Fear

Standing and walking with Tal Ryan can feel her heart beating so fast in her chest. She had a bad feeling and wondered if this would be her and Tal's last meeting she hopped not but it was a feeling non the less and as Tal stop and pulls her in front of him Ryan can feel the little hope she had become slowly less. 

   "From the moment you started dating me Tal you new it would be risky, thats not an excuse but its the truth. I'm sorry I hurt you Tal honest to everything I hold close to me I am sorry and maybe its a little more risky...and I can't tell you how to feel..."

Letting out a long shaky sigh Ryan wondered if maybe this is what she deserved. After all she shouldn't have started having feelings for Alec again, even if now she wanted to pick Tal. She was very sorry though and she didn't want to lose Tal.

   "If you need time to think Tal I will give you that but I don't want to lose you. I love you!"

It had been the first time she had ever said that to him, but she meant it with all her heart. And she wanted to make sure Tal new it as well. She didn't want to lose him, not how!

Riskier

Misty's comforting touch and soft words chip away at the walls Alec's heart was trying so hard to rebuild. Remaining quiet for several moments, he battles within himself - speak and risk an overflowing of emotions, or close up and let the hard shell return. 

Finally opening his eyes just a little, he shifts his gaze to the side at Misty. Still silent, he sits up just to shift his weight and lean his head on her shoulder. Closing his eyes again, he sighs deeply. "I was stupid... that's what happened." His voice was quiet... defeated. "Somehow, I guess I fooled myself into thinking I could get back what I most wanted." 

He pauses to swallow hard, fighting his rampant emotions. "I was surprised Ryan said she forgave me." He hadn't told Misty of all the encounters he'd had with Ryan lately. "I knew I didn't deserve it. I was even more surprised at her smile. That same smile I used to see. All of a sudden, there was this little bit of hope... that even if it didn't make sense, I might be able to get back at least part of what I'd ruined." 

Once more, he opens his eyes, just to stare into the dimly lit living room, leaving his head on Misty's shoulder. "Eli warned me to back off. He said I was upsetting Ryan. But... I didn't want to be bullied. I wanted to find out for myself what Ryan wanted. So... today, I... well, I went to see her at the shop." He stops again, trying to remember if there was something he'd missed... something he'd misread in Ryan. "She didn't seem to know about Eli and said she was fighting between loving me and hating me. I figured it was a lost cause, but I... I kissed her anyway. Didn't expect her to return it but... she did. Then she said she looked forward to seeing me again." 

Another sigh surfaces. "Figured that was a good sign. For the first time, I could almost see where just maybe I could get her back. I hadn't been home long, and she called me. Said she meant what she'd told me, but now she wanted me to back off... give her time with Tal before she could be friends with me. Said she couldn't yet let go of the things I'd done." 

Alec felt like a total idiot. Somewhere along the way, not only had he had a lapse in judgment, but he had to have totally misread something. His voice was still quiet as he finishes explaining. "I said okay and that was that. She wasn't mean or anything... I could tell she was upset, but... it was like all that stuff before just didn't mean a thing. Felt like it was all something my mind had made up so I could believe she still had feelings for me." He shrugs lamely. "I guess it just took the wind out of my sails... again. I'd been better off never speaking to her again."

As Ryan starts out with an apology, Tal tilts his head. The news of Alec having been seeing her brought on an expression of surprise. She'd... had encounters with Alec? And hadn't said anything? He tries to keep any reactions at bay, giving her a chance to continue. 

Hearing that Alec had kissed her though makes Tal's blood start to boil. Alec. The man who had almost killed him. The man who had torn Ryan's heart to bits. The man who was a liar and a cheater. He'd gone to Ryan and kissed her. And...she had obviously allowed it. 

Was the displeasure obvious on Tal's face? He didn't know. As Ryan takes his hand, his fingers automatically curl around hers, and he finds his gaze lowering to focus on their hands together. What was she really saying here? There wasn't much explanation really, and he could make up all sorts of assumptions if he wanted to, but she'd never actually said that she'd liked Alec's attention. As she finishes with asking him for forgiveness though, it was quite plain what had really been happening. She really had been battling feelings for Alec, hadn't she? 

Silence. 

Tal's eyes remain focused on their hands. And in that moment, he wasn't quite sure if he would ever understand how Ryan could have even had trouble with something like this. Sure, Alec was an ex-boyfriend. But what about all he'd done to her? What about all he'd done to him? Did it mean nothing that Alec had almost killed him? She could just... let him come around... let him kiss her... and think it was okay? Even though she'd assured Tal that she had asked Alec to back off, the whole thing just wasn't setting right with him. He wished he would have known about Alec seeing her a lot sooner, and he didn't understand why Ryan hadn't told him.

Keeping Ryan's hand in his, Tal stands, pulling her up with him. "Let's walk," he suggests quietly. He needed to move around so he could think. Locking his fingers with hers, he slowly heads closer to the water before turning and aiming down the starlit beach. "Thanks for telling me," he finally speaks again. "I'd been kinda worried that I'd done something wrong. I wasn't sure what was going on." 

What more could he say now? He was a little confused... a little hurt... a little frustrated... but he did still love Ryan for sure. She'd told him the truth... she'd said she was sorry... but was it all really that easy? 

"I'm not really sure what to say," he admits as they walk. "I guess part of me finds it hard to believe you'd let Alec that close to you at all, let alone let him... kiss you. Let alone... fight feelings for him." His hand swings Ryan's a little, not even realizing it was an obvious sign that he was feeling tense and somewhat awkward. "Someone like that..." He scoffs and shakes his head. "Well, maybe it's me that's having trouble with forgiveness. But I guess that's what happens when you get beaten within an inch of your life." Was that bitterness he heard in his own tone? Maybe. But how could Ryan have even had any trouble at all with this? Tal just didn't understand. 

Stopping, he brings Ryan around in front of him so he could see her face in the moonlight. Reaching up his free hand, he cradles her cheek with warm gentleness. "I love you, Ryan. I didn't plan on falling for you, but I did, and now every time I'm near to you, my heart just about leaps right out of my chest." 

His eyes search hers in the darkness, trying not to be upset, but trying to figure it all out. "But I guess it sorta hurts, knowing you had to fight off feelings for the guy that put me in the hospital. I know you loved him, and I get that... but I guess I don't really understand. I know I'm not perfect. I know I don't have anything extraordinary to offer a girl. And goodness knows I've had girlfriends who've dumped me for somebody better. But Alec?"

He sighs as his palm slips from her face, his other hand remaining locked with hers. "I know you said you told him you're with me now... but all of a sudden I feel like leaving my heart with you is a whole lot riskier than I thought, and... I'm not sure what to do with that."

Truth Is

Seeing the look on Alec's face Misty couldn't help but notice that there was something wrong. She'd gotten to be able to read him pretty good. It was just part of living with someone for a while. It alwasy made her worry to when she saw him sad. It could be for many reason but the most important was because she cared about what happened to Alec.

Coming around to the side of the couch Misty sits down on the edge before laying her hand on his arm again and give it a little rub. He's been doing so good the last few weeks and seemed like he was starting to listen up again, now it was like he's slipped back into the depression once more.

   "Do you want to talk about what happened?"

Misty could guess that it had something to do with Ryan but she wasn't going to just butt into Alec's business if he didn't want her too. There was space, and bounds and she respected that. At least she would give Alec the option to talk if he wanted too.

Dinner had been nice and now sitting her with Tal at the lake in the sand was just as nice too. Staying quiet for a few long moments Ryan new what she wanted to talk to Tal about she just wasn't sure how or what he would think about it. Looking to Tal Ryan lets out a small sigh before looking out across the water again.

   "First I want to start by saying I am sorry if I have seemed a little distant. I've been...wrestling with myself.  The last few weeks Alec has been showing up at work, when I am at the store and other places. In doing so some feelings rose up inside of me, confused me, and blinded me."

Straightening her legs out Ryan leans back on her arms letting out a small sigh. She had to be honest with Tal and not lie. She didn't want to be like that and hide the truth from him. Honesty was important if they were going to make it through this and move forward.

   "Than today Alec came to work and told me he was sorry for upsetting me, and he would leave me alone. Before he left he...kissed me. I had no idea how I was feeling but I talked with another friend and when I was done it had all become clear to me."

Sitting up once more and turning a little to face Tal Ryan takes his hand in her own and holds it. Her eyes looking into his piercing through the dark and searching his own as her heart races. Never had she been so scared of losing someone in her life or being rejected. Tal was...different, she'd found something in him that she longed for. 

   "My path and choose Tal is you. I love you with all my heart, and I want to continue our journey together. I called Alec earlier today and I told him he needs to back off because My life is with you now. There is not a single thing about you I don't love, and you have done everything to keep me happy and safe. So if you can find it in your heart to forgive me for letting my feelings wonder...than I want to continue what we have built together."

Making his way across the yard and into the mess hall Chad new that was where Rosalyn would be seeing as he walked over with her the night before. A little lights were on in the barn showing some people were awake but not many. The lack of light in the dinning hall showed that no one had been there for coffee yet.

Slipping inside and looking in the kitchen seeing no one Chad quickly sets up the coffee pot and starts it for whoever might come in and for himself as well. Once done with that he wonders into the a joined room where Rosalyn was still sleeping. Just watching her for a long moment he can't help the smile that crossed his lips. She looked so peaceful.

Moving around the couch and sitting down on the edge Chad brushes a hair from Rosalyn's cheek and behind her ear. She looked as pretty sleeping as she did awake. Leaning down Chad places a soft kiss on her cheek before retreating just a little bit a smile spread on his lips.

   "Rise and shine my sleeping beauty!"

Upset? Hurt? Sick?

Alec didn't move when Misty touched his shoulder. He'd heard her come in, but simply hadn't responded. Her question though, pries open one of his eyes and he looks up at her, his gaze a dull one before he shakes his head slowly and closes his eye again. Bringing his knees in to curl up a little tighter, he wishes the world would just go away. Sleeping had only made him feel worse. 

"I'm not very hungry," he finally answers quietly. "Maybe later..." 

Tal's fingers curl around Ryan's and he quirks an eyebrow, but nods. "Okay... something quick and easy then." He'd expected her to say she wanted to go have a nice sit-down meal, but he wouldn't knock the opportunity to go to the lake sooner. Even though winters weren't all that cold here, the evenings were getting chillier and after dark it was downright cold. Today was a warm one though, and he was more than happy to take advantage of it with Ryan. 

It really didn't take all that long to grab a bite to eat and then head to the lake. Tal had filled silent moments with talk of work or Eli or the dogs, all the while wondering when on earth Ryan was going to tell him whatever it was she'd mentioned on the phone. She seemed okay... she didn't act like something bad was coming... even so, in the back of Tal's mind, he remained leery... 

...Sitting in the sand next to Ryan, Tal looks out over the lake. His knees were up and his bare toes buried in the sand with his shoes and socks nearby. A warm breeze blew and the water lapped softly in front of them. It was such a peaceful evening, and hardly anybody else was here, making it even more perfect. 

Leaning his elbows on his knees, Tal glances to the side, studying Ryan. He was tempted to ask her if everything had been okay lately - as he had with Eli - but something told him that whatever he'd sensed lately might have something to do with her wanting to talk to him. If she didn't bring it up soon, he would.

Few days

Giving a  smile Ryan stands hearing Tal's car outside. Walking past Eli she lays a hand on his shoulder giving him a small pat. She new he was happy she'd picked Tal even if he didn't say anything it was just one of those things she could see in his eyes.

   "Don't want up to long Big Brother, you have to be rested for that woman of yours coming home tomorrow."

Heading out of the house and to the car Ryan smile at Tal as he opens the door and gets in. He always looked good to her no matter how much he dressed up, or how much he dressed down and he always smelled good too.

Reaching over and taking his hand in her own Ryan looks to him giving another smile before answering his question. The little pitter patter in her heart when she looked at him reminded her why she loved him so much. Because with a simple touch she could feel herself melt.

   "I was thinking maybe we could grab something simple and just head to the beach to hang out for a little bit. Only a few nice days left and we might as well enjoy them while we can."

Coming home Misty found the house to be a little oddly quiet. The lights were on so Alec was here but not to hear him moving around at least. Looking in the kitchen and seeing nothing Misty goes to the living room. Making out his form on the couch and just looks down at him for a second before laying a hand on his shoulder.

   "Alec...are you awake? I brought home some dinner if your hungry!"

She didn't know if he was sleeping or not but his face looked really red. Was he upset? Did something happen to him? Misty couldn't help but be a little worried.

Pointless

Hearing Ryan's decision, Eli lifts his eyebrows slightly. He was glad though. As far as he was concerned, Ryan had already been way too nice to Alec in the first place. He did wonder why she felt like she'd needed to talk to him though. Had something else happened, even after he'd warned Alec? He wouldn't ask. As long as he wasn't bothering her anymore and she was happy, Eli would keep his nose out of it.

Smiling, he nods. "Good. It's-" He stops his sentence short as he hears a honking horn outside. "I think that's your ride. His leg was pretty sore today so I imagine he doesn't want to come in." Giving his sister a wink, he waves. "Have fun."

Waiting outside in the car, Tal couldn't help it that he felt just a little nervous. Even though Eli had shrugged it off earlier, Tal dreaded a "talk." With the way Ryan had been lately, he couldn't help but wonder in the back of his mind if this was the beginning of the end. He'd been dumped enough times now that he knew the signs. But if that was the case with Ryan, what had he done wrong?

Seeing Ryan emerge from the apartment, he smiles, getting out of his car to open the passenger door for her. "Hey there." She looked extra nice tonight and his eyes didn't miss it. She was always beautiful to him, but tonight especially, she seemed to have put a little extra work into it. That was a good sign, right?

Getting back in behind the wheel, he gives her a sidelong glance before pulling out of the lot. "You certainly look great tonight," he compliments. He was in casual nice clothes, but nothing special. "Definitely outshine me." He gives her a teasing grin. "So where are we going anyway? You sounded like you had something particular in mind when you called earlier." What he really wanted to ask right now was what on earth she wanted to talk about, but he'd be still and let her do things the way she wanted.


Curled up on the couch, Alec drifts in an out of a weird kind of nap. He'd worked a little bit outside this afternoon, but his mind had not been with it. He'd finally given up and come inside, turning on the television. Boring shows had made him sleepy until he'd dozed on and off. But what was worse was the pain he felt inside all over again. It was pointless. Everything. No matter how hard he tried, he would gain back nothing. He would have been better off just slumming until he'd either been killed or drank himself to death. Either way, it would have been a quicker end than this. 

Closing his eyes, his ears pay little attention to the droning television. Misty would be home any minute and he was not going to be good company for supper. Maybe Jason would come too though and Alec could avoid much interaction. Maybe he should just go out for the evening all together. Not that he had any money to go anywhere. He needed a job before he could have any money, and that route was just as dismal as anything else. 

Swallowing the lump in his throat, he presses his head further into the pillow, wishing he could just wake up and find it was all a bad dream. A tear escapes and he ignores it. Maybe Misty wouldn't notice how upset he was and he could pretend he was fine and not have to tell her what had happened. Fat chance, but it was a thought. Maybe he'd just sleep and nobody would bother him at all. Or maybe he'd just never wake up. At this point...he wouldn't mind.

Desition

Hearing the tone in Alec's voice Ryan could feel the emotion and it made her own term oil rage on. Had she been leading him on earlier today? She didn't think so because what she said was true, but she had to push it aside. It was not fair to either of the men, and it was not fair to herself either. 

Taking a deep breath and flicking the tears from her cheeks Ryan lets out a long breath before turning around and heading back inside. This time she wouldn't really talk to but just go back to her car and work on it. She needed to finish in time to go home, get cleaned up and than head out with Tal.

...The rest of the day seemed to go slow but Ryan did her best to get through it keeping her emotions in check. Finally finished and heading home Ryan moves through the house taking a shower, getting dressed into something comfortable and doing her hair. She looked just a little bit more dressed up than normal but today she didn't mind it to much.

Coming into the living room and sitting down on the couch she wasn't sure when Tal would be showing up but she would wait forever for him to come in she had too. She new he would sooner or later. 

Looking over at Eli Ryan gives a smile wondering if Tal had let him know they were going out or not. She guessed he would have but she really didn't know one hundred percent. Shifting a little she figured she might as well tell him too.

   "Tal tell you we were going out? I...today I deiced I am going to pick Tal. I had a little sense talked into me and I asked Alec to back up because I really want to see where this thing with me and Tal goes."

Too Much

Pocketing his phone again, Tal's smile fades just a little. Closing his locker, he puts his baseball cap on and slings his jacket over his shoulder, limping on this way out of the shop. 

"Hey - you still coming over tonight?" 

Tal stops and turns to look at Eli, who still had to work a couple hours yet. "Hmm? Oh. Sorry, no. Ryan just called - we're gonna go out."

"Well you don't look very happy about it." 

Tal shrugs. "She wants to talk about something. I guess with the way she's been lately..."

Eli quirks an eyebrow. "Don't worry 'til you have to. Quit moping and go have a good time. I'll have me a nice steak...with the dog."

Tal manages a smile and he shakes his head. "I think I'm gonna be more glad when Scarlet gets home tomorrow than you, so I don't have to listen to you whining anymore." Heading on out to his car, he figured he could run a couple errands, go home and get cleaned up and still have time to meet Ryan at the restaurant for dinner.

Answering his phone, Alec was rather surprised to hear Ryan's voice. They'd parted on good terms today and she wanted to see him again, but he hadn't expected a call. Smiling, he leans back against the kitchen counter after having just put a few things away for Misty. "Hey..." 

The good feelings he'd had though, start to fade quickly with the word, "but." And as his heart starts to sink, his smile dissolves. What was she saying? He could hear the emotion in her voice and detected tears. But why was she saying she loved him and telling him to leave her be at the same time? He didn't understand. If she couldn't let go of what he'd done, why had she said she forgave him? Why had she smiled at him the way she had? Why had she said she still loved him? 

Confusion riddles Alec's mind and heart, and quite suddenly he realizes that Ryan had stopped speaking. "Okay." His voice was quiet...defeated. He did love Ryan. And if this was what she wanted... he didn't have much of a choice. Eli was on the warpath... Ryan herself didn't want to see him... there wasn't much left. And all hope that had risen earlier was all at once gone, leaving a dark, empty hole once more. 

Swallowing hard, he stares at the kitchen floor. He'd been foolish. To think he even had any kind of chance at all with Ryan had been so stupid. She said she wanted to be friends... but he had his doubts it was true. And even if it was, she didn't want it now anyway. 

Feeling the tears sting his eyes, he clears his throat. "I'm sorry... I asked too much of you. I won't bother you anymore." There was more he wanted to say. More about his feelings. More about his love. But this time... he knew it was pointless. "Take care of yourself, Ryan." 

Taking the phone from his ear, he flips it shut, not wanting to prolong the conversation. He'd pushed, and this was the result. It was his own fault. But it still hurt. 

Talk

Looking down again and running a hand over the side of the car Ryan just continues to think about Leo's words. He was right, she did need to make a desition and she needed to do it soon. In this whole thing someone was going to get hurt and she new that, it was best to do it now before it got harder, and before she went mad herself.

   "Thanks Leo, for always being my friend through everything. I really do appreciate it and you."

Pushing off the car and taking her cell phone from her pocket Ryan plays with it for a few moments. Walking out of the shop and around the corner she calls Tal's phone. They were more than likely going to hang out tonight like always at her place but she wanted to talk to him alone tonight. 

   "Hey Babe, sorry to bother you at work but...I was wondering if you'd like to do dinner and a walk on the beach tonight. I...have something I need to talk to you about."

Happy that Tal had agreed to go out tonight with her Ryan really hadn't expected anything else. She loved spending time with her, and being there where they were no matter what. That was one thing she liked about Tal.

Closing her eyes for a second Ryan collects her thoughts before opening them again and dialing Alec's number this time. Waiting Ryan wasn't sure if he'd even answer or not. He might not even be home. Continuing to wait Ryan lets out a small sigh...on one hand she wanted him to answer, and on the other she didnt but she had to talk to him.

   "Hey Alec it's Ryan. Listen...I wanted to tell you what I said before when you here is the truth. I do still love you...but...I can't let go of what you did to me. Not yet, not this soon."

Sucking in a deep breath Ryan could feel a hot tear trickle down her cheek. It hurt, it hurt very much to say what she was saying but Leo had stuck something inside of her and to give up Tal right now...it would be something that very possibly she might regret later down the road. It was something...she wasn't ready to chance. She loved Alec, but Tal...there was something about him that went her mind was not clouded over powered that feeling.

   "I want to be friends Alec. I'd like us to build a friendship again, but right now...please...if you do still love me will you take a few steps back and let me work through this with Tal? I need to find out if this is my path now, and than our friendship can come after."

Okay?

Leaving his work be for now, Leo leans on the car as he continues to study Ryan. She really did seem upset about this whole thing - not to the point of it being obvious to everybody, but it showed in her eyes... in her tone. Leo hadn't dated her for all that long, but it had been enough for him to get to know her pretty well. And right now, he could see the inner battle she was facing. 

"Well... from past experience... if somebody's gonna get hurt... better to do it sooner than later when you're in even deeper." He purses his lips grimly. He knew she didn't want to hurt Tal. Whether anybody else saw it or not, Leo knew she had a soft spot in her heart underneath her toughness - it pained her to hurt anybody else, especially when she cared for them. 

"I gotta admit, I'm a little surprised you're stuck where you are. What I've heard about Alec isn't all that great." He shrugs. It was her life, but he had his own opinions. "But if you really are having a hard time saying no to him... maybe that's where your heart has been all along. Seems to me, you and he have something that goes deeper than a casual relationship if you can actually overlook the things he's done, and if he's still pursuing you. On the other hand, I thought you seemed pretty happy with Tal." 

Letting his gaze fall back to the car engine, he reaches for a wrench. It wasn't his call - it was hers, and he didn't have a right to go choosing sides. He did hope she made the right decision though. Tal was an honest, kind, godly man. Alec was... not. At least from what Leo knew. But Ryan wasn't stupid - she wouldn't go kissing a guy who was a dirtbag, and again... it was her own business.

"Just make sure when you decide, that later down the road you won't look back and regret which route you took. 'Cause then you got nothing." 

"Is Ryan okay?" 

Eli turns his attention from removing tape from the car that had been painted. Tal's question had caught him off guard, and he wasn't sure what was meant by it. "What do you mean?"

"I dunno." Tal shrugs lamely as he helps remove the tape. His eyes remain on his work and don't travel to Eli. "Just wondered if everything was okay lately, I guess."

"Why?"

It takes a moment for Tal to figure out his response. "She's just seemed a little... well, 'distant' doesn't feel like the right word, but something like that. I don't know. Just something feels... off."

Eli quirks an eyebrow. He knew that Ryan had not spoken about Alec to Tal, but was it that turmoil Tal had been sensing? "Eh... ya can't always read women. They like to keep us guessing."

Tal throws him a wry grin, but his eyes remain clouded. It wasn't that he was really worried, or all that concerned. There was just something different about Ryan lately that he couldn't put his finger on. She didn't seem upset... and she was still smiling and still seemed satisfied with their relationship - he was trying his hardest to please her. And yet... it was almost like storm clouds in the distance, despite a forecast of sunny skies. "Okay, well, just thought I'd ask. Guess it's nothing."

As Tal continues to work, Eli pauses, watching him for a moment. It wasn't nothing, and that was the problem. But maybe after his little conversation with Alec yesterday, Ryan wouldn't be stuck in the middle anymore.

Stopped from stepping away, then being pulled back in for another, deeper kiss, Rosalyn doesn't hesitate to return it. She loved how it felt to be in Chad's arms... she loved his warmth... she loved the way his kisses felt. She didn't know if it would feel the same with another man or not, but she didn't care to find out. 

As Chad draws back, she smiles up at him, enjoying the touch of his hand. "Mmm... you better let me go or else I might just drag you to the couch with me and use you as a pillow." Running her palms down his arms to meet with his own hands, she gives them a squeeze. "Come early and you'll have me to yourself for a little while before it fills up in here." 

Finally letting go, she turns and heads for the little living room off the dining room, before she really did drag Chad along with her... 

The couch was a comfortable one, but it still wasn't Rosalyn's bed, so sleep didn't come all that easily, even if she was exhausted. Eventually getting to sleep at a late hour though, her body did not want to rise when she'd planned. Sleeping through her cell phone's alarm, she missed rising and getting started with her day early like she'd wanted. Instead, she still lay sound asleep on the couch under a blanket, still in her clothes from the day before. 

Hurting!

Pulling away from Con a little bit Katie smiles up at him a little. She new this would not be the last time she saw him, and she new that Con was not going away anywhere but still knowing he wouldn't be here hurt. But he had to do what was best for him and she did know that.

   "Oh Con, I know I will still see you but...just take care of yourself too."

Reaching in Katie gives Con another hug that last several moments. He was her big brother, the big brother she'd always wanted. He meant the world to her and she would indeed miss him no matter what.

Looking at Leo and hearing his question Ryan looks down at the car he was working on. Silent for several long moments Ryan just thinks. She should of guessed if someone thought something was wrong it would of been Leo, he was her best friend after all.

   "I don't know if I am or not Leo. It seems no matter why I try I keep hurting people. I told you once before when I went back to Alec that I thought I had made the wrong choose. What if I am going to do that again? My heart tells me one thing, and than my mind and logic tells me something completely different."

Letting out a sigh and looking up at Leo Ryan's eyes roam his. She was confused still, and stuck between loving two people. It was a hard desition to make but she new sooner or later she would have too no matter how much it hurt. It was only right and Ryan new that.

Brushing a strand of hair behind Rosalyn's ear Chad smiles at her once more. She really did make him happy, and he liked having her around. Coming to the ranch to see her again no matter what happened had been his best desition he had made.

   "Good Night my sweet princess."

As Rosalyn comes close to him Chad puts an arm over her shoulder leaning in to her a little bit. As she backs away from the kiss Chad holds her firm with his arm just leaning into her again. Pressing his lips to hers once more he lets a few more of his own emotions forward before breaking away. Running a finger over her jaw bone and down her neck a little it.

You?

Surprised yet again by Katie, Con doesn't hesitate to wrap his arms around her in a big hug. Cocking his head to hear her, he sighs, giving her an extra squeeze. "You don't need me around for that... You do a pretty good job of looking out for yourself, you know." In truth, he was going to miss her terribly. Ever since Texas, she'd had a special little place in his heart, and that wasn't going to change.

Pulling away, he sees the tears in her eyes and it gets him all the way to his heart. Wiping her cheek gently with his thumb, he tries to give her a smile. "Hey... there's no need for any of that... It's not like I'm moving to Alaska. I'll still see you around."

Patting her shoulder, he nods. "Take care of yourself."

"Right..." Leo smirks as he lifts the rag to look at his knuckles before sucking on them to clean off some of the blood. "Yeah, I'm okay." He rolls his eyes and tosses the rag aside before wiping his hand on his jeans to just leave the scrape be. He'd had worse. 

Leaning on the car and looking down in the engine again, his eyes roam back to Ryan, catching her gaze. He'd answered her question, but... now he had one of his own. "Are you?"

Rosalyn knew she didn't need Chad's protection or his company - she knew this ranch like the back of her hand, and it would be very hard for anything here to be unsafe even at this late hour. But she would not deny him this. After all...she did want as much of his company as she could get right now.

Slipping her hand into his, she nods. "Okay."

It was a short walk to the dining hall, and Rosalyn enters, squinting in the dark. Everybody else had long since cleared out. The couch would be just fine for the night, and that way, she could at least avoid any chance of meeting up with her father tonight or even when she got up in the morning. 

Turning, she looks up at Chad in the dimness. "I guess this is where we part." Studying his face, she suddenly feels just a tinge of awkwardness return. She knew she was blushing again, and was just as glad that the lights weren't on. 

On impulse, she lifts herself on her tiptoes to give his lips a light, quick kiss. "Goodnight..."

Hurt Him

Letting out a sigh Katie really did feel bad for Con and she felt bad for snapping at him. It always had been hard for her to lose people and still now even with her emotion being different she hated it and it hurt on a whole new level.

   "Oh Con...I hate to see you go."

Coming around the cubicle wall Katie looks up at him and wraps her arms around his wast. Buring her head into his chest Katie could feel a few tears escape her eyes. She was more than likely getting Con's shirt wet and she new it but she couldn't help it either. He'd always been her big brother and looked out for her.

   "I'm going to miss you. Who is going to look for me here now? It's always been you Con."

Coming back inside after watching Alec drive away into the sunset, or what it seemed like anyways Ryan was just in time to see Leo get his knuckles. Cringing a little bit Ryan shakes her head before going over to him and leaning on the car he was working on.

   "Hurting yourself is not going to get this car done any faster you know. You ok?"

Ryan gives a smile to Leo before searching his face. There was something on it that she wasn't sure of but it looked like questions, misunderstand or reason. Maybe he's seen her leave for a few seconded with Alec and he wanted to know what was going on? She wasn't sure but for some reason it made her feel a little guilty. And another pang was added to her heart as she remembered a time when Leo and herself had been more than friends. No matter what she always seemed to come back to Alec and now...what about Tal. She really did care about him, and she loved him...now she would she hurt him too?

 Giving a smile to Rosalyn Chad moves himself off the bed before holding his hand out to Rosalyn to help her up as well. She might only be walking to the dinning hall but he felt the need to make sure she got there safly even if it was just across the yard.

   "Come on Hun, I'll walk you there. It would make me feel better knowing that you were safe."

Monster

Hearing his name, Alec stops and spins around to look back at Ryan. He knew he shouldn't have kissed her. He knew it had been foolish, he...

Her words catch him off guard, and for a moment, he doesn't even know how to respond. She...did want to see him again? She was actually looking forward to it? But... then what was Eli's threat all about? Why had he pounced, if Ryan wasn't bothered? Alec didn't have an answer. But what he did know was that his heart had just gained back a new sliver of hope.

A genuine smile creases his lips and he returns Ryan's wave. "Me too." Forcing himself to turn back around again, he returns to his bike to mount up and start the engine. As he pulls from the lot, he takes one last look before speeding up down the street.


Back inside the shop, Leo's eyes watch for Ryan to return, while he tries to concentrate on the engine he'd been working on. Inside, there was a strange churning though. Was he the only one that had seen Alec and Ryan kiss? He wasn't sure. But what he did remember was when Ryan had broken up with him because of Alec. And right about now, he wondered if the same thing was going to happen to Tal. What was it about Alec that made him so irresistible? Leo didn't know. But maybe only a woman would know. It didn't make sense though, that Ryan would get close to a man like that again - a man who had done such terrible things. Was she really that in love with him? Was it really that her heart had always belonged to him? It seemed the only explanation. Leo only hoped that no one would get hurt through this. He didn't know Tal well, but he'd been there before and knew it could really hurt. And Ryan was one of his closest friends, and he certainly didn't want to see her hurt by Alec again.

"Ack!" Leo cries out in pain as he scrapes his knuckles on part of the engine as he retrieved his hand. With his mind so far away, he'd been paying very little attention to what he was doing. Muttering under his breath, he grabs a relatively clean rag to press against his couple bleeding knuckles. 


Con recoils slightly, surprised by Katie's bluntness. He couldn't remember a time she'd talked to him like this and... it did sting. Looking down, he thinks for several moments before responding quietly. "Thanks for wanting me around, Kat. I appreciate that. But whether or not this is a first mess-up, it almost got Dalton killed. I can't live like that, never knowing if I'm gonna do that again. I can't go out on cases anymore - I can't trust myself. The only job left is here and... I thought I could do it. But I've gone stir crazy and Reese finally let me back out in the field, despite my hearing loss. And now look what happened." 

He shakes his head slowly, his eyes remaining dim. "I also shot a guy in the back and if I hadn't resigned, I might have lost my job anyway. That has yet to be decided by the board. But not only did I not hear what I was supposed to, I got angry and I acted on that anger. It's been a long time since that monster came out and I gotta stop it before I do something stupid." 

Change

   "Conrad Gibbs that is not true and you darn well know it. This is the FIRST time you have messed up and your taking all the blame for it when you know darn well its not. So knock off the poor me crap and get your head out of your butt. If Reese had thought this was your fault than he would of let you go himself."

Letting out a huff and looking  away for a second she could feel some hot tears form in her eyes. Even if Con and herself didn't talk as much as they use to just looking over her cubicle and seeing him sitting a little ways away was enough for her. To think of him leaving...it really did hurt specialy when he didn't have too.

   "If your going to leave Con I can respect that, and I will wish you the best but don't use a reason that is not true. The Elite is not better off without you and neither am I or your friends."

Feeling Alec's hand on the side of her face once again Ryan can see something different in him. Maybe it was the light touch, or the look in his eyes that was softer than what she had seen before. Whatever it was Ryan couldn't help the chill that went down her spin. 

As Alec closes the gap and presses his lips to her Ryan was a bit shocked but couldn't help but return the kiss. It wasn't long, but it had been along enough to shoot electric through her like it had in the past. In that one moment she remembered why she had fallen in love with Alec in the first place, and still there was so much more of him to explore.

Watching Alec as he starts to walk away Ryan's eyes follow him. What was she to do now? Was it this easy really, and this hard at the same time. She new what was true, what she didn't want to be, and what Eli didn't want to be either.

   "Alec...."

Ryan takes a few steps forward before stopping and just looking at Alec for a long moment. A smile spreading across her face. Giving a little half wave she didn't know where this or anything was heading other than forward.

   "...You've changed. Keep it up, and I look forward to seeing you again soon."

Oops?

Con's shoulders drop even more at Katie's reaction. He hated seeing her upset. Even worse, he felt stuck with no way to fix things this time. 

"I do have to," he replies calmly. "I can't stay here and keep messing up. I tried it. I can't go in the field anymore - I can't hear well enough, obviously. And I can't just sit behind a desk the whole time. I thought I could... I was wrong." 

He tries to give Katie a reassuring smile. "I've done my time... the Elite is better off without me in the way." 

Wait so... Eli was wrong? Or he was right, but it didn't matter? Alec wasn't sure now what to think. Ryan really had been upset, but she didn't want him never to speak to her again? So why had Eli jumped down his throat? Was Alec's assumption wrong that Ryan knew about it? Did she not know her brother had threatened him? 

With so many questions, Alec desperately searches Ryan's eyes for answers. But all it did was lead to more questions. Why was there so much conflict there? Why couldn't he figure out what was going through her mind? He'd been so good at reading her before, but now, it was as if her gaze was speaking a different language. 

As she speaks again though, Alec's thoughts are shattered. His eyes widen slightly. She...still loved him? Like he still loved her? Hope soared, just to come crashing down again, all within a split second. She loved him but... hated him for it. Such sweet words had ended with such a painful sting.

Alec's eyes fall to the ground once more. He didn't know what to say now. He wanted to hope so much that Ryan would somehow be able to set aside the hate so she could love and only love him again. He wanted that so badly that it hurt. Yet he could see that she didn't want to love him. She didn't want to go back. She didn't want him back. She would deny herself the love because of what he'd done. Because of how he'd hurt her. And again, Alec's regret comes in like a tidal wave.

It felt like he'd stared at the ground for an eternity, but really it had only been a couple moments. Lifting his gaze again, this time, his eyes held a glistening stare. It was sheer pain that his gaze bore. "I'm so sorry," he whispers. He'd said it over and over and still, it didn't seem enough. 

Reaching out a hand, he softly cradles the side of Ryan's face, letting his thumb caress her cheek. "If I could take away your love so you would have no more pain, I would. Even if I knew that would mean forever living without you, I'd do it, if it would also remove your hate." 

Too emotionally charged to use wisdom, Alec closes the gap between them as his other hand rises to cradle Ryan's face. Not allowing time for her to pull away, his lips come to hers in a kiss full of passion yet given with tender care. 

And just as quickly, he had released her, turned, and started back towards his motorcycle. 

The Truth Is

Letting out a small sigh Jamie's eyes held much sorrow. She felt so very bad for Con and she new that once his own mind was made up there would be no turning back. He's always been like that since she could remember, and about as long she remembered Con working for TJY. To think of him not being here anymore..it made her sad and wish for the simpler days.

Busy at work Katie looks up at Con's voice and offers him a smile. Seeing the dark look in his eyes though Katie's smile fades just a little bit. She new what had happened on there mission but she always new it was many different people fault and not just Cons. She had thought for sure he'd just bounce back but now..she wasn't so sure.

   "What your...leave?"

Putting her paper down and standing Katie moves a little closer to Con. They had said goodbye once before and Katie remembered how much it had messed with her emotions. Now she could feel that hurt and that pain all over again but having a little bit more controle over her emotions and how she reacted felt it was different.

   "Con, you can't leave...not over this. We all need you here still, I need you here still. You don't HAVE to go!!!"

Searching Alec's face Ryan listened to his words and she was a bit surprised by what he had to say. He was giving her an out, telling her he was sorry and letting her know that no matter what he felt he would leave her alone if she asked. This was definitely a different Alec than the one she had known before. He was looking out for her this time and not himself...he cared.

   "Alec, If I wanted you to stay away don't you think I would have told you that already? There has been a change in you, and its been causing my emotions to go crazy."

Cocking her head to the side for a second and still studding Alec Ryan can't help but look into his eyes. If she left the truth would...would it make a difference...if she admitted to her feelings would she be able to move on. Or would it make things worse? That was a question there was no answer too.

   "The truth is Alec...I still love you and I hate you for that fact alone. But its the truth and I don't know how to stop it."

I'm Sorry

Con shakes his head, refusing to look Jamie in the eye. "I don't care if it was all my fault, half my fault or just ten percent my fault... If I'd been capable of doing my part, Dalton would not have almost been killed. It's time I faced facts and gave up pretending that I can do this job."

Picking up his badge, he runs his thumb over it for a moment before eventually glancing at Jamie again. Leaning down, he gives her a light kiss. "I'll let you know when I leave." 

It would be at least fifteen minutes later and after an argument with Reese that Con finally emerges from the office again. Heading back to his cubicle, he pauses, his eyes landing on Katie's cubicle. He'd told her goodbye once before and it had not gone over well. But things were different this time - she wouldn't mind nearly as much, and they'd still see each other... sometime. 

Though he wanted to just slip out of the building unnoticed, he forces himself to turn around and go to Katie's desk. She was like his little sister after all, and he owed this to her. Leaning over the wall, he gives it a tap, offering her a weary smile. "Hey, Kat. I just, um... wanted to let you know I've resigned, and... I'm leaving today." 


Relieved Ryan would take a moment to talk to him, Alec follows her out to the parking lot away from the others. She... didn't seem too apprehensive. But surely she knew Eli had come to see him - and her brother wouldn't have been that angry for no reason.  

Glancing at the ground, Alec really wasn't sure how to begin. "I, um... well, I just got to thinking, and..." He swallows hard and looks back up to find Ryan's eyes. "I... miss you so much that it hurts. Some days I'm just no good at all 'cause all I can think about is you."

He pauses for a moment, just trying to read her gaze, but she wasn't making it easy. There were so many different levels... all so deep and cryptic... it was difficult to know what she was thinking or feeling. "But even though all that's true, the last thing I wanted to do was upset you. I never meant for that to happen, so... so if you really never want to see me again... I understand."

There. He'd said it. But even so, his heart beat wildly as he hoped beyond hope that she wouldn't say that's what she wanted. "If you'd rather I don't talk to you or approach you when I see you around then... then I'll respect that. Won't be easy." He gives a sorry kind of laugh. "But... I'd rather have a tough time dealing with that than see you sad 'cause of something I did. I know my desire to be friends is too much to ask of anybody after all I did anyway. I just... I'm sorry that I upset you, and I just want to know what you want me to do so it won't happen again." 


"Hmm?" Rosalyn opens her eyes and blinks before sitting up and shaking her head sleepily. "No... I'll probably just sack out on the couch off the dining hall anyway." 

Sighing, she glances at Chad, wishing she could just curl up next to him. She had no intention of anything else and she knew he didn't either. But it wouldn't be right... and he was correct - it wouldn't  help anything with her father if he found out. 

Sliding off the bed, she picks up the picture he let her keep, making sure she didn't forget it. "Thanks for coming, Chad... I really enjoyed this evening. I'm glad you came." 

Maybe

   "Con, you don't have to do this? It wasn't just your fault what happened!"

Jamie's heart went out to her husband. She could see the look in his eyes and it just broke her heart. She new him and how his brain worked and he was always one to take everything else on himself. It wasn't just him though and Jamie wished he would see that.

   "Maybe you should just talk with Reese about it first?"

Looking up at Dani and leaning his head into her hand a little bit Dalton new she had to get going. As much as he wanted her to stay the Dr's would never go for it since they weren't married. If he had more energy he would argue.

   "Don't go to far...when I wake up again, I want to see you. I love you Dani."

Slowly letting his eyes fall shut Dalton new that sleep would come quick. That was part of his body recovering and part pain killers. He only hoped when he woke again Dani would be there once more for him to smile and remember one of the many reasons he was fighting through this all.

Looking up hearing someone coming next to her Ryan was a little surprised to see Alec. His bike couldn't be broken again already, they wernt shopping was he finally just here to see her? Studying him for a long moment Ryan wondered what he wanted to talk to her about. It wouldn't hurt for a moment to see right?

   "Yeah yeah, I can chat for a few minutes, I haven't taken my break yet."

Taking her rag and whiping her hands off Ryan sets her tools down before motioning outside for Alec to follow her. It would be quiet out there and they could talk alone with out worry of anyone hearing them.

   "Whats up?"

As Rosalyn makes herself comfortable on his chest Chad can't help but smile. Bringing a hand to her face and tucking a strand of hair behind her hair. Just feeling her soft breathing Chad moves the pictures aside a little bit. He didn't have the heart to wake her right now, she seemed to peacful.

Just letting the minutes pass Chad keeps himself awake but lets Rosalyn sleep. Finally though his own eyes were having problems staying awake and he new he needed to have her go before he did fall asleep.

   "Rosalyn Hun...It's time to have you head back to your place. If we both fall asleep here I don't think it will help our case with your dad. Would you like me to walk you home?"

Sleep

Not hearing Jamie approach, the touch to Con's arm brings his head shooting up. Looking up at her, there was no smile this morning. No playfulness. Her question brings his gaze back down on the box he'd been working on. 

"Cleaning out my desk." He leans down to check one of the bottom drawers. "Starting tomorrow, I'll be looking for work." Finding nothing else, he finally stands up. "I need to go turn in my badge to Reese, then I'll be going home." 

Just feeling Dalton close was enough to reassure Dani that he really wasn't going to leave her. Even so, she couldn't remember a time she'd been so frightened. It was perhaps silly that she'd never thought about it before - since Dalton was an Elite agent after all. But losing him just had never... crossed her mind. Now though... now she was reminded how quickly life could change. It wasn't just him she could lose - it was anybody.

Lying quietly for a few minutes, Dani knew she couldn't stay, even though she wanted to. Dalton needed his rest and the doctors would not allow this. Rising on her elbow, she looks down at Dalton's face... his tired eyes. Placing a hand on his cheek she offers him a small smile. "I need to go. You rest. I'm not going very far." 

Slipping back off the bed, she squeezes his hand before bending down and giving his lips a light kiss. "Keep your promise," she whispers. "I'll see you in a little while."

Pulling into the auto shop parking lot, Alec slows his motorcycle to a halt before cutting the engine. Taking off his helmet, he eyes the open bay doors for several moments. All night, he'd tossed and turned, his mind wandering from Ryan, to Eli, to the choices he had in front of him. Questions drove him mad, and guilt for upsetting Ryan, as Eli had implied, was not making things any easier. Finally he had decided that there was only one way to find out where he stood. But perhaps he feared the outcome. Would he really be able to accept whatever Ryan said? He would have to. But he wasn't going to let Eli bully him into backing off - it was Ryan's call. 

Instead of going inside the front door like a customer, he wanders to the shop side, finding the bay where Ryan was working. Standing quietly for a moment, he saw several pairs of eyes on him. The guys were cautious to say the least. Unhappy to see him at the most. He couldn't blame them though. 

Coming a little closer to the car Ryan was working on, he waits until she lifts her head to give her a bit of a crooked grin. "Hi..." Tucking his hands partway in his jeans pockets, he shrugs lamely. He had no business being here to see her and he knew it. But he was. And he was going to accomplish his purpose. "Can we, um... talk?" He nods outside - out of earshot of the other guys. "For just a second? It won't take long." 

"Mm... thank you." Rosalyn does accept the photo, running her finger over the scene one more time. She already knew which frame she would put it in. It was too pretty to leave in a closed album. 

Seeing the seal, she giggles at the story and shakes her head. "Sounds like kindred spirits to me - you and him." Leaning her head into Chad's shoulder, she could feel her eyes starting to close. It wasn't that this was boring or that she didn't want to hear what Chad had to say... she was tired from the late hour and even more tired from stress. 

Opening her eyes wide, she blinks, realizing she'd just about dozed off. Trying to listen to Chad, she glances down at the next picture or two that he was explaining. But try as she might, her eyes just didn't want to cooperate. She didn't want to leave though. Not yet. She was too warm and comfortable and... 

Her head slips down a little on Chad's chest as her breathing slows, and her fingers that were intertwined with his suddenly loosen their grip.

Worry

As Dani gently gets in the bed next to him Dalton does what he can to hold in the small twinge of pain he felt as the bed moved. He wasn't going to let Dani know it hurt a little bit, no...not when he wanted her in his arms so much. Nothing was going to stop him from having her close to him now.

   "I Love you very much too. I've got to much to live for to give up now. You have my word on that."

Wrapping his arm around Dani a little bit Dalton holds her close to him before leaning down a little bit and giving her a kiss on the head. Leaning his head back again he didn't want to fall asleep but his eyes were heavy and having Dani in his arms provided the peace for the moment he needed.

Wondering the hall and looking down the cubicles Jamie spots Con and gives a little sigh. She guessed he was still here and she felt bad for him. All she could do was support him the best she could but Jamie wished there was so much more.

   "Con...?"

Jamie comes up to him and lays a hand on his arm. The last few nights she missed him very much. It just seemed to lonely at him without him around. After having him there for so long the quiet even sounded a little fighting to her when laying in there bed. 

   "What are you doing Hun? I've been worried sick about you."

Sitting comfortable with Rosalyn on the bed Chad really was enjoying himself and showing her the pictures he had, had. Since he'd met her the amount of pictures he took had grown in number but that was because he wanted to be able to share this with Rosalyn. If he couldn't actuly take her with him right now that he'd just have to have her live through the picture with him.

   "Mmmm...This was when I was in Cali. This picture turned out so much better than I had hoped. If you would like to keep that one you can."

Tightening his arm around her a little bit Chad really didn't mind if she took any of the pictures. He had the real thing in his mind so if she wanted one of them it was completely ok with him.

Picking up another picture it was on of him in the water with a seal next to him. It almost looked like that were playing together. Giving a laugh and showing Rosalyn Chad can't help but laugh once more before explaining the picture.

   "This is Otter, the seal. He had a broken flipper from a boat that was going to fast in an area they shouldn't have been. He was a playful little thing that liked people. If it wasn't illegal to have a pet seal I would of done it in a heart beat. The local aquarium took him in because he can't swim right anymore to be on his own and he is way to friendly to be out in the open and not get himself into trouble."

 Smiling again and going through more picture Chad continues to explain them to Rosalyn. The smiles faces, the animles, and the picture of the others that worked with him too. He could remember the details of every picture like it had happened yesterday and he was happy to share that with Rosalyn.

Every bone

Dani feels a tear trickle down her cheek even though she smiles. "Oh, Dalton..." 

Looking over her shoulder, she checks to make sure they were still alone. She knew that just having Dalton awake and speaking was more than the doctors had hoped for - while she also knew that he wasn't quite out of the woods yet. But... what could a couple minutes of gentleness harm? 

Being careful, she eases down to lie beside Dalton on her side, cautious not to disturb the IV or wires or put any pressure on his chest. Just letting her head rest on his arm, she sniffles, trying not to let him see how upset she was. Locking her fingers with his, she closes her eyes tight, trying not to cry any more. 

"I love you so much," she whispers. "Please don't leave me." 

Chuckling, Eli waves Ryan off, even though deep down he was glad they could share a tender moment every once in a while. If there was one thing they'd never lose, it was their bond of being brother and sister. "Yeah, yeah... get going, Squirt. See ya tomorrow." 

Left alone in the living room, he sits quietly by himself for a long while, keeping his rampant thoughts to himself. Finally though, he does go to bed before getting up early and heading out, leaving Ryan a note that he'd see her after work....

"Well now... fancy meeting you here."

Alec whirls around and almost drops the loaf of bread he'd just retrieved from the grocery store shelf. He'd come shopping for Misty and had only been here a few minutes. Staring back at the cold eyes, he automatically takes a step back, raising his free hand in defense. "Eli... what... what do you want?"

Eli leans an arm on one of the shelves, his leather jacket creaking as he moves. Flexing his hands, his motorcycle gloves emphasize his fists. "You um... look a might timid there, Alec. What's the matter?"

Alec's eyes narrow slightly, trying to figure out Eli's tone. They'd been good friends once... but right about now, it felt as though they were strangers. Or enemies. He swallows hard. "Nothing. You just surprised me." In truth, the look in Eli's eye was rather intimidating. Alec knew he could handle himself in a fight, but if there was anybody he wouldn't want to go up against, it was Eli. Alec had good moves, but Eli knew how to street fight. "What do you want?" he repeats.

"Can't I do a little shopping?" Eli's eyes catch movement at the end of the aisle, and he watches as a young woman sees them both and decides to turn around and go into the next aisle. Looking back at Alec, he shakes his head. "What about you? Buying bread or trying to catch a ride with my sister again?"

Alec finds himself backing up another step. It felt strange to not want to fight. To not feel that cockiness rise up and strike a challenge. But for the first time when being stared down, he'd rather just walk away. He'd fought enough and was tired. Unfortunately, Eli's reference to Ryan makes him stay put for now. "She was just being nice," he defends quietly. "I had no intention of meeting her here or asking for a ride. You can thank my niece for that one."

"And needing your bike fixed? And sending flowers?"

Alec can feel a strange tingle run down his spine. He didn't like that anger in Eli's eyes. He was not afraid - but he knew now was the time for extreme caution. "That's between her and me, don't you think?"

"What are you trying to pull, Alec, hmm?" Eli cocks his head. "You wanna win her back with some sweet talk? A few flowers here and there? Give the girl a little special attention so she'll let you back in her life? Why? So you can turn around and cheat on her and leave her high and dry again?"

Alec's face flushes with shame and anger. Though his muscles tighten, he still didn't want to throw the punch his arm wanted to. "I thought I was being nice. I just want to be friends again because I miss her."

"Friends? When my sister comes home late 'cause she's been out crying, I'd say she's had an encounter with someone less than a friend, wouldn't you?"

Alec is genuinely surprised, and some of his anger dissipates. "What?"

Eli grits his teeth. "I don't like seeing my sister upset."

"I... I'm sorry." Alec wasn't sure what to think now. Had he really upset Ryan that much? "I didn't mean to upset her. I was just trying to-"

"So help me, Alec..." Eli grits his teeth. He takes a step nearer and leans in close, lowering his voice. "If you hurt her again, I will break every bone in your body."

It takes all Alec has to not either run, or take the first swing. His eyes lock with Eli's as they both wear icy stares. "I wouldn't dream of it."

"Good." Eli backs up but keeps his eyes on Alec until he finally turns and walks away.

Left alone, Alec felt he might get sick. He hadn't meant to start trouble. Ryan hadn't seemed all that opposed to seeing him - had it been a lie? Was her smile not a genuine one? Did she really not want to ever see him again but just hadn't said so? Obviously Alec had missed something - something big enough that Eli had felt it necessary to confront him. He didn't want to upset Ryan though, and Alec truly felt sorry if he had. He just... hadn't known.

Trying to finish shopping wasn't easy as now Alec's mind was very far off task. Eventually though he does make it back home with everything on the list.

It was mid-morning by now, and the Elite staff had been filtering in for at least the last hour. Time felt rather distant right now though. It seemed as though the night had perhaps lasted a lifetime. Or a split second. Perhaps a merging of the two - so opposite that it created the illusion of time having stood still.

Con didn't need a large box. And almost everything was already cleaned out of his desk. Anything person, that is. After having spent several hours alone downstairs, he had finally risen to come to come to his cubicle after having retrieved a box from the supply room. And in the box now were a couple picture frames, a few little trinkets he'd been given, a couple notes from Jamie that he'd pinned up. The list went on, but not very far. For such a short list though, when all was packed, it left the cubicle seemingly cold. Without personality. Without life. Although maybe that was appropriate for this day.

Sighing, Con sets the box aside and sets his elbows on the desk, hiding his face in his hands. He'd called Jamie not long after getting back here after the mission. He'd given her few details other than Dalton had been shot, and he didn't know what time he'd get home. As it turned out, he hadn't gone home at all.

There was more than one good reason for him to quit this job for good, and it was finally time. He had outlived his usefulness here and should go before making things worse. People would argue with him, he knew. They would try to get him to stay. Try to convince him it wasn't his fault Dalton was shot. Try to tell him he'd be fine. That there was plenty of good he could still do here. But he'd tried. He'd given it his best and had still fallen short. No... no, it was time to finally say goodbye.

Rosalyn's grip tightens around Chad's hand as he speaks. If ever there would be a time when she might not be able to say no to him, it would be right now. But he wasn't even thinking for one second about taking advantage - instead, he was going to do what was right. How could her father even doubt that? 

Though sighing, she smiles and nods her head on his shoulder. "I'd like to see the pictures very much. I like hearing about what you do." 

Once they were back to the ranch, all was quiet. Rosalyn knew that Stacy was probably making her rounds, but that was the only thing stirring. It didn't look like there were any late night games going on in the dining room either. Taking advantage of the quiet night, Rosalyn joins Chad in his bunkhouse, glad to continue their time together by looking through pictures. 

Sitting next to him on the bed, she happily listens to his explanations of the photos he'd taken, while being sure he kept his arm tucked around her shoulders. 

"Mmmm.... this one looks like it should be a post card." She points to a beach scene with a palm tree.

Gentile Sneak!

Hearing Dani's voice and than feeling her hand in his own Dalton closes his fingers around hers a little bit. He still felt weak, and things were still pretty foggy but he new her voice anywhere. Turning his head to look at her Dalton gives a little wince but lets his smile shine through anyways.

   "Hey Babe! How are you?"

Once could only imagine without the haze in his mind that she wasn't doing well. Her eyes were bloodshot, and she looked extremely tired, and she probley had been worried sick too. But he wasn't sure what else to say to her let alone let his own brain think through what he wanted to say.

   "You look tired, maybe if your gentile you can sneak next to me here. I'd like to be able to put my arms around you a little."

Looking down at her brother and giving a shake of her head Ryan smiles. It was nice to see Eli happy and have someone in his life that made him that way. Ryan was happy for him and sometimes she did wonder where He and Scarlet were going in there relationship but if it was forward she'd be happy to have her as her sister in law.

   "You sat around and drove me crazy. Not that I didn't mind it or anything."

Running a hand through her brothers hair Ryan shakes her head again. He was always good to her, to the family and when he was ready to start his own she new he'd be really good with them too. He just had the right temperament, the will to protect and understand his family's needs.

   "Alright Alright before this gets any more sappy I need to go to bed. I have a long work day tomorrow. Thanks Eli for always listing and offering help to me."

Even if Ryan played that she hated the sappy and mushy stuff...inside it really did make her feel good from time to time and something told her Eli new that too.

Driving Chad feels Rosalyn's head rest on his arm as her fingers find his. He new why she was quiet and though she didn't say anything he could read very well the reason for it. He felt bad, and wished he could of done more. To take her away, or tell her they didn't have to go home but as much as he wasn't going to give her up, that would be against his morals and that was just as important to him as she was.

   "We sure can pretend, but it can only last till we get back to the ranch as sad as it is. Running away for a few hours is ok, but running away from the rest of your life is not to smart. Facing it head on, standing your ground now thats what I call over coming something in the way."



Wrapping his fingers around hers he falls silent again for a moment letting his owe mind wonder. He hoped once Rosalyn's dad calmed down he could talk to him and they could at least become friends. Than Chad could at least show him he wasn't a bad guys at all

Bring his mind back to the woman next to him Chad smiles. He couldn't help it when he could of Rosalyn it made him do that. Really he was a lucky guy to have found something like her.
  
 "So tomorrow if you like I have a bunch of pictures I took. Maybe we could look through them together?!"

Forever

Looking up at Nate, Dani wipes away some of her tears as she shakes her head. "No... no news. And I'd be holding up a lot better if that jerk brother of mine wouldn't have come." She scoffs. "Like he thinks I'd want his company." 

It wasn't that she enjoyed feeling bitter, but after the stunt Carson had pulled, she couldn't just pretend nothing had happened and go back to the way things were. She knew she wouldn't hate him forever, but right now was not the time he should be trying to get back in her good graces. 

Waiting seemed like an eternity and longer. At least Dalton was stable, but that was providing little hope against the odds. As the nurse comes to inform them he was awake though, new hope rises. 

Dani is quickly on her feet, her heart beating a little faster. "Thank you..." She glances at Nate before heading for the door. She didn't care if he came along or not. All she wanted was to see Dalton and make sure he knew she was there. 

Returning to his room, she enters softly and cautiously approaches the bed, trying not to startle him. "Dalton?" Her voice quivers just a little bit, even though she'd told herself she was done crying. Finding his hand with hers, she gives it a little squeeze. "I just wanted to come say hi..." 

Eli manages a chuckle as he reaches up an arm to return a little hug to Ryan. There was no conclusion to their conversation about Alec, but maybe that was best. It was her job to think it through - not his.

Laughing at her question, he shrugs. "I dunno. Probably not. I do try to control myself when she comes back, ya know." His lips form a sly grin. "But hopefully I show how much I always miss her. The worst part is not having anything to do." He rolls his eyes. "What did I do before she came along anyway?" 

The sky had grown black. Stars twinkled from light years away, while a few clouds blocked some of the view. Rosalyn's eyes stare up at the darkness through the windshield of Chad's jeep as he drove back towards the ranch. It had been a wonderful evening. After such a nice dinner, they'd found a movie they both wanted to see and had enjoyed that together as well. Unfortunately, the inevitable always came, and tonight that meant they had to go back to the ranch. 

Rosalyn had been quiet since setting out again. She wasn't really sure what to think or say or do. Would her father still be up when she got home? What did her mother think? What about anybody else? Had her father caused more trouble after she'd left? Did she even want to go home tonight at all? She'd already toyed with the idea of sleeping on the couch in the living room off the dining hall. Anything to avoid her father. 

Sighing deeply, she leans her head over to rest it on Chad's shoulder, while her fingers find his free hand on his lap. "Can I just pretend that this night will last forever?"

Awake

Misty gives a smile and a nod she would let Jason clean up while she made the tea. Getting two cups and a few saucers she put some cookies on them setting them on the table. Pouring the tea and than sitting down again waiting for Jason to come back after cleaning up. She was looking forward to drinking the tea and enjoying it.

Coming out into the waiting room as Carson leaves Nate doesn't say anything but watches as he walks back down the hall. He'd gone home and gotten dressed talked with Laura before coming back for a little bit. Shaking his head Nate comes into the waiting room more sitting down next to Dani.

   "Hey Dani, how you holding up? Any new on a change?"

It wasn't till a few hours later that Dalton would start to stir. Things were hazy and he hurt so much not quite sure where he was. The last thing he remembered was he was on a missing, and than he thought he remembered he heart Dani's voice telling him not to give up but...everything seem fuzzy.

   "Hey...its good to see you awake Hun!"

Looking to the side and seeing a woman in his room Dalton squints. He was still confused on everything that was around him. Had he gotten hurt?

   "What...happened?"

Coming closer to Dalton the nurse gives a smile laying a hand on his arm trying her best to be soft. He'd been through a lot and she didn't want to get him upset again.

   "Just stay calm ok? You were shot and things are rough still but your stable for the moment. I think you have some friends here too that might like to see you give me one second ok."

Leaving the room the Nurse heads down the hall finding Nate and Dani in the waiting room. Coming closer she gives a smile looking at them. It was a good sign that Dalton was awake. Even if he still had to take it easy and not get to excited about thing at least he was awake and doing things on his own.

   "Dalton is awake now if you guys would like to go in and see him for a little bit. Just...try not to upset him to much ok?"

Looking at her brother again Ryan gives him half a smile. His words were always made her feel better even if they were few. What Eli thought was always important to her, and having him talk to her just seemed to help a little bit.

   "Thanks Eli for dealing with my moody self. I hope to not be like this for to much longer."

Standing Ryan goes over to his chair and leans down giving him a kiss on the top of his head. Before giving him a little hug too. She really was so happy that he was here with her. She liked her alone time but she really enjoyed having her brother close too.

   "Better tell that woman of yours to come home soon or your going to go stir crazy. Thinks she really knows how much you miss her?"

Rejected Again

Jason nods numbly before turning to look at Misty and reaching out to pull her into a hug. What if it had been him tonight? Kissing the top of her head, he gives her an extra squeeze. "Tea sounds good... I need to settle down. Just give me time to change out of these clothes." 


Being released from Rick's care felt good, especially since Carson wasn't sure how much longer he could survive just a room away from Misty without being allowed to see her. What he hadn't planned on was the day he was able to get out, being informed of Dalton's condition. And despite the rift between him and his sister, he wanted to make sure she was okay. So before going back to the apartment, his destination was the hospital. It also gave him more purpose for leaving TJY... otherwise he might stick around and try to see Misty again, but he knew he was not wanted. As hard as it was for him to accept, he knew that his company was no longer welcomed, whether he'd told the truth or not.

Getting to the hospital, he goes inside and asks around to finally be pointed in the right direction. Though still feeling more depressed than ever in his life, he at least had regained physical strength under Rick's care. Color was back in his face again and he had slept enough the past few days to make up for most of his exhaustion. He'd been warned though, to take better care of himself. Another attack like that and he could wind up spending more than just a few days at TJY.

Finding the waiting room, he hesitates a moment before going inside. For the moment, Dani was the only one there. "Dani?"

She looks up quickly from the magazine she'd been browsing, her eyes going wide at seeing Carson. She hadn't expected him to come here at all, and her surprise is quickly overcome by a bitter tone. "What are you doing here?"

Carson hadn't known what to expect, but he hadn't thought she'd be this cold, especially at a time like this. "I... I came to see if you were okay."

"Me?" Dani stands up, tossing the magazine back on the table. She was upset about Dalton, she'd had very little sleep, and she didn't want to deal with her mixed emotions about her brother right now. "I'm not the one who got shot. If you want to go see Dalton, be my guest, but I'd prefer it if you left me alone."

Carson's shoulders drop. "But... didn't anyone... I mean..."

"Did I hear the so-called truth that you didn't really let your life go to pot? Yeah, I did. And all I know now is that you're an even better liar than I thought."

"But I-"

"I don't want to hear it, Carson." Dani points to the door. "Please leave."

Dani too. First Misty, now his own sister. Both knew the truth, and both chose not to let him back into his lives. How could he have been so wrong? "Can I just... sit a while with you?"

Dani looks away from his pleading eyes, fearing she would give in. She'd never seen him like this before. He looked terrible and he was so... so... crushed. It was heartbreaking, but she still didn't want to deal with him. Especially not now. "I'd rather not."

"But-"

"Out, Carson!" She points to the door one more time. "Take your good will and stick it up your butt. I don't need it, and I don't need you."

Swallowing hard, Carson finally backs away before turning around and leaving. How had his presence just made things worse? He'd come to help... come to make sure his sister was okay. And she treated him like this? Why? He'd been so sure that the truth would make everything right again. But it was as if it had almost made things worse. How could he have misjudged everyone so much? It made him feel sick. And worse, it made him feel worthless.

Sitting back down in the chair, Dani leans forward to put her face in her hands as she cries. She did want company. She did want comfort. She did want someone to talk to and a shoulder to cry on. But not Carson's. Not the man who lied to everyone and broke their trust. Not the man who knowingly hurt those around him because of his pride. No... she just couldn't do it. But how it made her heart ache. And more tears come.


Eli purses his lips as he thinks, trying to subdue the irritation he felt below the surface. Not against Ryan - against Alec. Alec was not to be trusted. He had hurt Ryan and hurt Tal, almost killing him. And now he was obviously trying to get back into Ryan's good graces, and in the process, he was upsetting her. If he hadn't shown back up again, Ryan wouldn't be struggling with her feelings now. But Eli knew he couldn't be harsh. He knew his sister, though tough, had tender feelings deep down and he wasn't about to step on them. She couldn't help it that she still loved Alec. 

Sighing, he gives Ryan a good long stare. He wanted to advise her. He wanted to tell her to quit being so nice to Alec. He wanted to tell her that Tal was the better man - that Alec was scum and would just hurt her again. But he knew it was her life, not his. This was her choice, whether he liked it or not. 

"Well... I guess I can't say I've ever been in that position, so I don't know what it feels like, but..." He shrugs lamely, not even knowing where that train of thought had been going. "I guess if you hate to love Alec, then you have the choice of either not hating it anymore, which would separate you and Tal, or resist it and tell Alec he has no business in your life anymore. I just hate seeing you stuck like this... I miss your smile."