Defenseless

Ryan can't help but laugh more as she see the confusion on Eli's face and the humor he really did find in the whole thing in his eyes as well. It was funny, and having the oppertunity to pull one over on Eli didn't come along every day so when it happened it was even better.

"Ah man I wish I had a camera this is priceless really."

As Eli and Tal start to wrestle Ryan can't help but laugh more her eyes twinkling, and a small spark that had been lost for a few days now seemed to flicker again. It was good to see Eli laugh as well, and Ryan just couldn't help that strange sense of peace like she had the other day.

Ryan's train of thought comes to a complete stop at Eli's comment of Tal being her boyfriend. It took it off guard for a moment and she had to think about it. Her jaw hanging open just a little bit. She almost felt speechless but tried to recover quickly not wanting anyone to feel strange.

"Pst, if he was my boyfriend there is no way I'd call him off. This is to funny."

Continuing to watch the two men Ryan laughs continue again as she shakes her head and a few times has to move her own position on where she was standing so she didn't get run over too. Hearing Tal call out Ryan just shakes her head again before feeling a little bad.

"How could I leave a defenseless man calling for help?"

Getting a little running start Ryan comes and jumps right on Eli forgetting Tal was under him but just laying on top of them both her laughter just ringing through the air.

Wrestling

"Ouch!" Eli flinches as he receives Ryan's whack. He rubs the back of his head and looks up at her with annoyance, but a sheepishness that revealed he knew he deserved it.

Her change of tone and smile though, throw him off and his expression grows slightly confused. And when she mentions Tal, his eyes go wide and his mouth hangs open. Catching movement by the hallway, his eyes dart in that direction.

Tal's entrance is less than elegant, for by now, he'd started to laugh so hard, he could barely move. Leaning back against the wall, he holds his sides as he laughs and he shakes his head. "That was... brilliant."

"Brilliant?!" Eli stands up and looks between Tal and his sister and back again. "You mean to tell me this whole thing was a setup?"

Tal tries to calm himself and breathe. "Only after I did go and make a fool of myself, thanks to you."

Eli blinks and finally sets his hands on his hips. Though his eyes narrow, they start to twinkle with something that gave away he was beginning to find humor in this now too. Glancing to his sister, he gives her shoulder a shove before sauntering over to Tal and giving him a deliberate once-over. "Think you're pretty funny, tough guy, eh?"

Tal bites his lip and nods. "Actually I... think I do."

"Leaving me alone in the shop, thinking that I completely destroyed a good friendship."

"You were the one that let me think I'd done something wrong."

"So?" Eli steps closer. "You two hardly know each other and you're already a dangerous team." He glances back at Ryan then returns to Tal. "Eliminating one of you is only fair." Grabbing Tal in a sloppy chokehold, he starts to drag him towards the door.

Tal lets out a shout and chokes on a laugh as he's dragged along. Planting his feet, he manages to wriggle out of Eli's grasp, and the wrestling match begins. It really wasn't clear who tripped first, but somehow both men wind up on the floor, first Eli on top, then Tal, then back again as they grappled. Both were out of breath and laughing but neither one was going to give up.

"Ryan!" Eli tries to breathe as he looks up at Tal from his back. "Call off your boyfriend!"

Tal's eyes widen and his shock is his downfall as he gives Eli too much slack and winds up on the bottom again with his face planted on the carpet. "I even brought your t-shirt back to you!"

"Ah yes, the infamous..." Eli's words are lost as he gets flipped over and pinned.

"Infamous." Tal laughs as he struggles to keep the upper hand. "Bet you wish you woulda let me go home early, eh?"

"What? And miss all this?" Another swift move and Eli is back on top.

"Help!" Tal starts to laugh again as he calls out to Ryan. "Your brother weighs a ton!"


"So tell me about Yvette."

Alec spins on his heel as he paces in the small room and throws Justin a less-than-pleased look. "Off limits."

Justin quirks an eyebrow. After finally getting Alec to talk to Reese, sessions had been pretty frustrating and he was having a hard time getting into Alec's inner thoughts - but right now, he'd obviously struck a chord. "What - you think you got something I haven't heard before?"

"I wouldn't want to shock you."

"Try me."

Alec rolls his eyes. "What do you care about Yvette anyway? What difference does it make?"

"I don't know. I guess I'm just wondering why you'd ditch your girlfriend for her." Justin straddles his chair backwards and leans his elbows on the backrest. "Seems a little out of character."

"Then you don't know me very well."

Justin cocks his head. "The guy that helped me with Scott... isn't who I'm seeing today."

Alec sets his hands on his hips and looks up at the ceiling for a moment. "What do you want, Justin? Why are you even here?"

"Because I want to help you."

"Help me what?"

"Cope."

"With what? Getting shot? Getting dragged back here against my will? Being interrogated? Being thrown into a little cell with the only future as one behind bars?"

"Nah... more like... cope with yourself."

Alec scoffs. "That's a bunch of crap."

"Well if all it is, is crap, then what's the problem? Humor me."

"I don't do humor." Alec wanders in circles for a few more moments, only to see Justin still staring at him. "Alright, fine. Yvette... is an old colleague. We already knew each other... this time, it just so happened we got hooked up again."

"Mm-hmm. So when you say 'colleague,' what exactly do you mean?"

Alec throws him another look. "You got an imagination - use it."

"Okay, so you two had a relationship. So when you two got together this last time, Ryan just went out the window, huh?"

Alec flops down on the cot, growing weary. Each time Justin came, it felt like someone was taking a pickax to the wall around his heart - it wasn't comfortable, but ironically, the more that was torn down, the harder it became to resist just giving in and tearing down the wall himself. Today was no different, and Justin had intentionally brought up a subject that would bother him. And yet... he really had no defense on this one, and he was tired of fighting. "Every time I..." He stops and chooses different words. "Every time Yvette and I... when we were together... All I could think about was Ryan."

"You imagined her?"

"Not like that." Alec swings his gaze around, a disgusted look on his face. "I'm not that perverted."

Justin shrugs. "Then what were you thinking about her?"

Alec chews on the inside of his lip. "It's private."

"Okay." Justin makes a note. "But you're the one who said you weren't perverted."

Alec shoots him a glare. "I hate myself enough the way it is. Why do you insist on making it harder?"

"Who's making it harder? Me or you?"

It didn't seem like a fair question. Alec rubs his sore shoulder. "I thought about Ryan... and how she must feel with me walking out on her. I pictured the look on her face right before I'd kiss her and how I would feel like I never wanted to let her go. I thought about the damage I was doing and how I'd never be able to hold her again."

Justin looks at him thoughtfully. "So why did you give in to Yvette? It doesn't make sense."

"It does if your life depends on it... and the lives of the people you actually care about. If I hadn't slept with Yvette, she would have known something wasn't right. I had a bad reputation in the Agency...it's just... a given when you're there. No one's faithful to anybody. If I would have resisted, Yvette would have known immediately that something was wrong. She would have blown the whistle, and right about now my friends and family would be dead."

Justin sighs deeply. "But you still feel guilty."

Alec swallows hard. "I felt guilty every time I got near her. I still feel like I need a scalding shower."

Justin couldn't relate, but he did have an understanding and he felt badly for Alec. "Well, we know that won't help. Do you think you could have handled things differently?"

"I don't know. Everybody else seems to think so."

"But at the time, you felt what you did was best?"

Alec shrugs. "I had to think fast. It was all I could come up with and it was the only thing I figured would save lives."

"But do you think it was best?"

"I don't know anymore. The best decision I made was to walk in front of a bullet." Alec glances at Justin with displeasure. "But no one would even let me have that."

The tone had shifted - the open door was gone. Justin leaves the subject of Yvette and Ryan be for now. "Suicide is never the way, Alec. You know that."

"Do I?"

"Keep talking like that and they'll put you in a hospital."

"Maybe I deserve it."

Justin stands up. "I think we're done for today."

Alec scoffs. "You like to walk away, don't you?"

"On bad attitudes? Yeah, I do. Bad for my health." Justin gets to the door but turns once more. "I'll see you tomorrow, Alec. In the meantime, think about how it would feel to forgive yourself."

Forgive himself? Alec scoffs as he's left alone. Forgive himself for what? That was a ridiculous statement. Everything he did, he wanted to. So he thought about Ryan... so what? He still wouldn't change anything he did. It was his choice and he would have chosen to stay with the Agency. He'd wanted to. It's what he'd wanted. Yes... what he wanted. So why couldn't he get rid of this irritating guilt complex that haunted him day in and day out?

I love ya!

Sitting on the couch and watching the badly made movie on tv Ryan doesn't even move when her brother comes into the room. She was sitting, salking...sipping her beer and doing the best she could to hold her smile in now that Eli was home.

Having Eli come into the living room and sit down right in front of her Ryan found it still hard not to laugh right then and there knowing Tal was close by. But she did a good job masking the smile as she sipped the beer. Just listing to him rattle off about him setting up Tal to come and say he was sorry she just looks at him. Lowering the beer a little and letting her mouth hang open a little more Ryan just gives a blink at her brother.

Once he was done talking Ryan sat up on the couch and puts the beer on the table. Leaning her arms on her knees for a long moment she lets out a long sigh before looking up at him. Standing and just pacing for a moment she covers her mouth with her hand trying to hide the smile that wanted to make itself known but give the impression she as trying to think. Stopping behind Eli Ryan only takes one swift movement before waking him over the back of the head and than putting her hands on her hips.

"Elijah McKade of all the dumb things you have done...your lucky I love you as my brother you know that. You really could of ruined something good."

Giving a shake of her head and not being able to hold the smile in any longer is spreads across her lips. She couldn't torcher her brother anymore. Enough was enough and she figured he'd learned his lesson by now.

"Tal you can come out now. You're also luck that Tal here didn't make himself look to much like an idiot and you just assumed it and that I gave him a chance to at least explain himself to me before ripping him a new one. Sorry Eli...I love ya Bro."

Seeing the little grin on Dylan's face she own grows just a bit more. He might be trying to hide it but he looked cuter with even a little smile that spread across his lips. Still not sitting down she just looks over at him thinking for a moment. He almost had her right.

"An A student yes, and books I do like but I would rather be more hands on and go out to explore and see things with my own eyes. Visuals seem to work so much than just reading something in text."

Letting her hand run over the back of the chair that was at the table Ashlee gives a small nod to it. She'd like to sit and get to know Dylan a little better maybe even help if he wanted it but she wouldn't offer that right away.

"Mind if a sit?"

Laying down on the cot with the help of Misty Katie felt like she had been hit with a train. Though she didn't feel like Jason did this to her was exhausting in itself anyways. Trying to not fall asleep yet till she new Jason was ok Katie did what she could to at least keep her ears open for any sound. Rolling onto her side to face where Jason was she prayed he was ok.

Hearing him call her name softly and cracking her eyes open a little to see his hand Katie raised her own to meet his and link her fingers together. They couldn't feel each other again but she wanted to know he was there, and for him to know she was.

"I'm here J. I'm ok, we are ok. It's going to be ok. Try to get some rest. I'll be right here when you wake again...I promise."

Katie's eyes drift shut again as her mind trys to relax. She could feel Jason's skin against hers and for not this would be enough. She only hoped Misty and Rick could find a cure soon. She couldn't live without feeling Jason ever again. Even if it meant only a physical feeling of his skin on hers at least it was something.

"I love you J!"

Typical

Eli couldn't believe what Ryan was saying. How could this have happened? How on earth had Tal apologized in order to make Ryan so mad?

"Wait you... how..." He runs a hand over his bandanna on his head, wracking his brain. "I guess... maybe I'd think it was weird if someone apologized to me for kissing them when I thought they enjoyed it... or something." He scrunches his nose, not really wanting to think about his sister and Tal making out. "Kinda... make 'em seem a bit... odd... or annoying or... something." A severe lack of confidence at the least, and to someone like Ryan, that would probably be a turn off. But to tell Tal not to come back? Maybe something he said really had given her the creeps. So did that mean Tal and Ryan were a bad fit anyway, or did it mean it was Eli's fault for sending Tal in the first place? He swallows hard. Tal wouldn't have apologized like a geek if Eli hadn't sent him.

Suddenly realizing he's still on the phone, he snaps out of it. "Um... maybe... you should sit on it a while?" He glances over his shoulder as he hears the clanging of some dropped tools. "Speedy, I gotta go. Just, um... I'll talk to you later."

Flipping his phone shut, he goes back into the garage but can't find Tal. Grabbing Paul, he stops him before he starts a paint job. "Paul.... where's Tal?"

"Oh... he just left like two seconds ago. Said he was having a bad day and was gonna take the rest of the day as sick leave." Paul quirks an eyebrow. "Why do I get the strange feeling this has something to do with him going to see Ryan?"

"Crap." Eli starts for the door. "Crap, crap, crap." Breaking into a sprint, he gets outside just to see Tal's car driving away. "Oh this is good... real good. Way to go, Eli, biggest dingbat on the planet. Now what are you gonna do?" Growling, he turns to go back inside and finish out the day. He'd think of something... right?


Tal grins as he drives down the street, seeing Eli in his rearview mirror. He hadn't planned on taking the rest of the day off - he wouldn't have, but Brian had come in, thinking he needed to work today, so Tal had made a quick decision to let him have the hours instead. And besides... it worked out perfectly.


..."Ryan?" Eli gets into the apartment, glad he'd seen her car out front. "Ry? You-" He spots her in the living room. Coming in, he doesn't even take his jacket off. He'd been stewing all day long. Scarlet was getting back in town tonight and he was supposed to meet her, but he couldn't, when he was still wrestling with what had happened earlier. Tal was his friend... and he'd messed things up.

Sighing, he slips between Ryan and the television and sits on the coffee table to face her and block her view so she'd have to pay attention to him. His leather jacket creaks and he hadn't bothered taking his bandanna off his head after work. "Look. It's a long, stupid story, but I sent Tal over to you this morning and told him to apologize. I was just being dumb, but he wouldn't have acted like such an idiot if it hadn't been for me. So please - at least let him come back. I didn't think you'd get so riled, and and and...." He he groans and rolls his eyes. "Just... give him another chance."


Around the corner in the hallway, Tal leans against the wall out of sight, trying so hard not to laugh aloud. He'd gone back to J&Js right when Ryan was getting off work and they'd decided to come back here together for when Eli showed up. Now it was awfully hard to stay quiet and let Ryan let Eli down slowly... or like a ton of bricks - however she decided.


Dylan was busy reading when Ashlee approached, so he didn't see her until she was standing at the table. Looking up, he was a bit surprised, shown by a quirked eyebrow. For several moments, one might think he didn't even hear what she said, as he only eyes her without saying anything.

Finally though, he shuts his book and leans back in his chair, putting his hands behind his head. "Hate it. But that goes for just about every subject."

He continues to study Ashlee's face. She really was kinda cute. Stepping into his space a bit, but not too badly.

"You, on the other hand, look like a typical A-student that likes to keep her nose in a book." Maybe a little grin was tugging at one corner of his mouth... maybe.


Though Jason was losing consciousness, somehow he knew Katie was talking to him and it was comforting. As his body revolted against the overabundance of emotions, his mind tries to stay in focus. But it's all just one big vortex of swirling blackness - emotions that can't even be deciphered they're so mixed and muddled.

Rick works as fast as he can. Seeing Misty was taking care of Katie, that was one less thing he had to worry about, and he knew that Misty knew what she was doing. Doing all he can for Jason, he gets their new injection into him, hoping that it would calm Jason and give him a slight bit of the antidote as well until he could settle down and handle a full dose. At the same time, Rick pumps him full of other meds to counteract the seizure and try to keep Jason from falling into a coma like before.

Though it felt like an eternity, really it was only a matter of minutes before Jason was laid out on the table and the cot was pulled over beside it for Katie to lie on as well. Though not in as much physical danger as Jason, Rick knew that she would be utterly exhausted from the trauma and he wasn't about to take her condition lightly. This was dangerous for her as well.

Once the seizure ceases, Rick tries to rouse Jason. "Jase... Hotshot... can you hear me?"

Stretched out on the bed and sweaty from head to toe, Jason tries to open one of his eyes. Everything seemed so blurred and distorted... he felt terrible. A bright light meets his pupil and he scrunches his eye back shut tightly and gives a little groan.

Rick breathes a sigh of relief that Jason hadn't remained unconscious. He looks over to Misty, his eyes showing the inner torment he felt. He goes back to Jason though, determined to see this thing through. He checks his young friend's vitals first. "You're gonna be okay, Jason... just try to relax."

"It hurts," Jason mumbles.

"What does?"

"Everything."

"It's okay. It'll get better."

Jason swallows hard. He felt like he'd been hit by a train and when he'd wanted to just pass out into blissful unconsciousness, he'd been yanked back to reality. "Katie?"

"She's right beside you, Jase."

Jason rolls his head over a little and lets one hand flop down from where he laid to where Katie was. His scarred palm itched and burned but his flared emotions were no longer causing damage. Without much strength to open his eyes, Jason tries to find Katie's touch. "You okay?" he mumbles softly.


Rick leaves him be for now and goes to the counter, leaning heavily on it. He closes his eyes and takes several deep breaths. It was a miracle Jason was halfway alert and responsive. It was a miracle he was still alive at all, what with these attacks. It had to stop. It had to.

Best right now

Pacing a little bit Ryan rapidly thinks as her brother talks. Her mind coming up with things to say to keep the joke going along a little more. She thought it was funny and she only hopped Tal was close by to enjoy the look on her brother's face for her.

"Well...last night we got to kissing. How I don't remember but it happened and it was nice. It got my mind of everything and just something about him that felt calming and nice. I thought everything was ok and we were good."

Ryan pauses for a moment taking in a deep breath and just letting the first little bit of the conversation sink in before starting up again.

"Anyways I guess I was wrong because he came in today ranting about how he was sorry, and he didn't mean to make me mad, and it was his fault so on and so forth. Completely embarrassed me and wouldn't let me get a word in edge wise. I don't know who put that idea into his head but they should be waked good for ruining something that could of been nice and to have him believe it. Ha...I'd rather not have to reassure someone ever day things are ok. So...Tal isn't welcome to our place anymore."

Using her matter of fact tone Ryan nods her head even though Eli can't see her but the smile on her own face was so big now. This whole thing was completely funny.

Feeling the rush of Jason's emotions Katie goes her best to keep it together. Thought the pain she tried to be strong though at some points she couldn't help but gasp herself and grab onto the table just to anchor herself for the moment. Doing what she could to continue taking in Jason's emotions as fast as she could.

Hearing Rick call to her Misty was to her feet in seconds and at the counter mixing a few different thing together that they had used before. Prepping another needle Misty works quickly knowing right now time was not on there side.

Keeping her had tight in Jason's Katie does as Rick says and positions herself better to try and keep Jason still along with his head up. It was hard with her own self growing weaker from the emotions being pumped in and out, and the mentile exhaustion that came along with it. But she did her best knowing she had to stay strong for Jason.

It ok J...I'm here. I'm not going to leave you.

Quickly giving the one needle to Rick for Jason Misty goes around the other side of the table and takes Katie's arm as well prepping it for the injection. She felt bad having to do it but she new it was best and that Katie did understand but still she felt bad.

"I'm sorry Kate but its for the best right now."

Giving a stretch Stacy looks up at the clock. Though adrenalin was still running high about being in a new place she new tomorrow would come early for her so she could set up a few things she needed too along with taking her first patrol around. Looking around the table at the other that were still awake Stacy gives a smile.

"Well, thank you for the nice welcome and the nice night but I think bed is calling. Tomorrow is going to be an early one, but than again for you guys I am sure thats normal right?"

Letting a small chuck out she new soon she would get use to the early life too even if right now it seemed so much different. Adjustments would be made and everything would be find in a few weeks or so. Looking to Ashlee she gives a little nod.

"How about you Ash? Ready to call it a night?"

Taking her attachen away from Dylan who was still sitting over by himself she looks to her mother and gives a smile. She'd always been a night owl no matter what the next day was to hold going to be early was just something she hardly did.

"I think I am going to stay awake a little while longer if thats ok. I'm still way to excited and full of energy to even think about sleep."

Giving her daughter a nod and a hug Stacy says her good nights to everyone else before taking her coffee up to the kitchen and than slipping out of the dinning hall. Taking in the night air she slowly makes her way to her bunk.

Once her mom was gone Ashlee just sat at the table for a long while taking in everything around her. Listing, watching the way everyone moved just getting a feel for this whole new setting. She liked watching people and observing them to see how they moved and guessing about them just from the smallest of things.

Finally letting her sight fall on Dylan again she just studys him. He was hard to read that was for sure. A cold outside shell, but his eyes seemed so much like they wanted to break free and just live. Maybe his life was rough and thats why he tryed to be hard on the outside but Ashlee hardly new him to come to that desition. Maybe it was time to change that.

Standing from the table Ashlee wonders to where Dylan was. Giving him a soft smile she didn't want to bother him to much if he really did want to be alone so she didn't sit down not yet. She'd wait...feel him out a little bit first.

"History huh? One of my favorite subjects in school. How are you liking it?"

Hang in there

Eli stares blankly at the wall as he hears his sister's tone and what she has to say. What on earth was going on? "You mean you... wait... I don't understand. Why... why are you so upset with Tal? I thought you two were getting along. After last night..."

He realizes that he had yet to tell his sister he'd seen her making out with Tal. Though Tal may have told her. But Eli didn't know if he had or not. "I mean... what did he do??"


Knowing Katie was coming only serves to frustrate Jason more. He had to stop this. There had to be a way. If he could just hold this off a little while longer... keep Katie safe... keep himself from getting worse.

But the emotions had already reached their boiling point. Having been held back, shoved around, and finally intensified by the stressful day, they were going to come out one way or another. Seeing Katie come into the infirmary, it barely even registers.


Rick looks up, grateful she's there. "I'm sorry, but we need to put you two back on the antidote. This is getting out of control and we need to slow things down so we have more time to-"

Jason doubles over as a new wave of pain washes over him and he rocks back and forth, tears starting to stream from his eyes. He'd tried so hard... this couldn't be happening. It just couldn't. A scream slips out. "Katie!"

Everything becomes a blur and he can't tell who is with him or who's not. The room spins and nothing makes much sense. It was worse than a nightmare. Worse than a flashback. His senses grow dim and numb and he fights to stay conscious, needing to be laid down on the table so he doesn't fall to the floor. He balls his fist tightly, not seeing the lights flicker and not hearing the nearby vials burst, throwing glass everywhere.

He feels Rick prepping his arm and he yanks it away. "No!" he resists. "No, leave me alone!"

"Jason... settle down." Rick fights with his arm while holding the syringe with the antidote. "Just stop and let me help."

"No!" Jason's eyes roll back in his head as he fights and thrashes. "Too much... too much... no, don't." He hits Rick's arm, knocking the syringe to the floor.

It's only then that Rick realizes that Jason might have just saved his own life. It's only then that he remembers the night he and Katie had been brought in with burning hands and uncontrolled emotions. And it's in this moment that Rick feels the most helpless and useless. Grabbing the syringe again, he moves to the counter to prep something else instead. He wipes sweat from his brow and works in haste. "The antidote will hit him like a freight train... he needs to settle down first. Misty!" He gestures for her help. "We need to make our own cocktail and make it fast. We need to get a sedative in him and a mild dose of the antidote to start him off before giving him the full dosage. He needs something to calm his body and something to take the edge off his emotions."

Feeling the only light that existed, Jason knows Katie is near, even if he can't manage to speak to her. His fingers lock hers in a vice grip, unwilling to let go. He was slipping and he knew it. But without warning, his whole body starts to shake uncontrollably and his consciousness is lost.

His grip on Katie's hand grows limp.

Rick whirls around and leaves Misty with the needles. "He's having a seizure. Katie, help hold him still and keep his head up," he orders. "Misty, get the antidote in Katie too." He couldn't have both of them go down... not now... not like this. "Hang in there, Hotshot... hang in there."


Mick smiles and nods at Stacy. "I have a feeling you're right. I think you and Ashlee are going to do just fine here." A part of his smile is given to the girl as well.

Throughout the rest of the meal, small talk is offered. Some of the others come and go, talking a little bit with Stacy and Ashlee both, being friendly and making an effort to let them know they were willing to welcome them here. A few people start to drift out for the evening and the crowd becomes less and less...


...Dylan still sits at the same table, struggling to finish up his schoolwork before he went back to his bunk. There were only a few people left in the dining hall now. His eyes glance up to see Mick talking with Stacy... Ashlee was there... Becky was in the kitchen washing dishes... and a couple other people were starting a card game it looked like. But that was about it. He'd been alone since he'd sat down here, but that was the norm.

He sighs and looks back at his book. Almost done.

Joke

Seeing Tal off Ryan goes back to work on her car finishing up what needed to be done before pulling it out of the bay and driving the next car in. She wondered if Eli would call her once Tal talked to him or not.

Right one que like Eli was almost reading her mind Ryan's cell phone goes off. Looking and seeing it was her brother a little sly smile forms on her lips as she walks over to Axel's work bench for a moment.

"It's my brother I gotta take this call. I'll only be a moment."

Going outside and around the corner Ryan compose herself slipping into a role like she was angry and disgusted. Over the phone it would be pretty easy to do but she made her body language match it just to make sure it was convincing.

"Hello...Eli. Yeah I wondered if you would call or not. Yeah Tal was here. Of all the dirty...I mean the nerve of that guy. Coming here to my work and begging to be forgiven. I looked like a complete idiot, and I though I could trust him but I guess I was wrong. I don't want him at our place anymore. I am totally disgusted."

Ryan tried her best to hold her laughter in though now she was happy Eli wasn't face to face with her. She just couldn't help the smile on her face. This was just to priceless.

Sitting at her desk Katie can feel Jason's emotions rise and fall even if he was trying to hide them. Little bits and peaces were coming through and she new he was upset. Looking up as Jason and Rick came inside Katie could feel her own insides twist. She hated having Jason upset with her and she new he was. But what else could she have done? He was sick and didn't want anyone to know. This was for his own good...right?

Just staying quiet in at her desk Katie takes the waves of emotions that come at her from Jason. She wanted so bad to go into the infirmary to see what was going on and to try and calm him but she new Rick had said not to so all she could do was sit and wait.

Finally though as Rick's voice cracks over the intercom Katie was to her feet and heading there. Stopping at the infermary door though she hesatates for a moment. Would Jason be mad at her? Did he even want to see her? Katie new she had to go in no matter what the outcome was.

Pushing the door open and entering Katie looks to Rick and than Jason trying to give a little smile before coming in more and going over to Jason before looking back to Rick once again.

"Hey Rick. Whats up?"

Sitting at the table with her mom and the other Ashlee can't help but let her eyes drift to Dylan every now and than just watching him for the longest of moments. Today she wanted to talk to him more but time just didn't allow it. Now at dinner she was stuck sitting with everyone else but Dylan was alone. Why did he sit by himself? Did he not like being with the others? Ashlee had so many questions about Dylan and she wasn't even sure why. He just seemed to interest her. Maybe later or tomorrow she could talk with him more.

Trying to take in everything being told to her and leaning about the two different family's Stacy enjoyed knowing this was going to be a challenge. Learning and trying to remember everything. There was so much to learn here that would help her grow it was in a way refreshing.

Hearing about Rosetta's one brother Eric Stacy stops for a moment. The names like one she had heard somewhere else but that was almost imposable. She'd never been here before. Giving a shrug she thinks nothing of it. Maybe it was just something close to that she had heard.

"Wow that was alot to take in at once. But...I think I like it. Its quite the little community you guys have built here and I think its really great. To see you all pull together is just comforting that there are places like this still in the world. It is very obvious that God has his hand in this all."

Taking another sip of her soup Stacy savers the taste as she though a little. It was funny how God worked things out. Sometimes not how we wanted at all but in the end he always did work it out that was for cretin.

"I am very happy to be here to help you guys out. So far from what I can tell we are going to have no problem fitting in."

Uh oh?

Tal laughs and shakes his head. "I'd say we were terrible, if it weren't for the fact that Eli started this. I just want to see the look on his face when he thinks he's really messed something up."

Rolling his eyes, he turns, one arm slung around Ryan's shoulder to head back around the corner of the shop. "In the meantime, I need to let you get back to work and I need to get back too." He stops her right before one of the open bay doors. "I'll um... be in touch about that date."

Smiling, he runs a thumb down the side of her face before backing away and heading to his car. Getting in and going back to work, his mind bounced from one thing to another. First, Ryan wanted to go on a date? A real date? He'd honestly had no intentions to date her - he'd just wanted to be her friend. That didn't mean he wouldn't go along with it though. He certainly liked her, and if this would help her, then by all means. If going out with her would bring back her smile, then it was worth it.

And second, his mind was on Eli and how to get him back for the stunt he'd pulled...


...Parking at the body shop, Tal sits for a moment, the smile fading from his face. He glances at himself in the mirror, seeing misery in his own eyes. Embarrassment.... disappointment... a tinge of pain. More disappointment than anything though - he wouldn't want to be over dramatic.

Finally getting out and going inside, he heads for the back garage. Entering, he sees Eli working on a pickup with a scratched door. He approaches with a downcast expression, his shoulders slouching slightly. "Working on this truck already? Thought it was fifth on the lineup."

Eli looks up and quirks an eyebrow. "Got bumped up..." He studies Tal's face, even though his friend wouldn't look at him. Something didn't feel right. "You okay?"

Tal studies the pickup door for a moment, then finally turns to Eli, his brow furrowed. "Sure, if you wanna keep our hanging out to my place or the local bar."

Eli blinks. "What?"

"Look, you were right, okay? Your sister doesn't want to have anything to do with me. I didn't mean to upset her, but I'm the jerk of the year and I'm not welcome at hers and your place anymore." Tal frowns and turns back to the truck. "Can we just finish this job so I can quit feeling like an idiot?"

"I... um... sure?" Eli was totally confused. Tal had gone to Ryan to apologize? And she really had been upset with him? But... why? How? Had somehow Tal going there confused things? Had he apologized and Ryan took it the wrong way? "I'll... be right back. You can start sanding."

Exiting the room, Eli grabs his cell phone and dials quickly. What on earth had happened? Was it because of what he'd let Tal believe this morning? Hearing Ryan answer her phone, he stops walking, right near an exit. "Ryan? It's me. Was Tal just to see you? Did you say you didn't want to see him again?"


Rick sees the look on Katie's face, and he knows that probably there was a part of her who disliked coming to him about Jason. But it wasn't her fault. He reaches out to put a hand on her shoulder. "I'll go get him. I was... going home early anyway, right?" He gives her a wink then takes his lab coat off and dons his own jacket, grabbing his keys. "If you want to go back to your desk, I'll give you a holler when and if you should come back in here."

Heading out, he exits the building and aims for his car, throwing a few sidelong glances around the parking lot to find Jason's pickup. Thankfully, it was close by, so he takes his route past the pickup on his way. As he nears, he sees Jason leaned back in the driver's seat with his eyes closed. Even from here, Rick could see he looked pale and his heartbeat quickens. Stopping at the door, he taps his knuckles on the window. The only response is Trooper eying him suspiciously and growling. Even with that, Jason doesn't move.

Rick decides to risk Trooper's interference, and opens the door. Thankfully, all the big dog does is growl some more. "Jase?" Rick shakes Jason's shoulder. "Jason..."

Jason's eyes fly open, though it takes him a moment to focus on anything. Glancing to the side and seeing Rick, he's too lethargic to wonder what he was doing there. "Hmm?"

"You alright?"

"Mm-hmm. Just... heading home." Jason puts his hands back on the steering wheel drowsily.

"How about you come back inside instead?"

Jason is waking up now, and he wishes to be alone again. "What for? I'm fine."

"I noticed you limping earlier. If the pain killers aren't enough, I've got something else to give you. Come on back inside and I'll get you set up, okay?"

Jason throws him an annoyed look. "Nice try. I'm fine, Rick. Leave me be."

Rick sighs. He'd tried to do it the nice way, but it was obviously not going to work. "You're not fine," he states flatly. "Now please... just come inside and let me have a look at you."

"No."

Rick reaches around and takes Jason's keys out of the ignition, moving quickly enough to not be stopped. There was no way he'd let Jason drive in his condition. "Now you have a choice. You can stay out here for no good reason, or come with me."

Jason glares at him. "Why can't you just let it go, huh? You're as bad as Katie."

"I doubt it. But you know why? She cares the most about you than anyone, save your mother, probably. So she's the last one you should be upset with." Rick was stern, tired of the silly games. "Now I'll only say this one more time before I go and get Con to drag you - come back inside."

Jason would like to refuse. But even as irritated as he was, he simply didn't have the energy to fight, and he knew Rick wasn't kidding about Con. So minutes later, he was limping back into the building, using Rick for support. Making their way to the infirmary, Jason doesn't look over to Katie's cubicle - not this time. He had a feeling she had something to do with this - it seemed like too big of a coincidence that Rick had been leaving when he had. But he couldn't prove it, so he'd keep his mouth shut.

Getting to the infirmary, Rick points Jason to the table and he grudgingly obeys. He glances over to Misty, almost as if asking for help out of this, but he knew it was no use. So he sits lamely as Rick starts to look him over, checking this, checking that, drawing blood and taking his temperature.

"What are your symptoms?" Rick questions as he shines a light in Jason's eyes.

"I told you, I'm fine."

"You have a fever. Your eyes don't look good. And you say you're fine." Rick shuts off the light and looks at Jason sternly. "You better start leveling with me, Jase. You promised."

"I don't care!" Jason raises his voice but then regrets it, putting a hand to his head as the pain worsens. "Why can't you just leave me alone?!"

"Because I care! We all care!" Rick was beginning to grow more angry than anything - angry at Jason's insistence on not wanting help. "You're being pigheaded and stupid!"

"I'm doing the best I can!" The light above Jason starts to flicker and he immediately clenches his fist and puts a tighter lid on his emotions. He knew Katie had probably felt a nice jolt with that one. "Don't make this harder than it is," he hisses. "For once, let someone die in peace instead of trying to fix it until their last breath is gone."

Whether Rick wanted it to or not, that statement hurt... and hurt a lot. His tone lowers again, though his eyes burn. "I'm sorry that I care that much about my friends that I want to save them." Taking a deep breath, he turns around for a moment to try and regain his composure.

Jason keeps talking to him anyway. "I did this for Katie and you know it. You told me not to keep things from her, but how can I knowingly put her in pain? How can I knowingly allow her to feel the way I feel, putting her through this... this sickness? It may not be real for her, but she'd feel it and that's just as bad. She might not die from it because it's not in her body, but she'd feel like she was dying just like I do and I cannot - will not allow her to go through that." Without warning, the tears are back, stinging his eyes as he tries to hold them back. His voice wavers though, and his emotions start spurting out against his will, sending the feeling of him crying in Katie's direction. He wraps his arm around his stomach as another wave of nausea hits him.

Rick turns around, and though he's pained to suddenly see the fear and anguish in Jason, his anger for stupidity remains. "You should have come to me," he emphasizes. "How long have you been feeling like this?"

Jason looks at the floor. "It started a day or so after we stopped the antidote. But it wasn't bad, just... minor, so I ignored it. When it got worse, I -"

"Why didn't you tell me so you could go back on the antidote?!"

"Because I-"

"Do you have a death wish?!" Rick's voice is raised again. "You're killing yourself, Jason! I told you for a reason to not hold back your emotions! Did you think I was joking?! Did you think I just thought it would be a fun experiment to see what would happen if you let Katie feel everything?!"

"Of course not!" Jason clenches his fist shut tighter as his palm feels as though it were on fire. At this point, his emotions were so heightened that they were bubbling and boiling through the cracks and crevices, surely taking Katie for a ride at this point. "If it were you, you'd do the same thing! If it were Janet who felt every ache and pain and hurt and emotional trauma you did, do you think you'd let it go on like that on purpose?!" Wincing, he doubles over as his pain spreads, feeding off of his emotional fireworks.

Though Rick was still upset, he sees that this is not only not helping, but hurting Jason, and it needed to stop. No matter how much he wanted to argue and make Jason understand how stupid he was being, the fact of the matter was that riling up Jason only made things worse. Heaving a sigh, he reaches out to put a hand on Jason's shoulder. "Why didn't you just opt to get back on the antidote?" he questions more calmly.

Jason's eyes were scrunched tightly against his pain and he shakes his head. "Because... a part of Katie gets lost and... and I can't stand seeing that."

"But if you're going to refuse to share your emotions, you have to take the antidote... otherwise, we're going to lose you." Rick grits his teeth. "And whether you like it or not, I can't just stand back and watch you die without trying to help." Spinning on his heel, he goes for the phone and punches the intercom to Katie's direct phone. "Katie... please come to the infirmary."


Dylan sits in the same old corner of the dining hall, a perfect vantage point to see everyone else in the room, but back far enough that he could go unnoticed. Jade had invited him to sit with her and Dan, but he just hadn't felt like it tonight. He usually didn't... but once in a while he accepted, so that was good enough, right? Maybe tonight, his mind was just too preoccupied with everything else. He was still feeling leery about the newcomers and just wasn't quite sure yet how to handle that whole thing. He'd seen them come in earlier but hadn't made eye contact with either one of them.

Dipping a piece of soft garlic bread into his vegetable soup, he takes a bite then looks down at the side to his history book. As predicted, he hadn't gotten all of his schoolwork finished today because of his stupid hangups during math earlier in the day. History wasn't exactly interesting... he hated all the reading he had to do - it was hard for him to retain the information, but at least he didn't have to figure out any equations or enormously long division. If he could just skim through his history book and pick out the answers he'd need for his quizzes, then he should be okay.

A round of laughter at one of the tables brings his head up and he wonders what the joke had been. Part of him wishes that sometimes... just once in a while... that he could be in on some of that laughter. But choosing to sit back in his own little corner had a price.


Mick sits with his family at one of the tables in the big dining room. It might have been an evening to eat at home, but tonight was a night he'd asked everyone to be there so they could all meet Stacy and Ashlee and he could make sure she could put faces to names and they could recognize her as well. He'd made formal introductions to just about everyone, but now wanted to fill in some of the gaps.

"... So, most of the two families are almost always here." He eats slowly, speaking mainly to Stacy across the table, but including Ashlee as much as she wanted so she would be familiar with the people as well. "Myself, Rosetta and BJ here..." He reaches over to catch some runaway soup with his napkin before it dribbles off the table into BJ's lap. "Angel runs the doctor's office every day and Luke - they're the ones you first met tonight - he doesn't get around very well on his own on account of a back injury, so they're always here..." He goes on to explain more about some of the people there and what their jobs were - details that weren't included in the reports Reese had given Stacy.

"...Jeff is here most of the time - he's the one sitting over there with Trent." Mick pauses to point. "Though he does take off to visit his daughter, Katie, in Nevada - she's an Elite agent herself..." A few more explanations of the family was due and Mick doesn't mind sharing while they continue to eat. "...so I expect Trent will come and go more often too, on trips to Nevada to see his daughter as well."

There was a lot of information but Mick presents it in such a way that it wouldn't feel too overwhelming, and he makes sure Rosetta can add anything she wants as well. He had everything written up in his own report he would give Stacy later anyway, so she could go back over it and get to know people and routines quickly.

"Then there's Eric Pent - one of Rosetta's brothers. He, um..." Mick pauses, not wanting to sound too negative, but knowing he should fill Stacy in. He glances at Rosetta, then back to Stacy and looks at her for a moment, his eyes revealing that it was a fairly touchy subject. He would be careful in front of BJ and Ashlee too. "He's a truck driver, so he's on the road a lot. He keeps this as his home base though and helps support the ranch. He... recently got married though, so... his routine might change." He gives Stacy a wry grin. "We're not sure that his new wife would... well... fit in very well into ranch life." His eyes give away that there was more to the story, but perhaps it would be best to keep some of it just in the family for now.

"And I guess that's really just about everybody. The only other one not here is Cindy's husband Wes - my brother. He's the one that's overseas right now."

Lesson

Smiling up at Tal Ryan couldn't help the joy in her eyes. Would this feeling last? Or was it just the need to feel cared for she wasn't sure, but something told her it was more than that. It was a peace she was lacking, a comfort, something that even with Leo she didn't feel. If it lasted that would be cool, if not at least they had this moment, and the moments that were to follow.

"I do really want to get together again. Maybe we can have a real date or something away from the eyes of over protective brothers."

Giving another giggle Ryan couldn't help it. Though she was upset with Eli at the same time she though it was kind of funny too. Getting back at Eli sounded even better and hearing Tal wanted to do the same thing it was even better.

"Oh that would be so great and if he ends up calling me I am just going to play right along. I'm a pretty good actor he'll never know."

Scrunching her nose at him Ryan's eyes still sparkled with excitement for trying to pull one over on her brother. She'd always been good at playing she was angry, and if it would teach her brother a lesson that would be even better.

Good fun

Hearing Ryan laugh, Tal begins to feel a little less embarrassed and a grin starts to form. This really was silly and come to think of it, it really was pretty funny once he got past feeling mortified.

Letting her take his hand from his face, he scrunches up his nose and gives her a funny look. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure I don't want to get hit by you. I have a feeling it would hurt."

At least she was glad he'd have the guts to apologize should he ever really make a mistake, right? That was good. Maybe at the very least, if he took away how silly he was being, it did prove he had self-respect, along with respect for Ryan.

He's about to reply when he's tugged a little closer and feels Ryan come in for a kiss. It felt just like last night, and he knew now without a doubt that his assumptions had indeed been wrong. His arms slip around her as he returns her kiss. He couldn't help it. She was so warm and passionate and she felt so good in his arms... to deny kissing her back would be to deny everything in this moment. He knew she was on the rebound. He knew she missed Alec. He knew that this might never mean anything more than a brief physical attraction. But he wouldn't deny her the pleasure either. If she needed to be held, he would hold her. If she needed to be shown affection, he would show it. She deserved so much more than she'd been dealt.

When she pulls away he looks down at her, finally smiling and the redness fading from his cheeks. "Thanks... for not thinking me too much of a fool. And if... you really do want to get together again... I think I'd like that too."

Still smiling, he shakes his head. "But first, I think I'm gonna go back to work and tell Eli that you said you never want to see me again. Let him chew on that guilty thought all day." He winks at her. "All in good fun, of course."

Earfull

Not expecting that Tal was going to pull her Ryan goes a little off balance before regaining her footing. Looking back into the auto shop before disappearing around the corner she could see everyone standing there looking at them. She could only imagine what was going to be said once she got back.

Once getting around the side of the building Ryan stands there just listing to Tal. Hearing Eli had something to do with this her eyes squint just a little bit. How could he do that and make it sound like she was upset with Tal? Maybe he did assume a little bit but Eli could of told him she wasn't upset. She'd deal with that tonight once he got home. She was less than happy and he would know about it.

"Tal calm down..its ok really. Eli will get a good earful from me."

Seeing him put his hand over his face and mumble just a little bit Ryan did what she could to hold back a snicker that want to come out. Seeing him remove his hand a little though and his comment Ryan can't hold it anymore and a laugh comes forth. This hole thing had been pretty silly. Reaching out and taking Tal's hand in her own Ryan smiles through her laughs.

"I'm glad you were wrong too because if not...I would of punched you last night not continue to kiss you."

Ryan shakes her head her eyes twinkling just a little bit. She couldn't believe what a big mess this was and she felt so bad for poor Tal. He was mortified that she really was upset with him only to find out he'd been fooled.

"I do have to say though...if nice to know you would say sorry if you did do something wrong."

Pulling on his arm a little bit Ryan makes him closer as she leans up and puts yet another kiss on his lips. Soft, but deep for a long few moments before finally pulling away and looking up at him.

So stupid

As Ryan explains she has no idea what Tal is talking about, his eyes go a little wide and he just stares at her with what he knew had to be the dumbest look on his face. He blinks once and his mouth hangs open slightly as he knows he should say something, but now he didn't know what.

"I... it..." He blinks again. "You're... not upset? I mean... you do want to get together again? Even though it...." He keeps searching her eyes. Surely there was some kind of an explanation here, but unless he was blind, he saw pure confusion in her eyes - no irritation or fear or sign of being upset at all. Nothing. Just confusion.

Then it dawns on him. His eyebrows shift back a little and he can feel his face growing so hot, he was sure it was bright red. "I... think I just made a fool out of myself." Movement catches his eye and he sees Miles awfully close, seeming to be trying to listen. Not wanting any more gossip than there probably was already, he grabs Ryan's hand and pulls her away from the car. Leading her outside and around the corner he stops and turns to face her again.

"Your brother came to me this morning and said not to hurt you. Apparently he saw us kissing." A little more heat piles on top, making his cheeks burn. "I thought he was just giving me a blanket statement 'cause he didn't want to see you hurt but he was so serious I thought for sure I'd done something wrong."

Tal pauses, chewing on his lower lip. "I told him if I'd upset you that I'd come apologize and he said I should, so... I... I assumed..." He lets his statement trail off. It wasn't worth trying to explain everything that had gone through his mind. It was entirely his fault based on assumption. Eli never had said Ryan was upset... Tal had come to that conclusion on his own.

"I feel so stupid." He puts a hand to his head and cringes. Scrunching his eyes shut, he shakes his head. "And knowing Eli, he's probably laughing his butt off right about now. He had to have done this on purpose just to see what I'd do."

Opening one eye, he looks down at Ryan, utterly embarrassed and sheepish. "I'm glad I was wrong though... does that make it better?"

What on earth...

Working on her car Ryan seemed in a little better mood today. Her night had been good and while she slept tears hadn't found her eyes but the thoughts of Tal and the comfort he gave her did. A long needed rest did wonders and waking up feeling rested seemed to help too.

Looking up from the car she was working on and seeing Tal come twords her Ryan gives a smile as she stands up. This was a surprise for sure. She wasn't expecting him to come see her. Taking a closer look at his face though Ryan can see something off in his eyes. The calmness was gone and it was replaced with nerves, fear..and it made Ryan worry.

"Hey Tal, whats up?"

As Tal starts talking about being sorry and how he didn't mean to upset her about last night Ryan raises and eyebrow. Whipping her hands off on a rag she wanted to say something anything not really understanding where Tal was coming from or what he was talking about but she couldn't get a word in for her life as she just continued. Finally as he stopped though Ryan cocked her head a little her own look being totally confused.

"Tal...what on earth are you talking about? I don't want you to leave me alone, nor am I made at you or upset or anything. Where on earth did you get that idea from? I had a great time with you late night and I'd like to get together again."

Ryan couldn't help the look on her face. She wasn't angry just really confused on what changed from last night to now. She though for sure after all the kiss she given him and her own way she acted he wouldn't have thought she was upset. She was totally confused and just wanted to clear the air now.

Sorry

Joined at the door by Ryan, Tal looks down into her eyes, wondering what she might be thinking. As she leans up closer to kiss his lips, he doesn't resist. Cocking his head slightly, he returns the brief exchange, his hand finding its way to her arm.

When she draws back, he's left with a racing heart. A soft little smile comes to his face. "I will... thanks for the nice evening." Though part of him wanted to ask her now if she'd like to get together with him again sometime, he holds off. He didn't want to push her, not to mention he should probably sit back and think about this whole thing first.

After a slightly awkward pause, he finally opens the door. "Have a good night..." One last look over his shoulder at Ryan and he turns to leave, heading back out to his car.

It felt like a long drive home for some reason tonight. Thoughts of Ryan continued to swirl in Tal's mind, and a few times, he wondered if everything had just been his imagination. He certainly hadn't set out to get involved with Ryan on that kind of level... he'd wanted to be a friend, sure but... he never would have guessed that would be her response. Had she meant it though? Maybe only time would tell. For now, a smile remained on his lips....


The next day came all too soon - hours to sleep just never seemed long enough. It was quiet in the shop except for a few clanking tools and random comment from one or two of the guys. Tal kneels by the car and tapes around the edges in preparation for a paint job, lost in his work. Eli hadn't come in yet, but he was already started on today's lineup. A few minutes later though, Eli's voice jerks him to attention.

"Morning."

Tal looks up at him and smiles. "Morning."

"How ya doing?"

"Good. You?"

"Fine... You, um... have a good time last night?"

A queer little feeling settles into the atmosphere. "Of course I did." Tal holds his smile. "Thanks for having me over."

Eli squats down next to him and runs a hand over the unfinished fender, his eyes on the job. "Don't hurt her."

Tal gives him a sidelong glance, finding Eli's tone just a little harsher than normal. Not mad. Not mean. Just... not quite as easy going as usual. He feels a shiver run down his spine. "The car?" he teases with a grin. "You know I'm always nice."

Eli finally looks back at him without a smile. "I mean it, Tal. Hurt her and you'll pay."

Tal's grin slowly fades and he swallows hard. His eyes lock with Eli's and he knew that last night he and Ryan had been seen kissing. Guilt creeps up his neck in the form of heat and he looks back at the car, unable to hold Eli's gaze. He didn't know if this was just Eli talking or if Ryan had complained. If she had, he felt terrible. "Last night was my fault, and I'm sorry," he apologizes. "I didn't mean to be inappropriate and if Ryan or you were uncomfortable because of it, then I take full responsibility." He knew she could have refused to kiss him... right? He'd given her the offer, but he hadn't forced her... right? And he hadn't been the one to instigate a goodbye kiss either... had he? All of a sudden, he was unsure. He'd enjoyed himself... thought maybe this had been a start of a good thing but... not with that look on Eli's face this morning.

Sitting in awkward silence, Tal finally gives Eli a sidelong glance then looks back at the car again. The expression on Eli's face was not a happy one. What had Tal done? He stares at the spot on the car that needed another strip of tape, but he couldn't focus enough to put it on straight. Apparently he really had done something wrong. Had he been so caught up in the moment that he hadn't realized what he was doing? Had he been more forward than he'd thought? His stomach gives a little churn. He'd never misread someone that badly, but apparently last night he had, and now he needed to make it right before it got blown out of proportion. He liked Ryan, and he'd never intended on displeasing her. "If I upset Ryan, I'll go apologize to her as soon as I'm off for lunch."

Eli is quiet for another moment before he rises and heads over to the work bench to get together their tools. "Yeah. Why don't you do that?"

Tal is left to his work, his face feeling hot and his emotions feeling embarrassed and guilty. So he had upset her. He never should have even remotely suggested Ryan kiss him. He shouldn't have tickled her in the first place. He probably shouldn't have even been sprawled out on the couch, as comfortably as he had. Come to think of it, the whole thing had started when he'd changed shirts - that had been highly inappropriate, and he should have gone around the corner to change. He hadn't even thought of it at the time, and now he felt stupid. And that last kiss before he'd left... somehow, he must have read her all wrong and should have just left. What had he been thinking?

"Are you gonna finish putting that tape on, or do you have some magic power that will get it to stick itself to the car?"

Tal jumps at Eli's joke, now completely unsure how to take him. "Um... I'm almost done." Forcing himself to concentrate, he finishes his task and sets about painting with Eli, though it was awfully hard to shake the mixed feelings he was experiencing. Eli seemed fine now but... he was afraid he'd really done something wrong...


...Arriving at J&J's, Tal parks and just sits for several long moments. He saw Ryan's car so he knew she wasn't away at lunch. That was a good thing right? Maybe he just should have called. No, this was better.

Taking a deep breath, he finally gets out. Instead of going through the customer area, he goes straight for the open bay doors, finding where Ryan was. There were a couple other guys around... Leo... Miles... that redhead - Axel? It was fairly quiet, but Tal still wishes no one else were around. But he didn't have time to go somewhere else - he only had a while on his break and then he'd have to get back to work. He couldn't waste the minutes that he had.

Coming up around the car Ryan was working on, he waits until she sees him, and he tries to smile while attempting to read her face. She... didn't seem upset to see him... did she? Now he was second guessing himself. "I... I only have a couple minutes. I just..." He glances over his shoulder to see Leo quickly look away. Turning his eyes back to Ryan, the heat is back in his face. "I wanted to say I'm sorry," he apologizes quietly so the others couldn't hear him. He was still confused, but he'd take all the blame if that's what it took to fix things. "I had no idea I upset you and... and... it wasn't my intention at all."

He stops short and swallows hard, feeling utterly ridiculous. "I'll just... keep things between me and Eli and leave you alone... if that's what you want... whatever you want... I'll do..." His voice trails off as he stumbles to find the right words. "Just don't be mad at me, please?" His eyes plead with her. "I couldn't stand it, knowing it was something I did without meaning to. If I misread you I am so sorry."


"What's up with you and Tal?"

"Hmm? What do you mean?" Eli sits on the stool in the break room, eating his sandwich for lunch.

Paul sits a few seats away eating his own lunch. "I mean there seemed like there was some weird tension between you two this morning. I thought you were buds."

"Oh, that." Eli's mouth shapes a wry grin. "I was just giving him a bad time about last night."

"Last night? What happened last night?" Paul leans in, anticipating juicy information.

"Walked in on him and Ryan making out on the couch."

Paul's eyes widen. "Whoa."

"Oh it was nothing bad," Eli clarifies. "Just some good old fashioned smooching."

"Nice. Bet you surprised them."

Eli snickers. "They didn't know I saw. So this morning I gave Tal the old 'don't hurt my sister' speech. I think he was mortified I knew, and he apparently thought my reason for giving him the speech was that he upset Ryan so he went to apologize to her just now on his lunch break."

"She was making out and then was upset about it afterward?"

Eli shakes his head, holding in a laugh. "Not that I know of."

"Eli!" Paul's eyes were wide. "You're terrible! Why did you tell him she was upset?"

"I didn't!" Eli holds up his hands. "It's not my fault he assumed. I meant it about him not hurting Ryan - she's been through too much crap already. But then I was actually gonna tease him about the whole thing. He took me so seriously though, I just couldn't resist letting him squirm a while."

"You turkey. You should have told him. You realize now he's gonna make a big fool out of himself."

Eli shrugs. "Oh, he'll get over it. Besides... if he actually follows through with apologizing to her, then she's got a winner."

Safe Trip

Sitting back and starting to watch a movie Ryan pulls her legs up in the chair to get comfortable. Dinner had been good, company had been good, and now a cheese movie would be even better. Tonight had turned out to be pretty good filled with the much needed laughter. It was funny to watch Tal and Eli go at it wondering who would win a round of the jokes or bantering.

Hearing Tal was leaving Ryan glances at the clock. It was later than she thought that was for sure. Giving a chuckle to herself she realizing maybe the old saying "Time fly's when you having fun." Her father use to quote all the time had some truth to it after all.

Snapping out of her though though and looking to Eli and Tal at the monition to the pregnant roommate Ryan couldn't help her eyes getting big. She wouldnt have guess Tal was like that all. Maybe there was a good explanation thought there had to be right? A sudden wave of releaf passed over her as Tal quickly explain that it was his dog who was the room mate. Giving a laugh and a chuckle she stands.

"Puppies are cute. I think thats pretty cool you breed them."

Giving a stretch and watching as her brother went into the kitchen Ryan heads to the door with Tal. She might as well be a good guest and let him out since Eli wasn't going too. Stopping at the door with Tal Ryan just looks up into his eyes for a long moment. Taking in there depth and the same feeling she got before. The calm, the peace...it was nice and she liked it.

Coming in a little closer to Tal Ryan places her hand on his arm. Leaning up for him she left her eyes fall shut for a long moment. Letting her lips brush his and than come back to press against them again before pulling away after a few moments.

"Good Night Tal...have a safe trip home."

Goodnight...

Eli nods at his sister's compliment as he chews his own bite of steak. "Thanks. I aim to please." He really was glad she enjoyed it. He hardly cooked anything else, so at least when he did, she liked it, and that made him happy.

As Tal is mentioned, he looks up, pausing his chewing for a moment. An odd sort of look crosses his face... perhaps one that mirrored an ever-so-slight confusion. A confusion born of the rarity of someone thanking him for being anywhere, let alone meaning it.

A little grin curls his lips though... a grateful kind of grin. "Getting thanked for coming and stuffing my face with your guys' good food... can't get much better than that." He looks down to finish chewing his mouthful, but realizes that he'd totally shrugged off her thanks. So he lifts his eyes once more. "You're welcome. And thank you."

Eli pauses his own eating his eyes suddenly going back and forth between Tal and Ryan for a moment or two. He clears his throat and grabs the television remote. "Who's tired of this stupid football game?"

Tal laughs. "I am. Your team stinks."

"I refuse to call them my team anymore." Eli nods with emphasis and flips the channel .

"Some loyal fan you are - abandoning them when they have a tough year."

"It's not my fault!" Eli swings his fork around in the air, forgetting that there was a piece of steak on the end of it. The meat goes flying across the living room, landing somewhere behind Ryan's chair. Eli's eyes widen, and there's a moment of quiet shock before the laughter starts.

Tal shakes his head between his laughing and looks over at Ryan. "Have you noticed the longer Scarlet is gone, the more hyper he gets? I think we need to keep her in town so she can keep this guy's feet on the ground."

Eli stops and thinks a moment, then shrugs as he gets up to go find the piece of meat. Come to think of it, he really didn't know what to do with himself during his free time when Scarlet was out of town. Maybe that's why couldn't sit still lately.

A movie is found on tv and the rest of the meal is enjoyed with a relaxed atmosphere of light chatting and more laughter. Tal and Eli were pretty well matched for wit, which only encouraged them to banter back and forth, trying to outdo each other, whether it was something funny or just smart remarks.

Eventually though, the room settles down into the evening and less light comes through the windows, signaling that the day was coming to a close. Tal sighs as he sits back in the couch and he glances at his watch. "I should probably get going."

"You sure you don't wanna stick around for that B movie that's coming on next?" Eli gestures to the television where a cheesy movie had been advertised.

Tal grins and shakes his head. "Naw. I gotta get home - Holly's gonna wonder where on earth I've been."

"Ah, yes. Your pregnant roommate."

As Tal stands from the couch, he kicks Eli in the shin. "You go around saying that, you're gonna get me into trouble!" He looks quickly to Ryan. "My dog," he explains. "Holly is a dog and she's having puppies." Another sour glance is thrown at Eli.

Eli just grins at him. "And what a poor dog she is. Making her go through all that just for a few extra bucks."

"Hey." Tal points a finger at him. "Those pups are gonna help me pay my bills."

"Didn't you tell me you had trouble selling off the last litter?"

"Yeah, but I found a guy up north who wants at least five if he can get them. He's got a training program for the police and military and after seeing Holly's papers, he got pretty interested in her pups."

Eli's eyebrows rise. He'd had no idea Tal was that serious about the whole thing. "Wow. Cool." He stands up too, picking up some of the leftover dishes to take them to the kitchen. "Well, glad you could stay and hang out for a while. We'll have to do this again sometime."

"Sounds good." Tal kneels to tie the laces on his sneakers and sighs, looking around to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything. Spying his shirt, he grabs it and rolls his eyes. "I'll bring your shirt back to ya," he yells into the kitchen.

Eli's response is muffled from the other room. "Yeah, whatever."

Tal grins a little and shakes his head. His eyes find Ryan and a quiet moment follows. "I guess I'll... see you around..." He wanders towards the door...slowly. He pauses with his hand on the doorknob and looks at Ryan again. His eyes held calmness... a gentle peace that existed even though there were unanswered questions that lay beneath the surface. Was tonight the only time their lips would meet? Was tonight the only time his arms would find their way around her? He could only wait and wonder. "Goodnight, Ryan..."

Meal

Coming into the living room and sitting down with the food Ryan can't help the growl of her stomach. Eli always did make good steak that was for sure. And the company tonight was even better for her to enjoy the meal.

"I have to say I've never met someone who burnt something in the microwave before. But I guess now thats changed."

Ryan gives a grin. Watching her brother as he walked into the kitchen again she didn't think anything of his comment to Tal figuring it was just her normal brother comment. Looking to Tal though and seeing the look on his face Ryan gives her own of question. Not having time to reply before Eli was back Ryan gives a smile to him before taking a bite of her steak.

"Eli you have out done it again. No wonder I always let you cook them. They just melt in you mouth. Thank you for the meal...and Tal...thank you for joining us."

Crispies

As Ryan shifts her weight and looks at him, Tal gives her a soft kind of grin that said he was comfortable too, but he knew they both should probably get up. Having her come in for a last short kiss, he returns it softly and watches as she leaves. His hand absentmindedly trails across his chest where her touch had been.

Sighing, he sits up in the corner of the couch, trying to keep his eyes focused on the television. But even though that's where his gaze was, his mind was a very long ways away. He and Ryan barely knew each other. He'd been watching her from a distance for a long time, sure, but what guy didn't? He did feel like he knew her a little better than some, because of Eli - he talked about his sister a lot and for a while now, Tal had been getting to know Ryan without any interaction at all. But still... was this even possible?

Had Ryan really meant that kiss? Had she really liked cuddling into him and being held by him? Or had it just been to satisfy a need after she'd been put through the wringer by Alec? Had it actually just been her needing someone for the moment and he'd happened to be there? If that were the case, then he felt a little guilty - he didn't want to take advantage of her. She was probably on the rebound and he didn't want to give her the impression he'd just been waiting to pounce. On the contrary, he'd seen her with Leo and Alec both and had always kept his distance. One, because he'd always figured he didn't have a chance anyway, and two, because he respected her relationship with other guys and wouldn't interfere.

His whole intention here had been to just try and see if there was any way he could help. He didn't like the thought of what Alec had done, and he knew Leo was taken now, which meant she had no one else to go to. And like he'd talked to Eli about... he understood she could vent to her brother and have his company, but it wouldn't be the same. Tal had simply wanted to see if there was anything he could do, and if not, he wouldn't have fought it. It helped that he and Eli were becoming friends - but that was just a natural opening for him to be here tonight and he didn't have any "plans" to try and help Ryan... he just wanted to keep his eyes open and be there, should an opportunity arise. Now though... now he really wasn't sure what to do or what would happen after this.


Joined in the kitchen by Ryan, Eli grins. "Yeah, I figured you'd probably wanna do the salad yourself anyway. I can't ever cut the lettuce right to keep anybody happy." He smirks as he turns over a steak. "You know me - I'd probably just chew the lettuce right off the head and have a carrot on the side, rather than work at chopping it all up. And by the way yes, of course it smells good in here - it always does when I cook." He tosses her a silly look - the only thing he cooked well was steak or hamburgers. He points his fork at her. "Not a word, Speedy."

It didn't take long for the food to finally be ready. The apartment really did smell good and everybody's stomachs were growling by now. The living room was the dining area of choice tonight so they could finish watching the game while they ate and it was more comfortable anyway...

"Soup's on!" Eli comes traipsing into the living room with Ryan, bringing the food and presenting it to Tal. "One medium rare steak for you and one well-done for me." He sets down both the plates on the coffee table, letting Ryan have the easy chair and end table. "Neither of which are little burnt crispies, mind you."

Tal grins as his plate is set down and he shakes his head. "I'm never going to live that one down, am I? All I was doing was warming something up in the microwave and I accidentally put it in for way too long!"

"There was smoke everywhere!" Eli waves his arms around. "We had to clear out the break room and everything."

Tal sighs and stands up. "Yeah, yeah."

"Hey, where you going?"

"To get a glass of water."

"Well sit down... I'm going back there anyway."

Tal rolls his eyes, but obeys and sits. "I really don't know why you're treating me like a king, but I guess I won't complain."

"Don't worry," Eli shoots over his shoulder. "Come tomorrow at work, you'll be my slave again."

Something in Eli's tone made Tal just a little bit leery. Glancing up while Eli is out of the room, he catches Ryan's eye, his gaze one of hesitance. Had their brief little makeout session meant anything more than what it was or... did he need to forget about it and move on? He didn't have enough time to say anything before Eli got back though, making the moment an awkward one. He bites his lower lip and lifts his eyebrows slightly.

Wine

Hearing her brother voice again Ryan is quiet for several moments. She was so comfortable laying here with Tal and it was much different than when she had done it before. There was a calmness, a strength, a protection and it felt nice. Ryan didn't want to leave this saftly and for a long moment she dosnt.

"Just make salad I'm to comfortable to move."

Keeping her arm draped over Tal her head moving up and down with his slow breath Ryan just soaks it in. She could feel the soft beat of Tal's own heart as her head just lied nestled into him. Tal was different and that was clear. She hardly new him but something....it felt like they had been best friends.

Moving her head a little to be able to look at Tal Ryan gives a smile. A true smile she hadn't shone since everything went down with Alec. Looking into his eyes for a long moment Ryan finally shifts a little to sit up.

"I guess I should go make the salad I said I was going to. Right when I was getting really comfortable too. Stick one up for perfect timing again."

Leaning down one more time and giving Tal a bref kiss to the lips again Ryan stands letting her hand drag across his chest. Before she aims for the kitchen.

"Alright Alright I dont want you to wine I'll make what I originally planned. Man it smells good in here."

Unspoken

If Ryan's words didn't seem true at first, Tal believed them as she nuzzled in to his shoulder and neck. Letting both arms wrap around her, he felt for a moment, almost as if he were a blanket, wrapping around her to protect her from the storm she'd been facing. He'd set out to try and be a friend and be nice to someone he knew had been hurt. But he hadn't realized how far a small part of his care could go. And now... as Ryan lay here in his arms... he wanted to hold her all the more closely. He wanted to tell her how beautiful she was. He wanted to tell her how much more she was worth than she had been treated. He wanted to tell her that he could see how much she had to offer and to not let some jerk hold her back.

But all those feelings... all those words... those were things that had filled his mind since he'd first found out about Alec running off. And those were all things that if spoken, would be spoken too soon, and risk closing the door that had just been opened.

So all he can do is tighten his arms just a little, as if to say, 'Stay right here - I won't let you go.'


"Hey, you two...it'll be about twenty minutes." Eli's voice comes barreling through the air again, shattering yet another quiet moment. "Ryan, did you wanna fix anything on the side? Or I can throw a salad together."

Tal takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, letting Ryan's head rise and fall with his breath. His arms loosen and he straightens his leg back out, giving her the opportunity to leave. It was probably best if they get up before Eli sauntered in - Tal really didn't want to get kicked out after he'd just made friends.