Card

Stacy gives a nod to Mick she didn't mind staying in the house again. It was nice and comfortable here and she really didn't feel out of place. She always find something to do and kept herself busy one way or another.

"No hurry, I don't mind lookin out for him."

Once Mick was gone Stacy sits down at the table and opens the book she was reading. About to start again she stops hearing a soft know on the door. Odd. Going and opening it she is suprised to see Ashlee and it seemed she was surprised to her her as well.

"Hey Ash, whats up? Everything ok?"

Holding the card she had made for Dylan Ashlee was suprised her mom answered the door. She'd seen Mick leave but figured Rosetta was here. Recovering though she gives her mom a smile and holds up the little homemade card.

Stacy gives a smile at Ashlee. Her daughter had compassion, she had a big heart and no matter what she always surprised her. Dylan was doing alright today other than being a little tired and she was right out here if anything happened. Maybe a visit from a friend would be ok.

"Alright come on in. I'll let you visit with him for a little bit. Down the hall there and to the right. If he's sleeping though don't wake him up ok?"

...Wondering down the hall and finding the room Ashlee gives a knock on the door lightly before opening the door. Seeing Dylan was still awake she gives a smile as she enters more.

"Hey, I just wanted to see how you were. I made this for you."

On the front of the card was a rainbow that said get well soon and since were some flowers, a pasture with horses and tress. School just isn't the same when your not around! Feel better soon! Ashlee liked the card she had worked on it made her feel good being able to do something. She hopped Dylan liked it too.

Still smiling Dalton goes back to his desk and sits down. He could see Scott was having a hard time figure out what to say. Dalton didn't mind though he was really happy that Scott was here. He looked better than when he's seen him last.

"I"m doing really good. Works been kinda lonely, but things with Dani are going well. I'm thinking about asking her to marry me soon."

Giving a big smile Dalton is quiet for a moment thinking again. If he asked Scott how he was doing what that be good? Its not that he didn't know what to say it was of how to ask.

"So what about you? What have you been up to since you have been out?"

Taking the file from Gunner Katie thumbs through it reading over. She wondered if the Agency really was involved. She wouldn't be surprised if it was after all. This could be interesting after all.

"Yeah I'll go in with you. Just lead and I'll follow."

She didn't know as much yet about the case so she would wait, watch and listen. She needed to know more before she really said anything, this would be a good chance to do so.

Long days

Gunner keeps his eyes on his computer screen for a few more seconds before turning to look up at Katie. His eyebrows lift slightly, wondering why she was trying to find work on his end of things. Maybe the day was a slow one in other areas.

"Um, well..." He shrugs. "I guess if that's what he said then that's what we should do, huh?" He grins a little and stands, picking up a folder from his desk. Maybe having Katie's help would make the rest of the day go faster. Ever since he'd gotten back from the camping trip, every day seemed too long. All he wanted was a little more time off and a little more time with Bree. Every moment with her was heaven, and he had no problem telling that to anyone, especially since everybody now knew that they were engaged.

"Alright, well, I got a guy in the interrogation room." Gunner heads in that direction, gesturing for Katie to follow. "His name is Kent Brackston. He's got a short list of misdemeanors - nothing serious. However, recently we got word that he's had some contact with the Agency. Kent's a big racer and usually hangs out with that desert racing crowd the cops like to ignore. Apparently at his last race, somebody's car blew up. He was blamed and he's clammed up about it."

Gunner turns the corner and aims down the hall. "Personally, I don't think he's guilty. I think he knows who did it and is covering for them. Might be Agency. Might not. I think Reese wants to eliminate that theory because of people like Eli McKade and his sister who are usually around that crowd - I think he's worried that if there's Agency close by, those two might be in danger."

He shrugs as he reaches the interrogation room. "On the other hand, it could just be some off-base drug dealer or something that needs a kick in the seat and that's all there is to it. Or - I could be wrong and Kent could have blown up the car on purpose. Thankfully, nobody was hurt though."

Stopping at the door, he hands Katie the file. "Take a peek. Right now we're just trying to get him to talk. Wanna come in with me?"


Relief washes over Scott as he sees Dalton's reaction. He shouldn't have been surprised, but he really had been worried that Dalton might not want anything to do with him anymore.

Accepting the handshake, he nods, looking up at his friend. "Been better, but been worse too," he admits. "Sorry I didn't get in to see you sooner. I, um... I've been trying to settle back in, ya know?"

He glances around the office. Not a whole lot had changed. A few things here and there. After all, he'd been gone quite a long time. He was rather surprised not more was different. "So, um..."

He fishes for something to say. Now that he was here...what was he supposed to say? "How... how are things with you?"


Mick gives Stacy a weary but grateful smile. "Thanks. You've done more than I could have asked, and I really appreciate it. If you want to stay here just a little bit longer, I'll go see how Rosetta's doing then come right back and take over again."

...As planned, he does return shortly and resumes his watch in Dylan's room. The next couple days went by in a blur. Only once did Mick have to restrain him, but it wasn't quite as bad as when he'd gotten outside. Settled again, that was the last of the angry outbursts, although his raging fever was hard to beat...

Dylan licks his dry lips and groggily opens his eyes as a cold cloth is being placed on his forehead. He ached all over and felt so hot. Was he awake or asleep? It was rather hard to tell.

Looking up, he brings Mick's face into focus the best he can before closing his eyes again. "I shoulda pulled it," he mumbles.

Mick is sitting on the edge of the bed, and furrows his brow. Was Dylan dreaming or was he awake? It was two in the morning, but time didn't really matter at this point. The last few days had all melted together anyway. "Shoulda pulled what?"

Dylan shakes his head slowly. He felt terrible. "The trigger."

Mick frowns. "What trigger?"

"On the... the gun."

Mick's pulse quickens. Was this the fever talking or was this something serious? "Dyan, what are you talking about?"

Dylan pries open his eyes again, though it hurt just try and focus. "When I was... when I was gone."

"And?"

"And I... I was alone." He swallows hard and shivers. "I was gonna shoot my...myself."

Mick feels as though his heart stops beating completely and it takes all he has not to shake his son further awake so he could know the whole story. Dylan had wanted to use a gun on himself? He'd actually thought about ending his life? Panic fills Mick's gaze, though his voice remains steady. Not only did he need to stay calm for Dylan, but Rosetta was trying to sleep across the hall. "What stopped you?"

Dylan's eyes close again. "Dan."

They'd had contact while Dylan had been gone? Mick hadn't known that. "Why do you think you should have gone through with it?"

Dylan's brow furrows. "This is... it's too much. I don't wanna... keep going."

Mick turns the cold cloth over again. "You have to," he urges. "You're almost there, I promise. Just a little while longer."

"Why?" Dylan's voice quivers as he opens his eyes once more. "Why is it... so hard? I'm too tired."

"I know you are." Mick squeezes his hand. "I know. But you're strong too. You're very strong. Just hang in there. You've got this thing beat."

A tear trickles from Dylan's eye and he nods numbly. "I... I'm sorry."

Mick blinks back his own tears, swallowing the lump in his throat. "I know. I forgive you. But promise me one thing, okay?"

Dylan's eyes begin to droop, his voice barely audible. "What?"

Mick leans down closer. "If you ever... ever want to end your life again... I don't care where you are or what you've done... you come talk to me... okay?"

Dylan sniffs and seems to drift closer to sleep. "Okay."

It would be another full day and then some before finally Dylan's fever would break and he would become more alert...

"How ya feeling?"

Dylan pulls himself up in bed to sit as Mick brings him a cheese sandwich Stacy had made, and some apple juice. "Um... better... I think." He sighs and looks towards the window, noting that it looked around noon. But which day it was, he didn't know. He rubs some sleep out of his eyes and blinks. Accepting the tray off food on his lap. "I think I'm actually hungry."

"That's an improvement." Mick sits on the edge of the bed. "Had us worried there for a while."

Dylan takes a nibble of the sandwich, relieved that his stomach wasn't churning with the thought of food. "How long have I been here?"

"Oh... four or five days."

Dylan was a bit surprised. He would have guessed a day or two. "Oh."

Mick sees his downcast gaze, and he pats his leg before standing back up. "I gotta go for a while, but Stacy's here in the house if you need anything." Or to keep him here, but Mick didn't think his son had the energy or the desire to take him anywhere. He'd still have cravings for a while, for sure, but the worst was over.

Dylan nods. "Okay." Left alone again, he takes another bite of his sandwich, taking his time eating it. Though awake and alert, his body had been through a lot, and he was exhausted. One look at his gaunt, pale face and dark circles under his eyes would prove that. He'd be here for another couple days before his strength returned.

Mick heads towards the front door, stopping a moment in the kitchen. "I'll be back," he informs Stacy. She'd been in and out the last few days, helping whenever needed, and he was still grateful. "He's awake and eating but I'd be surprised if he didn't fall asleep again within the hour. I don't think he's going anywhere, but if you want to keep an eye on him until I get back, that would be great. I think by tomorrow I can let him make up his own mind if he stays here or goes back to his own bunk."

My Turn

Letting out a large huff Katie leaves Reese's office. She just wanted something to keep her busy, something that gave her the emotions like she use too. No one seemed to understand because no one new but Rick how she was feeling.

Walking across the floor and finding Gunner she leans against his cubicle wall. Maybe if she was doing something it would keep her mind off doing nothing. Anything was worth a shot at this point.

"Hey Gunner, What ya working on? Reese said I could partner up with you and help out."

Hearing the knock on the door and the voice the followed Dalton couldn't help the wide smiles that spread across his face. He'd heard that Scott had been in a time or two, to see some people and he had been starting to think maybe Scott wasn't going to stop and see him, that maybe he was still upset. But having him here now it confirmed that Scott did want to see him and make all hope wasn't lost.

"Hey there Little Buddy! How ya been?"

It seemed like such a question to ask but he asked it anyways. It had been a while since he'd last seen Scott and if he was standing here now he must be doing at least a little better. It took everything Dalton had to not pick him up in a bear hug. Instead he just held out his hand in a friendly handshake.

"I was wondering when I'd get my turn to see you."

Her hands deep in sudsy water Stacy turns a little looking at Mick but continues to wash the dishes she had created. Giving a smile she also gives a little shake of her head. Rising off a plate and putting it in the strainer fine shakes some of the water off her hands before turning to Mick again.

"Dylan got up once but only to use the bathroom and throw up a little bit. I got him some water and back to bed. I was able to get him to eat a little chicken broth and crackers too. There is still some left in the fridge if you're hungry."

Stacy new Mick would probley want to pick up taking care of his son from here. But she tried to fell him in as much as she could. Him knowing the details was important so he could know what to expect to try himself. Laying a hand on Mick's arm Stacy gives a smile.

"He's gonna be ok Mick...He's fighting, and he's gonna beat this. You are doing great."

Visiting

"Katie!" Reese throws up his hands. "Be glad that we're having a short reprieve from the action here." He shakes his head. "If you want, we got a guy that needs interrogating and I got Gunner on it. If you wanna partner with him, go see if he wants some help. Otherwise..." He sighs. "Settle down, okay? It's not worth an ulcer and you're getting paid just as much as if you were under fire."


Pausing at the partially closed door, Scott swallows hard. He'd been doing well lately, but hadn't been back to TJY until now. The sights and sounds were still a bit overwhelming, but he'd come in the back way so he wouldn't run into too many people.

Looking at the door, he reads Dalton's name and sees the empty spot where his name once was. And he sighs.

Finally mustering up his courage, he knocks lightly on the door and slowly pokes his head inside the office. Would Dalton even want to see him after he'd ignored their friendship? His pulse quickens. "Hey, Dalton..."


Mick's eyes crack open just enough for him to see the bedside digital clock. He groans inwardly. He was still so tired, but he'd had several hours worth of sleep, and he knew he needed to get up and get back to his responsibilities.

Rolling over, he winces as pain shoots through his shoulder. Apparently the rest had made it go stiff and now it hurt even more. For now, he'd just have to put up with it.

Taking a moment in the master bathroom to clean up, he then heads out in the hall. Quietly checking on Dylan and finding his son asleep, he was relieved. It was obvious he still had a high fever, but as long as he didn't have anymore outbursts of rage, things would be fine.

Retreating and heading for the kitchen, Mick finds Stacy cleaning up. His nostrils pick up the scent of chicken broth and he's rather surprised.

"Hey..." Coming closer, he leans on the counter. "Thanks for all your help. Have any trouble while I was asleep?"

Alone

Setting the bowl down on the night stand Stacy gives another smile as Dylan pulls the blanket up around him. Standing she helps tuck him in nice and tight so he would stay warm and it felt like the blankets were extra fluffy.

Hearing Dylan's comment about beating this whole thing Stacy gives another smile. Her eyes held the love of a mother, maybe not Dylan's mother but a mother non the less that was proud of him and all he had done in just this last few short days.

"You sure are Dylan, you sure are."

Running the back of her hand along Dylan's cheek for a moment Stacy finally retreats to let him rest. Picking up the tray with the left over food on it Stacy heads for the door opening it. Before leaving though she turns again.

"Sleep well Dylan!"

Finally leaving she shuts the door behind her and heads to the kitchen to clean up the mess she had made. If Mick was still sleeping that was fine. Rosetta might be home soon anyways not that she was really in any hurry.

Standing in Reese's office Katie walks back and forth before stopping in front of the desk again. The lack of emotions almost made her feel like a caged animel. She wanted to be doing something, feel excitement, feel important she wanted to feel more than she was.

"Nothing? No cases? No little crimes that need to be solved or people to be questioning? Nothing Reese?"

Rick said give it time and she was trying. Feelings were starting to come or so she thought but just not fast enough. Katie was tired of waiting, she was tired of not talking to Jason she felt depressed and each day it just got worse. Why couldn't think be ok again.

"How are you feeling today Mr. Doe?"

Looking up at the dr from his bed his expression was one that was very blank. No emotion in his eyes, no emotion showed on his face. Only the three scars across his eye, nose and mouth from shrapnel bore tell of what happened. A leg that had been crushed by a flying debree of one thing or another, and burn marks on his back that would tell a story not yet revealed. His voice raspy, and very deep from to much inhaled smoke.

"I feel...lost, confused, and....out of place."

The Dr gives a nod as he write a few things down. Mr. Doe had woken up a few days ago in a panic, terror coursing though his vanes and the dr. worse nightmare had been revealed. He remembered nothing.

"Still can't remember anything?"

Closing his eyes for a moment his mind remained blank. He'd had a dream last night, lots of shouting, but the faces were blank, where he was had no color. It was a blur like looking through a shattered mirror or a glass that was dirty.

"I can't even remember my own name let alone anything else. You...You don't know anything about me?"

Shaking his head grimly the Dr wished he did. Not even knowing who this man was he didn't have family to help friends to help. Right now he really did have no identity and it made the Dr said. He wanted to do more, he wanted to be able to give hope but in a case like this it was hard.

"Well continue with the memories skills, and hope that as the swelling in your brain continues to go down you will slowly remember. Just make sure anything you remember you let me know. If we can find out where your from, even something as simple as a state, or a name we can try and contact someone and that will help a great deal. Tomorrow we will start your PT and see if we can start getting that leg to work a little bit as it heals."

As the Dr leaves the room the man leans back in the bed closing his eyes. Who was he? Where was he from? Did he have family? Were they worried? The unknown, being....alone even in his own mind he didn't have himself to keep him company.

Beating

Trey's comment makes both Pete's and Ariel's eyes snap towards him. Was he still upset over the whole thing? Was he still bitter that they hadn't been entirely honest with them?

Ariel isn't sure what to say, but seeing Trey stumble over his next few words, she realized that he hadn't meant for his previous statement to sound mean. Maybe he was trying after all. Maybe.

Shaking her head, she pretends not to have noticed his awkwardness. "You guys are all alike."

"Whoa!" Pete holds up his hand. "You're putting me in the same category as your brother? That is so not fair."

Colt snickers. "Maybe she thinks you're immature."

Pete was, by far, the oldest of the group, and his eyes narrow playfully. "And your point is...?"

"Pizza!" Dani comes to the table carrying the first of the pizzas.

"Oh, bless you." Colt gives her a wide grin. "You have no idea how many lives you just saved."

Dani blinks as she sets down the pizza. "That hungry?"

"No. But Pete was going to strangle me. Now he'll be too busy stuffing his face."

Dani laughs. "Glad I could help."

"Help me more by joining us." Colt feigns desperation. "If but one more soul is added to my side, my heart shall remain beating!"

Ariel's eyes widen. "Somebody had too much caffeine tonight."

Dani shakes her head, giving Colt's shoulder a pat. "Nice try, cowboy. I belong to someone else's table."

As she walks away, Colt sighs. "All the good ones are taken."

"Nah." Pete grabs a slice of pizza. "You're just not smart enough to find the free - ow!" He jumps as a boot hits his shin. "Play nice!"

Ariel rolls her eyes again and grabs a plate for herself. Glancing to Trey, she winks. "Welcome to the crazier side of us."


"No thanks necessary." Rick gives Katie a little wave, watching her leave the infirmary. After a short sigh, he turns back to his work. He was worried about his two friends, even if he wouldn't tell them so. But he did have confidence that they would be okay. The odd Agency connection was still a mystery, and how it worked was beyond medical science. Despite that, he still believed that what he'd said to Katie was true - that she and Jason would just have to adjust. Nothing was "wrong." They would simply need to get used to this new way of feeling things...

Over the next few weeks, Rick kept a close eye on them, whether they knew it or not. He checked up on Katie several times, and talked with Jason when he'd come in for check-ups with his knee. Thankfully, that was the least of Rick's worries. Without the Agency influence in Jason's system, there was nothing eating away at his weaknesses, and therefore, his knee was healing well and much more quickly than anticipated. By week three, he told Jason he could leave his crutches behind and wear a brace as long as he didn't overdo it yet and continued to put it up when he was sitting and continue his therapy as well. But despite time and the occasional laugh from Katie and Jason, Rick was kept very aware that the two young agents still had a lot of adjusting to do yet...

"I'm fine." Jason spits out the thermometer and shoos Rick away from checking his pulse. "Isn't it about time I didn't have to come in here every other day."

"Twice a week," Rick corrects. "And I suppose so." He retreats, leaving Jason sitting on the table in the infirmary. "How's, um... how's things with you and Katie?"

Jason pulls on his t-shirts and lifts his eyebrows. "Huh?"

"You and Katie." Rick comes back and leans on the table beside him. "You two doing alright?"

"Well, yeah, sure." Jason shrugs. "I mean why not?"

"I don't know..."

Jason eyes him suspiciously. "What are you getting at?"

"Nothing. I was just curious."

Jason's gaze lowers a little. He thinks back over the last couple weeks. He and Katie had spent almost every evening together... just like they always did. Except... things still weren't the same. They didn't... talk much. They didn't... do much. A movie here... a pizza there... but nothing... fun. Or maybe it was fun and Jason just didn't know it. But last night... last night they'd cuddled on his couch and even fallen asleep for a while. And when Katie had left to go home, they hadn't kissed goodbye. Jason wasn't sure why... they always did... and he didn't think either had forgotten. It just didn't seem... necessary. It had been an okay evening and they weren't mad at each other. But... they just weren't... close.

Rick sees the turmoil behind Jason's eyes and knows there is much being unsaid. "How about you two taking some time off? Visit Texas? Or just go to the beach. Go hang out with friends. Do you do anything like that anymore?"

Jason shrugs. "Not really."

"Why not?"

"I dunno. Guess we didn't want to." Jason runs a hand through his hair. "Look... I don't know what you've been told, but apparently you've noticed Katie and I haven't been that close lately. And if you really must know, I don't know why it is. I just... I don't feel much of anything anymore, and..."

Rick waits. "And...?"

Jason wasn't sure he wanted to say it out loud. "And I guess... It's... well, what if the connection was the only thing Katie and I really had? I mean... what if we never really loved each other? What if it was just our connection amplifying everything and now that it's gone... "us" is gone?"

"Aw, Jase..." Rick shakes his head. "I don't think that's true. You and Katie always had more than just being able to talk to each other from miles away. You just need to give this time."

"That's what you said in the beginning."

Rick sighs. "I don't pretend to have all the answers... but I still believe that the both of you will adjust. I know it's hard. But you gotta hang on."

"To what?"

Rick's shoulders drop. He wasn't getting anywhere. "To what's in here." He touches Jason's chest over his heart. "How do you feel right now?"

Jason smirks. "Honestly? Depressed. But I don't want anything to-"

"I'm not trying to cure you with pills," Rick cuts him off. "You feel bad, right?"

"Yeah, so?"

"Jason... you're feeling. It may be negative, but you know what it is. You couldn't do that two weeks ago. One of these days, you're gonna probably feel angry. Or irritated. Or upset. And then one day you're going to have fun. You're going to feel happy. Or joy... Or love." He tries desperately to get his point across. "I know what you feel now sucks. But it's a good thing. The more you try to understand those faint feelings, the better you'll become at it, and pretty soon, it will all be natural again. Please... trust me."

Jason swallows hard, his eyes glued to the floor. He nods though. Maybe Rick was right. He did feel right now. He felt rotten, but Rick did have a point - at least he really was feeling something, and that was an improvement. Maybe the negative was just easier to recognize than the good right now. "Okay... I'll give it more time."

"Good."

Jason heads out of the infirmary, limping just a little. He goes down the hall to his office and shuts the door. Easing down behind his desk, he puts his feet up and grabs his tennis ball. Throwing it at the wall, he plays catch with himself, his mind whirling with paperwork, his mother, Wes, and Katie.


Dylan wasn't used to this kind of treatment, but opening his eyes again, he sees it's true that Stacy really was going to help him. While it felt rather childish, at the moment, he was too weak to fight, and maybe deep down, that little boy still existed that needed to just be loved.

Finally able to get some soup in him, it felt good. Dylan does give Stacy a lame kind of look though at her comment. "Nice try," he responds hoarsely. "It's not the spoon... it's me."

With half the soup finally down, he can't handle anymore, and refuses another bite. Sinking back a little, he sniffs his runny nose and rubs his tired eyes with his hand, only to withdraw more sweat. Shivering, he pulls his blanket up again.

Looking at Stacy, his eyes seems to be far away. "I'm... I'm doing it... right? I'm... I'm beating it?"

Silly Contraption

As Colt sits down next to him Trey lets out a small breath trying his best to relax. He wasn't sure what had come over him to make him invite Colt to stay but it was to late to turn it back now. Who knows maybe He was an ok guy after all if he just gave him a chance. Now that he wasn't drunk and convinced it was Ariel's boyfriend...maybe he could stand him. Wouldn't hurt to have another friend around town either.

Watching Ariel, Pete and Colt go back and forth and around in circles Trey can't help but give a small grin. It was funny watching them argue with each other and intrusting. They were arguing but there was no malice or hate involved. Is was like fighting but not really something Trey had never seen before.

As Colt brings Trey into the conversation his gives a smirk and a chuckle before answering.

"Yeah they have a tendince of doing that."

Once the words were out of his mouth he cringes. He didn't mean them the way he sounded he was only trying to playfuly agree with Colt even though thats not how I came out.

"I mean...they...see to like doing that to you is...is what I meant."

Rolling his eyes at himself Trey lets out a long sigh. Great, he hoped Ariel hadn't take it the wrong way because he really didn't mean it that way it just came out wrong.

Watching Dylan try to eat Stacy's heart goes out to him once again. He was trying and that was really important. Thats what she wanted to see. She wanted to see Dylan have the will to try and do it on his own knowing if he needed it there were people to fall back on but no depending on them alone.

"Here let me help."

Giving another smile and sitting on the edge of the bed Stacy takes the spoon and scoops some of the soup bring it to Dylan's mouth for him to eat. She continued to help very happy knowing it was in fact going down easy. Keeping up his strength was important and he would definitely need it. Even if the worse was over there was a lot more to come.

"Spoons really are horrible contraptions. Half the time I try and eat soup it lands on my shirt and non in my mouth. Thats why I prefer the thick stews so I don't have to worry about it as much."

Spill

Though still in a fog, Dylan's eyes mange to open as he hears Stacy return to his room. The scent of broth made him hungry and nauseous at the same time. Part of him wanted to refuse. And part of him wanted to take advantage of the help that was being offered. Part of him wanted to be stubborn. And part of him knew good and well from his past experience that he couldn't do this alone.

Pulling himself up to sit against the headboard, he eyes the food for a moment, trying to control his body's wish to go throw up again. "Okay." He nods numbly. "Thank you..."

Reaching for the spoon, it shakes, spilling half the broth, but the other half does make it to his mouth and goes down easily. Nibbling on half a cracker too, it seemed to agree with him but the broth tasted better. Trying again and spilling most of it once more, he gives up. Leaning his head back, he sniffs and closes his eyes. His face was flushed with fever, his body continuing to wage war. He wanted to eat more, he just couldn't get his fingers to function properly.


Colt can't help his surprise at Trey's insistence that he stay. Really? Was this the same guy he'd seen a couple nights ago? His eyes shift to his sister, who gives him a little nod. "Well... I guess when you put it that way..."

His grin turns a little crooked and he pulls out the chair next to Trey to sit down. "So... I thought there was a hot party at the Sunrise tonight."

Pete chuckles. "Yeah, well... it wasn't exactly a beach party."

"Oh, I see. There was... no... sand?"

Ariel snickers. "Maybe you should actually come to one of these get-togethers once so you're not such an idiot when we talk about it."

"You kidding me?" Colt arcs one eyebrow way above the other. "And mingle with the life of the city?"

"Dude..." Pete looks at him dumbly. "You live in the city."

"Ahh, but I spend my spare time out in the fresh air that is not influenced by exhaust, fumes, and smog."

"No... just... manure."

"I give up." Colt swings his eyes to Trey. "Is it just me, or are those two ganging up on me? 'Cause that's certainly the way it feels."

Unexspected Invite

Helping Dylan back to bed and pulling the cover over him she takes her hand and brushes some of the sweaty matted hair out of his face and to the side. Giving a soft smile it was so much different than when Dylan had seen her before.

Standing again Stacy gives a nod. If Dylan fell asleep by time she got back that would be ok she would keep the food at his bed stand waiting for when he woke up.

Leaving the room Stacy goes to the kitchen opening the fridge and cupboards looking to see what she could make for Dylan. Finally deciding on some crackers and chicken broth she figured it would be the best thing for him. It would lay light in his stomach and would also help soak up the sourness that was there a the moment.

...A few minutes later Stacy knocked and opens the door to the bedroom. Holding the trey she enters seeing Dylan still awake she was glad. He'd be able to at least eat something.

"Here you go some crackers and chicken broth. You don't have to eat it all just as much as you can. ok?"

Trey gives a nod to Colt. He had heard that Mom and Pop's was the best place to get good pizza. He really had yet to decied. Sometime her would like to try one of the other places just so he had something to compare it to.

Hearing his comment about liking to hang out with Pete and Ariel Trey is quiet for a moment as he rips at a napkin on the table before speaking again.

"Yeah...I...I do. They are good people even if they are smarty pants sometimes. Keeps me on my toes."

Looking up at Colt and studying him for a long moment Trey wondered what Colt thought of him. He hadn't made a good impression the other night and part of him wanted to change that. After all if he was going to be Ariel's friend than he better get on her brothers good side...right?

"I ordered us way to many pizza's. You might as well stay and join us. You movie can wait but your sister...I don't know. At least have one slice for her sake?"

Katie gives a nod to Rick. He's always done what he could to help her and Jason. Always had there best intrust in mind and though she was feeling down she was thankful.

"Alright, I will. Thanks again!"

Try

Colt is just ready to give a smart remark back to Trey when he catches Ariel's eye. His sister gives him a warning look, which shuts his mouth until he'd rethought what he'd been ready to say. He remembers all that Ariel had told him the other night and wonders now if Trey needed more friendship rather than someone else razzing on him.

A twinkle returns to his eye and he grins. "Well, pizza can be found on just about every corner around here, but this is the best place."

"Wanna join us?" Ariel invites.

Colt shakes his head. "Nah. I gotta date with a movie at home and I gotta be up early tomorrow to get back to the stable."

Pete fiddles with his drink, listening. "Still working there, huh?"

"Yep. Pay's not the best but I still enjoy it."

Ariel chuckles. "The ol' cowboy. Chick magnet."

"Hey!" Colt throws out his arms and looks around. "Do you see anybody following me?"

Pete smirks. "Try some deodorant, boy. Might help."

Colt's eyes narrow, though he grins. "Thanks a lot." He swings his gaze back to Trey. "And you actually like hanging out with these two? You've got guts."


"Okay." Rick stands with Katie. "How about you stop back in here next week sometime? I'd like to give you a basic check up just to make sure everything's still alright and settling down."


At first, Dylan just looks at Stacy, unmoving. Finally though, he accepts her help and gets his feet under him so he can stand, albeit wobbly. Leaning on her as they go back to his room, he finds his head on her shoulder until they get to his bed again.

Easing down and pulling his blankets up again, he shivers. Looking up at Stacy, tears pool in his eyes. He seems to want to say something but stops, dropping his gaze. "I'll try to stay awake for... for something to eat."

Willing to Help

Looking up and seeing Colt Trey can feel himself stiffen a little and his cheeks become slightly red but not enough to really have anyone draw notice to them. He remembered who cold was and he remembered how much of an idea he had acted in front of him. In a way Trey wished he had forgotten that night.

Giving a smirk to Colt's comment about not seeing him so long again Trey felt like sinking down in his chair even more. Hearing Ariel's comment that followed Trey gives a little smirk before glancing at Colt again.

"A rut where pizza is involved dosn't seem like to bad a thing. Than again back in Mexico pizza wasn't something you find on every corner so maybe I am just partial because I was deprived."

Picking up his straw and unwrapping it Trey puts it into the glass of soda and just watches it sink as the bubbles cling to the straw trying to keep it afloat but failing. Trey wondered if maybe thats how he felt at the moment. Trying to stay float but slowly was sinking not to sure how to stay fast.

Listing to everything Rick had to say Katie finally gives a little shrug. Maybe sooner or later the emptiness would go away and till than she just feel uncomfortable. What Rick said did make sence to her but she couldn't even see herself getting use to it. Only time would tell but as of right now stood she didn't know.

"Well, at least I know nothings wrong."

Standing and scanning the infirmary again Katie lets out a sigh. She'd dont hardly any work today and should probley get back to it. She'd remind herself later to give her Aunt a call and see how they were all doing.

"Thanks Rick, I should get back to work."

Taking the glass back from Dylan again Stacy just studied him for a moment. She wondered how much he remembered from what happened earlier today. She would guess not much but different people remembered things than other.

"You dad needed to get some sleep so I told him I'd stick around encase you needed anything. He just wanted to make sure you'd be ok."

Twirling the glass against her other palm Stacy shifts a little bit. Even if Dylan did remember what happened this was one of the good reasons she was here was for if Dylan needed something. Leaving out the park about making sure he didn't escape again was just not something that needed to be said as well.

"Come on, let me help you back to bed and I will see about getting you something light to eat since your stomach probable can't handle a lot at the moment."

Leaning down Stacy gets Dylan's arm over her shoulder to try and help him stand. She could do all the work for him but she wanted him to try and stand on his own too. He needed to stay strong and if everyone did everything for him though this it wouldn't work. She was more than willing to help though as long as he was willing to try.

Not so long

Rick sighs and nods, giving Katie's shoulder a pat. He wasn't surprised Jason wasn't talking about it, whether he felt fine or not. He never was one to express himself very well.

"I know you don't like it. And to be honest, I hated to do this to you two. But you and I both knew that there would be some kind of after affects that we couldn't predict." He didn't like making promises with something like this - something so intangible and medically impossible. But there were a few things he was certain of. And right now, Katie needed reassurance.

"It'll get better, Katie. That emptiness will eventually go away. It's just a shock to your system. From what I can tell without actually having experienced it myself, is that you and Jason both have been living in separate rooms full of television sets - all blaring loud and all on different stations. You both adapted and learned how to sort through the noise to understand it, accept it, and communicate. Now all of a sudden, all plugs have been pulled. There is a dead silence in your rooms now and a wall between both of you. It's empty. But... here's the thing..."

He cocks his head a little, trying to see her face. "The room isn't really empty. It's still got you in it. And nobody can steal your own emotions - I don't care what kind of Agency cocktail made it go haywire to begin with, but the origin is still there - you. It's going to take a while to remember how to feel everything again on such a small scale. But you will. There's nothing wrong with you... this is how it's supposed to be."


Dylan looks up groggily as Stacy comes to him, his eyes glossy. Reaching numbly for the water, he accepts it to rinse his mouth and just stays on the floor, leaning against the toilet. He shakes his head slowly and sniffs before wiping some sweat from his eyes.

"I'll just.... lose it," he mumbles. Yes, he was hungry. But the thought of food repulsed him at the same time.

He hands the glass of water back to her shakily, fearing he'd drop it if he didn't. Closing his eyes, he didn't care that he was on the bathroom floor. He couldn't sink much lower than he already had anyway. "What're you... you doin' here anyway?"


Ariel chuckles. "I like almost anything on my pizza, so we should be good. And... too much just means leftovers."

Sitting next to Pete across from Trey, her eyes roam the restaurant. She felt awkward. She really wasn't sure why, unless it was just that things were okay but not quite settled yet. She didn't know. But it didn't do much to help the atmosphere.

A prick to her neck makes her turn quickly and she realizes that Pete had just blown his straw wrapper at her. She smirks and gives his arm a whack. "Behave yourself."

The bell at the door turns her attention, and her eyebrows rise. "Well, well, well, look who the cat dragged in."

Colt immediately sees their table and is equally surprised. "Hey, gang." He approaches and offers his hand to Pete. "Long time no see."

"Yeah, man." Pete gives his hand a hearty shake. "What's happening?"

"Not much." Colt shrugs. He glances over to Trey. "And... not so long time no see." He grins a little, not trying to be mean, but finding this scene rather ironic.

Ariel cocks her head. "So what are you doing here?"

"Hello. Food." Colt grins. "This is my ritual you know. It's my pizza night."

"Hey, Colt!" Carson calls from the kitchen. "Same as always?"

Colt turns and waves at him, hollering back. "You got it!"

Ariel rolls her eyes and looks at Trey. "He needs to get out of his rut."

Empty

Sitting down with Rick Katie listened. He was always so nice and he always was trying to help for that Katie was thankful. If he was right thought and this was normal...Katie never relized how bleak emotions really were.

"I just feel...empty."

Stopping to think about Jason and what he might be feeling Katie just shakes her head a little bit. Things with Jason had been...different but he never mentioned there emotions to her. She didn't even know if he missed them like she did.

"I'm not sure...He wont talk to me about it. Everything is just...different now. I dont like it."

Hearing Dylan move around Stacy stays alert and doesn't move as she see Dylan leave the bedroom and go to the bathroom. She didn't want to invade his privacy if he had to use the restroom. Hearing him get sick Stacy finally gets up and goes to the sink and gets some water before heading back to the bathroom. Knocking Stacy enters and looks down at Dylan. Holding out the glass of water to him.

"Here you go, to wash your mouth out. Hungry at all?"

Seeing Ariel come into Mom and Pop's Trey perks up a little bit and gives a wave telling her to come on over. They pretty much could sit where they wanted too and it didn't matter much to him.

"I hope you don't mind Pete and I ordered some pizza's already. Probable to much but we wanted to have a little bit of everything. My treat. So I hope we picked something you like."

Sitting down at one of the tables Trey taps his finger against it. He wasn't sure what else to say or do now that everyone was here. It had been an idea to do something fun but now he felt almost lost on what to do.

Make sense?

Pausing his work and turning to Katie, Rick gives her a warm smile. He hadn't seen her much lately, and hoped things were alright.

Her stated concern though, makes him furrow his brow. Folding his arms, he cocks his head and studies her for a moment. "I was wondering how you were doing..."

Sighing, he contemplates the whole situation. "I assume you mean you can't feel your emotions." He gestures to a chair to have her sit down. "I was wondering what sort of impact this whole thing might have on you. Although..." He squints. "From what I can see, you're looking mighty sad, which means you're feeling something."

Siting down next to her, he gives her another smile. "I could be wrong... but I'm wondering if you can still feel just fine - but things feel differently to you. I'm wondering if your emotions are still there, but since they're not being amplified by Jason, perhaps they're just harder for you to sense and to recognize. Does that make sense?"

Rick shakes his head slowly. "I may not be right - but that's my theory. Do you know if Jason is experiencing the same thing?"


It had only been an hour, but Dylan had no sense of time. All he knew was that he'd been woken by his stomach. Kicking off the blankets, he half rolls, half falls out of bed. Standing shakily, his legs buckle and he gropes for the door. Making it to the hallway, he leans against the wall, his whole body trembling. Thankfully he makes it to the bathroom in time to throw up, but once he's on the floor, he doesn't have the strength to get back up.


Seeing Pete and Trey come into Mom and Pop's, Dani's first reaction is a little sigh. She never complained about the one or two late nights a week, but she'd been hoping for a boring one tonight so Carson would let her off early and she could get in at least an hour with Dalton.

Slinging a towel over her shoulder, she eyes Trey with question. Hearing about a party, she's just about ready to react when he explains it's only three people. Grinning a little, Dani shakes her head. "Yeah, I can crank up the music a bit. But only if you guys order a pizza and make it worth my while."


It was a few minutes later that Ariel arrives as well. Entering the little restaurant, she glances around for Pete and Trey. She really wasn't sure about this. She was glad Trey was sober, in a better mood, and had apologized to her. But she wasn't ready yet to just act like everything was fine either. But he was apparently trying his best, and so was Pete, so the least she could do was make an effort as well.

Seeing Trey at the counter, she waits to see where he and Pete would sit.

Something Wrong

Completely not paying any attachen to her work now Katie leans back in her chair chewing on the end of her pen. She tried to fish for more emotions, to try to feel more but it simply would not come. She thought she felt something but what it was she had no notions of what it was. As her phone goes off again Katie looks at the message again letting out a small sigh before replying.

Yeah, I feel bad for your mom too :( I...I think I am ok.
I am gonna have to call my Aunt later and see how
everyone else is. Mick's probley taking it hard too.

Sitting there a little longer after hitting send Katie felt bad. She felt like there was more emotion she should be feeling but she just wasn't. Getting up from her desk Katie makes her way across the floor and to the infirmary. Entering she spots and see Rick standing at one of the counters. Going over to him her voice is quiet hoping she wasn't bothering him to much.

"Rick...I think there is something wrong with me. I...I can't feel anything."


Stacy gives a nod to Mick as she goes to the kitchen and sits down at the table. She didn't mind how long he slept as long as he got some sleep. Sitting at the kitchen table she could keep an eye on the room Dylan was in and be comfortable at the same time.


Entering Mom and Pop's Trey glances around. It wasn't busy like Pete had said so it should be a nice night. Walking over to the counter and leaning over it a little bit to Dani he gives a smile.

"Hey do you think you could find a way to play some music. We have a part coming in and a little music would make it fun."

Stopping to think about what he said Trey shakes her head for a second resaying what he wanted.

"Well...its a three person party so nothing major."

Worried

Jason reads Katie's message. Was he okay? How could he even answer that? No, he wasn't okay. But it wasn't a "not okay" that he was used to. It was different. He was less okay with his emotional state, or lack thereof, than what he felt about his stepfather possibly being dead.

He stops for a moment, thinking about Wes. He'd tried so hard. He'd tried to be as much a father he could, even when Jason hadn't warmed up to him. But Jason had always seen how Wes had treated his mother - it was more than any other man had done. And now Jason had a little sister, too. No, he had no malice against Wes at all. There was definite... sorrow. Was that what this was? Sorrow? That faint feeling back in the nooks and crannies that could barely be felt? Since he didn't feel happy, did that mean he was sad?

Jason shakes his head. He was just going around in circles now.

Hitting the reply button, he pauses yet again. What did Katie think? Did she feel anything either? Although technically she was no relation to Wes at all, other than him being her aunt's brother-in-law, Jason knew Katie still considered him her uncle - all of the Henson's were like her aunts and uncles and they all considered her their niece too. Wes was no exception. Was Katie bothered by this news? Jason simply didn't know. There was no blip in his emotions. There was no hiccup in the flow to tell him something was wrong. There was no flow at all.

He sighs.

Yeah I think I'm ok.
Worried about Mom.
U?


Mick thinks for a moment, wiping his nose again. Exhaustion wasn't even close to how he felt. Would Dylan be okay for a little while? He did trust Stacy.

Finally, he nods. "Okay. I guess I could use a little sleep. Let me go clean up then get him cleaned up too and I'll let you take over."

It takes him a bit longer than anticipated to get his nose to stop bleeding, but once it does, he heads back to the bedroom. By now, Dylan appeared to be back down in a low state of fever mixed with depression mixed with exhaustion. It was just as well - Mick figured it would be a while until he exploded again, if he did at all.

Managing to get a clean shirt on Dylan and pulling the blankets over him again, Mick exits once more into the hall. "He seems to be quieted down again." He rubs a hand over his face, feeling as though he could collapse right there. "His fever has been going up and down and he gets chilled pretty bad, but I think his outburst has passed." He shakes his head. "All night it's been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. One minute he's determined to beat this, the next he's depressed and would rather die, and the next he's desperate just for more drugs and doesn't care how he gets them."

Stacy didn't need all of that information. But maybe Mick just needed to vent a little. He manages a small smile. "Thanks for your help. I'll be in the master bedroom if you need me. I'll try not to sleep too long."


In bed, Dylan shivers uncontrollably. He was hot. He was cold. He was nauseous. He was thirsty. He was angry. He was subdued. He craved the drugs. He was determined to get through this. It didn't matter what he felt one second - the next he felt the opposite. Had he just been outside? He wasn't even sure. Where was he? He wasn't sure of that either.

Burrowing farther under the blankets, he tries to shut everything out. It didn't work though. When he closed his eyes, all that was waiting were more nightmares.

Lack of

Continuing to help Mick bring Dylan back to the bunk Stacy could feel her own heart break. It was always hard having a case with a child involved now it just seemed even worse being so close to who it was. She felt so bad for Mick and new he was doing what he could.

Taking a quick scan of the area there were people wondering what was going on but who she was looking was not there. Stacy breath a sigh of releaf knowing Ashlee had not see any of this. It was not something she would want not to mention it might have scared her. Dylan was her friend too and she just didn't know how she would react.

"Easy does it Dylan, no one is trying to hurt you."

Stacy's voice was softer than her normal gruff demeanor proving that maybe she'd delt with this before. Looking to Mick she gives a nod showing she was ready to continue to the house.

Getting inside proves to be a challenge but once it is finished and Dylan was in the room with Mick Stacy stayed out in the hall and leaned against the wall till Mick emerged. Letting his catch his own breath Stacy studied his face for a long moment. She could see how tired Mick was and in this state he would be no use to anyone.

"Yeah I can watch him. You clean up, and...why don't you get some sleep too. I can see on you face how little you have actually gotten. Your not gonna be any use to anyone unless your rested. I can't watch him its not a problem. Thats what I am here for anyways."

Stacy gives a smile to Mick proving she really didn't mind at all. If she could help by watching Dylan for a little bit than she wanted to be able to do that. Right now she didn't have anything else going on anyways.

Sitting at her desk Katie's mind wonders to anything but her work. She wondered what Jason was doing, and felt the emptiness of not knowing was almost tourer. Hearing the beep of her phone Katie reads the message slowly. Wes was MIA? Her Uncle was...lost.

Something welled inside Katie's chest was it sadness? It felt so bleak though so...unimportant. this was her Uncle, Jason's step father shouldn't she be crying or at least feel worse than she did? The lack of emotion confused her and she didn't like it.

Hitting the reply button Katie wasn't sure what to say and only one thing came to mind.

"Are...you ok?"

Thankful

Finally succeeding in ripping free of Mick's grasp, Dylan resumes his course to Angel's office, but he only makes it several steps before he's caught again. As his arm is cranked behind his back, he howls in protest. Locked in Stacy's grip, he tries to break free, but all it does is serve to cause more pain in his arm. "No! Let me go!" he shouts.

Though he fought with all he had, by now, his energy was almost spent. His thrashing slows, his breathing growing more rapid and shallow. Tears stream down his face as he fights against Stacy and against the invisible force that felt as though it were ripping him up inside.

Mick slowly picks himself up off the ground, thankful that Stacy had been nearby. Wiping his bloody nose on his sleeve, he opts to ignore that for now, along with the pain in his shoulder. Trudging forward, he doesn't waste time talking to Stacy yet - they needed to get Dylan back to the house.

By now, Dylan's tugging and pulling had lessened immensely, although his anger had not. "I hate you!" he screams, not caring if he was talking to his father, Stacy, or both.

Mick feels as though he's been stabbed through the heart... again... but doesn't react. "Come on, Dylan," he prompts quietly. "Let's go."

Taking the other side, he nods to Stacy, letting her keep Dylan in her grip and using her help to aim him back to the house and half drag him up the porch. Once inside the house, Mick is glad for Stacy's assistance in getting his son down the hallway and back into the spare room. Forcing Dylan onto the bed, Mick pins him down, looking him square in the eye. "You will stay here," he commands firmly.

"No!" Dylan struggles but his efforts are week. "Get off of me!"

"I will... but only if you settle down."

Dylan glares at him, still out of breath as sweat drenches his shirt. "Why do you hate me?" Though angry, his voice cracks in almost a whimper.

"I don't hate you." Mick keeps his voice steady and calm. "I love you very very much. That's why I'm doing this."

Finally, finally, Dylan begins to relax.

"Can I let you go now?" Mick asks.

Dylan nods numbly.

Taking the risk, Mick loosens his grip and straightens, backing away from the bed. Stepping out into the hall, he shuts the door for a moment, leaning back against it and closing his eyes for several seconds to regroup. Eventually looking to Stacy, he nods. "Thank you. He went crazy and when I tried to stop him, it was like I was trying to hold back the Hulk."

He wipes his nose again, finding it was still bleeding, and he rolls his eyes. "I better take care of this. Would you mind just making sure he doesn't leave the room for a minute while I clean myself up?"


Jason hangs up the phone in his living room, a strange feeling settling over him. It was... numb. He should be more upset. Maybe he was. Is this what it felt like? He couldn't tell. It bothered him that it didn't feel worse. Why wasn't he upset? Why didn't he...feel?

Swallowing hard, he picks up his cell phone this time and flips it open to text Katie a message.

Mom just called. Bad news.
Wes is MIA. No details yet.
Pray for her.

Stop

Trey gives a small smirk at Ariel's comment about socializing. He was pretty horrible at it, but in time that would become easier too...right? Putting his hands into his pockets he gives a little sheepish grin before looking to Pete.

"Maybe if he's not to busy we can get special treatment too."

Giving a wink Trey turns to head out but stops heading Ariel wanted to ride alone. Cocking his head a little bit he wondered if it was anything. Giving a small smile he nods, he wouldn't make a big deal out of it. She was meeting them there that was good enough.

"Sounds good to me....That just gives Pete and I some time to see what kinda trouble we can stir up."

Turning again to head out once more another crack formed on the wall around his heart..forgiveness. Tonight was turning out pretty good all in all. Better than Trey had expected.

Not to far away Stacy was making one of her mid afternoon rounds. Even though she was sticking around for Dylan she had to still take care of her normal stuff too. Hearing the commotion over in the yard though Stacy stops for a second and listens. Heading that was she walks quickly to see what was going on.

Just getting to the yard Stacy see Dylan break free of Mick's hold and her walks becomes a sprint. Getting to Dylan Stacy grabs him by arm and pulls it around to his back but not hard enough to hurt him only to keep him from running. Taking his other hard in her hand Stacy hold it firmly. It was hard with Dylan's power of adrenalin behind him but she tried to stand from taking a few steps back here and there.

"Dylan you need to calm down. This will be a lot easier on you if you do."

Still trying to hold Dylan Stacy looks over to Mick. She hopped he was ok. Normaly she would of checked on that first but her first instincet here was to get Dylan before he hurt himself. Now it was just trying to get Dylan back to the house before many people saw him that she was worried about. He didn't need that much attachen on him.

Help

"I hope this is the last time, too." Eric really meant it. Dylan wasn't his child and he wasn't very close to him either. But it pained him to see him hurt himself, and to see Mick and Jade go through all of this too. He hoped that Dylan, when better, would realize how much everyone here gave of themselves for him.

Returning to brush Static, Eric smiles at Ashlee's idea of a card. He didn't know if Dylan would truly appreciate such a gesture or not. But what mattered was Ashlee's big heart. "I think... that's a great idea."

Finishing up Static with Ashlee's help, Eric eventually puts him away then gives Ashlee another task to do before supper. No matter what was going on with Dylan, the rest of the ranch had to keep going...


The night was long. By evening, Dylan's symptoms had worsened, leaving him with a high fever and half the night in the bathroom. Mick does all he can, sticking close and making sure he got up when he needed to or back down in bed. Changing sheets twice from Dylan's sweat alone, he tries to get his son to drink plenty of water but it wasn't easy. By midnight, Mick tells Stacy she doesn't have to stay and she could come stick close in the morning if she wanted.

Dylan wanted to eat or drink nothing and didn't want anyone to touch him. But he was too weak to fend off Mick, forcing him to give in. Vivid nightmares plagued his mind through the night, awaking him with screams and cries for help just to end the torture. He begged Mick for relief... begged him for just one more dose, even though it was an impossible request. Finally by mid morning the next day, he seemed to be resting a little more peacefully, giving Mick a short reprieve...


Mick leans on the kitchen counter and takes a deep breath. He just needed to get Dylan through this. After a few days, the worst would be over and they could work towards change. But right now, he just needed to find the strength to help his son through this critical point. He'd had no sleep last night, and his tired eyes proved it. He knew Rosetta probably hadn't slept much either, but he'd insisted she at least stay in bed and try to sleep unless he needed her help. So far, he'd been able to handle everything on his own, though it was difficult at times.

Now it seemed Dylan was resting at least, giving Mick a short break to get some coffee. He assumed the rest of the ranch was moving forward - he hadn't been outside since yesterday. He'd seen Rosetta briefly earlier and knew she'd gone to the office to do some filing. And Stacy? She was probably nearby somewhere. Everyone else? He hadn't a clue. But he also knew it was okay - he needed to be here and he trusted that everyone else understood that.

Pouring himself some coffee, he sighs deeply, letting the warm liquid slide down his throat. This should keep him awake for a bit longer.


In the spare bedroom, Dylan pries open his eyes and squints at the half-open door. His body trembled and his stomach was in knots. His head was going to split open, he was sure. And the determination from the morning before... was all but gone. Right now, only one thing mattered, and no one was giving it to him. He needed to get some. Somehow. Or anything. Maybe he could find something in Angel's office that would at least get him close to where he wanted to be. She had powerful stuff, right? He'd seen all sorts of meds in there before.

It was his desperate craving and fever that drove him. Rational thoughts didn't exist. No matter the stupidity of his notion, in his state, it was the only thing that mattered or made sense.

Almost falling out of bed, he gropes for his jeans. The room spun and he manages to pull himself up and aim for the door. Later, he wouldn't even remember leaving the room. But right now, he had one destination and he dragged himself forward.


Hearing the front door open and close, Mick whirls around just in time to see Dylan leaving the house. "Dylan!" Mick hadn't even heard him get up. What on earth was he doing? Mick had thought he'd been asleep, and now felt stupid for being caught off guard. "Dylan!" He sprints for the door and heads outside.

Dylan staggers in the direction of Angel's office. He wanted anything. He needed it. Something to take away the pain. Something to give him that blissful feeling that everything in the world was just fine. He could find it. He didn't care what it was. He didn't care if it was a lethal combination of over-the-counter drugs. Just once. He had to have it.

"Dylan, stop!" Mick knew his son was desperate and probably didn't even know what he was doing, but this was no time to give in. Getting around in front of Dylan, he puts his hands on his shoulders to stop him. "Get back to the house," he orders gently but firmly.

"No!" Dylan shrugs off his hands and continues forward. His pulse was racing, his breathing shallow. Feverish and driven half-mad, he wasn't thinking clearly at all. Nothing here would give him the relief he was hunting for, but it didn't matter. He would try anyway.

Mick stops him again with a firmer grip. "Yes! Turn around and go back to the house. Come on. I'll go with you."

"You can't make me!" Dylan glares at him and tries to shoulder past, but Mick stood his ground. Instantly riled, Dylan takes a swing at him but misses and before he realizes it, he's put in a bear hug from behind, locking both his arms. Now caught and restrained, his lethargic state is overpowered by a sudden surge of adrenaline. "Let me go!" he screams. Thrashing wildly, he stumbles forward with Mick but isn't able to break loose.

"I won't let you go," Mick retorts. "You're coming back to the house. Now."

"No!" Dylan tries ripping himself loose and when that doesn't work, he throws his head back, smacking Mick squarely in the face.

Pain surges through Mick's nose and he can feel blood start to trickle down. Sheer willpower keeps his hands together with arms locked around his son. "Cut it out!" he barks. "Calm down!"

"Let me go! Just let me go!" Seeing he was aimed toward the house again only serves to double Dylan's efforts of trying to break free.

Mick's muscles ached and he was gasping for breath. Though Dylan was stronger, his adrenaline-induced power was enormous and Mick didn't know how much longer he could hold him. "Just... stop.... stop fighting...." His hat is knocked off and he tries to keep his balance as his son whips back and forth.

"I won't stay!" Dylan screams. A mix of sweat and tears runs down his face, his muscles straining to break free. "You can't stop me!" He lunges forward with all his might. But breaking free isn't what happens. Instead, as he heads for the ground, he takes Mick right along with him.

Hitting the ground hard, shoulder-first, Mick winces but refuses to unlock his arms from around his son. He gasps for breath as the wind is knocked out of him and fights blindly against Dylan's thrashing body. On his back with Dylan on top of him, he's helpless to do anything but keep him in his grasp, taking elbows to the ribs and kicks to his legs. His grip loosens. "I need a little help here!" he calls out. He had no idea who was even within earshot, but surely someone had heard Dylan screaming and would be close by. He knew Dylan couldn't go anywhere, let alone far in his shape. He was only afraid of him hurting himself, or others, when he was like this. "I can't hold him!" Mick calls louder and with a little more desperation.


Pete grins and nods. "Yeah... these indoor parties never did much for me." He looks around the room too. "At least at the beach I can go for a walk or sit by a bonfire. And it's cheaper."

Ariel rolls her eyes. "You two don't know the meaning of socializing. But if you're both going to go to Mom and Pop's, I'll go with. I think tonight's the weeknight they're open late."

"Mm-hmm." Pete nods again. "Carson shouldn't mind too much"

Ariel gives Trey a sidelong glance before looking back to Pete. "I'll um... I'll meet you guys there, okay?"

Pete got the hint that she'd rather drive alone. "Sure thing. Come on, Trey, let's go see what we can stir up."

Card

Walking over to Ariel to Pete Trey just lets them go at it for a few moments. It was funny because they almost frighted like brother and sister. It really was rather funny. Still feeling slightly out of place Trey does his best to suck it up. Maybe things would be a little awkward for a short time, but maybe things could go back to the way they were too. He had to at least try.

"Is it just me or do the beach party's seem more exciting? This just seems kind of....meh."

Trey takes a sip of his soda as she eyes scan the area. Not many people were here he new. Some he'd seen at the beach party but not really anyone he talked with. Could be because it was inside too that it just seemed rather cramped.

"You guys wanna start our own part and head over to Mom and Pop's. I over heard someone at TJY say they had some good pizza. Maybe we will see more people we know there."

Ashlee felt sad inside for Dylan hearing that it was going to be so hard for him it hurt to know he was going to be hurting so much. She never understood why someone would put there body through that. But than again she had never been in those situations either.

"I...I hope this will be the last time Dylan goes through this. It's not fun watching one of your friends do this to themselves and feel helpless."

Thinking for a long moment as she went back to brushing Static slowly she gives a small sigh. After it was said and done she would still be Dylan's friend. If he was going to need her how could she turn her back on him. Even if he didn't ask for it, she wouldn't leave him high and dry, she would be there with open arms.

"I think, I am going to make him a card tonight so when he's a little better I can give it to him."

Surprised

Ariel chuckles and nods. "Yeah, lets." Finishing off her fruit punch, she slides off the stool and turns to go, but then looks back over her shoulder. Retrieving the flowers, she looks up at Trey with a little grin. Now she was ready.

Walking with him across the floor, she finally spots Pete standing near a table, chatting with some other people, a soda pop in his hand. Approaching casually, Ariel gives him a rather peeved look.

Pete excuses himself quickly from the table and looks back and forth between Trey and Ariel before landing on Ariel. "What? What did I do to you?"

"Oh, you know. Just watch out for the payback."

Pete tries not to smile, but it doesn't work very well. "You're looking nice tonight."

"Thanks. So are you."

Pete glances to Trey and gives him a wry grin. "Mingling, are we?"


Ashlee's words bring Eric's brushing to a sudden halt, and his eyebrows rise slightly. He shouldn't have been surprised. She was a bright girl who observed a lot. But it wasn't exactly something he'd hoped she'd notice.

Her question brings a serious but soft expression to his face. He might as well level with her, if she'd figured out that much. Tipping his hat back a little, he leans on Static's back and studies Ashlee for a moment or two. "I hope so," he finally answers. "It's not gonna be easy for him though. Something like that..." He shakes his head. "It's easy to get into and hard to get back out again. Thankfully, he's trying to get out. But he's gonna be pretty sick for a few days."

Focusing on the brush for a moment, he finally looks back at Ashlee. "The best we can do is let his dad help him through this. Then when it's over, Dylan's gonna need to know that he's still got friends who care about him. Right now it's his body that's retaliating. When that's over, it's going to be his mind, and that can be worse. But... as long as he knows we're still here for him even after all of this... I think he'll be okay."