To Bad

Putting her hands on her hips and shaking her head Hope was sad Gunner was being so stubborn and he was really leaving her with no choose. She wasn't going to keep letting this go on and get worse. If something did happen and she didn't say anything than it would be on her. She'd almost lost the ability to practice once she wasn't going to let that happen again. She enjoyed helping people to much for that.

   "Than I guess I will be telling Reese. Compromises don't work when they are only one sided, and I meant what I said. I'm not messing around anymore and letting you continue to do this to yourself."

Letting out another small sigh Hope really was sorry that Gunner wouldn't talk to her, to anyone for that matter. Even if it was to help him with what he was doing. At least it would be someone else there to keep him level headed. She had to do this though.

Turning Hope made her way from Gunner's desk and headed for her own office. She had a few things she needed to do this morning before it got to be to late. She would talk to Reese in a little bit. She could only hope he would be in a better mood today than the last time they spoke. This was important and it couldn't wait any longer.

...About an hour has passed as Hope finally made her way across the main floor and to Reese office. She'd given Gunner a little extra time to deiced to come and talk to her but he hadn't take it. Now this couldn't wait, she wouldn't let it wait any longer.

Getting to Reese office and knocking on the door she enters giving a small smile and coming over to his desk. There was no easy way to tell him this she just had too.

   "Hey Reese...we need to talk about Gunner. He's back on the obsession of his past and wont talk to anyone about it. I think in someways he is worse than before, but in some ways he is not. I just think something needs to be done before it gets to be to bad again."

Hearing Jared yell through the door Grace opens it and steps in. The smell of whatever was cooking hit her nose and she couldn't help but smile. If Jared was doing this all alone for her that was special. Not to mention since he only had one arm at the moment to try and cook with it almost seemed impossible but he was trying anyways and that is what counted.

   "Something sure smells good."

Coming into the kitchen Grace sets her bag down on the chair before coming a little closer to Jared. She looked a little different now than she had this morning. Now outside of work she was a little more dressed up since this would be there first real date. Her hair was tired back slightly, and cheek a little red. a blue sundress and some sandals was her choose of ware.

   "Wow, you really didn't have to go through this much trouble Jared, or you could of at least let me help you my goodness."

Drawing a little closer Grace lens in and gives Jared a small kiss on the cheek before pulling away but not to far. Jared smelled good tonight and she was just taking a moment to take it in. After all most of the time when they met they were sweaty from work.

   "Mmmm...can I just stand here while you cook? You look good, and smell even better than the food."

   "Hey Dad, just...wanted to call and say hi. Hadn't talked to you in a while and though I would. Ryder has been busy with his zoo work. I worry about him sometimes with those animles. I spend most my free time there looking at them all. Some times it makes me sad though so see them all caged up and not free. Ryder says its for there own good though."

Thirteen paces the backroom of Mom and Pop's while on her fifteen minute break. She really didn't have anything else to do and she hadn't talked to her dad in a while. She never told anyone but she  missed him.

   "Carson has been letting me cook more. I like cooking, its fun and learning how it helping me be able to cook at home a little more too. I wish you'd come and visit more. Anyways I better get going. I...I love you. Bye."

Hanging up the phone and putting it back into her pocket before walking back into the kitchen where Carson was. Washing her hands she gives him a small smile before going over to where he was and watching his for a long second.

   "Hey, did you need anymore help here?" 

Impossible Feat

Gunner's jaw tightened and he swiveled in his chair to face his desk again. He stared at the papers as one leg bounced nervously. "I dunno why you keep wanting me to talk to somebody," he grumbled. "It doesn't do anything anyway 'cept rehash a bunch of garbage."

He picked up a pen to fiddle with, and began clicking it open and shut, open and shut. "Talking things out is pointless and accomplishes nothing. Sitting here and actually going after the case - now that does something."

He could feel Hope's eyes on him, though he refused to turn back around. He knew she wouldn't like what he was saying. He knew good and well that talking things through helped clear people's heads and helped people deal with situations better - whether it was logical or not. But if he talked things through, he might not want to go after evidence anymore. And if he didn't want to go after evidence anymore, that would mean he was giving up the case. And he couldn't give up. Ever.

His bouncing leg and clicking pen still had not stopped. He felt like a caged animal, backed into a corner, and panic was starting deep down on the inside. His palms started to sweat, and he swallowed hard.

"I'm fine," he stated flatly. "I just...dozed off 'cause I was here early. Now I got work to do before Reese comes and breathes down my neck."

"Yeah, but if I break something else, you'll have to keep taking care of me." Jared knew by now that even if he was well, Grace would make time for him. Still though, there was just a small part of him that worried maybe she wouldn't.

Back inside the house, it was discovered that Lydia was busy in the basement doing laundry. It was assumed that tonight would still be fine though, and Jared seemed as though he didn't mind not asking his mother about it. What he did not tell Grace, was that he knew good and well Lydia had Bible study tonight, which meant she'd be gone...

...Fillet of beef with red wine sauce, green beans and savory garlic and butter mashed potatoes - two plates were being kept warm in the oven, the wonderful aroma filling the kitchen. Fresh lettuce salad was already on the dining room table, and two slices of gourmet cheesecake remained chilled in the refrigerator for later. Jared would have a lot of explaining to do, since all of this was a rather impossible feat.

Using his shoulder as much as he dared with his wheelchair, he continued to maneuver between the kitchen and dining room, finishing up preparations. It was seven-thirty and he knew Grace would be here any minute.

Dressed in a clean pair of jeans and a plain black t-shirt, it wouldn't seem much to some, but it was more than his usual sweats he usually wore around the house. At least he'd gotten a hair cut today too, which helped, and he'd managed a good shower and shave as well. That alone had been exhausting, but...it was worth it. 

Balancing two glasses between his legs, he was just pouring some water over ice when he heard the doorbell. Still keeping the refrigerator door propped open with one foot and handling the cumbersome pitcher, he yelled, knowing it must be Grace. 

"It's open!" He glanced to the dining room, making sure he'd remembered to light the candles in the center of the table, and finished pouring the water. "I'm in the kitchen," he hollered. 

"So...?" Jade elbowed Rosalyn as they washed the breakfast dishes the next morning.

Rosalyn quirked an eyebrow at her. "So...what?"

"So how did last night go?"

"Oh, that." A little smile crept across Rosalyn's lips. "It went well. I need to give you your shoes back, by the way."

"Shoes can wait. Juicy details can't."

Rosalyn rolled her eyes. "There aren't any juicy details."

Jade's jaw dropped, along with the cup she was washing, which splashed back into the soapy water. "None?"

"Not really." Rosalyn shook her head. "We went out to eat...danced...went for a walk. It was...really nice."

"Oooh...a romantic walk under the stars?"

Rosalyn grabbed another plate to dry and thought for a moment before shaking her head again. "It would have been more romantic, had we not talked about the stupid stuff going on back here." She gave Jade a sidelong glance. "Making out just didn't seem like the best idea when I was crying and Chad was trying to be sweet."

"Aw I'm sorry." Jade wished there was something she could do. She hated what was going on with Jim, but she also knew that to interfere could cause even more problems.

"It's okay." Rosalyn shrugged and continued to work. It was a few more moments before a new grin emerged and she spoke again. "We did have a nice goodbye kiss though."

Jade giggled. "Well that's good. You wouldn't want to leave the poor man with nothing."

Rosalyn's cheeks had turned red. "I wouldn't have wanted to have been left with nothing either," she admitted with a laugh. She didn't know when she would see Chad again. He was going home and back to work. She was staying here, and their lives would continue on...separately. And she had no idea when he might come back, or even if he would after all the trouble with this visit. All she could do was hope that he was right - that maybe by the time he came again, Jim would have softened.

The back end of the barn was quiet today. But it wasn't so unusual when considering it was Trent and Dylan working that area. Neither were known for being chatterboxes. At the moment, both were seated on some hay bales, taking a break after having cleaned several stalls right after breakfast, and both were sipping on bottles of Mountain Dew.

"Seen Jim today?"

"Nuh-uh." Dylan shook his head. "Heard Becky say he didn't even feel like getting out of bed this morning."

Trent scoffed. "If I'da gotten pummeled by your dad, I wouldn't feel like getting out of bed either."

"He feels horrible, ya know."

"Who? Your dad? Did he say that?"

"No." Dylan took another swig of pop. "But I can tell."

"And how's that?"

"He didn't talk to Remington this morning when he fed him."

Trent cocked his head, grinning a little. "You see a lot, don't you?"

Dylan shrugged and leaned back into some hay bales. "I dunno. I suppose."

Trent continued to study the young man, curious. Dylan was always so withdrawn...but did that mean he wasn't paying attention, or did he see more than most? "What do you...think about that whole thing with Jim and Rosalyn?"

"I don't think it's something I'm supposed to think about, do you?"

"I'm not asking you to stick your nose in - I'm just asking what your opinion is."

Dylan found his Mountain Dew bottle's label to pick at. "Jim's being an overprotective father, Rosalyn is hurt and may never heal completely, and I dunno about Chad, but I'd bet he's stubborn enough to keep at it."

Trent's mouth twitched. The boy did pay attention. "Mm-hmm...I haven't heard much from Becky on the subject."

"She's stuck in the middle," Dylan reasoned. "She wants to help her daughter, but doesn't necessarily agree Chad's right for her either, and she doesn't like the way Jim's handling things, but he's her husband, so she doesn't argue - at least not in public."

Trent wondered if Mick realized how insightful his son was. "And Clint?"

"He's angry." Dylan took another sip of his pop. "But he's got a lot more than that to stress him out."

"Oh?"

"Well, he's got reason to be angry with his dad - he already got struck once, and will probably never forget it. He wants to help Rosalyn more but doesn't know how, or doesn't dare, and that frustrates him. He's thrilled about the baby coming, but is also scared he can't support his family, and the worry keeps him up at night. He's as happy as anybody that Wes is alive and home, but he's upset Wes isn't planning on working in the shop as much as he was before - keeps his mouth shut though, 'cause it sounds selfish."

After a pause, Trent blinked. First, it was more than he'd ever heard Dylan say in one sitting, and second, some of this was news to him. All he'd wanted was to see how observant the kid was, and he'd gotten more than he'd bargained for. "Does Clint talk to you about all that?"

"I don't think he talks to anybody about it, but it's pretty obvious to me."

It certainly wasn't obvious to Trent, which only piqued his interest even more. "How about...Jeff?"

Dylan let another mouthful of Mountain Dew slide down his throat. "What about him?"

Trent shrugged. "What do you see?"

"Oh. I guess I see somebody who's got a lot of hurt he doesn't let show. Lots of regrets, even though he's been forgiven. He's mad his body is so weak, but too tired to fight it anymore. And he misses Katie something awful, but doesn't want to pressure her in coming to visit him too often."

Trent grinned and just shook his head. "Boy, you do see a lot. I don't think I'm gonna ask you what you've observed about me."

Dylan smirked a little and threw him a sidelong glance. "You don't need me to tell you what you already know." Standing, he yawned and stretched before chucking his empty pop bottle into a nearby trash barrel. "Besides, any time you want, you can improve your situation. Some people aren't so lucky."

Trent remained seated as he watched Dylan walk away. It was just as well that the boy did leave, since Trent had no idea how to respond anyway. His little test had backfired on him just a bit, as he had not planned on turning anything back to himself. One thing was clear though - Dylan was a very observant, very sharp young man.

Eventually getting up, Trent went back to work, but somehow Dylan's words continued to run through his mind. About him being lucky. Was it true? Did he really have the power to improve his own situation? Was he living with this pain in his heart because he simply refused to change anything? 

Yet

Hope continues to look down at Gunner as he explains what was going on and what he was doing.  She could see the excitement but she could see how good this was not for him as well. It was only feeding everything and letting it interfere or bringing it to work was not a good thing.

   "Huh"

Hope let Gunner finish and his words trail off tell she could tell he could tell she was not amused. This just made her worry grow even more for him. Should she tell Reese? Should she make good on her promise everything was so messed up in this whole situation.

   "Are you going to talk to someone yet?"

Grace can't help but laugh as she helps Jared back into his wheelchair and goes to the back starting to push forward. A smile was pasted on her face and a laugh never ending from her lips. Hearing Jared's last comment Grace leans down close to Jared and gives him a small kiss on the cheek.

   "Oh I am sure we can figure something else out. Just dont go breaking anything else. You have had enough bad luck with that already."

Watching both the boys Alice can't help but rolls her eyes and shaking her head. She missed this, she missed Kyle having his best friend around and the silly bantering. It was good to see the smile on Kyle's face, and the laugh in his voice. She had known he missed Hunter, and now...we at least things could start to get back to how they were.

   "Come on Kate, lets go before lets go and let these boys be. Men!"

Moron

Gunner woke with a start to stare up at Hope with blurry eyes. "Huh?" 

He blinked and tried to get his bearings. Oh yeah...he was at work. Straightening a little more, he looked at his messy desk and tried to recall what on earth he'd been doing and when he must have fallen asleep. "Um...sure. I mean yeah. Found a few new leads." 

He yawned and rubbed an eye with the heel of his hand. "I got a few more things to check then I can start talking to a list of people and see if..." His voice trailed off and he glanced back up at Hope with an expression as if he was a little kid who had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. 

His shoulders sank back down and his eyes fell to the floor. No matter how enthusiastic he was about this stuff, he still knew it wasn't right, and he knew good and well that Hope would not approve. "You won't...tell Reese or anything...will you?"

"Sounds good to me." Jared nodded, his mind already hard at work trying to decide what on earth they'd have for supper tonight. "Let's say...seven-thirty. That'll give me enough time to make it look like I've been planning this for weeks." 

He grinned as he used Grace's help to get up off the ground and stand wobbly before sinking back down into his wheelchair. He had a few hours to work with - that should be enough, right? 

"Onward!" He pointed to the house, too sore to try and wheel himself at the moment. "What am I gonna do when I'm well, and I can't order you around anymore?" 

Hunter returned a little squeeze to Katie's hand, so grateful for her support. Without her, he certainly wouldn't be here, let alone have gotten straightened out at all. 

When Alice agreed to letting him come to the wedding, he was hit with another wave of relief and gratefulness. Neither she nor Kyle were required to say yes to him coming, but they had. Returning her hug, memories flooded his mind. Memories of Break Out. Memories of being around Alice and becoming close friends. Memories of liking her more than just a friend. Pulling away, he managed a small smile. "Thank you, Alice. And...I'm sorry for being such an idiot. I don't ever want to be that person again." 

Kyle was satisfied. Having received Hunter's apology, then witnessing another apology to Alice...it was another piece of proof that he was at least trying to do the right thing again. He might be a ways from where he needed to be yet, but at least he was on the journey back. And Kyle couldn't ask for any more than that. 

Rejoined by Alice, he slipped his arm over her shoulders and gave her a loving squeeze. They were already making a great team, and he felt so blessed. Life just kept getting better and better. 

Alice's suggestion of having Katie and Hunter stay for dinner raised Kyle's eyebrows. He hadn't really thought of that, but...at this point, he wasn't opposed. If Hunter stuck around for a while, it might be a good chance to observe him a little more. And Kyle always liked spending time with Katie. "Sure, that sounds alright with me."

Hunter's mind had stopped at Alice's invitation. She...had really suggested he and Katie stay? And eat with them? Accepting his apology was one thing. Letting him come to their wedding as Katie's date was another. But actually wanting his company for a meal, after everything he'd done was...something else entirely. A lump rose in his throat, and without warning, he was overcome with emotions. He'd missed this life so much. He'd strayed so far. And yet he was being welcomed back with open arms. 

"The more the merrier." Kyle was still talking. "And yes, we have enough hamburgers for all of us. I'm so hungry, I'm 'bout ready to gnaw off my arm, so-" He stopped abruptly. "Uh-oh." 

Hunter had turned his back on the other three, embarrassed by the tears in his eyes. With hands on hips, he took a deep breath, trying to compose himself, but it wasn't working very well. They were just being too nice to him. 

Kyle cleared his throat. "You done gone and made the poor man cry, Alice. Shame on you. All I wanted was a hamburger, but now we're all feeling awkward, and nobody wants to eat with this going on. I guess we'll just stand here and listen to my stomach growl...before we all starve to death."

"Shut up." Hunter hid his smile as he wiped his eyes. "Jerk."   

Kyle grinned. "Moron." 

"Lard brain." 

"Stupid head." 

Hunter finally had guts enough to turn back around before reaching out and giving Kyle's arm a light punch. Kyle immediately returned a whack upside Hunter's head, to which Hunter thumped his shoulder. Kyle's next move was to shove him towards the patio steps. "To the grill before I really do eat my arm. You flip burgers. I'll watch," he teased. Once on the ground, he glanced back over his shoulder to toss both women a wink. 

Grill

Going out back with Alice Katie didn't  mind at all. It was nice looking around and getting to see everything. This house was amazing, and seeing the Alice and Kyle were fixing it up was even better. They were doing a really good job and it was starting to look amazing. She was so happy for them and they life they were building. It really gave Katie some hope that sooner or later things would work out for her too.

   "I really am excited..."

Stopping what she was saying as Kyle and Hunter come out of the house Katie gives a little smile. Neither man was dead, or cut, or even bruised for that matter. Nor did they look upset or angry, that was a good sign in itself or so Katie thought. She really did want Kyle and Hunter to make up. They were two important people to her and she hated seeing the rift.

As Hunter comes close to her once more Katie reaches her hand out and puts it in his giving it a little squeeze. She was proud of Hunter. No matter the outcome she really was. He was trying she could tell and no one could as for more than that. 

Giving a smile to Kyle and hearing he agreed to let Hunter come to the wedding her smile grows a little more. Maybe things were not perfect with those two but at least this was something, and a start. Alice new people could change and if Hunter was trying than that was good enough for her.

   "Yes, I would be honored to have you there as well Hunter."

Standing for a moment Alice moves around the little table where she had been sitting and extends her arms to Hunter before giving him a hug. They had been though lots, ups, downs, good, and bad times but Hunter had always been and would always be a good friend to her. It had hurt seeing him choose the wrong path but seeing him find his way again made her heart sing.

   "It's good to have you back Hunter."

Moving away from him and going back to Kyle Alice gives him a small hug as well. She was proud of him and it made her that much more honored to be marrying him. Kyle had been strong, but he'd grow stronger in front of her eyes and become even better of a person. Now she only hoped that she could be the kind of wife Kyle needed and deserved.

   "Would you guys like to stay for dinner? I think Kyle is doing a little cookout, and I believe we have extra for you guys as well. Hunter, you can help Kyle and Katie can help me with the sides. That sound ok to you Kyle?"

Grace gives another laugh finishing up with Jared's legs and giving them a pat. Cocking her head at Jared she gives a little nod. He did seem like a take it as it comes kind of guy and though that was not normal for her it kind of in a way felt nice. To not think something out and over thing it, to just do it and see what happened.

   "Right...How about we get you inside than so we can let you mom know the plans. Than I need to go see another pashent, go home and change, and than I will head back over. That sound ok?"

Walking through TJY Hope let out a small sigh to herself. Gunner hadn't shown up yesterday like he said he would and today so far no sign. Looking around the main floor though seeing something stir Hope wondered maybe he was there after all.

Going over to the cubicle and seeing Hunter passed out at his desk with all the papers around him Hope lets out a long sigh and shakes her head. Would this ever stop? Would Gunner ever end this? Giving a knock on the wall with her knuckles Hope takes in a breath.

   "Looks like you had a busy night. Find anything good?"

As long as it's okay...

Gunner paused a moment and looked down at Hope's hand that was on his arm. He'd never noticed how light and caring her touch was before. "I know," he responded quietly. Whether he was thinking straight or not, he knew Hope meant it, and he knew that she could force his hand if need be. She and Con had done it before. And the funny thing was, somewhere deep down, that was a comfort in a strange sort of way.

Turning back to the mess, he let Hope see herself out. And after she'd gone, he continued to clean up. These were documents and records that should have been thrown away long ago. They were things that others would have assumed he'd thrown away the last time he'd tried to get rid of his obsession. But he hadn't. He'd kept them in the back corner of his closet, unbeknownst to anyone else.

Once the mess was back in the box, Gunner knew he should go to work like he'd told Hope he would. But after a shower and getting into clean clothes, the exhaustion was enough to send him to his bed. Lying down in the company of his pillow, he tried to regain some energy. He needed to go to work. He needed to meet Bree for lunch. Yet neither was enough to get him up.

He would call Bree and cancel their plans for today, saying he didn't feel well, but was fine enough that she shouldn't worry. And he would not return to work as planned. Instead, he would sleep a restless sleep, holding himself on the brink of something darker than he wished to think about...

...It was after midnight. Everybody was gone, except Ty and Hal. It would seem unusual for Gunner to come to work at this hour, but for a man who had slept most of the day, being wide awake at home was less than fulfilling. It wasn't Elite work that he was after though - just the use of his computer and records.

And in the morning when others would arrive, he would go relatively unnoticed in his cubicle, having fallen asleep at his desk, surrounded by papers and photos of suspects he'd dug up.

"What? And have you cook your own meal?" Jared smirked as he watched Grace work on his legs again. "I'd say having you over to dinner for the first time is a good enough reason to make sure you don't have to work at all." 

He bit his lip as a new and painful spasm hit his lower back. "I'll, um...think of something," he reasoned." He threw her a coy grin. "That's what I do best, you know. Fly by the seat of my pants." 

Having been roused from a light nap by his phone, Hunter laid on his couch as he answered Katie's call. He couldn't help his surprise. "Wow, really?" He'd been sure Kyle would have turned her down flat. "That's...that's good." 

Right? This was what he wanted, wasn't it? A chance? Now that it was a reality though, a bit of fear surfaced. What if, despite his efforts, Kyle still said no? What if he still wanted nothing to do with Hunter, even if he did try to show he'd changed? And what about Alice? How did she feel? Did she have as much distrust for him as did her fiance? 

Realizing he'd paused the conversation, Hunter cleared his throat. "Um, so yeah, I'd like to go. Thanks for setting it up." He glanced out the window to the afternoon sunshine. "How about I pick you up after work?"

It was a perfect day for a motorcycle ride, providing a good excuse to pick Katie up on his bike. And a few hours after their phone conversation, they were headed just out of town, Hunter quite comfortable with Katie's arms around him...

Kyle sighed and nodded at Alice. "Yeah...yeah, everything is okay, I think." He pocketed his phone and stood to wander over behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and setting his chin on her shoulder. He gave her a loving squeeze and a light kiss to the cheek. 

"That was Katie. She wants to bring Hunter to the wedding as her date, so...I said he could come out here today and talk." He let Alice go, moving around to see her face. "I hope that's okay with you. I didn't feel comfortable just saying he could come to the wedding. Katie seems to think he's the cat's pajamas, but I'm just not so sure. He's got a lot of talking to do before I'd let him back into our circle of friends..." 

Hunter knew the way to the estate, though it did take a little thinking to take the right roads. It had been many years since he'd been here...with Kyle...as kids...as best friends. There had been many a time he'd been invited to come out here with the family for a grand backyard campout or even birthday parties. It felt like a lifetime ago. 

Arriving at the long driveway, Hunter pulled to a stop and just stared across the rolling lawn. He remembered being impressed as a kid with how neat the place was, but now, to think that this was Kyle and Alice's home...it was rather overwhelming. He could only imagine how they would creatively use the size of the estate for church events and for the band. It was much too big of a house for just two people, but knowing their hearts, Hunter knew that this place would most likely get put to good use. Most couple starting out would have very little - Kyle and Alice had certainly been blessed, that was for sure. And it might take just a bit of doing to not be too jealous. 

Hunter reached back and gave Katie's let a pat before continuing on up the driveway. His nervousness only increased, and he hoped he'd made the right choice by coming. Parking near the garage, he let Katie get off first before dismounting and taking off his helmet. Looking around the place, it felt just a little smaller than it had when he'd been a kid, but it was still big enough to be impressive. "Well..." He looked at Katie, the nervousness showing in his eyes. "Here goes nothing." Taking her hand, he aimed for the walk that led to the front door. 

Inside, Kyle had just sat down to another glass of lemonade, hot and sweaty from having been working outside all day. It was worth it, but he was pretty worn out. "So I was thinking-" His sentence to Alice was cut off by the doorbell. Quirking an eyebrow, he bristled just a little. "And I would imagine that would be our guests." 

Mustering up his gumption, he rose from the kitchen table. Answering the door, his eyes first went to Katie and he smiled. "Hey, K.T." He reached out to tweak her chin teasingly. "Good to see ya." Seeing Hunter's arm around her, on the other hand, did little for his enjoyment. He glanced up at Hunter next, locking eyes with him. At least he was clean shaven and sober this time. "Hunter." 

Hunter swallowed hard. "Hi, Kyle. Thanks for...well, I... um..." 

Kyle stepped back and gestured inside. "Come on in." Following them inside, he hollered ahead to Alice. "Hey, Alice? How about showing Katie around?" He'd just as soon get Hunter alone before being a chummy foursome. 

All Hunter had time for was an awkward nod hello to Alice before he and Kyle were left alone...which was pretty awkward in itself. He hooked his thumbs in his jeans pockets and rocked on his heels nervously. "Um...thanks for letting me come out here." 

"Yeah." Kyle wandered to the living room where he took up a seat in one of the chairs. "Katie said she wants to bring you to the wedding." 

"Right." Hunter eased down on the couch, just sitting on the edge and leaning his elbows on his knees. He studied Kyle's face, seeing distrust written all over it. "She does, and...I'd like it too, but...I'd understand if you said no." 

Kyle remained silent, just looking Hunter over. What had the years done to them? 

Hunter cleared his throat. "Look, Kyle, I'm sorry." The words came out easier than he'd thought they would. "I'm sorry for being a rotten friend when we were with Break Out, I'm sorry for losing touch 'cause I was jealous, and I'm sorry for hitting you the last time we met." He sighed deeply. "And I'm sorry for anything else I forgot to mention." 

Kyle's eyes softened just a little. "Why, Hunter?"

"Why what? Why am I sorry?"

"No. Why did you turn into someone else? What happened?" 

Hunter shrugged lamely, his leather jacket creaking with the movement. "I dunno. I just...guess I lost sight of what was important. I was jealous you got Alice. Then I felt left out and abandoned with Break Out - sorta relived the whole abandonment thing from my dad, I guess. After that, one thing led to another and I just got farther and farther off the right path."

Was he really as repentant as he sounded? Kyle just wasn't sure. "Well, for what it's worth, you look better today than you did the last time I saw you." 

"You mean sober?" Hunter grimaced. "Yeah...I've, um...I've been working on that. Kinda hard to hit the bottle when you got somebody like Katie to pay attention to."

"Oh?" 

"Well, yeah." Hunter blinked, seeing the question on Kyle's face. Then his eyes widened. "But it's nothing...I mean...we're not...I'm..." He stopped and rolled his eyes. "Look, Katie's been good for me, alright? She's helped me get my head on straight again and I think we got something good going. I know you think I'm a jerk, and you're right - I was. But I'm trying really hard not to be and I just..." His sentence trailed off as quite suddenly he was hit with a wave of emotions. His eyes dropped and he took a moment to regain control. "I just want to be friends with you again. I don't have many friends any more since I've been trying to avoid the rough crowd lately and...and I miss my best friend." He shrugged again. "I know your friendship is too much to ask for, but...I figured it was worth a shot." 

Kyle couldn't help it that his heart was touched. He couldn't help but hear the sincerity in Hunter's voice, even if he didn't want to believe it. But was he really ready to let Hunter back into his life? "I'm...sorry things have been so rough for you. I wish I would have known you took the Break Out thing so hard so I could have done things differently. I wish I would have tried harder to stay in touch." 

"Naw, nothing was your fault." 

"Not even Alice?"

"Well..." Hunter looked back up as the first grin came to his lips. "Maybe that was your fault. But it looks like it was meant to be after all. I mean...look at all this..." He chuckled. "Imagine you, having this place, having your own band, getting married...It's like all the pieces just fell into place for you. I gotta admit, I'm still a bit jealous, but it's hard to be bitter when I see how good things are turning out for you." 

Kyle cocked his head. "You really mean that?" 

"Yeah...yeah, I do." 

Another sigh surfaced as Kyle stood. Hunter automatically stood as well, and Kyle gave him a good long look. It was hard to turn someone away when they were obviously trying very hard to repair things they had damaged. And even though Kyle hadn't wanted to believe Katie that Hunter had changed...unless he'd lost all skill for reading people, it was true - Hunter really was trying, and really had changed from the drunk guy who had slugged him. "You gonna cause trouble at my wedding?" 

"No." Hunter shook his head. "And I won't even object when given the chance...'cause any good reason I could come up with would just show what a stupid guy I am." 

Kyle finally grinned. "You're not stupid. You're just a bit of a knucklehead sometimes." 

"Yeah, well...I guess I'm a slow learner."

"Mm-hmm..." Kyle set his hands on his hips and let another pause linger before speaking again. "I accept your apology, Hunter. And...as long as it's okay with Alice, you can come to the wedding." 

Hunter let out the breath he'd been holding. 

"But..." Kyle held up a finger. "Should you cause any trouble at all..."

"I know, I know." Hunter raised his hands in surrender. "You'll kick me in the head and I won't even fight back." 

"I mean it."

Hunter's hands dropped. "I understand. If I were you, I'd be leery too. But I really am gonna try to be a better friend, if you'll let me."

"Oh...I think maybe I can. Come on." Kyle headed for the back door. 

"Where are we going?" 

"I think the girls are out back. You want to say something to Alice, too, don't you?" 

Hunter really hadn't thought about that, but he knew it was only right. He owed Alice as much of an apology as he'd given Kyle, no matter how awkward he felt. "Yeah..." 

Kyle found the girls out on the back patio and offered both a smile. "Hey, you two. Seen all you can see yet?" 

Hunter joined them, choosing to stand rather close to Katie and giving her a look that was something like a cross between sheepishness, relief and awkwardness. 

"Alice..." Kyle set a hand on her shoulder. "I told Hunter he can come to our wedding, as long as it's okay with you." 

Consideration

Hope felt bad for Gunner and wished there was more she could do for him. But this was all she had to offer. She really did want to help him and she wanted to make sure everything was going to be ok. Simply hearing him say he was fine though didn't do it for her.

   "We do want to help you Gunner, thats what we keep saying."

Watching him stand and start to put his papers into boxs Hope comes closer. Taking his arm in her hand for a second she looks at him letting out a small sigh.

   "Talk to someone Gunner, before its to late...ok? We care and want to help. I'll give you a few days but than I am going to have to make a desition."

Grace can't help but laugh again as she shakes her head and leans into Jared a little bit. She loved his sense of humor. He could make her laugh and she liked that.

   "Yes I guess you should huh? I mean it is kind of important."

Shifting again a little bit down to Jared's legs Grace starts working on them all over again. Warming the muscles, cooking them, helping the blood pump once more. This had become something she really did enjoy doing. To know she was helping someone she cared a great deal about. It had its own reward.

   "Or I could always come over a little early and help cook as well."

   "That seems fair enough to me."

Katie taps her fingers on the counter absentmindedly for a second. That was more than she exspected and she was happy that Kyle would least  consider it. Now it was just talking to Hunter and having him go with her to the little farm house. Katie wasn't sure if he would or not. He wanted to show Kyle he'd changed but was this to much?

   "Alright Kyle, we should be out in a few hours. Thank you for considering. I know Hunter will be happy to hear you at least want to try."

Hanging up the phone Katie lets out a long breath she had been holding. Taking her phone in hand again and dialing Hunter's number and waiting for him to answer.

   "Hey you. Called Kyle...he wants us to come out to the house and talk to Alice and him. He wants to know you have changed and are not going to cause trouble. This is a big step to take...but...if you do you might be able to get your friend back."

Once Kyle was off the phone Alice whiper her hands off on a towel and cocked her head at him. She new he was on the phone with someone and it was about Hunter but that was about she wasn't sure at all. She was intrusted in what was going on.

   "Hey, did I hear right you said something about Hunter? Is everything ok?" 

So Tired

Gunner continued to stare at the paper on the wall as if not even hearing Hope. His body language, though, indicated that he did hear her, and her words did register. Though his eyes remained on the paper, his weight shifted nervously from one foot to the other, and his fingers strummed erratic beats on his leg.

"How can a man let someone in on his nightmare?" he questioned softly. "When you're asleep, how do you invite someone else in to see what you see, and feel what you feel?"

His eyes finally dropped, as did his shoulders. "I'm so tired." 

Wandering back to where he'd started, he sank back down to the floor, leaning back against the wall. His gaze landed on nothingness. He didn't want to go back to Northside. He knew Hope was only trying to help. But he was so confused. His mind and body were exhausted, but the battle just wouldn't stop. He wasn't even sure why he was doing what he was doing anymore.

"I don't understand." His voice became passive and listless again. "It's over...it's all over. But I gotta keep looking." Unexpected tears pooled in his eyes. "My entire childhood was stolen from me...all of my memories of any family or friends...just...gone. And no one cares about finding the truth, except me." 

If anyone suspected it, now it was known for sure - he was caught on the same merry-go-round he had been before. It was back to the accident all over again. 

Straightening, he got onto his hands and knees, and started picking up some of the papers that were scattered around. "I'm sorry," he apologized clearly, as if none of this had just happened. "I'll get this cleaned up and go in to work this afternoon." He grabbed the box he'd emptied earlier and began throwing papers into it. "I appreciate you stopping by, but I'm okay now."

Though Jared was thrilled at Grace's acceptance of his invitation, his cheeks gained some color and he couldn't help a sheepish laugh. "Well, I, um...I just thought of asking you like two minutes ago, so...I haven't exactly thought yet about what to eat, let alone who's gonna cook it."

Glancing down at her, he gave her a silly look. "I suppose since you said yes, I better start thinking about it, huh?" 

Kyle continued his slow walk to the house, but stopped before entering the back door. Hearing Katie's request, he immediately bristled. He'd known she was dating Hunter, and since the beginning could not believe Katie could be that stupid. He'd held his tongue though, never interfering and just hoping she would not be taken advantage of. And now she wanted to bring Hunter to his wedding...of all occasions. 

Slowly entering the house, he sighed deeply as he wiped his feet on the rug. "I don't know, Katie..." Finding Alice near the kitchen, he threw her a glance that said he was not happy with whoever he was talking to. 

He sank down in a kitchen chair and ran a hand over his face, trying to sort it through in his mind. He was torn between forgiveness and facts. "I'm not so sure that showing up at my wedding is a good place for him to prove whether he's actually changed or not." The last thing he wanted was for Hunter to show up and cause a scene at his wedding. 

"I trust you, but I gotta be honest - I don't trust him or his motives." Another look was tossed at Alice as he talked. What was he supposed to say? He loved Katie to death, but why was she doing this to him? 

"Tell you what...Alice and I are gonna be here at the house the rest of the day. If Hunter wants to come with you to the wedding, tell him he can come out here and tell me to my face. Otherwise, I just can't trust he won't cause trouble."

You need...

Standing with Gunner Hope didn't like his response to her at all. Seeing him like this, this different than a few days ago worried her and upset her at the same time. He seemed more crazy babbling than just straight up crazy this time around. It made hope sad, and she felt so hopeless. She new he didn't want to go back to Northside but if he was going to keep acting like this and not filling anyone in than thats what was going to happen.

   "It's talk like that Gunner that wont even let me give you a choose so how about we not even go there ok."

Hope walked over the papers and twords Gunner again she tried to keep her eyes soft, but stern to show she really meant what she was talking about.

   "We dont let you be because we care and are worried about you. You need to talk to me, Rick, Bree, JT you need to talk to someone Gunner before we do send you back. I know you dont want to so you need to help me help you.  We might even be able to help you if you let me in."

He needed to talk to someone. She didn't much care who but someone who could help him. He needed to get this stuff off his chest, and just talk about it. To empty his mind and just let someone else help him carry the weight.

Having Jared's fingers locked with hers Grace couldn't help the smile on her lips. His touch was warm and his hands were soft, his touch light. She enjoyed it because though it was soft, it was still strong and it made her feel safe. Even if Jared wouldn't think so because of his legs she still felt that way.

   "Dinner tomorrow...I'd love too. Are you going to do the cooking or your mom? Either way I bet you are both good cooks."

Katie smiles at Kyles greeting. He was always so happy to see her and she had been silly to think he didn't have time to talk to her. She just new he was busy with wedding stuff and the new house she just didn't want to take him away from what needed to be done.

   "Well it was kind of about your wedding. You know I am coming and I wanted to bring my pluse one but I wanted to make sure it was ok with you guys first."

Katie lets out a long breath before continuing on. Katie didn't know why she felt so nervous but she was. The worst he could say was no but at the same time it would really put a pain in her heart. 

   "I wanted to know if I could bring Hunter. He really miss you Kyle and he's changed a lot and leaned into God more. I know he's don't lots of wrong Kyle...but we all have and he just wanted a way to make things right."

Ten Seconds

Gunner only made eye contact with Hope when she leaned down to his level. Locking his gaze with hers, he listened, though his expression didn't change.

"No." His eyes narrowed with his stubborn response. Standing so abruptly that he almost tripped over a pile of papers, he put more space between him and Hope. "I'm never going back to that place." His tone had grown angry. "And if you or anybody else try to make me, I'll go walk off a bridge instead, and we can just be done with this whole thing." 

There was fear in his eyes now. Fear of going back to the place of forced counseling, psychiatric evaluations, medications and locked doors. Perhaps there had been some good in it - he'd been forced to face his problems and give up the notion of suicide, while also getting to know Bree. But he never wanted to go back.

Pacing like a caged animal in front of the living room window, Gunner scuffed his bare feet on the carpet. He folded his arms tight around himself and wouldn't look back at Hope again. "What is so wrong with just letting me be? Why can't I just...just..." He gestured at the mess on the floor, but found it difficult to say what he wanted. "Just do what I'm doing?"

He spotted a particular piece of paper on the floor and snatched it up. "See? A loose end. But nobody lets me wrap them all up." His voice went quiet again. "Nobody." He found a pushpin on the coffee table and pinned the paper to the wall, next to a couple others that he'd already put up. Quiet abruptly, his body language shifted, putting him in his own little world again, as if Hope wasn't even there. "If I could just find the missing piece," he whispered, while staring at the page. "If I could just...find it..."

Jared grinned as he looked at Grace out of the corner of his eye. Sliding his hand towards her, he took her hand, running his thumb through her palm. "Is this what you call working hard?" he teased softly.

He leaned his head against hers and just soaked up the sunshine and the gentle breeze. Closing his eyes, he sighed deeply. Was this what peace felt like?

"You wouldn't want to come over for dinner tomorrow night, would you?"

"Hey, KT!" Kyle set down his paint brush and wiped his hand on his jeans. Hearing Katie's question, his brow furrowed a little. Katie didn't usually start out conversations like this. "I always got at least ten seconds for you," he teased. He wandered in the direction of the house's back door, but kept his steps slow. He knew Alice was inside doing some cleaning, but he wanted to hear what Katie had to say first, before involving Alice. 

"So what's up?"

Or Else

Looking at Gunner and listing to him Hope can't help but shake her head at his gibberish. He was sounding completely insane or disoriented or something. Hope wasn't sure what but she new it wasn't good and it worried her.

   "Gunner...what is this all about?"

Not hearing a reply Hope steps into the room and around to the front of Gunner bending down to be level with him. Cocking her head she trys to look him in the eye and lets out a sigh. This whole being nice thing was not working out, not with Gunner and if Hope didn't do something...she didn't want to think about that.

   "You need to talk to me. This is not an option anymore because every day I see you, your sleeping away a little more. You need to talk to me Gunner or your going back to Northside and they will make you talk."

Continuing to work on Jared's legs Grace gives a small nod listent to what the Dr had talked to him about. In a way it really was one big circle but it was the slow work they were doing that was helping and making everything come into place.

   "Yes you did and that's worth it. I am very proud of you for that."

Finishing up with Jared's legs Hope stops and scoots back to lean against the tree. Leaning her head on Jared's shoulder she she smile at him. She loved spending this time with him and just being here.

   "So...I was thinking maybe we could go on a real date some time soon. Maybe dinner and a movie?"

 Finishing up with Gunner and heading back to work Katie thinks about there whole afternoon. It had been a nice one, it always was. Katie enjoyed her time with Hunter and talking a little bit about Kyle was nice too. Kyle...thats right she needed to call him.

Pulling out her phone once she pulled into TJY Katie dials Kyle's number and waits for him to answer. Hearing his voice she can't help but smile. Kyle would always be special to her, he was one of her close friends now and always.

   "Heya Kyle. Do you have a second to chat? I wanted to ask you something kinda important. Well you and Alice."

Missing Puzzle Pieces

Gunner's ears heard the knock at the door, but somehow the sound just didn't register in his brain as anything he needed to pay attention to. He also heard someone's footsteps, but made no move to get up and see who it was - friend or foe.

Only after Hope said something did Gunner's mind focus enough to realize who it was, and that she was standing right here in his living room with him. Even so, his eyes didn't move, as if his senses had grown too sluggish to react.

He shrugged at her question. "I guess." His gaze remained in a stare, not really focusing on all the scattered papers. There was a lot of information here. And all had been read by him over and over, countless times. What should have been burned was now at the surface again, being studied and dissected once more. The case of his family's car accident. All of the trails he'd been on. All the leads. All the dead ends. It was all right here. Yet instead of reading them closely, they looked liked a puzzle that had been dumped in a pile with no rhyme or reason. And he sat on the edge. Just watching.

He swallowed hard and let his head lean back against the wall. "Missing puzzle pieces are never really lost," he commented quietly. "Just...misplaced. That's all. They still exist. Somewhere. You just have to find them...to make it all fit... Somewhere." His eyes never left the mess. "The piece is just misplaced... But it's here... somewhere."

Sitting in the grass felt nice, and Jared was glad Grace had suggested going outside. Even the sun was out, and that felt good too. He'd wanted to stay locked inside for so long, but maybe being outside wasn't such a bad idea after all.

Leaned back against a tree, he watched Grace work. She made it look easy, her hands seeming to know exactly what to do. It still hurt sometimes, but even so, he was starting to realize that it was all part of the process, and she was only helping him.

He scrunched his nose at her question. "Eh... kind of. I was talking to the doctor the other day and complaining that things weren't going faster. He explained I'm dealing with muscles that weren't used for a while so they need work, but also nerves that are healing and that's why I can't control much movement yet." He knew Grace already knew all that, but repeating it helped him process the information. "Kinda feels like a vicious cycle... Damaged nerves hinder movement, but without movement, my muscles don't get strong." He sighed, but managed a wry grin. "Guess that doesn't really answer your question though, does it?"

Without warning, he flinched, wincing at the pain in his lower back and leg that Grace was working on. He bit his tongue from complaining though - he knew from experience that griping just made her dig deeper. "I suppose I feel a little stronger," he admitted after the pain subsided. "I mean, I made it to the door today without falling on my face, so that's an improvement."

"Well, duh." Hunter grinned and gave Katie's hand a teasing tug. "If I didn't go out with you, I'd just go get myself in trouble, you know that." 

How true that would have been, not all that long ago. Of course, at the moment, there was still a little bit of truth. He hadn't done anything crazy since getting back from Texas, but the temptations were still there - some days stronger than others. But having Katie around helped keep him in check, especially when they had evening dates. Avoiding the bar scene wasn't easy, even though he'd been dry for a short while now. Getting together with Katie guaranteed a clean evening.

Their food being brought interrupted the conversation, and Hunter let Katie's hand go to sit back and make room on the table. A short prayer preceded the meal - a habit Hunter was trying to get back into, though still often forgot. 

Talk was kept light while eating, but the back of his mind continued to think about Kyle. Would Katie really call him? What would Kyle say? Hunter deserved the worst. Would Kyle forgive or turn him away? Yes, he was a good guy, but Hunter had displayed despicable behavior...more than once. And then, there was Alice. Maybe she wouldn't want him at the wedding either. She had just as much reason to keep him away. Even if Kyle forgave him, if Alice didn't want him at the wedding, Kyle could still say no. And then...it wasn't so much about the wedding...Hunter simply had a hole in his heart where his best friend used to be. And he missed him.

Collection

Hearing that Gunner had called in Hope frowns a little bit. That was odd that he would call in. After all it was not like Gunner at all to do that. Hope lets out a small sigh and wonders if this is connected with everything else.

   "Ok Reese thanks for letting me know."

Once everything was quiet again Hope sits back running a finger along her lips. Sitting forward again and picking up the phone Hope dials Gunner's number waiting for someone to answer. Not getting anything it made Hope a little worried. She couldn't hold this off any longer, for Gunner's sake.

...It wasn't to much longer that Hope was outside Gunner's place. She would come and see him if he wasn't coming into work, and if he wouldn't answer the phone. Giving a knock on the door Hope waits till no one answers. Knocking and trying the handle again it opens and Hope steps inside making her way down the hall and to a door that was open.

Seeing papers and pictures on the floor through the crack Hope pushes it open a little more seeing Gunner. Looking around at everything he had quite the collection. Hope would definitely say this was borderline obsession and it made her worry.

   "This is quite the collection Gunner. This why you didn't come into work?"

Grace can't help the laugh that escapes her lips. Jared's humor would always do that to her. Even if at times it was kind of dry she did understand it and it did make her laugh slightly anyways. Maybe it was that feeling in her stomach that said she cared that did that to her.

   "Alright outside it is than."

Gathering everything and helping Jared outside Grace gets to work on his legs with the heat and ice like so many times before. Once done with that Grace takes his one leg and starts to move it helping him with his muscles.

   "So...how have you been feeling? Feel like your legs are getting stronger?"

Searching Hunter's eyes Katie can see a small spark of hope in Hunter's eyes that was masked with pain still. She would talk to Kyle as see if she could work something out. Maybe if Kyle new Hunter was sorry and changed maybe they could be friend again and things would be ok.

   "Ok, when our lunch is done than I will call him and see about talking to him. If he knows you changed I think he might forgive you. Kyle is pretty level headed."

Reaching across the table and taking Hunter's had Katie gives a small smile to him. They had been spending a good amount of time together as of late Katie was enjoying it. Hunter was doing so well since he got back and she was so proud of him.

   "So we still on for tonight?"

Mess

"Right. Okay. See you later then." Gunner scratched his head and yawned again as he watched Bree disappear down the hall. Something felt weird today. Uneasy. Off kilter.

Shrugging it off, he hunted for his sneakers and gathered up his jacket and keys to leave. Since he hadn't brought anything to stay overnight, he needed to go to his apartment first. Take a shower. Change clothes. Go to work. What time was he supposed to be there anyway?

In the end, it wouldn't matter. After getting home, there was no shower. No changing clothes. Only a call in to work...


"Susanne?" Reese held down the intercom button on his office phone. "Anything from Gunner this morning?"

"Whoops, sorry. He called in sick earlier. I forgot to mention it."

"Oh...did he say what was wrong?"

"No. He just said to let you know he called."

"Did he sound alright?"

"Well, I don't know. I mean, he seemed kinda out of it, but he didn't sound like he was on death's door. Is everything okay?"

"Uh, yeah...thanks." Reese ended the call and leaned back in his chair to think. It was Hope's office he buzzed next. "Hey, Hope? First, I apologize for being in such a rotten mood yesterday. It was as bad day, but that's no excuse. Second, and on the same lines, just in case you didn't know, Gunner called in sick this morning. I just thought...maybe that was something you'd want to be aware of." 


...In Gunner's apartment, odor from a burnt breakfast still lingered in the air, charred remains of forgotten toast still sitting on the kitchen counter. A faint beeping could be heard coming from down the short hallway where the phone was off the hook and stuffed under a pillow to hide the sound. Also under the pillow was Gunner's cell phone, even though it had been turned off. It was nearing noon, but food, let alone a lunch date, had been completely forgotten.

There was silence.

The living room floor was haphazardly plastered with photos, papers, folders and more. One might think someone had taken an entire filing box and simply dumped it out. Off to the side, Gunner sat. He hadn't changed out of his jeans and t-shirt, although now he was in his bare feet. Sitting cross-legged, he was leaned back against the wall, simply staring at the mess.


"Um..." Jared thought as he tried to walk slowly beside Grace, using her for support. "Going outside sounds rather appealing. I haven't been outside since walking from the car to the house when I came home from the hospital."

He paused their walk to regain some balance before he glanced down at her with a teasing little grin. "Besides...if we go outside, that means I need more help. And if I need more help, that means I can keep my arm around you like this a little longer." 


Kyle paused mid-stroke with his paintbrush to throw Alice a smile. After setting down the bucket and brush, he wandered to the picnic table to take a long swig of lemonade and smacked his lips in approval. 

Hearing her comment about time, he laughed. "You kidding me?" Taking both her hands, he pulled her into a bear hug and kissed the top of her head. "If life slowed down, we wouldn't know what to do with ourselves. With us getting hitched and the band taking off, time is gonna fly right on by." He withdrew a little to set a finger under her chin and tilt her face up. "But fast or slow, as long as I'm with you, it's a little piece of heaven." 

Only after he'd given her a warm kiss on the lips did he finally let her go to study their lunch. "Mm-mmm... yessiree... The only bad thing about us living here is we got room for the band to be over here lots. And that means me sharing some of your cooking, an I'm not so sure I'm gonna be good at that." 


Hunter studied Katie's eyes for a few moments before he shrugged. "I dunno. I mean, I want to go. I want to see Kyle again and make things right, I just...I don't know if he'll ever forgive me for being the jerk I was. I know I don't deserve having him as a friend anymore, it just...feels unfinished." 

He looked down at the wrapper he was toying with. "And I don't want you and me to cause trouble between you and Kyle either. I know you're good friends, and I'm glad...I just don't want you going to bat for me if that means it'll mess things up with you guys." He shrugged again. "So I guess if you wanna talk to him, that's okay with me, but it should probably just be you. And if he says no, I'd rather you just let it go and go to the wedding and enjoy it. I made some bad choices and I gotta live with the consequences." If there was any way Kyle would let him come to the wedding, Hunter would be thrilled. A little scared, but thrilled nonetheless. Unfortunately, it was a long shot. But if Katie wanted to talk to Kyle, Hunter wouldn't stop her. 

He slid his hand across the table to curl around Katie's fingers. "Thanks for trying though. It means a lot to me." 

However

Feeling the couch move again slightly Bree rolls on her back and looks up at Gunner squinting her eyes. The rest of the night had gone without anything else happening on Gunner's part put it didn't feel all the restful. Everything that had happened the night before still was fresh in her mind. Even if she wasn't going to call Gunner on it right now it was still there and it bothered her.

   "Umm...its Thursday and I think lunch and dinner sounds good."

Finally standing Bree looks around the room. She wasn't surprised it looked like JT had left already. He always did leave before her when he had to work. Looking at Gunner and giving a smile she searches his eyes for a second before coming over and giving him a kiss.

   "I'll see you for lunch. I however need to take a shower."

 Looking past Jared and seeing Lydia Grace raises her hand a in a little hello to her giving a small chuckle before looking back to Jared. Shaking her head and coming in letting the door close behind her Grace goes over to him and slings one of his arms over her shoulder. She would be his support and would help him back to his room.

   "Come on you crazy man...I guess since you did come all this way I can help you back. Don't this counts as your workout though for the day. This was just...extra practice."

Leaning in and giving Jared a soft kiss on the cheek Graces eyes sparkle. She was so happy that at least they were trying to get past was was standing in there way and moving on with there relationship. It was a start in the right direction and thats really what did matter.

   "Alright...so back to your room and want to sit outside in the grass? It's a pretty nice day out."

Leaving the house with a tray of sandwiches and some lemonade Alice goes around to the west side where Kyle was patching up a few area's that had started to chip. It was safe for Alice to assume that the wind blew the hardest that way.

   "Kyle...stop working for a second and come eat lunch. I made egg salad, and have some fresh lemonade."

Setting the tray down on the picnic table Alice gives a small smile to Kyle. She new about what happened with Kip and it broke her heart. Kip was part of there family and to lose him as a band member was like losing a peace of the family and it hurt. It wasn't totally clear why Kip left and maybe thats what hurt most of all. Alice felt worse for Kyle though than she did herself. And Karla...what was she going to do now as well?

  "The house is coming along real nice. I can't believe this is going to be our home. Time sure has slipped away. Once we are married though I hope it slows down a little."

Looking up from the bubbles that poped in her drink Katie gives a small nod. She couldn't believe Kyle was getting married already. It seemed like just yesterday she'd found out and now..now the day was almost here. 

   "Yeah, I RSVP with a plus one."

Searching Hunter's eyes Katie could see how much he hurt and her heart went out to him. She couldn't imagen how hard this must be to know someone who was close like a brother was having an important day and you couldn't go. She really did feel bad.

   "I was thinking about asking Kyle if it was ok if you went. Or maybe we could ask him together. I figure I want you to go with me but just showing up with you might be a little disrespectful. So what do you say...want to ask him and see?"

Out

As Bree settled back in to sleep, Gunner's brow furrowed. Why was this bothering her so much? Hadn't what he'd just said been enough? Hadn't his words implied that he just had some stuff on his mind he was working through? The worst part was seeing Bree's feelings hurt and not understanding how to fix it.

Sinking in the couch a little more, he laid an arm over her and set his feet up on the coffee table. If he had to get up again, it would be less of an entanglement this way. Thankfully though, the rest of the night was quiet. Gunner didn't get much sleep, but he got a little, and he avoided anymore nightmares...

"Hey..." The couch moved slightly from being bumped. "I know vampires sleep during the day, but what time do you need to be at work?" 

"Hmm?" Gunner blinked and stretched, finding Bree's head still in his lap and his legs aching from being propped up half the night. 

JT tossed Gunner's t-shirt to him. "I said, what time do you need to be at work? I didn't want to leave and have a guilty conscience for not waking you up." 

Gunner yawned and took his shirt, though he looked at it, confused. "Um...eight...I think." 

"Well, you better get a move on. It's just after seven now."

"Yeah...yeah, okay, thanks." Gunner rubbed his face and tried to wake up. 

JT shook his head as he gained a wry grin. "You're welcome. There's coffee. I gotta head to the hospital." 

"Right." Gunner yawned again and ruffled Bree's hair. "Hey, sweet thing. I'm getting kicked out." He pulled on his shirt, still in a bit of a daze, before prying himself from the couch, careful not to jostle Bree around too much. Stretching tall, his back popped in several places and he groaned. "Hawaii's sounding better and better," he mumbled. Leaning down, he gave Bree a quick kiss. "I gotta go. See you at supper? Or lunch? What day is it?" 

Jared gave Grace a sheepish grin, and a little color came to his cheeks - it was just something about the way she was pleased to see the effort he'd made. "I'm alright...better now that you're here." 

Movement caught his eye and he glanced down the hall to smirk at his mother, who was watching intently. Lydia rolled her eyes before turning to go back to the kitchen.

Jared's gaze returned to Grace, and he bit his lip. "I, um...only got one problem." He'd been leaning on the door frame for a reason. "I made it this far but I didn't make a plan for how I was gonna get back to the bed again."

"Here." 

By now, Scott was rather used to the not-so-pleasant-tasting juices that Justin made, so he accepted the drink without complaint. Sitting at his kitchen table, he drank half the glass before setting it down and catching his breath. He wiped some sweat from his brow before just folding his arms and setting his head down on them. 

Justin grinned a little and joined him at the table with his own drink. Today it had been a vigorous game of frisbee at the park to get Scott up and moving. "You alright?"

Scott kept his head down, but nodded. 

It had been a week since Justin had been here last - the longest amount of time between visits than they'd had in a while. After Scott had started to backslide, Justin had kept a close eye on him, and though things didn't appear to be much better now, he sensed some of the fog was starting to lift. "So how's work going?" 

Scott slowly raised his head and took another sip of his drink. "Alright, I guess. Mostly just helping Dalton with stuff. Reese knows I can't handle anything else." 

"Can't? Or just don't want to yet?"

Scott shrugged. His eyes were downcast. "Maybe I'm just afraid I can't handle any more," he admitted. 

Justin nodded knowingly. It was Scott's choice and only he knew how far he could go right now, but Justin would continue to gently push. "And Hope?" 

"What about her?"

"Seen much of her lately?"

Another shrug was Scott's answer. "Just in passing at work." No lunches. No suppers. No walks in the park. They were just...coworkers. 

"And...how do you feel about that?" 

"Lonely." Scott swallowed hard. There was no point in trying to deny the truth. His eyes only moved when Domino put her front paws on his leg for attention. His hand went to her head to appease her. 

Justin sat back and studied him for several quiet moments. "You know...sometimes settling for what we think is our lot in life, is just us choosing to make it so." 

Scott frowned. "You mean I'm choosing to be lonely?" 

"I think you're choosing loneliness over happiness because of fear, yes." 

"We've been over this." 

Justin sighed. He understood, but he just wished Scott would lower those walls. "I know. But that doesn't mean I'll quit trying." 

"What are you trying to be? A matchmaker?" 

Justin rolled his eyes. "That was a cheap shot and you know it. If you could give me one good reason for avoiding someone like Hope, who still loves you by the way, I'd leave you alone and never bring up the subject again. But so far, you haven't given me a good enough reason." 

"Why do you care anyway? What's so important about whether or not I'm dating Hope?" 

"It's not about you and Hope, Scott. It's about you having a relationship with anybody. You've got me...you've got Dalton...but you're keeping your circle of friends at arm's length. Even your sister." 

Scott fiddled with his glass before finishing his drink. Things were okay with Sapphire lately. He talked to her at work, and once in a while on the phone. They rarely got together and did anything though. Gage was always around, and though Scott wasn't upset over that anymore, it was still an awkward enough situation for him to avoid. "Can't I survive without a bigger circle of friends?" 

"Sure. You've proven that. But why would you want to? Because it's easier? Safer? Why not live in a box the rest of your life? Or better yet, why not go back to Brookshire?" 

Scott's eyes snapped up angrily. "You're pushing it today, Justin. Back off." 

Justin sighed and sat back in his chair. He knew where Scott's limits were well enough to know he hadn't crossed the line yet. Scott needed a gentle hand, but also needed good firm shoves sometimes too. "Look...I know life can suck and be confusing. But you took yours back. You've fought tooth and toenail to beat the odds - don't sell yourself short now. Don't stop when you've gained back so much already..."

...It was those words that continued to play in the back of Scott's mind, even after he'd been left alone again. It hadn't been a bad morning with Justin...just a touchy one. Scott could handle those kinds of sessions now though. They used to knock him flat, but now they just gave him more to think about during the day - like he was now.

It was over. He was out.

Kip sat on the edge of his bed, feeling like crying but denying himself that pleasure. He'd just gotten off the phone with Kyle. He hadn't wanted a meeting...hadn't wanted a group discussion. He knew the band would be better off without him, so he had quit. And now...it was done.

"Kip, I'm making chicken salad sandwiches, do you..." Gram's voice trailed off as she poked her head into the open bedroom and saw his downcast face. "Is something wrong?"

Kip shrugged. "Not really. I just quit the band is all."

"Quit?" Gram's eyes widened and she came in to sit next to him on the bed. "Why? I thought you loved it."

"I do. Did." Kip shook his head. "I just don't think I'm cut out for anything more than a garage band."

"Well why on earth would you think that? I've heard you play and you do a great job."

"Yeah, I play okay I guess." He thought for a moment then shrugged again. "When we started out here, I had trouble memorizing stuff and I'd mess up all the time and just couldn't concentrate. Blamed it on my hyperactivity and everybody had a cure. Eat better. Burn off my energy. Try harder. So I did...and things got better, but it just made it worse for me in here, ya know?" He tapped his chest over his heart. "After a while it just made me miserable 'cause I was trying so hard to keep up and do it right. Then I started forgetting practices and being late and I never did it on purpose, it just...happened."

He flopped onto his back and stared at the ceiling. "They've all been irritated with me and I'm letting them down right and left so I finally decided it was time to quit. They'll be better off without me."

Gram frowned, sorry to see her pseudo-grandson like this. "I guess I've never been to one of your practices, so I can't judge, but I'd be rather surprised if the rest of the band thought they'd be better off without you. But...it is your life. What are you going to do now?"

Kip smirked. "Find a real job so I can keep paying you rent or find my own place so I can finally get out of your hair."

"Hush your mouth." Gram swatted his leg. "You know you can stay here as long as you need. Me and Gramps love having you around here."

Kip shifted a little to look up at her. "Really?"

"Well of course! And not just because you do the oddjobs around here. We were without kids for so long, then the grandkids - especially Kyle - hung out here a lot, but now they're all doing their own things. It's kind of nice to have you around to fill that hole."

He managed a grateful smile. "Thanks. I like it here too. But I still need a job and I don't even know where to start."

"You start on a full stomach, that's where." Gram stood up after patting Kip's knee. "Come on. Lunch in five minutes. Maybe Gramps will have some ideas for you."

Kyle sighed and picked up the paint roller again. His hands and old clothes were speckled with paint - evidence of the work he was doing at the house. Not much needed to be done, but he and Alice were incorporating their own tastes. Today though, the excitement was tainted by Kip's call. He hadn't been surprised, but it hurt. They'd just lost a band member, and he wasn't even sure why.

"So...you're going to Kyle's wedding Saturday, right?" Hunter fiddled with his straw wrapper while waiting for their food. He and Katie had a lunch date today, and while he was thoroughly enjoying himself, there was a tiny part of his heart that was hurting. Not because Kyle was getting married...but because the man who had once been his best friend was having one of the most important days of his life...and Hunter knew he would not be welcome. And he was sorry.