To bad

Giving Rosalyn another squeeze and a kiss to the head he just held her and let her vent for a long moment. He didn't know how long he sat there holding her, and really he didn't care. The moment was perfect and he was content.  

Finally letting out a deep breath Chad new that they couldn't be like this forever even if its what he wanted. Life did have to go on.

   "So...how about you introduce me those roommates of yours. I think we leave them in there any longer the whispering and gawking is going to get unbearable. Than we can figure out what to do about dinner."

Sapphire couldn't help but laugh a little bit taking a sip of her own drink. It was funny watching Garret get adjusted. Not in a mean way, but just to see how his life was so different from her own. She hoped he continued to adjust ok through.

   "Ok so what I need is all these files put into the computer by date. Most of them are on the desk top already they just need the right folder by date. I have a bad habit of just putting them there and not in folders. Than I can never find ANYTHING!"

Coming around the corner Bree couldn't help but laugh more than she already was as she watched Gunner interact with the kids. It warmed her heart to see how good he was with them. Smiling and coming up behind him Bree taps on his shoulder before moving to the other side and giving him a little bump.

   "Aliens huh? I hope it wasn't to bad of an experance?!"

Loony Bin

Rosalyn was more than happy to settle in to Chad's lap, just leaning her head on his shoulder and listening. She sighed deeply, but was glad to know he hadn't had any encounters with her dad. And even though she'd sworn Clint to secrecy, she couldn't be mad at him for pointing Chad in the right direction.

"I don't want to keep you from anything important... but I can't say I'm not glad you can stick around for a little while." Her fingers fiddled with a button on his shirt. "I've got some cleaning jobs now, but the hours are a bit flexible if I'm creative so... I should be able to spend time with you." 

It felt odd...talking about a job. She'd just worked at the ranch as a part of daily life for so long, that having actual jobs that she couldn't just reschedule however she wanted was a new sort of sensation. And at the moment, it was also a bit depressing, since all she wanted to do was spend every moment with Chad. "I have Wednesdays and Sundays off too," she added.

She glanced up before leaning in and giving his lips another soft kiss, then returned to nuzzling into his chest. "Things have been...so...hard." Her voice started to quiver as tears filled her eyes. "I... I just... I didn't want to tell you. I didn't want you to feel responsible." She sniffed. "Dad, he... Things just got worse and worse. I couldn't.... I just couldn't take it anymore. I'm...so sorry I pushed you away. Clint's the only one who knows I'm here. I couldn't even tell my mom and...and it just breaks my heart."

She wiped her eyes, though tears remained. "But... This...having you here... It at least makes what I did worth it. I know I already said thank you for coming, but...thank you...again."


After taking another bite of the sub, Garret's eyebrows rose at Sapphire's offer to help with her workload. He thought for a minute, then shrugged. "Don't know if I'm any good at it, but I can follow directions."

He cocked his head, giving her a queer look. Was her behavior...normal? In his world, he'd feel the need to be quite suspicious at this point about her motives. But what about in this world? "I'd actually like something to do, other than stare at four cell walls the rest of the afternoon. You might wanna clear it with Nate though. I'm not sure anybody wants me near any of your computers."

"You as good with computers as you are beating people up?"

Garret glanced across the table to Jason. "Truth? I'm computer savvy, not tech savvy."

Jason's eyes narrowed. "Meaning...?"

"Meaning I can navigate, and I can type better than a five-year-old. I've got passwords, access codes and more, but I can't do the hacking." Garret tried to ignore Jason's mistrusting stare. "So if you're worried, don't be."

"Oh, I'm not worried. We've got kiddie locks on the important stuff." Jason stood and cleared off what was left of his lunch, throwing Sapphire a warning glance. He wasn't trying to be arrogant, and he wasn't upset - he just wanted to make sure she was careful. Truth be told, he was envious of Sapphire's ability to connect to people. He just didn't want anything bad to happen with Garret. "While you two work, wanna finish that paperwork on the Fulmer case?" He grinned. "Then I'll owe you one..."

It wasn't too long before Garret was in Sapphire's cubicle on an extra chair, taking a swig of Mountain Dew. He scrunched his eyes as he swallowed hard, and put a hand to his chest. "Man...been a while since I had this stuff. Forgot how sweet it was." He shrugged and took another sip. "Okay so...now that I'm headed towards a sugar high, what do you want me to do?"


Justin thumbed through the book Hope handed him, and nodded. "Thanks. I really appreciate this." He glanced around her office for a moment and grinned. "I've always wondered about working in an actual office, rather than running all over the place to visit my clients. And then I wonder about my claustrophobia kicking in."


Glancing first left then right, Gunner put a finger to his lips, winking at the young patient smiing at him. There was momentarily no one at the nurse's station. 

Hopping up to sit on the counter, Gunner grabbed the phone and hit the intercom. "Calling Nurse Bree to the front office. Calling Nurse Bree. Your vampire awaits."

"Mr. Franklin!" One of the nurses had returned, and swatted his arm before grabbing for the receiver. "Get your hind end off this counter at once!"

"Help!" Gunner struggled to get his last words in before she hung up. "I'm being abducted by aliens!"

Giggles made him look over his shoulder at a couple kids on their way back to their rooms, and he waved.

"Gunner!" It was the little girl that trotted over to him, despite the orderly's promptings to remain on task.

Gunner slid off the counter and gave the girl a gentle hug. "Hey there, kiddo. They're trying to kick me out. Can I come hide under your bed?"

"Yes!"

"With a teddy bear? I'm scared of the dark."

"Uh-huh!"

"No." The nurse smirked. "Has anyone ever told you that you belong in a loony bin?"

Gunner laughed. "You have no idea."

Bar of Gold

Chad can't help but laugh at all Rosalyn's questions as he shook his head slightly. She was so adorable and it made it even more so that she didn't know she was. Every breath, word, question, moment was special with her. 

Taking her hand and lowering himself down on the step Chad pulled her into his lap and just wrapped his arms around her. Giving her a kiss to the top of her head he just leaned his onto hers as the sun warmed his face.

   "I can stay as long as you need or want me too. My brother is covering the on field work for me, and I have my laptop with me I can work on some research, and what not from there. So I wont be totally slacking...though if I did it would be for a great reason."

Leaning back and letting out a small breath of air Chad was quiet for a moment thinking about the rest of Rosalyn's questions. He could see the slight worry in her eyes and it made him sad that she even had to. He new part of it was his fault and he did feel a little bad.

   "I'll more than likely be staying at a hotel here in town. Yes it was Clint, and I original called the ranch when I couldn't get you on your phone but no one answered there. I was getting worried so I did go to the ranch and talked with Clint. I didn't see you dad, so I dont know if he new I was there or not."

   "You'll get use to people like Justin being here one moment and than gone the next. In a hurry they always are, but I guess its with good reason."

Leaning back in her chair Sapphire give a yawn and a groan that followed. She had a pile of work waiting for her but she really didn't want to work on it. Today was just one of those days and she'd rather be else where.

Looking at Garret for a long moment she wondered if maybe he could help her? Work wouldn't be to bad if there was someone to char with every now and than or at least maybe it would go faster. 
  
   "Hey, you wouldn't happen to be good at sorting, and data input would you? I've got a mountain of work waiting for me and very little motivation to do it. It would be nice to have some help. I'll even share a Mountain Dew with you as payment and thats like getting a bar of gold right there."
   
Waving back at Gunner Hope shook her head. They had, had a good session today and she was thankful for that. They had been making progress even if it was small amounts at a time. It was still something and it pleased her.

Taking the notes from Justin Hope flips through them quickly for a moment. Seeing they were about Garret she was thankful for them. In case anything happened and Justin wasn't around she'd be prepaired. It was nice to be included as well.

   "Great, thank you. These will come in handy. I hope I wont even need to use them, but definitely nice to have to look over so I am not in the dark. Just in case."

Putting the paper work on Garret into her desk Hope turns her attachen to Justin once again as he has a new question. Thinking for a moment she chews on the tip of her pen absentmindedly. Getting up and wondering over to her bookshelf Hope scans them all before reaching out and grabbing one. Thumbing through it for a moment she figured this might be the best on for what little she new.

   "Here you go. This book covers a wide verity of different things dealing with depression, and loss. Some stuff might not even pertain to what you are handling but I think it would be the best thing to look through and see what does. I know I have another book too but I think its at home. I'll take a look tonight and let you know next time I see you."

Questions

Rosalyn giggled and just leaned her head against Chad’s chest, sighing deeply. “Of course I’m excited to see you. I know I was trying to let you go but…but all this time, deep down…I hoped somehow you’d find me and come. Maybe it was silly of me, I just…” She nuzzled in closer. “Maybe I thought if you really came then…then that would prove it wasn’t just…a fairytale.” 

She gazed up at him once more, hope filling her eyes. “How long are you here for?” She blinked, realizing there were more questions than that. “Where are you even staying? I’m assuming it was Clint who told you where I was, but I know you wouldn’t be staying at the ranch.” She pulled away a little, her eyes widening. “Did you talk to Clint on the phone or did you go there? You didn’t run into my dad, did you?”


Confusion crossed Garret's face as he looked at Sapphire. She was in no way simple-minded, yet she opened herself up without fear in front of him. Why? And why should she care about him finding himself? He was nobody to her. He was a stranger at least, a killer at most. Yet she didn't seem to mind one bit.

He glanced down at the half sub. It did look good. He really wasn't hungry - in spite of Justin's concoction being pretty strange, it really was filling. Not that he'd had an appetite to begin with. But whether it was knowledge he'd gained during his short stay here, or whether it was basic human instinct, he knew that accepting the offer would leave open the door for future interaction. And for once...that prospect didn't seem so bad. This was all so strange, yet...oddly appealing. Like he had stepped into an entirely new culture and was learning new customs.

Reaching out, he slid the plate the rest of the way over before taking a closer look at the sub. Only after he'd removed the tomatoes did he take a bite. Nodding at Sapphire, a little grin emerged. "It's better than Justin's green stuff."

“Hey, I heard that.” Justin pointed at him from across the table.

Garret’s grin widened as he chewed. “You’re the one who wanted me to start telling the truth.” He tossed Sapphire a wink. “Thanks, by the way. You obviously have a heart for tortured souls.”

“Alright, that’s it.” Justin got to his feet and took his own glass to the sink. “I know when I’m not wanted.” As he cleaned his glass though, he withheld his own smile. Whether Garret was faking it or not, he knew how to integrate. Perhaps it was just a method as an attempt to blend in. Or perhaps it was genuine. Only Garret would know. But no matter the answer, the brief social interaction was a good step forward. “Alright, I gotta take care of a few things.” He nodded to Jason. “Later.” Then looked to Garret. “Take your time finishing that delicious sub. I’ll catch you again in a few days.” 

Heading out of the break room, he checked his watch. He had a lot on his plate today. 


Gunner let Hope’s words sink in, just remaining quiet for a few long moments. His eyes remained glued to the floor, but he did nod slowly. “She’s my everything,” he agreed softly. “I just…I don’t know how to let her help. But…I know you’re right. And…I’ll work on that.” His eyes rose and he gave her a sheepish look. He’d promised he’d do a lot of things before, and hadn’t followed through. “Really.” 

Rising from his chair, he sighed. “I need to get back to work. I, um…yeah.” A knock at the door made his eyebrow quirk, and he took the liberty of opening it. 

Justin paused in the doorway. “Oh, sorry. I can come back.”

“No, no.” Gunner stepped out of the way. “I was just leaving. And I certainly wouldn’t wanna be stuck in here with two of you.”

Justin smirked. “Right.”

Gunner waved at Hope before exiting. “Tell Reese I’m still avoiding the loony bin for now,” he called over his shoulder. 

Justin chuckled and shook his head. “Hope I didn’t interrupt anything too important…although it looks like I just provided him the out he was looking for.” He stepped closer to her desk and handed her a few sheets of paper. “I…thought you should have these. It’s some copies of notes I’ve taken about Garret from my last few visits. Not everything, obviously, but enough to give you a rough idea of what’s been going on. I’m usually at least an hour away from here, so if anything happens, I just want you to be aware of what’s been going on in case you’re needed before I can get here.” He didn’t normally share information like this, but he wanted to keep Hope in the loop in case anything really did happen – whether Garret had a breakthrough or went on another rampage. He was glad Garret was forming a friendship with Nate and that Reese had lightened up, but if anything went south, it would be good to have someone in the know, who knew how to help in a tough situation.

“Also…” He smiled a little and eyed her bookshelf. “I was wondering if you had any resources on grief. I’ve got a client who’s been having a pretty tough time after someone deeply loved passed away. Depression, confusion, hallucinations – the whole bit.” It would make more sense if he told Hope this was about Alec, but he couldn’t share that much. “It’s fairly new territory for me, so I’m kinda winging it, and…I really need a better handle on this type of situation if I’m going to help.”


“So…got plans for lunch?” Eli worked around the car that was going to get a total paintjob, while Tal worked on the other side. His question got no answer, and he rolled his eyes. It had been like this for days. First, Tal had taken several days off work after that evening and blowup about Ryan. After that, he’d come back, but had barely strung two words together in any kind of conversation with Eli, not to mention he hadn’t returned any calls or text messages. He reminded Eli a lot of the Tal he’d first met – which now seemed a lifetime ago. But that’s what worried him the most.

Still without a response to his question, Eli final tossed aside the tape he’d been using, before he threw up his hands. “Come on! Talk to me!”

Tal was frowning as he looked across the hood of the car. “What’s there to talk about?”

“Us, for starters!”

“Seriously? You’ve been lying to me for ages!”

“What?!”

Tal set his hands on his hips. “Yeah. I may be an idiot, but I finally realized why the little discovery of Ryan’s love for Alec didn’t surprise you. It was because you already knew. You knew all along she still loved Alec. Didn’t you?”

“Look, I just-”

“Didn’t you?!”

Eli ran a tired hand over his face. “Yes. I mean, I suspected. What was I supposed to do?”

“You should have told me!”

“What good would that have done?!”

“At least I wouldn’t have been blindsided after the guy died!”

Eli groaned and paced a small circle. “Ryan chose you, Tal. In spite of her feelings, she chose you.”

“But she still loved another man! How was I supposed to react?!”

“Why not be proud of the fact that she chose you anyway?”

“Oh yeah…chose me over her lethal, temper-driven, insane ex. Big compliment.”

“What is wrong with you?!” Eli came around the car and stared Tal in the eye. “Being a spoiled brat is not in your nature. So what’s the deal?”

Tal’s gaze dropped and he turned to lean on the car. He hated fighting. He always had. Especially with a friend. “I just…” He took a deep breath. “I feel like I’ve been sitting in second place this entire time.” His tone had grown quieter. “It’s like running a race, winning, celebrating, then later on finding out that your opponent let you win. You still won…but you don’t feel like a winner anymore.”

Eli’s shoulders dropped. “You know Ryan cares deeply for you.”

“I know. So I’m standing at the finish line and saw the winner for myself. And you’re telling me to ignore it an accept first place anyway. It’s like…”

“…like when you let a kid win at something they wouldn’t have won themselves. It feels patronizing.” Eli pursed his lips. “But you know it’s not the truth.”

“Maybe it’s not the truth about Ryan’s intentions. But it’s the truth about how it feels.”

Eli wandered over to a nearby bench and sat down. How had all this happened, anyway? How had it gotten this far? “You know if you could get over yourself, Ryan would take you back in a heartbeat.”

Tal nodded lamely. “I know. But all this time…I’ve been in Alec’s shadow. Whether Ryan will admit it or not. She cared for me – I know that. But she loved Alec more.” He shrugged. “Maybe I’m mad at myself for being so blind. For letting my heart move too fast. For thinking she felt as deeply about me as I did her.” Tears welled up in his eyes, and it took him a moment to go on, though he refused to look over at Eli. “You have no idea how badly I want to jump in my car and go to her right now. Apologize, grovel – whatever it would take to patch things up and forget this ever happened. But…I can’t. She’s not the first girl I have misread or gotten involved with too deep too soon. This whole thing is my fault, not hers. I just…didn’t want to acknowledge all the signs I saw that I needed to tread more lightly.”

Eli leaned back against the wall, feeling less angry but just as rotten. “Your timing sucks, ya know?”

A laugh was choked out as Tal swiped at his eyes. “Yeah well…pardon my emotional outbursts when my heart is ripped in two.”

Eli managed a little grin before he got back to his feet and came closer. “I really am sorry. You sure it’s over for good?”

“You tell me.” Tal finally threw him a sidelong glance. “I’ve had a lot of time to think. To go over a lot of past conversations. You never thought I was compatible with your sister, did you?”

“I wouldn’t say that…”

“You wanted Alec to stay away from your sister, not just because he was a scumbag, but because you were afraid Ryan would take him back. Am I right?”

Eli folded his arms and smirked. “I thought that was my secret.”

“Not anymore. See…how could I possibly walk back into that whole thing?”

“Well, for starters, Alec’s dead.”

“Yeah, but that’s not the point, is it?”

Despite Eli’s ill feelings about this entire thing, he was finally beginning to understand Tal’s perspective. It was a mess, inside and out. But he did see now why his friend had reacted like he had. And…he couldn’t really blame him. “How about at least being friends so Ryan doesn’t think she’s lost everyone?”

Tal shook his head. “I can’t, man. Not yet. Sometime. Maybe. I’m sorry she’s going through such a rough time. I really am. And I’m sorry that my timing sucks. But I just can’t be around her right now.”

“Okay. I can respect that.” Eli paused. “You doing alright?”

“Nah. Not really. I’ll figure it out eventually though. Always do.”

Eli gave his shoulder a pat. “Good. ‘Cause I miss hanging out with you.”

“Yeah…me too.”


“Tell us what you know!” 

A backhanded slap hit Alec’s face so hard, his head whipped to the side. Bound to a chair, he took a moment before licking his bleeding lip. A laugh surfaced as he squinted through swollen eyes at his interrogator. “The Agency’s days are numbered. That’s all I know.” 

This time it was a kick to his ribs that send him toppling over with the chair onto the hard concrete floor. He winced as his shoulder and head hit. “Careful.” He coughed. “You’re liable to tear my stitches. The doctor would be none too pleased with you.”

His interrogator yanked him back upright and glared at him. “Our doctors are here to keep you alive – not to tell me how to do my job…” 

…It was several hours later, and Alec was back in his cell, lying on the thin cold mattress on the floor. He hurt all over, but that was nothing new. Since he’d been well enough to stand on his own, he’d been handed over to be interrogated daily. A couple times already, his chest wound hand torn and the doctors had patched him up once again, then it was back to the brutality. He shouldn’t have been surprised. But lack of surprise made it no less hard to accept. 

Curled on his side, Alec let his eyes fell shut. He wouldn’t be here long. The Elite would come for him…right? He knew he had covered his tracks well, but surely they’d find a way. Surely Dalton or Scott could do some computer tracking. He hadn’t wanted to be followed in the first place, but Reese was smart. Carson was smart. They’d find a way to rescue him…right?

Sacred Parts

   "Mmmm...I can understand what you mean about not wanting to make people worry. It's in our nature really to want to shield people from the unpleasant things. I do think though Bree would rather know about your "crap" than not know about it. She seems pretty understanding."

Hope gives a soft smile at Gunner. She new he was worried about telling her, and letting Bree in. She could understand it too. But she had a feeling that no matter what Bree would always be there for Gunner and would always support him through anything.

   "You know...I think you and Bree are perfect for each other really. You both seem to ground one another. She has her quirks, and her own insatiability, and you have yours. But together you are both so strong and show so much love."

Leaning forward and placing her arms on her desk Hope nods slightly as she looked at Gunner and smiled. There sessions were always good, and she always felt like they were taking steps forward. She hoped she had been helping and in moments like this when Gunner choose to stay and not walk out she really did see what she was doing was making a difference.

   "I think it's that love, that connection you need to feed off of. She is your light house and will help you battle those rough waves to find safety and you here. Hiding it away...it only hurting you more. I think Bree is the key to everything...and letting her help...is the answer."

  "Just...dont give up before you actually give finding you a chance. Enough when it gets rough, and even in the bad days just continue to push forward."

Sapphire smiles before turning away again and falling silent. Out of the courner of her eye she can see Garret choke down some more of his drink and she can't help the small chuckle that came out. Justin sure did have a strange eating pattern but she could guarantee it was more than likely super healthy. 

Looking down at the half of sub she had left she pushes the plat twords Garret. She was almost full and she didn't want the rest of this to go soggy. That would be a crime in itself.

   "Here you go...if you want something a little more than Justin's green goo...you can have the rest of this. I'm actually getting full. You can't have my mountain dew though...thats sacred in these parts."

   "Shhh...it's ok, I understand."

Chad would stand here forever if he could with Rosalyn. Comforting her, holding her, keeping her safe. It's all he wanted to do. To reassure her that everything was going to be ok, and he wasn't going anywhere.

  "I miss you too, more than anyone will every know."

Just standing there nothing else mattered in the moment. Not that they were still on the porch, not that there was whispering from inside. It was just himself and Rosalyn there. The rest of the word was non exsistant. He just wanted this moment to be about them.

   "Never could I give up on such beauty. Thank you for being excited to see me after all."

Identity

Gunner continued to fiddle with the paperclip as Hope talked. It might look like he wasn't paying attention...but he was. He shrugged once at her question about him filling the space, or spending time with friends. He really didn't have a social life outside of Bree and JT. An occasional pizza with Con was about it...other than a few "friends" on social media.

Hope's last question brought about a long pause before he shook his head. "No...not this. I just..." He shrugged again and reached over to put the paperclip on her desk. "I've put her through enough, ya know? I... I don't want her worrying about anything else. I promised her my crap was over, so..."

He cleared his throat and stared at the floor for a few moments before eventually glancing back up at her. "Yeah. Not such a good idea, huh? The whole 'secrets never helped any relationship' kind of thing?" He sank a little further down in the chair. "I just... I turned my back on all of it, ya know? But actually walking away... It's like the first eighteen years of my life are haunting me. The memories are gone, but they're constantly trying to pull me back and trying to make me remember. It sometimes physically hurts."

He rubbed his forehead wearily. "I just don't know how to completely let go, and I don't know how I can not, if I'm gonna have a future. And if I can't even figure that out, having a social life is like...telling a dog to go make friends with the local cat neighborhood. I just...don't fit."

A little grin surfaced as he gave Hope a sheepish look. Here he'd planned on hardly saying anything. So much for proving he didn't need these sessions anymore.

Garret's eyes narrowed slightly at Sapphire before a new smile coaxed his lips to turn up. "There are far worse things than a woman who speaks her mind."

He concentrated on downing some more of the queer concoction before he glanced back at her. "And I hope you're right." Was there really enough of his own self left underneath it all, to truly be...himself? And yet the burning question still lingered. Who was he, really?

Another swig of the smoothie, and he shook his head. "Is it bad that I don't find this so horrible after all?"

Clint's hand was on the doorknob, ready to push it open, when Angel's words stopped him again. He looked back at her for a long moment, knowing full well he was doing a poor job of hiding how he really felt.

His eyes dropped as he swallowed hard. He knew she was there for him and he could tell her anything, and he was grateful. It was just hard. "No..." Everything else was not okay. "But its nothing anyone can fix." He shrugged and forced a half a smile. "Life just sucks sometimes, that's all. But it has nothing to do with Wendy or the kids, so don't worry." He held up his hand. "Thanks for fixing me up... I'll see you later."

Without letting the conversation continue, he left the office and aimed back towards the garage. His sister was gone, his dad was a wreck, and he was barely keeping the auto business afloat. That's what was wrong. 

Swept up in Chad's embrace, the world seemed to no longer exist. All Rosalyn cared about was this moment, in which she knew he forgave her. And maybe...maybe for the first time, she honestly believed his words that he'd always be there for her. Maybe, just maybe this wasn't some fairytale, but a reality that she could actually have.

With her tiptoes back on the ground, she closed her eyes and leaned into his hand as he moved her strand of hair. Oh how she'd missed those rough but gentle hands. His next words though, brought her eyes back wide open again to stare into his. Had he just hinted at... no... surely he hadn't...

His gentle kiss sent a warmth all the way through her, and she reached up to rest her palm against his cheek. "You mean the world to me too," she whispered. "I'm sorry I pushed you away. There was just so much..." New tears surfaced. "I just couldn't..." Her voice quivered, and instead of trying to continue, she pulled him in for another kiss. A deeper, longer kiss, letting that speak her feelings for her.

Back inside the house, Hannah tugged at Lizzie's shirt sleeve. "Come on," she whispered. "Quit spying."

"I'm not spying," Lizzie defended quietly as she stood a ways back, staring through the open door. A crooked grin curled her lips. "I'm just enjoying the show."

"Perv!" Hannah hissed.

Lizzie's jaw dropped as Rosalyn went in for her kiss. "She's the one that denied he was her boyfriend!"

"Keep it down!" Hannah finally yanked her around the corner into the living room.

Pulling away just a little, Rosalyn lowered herself from her toes, as her fingers toyed with the back of Chad's neck. "I missed you so much." She looked up at him and tear trickled down her face. "Thank you...for not giving up on me."

Normal Life

Sapphire couldn't help the small laugh as Garret took the sip of Justin's concoction. Whenever Justin was here he always made some kind of smoothy that looked and smelled bad. She was sure they were good for you but she'd never try one. 

    "Even if someone is built to be something, there is more underneath. No one can take away free will, or the ability for another person to feel emotions. It's just not possible no matter how much they try. A person can hide it, or mask it but it's still there. After all it's free will that lead you here, and emotions the deiced the past. I bet underneath everything you are a pretty amazing guy."

Shying away a little Sapphire new sometimes she talked to much. She just hoped she hadn't offended him. She liked getting along with everyone. It was just in her nature to be friends with even the out cases because she was so use to being on that end anyways.

   "No disappointment here, as long as you dont mind my loud mouth just blurting things out."

Hope gives a nod as Gunner talks. He felt empty and after chasing a dream for a long time she could see how that could be. Going from doing something none stop to not doing it at all could have that affect on anyone.

   "Have you tried filling that empty with something new? Trying to do something new, spending more time with friends? Sooner or later you are going to need to fill it."

Thinking again for a long moment Hope taps her pen on the pad of paper before looking up at Gunner again.

   "I doubt life will ever be normal for you, but I dont think Bree would mind much. Have you tried talking to her about things?"

As the door opens Chad straightens only to be met with a girl that looked to be Rosalyn's age. Going to say something he was cut off by her reaction, and than quick departure. She seemed to know who he was so that really give did give him hope Rosalyn would be happy to see him.

Waiting a few moments longer Chad felt his heart start to race as he saw Rosalyn. He'd missed her so much, and had been so worried about her. To see her now and know she was ok it was so over whelming that tears sprang into his own eyes.

As Rosalyn fell into his arms Chad wrapped his own around her picking her up in the process. Nuzzling his face into her hair and taking in the sweet smell. His grip grew just a little bit tighter as he wanted to keep her close.

   "I will always come for you.  No matter the time of day, no matter the reasons, I will always come for you till the day you look me in the eyes and tell me to stay away. I will always be here for you."

Pulling back just a little bit, and holding her with one arm still Chad brings his other hand to move a strand of hair from her face. Smiling down at her his eyes twinkled with everything he had to offer, with as much love and enthusiasm as when he first met her. Nothing had changed except for the greater amount of love he had grained.  

   "I love you Rosalyn, from the moment I met you, I loved you and it's only grown stronger. I know now is not the right time, but when it is the right time I want to spend the rest of my life with you. You are the world to me."

Leaning in closer to her Chad places a soft kiss on her lips before pulling away again and leaning his head against hers.

Angel gave a smile to her son in law. Something was different even if she didn't know what it was. She new things at home for Clint and Wendy were alright or she would of heard that. But there was something even if she couldn't put her finger on it.

   "We'd like that. I'll talk with Luke and see what is a good time for us to come over. I know he'd like to see the kids again too."

Giving a smile and studying him again and just couldn't help herself. She cared so much for her family, and he son in law was part of that. He meant the world to her and if something was wrong all she wanted to do was help.

   "Is everything else ok Clint? You know you can always talk to me about anything." 

Sorry to disappoint

Gunner shifted his weight from one foot to the other as he glanced back at Hope. He recognized her subtle warning...and he really was trying not to give in to his obsession. Some days were harder than others though.

Her questions made him sigh, and he reluctantly sank back down in the chair. He should have known he wouldn't get away with such a short session. "It's all...good...I think." He shrugged. "Me and Bree are good." Although he still hadn't committed to a wedding date. "Friends are alright." Although he rarely hung out anywhere other than work. "I guess life's about as good as I can expect, right? I mean...for a guy whose mental half the time, and the other half is spent feeling..." He shrugged again. "Empty." It had nothing to do with Bree. Or friends or work. He just constantly felt like there was something he was missing. Especially since he'd been trying so hard not to investigate his past.

His eyes darted about Hope's office, and he leaned down to pick up a stray paperclip to play with. "Otherwise..." His tone had become significantly more subdued. "I'm great."


A smile tugged at the corner of Garret's mouth as he looked back at Sapphire. He avoided her question though, and paused to take a sip of Justin's concoction. He grimaced a little as he swallowed. "Man...you sure this won't kill me?"

Justin laughed and held up his own glass before taking a long drink. "Mm. Nah. You'll get used to it." Though he turned his attention to Jason to engage in small talk, his ears remained tuned to what Garret's answer might be to Sapphire.

Garret took another sip before he glanced back at this rather intriguing young woman. Getting to know someone. Sharing of information. Seriously? He wasn't cut out for this. "When a man has been specifically built for the brain and brawn...there's not a whole lot of room left for anything else." He thought back to the night when Nate had found him downstairs. He'd admitted he didn't even know who he was. And it was still true.

He took another swallow of his smoothie - it wasn't quite as bad the second time around. "I'm afraid I was made one hundred percent Agency." What about his early childhood? What about his parents? Had he been born just to be sold? Had they meant that for him all along? Had he just been conceived to make money?

"I guess that means there really isn't a whole lot underneath. Sorry to disappoint."


"Eh..." Clint shrugged. "Got in a fight with a pickup and it won the first round." Though he winced as Angel worked on his hand, he didn't complain - he never did when she was helping. It was his own stupid fault after all. 

Grateful for the help and the pain killers, he was ready to leave, but stopped and leaned back against the doorframe and cocked his head. Had they really neglected her lately? He'd been avoiding family for obvious reasons - and Wendy was gracious enough to not complain about keeping to themselves more recently. He hadn't thought about anyone else noticing though.

"Things are good." He gave Angel a small smile. "Just getting into a new routine with four of us now." His eyes dropped for a moment as he thought about all the reasons he'd been less than sociable lately - none of which he wanted to discuss. But he didn't have anything against Angel. "If, um... If you and Luke wanna come over for supper, you're more than welcome. I know Wendy would love it, and that way you'd get your grandkids to yourself instead of sharing with the whole gang." 

The offer was genuine - just because he wanted nothing to do with his own immediate family, he wasn't going to keep Wendy from hers. After all...they did all live on the same property. It was frustrating that he couldn't retreat to his own place somewhere else...but he couldn't take Wendy away from the home she loved. 

Clint tried to smile again. "So if you want to, just let me or Wendy know."

"Ack! Not again!" Lizzie tossed her cards into the pile and groaned. She sat on the living room floor with Hannah and Rosalyn playing a card game and munching on popcorn. They didn't usually have the same days off work, but when they did, they usually ended up doing something fun. 

Rosalyn grinned and picked up the cards to shuffle. "I told you, almost every night at the ranch turned into a card game. I've had plenty of practice."

"Not fair. Plain and simple." Lizzie sprawled out on the floor. "Any game you're not good at? Pick that one "

Hannah whacked her leg. "You're just a sore loser."

"Am not! I'm..." She sat up as someone knocked at the door. "Expecting company?"

Rosalyn frowned. "Not me. Clint's not coming til tomorrow."

Hannah shook her head. "Nope."

Lizzie sighed as she looked at the other two. "What? Does that automatically make me the doorman?" Without an answer, she rolled her eyes and got up. "Fine, fine. Deal me in again," she called over her shoulder. "And no stacking the cards!" 

Getting to the door, she opened it and looked around before her gaze fell on Chad and her eyes widened. She'd seen pictures. She'd heard descriptions. And there was no doubt in her mind. "Ohhh boy." She bit her lip. "I'm...gonna take a wild guess that you're not here to see me." She blinked. "Although I wouldn't complain."

"Hey, who is it?" Hannah yelled from inside. 

Lizzie still looked at Chad, ignoring her friend. "Just, um...don't move." She turned and trotted back to the living room. "Rosalyn...you better go to the door."

"What? Why? Who's here?"

"Just...just go." Lizzie pulled her up from the floor and gave her a shove.

Rosalyn cautiously wandered ahead, curious as to why she heard whispering behind her. Getting to the open door herself, she stopped dead in her tracks. "Chad?" He was here? Even though it was a warm day, her skin rippled with goosebumps as her pulse quickened. 

She stepped out on the porch and just looked at him for several long moments as tears filled her eyes. She didn't have to ask why he was here. Almost a month without contact...and she knew.

Moving quickly, she closed the gap and fell into him, standing on her tiptoes to wrap her arms around him, burying her face. "You came..." Her words were muffled against his chest. "I...I was hoping you would. I'm so sorry."

This Time...

Hope can't help the small smile that surfaced as she shook her head. Compaired to where Gunner was a while ago he was doing ok now. He often rambled when he wasn't comfortable but she was use to that and if he was still coming to see her that was good in her eyes.

   "So what you are saying is its kind of like an itch you can't scratch?"

Looking down at her note pad and jotting something down Hope looks up to Gunner once more and cocks her head to one side for a moment just studying him before speaking again.

   "Sometimes its ok to itch, just not to much or you will end up bleeding. In other news you haven't told me how life in general, relationships, and friendships are going? Everything all right with that?"

Looking up at the knock Angel smiled as she saw Clint, and than look down at his hand shook her head. If it wasn't one thing with these boys it was another. They sure did keep her on her toes though and she couldn't complain about that as long as it was nothing to to bad.

   "How did you do it this time?"

Taking Clint's hand Angel was quick to work on it. It did in fact need stitches but only four of them. It didn't take long to get them in and cleaned up. Bandaging them and than getting more gause for cleaning.

   "Here is some extra dressing and three hydrocodone. You'll be as right as rain in no time."

Turning to start cleaning a some stuff up Angel stops and looks back to Clint giving a smile. She missed see him and Wendy more but she new life was life sometimes.

   "How is everything at home? I miss you guys."

   "You are part of the team...even if you don't know it yet."

Sapphire smiles at Garret before looking back to her food and taking another bite thoughtfully thinking. Garret wasn't so bad if everyone would just give him a chance. Even if Garret had mad some worse mistakes and done things bad more than other they still should give him a shot at having a better life.

   "I guess your right. I was blessed with looks and brains, just for...other stuff or something. What about you? You have to have brains because you are here, and there is no question about your brawn, but what else is under all that?!"            

The drive was fast and Chad was almost there in no time. His mind had wondered the whole way wondering if Rosalyn would really be happy to see him. He hoped she would be, and Clint wouldn't be in to much trouble for tell him. He had to see her though. He had to make sure she was ok. She had to know he still cared.

Pulling into the driveway he looked at the address again just to make sure he had the right place. Seeing it was Chad shut the car off and got out grabbing his cell phone and wallet. Tucking them into his back pocket as he walked up to the steps Chad took a deep breath. 

Knocking on the door He waited leaning against the railing. A million thoughts ran through his mind as he waited.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Stitches

Clint could only nod before watching Chad leave. He hoped he'd done the right thing. He hoped he hadn't betrayed his sisters trust for nothing. If things didn't work out, he'd have hell to pay. But...he just had a feeling Chad was what could finally bring Rosalyn the happiness she deserved. 

Heaving a sigh, Clint glanced back at the car, but his throbbing hand won out. He couldn't concentrate on anything anyway. After tossing aside his tools, he finally ventured outside and to Angel's office. It was different for him...she wasn't just the ranch doctor, but her being his mother-in-law always made it a little more awkward than need be. Regardless, here he was.

After knocking, he entered and glanced around. "Hey, Angel..." A sheepish look crossed his face as he held up his hand wrapped in the bloody bandana. "I, um...yeah. Stiches, prolly." There was so much more on his mind. So much more pain in his heart than his hand. And maybe it showed in his tired eyes, even though he tried so hard to hide it. But he refused to speak of it. "...and maybe a pain pill or two?"

In the quiet stall in the barn, Jim stood beside a colt, whose mother was busy eating. His hand rubbed the furry neck, his fingers running through the short mane. His other hand cupped under the young horse's mouth as the colt got his first taste of sweet feed. He lipped at the grain then swished it around in his mouth before bobbing his head up and down.

Jim smiled then chuckled as he continued to rub his neck. "Mm...you like that, don't you?"

"I thought maybe I'd never see that smile again."

Jim's head whipped around at the sound of Mick's voice, and his expression immediately changed. "I was just... It was..."

Mick stood at the stall door, arms folded. He'd been here for a few minutes already, just watching his brother interact with the young horse. "Don't let me stop you."

"Naw, I was done. I mean...I wasn't gonna stay long anyway." Jim let the colt finish the small handful of grain before coaxing him back to his mother. He left and shut the stall, turning to leave, but Mick stopped him."

"Jim, wait." Mick sighed, frustrated and confused. "Why do I have to catch you off guard in order to see the brother I used to know?"

Jim stopped and glanced over his shoulder. "I guess maybe the old me doesn't like hanging around much anymore."

"But why? I don't understand. I know things have been rough but...if you'd just see that what you're doing has made things so much worse."

"I know." Jim nodded slowly before resuming his route to the door. "I know." Getting outside, he stopped as the sound of a leaving vehicle caught his attention and he looked to the driveway. He could feel Mick coming up behind him. "Did someone just leave?"

"Uh...looks like it." Mick squinted. "A jeep maybe?"

"Huh." Could it be? Jim shook his head. He hoped not. Without asking more, he aimed for the house.

Garret really hadn't expected much of a response from Sapphire, let alone as nice a one as he got, and his eyebrows rose slightly. He accepted her handshake though, and a grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. "New guy? That sounds more like an addition to the team, not the resident prisoner." 

Despite preparing the smoothies at the counter, Justin listened to the conversation, pleased that Sapphire was willing to interact.

Garret's eyes roamed Sapphire's face. How had she ended up here? What was so appealing about this place? Why did she stay after all the abuse her brother had endured? "From what I hear, you've got a pretty good brain yourself. Just 'cause you're not on the I.T. team doesn't mean looks are the only thing you've got going for you."

Gunner grunted and stood up, crumpling up his sandwich wrapper. "Well, this has been cozy, but I've got an appointment with my shrink."

Jason snickered and waved him off. "Don't stir the pot or it'll boil over on ya." 

"Yeah, yeah." 

Justin finished up his two glasses of what was quite visually unappealing, and slid one across the table to Garret, but was careful not to interrupt the conversation with Sapphire.

Gunner flopped down in Hope's extra chair, and smirked a little. It was the first of the month, and that meant his routine evaluation. Usually it went quickly - he answered a few questions, they exchanged smalltalk, and that was it. At least Reese had reduced the mandatory visits from once a week to once a month, but it still put Gunner on edge.

"Okay, so...Hi, how are you? Oh, me? I'm good, thanks." He bit his lip to try and hide his silly grin as his knee started to bounce. "I keep thinking Reese is gonna lay off one of these days, but I guess not." If he missed just one session, he'd be in big trouble. 

He fell quiet for a moment. Despite him treating this so lightly, there were still deeper issues that needed to be vented, lest they overtake him once again. But even so, he still treated this as just something that was required of him.

"Alright, so first thing first - my whole crazy in the head issue. Well, you know how if you've got a thorn in your shoe, it hurts right? But if you keep walking on it, it sorta goes numb and you eventually forget it's there. But then if you take a break, then start walking again, the pain comes back, and can be even worse." His knee continued to bounce, and his fingers fidgeted in his lap. 

"So I take a break from my whole obsession thing 'cause I'm told to, but then when certain thoughts enter my head, it's worse, ya know?" He shrugged. "Not that I want Reese to get wind of that. He'd prolly suspend me...again. Do you know how many times I've been suspended?" He started to count on his hands, then gave up. "Yeah, a lot. Con could vouch for that. He was always trying to keep me out of trouble - even when we were on the police force together." He smirked. "I miss him around here. Just isn't the same, but as far as I know, he's being stubborn. Not that I blame him. I'd be scared to come back too. Not that he's said he's scared, mind you, but I think that's what it is. But then, I'm not the professional in that department... That would be you."

Another grin surfaced, and he got to his feet. "So yeah. We good? I gotta go help close a case downtown."

Anything Less

Taking the paper from Clint, Chad was thankful at how willing he had been to give him the address. He never had an issue with Clint but that didn't mean He'd betray his sisters wishes and give it to him. There were so many reasons why he didn't have to, but he did and for that he was thankful. Giving a small nod he new what Clint spoke was the truth. He really didn't want to run into there dad. Things were hard enough he didn't want to make them any harder.

    "Thank you Clint, this means a lot."

Turning around and grabbing his jacket Chad slips it on before turning to look at Clint again and giving a small smile. He was happy Rosalyn had such an amazing brother to take care of her. It made him feel good.

   "I wouldn't expect anything less. Thanks again."

I think I can do that. I'll see you soon, I'm starving.

Katie sent her message and than put her phone away. She needed to get a little more work done before Hunter got there. She was happy she was still going to see him though and the whole day wouldn't be a total lost cause.

Silently sitting Sapphire just watched everything that was going on between all the men. She often just found it funny to watch and not really do anything. Seeing out they acted with each other, being an observer was fun.

As Garret talks to her Sapphire brings her attached back to him. She'd know he had sat down next to her but it really didn't bother her. He was just another person trying to take one day at a time. Continuing to study him for a long moment everyone else kinda just faded away. Finally smile she held out her hand and smiles.

   "Heya, I'm Sapphire, the one and only twin he's got. He got the brains I got the looks. Your the new guy...Garret right?"

 
 

Dreams

Clint squinted at Chad, checking to make sure he was telling the truth, before showing a small smile. "Good. 'Cause she deserves no less." 

He moved from the car and found a piece of scrap paper to scribble down an address, then held it out to Chad. "Rosalyn made me promise not to tell anyone where she is. But I figure you'll end up finding her regardless. So...here. It's a house that's been divided into apartments. She's living with a couple other girls. Not even our parents know the address, so my suggestion is to not stick around and let Dad see you. It's not worth the fight."

He searched Chad's eyes. "Don't let her go, don't let her down...and don't hurt her." His tone was stern. He didn't care if Chad was older or larger. "Any of those happen, you'll be dealing with me instead of Dad." 

A pause gave his eyes time enough to soften. "But I have a feeling I don't have anything to worry about. Just help her keep her dreams alive."


Hunter finished his set of push ups on the living room floor before sitting up and looking at his phone. A very small but bad feeling gnawed at the very pit of his stomach. His fingers hovered over the keyboard. It was okay that they couldn't have a picnic. Stuff happened. But Katie was gonna be Jason's bodyguard? Why her? Wasn't there anyone else? He trusted her...of course. But...he couldn't deny that he didn't like her being with Jason all day every day.

He sighed. He had nothing to worry about. Right?

No worries! I'll bring the Chinese, u furnish the good company ;-) See u soon.


Justin eased down at the interrogation room's table and retrieved his notepad from the same backpack he always carried. "Good morning."

On the outside, Garret was sitting lazily in his chair, while on the inside he was battling irritation from being here again. "Is it good because it's morning, or good because you like digging around inside my head?"

Justin grinned. "Somebody's in a fine mood today." He glanced at Garret's knuckles and wondered what on earth had happened. He hadn't received word of any incidents the last few days. "Who'd you beat up?"

"Why does everybody assume I beat someone up?" Garret's tone was less than happy. "There's a reason there's a rec room, right?"

Justin quirked an eyebrow. "You did all that on a punching bag?"

"Look, what do you want? Why are we sitting here again?"

It took Justin a moment to respond as he studied this very complex client. "Protocol. But the door's not locked. You're free to go."

"And the consequence?"

"Further suspicion, a report that notes your lack of cooperation, and a delayed end to this temporary pain in the neck."

Garret sighed. "Nice."

Justin ignored the attitude. "So why didn't you stop beating the punching bag before you hurt yourself?"

That whole scene wasn't something Garret really wanted to think about, and his darting eyes proved it. "Maybe I didn't notice I was hurting myself."

"Interesting word choice."

"Why? Because you think I've spent my life hurting myself?"

"Your words, not mine."

"Why don't you just quit with the games?"

"Why don't you?" Justin shook his head. "How badly do you want to move on? To gain back control of your own life?"

"I never had control to begin with."

"So does the thought of having control now motivate or scare you?"

Garret frowned. "Why would it scare me?"

"The unknown can be a formidable foe."

"The only formidable foe I see right now is you and all your idiotic questions."

Justin shrugged. "So fake it. What's your favorite sport?"

Garret's eyebrows rose in disbelief. "I...don't do sports."

"Favorite music?"

"Depends on my mood. What does this-"

"Color?"

Garret sighed. "Green."

Justin jotted down notes. "Animal?"

"They all suck." Garret's eyes rolled.

"Mm-hmm... What was your favorite toy growing up?"

Garret shifted uncomfortably as his mind immediately pictured that teddy bear he'd lost the night he'd been sold. "Toys aren't allowed in the Agency, genius."

Justin cocked his head, taking notice of every subtle signal Garret's body language emitted. "Right. How about food?"

"Seriously?" Garret scoffed. "Whatever keeps me alive."

"Where were you born?"

Garret's eyes flashed. "And this matters because...?"

Justin smiled. "Because getting to know someone means telling each other about yourself. My favorite color is turquoise, I love Italian food, I'm the proud owner of two beautiful dogs, and I was born here in Nevada."

Garret have him a bored look. "You forgot a few."

"And you aren't as good at pretending as you think you are." Justin stood up and thumbed to the door. "I'm hungry. It's lunchtime. Join me in the the break room for a bite."

"Anything good?"

"Eh...it'll keep you alive..."

...In the break room, only a few were there now eating their lunches - Jason, Sapphire and Gunner. They were chatting and laughing...until Garret and Justin were spotted at the doorway. Jason leaned back in his chair and put his hands behind his head, wondering what this was all about. Gunner leaned back as well, balancing his chair on the back legs and just waiting for an explanation. They'd all been told to give Garret a break but...what was Justin up to?

Entering the room, Justin immediately spotted the two guys and their behavior. He knew they probably didn't even realize what they were doing, but he wasn't going to tolerate it, nor would he risk an altercation started by their territorial body language. Needing to get to the refrigerator anyway, he walked behind them and thumped Jason on the back of the head - hard - causing him to drop his arms. "Knock it off." Continuing his route, he hooked Gunner's chair leg with his ankle and tugged just enough to throw him off balance, forcing him to straighten up. "You, too."

Gunner and Jason exchanged looks of surprise and annoyance before Gunner spoke up. "Hi to you too, Justin."

Justin opened the fridge and glanced over his shoulder at them and quirked a grin. "Greetings. Got room for two more?"

There were actually several empty chairs - no one could say they didn't have room, even though the tense atmosphere suggested they really didn't want this particular company. The silence wasn't surprising, and Justin ignored it, retrieving some fruit from the fridge he'd put there earlier and spreading it out on the counter. "Garret, you like bananas?"

Garret was still standing just inside the doorway, arms crossed as he took in this new scene. He could tell the two men didn't want him there...and for good reason. He'd pummeled them both at least once already. If he were them, he wouldn't want to sit at the same table either. But Justin apparently didn't care.

"Garret?"

He snapped his attention back to Justin. "Yeah."

"Good." Justin plugged in the blender and started one of his concoctions of fruit, yogurt and spinach. "Find a seat."

After another glance around the table, Garret finally chose one of the empty chairs next to Sapphire. He couldn't remember a time he'd felt this kind of awkwardness. He'd been a high ranking officer for so long that being this casual...it had only been reserved for the tightest teams. This...was different.

Gunner took a bite out of his sandwich before taking note of Garret's still-skinned knuckles. "Who got your wrath this time?"

Garret flexed his fingers before he cocked his head and looked back at him. "What's it to you?"

Gunner shrugged. "Just wanna know when my number's coming up again is all." Several spinach leaves ended up in his hair and he jumped, then shook them out. "Hey," he chided Justin. "Watch it."

Justin turned around in mock surprise. "What? Oh, I'm sorry. Thought you might want a salad to go along with your bull."

Jason snickered, which earned him a punch to the arm. Gunner's eyes narrowed at Justin. "Careful, counselor."

"What?" Justin turned on the blender. "Can't hear you."

Garret clenched his jaw in an effort not to snicker. He wasn't sure why Justin was going to this effort - he could handle himself, and the guys weren't going to bother, let alone intimidate him. But the scene was still funny.

He sighed and glanced to his left at Sapphire in an attempt to change the atmosphere. He could tolerate anything, but it wasn't worth it just to sit here and take it. "You're... Scott's twin sister, right?"

Deal

Catching the wrench Chad starts to go to work while listing to Clint. His face held a look of being deep in thought for a long moment. He could see where Rosalyn was coming from. It was a lot of stuff going on for anyone to really handle and his heart went out to her.

   "I know its hard to understand but I love her. I'm already in the middle and if I didn't want to be I wouldn't have kept contact with her. Everyone has there family issues and you can't have the good without the bad."

Bending down Chad tinkers with a few things just silently thinking. He felt bad for Rosalyn, how she must hurt, how she must be confused. He just wanted to hold her, to kiss away all her tears. He new that he couldn't make everything better, but he wanted to try. Till she herself told him to leave her be he wanted to do all he could to bring a smile to her face.

Looking up at Clint Chad smiled. He new exactly what he wanted to do. There was no doubt, no wonder, he didn't need to work through his feelings. He new what to do already.

   "I'd walk to the end of the earth to see your sister smile. Nothing is to great for me to stay away and I have no doubt. I love your sister will all my heart, and I just want her to be happy and to smile."

Once Jason walked away Katie pulled out her phone and pulled up the text message to Hunter. Since she had to stay here she still wanted to see him for lunch, they would just have a spread a blanket here and have there lunch.

Heya, change of plans. I can't take a half day today. Some people are after Jason and I was picked to be his body guard till everything is safe. I still would like to have lunch though if you dont mind just having it here.

Listening to Reese Nate started to understand what was going on a little more. He felt bad for more than one reason now and wish he'd known sooner. But it became just a little bit cleared why Reese had been so up tight. He was surprised and worried too about some of the changed Reese talked about. How would things pan out he didn't know.

   "Now that I know a little bit more of all that is going on. I'm sorry to that I didn't tell you what I was doing. I should have so at least if something went wrong you wouldn't be in the dark."

Taking a sip of his own coffee Nate gives a small nod. He didn't like the tension and he just wanted it to be gone. He'd work on stuff, and his communication a little more.

   "You got a deal."  

Hero

Seeing Chad was going to stay, Clint leaned on the open engine hood after tossing him a different wrench. "Yeah...she's fine." He turned his attention to the engine but winced when he tried to use his freshly wounded hand. "As fine as she can be after her own father made her miserable enough to walk away from the place she loves most."

Bitterness laced his tone and even though he was staring at the engine, his mind was far from his task now. He finally sighed and glanced back to Chad. "She did want to cut contact with you. But only for two reasons. One, because of all the flack from our dad, she got so screwed up, I think she started to forget who she really is. She couldn't handle the conflict anymore. And...two...because she didn't want you caught in the middle."

He paused and straightened up. "Look...my sister is in love with you. If you don't want to deal with all this family crap or her mixed signals, I get it. I won't blame you if you walk away, and I won't tell her you were here. But...if you can handle it...and if you care as much as I think you do... I'll tell you where she is. Despite her pulling away...you're what she wants most right now."


"Okay." Jason smirked a little. "You haven't lost your stubbornness, that's apparent." He grinned before turning to leave. "I'll touch base with ya later, Hero."


"I know. And I'm sorry too." Reese nodded slowly.

"Look, I, um... I know we haven't seen eye to eye lately...on a lot of things. And I can't lie...It really bothers me." He pursed his lips in thought. "Not because I'm upset we disagree but because I just hate the tension and distrust...on both sides."

He shrugged and took a sip of coffee. "Not sure how we got to this point, but I wanna fix it. Somehow. The Elite can't afford to have us at odds."

A long pause followed, and he finally took a seat in the extra chair. "There are...changes...that are coming. They have to do with coordinating efforts with the FBI. That's the easy way of putting it, but we're getting pressure from the board, and the bottom line is they're too uncomfortable with our continued free rein. They want us more accountable and less vigilante-ish."

A light chuckle surfaced. "Not quite what I envisioned when I joined TJY under Austin's lead. But it is what it is, and I believe in our work too much to let it end."

He searched Nate's eyes. "No one else knows about any upcoming changes yet, so I'd appreciate it if you kept that tidbit under your hat. But, um...back to us..." He sighed deeply. "I trust you, Nate. I always have. We may not agree. But I trust you. So I want you to know...if you do anything or know anything you think I'd disagree with...just tell me. You're right that I probably wouldn't have wanted you to stay in touch with Victoria. But all I'd expect is to have been informed anyway. I trust your snap judgments and I don't require that you get my permission on everything. I just need to stay in the loop. Especially being under as much scrutiny as we are right now. We need to be a well-oiled machine...always, but especially now."

Another pause allowed for another sip of coffee. "So. I guess the bottom line here is I'm sorry things have been rough. And I need you as my top agent now more than ever. If I get cranky, it's only because I'm trying to make the best decisions for our team as a whole. I'll be open with you, if you're open with me."

Something Worse

Knowing Clint did need the help Chad didn't hesitate to take off his jacket and throw it over on of the tool boxes. He really didn't mind helping, and he didn't mind getting dirty either. Even if thats not why he was there he could still help, and talk at the same time. Clint was his friend too not just Rosalyn's brother. 

   "She moved?"

Chad couldn't help the shock that laced his voice as he moved closer to the car. He hadn't known she was moving, or that she was even considering it. He did know she was tired of being here, and things had gotten pretty rough with there dad but he never would of guessed that she would leave.

   "Is she alright? I haven't heard from her in weeks. I know she was probley trying to drop contact with me, but I'd never forgive myself if I just assumed that and there really was something more wrong."

Katie searches Jason's face for a long moment. She didn't want him to feel like he was a burden because he wasn't, and being a bodyguard was just part of her job title. She never thought badly of it, or regretted it. She did just wish the Agency would leave them alone. She didn't like when someones life was on the line.

    "I'll think about it but more than likely I'll just stay here now. Last thing we need right now is I go off, and Reese gets upset. He's been in quite the mood lately and now I dont want to make it worse. Thank you though J for being so willing, and trying not to hold me down. You're not though so no need to worry."

Smiling at Jason she gives a nod. Her mind was made up. He's just have to call Hunter and let him know what was going on. Maybe he'd like to do lunch there with her. It was much different from a bike ride and a picnic but at least they would still be spending time together.

 Looking up at Reese as he handed him the coffee Nate took a sip. The warm liquid felt good, and he had been running late this morning himself. The coffee tasted extra good because of the lack of it this morning. Putting it down on his desk and giving a small smile Nate nods a little to Reese.

   "Truce.!"

He new all the pressure Reese was under and he could only imgen how blindsided he was with all this stuff that kept going on. So though Nate didn't agree always he could never be to upset at Reese for to long.

   "And I'm sorry it felt like I was keeping you in the dark. That was not my intention at all. I'll try to keep you more informed next time."

Moved

Not having been paying a bit of attention to the door, Chad caught Clint off guard, and he whipped his head around in surprise at the new voice. "Chad...Hi." He toyed with the bandana around his hand, and a faint smile surfaced. "I wondered when you'd show up."

He ambled back to the pickup, lifting an eyebrow at Chad's offer to help. "Well... I shouldn't turn you down since I'm running on a tight schedule and can't seem to..." He picked up a wrench as he left his grouchy sentence unfinished. Complaining about Wes' absence wouldn't do any good. "So you can stick around if you want, but... I know you're not here to work on cars."

His fingers fiddled with the wrench as he studied Chad's face. "Rosalyn's not here. She moved to town a few weeks ago."


Jason chuckled at Katie, appreciating her humor and her attempt to make the best of the situation. He shook his head when she mentioned her plans though. "Go. Take the afternoon off. I won't be anywhere but here anyway." Actually, the truth of the matter was since Misty, he had no real life other than home and work. He hung out at Con and Jamie's a bit, but didn't want to be a nuisance, not to mention Con was busy at the factory six days a week. Jason still had friends, for sure, but with the band slowing down lately too, his social life had taken a nosedive. Most of his lunch breaks were spent here. But he smiled at Katie anyway.

"I'll be here, then I'll just make one of the guys shadow me this evening. No big deal." He really didn't want to put her out, no matter how willing she was. This whole thing was stupid to begin with - he just wished he could quit being a target and that the Agency would stop picking on them. 

"I don't know what cases Reese will want to assign us so we're working together anyway, but I doubt he'll have a plan until at least tomorrow." He shrugged and stood up, turning the chair back around. "I, um...thanks." His eyes landed on hers for a moment, and for just a split second, his heart ached. But he forced it to pass quickly. "...For being a good sport, I mean."


Reese wandered in to work, later than normal, with two cups of coffee in hand from the nearby shop. He looked tired this morning, and just a little unkempt, but not disheveled. His button-down shirt was tucked into his jeans, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. It was a contrast to the dress pants and tie he normally wore, but today...today he'd been to weary to concern himself with being formal. 

Stopping at Nate's cubicle, he handed him one of the cups of coffee. "Truce?"

Help

Getting to the ranch Chad drove up the driveway slowly. It liked like a normal day from the other times he'd been there. Though he was slightly feel a bit worried. He didn't know what would happen if he saw Jim. The last time they met it was not so good.

Parking and scanning the ranch Chad didn't even know where to start about Rosalyn. Letting his eyes falling Clint's shop though Chad made his way there. He seemed like one of the best people to talk to and he really had no issue with him. Knocking on the door Chad enters and looks around. 

   "Clint are you here?"

Walking farther in Chad caches a glimpse of Clint. He looked in rought shape like it had been a long day. Giving a wave he walked a little closer.

   "Hey, sorry to bother you...."

Seeing the car that was being worked on and than Clint's hand Chad gave a little nod. He was a little mechanically inclined. 

   "Looks like you could us an extra set of hands. Want some help?"

That's not why he came but he didn't mind helping at all. He could talk to Clint about Rosalyn while he was working if Clint would let him.

Truce?

Jason chuckled at Katie, appreciating her humor and her attempt to make the best of the situation. He shook his head when she mentioned her plans though. "Go. Take the afternoon off. I won't be anywhere but here anyway." Actually, the truth of the matter was since Misty, he had no real life other than home and work. He hung out at Con and Jamie's a bit, but didn't want to be a nuisance, not to mention Con was busy at the factory six days a week. Jason still had friends, for sure, but with the band slowing down lately too, his social life had taken a nosedive. Most of his lunch breaks were spent here. But he smiled at Katie anyway.

"I'll be here, then I'll just make one of the guys shadow me this evening. No big deal." He really didn't want to put her out, no matter how willing she was. This whole thing was stupid to begin with - he just wished he could quit being a target and that the Agency would stop picking on them. 

"I don't know what cases Reese will want to assign us so we're working together anyway, but I doubt he'll have a plan until at least tomorrow." He shrugged and stood up, turning the chair back around. "I, um...thanks." His eyes landed on hers for a moment, and for just a split second, his heart ached. But he forced it to pass quickly. "...For being a good sport, I mean."


Reese wandered in to work, later than normal, with two cups of coffee in hand from the nearby shop. He looked tired this morning, and just a little unkempt, but not disheveled. His button-down shirt was tucked into his jeans, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. It was a contrast to the dress pants and tie he normally wore, but today...today he'd been to weary to concern himself with being formal. 

Stopping at Nate's cubicle, he handed him one of the cups of coffee. "Truce?"


On the outside, the ranch looked so peaceful and happy. And for the most part, it was true. Horses grazed in the west pasture, Mick was exercising horses while giving a riding lesson, several men were working on Eric's bunkhouse, women were busy with housework, and the sun was shining down on it all. Underneath though, there was still a strange tension hanging in the air. Though having a plan in place, Eric's situation was still a stressful one. Happy, but stressful. Along with that, the issue with Jim was not getting better. If anything, it was growing worse. He was becoming more and more withdrawn, sticking to barn tasks, then disappearing home for hours, and sometimes he didn't even join in the evening meal. Becky had vented to Angel multiple times about his moodiness, and his weight loss, but it seemed there was nothing anyone could do but pray it would pass. 

Out in the garage, Clint lay under a pickup, half-covered head to toe in grease as he worked. Reaching up with a wrench, he paused once, noticing the grime under his fingernails and on his palms. Most of it would come off, but some of it never did. Not when he worked in here every day. Wendy didn't mind, and she'd told him so...but he minded. Was this all that was left for him in life? Was this his lot? Would he be stuck here forever? 

He sighed and focused on the truck again. He'd told the owner he'd have it done by tomorrow and...so far it wasn't looking good. Not that he had any help. And that thought sent a new pang of resentment through his veins. 

As he worked, his wrench slipped, sending his hand skidding across a part of the truck, and tearing into his flesh. Growling in pain, he slid out from under the pickup and looked at the top of his hand which was now producing a good flow of blood. Great. Just great. He got up and went to the first aid kit on the wall and grabbed a couple packages of gauze, tearing into them with his teeth before pressing the pads to his wound. It didn't look like it was going to help much though. He didn't have time to go have Angel use stitches though. So instead, he used the pads and tied a bandanna around his hand to hold them in place to at least keep the bleeding to a minimum. As soon as he was finished here, he'd go get cleaned up. But he had to get this done. Work was slow, and they needed all these jobs they could get.