkling flower clip in her hair above her braid. Slipping off her flipflops, she tucks her bare feet under her legs to sit cross-legged and sets her plate on her lap.
"So... Trey, huh? Don't think I've seen you around here before." She takes a bite of her hotdog and has to lick the ketchup off her mouth before it dribbles down her chin and she scrunches her nose with a giggle. "I make a lovely first impression for a pig," she muses as she finds her napkin. "So you new around here or what?"
Erik listens and ends up with his elbow propped up with his chin in his hand as he watches Jackie. "Mmm... that sounds like a neat place. Twila likes to tease me, but the silence can do wonders. Hard to reconnect and have a conversation with God when there's so much noise around."
A shriek halfway down the table makes him jump and he looks up to figure out what on earth was going on. His eyes find Kip, who had apparently gotten up so fast that he'd knocked over his chair, and he was now performing some kind of dance... no, wait, he was trying to get an ice cube out of his shirt.
Erik snickers as he sees a look on Theo's face that told the world he was the one who had done the deed. "Speaking of noise..." He glances back to Jackie with a wry grin. "That guy has more energy than the Energizer bunny."
Juice sounds good, but I'm enjoying myself right here...
All teasing aside though, he knew she was right. Other times, he could simply have a glass of orange juice or something similar and pick him right back up again. This time, his levels were rising slowly - steadily but slowly, and it was apparent that Katie knew well enough to keep up the nursing so he didn't worsen.
Promise to come back and I'll let you leave.
He nudges her leg with his heel to tease her.
Nurse Katie. I could get use to this, you know. Pampering... footrub... mmm... yeah, it's not so bad...
Eying Trey, Ariel's mouth upturns just a little at his indirect compliment. Continuing to fiddle at the table, getting herself a hotdog and some chips, she looks up as he asks her to show him around.
"Oh, I think I might be able to do that." She tosses him a wink. "Pete has a way of ditching people, doesn't he? And somehow he manages to do it with the utmost respect." Smiling, she indicates she was teasing, and she grabs her plate and can of pop. "Come on. I got dumped right before getting here, so I don't have anybody to sit with."
Wandering around the small crowd closer to the outside edge, Ariel makes sure Trey's following her. As they walk, she points out a few other people. "That's Dan over there, and Mikaela, and over there is Trudy - she's married to Dirk, so do yourself a favor and don't hit on her."
She points out a few more people, then reaching a nice level spot in the grass just a ways from the fire, she sits down and motions for Trey to join her. She automatically nods her head a little to the music that was playing, her eyes roaming from the people to the fire, then back to Trey - alert and alive. Dressed simply in fitting jeans and a tanktop, she didn't wear may frills other than a small locket around her neck and a sparkling flower clip in her hair above her braid. Slipping off her flipflops, she tucks her bare feet under her legs to sit cross-legged and sets her plate on her lap.
"So... Trey, huh? Don't think I've seen you around here before." She takes a bite of her hotdog and has to lick the ketchup off her mouth before it dribbles down her chin and she scrunches her nose with a giggle. "I make a lovely first impression for a pig," she muses as she finds her napkin. "So you new around here or what?"
Erik listens and ends up with his elbow propped up with his chin in his hand as he watches Jackie. "Mmm... that sounds like a neat place. Twila likes to tease me, but the silence can do wonders. Hard to reconnect and have a conversation with God when there's so much noise around."
A shriek halfway down the table makes him jump and he looks up to figure out what on earth was going on. His eyes find Kip, who had apparently gotten up so fast that he'd knocked over his chair, and he was now performing some kind of dance... no, wait, he was trying to get an ice cube out of his shirt.
Erik snickers as he sees a look on Theo's face that told the world he was the one who had done the deed. "Speaking of noise..." He glances back to Jackie with a wry grin. "That guy has more energy than the Energizer bunny."
Maybe
Giving another smile to Erik and looking back at him for a moment Jackie catch the depth in his eyes, and the life that layed beyond them. They seemed to intrigue her more on who this man was.
"There are a few nice quiet spots. We have a few parks with nice little ponds, and on the out skirts of town there are some nice high mountains that are good to just sit and have some time with God."
The mountains weren't even really mountains but its the closest they had, and it was one of her favorite spots to go. It was nice and quiet except for the nature that song there soft song.
"Maybe one day I could show you around a little so next time you could get there when you wanted too."
Enjoying the ride Trey was quiet most of the way, but nearing the area it was easy to tell a party was there. The laughter of people was loud and the music seemed even louder. Getting out of the car Trey dosnt even use the door just hopping over the top. Coming up along side Pete he scans the area. He'd been to clubs before but never an outside party like this one. If only Hayde could be here to see him now. Party's was always Trey's best friends thrill, and finding new ones his goal.
Stopping at the small group of people Trey sticks his hands in his pockets before giving a nod to both men till the one extends his hand. Looking for at it for a moment Trey finally returns it. Stopping for a moment though at Pete's statement of friendship. Trey never had many people he could consider friends so hearing Pete say it without having him do anything first was a new feeling that seemed to be a warm feeling.
Continuing to follow Pete though Trey looks around again taking everything in. Where they were, the faces of who was here, noting all the cute girls that were around. Getting to the food table and grabbing a burger Trey takes a bit of it. It tasted so good, much better than what they were feeding him back at TJY for sure.
Turning to see where Pete pointed to the girl Trey gave her a once over before cocking his head slightly. She was pretty to look at for sure, her face delicit, and her hair so soft pulled back in the braid, but her eyes seemed to be the best feature she had. The light just dancing in them, and seeming so alive. Different from the other women he'd met before.
Finishing his burger and reaching for a beer Trey gives her a small nod. His lips curling a little at her comment. She seemed to have spunk that was for sure and if she could keep up with him than that was a plus.
"Mmmm...don't call you a mermaid huh? I think I can handle that because it would do you no justice."
Twisting the top on the beer bottle Trey spots a garbage can and tosses it into it with perfect aim. Bring the bottle to his lips he takes a long swig and turns to Pete again giving a little salute.
"Don't get into any trouble man and I will try not to do the same."
Taking a few steps back he leans against the table a little bit his eyes roaming all the people. Just quiet for a long moment. It was strange being out of his element and not having anyone he new. Back home he would of been mingling and dancing with some girls already but here, this wasn't his turf and it felt strange.
Turning back to Ariel a little Trey continues to grin taking another sip before talking again.
"So Ariel, it looks like Pete just ditched me. Care to show me around a little more?"
Feeling Jason wake and his feet slide in her lap a smile forms on Katie's lap as her eyes stay on the tv but her hands move down to Jason's feel to give them a rub. It had been a long day filled with worry but earlier Destiny had helped her some with dinner and that was a good thing, Jason had rested and seemed to be getting a little of his strength back.
Mmmm...Don't be sorry I know you needed the rest. I like watching you sleep anyways you always look so at peace.
Giving a smile and pulling on some of Jason's warm emotions she lets him know she'd not upset at all that he was sleeping a little. It was important he rested and if it ment him getting better quicker than that was good.
I am sure tomorrow you will be feeling any better. Let me get you some more fruit juice so we can try and keep your sugar up ok?
"There are a few nice quiet spots. We have a few parks with nice little ponds, and on the out skirts of town there are some nice high mountains that are good to just sit and have some time with God."
The mountains weren't even really mountains but its the closest they had, and it was one of her favorite spots to go. It was nice and quiet except for the nature that song there soft song.
"Maybe one day I could show you around a little so next time you could get there when you wanted too."
Enjoying the ride Trey was quiet most of the way, but nearing the area it was easy to tell a party was there. The laughter of people was loud and the music seemed even louder. Getting out of the car Trey dosnt even use the door just hopping over the top. Coming up along side Pete he scans the area. He'd been to clubs before but never an outside party like this one. If only Hayde could be here to see him now. Party's was always Trey's best friends thrill, and finding new ones his goal.
Stopping at the small group of people Trey sticks his hands in his pockets before giving a nod to both men till the one extends his hand. Looking for at it for a moment Trey finally returns it. Stopping for a moment though at Pete's statement of friendship. Trey never had many people he could consider friends so hearing Pete say it without having him do anything first was a new feeling that seemed to be a warm feeling.
Continuing to follow Pete though Trey looks around again taking everything in. Where they were, the faces of who was here, noting all the cute girls that were around. Getting to the food table and grabbing a burger Trey takes a bit of it. It tasted so good, much better than what they were feeding him back at TJY for sure.
Turning to see where Pete pointed to the girl Trey gave her a once over before cocking his head slightly. She was pretty to look at for sure, her face delicit, and her hair so soft pulled back in the braid, but her eyes seemed to be the best feature she had. The light just dancing in them, and seeming so alive. Different from the other women he'd met before.
Finishing his burger and reaching for a beer Trey gives her a small nod. His lips curling a little at her comment. She seemed to have spunk that was for sure and if she could keep up with him than that was a plus.
"Mmmm...don't call you a mermaid huh? I think I can handle that because it would do you no justice."
Twisting the top on the beer bottle Trey spots a garbage can and tosses it into it with perfect aim. Bring the bottle to his lips he takes a long swig and turns to Pete again giving a little salute.
"Don't get into any trouble man and I will try not to do the same."
Taking a few steps back he leans against the table a little bit his eyes roaming all the people. Just quiet for a long moment. It was strange being out of his element and not having anyone he new. Back home he would of been mingling and dancing with some girls already but here, this wasn't his turf and it felt strange.
Turning back to Ariel a little Trey continues to grin taking another sip before talking again.
"So Ariel, it looks like Pete just ditched me. Care to show me around a little more?"
Feeling Jason wake and his feet slide in her lap a smile forms on Katie's lap as her eyes stay on the tv but her hands move down to Jason's feel to give them a rub. It had been a long day filled with worry but earlier Destiny had helped her some with dinner and that was a good thing, Jason had rested and seemed to be getting a little of his strength back.
Mmmm...Don't be sorry I know you needed the rest. I like watching you sleep anyways you always look so at peace.
Giving a smile and pulling on some of Jason's warm emotions she lets him know she'd not upset at all that he was sleeping a little. It was important he rested and if it ment him getting better quicker than that was good.
I am sure tomorrow you will be feeling any better. Let me get you some more fruit juice so we can try and keep your sugar up ok?
Mingle
Erik leans his elbows on the table, and cocks his head at Jackie, seeming to let the others just fade into the background. "Yeah... yeah, it is." He takes a sip of his pop and grins a little. "As you can see, the quiet can be hard to come by with this bunch."
He searches Jackie's eyes for a moment before sitting back again and scanning the room. "Any good quiet spots in the area?"
Pete gets Trey out and into his car, giving him a sidelong glance as he starts the engine. "Up at the lake. About half an hour from here. Good spot."
Peeling out of the parking lot, once on the road, he cranks the radio's rock station, which provides the noise for the ride out of town and to the lake. It was good and dark by now, and when they reach the lake, Pete bypasses the parking lot to hit a lane that led to a less-used lot where a bonfire was burning brightly. There was a small crowd milling. Someone had a boombox with music going and people were laughing and chatting. A couple tables were set up with food and drinks and someone was grilling. A quick headcount would bring an estimate of about fifty people.
Parking nearby, Pete cuts the motor and looks to Trey with a grin. "Here we are. Come on."
Getting out and making sure Trey was with him, Pete wanders over to the group, tucking his keys in his pocket.
"Yo, Pete!" A couple guys approach him with enthusiasm, greeting him with handshakes. "What's up, man? Who's with you?"
Pete smiles. "Hey, guys. This is my friend, Trey. Trey, this is Wade and Dirk."
"Hey, hey." Dirk grins and extends his hand to Trey. "Any friend of Pete's is a friend of hours. Make yourself at home."
Pete gestures with his head to Trey. "Come on." Leading the way into the little crowd, more people greet Pete with just as much enthusiasm, proving he was respected here. He takes his time before getting to the food and grabbing himself a hamburger, motioning Trey to do the same if he wanted. "Oh, and...." He takes a bite, still talking. "Over here, we have the lovely Ariel."
A young, slender woman with her dark hair pulled back into a braid looks up from the other side of the table where she was just grabbing a can of pop. She smiles. "Hi, Pete. What's up?"
"Just wanted you to say hi to my friend Trey here. He's a newbie so if you see him wandering aimlessly, you might wanna grab him and keep him company or something."
Ariel smirks at Pete, but humor dances in her eyes as they reflect the bonfire. She gives Trey a once over and nods. "I can do that. Don't call me a mermaid and I won't call you a lunchroom utensil."
Pete chuckles and gives Trey's shoulder a pat. "Have fun. I'm gonna mingle."
Holding Libby closely, Ty just enjoys the moment. He didn't get to see her quite as much now that she was living with Dani, so any time they were able to spend just the two of them seemed even more special.
Pulling back a little, Ty runs his hand down her cheek and smiles. "Sleep well. You can leave the door partway open if you want, in case you need anything in the night."
He squeezes her hand one last time, then reluctantly retreats to the adjoining room, going to his bed and flopping down.
Rick sets aside the book he was reading and rolls over to look at Ty, a little smile on his face. "Nervous?"
"Mm-hmm."
"Don't be. It'll be fine tomorrow."
"Yeah." Ty hoped so. He just wanted to find a solution... but his unvoiced fear was that there was nothing to be done and he would feel stupid for the rest of his life.
"Get some sleep," Rick advises as he goes to wash up in the small bathroom. "We got a long day ahead of us."
Jason's eyes flutter open and for a moment he feels dazed until he realizes he'd fallen asleep while watching television. He'd felt lethargic for two days, but tonight seemed to be better. He'd felt utterly useless for two days too, needing Katie around just to help keep an eye on Destiny since he was in no shape to do it himself. He hated feeling useless, but he'd done his best at letting Destiny know he was fine and nothing was really wrong.
Yawning, he stretches and looks around the living room. Destiny had probably gone to bed already - or at least to her room for the night. And Katie... He nudges her with his foot and rolls onto his back, letting both bare feet rest on her lap. He gives her a sleepy smile.
Sorry I fell asleep again. I've been a lively one, haven't I?
He yawns again.
Tomorrow... tomorrow I'll be back to normal.
Scott sits on the hospital bed, his knees to his chest as he rocks. The nightmares were worse than sessions with Justin... they skewed reality and brought memories he never wanted to face again.
"Shh... you're okay." Jenny sits next to him and gently rubs his back, having been summoned after Scott's scream had alerted the whole floor of the medical wing.
"No, I'm not," he mutters as a tear rolls down his cheek. "I'll never be okay."
"Aw, now that's not true. Look at you... you've gained two pounds and tomorrow you get to go back to your own room again. Justin says you're doing well and even Doctor Hawks says you're improving." Jenny tries to get him to see her smile. "There's always hope, Scott... no matter what."
Scott sniffs and swipes his eyes, his rocking ceasing for now. Hope. Jenny was talking about actual hope, though his mind thought of the woman he loved anyway. Was she still sick? How was she doing? Was she really waiting for him just like Dalton said? "What kind of future is this?" he mutters helplessly.
Jenny furrows her brow. "What do you mean?"
"I... I mean... how would you like it if... if... well, if you had some guy who always had these nightmares? What kind of a future would that be for the both of you?" His face grows warm. "I mean... like, together... and..."
Jenny's smile returns, more gently this time and she puts her arm around his shoulders. She understood now. "If I had a man I loved enough to marry... then whatever he went through - even if he woke me up every night with a terrible nightmare... it would still be worth it. Love looks beyond those things, Scott. I'd have an awful lot he'd have to put up with too, and I'd be so grateful that he chose me, that I'd do anything for him - even stay up every night."
Another tear trickles down Scott's face and he leans his head in Jenny's shoulder. She was one of the few friends he'd made here. "But I'm so weak."
"No you're not. Look at me." Jenny moves him so he will look her in the eye. "You're weak here." She motions gently to his blind eye. "And you're weak here." She touches his arm. "And you're week here." She touches his stomach, then looks into his eyes with compassion. "But it's what's in here that counts." She lays a hand on his chest. "Your heart is so strong, and that's what matters the most. Any woman who truly loves you won't care if your body gives out on you. It's your heart she wants."
"Really?"
"Yes, really." Jenny's smile remains. "And it's true for all your friends, too. That big friend of yours... Dalton? You think he comes because you can out-muscle him?" She shakes her head. "He comes because you're his friend and because of your heart. And your sister? You think she cares just because of what you've accomplished in the past or because of what you might have to offer? No... she comes because she loves you and because she knows what's inside of you. Do you understand?"
"I think so."
"Good." Jenny slides off the bed and gently lays Scott back down again, pulling his blanket up over him. "Don't worry so much," she prompts softly. "If you've got a girl who's waiting for you... you can believe that nothing after this will seem too bad at all."
Sighing, Scott turns onto his side as Jenny leaves, to look at the little blue and green lava lamp in the corner. Jenny had brought it to him so he'd have a light at night and it helped. Was she right about the way others felt about him? And was it true for Hope as well? Would she really put up with all that was wrong with him now? Could he really be the man she wanted? Could he really be strong enough for her, even with so many things that were weak about him? He wanted to be able to take care of her, not the other way around. But if he did need help the rest of his life, was she really willing to do it? And if she was, could he swallows his pride enough to allow it?
Closing his eyes, he tries to fall back to sleep. In a few hours it would be time to rise, then Justin would be here again.
He searches Jackie's eyes for a moment before sitting back again and scanning the room. "Any good quiet spots in the area?"
Pete gets Trey out and into his car, giving him a sidelong glance as he starts the engine. "Up at the lake. About half an hour from here. Good spot."
Peeling out of the parking lot, once on the road, he cranks the radio's rock station, which provides the noise for the ride out of town and to the lake. It was good and dark by now, and when they reach the lake, Pete bypasses the parking lot to hit a lane that led to a less-used lot where a bonfire was burning brightly. There was a small crowd milling. Someone had a boombox with music going and people were laughing and chatting. A couple tables were set up with food and drinks and someone was grilling. A quick headcount would bring an estimate of about fifty people.
Parking nearby, Pete cuts the motor and looks to Trey with a grin. "Here we are. Come on."
Getting out and making sure Trey was with him, Pete wanders over to the group, tucking his keys in his pocket.
"Yo, Pete!" A couple guys approach him with enthusiasm, greeting him with handshakes. "What's up, man? Who's with you?"
Pete smiles. "Hey, guys. This is my friend, Trey. Trey, this is Wade and Dirk."
"Hey, hey." Dirk grins and extends his hand to Trey. "Any friend of Pete's is a friend of hours. Make yourself at home."
Pete gestures with his head to Trey. "Come on." Leading the way into the little crowd, more people greet Pete with just as much enthusiasm, proving he was respected here. He takes his time before getting to the food and grabbing himself a hamburger, motioning Trey to do the same if he wanted. "Oh, and...." He takes a bite, still talking. "Over here, we have the lovely Ariel."
A young, slender woman with her dark hair pulled back into a braid looks up from the other side of the table where she was just grabbing a can of pop. She smiles. "Hi, Pete. What's up?"
"Just wanted you to say hi to my friend Trey here. He's a newbie so if you see him wandering aimlessly, you might wanna grab him and keep him company or something."
Ariel smirks at Pete, but humor dances in her eyes as they reflect the bonfire. She gives Trey a once over and nods. "I can do that. Don't call me a mermaid and I won't call you a lunchroom utensil."
Pete chuckles and gives Trey's shoulder a pat. "Have fun. I'm gonna mingle."
Holding Libby closely, Ty just enjoys the moment. He didn't get to see her quite as much now that she was living with Dani, so any time they were able to spend just the two of them seemed even more special.
Pulling back a little, Ty runs his hand down her cheek and smiles. "Sleep well. You can leave the door partway open if you want, in case you need anything in the night."
He squeezes her hand one last time, then reluctantly retreats to the adjoining room, going to his bed and flopping down.
Rick sets aside the book he was reading and rolls over to look at Ty, a little smile on his face. "Nervous?"
"Mm-hmm."
"Don't be. It'll be fine tomorrow."
"Yeah." Ty hoped so. He just wanted to find a solution... but his unvoiced fear was that there was nothing to be done and he would feel stupid for the rest of his life.
"Get some sleep," Rick advises as he goes to wash up in the small bathroom. "We got a long day ahead of us."
Jason's eyes flutter open and for a moment he feels dazed until he realizes he'd fallen asleep while watching television. He'd felt lethargic for two days, but tonight seemed to be better. He'd felt utterly useless for two days too, needing Katie around just to help keep an eye on Destiny since he was in no shape to do it himself. He hated feeling useless, but he'd done his best at letting Destiny know he was fine and nothing was really wrong.
Yawning, he stretches and looks around the living room. Destiny had probably gone to bed already - or at least to her room for the night. And Katie... He nudges her with his foot and rolls onto his back, letting both bare feet rest on her lap. He gives her a sleepy smile.
Sorry I fell asleep again. I've been a lively one, haven't I?
He yawns again.
Tomorrow... tomorrow I'll be back to normal.
Scott sits on the hospital bed, his knees to his chest as he rocks. The nightmares were worse than sessions with Justin... they skewed reality and brought memories he never wanted to face again.
"Shh... you're okay." Jenny sits next to him and gently rubs his back, having been summoned after Scott's scream had alerted the whole floor of the medical wing.
"No, I'm not," he mutters as a tear rolls down his cheek. "I'll never be okay."
"Aw, now that's not true. Look at you... you've gained two pounds and tomorrow you get to go back to your own room again. Justin says you're doing well and even Doctor Hawks says you're improving." Jenny tries to get him to see her smile. "There's always hope, Scott... no matter what."
Scott sniffs and swipes his eyes, his rocking ceasing for now. Hope. Jenny was talking about actual hope, though his mind thought of the woman he loved anyway. Was she still sick? How was she doing? Was she really waiting for him just like Dalton said? "What kind of future is this?" he mutters helplessly.
Jenny furrows her brow. "What do you mean?"
"I... I mean... how would you like it if... if... well, if you had some guy who always had these nightmares? What kind of a future would that be for the both of you?" His face grows warm. "I mean... like, together... and..."
Jenny's smile returns, more gently this time and she puts her arm around his shoulders. She understood now. "If I had a man I loved enough to marry... then whatever he went through - even if he woke me up every night with a terrible nightmare... it would still be worth it. Love looks beyond those things, Scott. I'd have an awful lot he'd have to put up with too, and I'd be so grateful that he chose me, that I'd do anything for him - even stay up every night."
Another tear trickles down Scott's face and he leans his head in Jenny's shoulder. She was one of the few friends he'd made here. "But I'm so weak."
"No you're not. Look at me." Jenny moves him so he will look her in the eye. "You're weak here." She motions gently to his blind eye. "And you're weak here." She touches his arm. "And you're week here." She touches his stomach, then looks into his eyes with compassion. "But it's what's in here that counts." She lays a hand on his chest. "Your heart is so strong, and that's what matters the most. Any woman who truly loves you won't care if your body gives out on you. It's your heart she wants."
"Really?"
"Yes, really." Jenny's smile remains. "And it's true for all your friends, too. That big friend of yours... Dalton? You think he comes because you can out-muscle him?" She shakes her head. "He comes because you're his friend and because of your heart. And your sister? You think she cares just because of what you've accomplished in the past or because of what you might have to offer? No... she comes because she loves you and because she knows what's inside of you. Do you understand?"
"I think so."
"Good." Jenny slides off the bed and gently lays Scott back down again, pulling his blanket up over him. "Don't worry so much," she prompts softly. "If you've got a girl who's waiting for you... you can believe that nothing after this will seem too bad at all."
Sighing, Scott turns onto his side as Jenny leaves, to look at the little blue and green lava lamp in the corner. Jenny had brought it to him so he'd have a light at night and it helped. Was she right about the way others felt about him? And was it true for Hope as well? Would she really put up with all that was wrong with him now? Could he really be the man she wanted? Could he really be strong enough for her, even with so many things that were weak about him? He wanted to be able to take care of her, not the other way around. But if he did need help the rest of his life, was she really willing to do it? And if she was, could he swallows his pride enough to allow it?
Closing his eyes, he tries to fall back to sleep. In a few hours it would be time to rise, then Justin would be here again.
9/5/10
Ready
Taking in, listing and trying what Ty was showing her Libby had a little trouble but soon got it down. At least she would know something and not feel helpless anymore. She was happy that Ty had agreed to showing her a few moves.
Hearing they had to say goodnight already Libby gives a little sigh. She wish there were three beds to a room. Something about being in the big hotel room alone seemed to make her uneasy even if they were right next door, but she would have to deal with it knowing it had to be this way.
Going into the other room with Trey out of Rick's eyes she gives a large smile. Bringing her hand to the side of her face Libby runs her fingers down the side of his face her eyes connecting with his.
"You will always be welcome. I am happy to have been able to come along."
Leaning into him Libby presses her lips to his and just lets the the moment linger. Letting her feelings flow through it so it could last till tomorrow when they would see each other again.
Finishing tieing up his nice sneakers as her hears Pete's voice Trey stands up. Dressed in a nice white button up shirt, the top few buttons undone, along with a part of nice jeans. A gold chain hung around his neck and a soft smell of an aftershave was present.
"Yeah Yeah I'm ready."
Opening the door and grabbing his wallet along with his smokes from the boxes beside the door the rest Trey grins and steps out of the room before closing the door slightly behind him so if anyone glances down the hall it looked like he was still here.
Following closely behind Pete his keeps his voice down and moves the same ways he did making sure not to go out of line not sure how much sneeking they really needed to do anyways. As far as Alec had told him the only way was really to get that kid Ty to help. But he'd over herd that for the night he was gone. Did that mean Hal was distracted some how as to not see them? Or maybe the cameras were off.
Once there were in the clear and outside Trey takes in a deep breath of fresh air. It was nice to get out of the stale air and just breath. Walking with Pete over to his car Trey gets in before turning to him a little bit.
"So, where is this party?"
Giving a laugh again as Erik and Wayne go back and forth. Sitting back in the chair she just watch them and takes them in listing. As Twila joins in though she laughs again as she sits up. She though it was humors and seeing Erik turn a little read was funny too.
"Oh yeah, it's so hard to deal with that huh?"
As Twila walks away Jackie's eyes twinkle with humor in the light as she gives another small laugh. This really was like a family, and so it would seem Wayne and her had been accepted into the family and it made her feel good.
"Hey, It's not always a bad thing being a long. The quiet can be nice sometimes."
Hearing they had to say goodnight already Libby gives a little sigh. She wish there were three beds to a room. Something about being in the big hotel room alone seemed to make her uneasy even if they were right next door, but she would have to deal with it knowing it had to be this way.
Going into the other room with Trey out of Rick's eyes she gives a large smile. Bringing her hand to the side of her face Libby runs her fingers down the side of his face her eyes connecting with his.
"You will always be welcome. I am happy to have been able to come along."
Leaning into him Libby presses her lips to his and just lets the the moment linger. Letting her feelings flow through it so it could last till tomorrow when they would see each other again.
Finishing tieing up his nice sneakers as her hears Pete's voice Trey stands up. Dressed in a nice white button up shirt, the top few buttons undone, along with a part of nice jeans. A gold chain hung around his neck and a soft smell of an aftershave was present.
"Yeah Yeah I'm ready."
Opening the door and grabbing his wallet along with his smokes from the boxes beside the door the rest Trey grins and steps out of the room before closing the door slightly behind him so if anyone glances down the hall it looked like he was still here.
Following closely behind Pete his keeps his voice down and moves the same ways he did making sure not to go out of line not sure how much sneeking they really needed to do anyways. As far as Alec had told him the only way was really to get that kid Ty to help. But he'd over herd that for the night he was gone. Did that mean Hal was distracted some how as to not see them? Or maybe the cameras were off.
Once there were in the clear and outside Trey takes in a deep breath of fresh air. It was nice to get out of the stale air and just breath. Walking with Pete over to his car Trey gets in before turning to him a little bit.
"So, where is this party?"
Giving a laugh again as Erik and Wayne go back and forth. Sitting back in the chair she just watch them and takes them in listing. As Twila joins in though she laughs again as she sits up. She though it was humors and seeing Erik turn a little read was funny too.
"Oh yeah, it's so hard to deal with that huh?"
As Twila walks away Jackie's eyes twinkle with humor in the light as she gives another small laugh. This really was like a family, and so it would seem Wayne and her had been accepted into the family and it made her feel good.
"Hey, It's not always a bad thing being a long. The quiet can be nice sometimes."
Say goodnight
Wayne smirks at Jackie and rolls his eyes. "Think of something better. You already know what I do in my spare time."
Erik lifts his eyebrow again. "Oh, but I don't. Do enlighten."
"I sit at home. Alone." Wayne's eyes narrow, his voice lowering. "Every night. And I stare at a television as it drones on and on until..." He leans forward dramatically, now whispering. "...I fall asleep." Grinning a little, he sits back up again. "There you have it." He reaches for his glass and pours some pop.
Erik grins and looks to Jackie, seeming to enjoy the torture on poor Wayne. "Seems he has a fantastic social life."
"Yeah, well why don't you spice yours up?"
Erik turns to look up at Twila. "Got a suggestion, Miss Nosy?"
Twila laughs and shakes her head. "No. Find a girl, maybe?"
Erik snorts with sarcasm. "That's likely."
"Only because you, sweet Erik, like your "alone time" so much." Twila smiles sweetly. "Ta-ta."
Watching her walk away, it's Eriks' turn to roll his eyes before his gaze swings back to Jackie. "See what I've been dealing with?"
Returning Jess' kisses, Axel moves down slowly until they're both lying on the couch. Eventually tired, it's Axel who ends up with his head on her shoulder, his arm around her. It was a switch that he was using her for a pillow instead of the other way around, but maybe... maybe it was the only way he could ask for comfort without being able to ask with words. Even with his sudden realization that it really, truly hadn't been him all those years ago, today had been a horrible rollercoaster of emotions and he was completely drained and still tormented with Quinn having reappeared. He just... didn't know how to express it verbally, even with Jess. He simply hoped that his actions would be enough to let her know that he was grateful for her presence and thankful that she had stuck by him.
Pete rolls his eyes a little, but grins and waves at Trey. "Yeah. Later." Shaking his head, he makes sure everything is put back in its place. One day... one day Trey would learn that getting into trouble was not something to live for. He obviously liked the thrill, but there was a difference in causing troubled and getting into it, especially around Reese and the Elite. The chief didn't miss much and if Trey didn't watch it, he'd be locked up.
Shutting off the lights, Pete wanders up the stairs two levels to head back out to the main floor. Waving at a few fellow agents, he heads out as usual to kill some time before returning...
"...Yo, Trey." Pete wanders downstairs to find Trey. Maybe it was a cell but at least the guy had free roam of this level instead of being cooped up in the spare room next to the infirmary.
Pete heads across the open area, noting the partly open door. He was in black jeans and boots, a midnight blue silk collared shirt tucked in. It was a warm night, not requiring a jacket, even with the top down on his convertible. "Trey..." He knocks on the door. "We got three minutes to get out under radar. You ready?"
"So when someone goes to grab you, you just block and step to the side like this, then grab the arm and press on the shoulder, like so." Ty demonstrates the self-defense move to Libby, then lets her try, letting her put him in the vulnerable position. Bent over with his arm cockeyed, he laughs and cringes. "There you go... you can let go now."
Rick watches from one of the beds, a little grin on his face. Watching those two this evening had been enjoyable, even if he'd given them a hard time. "Alright, you two..." He points to the open door that led into the adjoining room. "Say goodnight."
Ty sighs, knowing he needed to let Libby go next door while he and Rick stayed in here. Going to pull her close, he eyes Rick, then takes Libby's hand and pulls her into the other room out of Rick's sight. Grinning, he takes Libby in an embrace and kisses her gently. "Goodnight, Libby. Thanks for coming."
Rick quirks an eyebrow at not seeing the two "youngsters" but he doesn't say anything. He remembered how it felt.
Erik lifts his eyebrow again. "Oh, but I don't. Do enlighten."
"I sit at home. Alone." Wayne's eyes narrow, his voice lowering. "Every night. And I stare at a television as it drones on and on until..." He leans forward dramatically, now whispering. "...I fall asleep." Grinning a little, he sits back up again. "There you have it." He reaches for his glass and pours some pop.
Erik grins and looks to Jackie, seeming to enjoy the torture on poor Wayne. "Seems he has a fantastic social life."
"Yeah, well why don't you spice yours up?"
Erik turns to look up at Twila. "Got a suggestion, Miss Nosy?"
Twila laughs and shakes her head. "No. Find a girl, maybe?"
Erik snorts with sarcasm. "That's likely."
"Only because you, sweet Erik, like your "alone time" so much." Twila smiles sweetly. "Ta-ta."
Watching her walk away, it's Eriks' turn to roll his eyes before his gaze swings back to Jackie. "See what I've been dealing with?"
Returning Jess' kisses, Axel moves down slowly until they're both lying on the couch. Eventually tired, it's Axel who ends up with his head on her shoulder, his arm around her. It was a switch that he was using her for a pillow instead of the other way around, but maybe... maybe it was the only way he could ask for comfort without being able to ask with words. Even with his sudden realization that it really, truly hadn't been him all those years ago, today had been a horrible rollercoaster of emotions and he was completely drained and still tormented with Quinn having reappeared. He just... didn't know how to express it verbally, even with Jess. He simply hoped that his actions would be enough to let her know that he was grateful for her presence and thankful that she had stuck by him.
Pete rolls his eyes a little, but grins and waves at Trey. "Yeah. Later." Shaking his head, he makes sure everything is put back in its place. One day... one day Trey would learn that getting into trouble was not something to live for. He obviously liked the thrill, but there was a difference in causing troubled and getting into it, especially around Reese and the Elite. The chief didn't miss much and if Trey didn't watch it, he'd be locked up.
Shutting off the lights, Pete wanders up the stairs two levels to head back out to the main floor. Waving at a few fellow agents, he heads out as usual to kill some time before returning...
"...Yo, Trey." Pete wanders downstairs to find Trey. Maybe it was a cell but at least the guy had free roam of this level instead of being cooped up in the spare room next to the infirmary.
Pete heads across the open area, noting the partly open door. He was in black jeans and boots, a midnight blue silk collared shirt tucked in. It was a warm night, not requiring a jacket, even with the top down on his convertible. "Trey..." He knocks on the door. "We got three minutes to get out under radar. You ready?"
"So when someone goes to grab you, you just block and step to the side like this, then grab the arm and press on the shoulder, like so." Ty demonstrates the self-defense move to Libby, then lets her try, letting her put him in the vulnerable position. Bent over with his arm cockeyed, he laughs and cringes. "There you go... you can let go now."
Rick watches from one of the beds, a little grin on his face. Watching those two this evening had been enjoyable, even if he'd given them a hard time. "Alright, you two..." He points to the open door that led into the adjoining room. "Say goodnight."
Ty sighs, knowing he needed to let Libby go next door while he and Rick stayed in here. Going to pull her close, he eyes Rick, then takes Libby's hand and pulls her into the other room out of Rick's sight. Grinning, he takes Libby in an embrace and kisses her gently. "Goodnight, Libby. Thanks for coming."
Rick quirks an eyebrow at not seeing the two "youngsters" but he doesn't say anything. He remembered how it felt.
I was born
As Wayne and Erik go back and forth for a moment her being in the middle it seemed Jackie's eyes widen just a little. It was nice to see Wayne interaction with someone even if he was being picked on and it wasn't much. Jackie new he liked to keep to himself so seeing this was nice.
"Oh sure, you guys throw me into the middle. I see how it is, I'm gonna have to remember that one."
Taking another sip of her water Jackie can't help but laugh. She wasn't use to being in the middle and though she tried to hide it her cheeks were a little flush still. Shaking her head her eyes twinkle with her own humor.
Composting herself for a moment Jackie turns back to Wayne and gives a smile. She didn't want to call him out again on being quiet but she didn't want to just ignore them either.
"I was just wondering what you liked doing outside work, and trying to get you into the conversation. However it seems you did a good job there."
Sitting sideways on Axel's lap Jess arm goes around his neck and other resting on his check. The movie was playing again but Jess didn't listen to it her focus was on Axel still and the flutter she had in her own heart.
Leaning her head on top of his and giving his back a gentile rub. No words spoken yet as she just softly let the silence but the tv linger. But hearing his own comments to her Jess lifted her head a little bit.
"You are special to Axel, and you always will be to me."
Leaning her head down a little bit Jess brings her lips to Axel's face and than down to his nose giving it a little kiss before looking eyes with him. Bringing her lips down to his she press them fermily to them letting her passion and words speak through the kiss. Pulling away and looking into his eyes before returning to the kiss again.
"Trouble, I was born for trouble. But I'll see what I can do about staying out of Reese hair."
Trey gives a little laugh as he straitens a little. So far other than being bored and bugging people to go outside he hadn't though he got into a lot of trouble. Though he could tell some people did think he was irritating not that he cared.
Turning around and heading twords the door Trey gives Pete a half wave.
"I'll see you later, You know where to find me."
Leaving and heading back up to the top floor Trey makes his way to his room. Looking through his bags he looks for something nice to wear. Though he didn't dress up much he did like too and he looked sharp in doing so.
"Alright, I will call once I am done. I don't think I will be to much longer. I just want to get these tests in so tomorrow I can do some other stuff as well. Kinda want to be one step a head. You know me."
Hitting a button and hearing the equipment come to life Misty stands and walks back over to her desk writing some things down. Now she could work on a few other things before she had to do anything else with the blood and than let it sit to analyze for the night.
"Ok, I'll let you get back to work now. Take care Babe and see you later."
"Oh sure, you guys throw me into the middle. I see how it is, I'm gonna have to remember that one."
Taking another sip of her water Jackie can't help but laugh. She wasn't use to being in the middle and though she tried to hide it her cheeks were a little flush still. Shaking her head her eyes twinkle with her own humor.
Composting herself for a moment Jackie turns back to Wayne and gives a smile. She didn't want to call him out again on being quiet but she didn't want to just ignore them either.
"I was just wondering what you liked doing outside work, and trying to get you into the conversation. However it seems you did a good job there."
Sitting sideways on Axel's lap Jess arm goes around his neck and other resting on his check. The movie was playing again but Jess didn't listen to it her focus was on Axel still and the flutter she had in her own heart.
Leaning her head on top of his and giving his back a gentile rub. No words spoken yet as she just softly let the silence but the tv linger. But hearing his own comments to her Jess lifted her head a little bit.
"You are special to Axel, and you always will be to me."
Leaning her head down a little bit Jess brings her lips to Axel's face and than down to his nose giving it a little kiss before looking eyes with him. Bringing her lips down to his she press them fermily to them letting her passion and words speak through the kiss. Pulling away and looking into his eyes before returning to the kiss again.
"Trouble, I was born for trouble. But I'll see what I can do about staying out of Reese hair."
Trey gives a little laugh as he straitens a little. So far other than being bored and bugging people to go outside he hadn't though he got into a lot of trouble. Though he could tell some people did think he was irritating not that he cared.
Turning around and heading twords the door Trey gives Pete a half wave.
"I'll see you later, You know where to find me."
Leaving and heading back up to the top floor Trey makes his way to his room. Looking through his bags he looks for something nice to wear. Though he didn't dress up much he did like too and he looked sharp in doing so.
"Alright, I will call once I am done. I don't think I will be to much longer. I just want to get these tests in so tomorrow I can do some other stuff as well. Kinda want to be one step a head. You know me."
Hitting a button and hearing the equipment come to life Misty stands and walks back over to her desk writing some things down. Now she could work on a few other things before she had to do anything else with the blood and than let it sit to analyze for the night.
"Ok, I'll let you get back to work now. Take care Babe and see you later."
9/4/10
Neck
"Huh?" Wayne swings his head around, bringing Jackie into focus. "Oh, just, um... observing."
Erik laughs, his smile making his eyes sparkle. "Earth to Wayne."
"Mm-hmm." Wayne grins and focuses on the table for a moment, wishing Jackie hadn't noticed his quietness. "I'm from a faraway planet to begin with - forgive me when my mind wanders from Earth."
Erik still smiles and gives Jackie a glance. "He doesn't ever take you off-planet with him, does he?"
"You kidding?" Wayne smirks. "This chick wouldn't let me take her across the street let alone off the planet."
Erik quirks an eyebrow, not having yet figured out the relationship between these two. "Aw - I think she trusts you more than that."
"Oh, it has nothing to do with trust. I'm just a pain in her patooty."
"Patooty." Erik swallows another laugh. "Careful. Someone might think you were being inappropriate."
Wayne coughs, his face turning red. "Sorry. Neck. We'll stick with neck."
"She has a nice neck too."
Wayne blinks, seeing Erik remaining completely cool while implying that... Wayne's mouth hangs open.
Erik's laugh slips out and he pours a glass of water, pushing it over to Wayne. "You look like you need this."
Wayne blinks again and takes the glass, throwing Jackie a look. "You... you were saying?"
Hearing Jess' words, Axel believed her... she never had thought he'd committed the crime, and for that, he would be forever grateful. As she hugs him, he still feels a little numb from everything, but starting to recover, he slips his arms around her too.
Burying his face into her shoulder, he isn't sure whether his emotions would continue to hold up or not. He straightens a little and grabs the tv remote to play the movie again, but only so there's some noise. Then turning, he pulls Jess sideways into his lap. Holding her close, he rests his head on her shoulder, not allowing her to see his face as he kisses her cheek softly.
"Thank you for believing in me." His voice wavers as he gropes for control. He was so relieved, but it was such an emotional topic to begin with that it felt as though his heart just didn't know how to handle it.
His arms stay locked around her and he sighs deeply before giving her neck a gentle kiss, then another before moving up to her cheek again. "You're special, Jess... you always will be."
Pete shakes his head. "Naw... Nikki's busy tonight - party life isn't quite her thing anyway."
Grinning, he rolls his eyes. "Yeah... I might be able to set you up with a girl. Depends on who's there." He winks and moves towards the door. "Come on. Get back to your room and behave for a few more hours then I'll be back to get you. Don't do anything to tip off Reese and..." He pauses, his grin growing sly. "...we'll slip out of here under the radar."
Carson smiles as he talks on the phone with Misty, moving about the kitchen and reaching over Dani's shoulder to add more cheese to the pizza she was making. "I'm not so sure you really are kidding," he teases. "I'll be extra careful tonight if I dare ask again what you were doing."
He glances back out to the tables and gestures for Aerith to take out some more pitchers of soda while still talking to Misty, his smile softening. "Love you too. Call me when you get out of work... if I'm still here you can come here instead."
Erik laughs, his smile making his eyes sparkle. "Earth to Wayne."
"Mm-hmm." Wayne grins and focuses on the table for a moment, wishing Jackie hadn't noticed his quietness. "I'm from a faraway planet to begin with - forgive me when my mind wanders from Earth."
Erik still smiles and gives Jackie a glance. "He doesn't ever take you off-planet with him, does he?"
"You kidding?" Wayne smirks. "This chick wouldn't let me take her across the street let alone off the planet."
Erik quirks an eyebrow, not having yet figured out the relationship between these two. "Aw - I think she trusts you more than that."
"Oh, it has nothing to do with trust. I'm just a pain in her patooty."
"Patooty." Erik swallows another laugh. "Careful. Someone might think you were being inappropriate."
Wayne coughs, his face turning red. "Sorry. Neck. We'll stick with neck."
"She has a nice neck too."
Wayne blinks, seeing Erik remaining completely cool while implying that... Wayne's mouth hangs open.
Erik's laugh slips out and he pours a glass of water, pushing it over to Wayne. "You look like you need this."
Wayne blinks again and takes the glass, throwing Jackie a look. "You... you were saying?"
Hearing Jess' words, Axel believed her... she never had thought he'd committed the crime, and for that, he would be forever grateful. As she hugs him, he still feels a little numb from everything, but starting to recover, he slips his arms around her too.
Burying his face into her shoulder, he isn't sure whether his emotions would continue to hold up or not. He straightens a little and grabs the tv remote to play the movie again, but only so there's some noise. Then turning, he pulls Jess sideways into his lap. Holding her close, he rests his head on her shoulder, not allowing her to see his face as he kisses her cheek softly.
"Thank you for believing in me." His voice wavers as he gropes for control. He was so relieved, but it was such an emotional topic to begin with that it felt as though his heart just didn't know how to handle it.
His arms stay locked around her and he sighs deeply before giving her neck a gentle kiss, then another before moving up to her cheek again. "You're special, Jess... you always will be."
Pete shakes his head. "Naw... Nikki's busy tonight - party life isn't quite her thing anyway."
Grinning, he rolls his eyes. "Yeah... I might be able to set you up with a girl. Depends on who's there." He winks and moves towards the door. "Come on. Get back to your room and behave for a few more hours then I'll be back to get you. Don't do anything to tip off Reese and..." He pauses, his grin growing sly. "...we'll slip out of here under the radar."
Carson smiles as he talks on the phone with Misty, moving about the kitchen and reaching over Dani's shoulder to add more cheese to the pizza she was making. "I'm not so sure you really are kidding," he teases. "I'll be extra careful tonight if I dare ask again what you were doing."
He glances back out to the tables and gestures for Aerith to take out some more pitchers of soda while still talking to Misty, his smile softening. "Love you too. Call me when you get out of work... if I'm still here you can come here instead."
Own Mind
Giving a small chuckle she realized how silly she must have sounded asking him what he did in his pass time seeing as he just moved here. It was a conversation starter though and the only thing she could think of. She had friends but not many she saw on a regular bases so building conversation that was not around work was not her strong point.
"Ohh..hiking...being out in nature is defiantly a nice pass time for sure."
Little time was left for herself to really do anything but work. Wayne and Music was pretty much her life, but when the free time did come it seemed even better. Knowing she earned it and got to hold onto it.
Giving a nod and turning a little to see Wayne Jackie cocks her head a little bit. Wayne was always quiet but he seemed extra quiet today. Her really never seemed like he stayed in a shell before.
"How about you? What do you think about this all? Your so quiet over there."
Getting lost in the moment with Axel and the movie it seemed like everything else was gone. The movie was getting to the intense point that when Axel sits up it startles Jess a little. The movie going into pause she was about to ask Axel what was wrong but his words come out.
Raising and eyebrow at his comment she wondered for a moment what on earth he was talking about. For a moment it just all seemed like babble. Finally understanding what he was getting at the smile on Jess face grew slightly as she takes his hand.
"Oh Axel, if for anything else it puts you own mind at rest, and thats a good thing. I new you didn't do it."
Wrapping her arms around Axel and pulling him into a hug Jess gives a squeeze. She wanted to cry for him out of happiness. This was good news that he remembered and it would put his mind to rest so he wouldn't second guess himself anymore.
Shifting a little at the mention of a party Trey lifts an eyebrow. Pete was cool, but Trey wouldn't have pegged him for a party guy but since he was offering he wasn't going to turn it around. Getting out of here, having some beer now that sounded like a great time.
"A lift there tonight would be great. You sure your girl wont mind? I figured you two would be hanging out."
Pete seemed cool, Party sounded fun, maybe this would be a lot of fun. Who knows what else might happen and who he might meet. This could turn out to be an interesting night after all.
"Maybe you can introduce me into the cuties too."
"Yeah, Rick has me doing some extra work, so you don't have to feel bad being late at work because I am not there either."
Labeling two vials and transpiring a little of blood from each Misty sits at on of the computers and prepares to run some tests. It would take a few days to do, and get everything back so she might as well start now. Chatting with Carson on the other phone she holds it between her ear and shoulder.
"No I can't tell you, If I did I'd have to kill you and that would be a shame."
Giving a laugh and putting the vials into the mixer Misty than takes the phone and stands.
"I'm kidding. Just doing some blood samples for Rick since he was going out of town. I love you babe."
"Ohh..hiking...being out in nature is defiantly a nice pass time for sure."
Little time was left for herself to really do anything but work. Wayne and Music was pretty much her life, but when the free time did come it seemed even better. Knowing she earned it and got to hold onto it.
Giving a nod and turning a little to see Wayne Jackie cocks her head a little bit. Wayne was always quiet but he seemed extra quiet today. Her really never seemed like he stayed in a shell before.
"How about you? What do you think about this all? Your so quiet over there."
Getting lost in the moment with Axel and the movie it seemed like everything else was gone. The movie was getting to the intense point that when Axel sits up it startles Jess a little. The movie going into pause she was about to ask Axel what was wrong but his words come out.
Raising and eyebrow at his comment she wondered for a moment what on earth he was talking about. For a moment it just all seemed like babble. Finally understanding what he was getting at the smile on Jess face grew slightly as she takes his hand.
"Oh Axel, if for anything else it puts you own mind at rest, and thats a good thing. I new you didn't do it."
Wrapping her arms around Axel and pulling him into a hug Jess gives a squeeze. She wanted to cry for him out of happiness. This was good news that he remembered and it would put his mind to rest so he wouldn't second guess himself anymore.
Shifting a little at the mention of a party Trey lifts an eyebrow. Pete was cool, but Trey wouldn't have pegged him for a party guy but since he was offering he wasn't going to turn it around. Getting out of here, having some beer now that sounded like a great time.
"A lift there tonight would be great. You sure your girl wont mind? I figured you two would be hanging out."
Pete seemed cool, Party sounded fun, maybe this would be a lot of fun. Who knows what else might happen and who he might meet. This could turn out to be an interesting night after all.
"Maybe you can introduce me into the cuties too."
"Yeah, Rick has me doing some extra work, so you don't have to feel bad being late at work because I am not there either."
Labeling two vials and transpiring a little of blood from each Misty sits at on of the computers and prepares to run some tests. It would take a few days to do, and get everything back so she might as well start now. Chatting with Carson on the other phone she holds it between her ear and shoulder.
"No I can't tell you, If I did I'd have to kill you and that would be a shame."
Giving a laugh and putting the vials into the mixer Misty than takes the phone and stands.
"I'm kidding. Just doing some blood samples for Rick since he was going out of town. I love you babe."
Don't worry...
Erik chuckles at Jackie. "When am I not in band mode?" His grin remains and he shakes his head. "Haven't really picked up too many other interests around here yet. Still getting settled I guess."
Truth be known, Erik had always thrown himself fully into whatever he did, leaving room for little else besides his dedication.
"Everyone in the band - those are my friends, so when we hang out, it's band time." He shrugs. "Just works out that way. I guess if I didn't have them twenty-four/seven..." He thinks for a moment. "Not sure what I'd do," he admits ruefully. "Maybe find a nice hiking trail or something."
"Yeah... a movie sounds good." Axel tries to keep his head in the game for Jess' sake, helping with the pie, then heading back to the living room with her. Getting settled once more on the couch, he's not quite as cuddly but does sit next to her and leans back to eat dessert while the movie they chose plays. He's quiet... seeming to be totally focused on the movie, even if his mind is a million miles away.
Eventually, empty plates are stacked on the coffee table along with Axel's feet and his arm is around Jess as the movie plays on. At some point in the plot, someone sets a trap for a bad guy and winds up with a homemade alarm from a string of bells. Sure enough when the bad guy comes around the corner, the whole world knows he's there from the racket.
Axel's eyes focus on the screen as he watches, but as that scene plays, his whole body tenses and he's suddenly no longer caring about the plot. "Alarm," he whispers. "The alarm went off. How could I have not..."
Grabbing the remote, he stops the movie without warning and looks down to Jess, shock in his eyes. "Why didn't I remember it before?" Everything had been a blur... he'd been so worked up and scared at the time, that thinking straight had been hard to come by anyway. And ever since then, he'd tried not to think about it at all. But the one forgotten piece was the one that could have provided him peace all these years.
Still staring at Jess, he blinks. "I set my alarm that night." He didn't even think about the fact that she might not have a clue what he was talking about. "I had an electronic alarm set up so if I opened the door in the middle of the night, it would go off. Sometimes I forgot to set it, so it wasn't consistent, but when I did, not once did I ever disarm it while sleepwalking - I always set it off."
His eyes search Jess' as his mind processes what felt like a thousand and one bits and pieces. "When the police came, they set it off. The alarm went off when they came in which means it was still set, which means... I never left."
He blinks again, the shock remaining in his gaze. How could he have not remembered that? It didn't prove a thing to anyone else, but to him... to him, this was a freedom. He was innocent... and now he knew it for sure. "I never left," he whispers. "It really wasn't me."
Pete shrugs and keeps the gun, fiddling with it a little more before wandering over to the gun cabinet to put it away. "Somewhere to hang out, huh?"
He thinks for a couple moments before finishing and turning around, hooking his hands in his pockets. "Guess that depends on what you like. We got bars, we got clubs, we got fights but technically I'm not supposed to know about those, there's desert races on some nights but Alec would know that schedule."
Pete studies Trey for a moment, cocking his head. "There's a party tonight up at the lake. Hamburgers, hotdogs, good beer... I'm going for a couple hours if you wanna grab a ride with me." He grins a little. "And don't worry about curfew... I'll have you covered."
Truth be known, Erik had always thrown himself fully into whatever he did, leaving room for little else besides his dedication.
"Everyone in the band - those are my friends, so when we hang out, it's band time." He shrugs. "Just works out that way. I guess if I didn't have them twenty-four/seven..." He thinks for a moment. "Not sure what I'd do," he admits ruefully. "Maybe find a nice hiking trail or something."
"Yeah... a movie sounds good." Axel tries to keep his head in the game for Jess' sake, helping with the pie, then heading back to the living room with her. Getting settled once more on the couch, he's not quite as cuddly but does sit next to her and leans back to eat dessert while the movie they chose plays. He's quiet... seeming to be totally focused on the movie, even if his mind is a million miles away.
Eventually, empty plates are stacked on the coffee table along with Axel's feet and his arm is around Jess as the movie plays on. At some point in the plot, someone sets a trap for a bad guy and winds up with a homemade alarm from a string of bells. Sure enough when the bad guy comes around the corner, the whole world knows he's there from the racket.
Axel's eyes focus on the screen as he watches, but as that scene plays, his whole body tenses and he's suddenly no longer caring about the plot. "Alarm," he whispers. "The alarm went off. How could I have not..."
Grabbing the remote, he stops the movie without warning and looks down to Jess, shock in his eyes. "Why didn't I remember it before?" Everything had been a blur... he'd been so worked up and scared at the time, that thinking straight had been hard to come by anyway. And ever since then, he'd tried not to think about it at all. But the one forgotten piece was the one that could have provided him peace all these years.
Still staring at Jess, he blinks. "I set my alarm that night." He didn't even think about the fact that she might not have a clue what he was talking about. "I had an electronic alarm set up so if I opened the door in the middle of the night, it would go off. Sometimes I forgot to set it, so it wasn't consistent, but when I did, not once did I ever disarm it while sleepwalking - I always set it off."
His eyes search Jess' as his mind processes what felt like a thousand and one bits and pieces. "When the police came, they set it off. The alarm went off when they came in which means it was still set, which means... I never left."
He blinks again, the shock remaining in his gaze. How could he have not remembered that? It didn't prove a thing to anyone else, but to him... to him, this was a freedom. He was innocent... and now he knew it for sure. "I never left," he whispers. "It really wasn't me."
Pete shrugs and keeps the gun, fiddling with it a little more before wandering over to the gun cabinet to put it away. "Somewhere to hang out, huh?"
He thinks for a couple moments before finishing and turning around, hooking his hands in his pockets. "Guess that depends on what you like. We got bars, we got clubs, we got fights but technically I'm not supposed to know about those, there's desert races on some nights but Alec would know that schedule."
Pete studies Trey for a moment, cocking his head. "There's a party tonight up at the lake. Hamburgers, hotdogs, good beer... I'm going for a couple hours if you wanna grab a ride with me." He grins a little. "And don't worry about curfew... I'll have you covered."
9/3/10
Band Mode
Wondering closer Trey gives a small nod to Pete. He wasn't sure why he got along with him when he was just like the others part of the Elite. There was just something about him that Trey wasn't threatened by.
"Things wouldn't be bad around here if there was more to do and Reese wasn't so up tight."
Shaking his head a little a grin from on his face. Reese wasn't so bad to deal with Trey just liked making it out to be more than it was. Though he did think he needed to loosen up a little bit and try to have a little fun.
Hearing Pete's offer about shooting the gun Trey looks down at it for a moment. He's been around guns all his life they were nothing new and they didn't scare him, but guns just weren't his thing. His own fists or a knife were his life line in a fight. Maybe not the best option when it came aganst a gun but it was his preference.
"Nah thats ok. Gun's have never been my style. Thanks for the offer though. Oh Hey I was going to ask, if I am able to go out tomorrow you know any good places to hang around at?"
Trey felt stupid and like a little kid asking a feeling he hated but he asked anyways. He wasn't from around here so how would he know. He was sure he could figure it out on his own but asking Pete wasn't to bad.
Heading back to the kitchen with Axel Jess new he was avoiding the topic once again and all she can do it sigh. She wished sometimes he would talk more to her about things, or at least try. She was there with a listing ear but he never took her up on it and she never pushed it.
"Mmmmm...Pie is always good."
As Axel pulls out the plates Jess cuts the pie and puts them both on the plates. She new Axel would talk to her in his own time she she shouldn't get so frustrated it was just hard sometimes to know how he was feeling when he didn't talk about it. She'd just have to be pashent once again because she loved him she would be pashent.
"Want to watch another movie?"
Giving a smile back to Erik and just listing Jackie gives a nod here and there to let him know she was listing to him. Some might think what he was saying was boring but Jackie enjoyed listing. It helped her learn a little more about them witch she thought was important.
"I think its great you guys look at each other as a family, and as for holding Kyle back...I don't see that happening at all. You all have a lot of talent, and are equal. I am sure thats how Kyle see it too."
Giving a smile Jackie looks around again she is quite continuing to take everything in for a moment. It was nice to be out and doing something different. Just watching the other have fun seemed to satisfie her.
Turning back to Erik at his question Jackie gives him a soft smile thinking for a moment. In this setting she was a little more relaxed and her eyes twinkled a little.
"I like to sit at home and paint. Reading is a nice pass time I like as well. And to top it all off...I like to mix music at home but not like I do at work for you guys. I find my own sounds and put them together to create a song with my own words. It's just something fun I like doing nothing really searous though. Spending outside is a good pastime for me too."
Giving a smile and a sip of her drink Jackie is quiet for a moment before nodding to Erik.
"How about you when your not in band mode?"
"Things wouldn't be bad around here if there was more to do and Reese wasn't so up tight."
Shaking his head a little a grin from on his face. Reese wasn't so bad to deal with Trey just liked making it out to be more than it was. Though he did think he needed to loosen up a little bit and try to have a little fun.
Hearing Pete's offer about shooting the gun Trey looks down at it for a moment. He's been around guns all his life they were nothing new and they didn't scare him, but guns just weren't his thing. His own fists or a knife were his life line in a fight. Maybe not the best option when it came aganst a gun but it was his preference.
"Nah thats ok. Gun's have never been my style. Thanks for the offer though. Oh Hey I was going to ask, if I am able to go out tomorrow you know any good places to hang around at?"
Trey felt stupid and like a little kid asking a feeling he hated but he asked anyways. He wasn't from around here so how would he know. He was sure he could figure it out on his own but asking Pete wasn't to bad.
Heading back to the kitchen with Axel Jess new he was avoiding the topic once again and all she can do it sigh. She wished sometimes he would talk more to her about things, or at least try. She was there with a listing ear but he never took her up on it and she never pushed it.
"Mmmmm...Pie is always good."
As Axel pulls out the plates Jess cuts the pie and puts them both on the plates. She new Axel would talk to her in his own time she she shouldn't get so frustrated it was just hard sometimes to know how he was feeling when he didn't talk about it. She'd just have to be pashent once again because she loved him she would be pashent.
"Want to watch another movie?"
Giving a smile back to Erik and just listing Jackie gives a nod here and there to let him know she was listing to him. Some might think what he was saying was boring but Jackie enjoyed listing. It helped her learn a little more about them witch she thought was important.
"I think its great you guys look at each other as a family, and as for holding Kyle back...I don't see that happening at all. You all have a lot of talent, and are equal. I am sure thats how Kyle see it too."
Giving a smile Jackie looks around again she is quite continuing to take everything in for a moment. It was nice to be out and doing something different. Just watching the other have fun seemed to satisfie her.
Turning back to Erik at his question Jackie gives him a soft smile thinking for a moment. In this setting she was a little more relaxed and her eyes twinkled a little.
"I like to sit at home and paint. Reading is a nice pass time I like as well. And to top it all off...I like to mix music at home but not like I do at work for you guys. I find my own sounds and put them together to create a song with my own words. It's just something fun I like doing nothing really searous though. Spending outside is a good pastime for me too."
Giving a smile and a sip of her drink Jackie is quiet for a moment before nodding to Erik.
"How about you when your not in band mode?"
9/2/10
What about you?
Hearing someone come into the room and speak, Pete looks over his shoulder, a grin forming. It grows just a little more and he shakes his head. "I haven't run away. You just haven't looked in the right spots. As for the girl, well... that's what time away from here is for, right?"
Hanging up the earmuffs and wiping off the gun, making sure everything was back where it was supposed to be, Pete still listens. "Good." He was answering for both the fact of Trey being clean, and for him being given a little more freedom. "Things around here aren't so bad if there are a few compromises."
Concentrating on the handgun, Pete finally turns around to face Trey, studying him for a moment. Glancing back to the targets, his eyes then return to Trey. Turning the gun around in his hand so he's holding the barrel, he offers it to him. "Wanna try a few rounds?"
Though Axel hears Jess, he doesn't respond to her presence. He didn't want her to see him like this. As a matter of fact, he hated it. But he didn't have the strength this time to fight it.
Being pulled into a hug, the tears still come as he hides his face in Jess' shoulder. His arms slide around her and hold her tightly as the only thing he had right now to keep him going. This whole thing was just a mess and he didn't understand why he was being forced to live through it. It was bad enough the first time around - why did he have to relive it now, digging up all those memories and everything that had happened? Prison was the nightmare of his life, and something he had successfully shoved into a back closet. Abandonment from his family was a close second, and he'd also pushed that one far enough back that he didn't have to think about it anymore... until now. He just didn't understand.
Unsure how long he stood with Jess, he tries to slow the tears enough he can at least attempt to compose himself again. He knew she didn't care about seeing him in this state - he knew she didn't love him less or think any less of him. But he still didn't like it. He felt weak... vulnerable.
Drawing in a shaky breath, he finally lets Jess go, turning back to the sink to splash some cold water on his face. His eye burned and felt sore. Drying with a towel, he just stops and looks in the mirror at both himself and Jess for several long moments. Sniffing and throwing the towel back on the rack, he puts his arms around Jess again in a new hug, kissing the top of her head. It was the only way he knew how to say thank you.
Sighing deeply, he retreats, feeling at least somewhat composed now. "I hear dessert calling us," he suggests quietly. He was totally avoiding talk of what had just happened, but right now, he didn't even know what he could say about it. Moving on was the most comfortable thing to do.
Leading back through the short hallway, his arm stays around Jess' shoulder until they reach the kitchen and he finds a couple small plates for the pie. He really didn't feel like eating, but he would anyway - it wouldn't be fair to Jess to have the evening end on a rotten note.
Erik grins and nods, turning a little to see Jackie better. "Yeah... we have fun. We're all pretty close, and even Kyle by now - it's all kinda like family, ya know?"
Fingering a napkin his eyes roam the room for a few minutes, watching everyone else interacting in some way, shape or form. No one was being left out, and that's the way it should be.
"I'm sure we look a bit strange." He chuckles. "Us having picked up Kyle to give him a band instead of the other way around... then we all sorta share the workload. I know Kyle sometimes doesn't like thinking of us as "his" band, but... I think it fits and we like following him. It just seemed the right thing to do." He remembered when his brother had left the band to begin with and they'd been without a leader and lead singer. Erik had already been familiar with Kyle and JetStream, then he'd been right there at the same time things ended with Break Out. It had just seemed to fit. None of them wanted to be leaders - they all liked being support and backup - they all felt that's where their talents were. They probably would have chosen someone to be their lead eventually, but with Kyle they didn't need to. Giving the band his name seemed natural - Kyle was much better than he thought he was, and it only seemed fair that he finally get his chance.
Bringing his mind back on target, Erik smiles again at Jackie. "Kinda like voting on a president I guess." He chuckles. "Everybody needs a leader and even if Kyle doesn't think he's the right material, we all think he's perfect. He doesn't look down on us, he lets us decide things as a group, and he's never arrogant. I just hope the rest of us don't hold him back now, because he could really go far with his talents."
This all was probably boring, and he shakes his head, setting the now-frayed napkin aside. "What about you? What do you do when you're not at the recording studio?"
Hanging up the earmuffs and wiping off the gun, making sure everything was back where it was supposed to be, Pete still listens. "Good." He was answering for both the fact of Trey being clean, and for him being given a little more freedom. "Things around here aren't so bad if there are a few compromises."
Concentrating on the handgun, Pete finally turns around to face Trey, studying him for a moment. Glancing back to the targets, his eyes then return to Trey. Turning the gun around in his hand so he's holding the barrel, he offers it to him. "Wanna try a few rounds?"
Though Axel hears Jess, he doesn't respond to her presence. He didn't want her to see him like this. As a matter of fact, he hated it. But he didn't have the strength this time to fight it.
Being pulled into a hug, the tears still come as he hides his face in Jess' shoulder. His arms slide around her and hold her tightly as the only thing he had right now to keep him going. This whole thing was just a mess and he didn't understand why he was being forced to live through it. It was bad enough the first time around - why did he have to relive it now, digging up all those memories and everything that had happened? Prison was the nightmare of his life, and something he had successfully shoved into a back closet. Abandonment from his family was a close second, and he'd also pushed that one far enough back that he didn't have to think about it anymore... until now. He just didn't understand.
Unsure how long he stood with Jess, he tries to slow the tears enough he can at least attempt to compose himself again. He knew she didn't care about seeing him in this state - he knew she didn't love him less or think any less of him. But he still didn't like it. He felt weak... vulnerable.
Drawing in a shaky breath, he finally lets Jess go, turning back to the sink to splash some cold water on his face. His eye burned and felt sore. Drying with a towel, he just stops and looks in the mirror at both himself and Jess for several long moments. Sniffing and throwing the towel back on the rack, he puts his arms around Jess again in a new hug, kissing the top of her head. It was the only way he knew how to say thank you.
Sighing deeply, he retreats, feeling at least somewhat composed now. "I hear dessert calling us," he suggests quietly. He was totally avoiding talk of what had just happened, but right now, he didn't even know what he could say about it. Moving on was the most comfortable thing to do.
Leading back through the short hallway, his arm stays around Jess' shoulder until they reach the kitchen and he finds a couple small plates for the pie. He really didn't feel like eating, but he would anyway - it wouldn't be fair to Jess to have the evening end on a rotten note.
Erik grins and nods, turning a little to see Jackie better. "Yeah... we have fun. We're all pretty close, and even Kyle by now - it's all kinda like family, ya know?"
Fingering a napkin his eyes roam the room for a few minutes, watching everyone else interacting in some way, shape or form. No one was being left out, and that's the way it should be.
"I'm sure we look a bit strange." He chuckles. "Us having picked up Kyle to give him a band instead of the other way around... then we all sorta share the workload. I know Kyle sometimes doesn't like thinking of us as "his" band, but... I think it fits and we like following him. It just seemed the right thing to do." He remembered when his brother had left the band to begin with and they'd been without a leader and lead singer. Erik had already been familiar with Kyle and JetStream, then he'd been right there at the same time things ended with Break Out. It had just seemed to fit. None of them wanted to be leaders - they all liked being support and backup - they all felt that's where their talents were. They probably would have chosen someone to be their lead eventually, but with Kyle they didn't need to. Giving the band his name seemed natural - Kyle was much better than he thought he was, and it only seemed fair that he finally get his chance.
Bringing his mind back on target, Erik smiles again at Jackie. "Kinda like voting on a president I guess." He chuckles. "Everybody needs a leader and even if Kyle doesn't think he's the right material, we all think he's perfect. He doesn't look down on us, he lets us decide things as a group, and he's never arrogant. I just hope the rest of us don't hold him back now, because he could really go far with his talents."
This all was probably boring, and he shakes his head, setting the now-frayed napkin aside. "What about you? What do you do when you're not at the recording studio?"
Energy
Entering the diner with Wayne and seeing the band Jackie smiles giving a little wave. Not sure who the other people were she could only guess they were friends of Kyle and the others. Standing there for a moment with Wayne by her side Jackie's eyes roam the area and all the people. Taking them all in and remembering what they saw here today.
Finally though as Kyle calls to them Jackie gives a wave and makes her way over to the table. Finding to seats together with Wayne and opts to sit closer to where Erik was. They'd been the ones that really talked the most so if she felt comfortable talking to anyone else here it would be him.
"Wayne I think I can see where most of Kip's energy gets burned away."
Giving a little chuckle and a shake of her head Jackie's eyes roam the table once again watching all the others interacting and getting along. It was different seeing them in there own zones totally relaxed.
Looking over at Erik and giving a soft smile she gives a little nod before leaning a little closer to the table so she didn't have to yell across it.
"This is a different atmosphere from when you guys are in the studio. Its nice to see ya all layed back. It's good to see that."
Going into the kitchen to get some dessert Jess could see all the emotion in Axel's eyes as she leaves. Standing in the kitchen as Axel calls Jess slowly turns around letting the silence linger. Her heart broke a little more. He was trying to be so strong but maybe all he really needed to do was let it out.
Jess new Axel likes to keep to himself but still maybe he just needed those arms, her arms around him right now even if he didn't ask. Should she dare going for it? Leaving everything on the counter for now Slowly walking to the bathroom Jess gives a little knock on the door as to not startle Axel.
"Axel..."
Opening the door a little more she heart just seemed to break even more for him. Seeing him like this was so different she new everything inside of his must have been breaking too. Entering the bathroom she reaches her arm out and wraps them around him. Pulling Axel close to her she rubs his back gently and rests her head on top oh his.
"...Shhhhh..."
No more words were spoke as Jess just held Axel. Just being there holding him would say all the words that needed to be. She didn't mind seeing Axel cry everyone had a bubbling point.
Looking up at Rick and taking the two vials Misty raises an eyebrow for a moment wondering about both samples and what was written on them. Hearing Rick's reason though she looks up quickly at him again. Was he really saying what she thought?
"Yeah, ok I can do that. Carson is busy tonight so I can work on a bunch of it than though I wont get it all done for a few days and than I'll call you."
Looking down at the samples in her hand again Misty twists them around for a moment just thinking. What would happen with Jason and Trey if they were related?
"Yeah, no one will know till I tell you first on this one."
Wondering bored down the hall Trey was bored and wondered how long it would take for Rick to do what he was doing. He was bored and....stopping in his tracks and lifting his head up he thought he herd a gun shot...there was another.
Moving twords what looked like an elevator he pushes the button and steps in. Hitting the button and going down. As it opens and he steps out into a whole new area Trey's eyes widen a little. There was a reck room a place to spent time and no one old him. That figures.
Hearing some moving around in the other area Trey moves forward and looking in the small window he see Pete. So thats where he was hiding out. Opening the door and stepping in Trey sticks his hands in his pockets.
"So there was a secret area and no one told me. I thought for sure you ran away or something with the pretty looking girl you got now."
Coming in a little closer Trey was serous to look at what Pete had been doing and how good he was. If he had to pick one person he didn't mind here he would say Pete. Just something about him didn't push Trey.
"I might be free soon. Well between cretin times I might be free. Reese wanted Rick to check my blood first to make sure I'm not on anything. It will come up clean."
Finally though as Kyle calls to them Jackie gives a wave and makes her way over to the table. Finding to seats together with Wayne and opts to sit closer to where Erik was. They'd been the ones that really talked the most so if she felt comfortable talking to anyone else here it would be him.
"Wayne I think I can see where most of Kip's energy gets burned away."
Giving a little chuckle and a shake of her head Jackie's eyes roam the table once again watching all the others interacting and getting along. It was different seeing them in there own zones totally relaxed.
Looking over at Erik and giving a soft smile she gives a little nod before leaning a little closer to the table so she didn't have to yell across it.
"This is a different atmosphere from when you guys are in the studio. Its nice to see ya all layed back. It's good to see that."
Going into the kitchen to get some dessert Jess could see all the emotion in Axel's eyes as she leaves. Standing in the kitchen as Axel calls Jess slowly turns around letting the silence linger. Her heart broke a little more. He was trying to be so strong but maybe all he really needed to do was let it out.
Jess new Axel likes to keep to himself but still maybe he just needed those arms, her arms around him right now even if he didn't ask. Should she dare going for it? Leaving everything on the counter for now Slowly walking to the bathroom Jess gives a little knock on the door as to not startle Axel.
"Axel..."
Opening the door a little more she heart just seemed to break even more for him. Seeing him like this was so different she new everything inside of his must have been breaking too. Entering the bathroom she reaches her arm out and wraps them around him. Pulling Axel close to her she rubs his back gently and rests her head on top oh his.
"...Shhhhh..."
No more words were spoke as Jess just held Axel. Just being there holding him would say all the words that needed to be. She didn't mind seeing Axel cry everyone had a bubbling point.
Looking up at Rick and taking the two vials Misty raises an eyebrow for a moment wondering about both samples and what was written on them. Hearing Rick's reason though she looks up quickly at him again. Was he really saying what she thought?
"Yeah, ok I can do that. Carson is busy tonight so I can work on a bunch of it than though I wont get it all done for a few days and than I'll call you."
Looking down at the samples in her hand again Misty twists them around for a moment just thinking. What would happen with Jason and Trey if they were related?
"Yeah, no one will know till I tell you first on this one."
Wondering bored down the hall Trey was bored and wondered how long it would take for Rick to do what he was doing. He was bored and....stopping in his tracks and lifting his head up he thought he herd a gun shot...there was another.
Moving twords what looked like an elevator he pushes the button and steps in. Hitting the button and going down. As it opens and he steps out into a whole new area Trey's eyes widen a little. There was a reck room a place to spent time and no one old him. That figures.
Hearing some moving around in the other area Trey moves forward and looking in the small window he see Pete. So thats where he was hiding out. Opening the door and stepping in Trey sticks his hands in his pockets.
"So there was a secret area and no one told me. I thought for sure you ran away or something with the pretty looking girl you got now."
Coming in a little closer Trey was serous to look at what Pete had been doing and how good he was. If he had to pick one person he didn't mind here he would say Pete. Just something about him didn't push Trey.
"I might be free soon. Well between cretin times I might be free. Reese wanted Rick to check my blood first to make sure I'm not on anything. It will come up clean."
Too much
Rick's eyebrows rise as Trey comments to Misty, bristling at the cockiness in the young man. He keeps his mouth shut though and waits until Trey is gone to speak to Misty. "If you ask me, letting him loose around here is just asking for trouble."
Going to one of the small computer stations, he sits on a stool and begins to process the blood sample. He almost wished he'd find something so they could keep a leash on Trey, but he had a feeling that the bloodwork would come back clean.
While Rick waits, his mind wanders to where he would be tomorrow. He, Ty and Libby would be driving to Las Vegas tonight to check into their hotel. Tomorrow they would go to their appointment at the Irlen test center at St. Catherine's hospital complex. They were scheduled to stay several days, and hopefully within that time, they would be able to find a solution for Ty. Rick just hoped and prayed that it was indeed what was wrong so that Ty would be able to get help - the young man was too intelligent to let this difficulty get in the way of his future.
Still halfway lost in thought, Rick looks back at the computer analysis, scanning the data. They had some new software that was really helping in the area of bloodwork and he knew they'd only tapped in to a small portion of the capabilities. He and Misty were both having fun learning and analyzing data, even on small cases.
Still scanning, Rick furrows his brow. Some of this information... seemed familiar. But that couldn't be - he'd never analyzed Trey's blood before. Maybe just some patters were similar to someone else's. Shrugging it off, he leaves the analysis be, and goes back over to the other computer where he'd been working on Jason's report. Then it dawns on him.
Straightening, Rick stares off at the wall for a moment, the wheels in his mind turning. No... that was a silly notion. He recalls Trey's face, body structure, personality and date of birth. Surely not... that idea was so far out there that he felt crazy for even thinking it. It was impossible.
Returning to his work, the thought continues to nag at his conscience. Sighing, he glances over to the other monitor, then back at the one he was at. It only takes a few minutes for him to glance through some data and come up with enough information to increase the nagging in the back of his mind. This really was crazy though. But... he looks at two printouts in his hands. Stranger things had happened, right?
He looks at the clock. He had to go soon and had no more time to spare, but he'd be thinking about this the entire time he was gone now. Glancing down to the vials on the counter, he picks two up - one was Jason's blood and one was Trey's. Considering his options, he finally takes both vials to Misty's desk.
"Misty... do me a favor while I'm out of town?" He sets the vials down in front of her so she could see whose they were. "Would you run a DNA analysis on these and have the computer run a comparison?" He knew that if at least fifty percent of the data was the same, there would be a lot of unanswered questions. He hoped he was way off base, but there was only one way to find out. It would probably take Misty a couple days, but she should have the results before Rick got back.
Looking her in the eye, he remains serious. "Don't advertise it," he warns. He wanted no one to know about this - one, in case there was nothing and he really was crazy, and two, in case there was a connection between Trey and Jason, which would need some very careful handling.
Rick knew that Misty would realize what he was implying, so he lets it go unsaid. "Call me if you find anything before I get back okay?"
Pete fires off another round at the target, checking to see that he'd hit the bullseye once more. It was a mandatory routine and he had to turn in the paperwork that proved he'd been keeping up with his training, or else Reese would force him to have schooling again.
Checking his ammunition, he sets the gun aside and takes off the earmuffs, prepping to be done for the day. He'd been making himself scarce around the office this past week or so, ensuring he could get out of here on time in the evenings and not have to work late. He didn't used to care... but now that he'd been hanging out with Nikki, there was a reason to have evenings free. Tonight was free though - she was busy, so he didn't mind getting some of this work done before calling it a day.
Wayne quirks one eyebrow at the invite. "Pizza, huh? Well, you know me." He pats his stomach. He wasn't fat, but he certainly wasn't skinny either. He liked to call himself "hefty" though if pressured, he'd admit he was somewhat overweight.
Looking Jackie in the eye for a moment, he knew there was more than one reason he should go, so he nods. He'd never be more than a brother to her, at the most, but that didn't mean he'd leave her high and dry. "Sure, I'll come. My night is free tonight."
As promised, come evening, he was joining Jackie outside Mom and Pop's to walk with her inside where the band already was.
Carson had his hands full tonight, but he didn't mind. He'd convinced Dani and Aerith to stay late and help him - he'd let Thirteen off early already so she could go be with Ryder at the hospital, but with the three of them, it wasn't hard to handle the group that was there. It was more than Kyle's band - JetStream had come too... except for Jason and Katie, and Rocky and Logan had joined in as well. And apparently... Carson looks out from the kitchen... two more had just come that he didn't recognize, but it looked like they belonged with the group.
"Hey, they made it!" Kyle waves Jackie and Wayne over to one of the sets of tables that had been pushed together. "C'mon and have a seat. We were just deciding what kind of pizzas to have."
Some of the others were still on their feet, mingling, chatting and laughing. Theo was chasing Kip around the tables for some reason - it might have been since Kip had swiped Theo's wallet, but no one could quite tell. Logan and Mike were cracking jokes right and left, and someone had already started the first straw wrapper war of the evening.
As Carson is coming back to the table to see if they were ready to order, Kip skirts by in front of Theo, barely missing Carson. Carson skids to a stop, his eyes wide, but he was on his game. Reacting quickly, he grabs Kip around the waist to give him an abrupt stop, then pins both arms behind his back.
Kip wails, having no skills to get out of this one. He'd only met Carson a couple times, so he wasn't quite sure if he was being reprimanded or if Carson was playing along, so he just stands for a moment, feeling dumb.
Carson has a grin on his face though as he pushes Kip back towards the table. Seeing a wallet sticking out of Kip's back pocket, he takes it out and tosses it to Theo. "No pickpockets in my restaurant," he muses.
Kip realizes he's playing along, and he laughs, being directed to an empty chair next to Karla and set down. "Right... I'll remember that."
Carson smiles and shakes his head at the rowdy but not out-of-hand bunch. "Who wants pizza?" he calls loudly.
With all the likable chaos going on, seats are found for Jackie and Wayne, and all the others eventually try to find their own chairs and settle down so they can focus on food. Erik winds up at the end of one table, catty-corner from Jackie, and he offers her a smile, hoping she and Wayne didn't feel too out of place.
Jess' hug comes as a little bit of a surprise - enough so that Axel could feel his wall cracking. As she takes the plates into the kitchen, he barely hears what's for dessert. It really had been a long day, and he was emotionally drained... exhausted. Knowing Jess was here and receiving her kind affection just seemed to increase Axel's inner battle. He wanted to just let it all out, yet he didn't want her to see him like this either.
Rising from the couch, he calls into the kitchen. "I'll be back." He heads down the hall to the bathroom, though the door remains half open. Setting his hands on the counter, he leans over the sink, trying to regain control. But the same tears that had started earlier were back. It was later in the day, he'd seen Quinn again, he was tired... everything combined seemed to make it impossible for him to remain composed.
The first few tears trickle down his face even though he continues to fight. He just needed to breathe... needed to focus. The drain in the sink becomes a blur as his shoulders shake and he silently cries. There was just so much wrapped up in this whole thing... he'd held back these emotions for years, simply battling through, pushing it to the side and trying to forget. And today... today it had finally been too much.
Going to one of the small computer stations, he sits on a stool and begins to process the blood sample. He almost wished he'd find something so they could keep a leash on Trey, but he had a feeling that the bloodwork would come back clean.
While Rick waits, his mind wanders to where he would be tomorrow. He, Ty and Libby would be driving to Las Vegas tonight to check into their hotel. Tomorrow they would go to their appointment at the Irlen test center at St. Catherine's hospital complex. They were scheduled to stay several days, and hopefully within that time, they would be able to find a solution for Ty. Rick just hoped and prayed that it was indeed what was wrong so that Ty would be able to get help - the young man was too intelligent to let this difficulty get in the way of his future.
Still halfway lost in thought, Rick looks back at the computer analysis, scanning the data. They had some new software that was really helping in the area of bloodwork and he knew they'd only tapped in to a small portion of the capabilities. He and Misty were both having fun learning and analyzing data, even on small cases.
Still scanning, Rick furrows his brow. Some of this information... seemed familiar. But that couldn't be - he'd never analyzed Trey's blood before. Maybe just some patters were similar to someone else's. Shrugging it off, he leaves the analysis be, and goes back over to the other computer where he'd been working on Jason's report. Then it dawns on him.
Straightening, Rick stares off at the wall for a moment, the wheels in his mind turning. No... that was a silly notion. He recalls Trey's face, body structure, personality and date of birth. Surely not... that idea was so far out there that he felt crazy for even thinking it. It was impossible.
Returning to his work, the thought continues to nag at his conscience. Sighing, he glances over to the other monitor, then back at the one he was at. It only takes a few minutes for him to glance through some data and come up with enough information to increase the nagging in the back of his mind. This really was crazy though. But... he looks at two printouts in his hands. Stranger things had happened, right?
He looks at the clock. He had to go soon and had no more time to spare, but he'd be thinking about this the entire time he was gone now. Glancing down to the vials on the counter, he picks two up - one was Jason's blood and one was Trey's. Considering his options, he finally takes both vials to Misty's desk.
"Misty... do me a favor while I'm out of town?" He sets the vials down in front of her so she could see whose they were. "Would you run a DNA analysis on these and have the computer run a comparison?" He knew that if at least fifty percent of the data was the same, there would be a lot of unanswered questions. He hoped he was way off base, but there was only one way to find out. It would probably take Misty a couple days, but she should have the results before Rick got back.
Looking her in the eye, he remains serious. "Don't advertise it," he warns. He wanted no one to know about this - one, in case there was nothing and he really was crazy, and two, in case there was a connection between Trey and Jason, which would need some very careful handling.
Rick knew that Misty would realize what he was implying, so he lets it go unsaid. "Call me if you find anything before I get back okay?"
Pete fires off another round at the target, checking to see that he'd hit the bullseye once more. It was a mandatory routine and he had to turn in the paperwork that proved he'd been keeping up with his training, or else Reese would force him to have schooling again.
Checking his ammunition, he sets the gun aside and takes off the earmuffs, prepping to be done for the day. He'd been making himself scarce around the office this past week or so, ensuring he could get out of here on time in the evenings and not have to work late. He didn't used to care... but now that he'd been hanging out with Nikki, there was a reason to have evenings free. Tonight was free though - she was busy, so he didn't mind getting some of this work done before calling it a day.
Wayne quirks one eyebrow at the invite. "Pizza, huh? Well, you know me." He pats his stomach. He wasn't fat, but he certainly wasn't skinny either. He liked to call himself "hefty" though if pressured, he'd admit he was somewhat overweight.
Looking Jackie in the eye for a moment, he knew there was more than one reason he should go, so he nods. He'd never be more than a brother to her, at the most, but that didn't mean he'd leave her high and dry. "Sure, I'll come. My night is free tonight."
As promised, come evening, he was joining Jackie outside Mom and Pop's to walk with her inside where the band already was.
Carson had his hands full tonight, but he didn't mind. He'd convinced Dani and Aerith to stay late and help him - he'd let Thirteen off early already so she could go be with Ryder at the hospital, but with the three of them, it wasn't hard to handle the group that was there. It was more than Kyle's band - JetStream had come too... except for Jason and Katie, and Rocky and Logan had joined in as well. And apparently... Carson looks out from the kitchen... two more had just come that he didn't recognize, but it looked like they belonged with the group.
"Hey, they made it!" Kyle waves Jackie and Wayne over to one of the sets of tables that had been pushed together. "C'mon and have a seat. We were just deciding what kind of pizzas to have."
Some of the others were still on their feet, mingling, chatting and laughing. Theo was chasing Kip around the tables for some reason - it might have been since Kip had swiped Theo's wallet, but no one could quite tell. Logan and Mike were cracking jokes right and left, and someone had already started the first straw wrapper war of the evening.
As Carson is coming back to the table to see if they were ready to order, Kip skirts by in front of Theo, barely missing Carson. Carson skids to a stop, his eyes wide, but he was on his game. Reacting quickly, he grabs Kip around the waist to give him an abrupt stop, then pins both arms behind his back.
Kip wails, having no skills to get out of this one. He'd only met Carson a couple times, so he wasn't quite sure if he was being reprimanded or if Carson was playing along, so he just stands for a moment, feeling dumb.
Carson has a grin on his face though as he pushes Kip back towards the table. Seeing a wallet sticking out of Kip's back pocket, he takes it out and tosses it to Theo. "No pickpockets in my restaurant," he muses.
Kip realizes he's playing along, and he laughs, being directed to an empty chair next to Karla and set down. "Right... I'll remember that."
Carson smiles and shakes his head at the rowdy but not out-of-hand bunch. "Who wants pizza?" he calls loudly.
With all the likable chaos going on, seats are found for Jackie and Wayne, and all the others eventually try to find their own chairs and settle down so they can focus on food. Erik winds up at the end of one table, catty-corner from Jackie, and he offers her a smile, hoping she and Wayne didn't feel too out of place.
Jess' hug comes as a little bit of a surprise - enough so that Axel could feel his wall cracking. As she takes the plates into the kitchen, he barely hears what's for dessert. It really had been a long day, and he was emotionally drained... exhausted. Knowing Jess was here and receiving her kind affection just seemed to increase Axel's inner battle. He wanted to just let it all out, yet he didn't want her to see him like this either.
Rising from the couch, he calls into the kitchen. "I'll be back." He heads down the hall to the bathroom, though the door remains half open. Setting his hands on the counter, he leans over the sink, trying to regain control. But the same tears that had started earlier were back. It was later in the day, he'd seen Quinn again, he was tired... everything combined seemed to make it impossible for him to remain composed.
The first few tears trickle down his face even though he continues to fight. He just needed to breathe... needed to focus. The drain in the sink becomes a blur as his shoulders shake and he silently cries. There was just so much wrapped up in this whole thing... he'd held back these emotions for years, simply battling through, pushing it to the side and trying to forget. And today... today it had finally been too much.
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