As Alec comes closer Ryan can feel her heart start to beat fast like so many times before. Feeling his finger on her skin and his words that follow Ryan can feel the shutter that runs though her. How could this be wrong...when it felt so right.
"Social call...no business."
Bringing her own hands to Alec's face Ryan just lets her hand slip to the back of his head. Letting her fingers just move through his hair as she returned the look into his eyes, her breath seemed heavy.
"I just...Just kiss me...please..I just want to see if the addiction is real."
Ryan looks up into Alec's eyes searching looking, wondering.
3/3/10
Your eyes
"Eh..." Alec shrugs. "If it was against the rules, they wouldn't have let you get this far."
Her words make the corner of his mouth twitch and he finishes off his apple before tossing the core into a nearby trash can. Wiping his hands on his jeans, he closes the gap between them, stepping as close as he can to Ryan without touching her.
"The only way to beat an addiction is to kick the habit," he warns. "Unless you like being addicted, that is."
Staring down into her gaze, he reaches up, running a thumb under one of her eyes. "Your eyes don't say you like it today though. Social call or business this time?"
Her words make the corner of his mouth twitch and he finishes off his apple before tossing the core into a nearby trash can. Wiping his hands on his jeans, he closes the gap between them, stepping as close as he can to Ryan without touching her.
"The only way to beat an addiction is to kick the habit," he warns. "Unless you like being addicted, that is."
Staring down into her gaze, he reaches up, running a thumb under one of her eyes. "Your eyes don't say you like it today though. Social call or business this time?"
Addiction
Standing Angel looks down at Eric and shakes her head. There was no way she was leaving him alone.
"You didn't take it easy like you promised, and obviously are not taking care of yourself. Your lucky I don't send you back to the hospital."
Angel's voice wasn't cold or mean she was simply stressing her concern and being stern about it.
"Yes if you wouldn't mind keeping an eye on him for me tonight Jim. That would be appreciated. There is nothing else I can do till morning when I can clean the wound again, and give him more antibiotics. "
Seeing the humor dance in Alec's eyes it makes Ryan's grin grow just a little. Taking a few steps in her eyes seem to give a small twinkle.
"Can't a girl come for a mid day kiss? Or...is that against the rules? Maybe its an addiction I can't go to long without."
On the inside Ryan rolled her eyes at herself. Had she really just said that? Whats was she doing? Trying to make herself feel better about Leo? She come in here planning one telling Alec one thing and not it was completely differnt.
"You didn't take it easy like you promised, and obviously are not taking care of yourself. Your lucky I don't send you back to the hospital."
Angel's voice wasn't cold or mean she was simply stressing her concern and being stern about it.
"Yes if you wouldn't mind keeping an eye on him for me tonight Jim. That would be appreciated. There is nothing else I can do till morning when I can clean the wound again, and give him more antibiotics. "
Seeing the humor dance in Alec's eyes it makes Ryan's grin grow just a little. Taking a few steps in her eyes seem to give a small twinkle.
"Can't a girl come for a mid day kiss? Or...is that against the rules? Maybe its an addiction I can't go to long without."
On the inside Ryan rolled her eyes at herself. Had she really just said that? Whats was she doing? Trying to make herself feel better about Leo? She come in here planning one telling Alec one thing and not it was completely differnt.
Banana
Jim nods and sets to work on the IV, making sure Eric doesn't move while he's doing it. "I knew he'd cut himself yesterday but we thought it was taken care of. I should have told him to come see you sooner."
Finishing with the IV, he sighs and watches Angel work. "I can stay here the night if you want."
"Mm-mm." Eric mumbles. "I'm fine." He waves a little with his hand. "I'll be... be okay."
Alec had been pacing his room, a car magazine in one hand, and apple in the other as he passed the time. He'd been with Reese all morning and was feeling caged again, but he knew that this was the deal he'd made.
Hearing Ryan, he spins around, quirking an eyebrow. Lifting the apple, he nods while swallowing his last bite. "Not really. I bartered info for apple. Seemed to work. Tomorrow maybe I'll ask for a banana instead."
Though he didn't smile, there was actually some humor in his voice. Tossing the magazine on the table, he crunches into his apple again, folding one arm across his chest. He wanders a couple steps closer to Ryan, his eyes drifting up to the clock above the door. "Too late for lunch... what brings you here today?"
Finishing with the IV, he sighs and watches Angel work. "I can stay here the night if you want."
"Mm-mm." Eric mumbles. "I'm fine." He waves a little with his hand. "I'll be... be okay."
Alec had been pacing his room, a car magazine in one hand, and apple in the other as he passed the time. He'd been with Reese all morning and was feeling caged again, but he knew that this was the deal he'd made.
Hearing Ryan, he spins around, quirking an eyebrow. Lifting the apple, he nods while swallowing his last bite. "Not really. I bartered info for apple. Seemed to work. Tomorrow maybe I'll ask for a banana instead."
Though he didn't smile, there was actually some humor in his voice. Tossing the magazine on the table, he crunches into his apple again, folding one arm across his chest. He wanders a couple steps closer to Ryan, his eyes drifting up to the clock above the door. "Too late for lunch... what brings you here today?"
Remember, you stired the pot :p
Continuing to dress the would and clean it out Angel new this was probably going to kill, but if the infection was going to stop than she had to do it.
"This is going to sting Eric. Just hold still."
Dumping the liquid onto the wound Angel is quick to cover it and let it soak into the new bandage before removing it once more and placing a cream onto it next, putting the bandage on once again.
Looking up at Jim comes into the bunk Angel gives a nod before wrapping Eric's let with some gause.
"Start an IV for me while I finishing wrapping his leg."
Looking down at Eric's leg as she wrapped it Angel drew in a deep breath. She was worried the infection looked real bad.
"He has a pretty serous infection in his leg and it started spreading. I am only hopping we caught it in time. If we did, its going to be a rough ride, but...he'll be ok."
Leaving the small restraint Ryan makes her way to her own car just sitting for a few moments she watches as Leo leaves. Letting out a long sigh Ryan starts her own car and heads out. Right now she didn't want to go back to the auto shop. She didn't want to be around everyone, so she would just drive and feel free.
Not knowing how long she had been driving Ryan finally looks around. How she had gotten here she didn't know. TJY was the last place on her mind of where to go, but maybe it was best, maybe while she was here she would tell Alec she couldn't see him anymore ether.
Exiting her car Ryan makes her way inside TJY. Giving a small wave to some people who looked at her almost astonished she was back Ryan made her way to the room she had visited so many times.
Getting to Alec's door that was open she leans on the frame just watching him for a long moment. She tears had been dyed up. Giving a small grin finally makes her presence known.
"So, they let you have apples now and not just Hal's horrible cook huh?"
"This is going to sting Eric. Just hold still."
Dumping the liquid onto the wound Angel is quick to cover it and let it soak into the new bandage before removing it once more and placing a cream onto it next, putting the bandage on once again.
Looking up at Jim comes into the bunk Angel gives a nod before wrapping Eric's let with some gause.
"Start an IV for me while I finishing wrapping his leg."
Looking down at Eric's leg as she wrapped it Angel drew in a deep breath. She was worried the infection looked real bad.
"He has a pretty serous infection in his leg and it started spreading. I am only hopping we caught it in time. If we did, its going to be a rough ride, but...he'll be ok."
Leaving the small restraint Ryan makes her way to her own car just sitting for a few moments she watches as Leo leaves. Letting out a long sigh Ryan starts her own car and heads out. Right now she didn't want to go back to the auto shop. She didn't want to be around everyone, so she would just drive and feel free.
Not knowing how long she had been driving Ryan finally looks around. How she had gotten here she didn't know. TJY was the last place on her mind of where to go, but maybe it was best, maybe while she was here she would tell Alec she couldn't see him anymore ether.
Exiting her car Ryan makes her way inside TJY. Giving a small wave to some people who looked at her almost astonished she was back Ryan made her way to the room she had visited so many times.
Getting to Alec's door that was open she leans on the frame just watching him for a long moment. She tears had been dyed up. Giving a small grin finally makes her presence known.
"So, they let you have apples now and not just Hal's horrible cook huh?"
Pain
Leo's stare grows just a little colder as Ryan gets up to leave. Her answer had not been the one he was looking for. He was a person who liked facts... facts he could understand and put together. But Ryan wasn't giving him any real reasons. Just unconnected pieces. But whether she admitted to anything going on or not, she had mentioned Alec and Leo knew he had something to do with this.
Having Ryan walk away, Leo's hand smacks the table, rattling the silverware. "Dang it." Putting his face in his hands, he gives a growl of frustration. Ryan had just broken up with him... she'd actually just broken up with him. Things had been going so well and -
He stops his thoughts short, getting up from the table and tossing down the rest of what was owed for his part of the meal. Stalking out the door, he goes to his car, getting in and pulling out a little faster than he should, his tires squealing.
Arriving back to the auto shop, Leo just sits in his car for a few minutes, trying to sort through his jumbled thoughts before going inside. He was confused, upset... angry. He'd been some fool. Finally he gets out and heads inside. Not greeting anyone, he tosses his jacket and keys aside, going straight for the car he'd been working on before lunch.
"Yo, Leo, I'm ahead of ya, man!" Jed hollers, teasing him.
"Bug off," Leo growls.
Jed's eyes widen. "Whoa, what did you have for lunch? Lemons?"
Leo gives Jed a look that could kill. "I mean it."
"Alright, alright." Jed holds up his hands, bewildered at Leo who never got mad at anything.
Leo stares into the engine of the car, feeling as though none of the parts made any sense today. His eyes glance over to the bay where the other vehicle was waiting for Ryan. Taking a deep breath, he grabs a rag to stuff in his back pocket, then picks up a wrench.
"Mm-hmm." Eric hears Angel come in and hears her talking to him, but he keeps his eyes closed, too tired now to bother opening them up. His face scrunches up as he feels more pain shooting up his leg but he forces himself not to draw away from Angel.
"It... uh.... it wasn't bad," he mumbles. "It was um...." He tries to stay lucid but it wasn't easy. "I hit a fence... nail or something. Horse tried to-" His hand grips his pillow at another wave of pain. "Uh... run me over."
Shaking a little his eyes are still closed. "Just gimme something for the pain..."
Jim answers his phone, not having yet gone to bed. Hearing Angel needed help, he was right on it. "Yeah yeah... be right over. I'll have the stuff."
True to his word, he comes to Eric's bunk ten minutes later with everything Angel needed and then some, just in case. "Okay, here we go." He looks down at Eric with concern. "He gonna be alright?"
Having Ryan walk away, Leo's hand smacks the table, rattling the silverware. "Dang it." Putting his face in his hands, he gives a growl of frustration. Ryan had just broken up with him... she'd actually just broken up with him. Things had been going so well and -
He stops his thoughts short, getting up from the table and tossing down the rest of what was owed for his part of the meal. Stalking out the door, he goes to his car, getting in and pulling out a little faster than he should, his tires squealing.
Arriving back to the auto shop, Leo just sits in his car for a few minutes, trying to sort through his jumbled thoughts before going inside. He was confused, upset... angry. He'd been some fool. Finally he gets out and heads inside. Not greeting anyone, he tosses his jacket and keys aside, going straight for the car he'd been working on before lunch.
"Yo, Leo, I'm ahead of ya, man!" Jed hollers, teasing him.
"Bug off," Leo growls.
Jed's eyes widen. "Whoa, what did you have for lunch? Lemons?"
Leo gives Jed a look that could kill. "I mean it."
"Alright, alright." Jed holds up his hands, bewildered at Leo who never got mad at anything.
Leo stares into the engine of the car, feeling as though none of the parts made any sense today. His eyes glance over to the bay where the other vehicle was waiting for Ryan. Taking a deep breath, he grabs a rag to stuff in his back pocket, then picks up a wrench.
"Mm-hmm." Eric hears Angel come in and hears her talking to him, but he keeps his eyes closed, too tired now to bother opening them up. His face scrunches up as he feels more pain shooting up his leg but he forces himself not to draw away from Angel.
"It... uh.... it wasn't bad," he mumbles. "It was um...." He tries to stay lucid but it wasn't easy. "I hit a fence... nail or something. Horse tried to-" His hand grips his pillow at another wave of pain. "Uh... run me over."
Shaking a little his eyes are still closed. "Just gimme something for the pain..."
Jim answers his phone, not having yet gone to bed. Hearing Angel needed help, he was right on it. "Yeah yeah... be right over. I'll have the stuff."
True to his word, he comes to Eric's bunk ten minutes later with everything Angel needed and then some, just in case. "Okay, here we go." He looks down at Eric with concern. "He gonna be alright?"
I don't know
Giving a little jump as Leo almost snaps at her Ryan looks up at him. She'd seen him upset, and she had seen him hurt before but this, this was different this was pure anger. Feeling her tears start to fall a little more Ryan's own tension tried to rise but it seemed to stay in the middle thought her voice did go up.
"I don't have anything else going on with anyone Leo. I don't have another boyfriend...I don't even know what I do have right now ok."
Gabbing her jacket Ryan takes her wallet from her pocket getting some money out for the meal and putting it down on the table. Oh how the feelings still raged, pulling her in two different directions suffocating her.
"I'm breaking up with you Leo. Please don't make this any harder."
Moving out of the booth Ryan stops for a moment as her emotions told her to stay but she had to go. She had to before she changed her mind, and ended up hurting Leo even more. Turning Ryan makes her way to the door and out side, aiming for her car.
"I don't have anything else going on with anyone Leo. I don't have another boyfriend...I don't even know what I do have right now ok."
Gabbing her jacket Ryan takes her wallet from her pocket getting some money out for the meal and putting it down on the table. Oh how the feelings still raged, pulling her in two different directions suffocating her.
"I'm breaking up with you Leo. Please don't make this any harder."
Moving out of the booth Ryan stops for a moment as her emotions told her to stay but she had to go. She had to before she changed her mind, and ended up hurting Leo even more. Turning Ryan makes her way to the door and out side, aiming for her car.
Straight
Leo's jaw tightens and he sets his cup aside to fold his hands while his legs bounce under the table. His expression was confused - almost too confused to be hurt yet. Seeing her tear, all he can do is stare at her.
"Don't tell me I deserve more," he almost snaps. "'Cause that's not true, and that's a stupid reason to break up. Just... if you've got something going with this other guy, then just tell me. I want it straight."
"Don't tell me I deserve more," he almost snaps. "'Cause that's not true, and that's a stupid reason to break up. Just... if you've got something going with this other guy, then just tell me. I want it straight."
Confermation
Looking up into Leo's a tear seemed to roll out of her own. Something so rare but it just proved how much at war with herself she was. Searching his gaze she new this would be the last time, and to see the look of such sadness it killed Ryan a little more.
"Yes Leo, I am because its not fair to you when I am so messed up right now. If my heart can't be your completely than you deserve so much better just because of that."
Ryan gives a shake of her head before looking out the window. It was a dark dreary day out one that seemed to match the mood. Her stomach was doing flip flops and she felt so sick. Was this right? Was this wrong? Ryan didnt know.
"Yes Leo, I am because its not fair to you when I am so messed up right now. If my heart can't be your completely than you deserve so much better just because of that."
Ryan gives a shake of her head before looking out the window. It was a dark dreary day out one that seemed to match the mood. Her stomach was doing flip flops and she felt so sick. Was this right? Was this wrong? Ryan didnt know.
Dread
Leo stares at Ryan, his gaze only broken by a blink. Sinking back in his seat, his shoulders drop a little, the humor and enjoyment fading from his face. What... what was Ryan saying? She had a thing with Alec?
He swallows hard and lifts his eyebrows a little, trying to process it. "Did... did you guys kiss or what, I mean..." He shakes his head. "No, don't answer that, um..." His fingers play with his coke cup and he looks at Ryan, dreading what he seemed to know already. "Ryan are you... are you breaking up with me?"
He swallows hard and lifts his eyebrows a little, trying to process it. "Did... did you guys kiss or what, I mean..." He shakes his head. "No, don't answer that, um..." His fingers play with his coke cup and he looks at Ryan, dreading what he seemed to know already. "Ryan are you... are you breaking up with me?"
Hurry
Twirling her fork in noodles on her plate Ryan new she had been quiet. The tired look in her eyes, and the heavy bags under them could tell anyone that maybe lack of sleep was her reason for being quiet. Ryan hadn't found much of it last night just like she new she wouldn't. Her mind had to many things running though it and now...now she still didn't even know her answer.
Hearing Leo's words Ryan looks up from her plate. Giving only a half smile Ryan nods a little. What was she going to do? What was she going to say?
"I am pretty tired. Didn't get much sleep last night. I've had a lot on my mind the last few days."
Seting her fork down on the plate Ryan takes her glass of pop and takes a sip. Falling silent again for a moment. She had to do this, she had to say something.
"I've been thinking a lot the last few weeks. About the past and whats to come. I've been doubting myself a lot to and...I don't want to hurt you Leo. I care about you to much, and I have grown attached to you. Your my best friend...and I just I don't want to lose that. Our relationship I just...I don't think my heart is all there right now and thats not fair to you. If I continue on this way I might lose everything you mean to me, even our friendship."
Taking in a deep breath and looking up at Leo again Ryan's eyes were sad, filled with so much conflict. The emotions ragged deep inside of her, crashing on ever side, and the light at the end was covered up.
"You deserve better, and I don't want to lose you completely as a friend. My visits with Alec they...turned out as nothing more than wanting to help someone..but the more time I spend getting to know him. The more..I had these unwanted feelings growing. I can't stop them, I can't understand them, and I don't know what to do. All I know is you deserve better than me, than...this. I'm so sorry Leo."
Katie can't help but laugh and she new Jason was embarrassed, he at least had let a little slip through while shutting it off. Tugging at the closed door, she gives him a smile.
It's ok J. I understand now, and I'm not in a hurry anymore. It will happen when it happens. I can deal with that now.
Looking back to Clint Katie slowly shakes her head as she lets out a snicker.
"Did you ever think Clint maybe you get beat up because you deserve it?"
Katie cant help but laugh again looking to Jade once more her eyes sparkling before around the room.
Finally drawing even closer to the table Dan pulls out the one empty chair and sits down. Felling a bit more relaxed than when the first go back. Looking to Clint and removing his own hat Dan eyes show a lint of humor, as his more silly side kicks in.
"You know Clint, be lucky it was Jason and not that wild cat of yours. Its been told through story's...she might of wracked you harder...or worse made you sleep on the couch."
Laying with her back aganst Ryder's chest some would think she had to be dreadfuly uncomfortable her bottom half in her chair and her top half on Ryder. But Thirteen was comfortable. She slept in worse positions than this before.
Helping Ryder position the camera and point it in different place Thirteen cant help the laughs the escaped her lips as she took different pictures of the group of them not even knowing. There most vulnerable moments locked in time forever, memories, to always look back and never forget. Thirteen never wanted to forget again.
Hearing the phone Angel has it in a few moments answer. And than as quick as she answered she was off again with the blankets on the bed thrown back. Looking over to Luke was was laying next to her she leans back and gives him a gentile kiss on the head.
"Eric's not doing well I have to go check on him. I'll be back."
Grabbing one of her sweatshirts and throwing it on Angel also grabs her medical bag before leaving the house bunk and heading over to Eric's in almost a sprint. Letting herself in and turning the lights on Angel is over to Eric's side.
Checking his vittles first and noting he had a fever she gold a cold pack from her bag. Placing it on her his she talks as she works making sure he stayed with her.
"Have you been taking it easy liked I asked? Nothing rough or over the edge?"
Moving her way down to his leg gently Angel rolls up his pant leg. Seeing the small bandage and the blood that was seeping through it Angel looks up at Eric again and shakes her head.
"I am going to take this as a no. Eric what happened?"
Reaching into her bag and pulling out some gloves Angel puts them on before going to removes the bandage. Not being able to cringe as she looked at it was apparent there was a pretty bad infection, and it was spreading.
"Oh Eric..you should have told me."
Going back to her bag and taking out some small viles of antibiotic and some pain killed getting the needles ready.
"I am going to give u something for the infection to at least stopping it from spreading and something as well for the pain. An IV drop to keep you nourished, and than clean and dress the wound with something to help kill the infection."
Grabbing Eric's phone Angel dials number waiting for Jim's number. He'd helped her a few times before and new what she needed if she asked.
"Jim, its Angel sorry to call you so later but I need you to do a favor for me. I need you to go to my office and get some stuff to set up an IV along with a few other things to fight a saver infection. I'm at Eric's bunk...please hurry."
Hearing Leo's words Ryan looks up from her plate. Giving only a half smile Ryan nods a little. What was she going to do? What was she going to say?
"I am pretty tired. Didn't get much sleep last night. I've had a lot on my mind the last few days."
Seting her fork down on the plate Ryan takes her glass of pop and takes a sip. Falling silent again for a moment. She had to do this, she had to say something.
"I've been thinking a lot the last few weeks. About the past and whats to come. I've been doubting myself a lot to and...I don't want to hurt you Leo. I care about you to much, and I have grown attached to you. Your my best friend...and I just I don't want to lose that. Our relationship I just...I don't think my heart is all there right now and thats not fair to you. If I continue on this way I might lose everything you mean to me, even our friendship."
Taking in a deep breath and looking up at Leo again Ryan's eyes were sad, filled with so much conflict. The emotions ragged deep inside of her, crashing on ever side, and the light at the end was covered up.
"You deserve better, and I don't want to lose you completely as a friend. My visits with Alec they...turned out as nothing more than wanting to help someone..but the more time I spend getting to know him. The more..I had these unwanted feelings growing. I can't stop them, I can't understand them, and I don't know what to do. All I know is you deserve better than me, than...this. I'm so sorry Leo."
Katie can't help but laugh and she new Jason was embarrassed, he at least had let a little slip through while shutting it off. Tugging at the closed door, she gives him a smile.
It's ok J. I understand now, and I'm not in a hurry anymore. It will happen when it happens. I can deal with that now.
Looking back to Clint Katie slowly shakes her head as she lets out a snicker.
"Did you ever think Clint maybe you get beat up because you deserve it?"
Katie cant help but laugh again looking to Jade once more her eyes sparkling before around the room.
Finally drawing even closer to the table Dan pulls out the one empty chair and sits down. Felling a bit more relaxed than when the first go back. Looking to Clint and removing his own hat Dan eyes show a lint of humor, as his more silly side kicks in.
"You know Clint, be lucky it was Jason and not that wild cat of yours. Its been told through story's...she might of wracked you harder...or worse made you sleep on the couch."
Laying with her back aganst Ryder's chest some would think she had to be dreadfuly uncomfortable her bottom half in her chair and her top half on Ryder. But Thirteen was comfortable. She slept in worse positions than this before.
Helping Ryder position the camera and point it in different place Thirteen cant help the laughs the escaped her lips as she took different pictures of the group of them not even knowing. There most vulnerable moments locked in time forever, memories, to always look back and never forget. Thirteen never wanted to forget again.
Hearing the phone Angel has it in a few moments answer. And than as quick as she answered she was off again with the blankets on the bed thrown back. Looking over to Luke was was laying next to her she leans back and gives him a gentile kiss on the head.
"Eric's not doing well I have to go check on him. I'll be back."
Grabbing one of her sweatshirts and throwing it on Angel also grabs her medical bag before leaving the house bunk and heading over to Eric's in almost a sprint. Letting herself in and turning the lights on Angel is over to Eric's side.
Checking his vittles first and noting he had a fever she gold a cold pack from her bag. Placing it on her his she talks as she works making sure he stayed with her.
"Have you been taking it easy liked I asked? Nothing rough or over the edge?"
Moving her way down to his leg gently Angel rolls up his pant leg. Seeing the small bandage and the blood that was seeping through it Angel looks up at Eric again and shakes her head.
"I am going to take this as a no. Eric what happened?"
Reaching into her bag and pulling out some gloves Angel puts them on before going to removes the bandage. Not being able to cringe as she looked at it was apparent there was a pretty bad infection, and it was spreading.
"Oh Eric..you should have told me."
Going back to her bag and taking out some small viles of antibiotic and some pain killed getting the needles ready.
"I am going to give u something for the infection to at least stopping it from spreading and something as well for the pain. An IV drop to keep you nourished, and than clean and dress the wound with something to help kill the infection."
Grabbing Eric's phone Angel dials number waiting for Jim's number. He'd helped her a few times before and new what she needed if she asked.
"Jim, its Angel sorry to call you so later but I need you to do a favor for me. I need you to go to my office and get some stuff to set up an IV along with a few other things to fight a saver infection. I'm at Eric's bunk...please hurry."
Tired?
"Alright... so...." Leo wipes his mouth with a napkin after finishing off his chicken sandwich at the little diner.
The morning at the auto shop had been crazy with more customers than they could handle and cars were backed up, waiting to be worked on. There had hardly been any time to talk or banter, but come lunch time, the crew had been ready for a break. Heading out in separate vehicles since Leo had to make a stop before hand, he and Ryan had met for lunch as planned without hardly seeing each other that morning at all. Now that he was done eating though, he wanted to take advantage of the time that was left.
"...You're quiet today," he muses. He takes a sip of his pop, leaning forward on the table a little bit. Though not having had time to talk to her earlier, throughout the meal, he'd felt something just a little peculiar in the air. Ryan was good at hiding her feelings sometimes though, so he wasn't sure if it was his imagination, if it was still just leftover stress from the day before, or if it was something else. "You look tired."
Jade laughs at Katie, her face flushed. "I'll work on that," she teases, throwing Dan a sidelong glance.
Jason's eyes are still a little wide from Dan's comment, and try as he might, color still seeped up the back of his neck. He immediately shuts off any embarrassment so Katie doesn't feel it, even though he knows that she'll feel that much and figure out just what it was that he shut off from her.
"Exactly!" he agrees with Dan. "Woman's a menace, look at her!" He scoots his chair a couple inches from Katie, anticipating a slap to the arm at the very least.
Clint is grinning from ear to ear and he shakes his head at Katie. "No ants. Felt like a sledgehammer." He leans down to rub his shin. "Your boyfriend kicks like a mule."
Ryder can't help but love it every time Thirteen nuzzled into him, and tonight was no different. Smiling, he reaches into his jacket that was hung on his chair and pulls out the camera. "I did, actually. Let's take a few without them knowing it."
He turns on the camera and lets Thirteen see the screen too. "When we get back and get all the pictures printed, you can put your favorites in your rainbow album that your dad gave you, then we can get another album for all the others too." He had a feeling she was going to take more than what the little album would hold, but he didn't want her to have to choose only a small number. He wanted her to have as many as she wanted no matter how many albums it took.
Mick exits the kitchen and looks again to the small group as they laughed. They were having so much fun. He really didn't want to spoil it for them. He needed to see both Jade and Dan, and he really had missed his daughter... but tonight... maybe he should just leave them be. They were enjoying themselves and it wouldn't be fair to him to step in and ruin it. So instead, he slips out the back door and heads for the house.
Eric pries his eyes open, staring into a very dark and blurry room. The pain was almost unbearable. Yesterday when he'd almost been run over by a horse and had cut his injured leg on a fence, he thought he'd done a pretty good job of doctoring it himself. It had bled a lot around the severe bruises and had hurt like the dickens, but he'd cleaned it and bandaged it himself and gone on with the day. By last night though, he'd laid out ice packs down his leg and all day today it had throbbed. Figuring it was just normal though, he hadn't done anything differently.
But tonight, he knew something was wrong. His whole body felt hot and where he'd cut his leg yesterday, it was swollen and red even around what was already bruised so badly. He didn't want to think he'd gotten an infection, but he knew that's what it had to be. And if he already had a fever, it was a whole lot worse than he would want to admit.
Reaching for his glass of water, his hand fumbles and the glass falls to the floor with a thud on the braided rug, spilling the water everywhere. Eric groans and lets his aching head fall back into his pillow. With his eyes still closed, he gropes for the phone and feels the buttons without having to look. "Angel?" he mumbles groggily. "I promised... if it got worse I'd tell you."
He bites his lip thinking he might pass out from the oncoming wave of pain. "I think you better.... better come take a look while I can...." He swallows the want to cry out as the next wave came. "...still think at all."
The morning at the auto shop had been crazy with more customers than they could handle and cars were backed up, waiting to be worked on. There had hardly been any time to talk or banter, but come lunch time, the crew had been ready for a break. Heading out in separate vehicles since Leo had to make a stop before hand, he and Ryan had met for lunch as planned without hardly seeing each other that morning at all. Now that he was done eating though, he wanted to take advantage of the time that was left.
"...You're quiet today," he muses. He takes a sip of his pop, leaning forward on the table a little bit. Though not having had time to talk to her earlier, throughout the meal, he'd felt something just a little peculiar in the air. Ryan was good at hiding her feelings sometimes though, so he wasn't sure if it was his imagination, if it was still just leftover stress from the day before, or if it was something else. "You look tired."
Jade laughs at Katie, her face flushed. "I'll work on that," she teases, throwing Dan a sidelong glance.
Jason's eyes are still a little wide from Dan's comment, and try as he might, color still seeped up the back of his neck. He immediately shuts off any embarrassment so Katie doesn't feel it, even though he knows that she'll feel that much and figure out just what it was that he shut off from her.
"Exactly!" he agrees with Dan. "Woman's a menace, look at her!" He scoots his chair a couple inches from Katie, anticipating a slap to the arm at the very least.
Clint is grinning from ear to ear and he shakes his head at Katie. "No ants. Felt like a sledgehammer." He leans down to rub his shin. "Your boyfriend kicks like a mule."
Ryder can't help but love it every time Thirteen nuzzled into him, and tonight was no different. Smiling, he reaches into his jacket that was hung on his chair and pulls out the camera. "I did, actually. Let's take a few without them knowing it."
He turns on the camera and lets Thirteen see the screen too. "When we get back and get all the pictures printed, you can put your favorites in your rainbow album that your dad gave you, then we can get another album for all the others too." He had a feeling she was going to take more than what the little album would hold, but he didn't want her to have to choose only a small number. He wanted her to have as many as she wanted no matter how many albums it took.
Mick exits the kitchen and looks again to the small group as they laughed. They were having so much fun. He really didn't want to spoil it for them. He needed to see both Jade and Dan, and he really had missed his daughter... but tonight... maybe he should just leave them be. They were enjoying themselves and it wouldn't be fair to him to step in and ruin it. So instead, he slips out the back door and heads for the house.
Eric pries his eyes open, staring into a very dark and blurry room. The pain was almost unbearable. Yesterday when he'd almost been run over by a horse and had cut his injured leg on a fence, he thought he'd done a pretty good job of doctoring it himself. It had bled a lot around the severe bruises and had hurt like the dickens, but he'd cleaned it and bandaged it himself and gone on with the day. By last night though, he'd laid out ice packs down his leg and all day today it had throbbed. Figuring it was just normal though, he hadn't done anything differently.
But tonight, he knew something was wrong. His whole body felt hot and where he'd cut his leg yesterday, it was swollen and red even around what was already bruised so badly. He didn't want to think he'd gotten an infection, but he knew that's what it had to be. And if he already had a fever, it was a whole lot worse than he would want to admit.
Reaching for his glass of water, his hand fumbles and the glass falls to the floor with a thud on the braided rug, spilling the water everywhere. Eric groans and lets his aching head fall back into his pillow. With his eyes still closed, he gropes for the phone and feels the buttons without having to look. "Angel?" he mumbles groggily. "I promised... if it got worse I'd tell you."
He bites his lip thinking he might pass out from the oncoming wave of pain. "I think you better.... better come take a look while I can...." He swallows the want to cry out as the next wave came. "...still think at all."
Plastic Cup
Ryan can't help but laugh as Leo insinuates she need to do lunch to make up for today. He was a good guy, he was a silly guy and it was easy to grow attached to him. And yes she was having doubts what was wrong with her?
"Oh...I...I am a little stressed. Just having a hard time with a few things. I'll be ok though. Lunch tomorrow sounds great. I'll even let you pick where we eat ok?"
Hanging up the phone after saying goodbye to Leo Ryan lets out a sigh leaning her head back on the couch once again. Now it would start the long process of thinking what she was going to do. She didn't even know where to start though.
Katie can't help but get even more gitty as Jade explained everything to her that happened, and how Dan proposed.
"Oh wow, that was so sweet....I can't imagine I would probably be so shocked I'd fall over right there."
Continuing to look at Jade's hand Katie was in aw at how pretty the ring looked on her finger.
Giving a nod and the smile still being pasted on his face Dan can't help but shake his head a little.
"Thank you. And yes I know I am going to love it. One thing I am not sure about if Getting mixed up with your family...I might die from laughing to much. But than again at least I would go happy."
Hearing Clint's next comment about Katie and Jason Dan's eyes widen just a little as his lips turn into a smile.
"You mean...you havnt asked this pretty little thing yet? Whats wrong with you man?"
Dan ducks as a empty plastic cup goes flying at his head. Looking over at Katie he new it was her the smile one her face giving it away.
"Ok, I see why you haven't...she could kill someone.."
Katie can't help the laugh the escapes her lips.
"You better watch it buddy or next time I wont miss."
Looking back to Jade Katie smiles at her.
"Your going to have to train him better now."
Turning her head to look at Clint a little better she laughs.
"Whats wrong ants in your pants?"
Leaning into Ryder a little more Thirteen lets her head rest on his chest as she just watches the other. Observing, taking everything in.
"They sure are. It's fun watching them though. You didn't happen to bring the camera did you?"
Some of the best pictures that could be taken were when people didn't know they were under the lens.
"Oh...I...I am a little stressed. Just having a hard time with a few things. I'll be ok though. Lunch tomorrow sounds great. I'll even let you pick where we eat ok?"
Hanging up the phone after saying goodbye to Leo Ryan lets out a sigh leaning her head back on the couch once again. Now it would start the long process of thinking what she was going to do. She didn't even know where to start though.
Katie can't help but get even more gitty as Jade explained everything to her that happened, and how Dan proposed.
"Oh wow, that was so sweet....I can't imagine I would probably be so shocked I'd fall over right there."
Continuing to look at Jade's hand Katie was in aw at how pretty the ring looked on her finger.
Giving a nod and the smile still being pasted on his face Dan can't help but shake his head a little.
"Thank you. And yes I know I am going to love it. One thing I am not sure about if Getting mixed up with your family...I might die from laughing to much. But than again at least I would go happy."
Hearing Clint's next comment about Katie and Jason Dan's eyes widen just a little as his lips turn into a smile.
"You mean...you havnt asked this pretty little thing yet? Whats wrong with you man?"
Dan ducks as a empty plastic cup goes flying at his head. Looking over at Katie he new it was her the smile one her face giving it away.
"Ok, I see why you haven't...she could kill someone.."
Katie can't help the laugh the escapes her lips.
"You better watch it buddy or next time I wont miss."
Looking back to Jade Katie smiles at her.
"Your going to have to train him better now."
Turning her head to look at Clint a little better she laughs.
"Whats wrong ants in your pants?"
Leaning into Ryder a little more Thirteen lets her head rest on his chest as she just watches the other. Observing, taking everything in.
"They sure are. It's fun watching them though. You didn't happen to bring the camera did you?"
Some of the best pictures that could be taken were when people didn't know they were under the lens.
Silly
"You kidding me?" Leo laughs, sitting up a little straighter in his overstuffed living room chair. "You better go out with me after slighting me for your brother's party," he teases. "How about lunch? I got some dance stuff going on tomorrow night after work."
He pauses, seeming to think a little harder about it. "Everything okay? You sound a little stressed."
One would think Jade's smile couldn't get any bigger, but it did. "Christmas morning," she answers Katie. "He called me on his cell phone and met me at the door, down on one knee, it was sooooo sweet!"
Glancing up at Dan and seeing the color in his cheeks, she giggles, enjoying every moment of this. "Surprised the tar out of me."
Jason nods to Dan, still grinning. "Well, congratulations. That's awesome."
"Sure is!" Clint nods with enthusiasm, looking to Dan. "That will make you my... cousin... in law?" Laughing, he shakes his head. "You're gonna love married life, I guarantee it. Now all we gotta do is get Jason and Katie hitched and we'll all be set. I was- Ow!" Clint jumps so hard in his chair, he almost falls over. No one would have been able to see Jason's swift kick to his shin under the table.
Ryder gives Thirteen a crooked grin. "They're a silly bunch, aren't they?"
He pauses, seeming to think a little harder about it. "Everything okay? You sound a little stressed."
One would think Jade's smile couldn't get any bigger, but it did. "Christmas morning," she answers Katie. "He called me on his cell phone and met me at the door, down on one knee, it was sooooo sweet!"
Glancing up at Dan and seeing the color in his cheeks, she giggles, enjoying every moment of this. "Surprised the tar out of me."
Jason nods to Dan, still grinning. "Well, congratulations. That's awesome."
"Sure is!" Clint nods with enthusiasm, looking to Dan. "That will make you my... cousin... in law?" Laughing, he shakes his head. "You're gonna love married life, I guarantee it. Now all we gotta do is get Jason and Katie hitched and we'll all be set. I was- Ow!" Clint jumps so hard in his chair, he almost falls over. No one would have been able to see Jason's swift kick to his shin under the table.
Ryder gives Thirteen a crooked grin. "They're a silly bunch, aren't they?"
Girls!
Once alone in the living room Ryan just continuing to sit. What was she going to do? What kind of mess did she get herself into? Now she had to choose...
Looking over at the phone Ryan reaches for it. Holding it in her hand for a moment she dials Leo's number but hands up on the first ring leaning her head back against the couch. She had to do this, she had to call him. Dialing his number again Ryan waits this time till she hears Leo's voice on the other her.
"Hey there! Sorry to be calling so late, I was just wondering if tomorrow you'd like to set up lunch or dinner together?"
Picking at her jeans once again Ryan's heart seemed to thump. Leo was such a good guy she didn't want to hurt him, and some how she new ether she stayed or went, she'd end up hurting him anyways. He deserved better than this, than her.
Seeing the look in Jade's eyes Katie wanted to question it. What was this look she saw in her friend, it was something far more than happiness. Glancing down to see her finger Katie looks up at Jade again quickly her eyes wide, a smile making its way to her face.
Letting out a squeal Katie grabs her friend in a big bear hug holding her. This was such exciting new Katie could explain how happy she was for Jade, and Dan. Pulling away a little pit Katie takes Jade's hand in her own looking at the ring more closely.
"Oh wow...thats so pretty Jade. What did this happen?"
Watching Katie and Jade some more he can't help the feeling he had inside. He was so happy that they were happy it really was something hard to explain. But knowing her friends were excited made him feel good.
Glancing at Clint and Jason seeing the look on there faces, Dan's own lips turn into a grin. Giving a nod and feeling a little heat come to her face Dan rolls his eyes and thumbs to the girls humor laced in his voice.
"Girls!"
Looking over at the phone Ryan reaches for it. Holding it in her hand for a moment she dials Leo's number but hands up on the first ring leaning her head back against the couch. She had to do this, she had to call him. Dialing his number again Ryan waits this time till she hears Leo's voice on the other her.
"Hey there! Sorry to be calling so late, I was just wondering if tomorrow you'd like to set up lunch or dinner together?"
Picking at her jeans once again Ryan's heart seemed to thump. Leo was such a good guy she didn't want to hurt him, and some how she new ether she stayed or went, she'd end up hurting him anyways. He deserved better than this, than her.
Seeing the look in Jade's eyes Katie wanted to question it. What was this look she saw in her friend, it was something far more than happiness. Glancing down to see her finger Katie looks up at Jade again quickly her eyes wide, a smile making its way to her face.
Letting out a squeal Katie grabs her friend in a big bear hug holding her. This was such exciting new Katie could explain how happy she was for Jade, and Dan. Pulling away a little pit Katie takes Jade's hand in her own looking at the ring more closely.
"Oh wow...thats so pretty Jade. What did this happen?"
Watching Katie and Jade some more he can't help the feeling he had inside. He was so happy that they were happy it really was something hard to explain. But knowing her friends were excited made him feel good.
Glancing at Clint and Jason seeing the look on there faces, Dan's own lips turn into a grin. Giving a nod and feeling a little heat come to her face Dan rolls his eyes and thumbs to the girls humor laced in his voice.
"Girls!"
News
Eli chuckles a little and nods. "Anytime. Just... let me know what you decide so I know what's going on, alright?"
Sighing, he gets up from the couch and stretches. "If you wanna figure it out so you know by tomorrow though, I'd call Leo and set up lunch or dinner with him right now. If you decide to stick with him, then it's just a meal like usual. If you don't, then there's your opportunity to talk to him."
He gestures to the phone. "If I didn't call tonight, I'd lose my nerve tomorrow, but that's me. He's probably still up." He shrugs. "I'm gonna go to bed though... need anything, holler. I gotta be at the shop tomorrow at eight."
Wandering down the hall, soon his bedroom door is heard shutting and all is quiet.
Jade beams and bites her lip, looking back at Katie, her eyes dancing with excitement to share the news. Not saying anything, she slides her left hand up to show Katie the ring. Combined with the look on her face, no one could assume it was anything but an engagement ring.
Clint had happened to glance her way, and his eyes widen. He gets Jason's attention who then looks as well, equally surprised. Both look up to Dan and start to grin.
Sighing, he gets up from the couch and stretches. "If you wanna figure it out so you know by tomorrow though, I'd call Leo and set up lunch or dinner with him right now. If you decide to stick with him, then it's just a meal like usual. If you don't, then there's your opportunity to talk to him."
He gestures to the phone. "If I didn't call tonight, I'd lose my nerve tomorrow, but that's me. He's probably still up." He shrugs. "I'm gonna go to bed though... need anything, holler. I gotta be at the shop tomorrow at eight."
Wandering down the hall, soon his bedroom door is heard shutting and all is quiet.
Jade beams and bites her lip, looking back at Katie, her eyes dancing with excitement to share the news. Not saying anything, she slides her left hand up to show Katie the ring. Combined with the look on her face, no one could assume it was anything but an engagement ring.
Clint had happened to glance her way, and his eyes widen. He gets Jason's attention who then looks as well, equally surprised. Both look up to Dan and start to grin.
Desitions
Having her brother removes her hands from her face Ryan looks up at him. She could see the humor dancing in his eyes but says nothing about it. Just continuing to look up at him Ryan listens hoping there would be some answer in his words.
"He's got a bad past but that...doesn't make him a bad person. Everyone can change and deserves a chance...thats what Pop taught us...right?"
Sitting up again Ryan was still on edge her mind seeming to roam ever corner trying to find the answer to her current question. Trying to understand why this was going on, but the answers just didn't seem like they wanted to come.
"I know I gotta do this fast, and know no matter what I do its going to hurt someone. Don't know who is the thats gonna be hurt though. I just there wont be much sleep for me tonight, I'd like to figure it all out before tomorrow and that means no sleep."
Looking to her brother again Ryan trys to give a small smile and a nod of her head. She was happy her brother was there. Even if he wasn't much help on what she should do, it was nice talking to him anyways.
"Thanks Bro, for talking to me. I...."
Ryan lets out a long sigh.
"..Thanks."
Looking up from the table as a draft of cold air enters the dinning hall Katie smiles seeing Jade. She'd already been gone when they first got there, so it was nice to see her nod.
As Jade comes over to give her a hug Katie wraps her own arms around her friend. Jade looks as though she was doing well and that please Katie. Though things she new were a little rough around here with everything, it was good to see heads were held high.
Staying close to Ryder Thirteen lets out a little laugh at Clint's comment about him winning. She'd grown to know this group that always sat to play cards and though she didn't play hands herself she often helped Ryder to lean how to play.
Dan stands a little ways away just watching as Jade interacted with everyone. It was nice to see her smile and happy. To interact with so many of her friends Dan truly liked seeing that smile on her face.
As Jade looks at him he can see the question in her eyes about what she wanted to tell them all. Dan's smile grew even more looking back into her eyes with suck love he. Giving a small nod he replied to her without saying anything. He was glad she was excited to tell people and it didn't bother him one bit. Sooner of later the would find out anyways why no sooner rather than later.
"He's got a bad past but that...doesn't make him a bad person. Everyone can change and deserves a chance...thats what Pop taught us...right?"
Sitting up again Ryan was still on edge her mind seeming to roam ever corner trying to find the answer to her current question. Trying to understand why this was going on, but the answers just didn't seem like they wanted to come.
"I know I gotta do this fast, and know no matter what I do its going to hurt someone. Don't know who is the thats gonna be hurt though. I just there wont be much sleep for me tonight, I'd like to figure it all out before tomorrow and that means no sleep."
Looking to her brother again Ryan trys to give a small smile and a nod of her head. She was happy her brother was there. Even if he wasn't much help on what she should do, it was nice talking to him anyways.
"Thanks Bro, for talking to me. I...."
Ryan lets out a long sigh.
"..Thanks."
Looking up from the table as a draft of cold air enters the dinning hall Katie smiles seeing Jade. She'd already been gone when they first got there, so it was nice to see her nod.
As Jade comes over to give her a hug Katie wraps her own arms around her friend. Jade looks as though she was doing well and that please Katie. Though things she new were a little rough around here with everything, it was good to see heads were held high.
Staying close to Ryder Thirteen lets out a little laugh at Clint's comment about him winning. She'd grown to know this group that always sat to play cards and though she didn't play hands herself she often helped Ryder to lean how to play.
Dan stands a little ways away just watching as Jade interacted with everyone. It was nice to see her smile and happy. To interact with so many of her friends Dan truly liked seeing that smile on her face.
As Jade looks at him he can see the question in her eyes about what she wanted to tell them all. Dan's smile grew even more looking back into her eyes with suck love he. Giving a small nod he replied to her without saying anything. He was glad she was excited to tell people and it didn't bother him one bit. Sooner of later the would find out anyways why no sooner rather than later.
Heavy?
Eli's eyes continue to widen as he listens to his sister. "Alec? The prisoner guy?" He blinks, hearing about the kiss. "Heavy?" His eyebrows rise a little higher.
Clearing his throat, he tries not to think that part was funny, though being caught on camera... it did have an amusing ring to it. He swallows the laugh that wants to come out and just listens until Ryan is quiet again.
"Well... looks like Speedy went a little too fast, eh?" He grins and reaches over to pull down Ryan's hands from her face. "I hate to break it to ya, little sis, but you're as human as anyone else, stone wall or not."
He cocks his head, studying her eyes as his tone grows gentler, knowing she needed consoling not teasing. "It's okay to crack that wall once in a while. Keeping it indestructible won't let anyone in... and that's a lonely life to live. As far as your current dilemma..."
He sighs and shrugs. "I really don't know what to tell ya. I'm not so sure I like the thought of you being involved with a guy like Alec... from what I've heard, he's a pretty bad character with a pretty bad past - they wouldn't have him there if he weren't. But... I trust you too as long as you got your head on straight. I ain't ever met the guy so I can't judge... I just want you to be careful. Guys like that hurt girls like you, and you know how I feel about anybody touching my sister."
Eli tosses Ryan a wink, grinning just a little. He was a protective brother, but he didn't try to run her life. "About Leo though..." He purses his lips, knowing that this was a pretty sensitive situation, whether she wanted it to be or not. "You're right... you're not being fair to either of them. Whether it was just once, twice, or just a couple visits with Alec... if I were on Leo's side, I'd say you're already two-timing him, and that ain't right. You're my sister and I love ya, but that move isn't cool. You just gotta decide if you're gonna stick with dependable, lovable Leo or go with undependable, passionate criminal Alec."
He sighs, knowing this wasn't easy for her, even if he couldn't really empathize. "I've never been in your spot before... but I do know that whatever you do, do it quick before things really get out of hand."
Jade nods, trying to stay calm. It was such a strange feeling... having missed her father so much, yet having been so upset with him at the same time. Would things be okay?
Accepting Dan's hand, her palm is a little clammy and she grips his fingers tightly. Walking with him, they go inside.
It was evident that supper had been done for a while. Some people had already filtered out, but many still remained. It had been stew for the evening meal and the aroma still lingered, making Jade's stomach growl. She knew it was loud enough Dan surely heard, and she giggles. She'd been the one to convince him not to stop and eat on the way home and it was she who was starving.
"Well, look who the cat gone done and drug in." Clint looks up from one of the tables where he, Jeff, Jason, Katie and Ryder were involved in a card game that had had everyone laughing from the get-go. Even now, Clint's bumbled speech gets the laughter started again.
Jade grins and shakes her head. "Weren't no cat," she counters. "Just a handsome cowboy."
Not seeing her father anywhere near, the nervousness leaves for the time being and she lets Dan's hand go, giving a little squeal at seeing who all was there that she had missed. "Katie!" Trotting around the table to her, she flops down in the empty chair and gives Katie a hug. "Merry Christmas! Well.... a little late." Her eyes were shining brighter than ever before, her face flushed as she held in her secret. She moves her head to see Jason too and gives him a wave. "Hello, sir."
Jason grins with amusement. "Hello, ma'am. And how are we tonight?"
"Wonderful!" Jade bounces a little, totally hyped up, her eyes looking up to Dan again, her smile so wide. "But hungry." Though she didn't know who this other girl was, she had a feeling she knew, and she'd never seen this other man before. But it didn't deter her from being just as giddy as usual.
"Just got done eating," Clint informs. "And you interrupted the card game. So go get your food - I was just winning."
"Oh you were, were you?" Ryder quirks an eyebrow and nudges Thirteen. He'd been sharing a hand of cards with her, and they knew good and well that they were ahead.
"Yes!"
Jade giggles. "Clint, you're never winning. And if I thought that me leaving would actually help, I would. But I think you need more than that to win." Still laughing, her eyes find Dan again, question flickering in her gaze. Was it okay with him to tell the others about them? She'd forgotten to ask before they'd come in.
Mick emerges from the play room where BJ was racing his cars around, and heads to the kitchen with his empty coffee mug. Hearing louder chatter than usual, he glances down to the other end. The first person he spots is Dan, and he forces himself not to feel irritated. He'd decided to give the young man a chance... he needed to stick to his word.
Continuing his route, he stops again though when he realizes that Jade was sitting next to Katie. She and Dan got back at the same time? That was... quite a coincidence. Mick shakes his head. There was nothing there. It was a coincidence and there was no point in him letting his mind think up things it shouldn't. He was glad his daughter was back too, even if it did send a feeling of dread through him. There were bridges to be mended both to Jade and Dan. Apologies needed to be made.
Hesitating, Mick finally goes into the kitchen, not knowing how he could approach either one of them, or even knowing when the best time would be.
Clearing his throat, he tries not to think that part was funny, though being caught on camera... it did have an amusing ring to it. He swallows the laugh that wants to come out and just listens until Ryan is quiet again.
"Well... looks like Speedy went a little too fast, eh?" He grins and reaches over to pull down Ryan's hands from her face. "I hate to break it to ya, little sis, but you're as human as anyone else, stone wall or not."
He cocks his head, studying her eyes as his tone grows gentler, knowing she needed consoling not teasing. "It's okay to crack that wall once in a while. Keeping it indestructible won't let anyone in... and that's a lonely life to live. As far as your current dilemma..."
He sighs and shrugs. "I really don't know what to tell ya. I'm not so sure I like the thought of you being involved with a guy like Alec... from what I've heard, he's a pretty bad character with a pretty bad past - they wouldn't have him there if he weren't. But... I trust you too as long as you got your head on straight. I ain't ever met the guy so I can't judge... I just want you to be careful. Guys like that hurt girls like you, and you know how I feel about anybody touching my sister."
Eli tosses Ryan a wink, grinning just a little. He was a protective brother, but he didn't try to run her life. "About Leo though..." He purses his lips, knowing that this was a pretty sensitive situation, whether she wanted it to be or not. "You're right... you're not being fair to either of them. Whether it was just once, twice, or just a couple visits with Alec... if I were on Leo's side, I'd say you're already two-timing him, and that ain't right. You're my sister and I love ya, but that move isn't cool. You just gotta decide if you're gonna stick with dependable, lovable Leo or go with undependable, passionate criminal Alec."
He sighs, knowing this wasn't easy for her, even if he couldn't really empathize. "I've never been in your spot before... but I do know that whatever you do, do it quick before things really get out of hand."
Jade nods, trying to stay calm. It was such a strange feeling... having missed her father so much, yet having been so upset with him at the same time. Would things be okay?
Accepting Dan's hand, her palm is a little clammy and she grips his fingers tightly. Walking with him, they go inside.
It was evident that supper had been done for a while. Some people had already filtered out, but many still remained. It had been stew for the evening meal and the aroma still lingered, making Jade's stomach growl. She knew it was loud enough Dan surely heard, and she giggles. She'd been the one to convince him not to stop and eat on the way home and it was she who was starving.
"Well, look who the cat gone done and drug in." Clint looks up from one of the tables where he, Jeff, Jason, Katie and Ryder were involved in a card game that had had everyone laughing from the get-go. Even now, Clint's bumbled speech gets the laughter started again.
Jade grins and shakes her head. "Weren't no cat," she counters. "Just a handsome cowboy."
Not seeing her father anywhere near, the nervousness leaves for the time being and she lets Dan's hand go, giving a little squeal at seeing who all was there that she had missed. "Katie!" Trotting around the table to her, she flops down in the empty chair and gives Katie a hug. "Merry Christmas! Well.... a little late." Her eyes were shining brighter than ever before, her face flushed as she held in her secret. She moves her head to see Jason too and gives him a wave. "Hello, sir."
Jason grins with amusement. "Hello, ma'am. And how are we tonight?"
"Wonderful!" Jade bounces a little, totally hyped up, her eyes looking up to Dan again, her smile so wide. "But hungry." Though she didn't know who this other girl was, she had a feeling she knew, and she'd never seen this other man before. But it didn't deter her from being just as giddy as usual.
"Just got done eating," Clint informs. "And you interrupted the card game. So go get your food - I was just winning."
"Oh you were, were you?" Ryder quirks an eyebrow and nudges Thirteen. He'd been sharing a hand of cards with her, and they knew good and well that they were ahead.
"Yes!"
Jade giggles. "Clint, you're never winning. And if I thought that me leaving would actually help, I would. But I think you need more than that to win." Still laughing, her eyes find Dan again, question flickering in her gaze. Was it okay with him to tell the others about them? She'd forgotten to ask before they'd come in.
Mick emerges from the play room where BJ was racing his cars around, and heads to the kitchen with his empty coffee mug. Hearing louder chatter than usual, he glances down to the other end. The first person he spots is Dan, and he forces himself not to feel irritated. He'd decided to give the young man a chance... he needed to stick to his word.
Continuing his route, he stops again though when he realizes that Jade was sitting next to Katie. She and Dan got back at the same time? That was... quite a coincidence. Mick shakes his head. There was nothing there. It was a coincidence and there was no point in him letting his mind think up things it shouldn't. He was glad his daughter was back too, even if it did send a feeling of dread through him. There were bridges to be mended both to Jade and Dan. Apologies needed to be made.
Hesitating, Mick finally goes into the kitchen, not knowing how he could approach either one of them, or even knowing when the best time would be.
3/2/10
Stone Wall
Leaning forward Ryan puts her head in her hands. She didn't know what she was saying, and didn't know what she was feeling and Eli was just as lost.
"I'm talking about Alec. He's different, I can't even explain it. Its...like.."
Ryan lets out a sigh maybe if she started from the top? Even that didn't feel like it was clear things up.
"Reese had me come down to the station today because on Christmas, while I was leaving Alec kissed me....and...I kissed him back because it sent a flood of emotions over me that...were different. Anyways things got heavy..and it was all on camera."
Ryan wanted to cry, she wanted to laugh at how stupid this was, she wanted to scream but just nothing felt like it was good enough to take away these emotions.
"No when ever I see him we are fine but the second he stands right next to me its like electroshock. As for him liking me as much as Leo does...I..I can see the rising emotions in his eyes and I see the way he looks at me. He doesn't say it, but I see it and its...different."
Letting out a loud groan Ryan falls backwards on the couch with her hands over her face.
"The only thing I do know is nether of them deserve this..and I have to do something but I don't know what. I am happy and content with Leo, but I still crave the thrill...Alec...her curbs that. Gahhhhh....I am the stone wall...I am the strong mountain and some how my wall got cracked and it feels like crap."
Seeing Mick's truck as Dan parks in his normal spot his own blood seems to pump. It was kind of nerve racking. So many things could happen now, but he tried to keep his confidence up for Jade's sake. Things would work out.
"If he's here I would think he was well again. I don't think they would of let alone have Rosetta let him back if he was not."
Turning to see the shaky look on Jade's face Dan reaches out runs a hand along the side of her face cradling it for a moment.
"It will work.Come on."
Getting out of the truck Dan wastes no time going over to Jade's side and lifting her out as well letting her slide to the ground. Letting out a low breath of air Dan takes Jade's hand in her own locking there fingers.
"Lets see if anyone is in the dinning all and there are some left overs."
"I'm talking about Alec. He's different, I can't even explain it. Its...like.."
Ryan lets out a sigh maybe if she started from the top? Even that didn't feel like it was clear things up.
"Reese had me come down to the station today because on Christmas, while I was leaving Alec kissed me....and...I kissed him back because it sent a flood of emotions over me that...were different. Anyways things got heavy..and it was all on camera."
Ryan wanted to cry, she wanted to laugh at how stupid this was, she wanted to scream but just nothing felt like it was good enough to take away these emotions.
"No when ever I see him we are fine but the second he stands right next to me its like electroshock. As for him liking me as much as Leo does...I..I can see the rising emotions in his eyes and I see the way he looks at me. He doesn't say it, but I see it and its...different."
Letting out a loud groan Ryan falls backwards on the couch with her hands over her face.
"The only thing I do know is nether of them deserve this..and I have to do something but I don't know what. I am happy and content with Leo, but I still crave the thrill...Alec...her curbs that. Gahhhhh....I am the stone wall...I am the strong mountain and some how my wall got cracked and it feels like crap."
Seeing Mick's truck as Dan parks in his normal spot his own blood seems to pump. It was kind of nerve racking. So many things could happen now, but he tried to keep his confidence up for Jade's sake. Things would work out.
"If he's here I would think he was well again. I don't think they would of let alone have Rosetta let him back if he was not."
Turning to see the shaky look on Jade's face Dan reaches out runs a hand along the side of her face cradling it for a moment.
"It will work.Come on."
Getting out of the truck Dan wastes no time going over to Jade's side and lifting her out as well letting her slide to the ground. Letting out a low breath of air Dan takes Jade's hand in her own locking there fingers.
"Lets see if anyone is in the dinning all and there are some left overs."
Right?
Eli's eyebrows rise as Ryan speaks, very surprised to hear there was another man. "Wow." He blinks, not having thought at all that there was anyone but Leo, especially after all they'd been through.
"You sure it's not just... a crush or something? I mean, who is this guy? Does he care about you like Leo does?"
It was evening, but the sky was still gray. Jade yawns, having fallen asleep for part of the trip back and now exhausted. So happy, but exhausted none the less. The little bump as they enter the driveway of the ranch helps her wake up a little more.
"Mmm.... I bet everyone is done with supper, but I hope they saved the leftovers. I could-" Jade's voice comes to a sudden halt as she spots a familiar truck. A sudden rush of mixed emotions hits her. She should be glad to see her dad, but instead she was met with a sinking feeling. "That's..."
She swallows hard as Dan's own truck comes to a halt. "...Dad's pickup."
Turning her head to look at Dan, she bites her lip. "I... I didn't know he was... coming back... now." She cringes a little. "That sounds horrible. I should be excited, right? I mean it's good, right? He should be... better?"
"You sure it's not just... a crush or something? I mean, who is this guy? Does he care about you like Leo does?"
It was evening, but the sky was still gray. Jade yawns, having fallen asleep for part of the trip back and now exhausted. So happy, but exhausted none the less. The little bump as they enter the driveway of the ranch helps her wake up a little more.
"Mmm.... I bet everyone is done with supper, but I hope they saved the leftovers. I could-" Jade's voice comes to a sudden halt as she spots a familiar truck. A sudden rush of mixed emotions hits her. She should be glad to see her dad, but instead she was met with a sinking feeling. "That's..."
She swallows hard as Dan's own truck comes to a halt. "...Dad's pickup."
Turning her head to look at Dan, she bites her lip. "I... I didn't know he was... coming back... now." She cringes a little. "That sounds horrible. I should be excited, right? I mean it's good, right? He should be... better?"
Differnt
Ryan lets out a sigh as she listens to her brother. Why did thinks have to be hard all the time? Even when Ryan was alone things would go ok but there was always a bump in the road.
Looking down again Ryan lets her words form in her mind before speaking them. She wasn't even sure how she wanted to say everything.
"I care about Leo, and I have strong feelings for him. He means the world to me, but than...there is this other guy and..."
A look pass through Ryan's eyes the flame giving a flicker of light, of life.
"...when I'm with him all I want to do is kiss him. I'm drawn to him, and I feel things I've never felt before and its confusing. A bit scary because I've never felt like this before. Its always been me, looking out for me. In life, in racing...life was a game and now I'd be willing to slow my life down because he is enough of a rush. Everything about him is stronger and I don't understand why!"
Looking up at her brother one more Ryan looked so confused. She really didnt know what to do, and everything was clashing inside of her.
Looking down again Ryan lets her words form in her mind before speaking them. She wasn't even sure how she wanted to say everything.
"I care about Leo, and I have strong feelings for him. He means the world to me, but than...there is this other guy and..."
A look pass through Ryan's eyes the flame giving a flicker of light, of life.
"...when I'm with him all I want to do is kiss him. I'm drawn to him, and I feel things I've never felt before and its confusing. A bit scary because I've never felt like this before. Its always been me, looking out for me. In life, in racing...life was a game and now I'd be willing to slow my life down because he is enough of a rush. Everything about him is stronger and I don't understand why!"
Looking up at her brother one more Ryan looked so confused. She really didnt know what to do, and everything was clashing inside of her.
I guess
Eli is about ready to give up asking his sister if everything was alright, when she finally asks him her question. It surprised him though, and his eyebrows immediately rise and his head turns so he could see her. The look in his eye concerned him a little - there really was something going on with her.
Her question was a confusing one and it took him completely off guard. "In love?" As Ryan elaborates, his brow furrows, trying to understand. "You... you talking about when you found Leo? Or... now?"
Shaking his head, he shifts his weight so he can see her better, leaning one elbow up on the back of the couch to rest his head against his hand. He knew she wanted an answer from him before it was his turn for questions. "I don't know." He gives a little shrug. "Had a few girls... you know me, always looking." He gives her a sheepish grin. "Naw... about two years ago... I had someone. Sasha. Nice... sweet... moved in with her for about six months."
He knows that Ryan probably didn't know a thing about that. "Shouldn't have... but I did. I didn't find someone else though - she did. But afterward, I realized it just wasn't that hard to leave... so I don't think my feelings ran deep enough to begin with."
It wasn't often Eli talked about his feelings, but when it was just him and Ryan, it wasn't too awkward. "So I guess my answer is no." He gives a slight laugh. "I think I know what you mean though. I saw that look in Sasha's eyes... she told me she loved me, but when Neil came along.... there was something different that even I could see. She never looked at me like she looked at him. Don't know what it feels like, but I know it can exist."
Pausing, he studies his sister again. "So who you having second thoughts about?"
Her question was a confusing one and it took him completely off guard. "In love?" As Ryan elaborates, his brow furrows, trying to understand. "You... you talking about when you found Leo? Or... now?"
Shaking his head, he shifts his weight so he can see her better, leaning one elbow up on the back of the couch to rest his head against his hand. He knew she wanted an answer from him before it was his turn for questions. "I don't know." He gives a little shrug. "Had a few girls... you know me, always looking." He gives her a sheepish grin. "Naw... about two years ago... I had someone. Sasha. Nice... sweet... moved in with her for about six months."
He knows that Ryan probably didn't know a thing about that. "Shouldn't have... but I did. I didn't find someone else though - she did. But afterward, I realized it just wasn't that hard to leave... so I don't think my feelings ran deep enough to begin with."
It wasn't often Eli talked about his feelings, but when it was just him and Ryan, it wasn't too awkward. "So I guess my answer is no." He gives a slight laugh. "I think I know what you mean though. I saw that look in Sasha's eyes... she told me she loved me, but when Neil came along.... there was something different that even I could see. She never looked at me like she looked at him. Don't know what it feels like, but I know it can exist."
Pausing, he studies his sister again. "So who you having second thoughts about?"
Sure anymore
The rest of the afternoon move quickly as the small party at the auto shop starts. Beer, music, and just having a good clean time with friends was nice. Being with this group there was never a dull moment. Between Leo and Miles swords fighting with wrenches, to Ryan and Jed going back and forth with simple banter it was a great time.
But now the time had come and the part was over. Sitting at home on the couch with her brother flipping through the TV Ryan's mind had time to wonder once again. Not even hearing the tv go off, she almost miss Eli's question as well. But catching the last bit she looks up.
"Mmmm? Oh..no...I'm..ok.."
Letting out a sigh and picking at her own jeans. Looking up at her brother again so much emotions flooded her eyes. Now that she was home, behind closed doors she let everything out, and everything show that she had been hiding the last few days. Her head was a spin now, and she had to talk to someone, she had to figure out what this all was about. Who better to talk to than her big brother.
"Eli...have you ever been in love?"
Saying those words Ryan stops for a second realizing just how little she new about her brother.
"Did..you even have a girl friend you cared a great deal for? You thought she was the world and you did everything to get her but than...someone came along and changed it and you just weren't quite sure anymore?"
But now the time had come and the part was over. Sitting at home on the couch with her brother flipping through the TV Ryan's mind had time to wonder once again. Not even hearing the tv go off, she almost miss Eli's question as well. But catching the last bit she looks up.
"Mmmm? Oh..no...I'm..ok.."
Letting out a sigh and picking at her own jeans. Looking up at her brother again so much emotions flooded her eyes. Now that she was home, behind closed doors she let everything out, and everything show that she had been hiding the last few days. Her head was a spin now, and she had to talk to someone, she had to figure out what this all was about. Who better to talk to than her big brother.
"Eli...have you ever been in love?"
Saying those words Ryan stops for a second realizing just how little she new about her brother.
"Did..you even have a girl friend you cared a great deal for? You thought she was the world and you did everything to get her but than...someone came along and changed it and you just weren't quite sure anymore?"
Wanna?
Eli laughs as Ryan hugs him tightly and he spins her around. "Okay, okay... get my life together, then worry about rent. Got it." He laughs again, shaking his head, only to see his sister call for a party. "Whoa, whoa, it's not that big of a deal!"
"Yes it is!" Jed yells from another car. "Any call for a party is a big deal!"
Eli smirks but throws up his arms. "Okay, party it is." He sticks around for a while in the shop before heading out again in higher spirits than he'd had in a long time.
The rest of the day moves on rather quickly. Leo forfeits supper with Ryan in order to have a party in the shop, and though having looked forward to it, he enjoys the time with everyone else too. And when all is said and done, the sun is sinking low and everyone has gone their separate ways. The shop is closed for the night and back at the apartment, Eli is kicking back on the couch in front of the television set. But after a few minutes of nothing, he turns it off, letting the silence hang in the living room.
"Alright... so you been teetering on the edge of something all afternoon, Speedy." He glances to his sister. "Wanna talk about it?"
Trent's eyebrows rise a little but what was he supposed to say? No? There was no reason for him to deny Thirteen some pictures.
Finally he nods. "Okay... yeah, yeah that'll be okay."
"Yes it is!" Jed yells from another car. "Any call for a party is a big deal!"
Eli smirks but throws up his arms. "Okay, party it is." He sticks around for a while in the shop before heading out again in higher spirits than he'd had in a long time.
The rest of the day moves on rather quickly. Leo forfeits supper with Ryan in order to have a party in the shop, and though having looked forward to it, he enjoys the time with everyone else too. And when all is said and done, the sun is sinking low and everyone has gone their separate ways. The shop is closed for the night and back at the apartment, Eli is kicking back on the couch in front of the television set. But after a few minutes of nothing, he turns it off, letting the silence hang in the living room.
"Alright... so you been teetering on the edge of something all afternoon, Speedy." He glances to his sister. "Wanna talk about it?"
Trent's eyebrows rise a little but what was he supposed to say? No? There was no reason for him to deny Thirteen some pictures.
Finally he nods. "Okay... yeah, yeah that'll be okay."
Party
Giving a laugh and shaking her head at Leo once again Ryan gives his leg a little kick.
"Ok, you can have half the credit this time. Barnsworth and McKade take the win!"
Giving him a smerk Ryan goes back to her work area knowing her brother was following. Tinkering around with a few things at her station she gather what she would need for the car.
Looking at Eli as he talks about his new job Ryan can't help but get excited. Putting her stuff down and throwing her arms around him Ryan hugs her brother. She new this would help him feel better knowing he could bring a little bit of money in the house himself.
"Oh Eli, I am so happy for you. Get on your feet, get your debts payed, rent to me can wait, just get yourself all fixed up ok?"
Giving an even tighter hug a little squeel comes from Ryan's lips. Pulling away her eyes twinkle as the look that had been in them before seemed to pass for now.
Moving back just a few steps Ryan steps around Eli so the rest of the Auto Shop can see her.
"Everyone, get your cars done and than its time to celebrate Eli's new job. Even you Darrel, I know your hiding in the office, you can come too."
Looking to Ryder and giving a smile and a nod she'd never used a camera before, but she new for sure Ryder wouldn't mind showing her. She new this was going to be a blast.
Turning her head to Trent again the smile was so big on her face, some people might have thought she was faking it, but in reality she just felt that happy. Today hadn't gone completely as planned but in the end it had been better than she could of imagined.
"Dad, you'll let me take some picture of you right? And of us together?"
"Ok, you can have half the credit this time. Barnsworth and McKade take the win!"
Giving him a smerk Ryan goes back to her work area knowing her brother was following. Tinkering around with a few things at her station she gather what she would need for the car.
Looking at Eli as he talks about his new job Ryan can't help but get excited. Putting her stuff down and throwing her arms around him Ryan hugs her brother. She new this would help him feel better knowing he could bring a little bit of money in the house himself.
"Oh Eli, I am so happy for you. Get on your feet, get your debts payed, rent to me can wait, just get yourself all fixed up ok?"
Giving an even tighter hug a little squeel comes from Ryan's lips. Pulling away her eyes twinkle as the look that had been in them before seemed to pass for now.
Moving back just a few steps Ryan steps around Eli so the rest of the Auto Shop can see her.
"Everyone, get your cars done and than its time to celebrate Eli's new job. Even you Darrel, I know your hiding in the office, you can come too."
Looking to Ryder and giving a smile and a nod she'd never used a camera before, but she new for sure Ryder wouldn't mind showing her. She new this was going to be a blast.
Turning her head to Trent again the smile was so big on her face, some people might have thought she was faking it, but in reality she just felt that happy. Today hadn't gone completely as planned but in the end it had been better than she could of imagined.
"Dad, you'll let me take some picture of you right? And of us together?"
All set
Eli cocks his head a little as if not convinced everything was quite as simple as Ryan was making it. Tucking his thumbs in his pockets, he stands back, letting her get to work, but still sticking around.
Leo returns Ryan's hug and grins a little at the kiss on the cheek. Looking up at her though, he almost squints as if trying to understand everything she'd just gone through. He didn't, but it was obvious that whatever had happened down at the Elite headquarters had bothered her. There wasn't much he could do though - maybe he would try to talk to her more about it later.
"I'm sorry." Sincerity shone in his eyes. He really did feel badly for her. He knew she'd just been trying to help out a guy behind bars like any well-wisher. "And...you're welcome." Lying back, he rolls under the car again, just to stick his head back out once more. "But I get half the credit for the car," he teases before disappearing again.
Eli chuckles and shakes his head, following after Ryan over to where she would be working. Wandering behind her and fiddling with some of the tools, he nods. "Sounds like it's a bangup job down there if he thought you were involved in something." He rolls his eyes. "Oh well, I suppose we should be grateful they're on their toes and keeping an eye on things. Who accuses people who are just trying to do good deeds though?"
Shrugging it off, he leans against the car, folding his arms. "I got a job," he finally informs her. It had been hard to hide his smile. "I get to do custom paint jobs on cars and motorcycles. So you'll finally get some rent from me."
Trent can't help a little chuckle and smile as he keeps one eye on the road while watching Thirteen. It was such a little thing, but she was enjoying it so much. A part of him gained much pleasure from seeing that look in her eye, and he was proud of himself for finding something she would like. The ring was one thing... this was something she could do and put together herself.
"You're welcome."
Ryder grins and puts his arm around Thirteen. "I made sure to bring a camera so we're all set."
Leo returns Ryan's hug and grins a little at the kiss on the cheek. Looking up at her though, he almost squints as if trying to understand everything she'd just gone through. He didn't, but it was obvious that whatever had happened down at the Elite headquarters had bothered her. There wasn't much he could do though - maybe he would try to talk to her more about it later.
"I'm sorry." Sincerity shone in his eyes. He really did feel badly for her. He knew she'd just been trying to help out a guy behind bars like any well-wisher. "And...you're welcome." Lying back, he rolls under the car again, just to stick his head back out once more. "But I get half the credit for the car," he teases before disappearing again.
Eli chuckles and shakes his head, following after Ryan over to where she would be working. Wandering behind her and fiddling with some of the tools, he nods. "Sounds like it's a bangup job down there if he thought you were involved in something." He rolls his eyes. "Oh well, I suppose we should be grateful they're on their toes and keeping an eye on things. Who accuses people who are just trying to do good deeds though?"
Shrugging it off, he leans against the car, folding his arms. "I got a job," he finally informs her. It had been hard to hide his smile. "I get to do custom paint jobs on cars and motorcycles. So you'll finally get some rent from me."
Trent can't help a little chuckle and smile as he keeps one eye on the road while watching Thirteen. It was such a little thing, but she was enjoying it so much. A part of him gained much pleasure from seeing that look in her eye, and he was proud of himself for finding something she would like. The ring was one thing... this was something she could do and put together herself.
"You're welcome."
Ryder grins and puts his arm around Thirteen. "I made sure to bring a camera so we're all set."
Such a simple gift
Looking at her brother and giving her own returned silly grin Ryan shakes her head giving his arm a backwards slap.
"Me in the slammer? Come on now, you should know better than that."
Giving a nod to her brother that she wanted to hear his news her eyes show a tiny bit of emotions that wanted to seep though that she needed to talk to him about something later as well.
Turning and giving a smile to Leo Ryan goes over bending down just takes him in a large hug. It was sweet of him to think about finding some way that Miles wouldn't win. Leo could be so kind and considerate.
"Thank you Leo."
Giving him a gentile kiss to the cheek Ryan put her emotions in check pulling away and looking at Leo in the eyes. Searching, looking...a smile forms on her face as she gives a nod.
"After being grilled hours on end, yes..I'm ok. Alec end up giving up information on the company The Elite had been fighting a while to bring down. Mr. Reese though it was some kind of trick and that I was in on it. He believes me now that I'm not, just to get to that point a lot of painful digging had to happen."
Walking with Ryder just enjoying there time Thirteen's fingers stay locked with his. It was fun just looking in the windows and talking over the different things they liked. Fingers locked, side by side, stealing a small kiss here or there it seemed almost to perfect.
And like all things, time must go on. Coming around to where they started and seeing Trent's truck Thirteen new it was time to go back. Getting into the truck before Ryder Thirteen slides next to her dad and gives him a smile.
"All set!"
Receiving the package from Trent, Thirteen just looks at him for a moment. It was Christmas anymore, and he was giving her something? Looking down again Thirteen's fingers run over the outside of the sack before she opens it. Taking out the bright colored book Thirteen holds it turning it in her hand, opening the pages. She looked as if someone had just handed her a million dollars.
Looking at Ryder she gives a big smile holding it up for him to see. Than looking back to Trent Thirteen's smile grows even bigger.
"Thank you...so much. This is very pretty. I want the first picture in the book to be of you and that Ryder on the other side. Than the rest to be pictures of my family so I can remember them. I'd like to take pictures before I go...thats a great idea Dad. Thank you Thank you Thank you."
Thirteen's eyes shown so bright with something so simple. Just holding the book in her hand and running her fingers over the colors taking them in.
"Me in the slammer? Come on now, you should know better than that."
Giving a nod to her brother that she wanted to hear his news her eyes show a tiny bit of emotions that wanted to seep though that she needed to talk to him about something later as well.
Turning and giving a smile to Leo Ryan goes over bending down just takes him in a large hug. It was sweet of him to think about finding some way that Miles wouldn't win. Leo could be so kind and considerate.
"Thank you Leo."
Giving him a gentile kiss to the cheek Ryan put her emotions in check pulling away and looking at Leo in the eyes. Searching, looking...a smile forms on her face as she gives a nod.
"After being grilled hours on end, yes..I'm ok. Alec end up giving up information on the company The Elite had been fighting a while to bring down. Mr. Reese though it was some kind of trick and that I was in on it. He believes me now that I'm not, just to get to that point a lot of painful digging had to happen."
Walking with Ryder just enjoying there time Thirteen's fingers stay locked with his. It was fun just looking in the windows and talking over the different things they liked. Fingers locked, side by side, stealing a small kiss here or there it seemed almost to perfect.
And like all things, time must go on. Coming around to where they started and seeing Trent's truck Thirteen new it was time to go back. Getting into the truck before Ryder Thirteen slides next to her dad and gives him a smile.
"All set!"
Receiving the package from Trent, Thirteen just looks at him for a moment. It was Christmas anymore, and he was giving her something? Looking down again Thirteen's fingers run over the outside of the sack before she opens it. Taking out the bright colored book Thirteen holds it turning it in her hand, opening the pages. She looked as if someone had just handed her a million dollars.
Looking at Ryder she gives a big smile holding it up for him to see. Than looking back to Trent Thirteen's smile grows even bigger.
"Thank you...so much. This is very pretty. I want the first picture in the book to be of you and that Ryder on the other side. Than the rest to be pictures of my family so I can remember them. I'd like to take pictures before I go...thats a great idea Dad. Thank you Thank you Thank you."
Thirteen's eyes shown so bright with something so simple. Just holding the book in her hand and running her fingers over the colors taking them in.
Album
As Ryan enters the shop, everyone looks up, several laughing at her antics. Eli gives her a silly grin. "What? Oh, were you gone?" He shakes his head, wagging a finger at her. "You know how to scare a fellow though. We thought maybe you really were in the slammer. I didn't know you were gone though until I got here. Wanted to tell you something."
Leo has rolled out from under the car and looks up at Ryan, glad to see she was back. "I started on the other car," he informs, gesturing with his thumb to Ryan's bay. "Figured you wouldn't want Miles to win today." He gives her a wink. "Everything... alright?"
Ryder is still smiling and follows Thirteen, donning his jacket and going outside with her. It was chilly out but sunny, making it pleasant for a walk. Taking her hand, Ryder leads, pointing into shop windows and making jokes just to see her smile.
By the time they go around several blocks and back again, Trent's truck is parked on the street again and he's behind the wheel waiting, obviously having seen they weren't inside.
"Looks like he's ready to head back." Ryder gives Thirteen's hand a squeeze. "Maybe we can brush a horse again when we get back." He helps her into the passenger side so she can sit in the middle, then slides in beside her, shutting the door.
"All ready?" Trent looks at them both, making sure they buckle up before he pulls away. As he drives, he reaches behind his seat, pulling out a little sack and handing it to Thirteen. Inside was a pretty little album with rainbow colors that could hold about fifteen pictures or so. "I thought...." He shrugs. "...maybe you'd want to take some pictures before you leave and.... keep them with you."
Leo has rolled out from under the car and looks up at Ryan, glad to see she was back. "I started on the other car," he informs, gesturing with his thumb to Ryan's bay. "Figured you wouldn't want Miles to win today." He gives her a wink. "Everything... alright?"
Ryder is still smiling and follows Thirteen, donning his jacket and going outside with her. It was chilly out but sunny, making it pleasant for a walk. Taking her hand, Ryder leads, pointing into shop windows and making jokes just to see her smile.
By the time they go around several blocks and back again, Trent's truck is parked on the street again and he's behind the wheel waiting, obviously having seen they weren't inside.
"Looks like he's ready to head back." Ryder gives Thirteen's hand a squeeze. "Maybe we can brush a horse again when we get back." He helps her into the passenger side so she can sit in the middle, then slides in beside her, shutting the door.
"All ready?" Trent looks at them both, making sure they buckle up before he pulls away. As he drives, he reaches behind his seat, pulling out a little sack and handing it to Thirteen. Inside was a pretty little album with rainbow colors that could hold about fifteen pictures or so. "I thought...." He shrugs. "...maybe you'd want to take some pictures before you leave and.... keep them with you."
Worked up and Worryed
Receiving Alec's last kiss Ryan keeps her hand with him until he was to far to reach and soon was gone behind the door of Reese office once more. Stairing at the door for a long moment the smile spreads across Ryan's face as she turns to head out of TJY.
Only moments later Ryan was pulling back into the auto shop parking lot. Shutting off the car, and just sitting for a long moment her mind was able to wonder again as the sinking feeling hit her gut. What was she doing and why? It felt right in a seance and wrong all at the same time. These feelings, she new what they were, and she new they weren't just spear of the moment thing, but why she didn't know, and what to do she wasn't sure.
Letting out a long sigh and emerging from her car Ryan spots Eli's bike a few spots down. Finding it odd he was here at this time of day she could only hope everyone hadn't been so worried they called him.
Opening the doors and stepping inside a silly look replaces the previous one. Coming back into the bay area Ryan holds out her arms.
"Its ok, its ok the cal very can go home. I am o....k...not behind bars or anything."
Throwing everyone a grin Ryan takes off her jacket and throws it over by her work bench before coming back around to see her brother.
"Did they get you all worked up and worried about little old me?"
Only moments later Ryan was pulling back into the auto shop parking lot. Shutting off the car, and just sitting for a long moment her mind was able to wonder again as the sinking feeling hit her gut. What was she doing and why? It felt right in a seance and wrong all at the same time. These feelings, she new what they were, and she new they weren't just spear of the moment thing, but why she didn't know, and what to do she wasn't sure.
Letting out a long sigh and emerging from her car Ryan spots Eli's bike a few spots down. Finding it odd he was here at this time of day she could only hope everyone hadn't been so worried they called him.
Opening the doors and stepping inside a silly look replaces the previous one. Coming back into the bay area Ryan holds out her arms.
"Its ok, its ok the cal very can go home. I am o....k...not behind bars or anything."
Throwing everyone a grin Ryan takes off her jacket and throws it over by her work bench before coming back around to see her brother.
"Did they get you all worked up and worried about little old me?"
Job
Alec closes his eyes for just a short moment as Ryan's hand touches his face. Reaching up, he takes her fingers, holding them in his own hand and just studying her gaze. Sick her her? He'd like to think he was that tough... that strong to fight these feelings, but he wasn't. "Why do you think I asked for free lunch breaks?"
A small grin plays at the corner of his mouth, begging to become a smile, but it remains just below the surface. Tilting her chin up with a finger, he leans down to let his lips touch hers once more as if checking to see if the feelings when he kissed her really did exist and hadn't been his imagination.
Pulling away, his thumb caresses her chin then moves to lightly run over her moist lips. And without a farewell, he backs up, turns and disappears into Reese's office once again.
Leo glances to the door once more as he hears a car engine, but he's disappointed again too. It wasn't the sound of Ryan's car. Rolling back under the car he was working on, he then hears Eli's voice, bantering with the other guys. He rolls out again, glancing over to the door and gives a wave with his greasy wrench. "Hey."
"Hey, Leo." Eli waves and wanders closer. "Guys just said Ryan was gone?"
"Yeah..." Worry laced Leo's words. "Darell said something about the chief of the Elite. I thought she'd be back a long time ago."
Eli furrows his brow, now concerned too. "Think it has something to do with that guy she was taking food to?"
"That's the only thing I could think of."
"Hmm... well... mind if I stick around here and wait for her? I wanted to tell her I got a job."
"Heeey, way to go! Where at?"
"Body shop over on eighth. Custom paint jobs. Showed 'em my bike and when they found out I did it myself, they hired me on the spot. I guess they lost one of their guys a couple weeks ago so... I got it."
A small grin plays at the corner of his mouth, begging to become a smile, but it remains just below the surface. Tilting her chin up with a finger, he leans down to let his lips touch hers once more as if checking to see if the feelings when he kissed her really did exist and hadn't been his imagination.
Pulling away, his thumb caresses her chin then moves to lightly run over her moist lips. And without a farewell, he backs up, turns and disappears into Reese's office once again.
Leo glances to the door once more as he hears a car engine, but he's disappointed again too. It wasn't the sound of Ryan's car. Rolling back under the car he was working on, he then hears Eli's voice, bantering with the other guys. He rolls out again, glancing over to the door and gives a wave with his greasy wrench. "Hey."
"Hey, Leo." Eli waves and wanders closer. "Guys just said Ryan was gone?"
"Yeah..." Worry laced Leo's words. "Darell said something about the chief of the Elite. I thought she'd be back a long time ago."
Eli furrows his brow, now concerned too. "Think it has something to do with that guy she was taking food to?"
"That's the only thing I could think of."
"Hmm... well... mind if I stick around here and wait for her? I wanted to tell her I got a job."
"Heeey, way to go! Where at?"
"Body shop over on eighth. Custom paint jobs. Showed 'em my bike and when they found out I did it myself, they hired me on the spot. I guess they lost one of their guys a couple weeks ago so... I got it."
3/1/10
Yet
Seeing the grin that forms on Reese face, Ryan doesn't quit understand as she moves to one of the chairs next to Reese. First he didn't yell at them, or drag Alec away, and now he was grinning? The people here at the Elite were confusing for sure. But no matter that grin seemed to put Ryan at ease if only a little bit, it was something.
Just sitting in the chair and not saying anything Ryan listens. Now was her time to stay quiet, just listen to what Reese had to say. Some of what was coming from his mouth was a little surprising, but it was good to hear it. It was intresting in this short time the changes that were already being put into affect. Now she hoped this would help Alex gain his freedom faster.
As Reese makes his comment about the hour and a half Ryan can't help the grin the formed on her face. Turning her head to look into Alec's eyes for a moment she gives a little nod of her head. What he was doing, taking the step in the right direction. This was defiantly a good thing.
The finalization of the deal rang and hung in the air. Ryan couldn't hold the grin back as it grew even more. Knowing she did in fact have to get back to work Ryan stands. Looking to Reese she gives a nod before turning to head out of the office with Alec.
Stopping outside the office with Alec Ryan looks up into his eyes. The grin still played on her lips as she looked back at him searching his expression. Bringing a hand to the side of his face Ryan runs her thumb over his cheek just continuing to look up into his eyes.
"I have a feeling you will. That is, if your not sick of me yet."
Just sitting in the chair and not saying anything Ryan listens. Now was her time to stay quiet, just listen to what Reese had to say. Some of what was coming from his mouth was a little surprising, but it was good to hear it. It was intresting in this short time the changes that were already being put into affect. Now she hoped this would help Alex gain his freedom faster.
As Reese makes his comment about the hour and a half Ryan can't help the grin the formed on her face. Turning her head to look into Alec's eyes for a moment she gives a little nod of her head. What he was doing, taking the step in the right direction. This was defiantly a good thing.
The finalization of the deal rang and hung in the air. Ryan couldn't hold the grin back as it grew even more. Knowing she did in fact have to get back to work Ryan stands. Looking to Reese she gives a nod before turning to head out of the office with Alec.
Stopping outside the office with Alec Ryan looks up into his eyes. The grin still played on her lips as she looked back at him searching his expression. Bringing a hand to the side of his face Ryan runs her thumb over his cheek just continuing to look up into his eyes.
"I have a feeling you will. That is, if your not sick of me yet."
Your way
Reese doesn't interrupt Ryan, willing to listen and maybe even a little intrigued. His eyes travel between her and Alec, studying the young man as well, and taking into consideration that he seemed much more calm than he had just a week ago.
Focusing on Ryan's point, Reese remains standing, rocking on his heels a little as his mind wraps around what she's saying. A long pause begins, tense enough that they could hear the buzzing of the florescent lights on the ceiling.
Alec can feel the heat on his neck. He'd figured out that Ryan had cared but had had no idea she was quite that passionate about it... about helping him. He'd never liked thinking he needed anyone else in his life, let alone needing the help of someone else. But... for some unexplainable reason... Ryan's words did not irritate him. If they would have come from anyone else, he would have growled a response that he didn't need anyone to defend him, let alone a woman. But right now it just... didn't seem to... matter. The feeling baffled him, but he didn't have much time to think about it. So instead, he simply stood next to her, looking at Reese with his hands hanging from his jeans pockets as if to say, "yeah, what she said." A cool ember burned in his eyes, but it was more one of hate towards being locked up, not hate towards the Elite as a whole anymore.
Reese studies Alec, then Ryan, then Alec again. Oddly enough, a grin makes its way to his face and he shakes his head, almost amused. "Leave it to a woman," he muses wryly. "Miss McKade, I couldn't agree with you more. Why do you think I've been fighting to keep this guy out of prison?"
He backs up a step to his chair, easing down and motioning for the other two to sit as well.
Alec hesitates, wondering what the trap was. He'd rather be standing in case he needed to bolt. But glancing at Ryan, he figures he's come this far... he might as well play along. So he sits in a chair, but only on the edge in case he wants to get up quickly.
Reese leans forward on his desk, folding his hands. "Alec, I want you to know that if it hadn't been for your bullheadedness and your temper, we would have let you out a whole lot sooner than this. I know you think Gage is a pushover, but at least he's free. Now you're the one in second place and it's going to be a much longer haul for you, I'll tell you that right now. But I do have one question for you. Why didn't you run when you had the chance today? You went to the work of slipping our spy, yet when alone, you still came back. What was your reason?"
Alec looks at Reese dully and shrugs. "Because I'm crazy?"
"Come on, Alec... tell me why you didn't run."
"I don't know. It felt stupid but I did it anyway and that's all I know."
"Did you come to try and take advantage of us, or because you're ready to get on your way to real freedom?"
Alec swallows hard and looks to Ryan. It was more than freedom he wanted. His eyes roam back to Reese. "Nothing's free, not even freedom. You're asking me to give up freedom in order to gain it. And... that didn't make much sense... until today."
"Praise be." Reese throws up his hands, raising his eyes to the ceiling. "He finally got it." Looking back to Alec, he shakes his head. "Whether you believe it or not, we're on your side here, fighting for what's right. Now I want you to know that one wrong move, and we'll turn on you as fast as you turn on us - then you'll have both us and the Agency after you. But stay on the right road, and we'll have your back. How many times have you heard that before?"
Never. Alec doesn't like the intimidated feelings creeping up on him, and his fingers pick at a tear in his jeans. "So what's your point?"
"My point is, how badly do you want long lunches with Miss McKade here?"
Alec's eyebrows rise a little. He didn't get it. He wanted to get mad, but at this point, he was too baffled. "I don't know. I guess..." He looks at Ryan again, then back to Reese. "...pretty badly."
"Then you're gonna earn it," Reese states flatly. "As much as I want to say you're free, it just doesn't work that way. So you're going to stay here - but you're going to give us something we want, in order to get what you want."
"Such as?"
"This was a good start." Reese holds up the notebook that Alec had written in. "But we want more. That's your bargaining chip and it's the only one you got because other than information about the Agency, you're worth nothing to the legal system. And you know we have a man who can tell us if you're telling us the truth."
Alec frowns. "Yeah, he almost killed me."
"He probably should have," Reese reminds. Scott had been defending his home, plain and simple. "But call this a second chance. If you're finally willing to stop bucking the system, I can pull strings and get you out of here. But if you remain stubborn, the Chief of Police is ready to get you on trial and thrown into prison for life. You don't want that, I don't want that, and Miss McKade doesn't want that. So why not take the better route?"
Alec grits his teeth, fighting against his own nature... his want for control. He didn't like being in this position. He hated having the short end of the stick and he hated being vulnerable. This is why he hadn't wanted to give in before this. But... he can feel the chain beneath his shirt. Maybe... there was something... worth... making a compromise. His shoulders drop slightly. And though the fire was still in his gaze, it was a glowing ember, safer than the raging flames that had been present before. "How long will I have to stay here?"
"Don't know. Could be as short as three weeks. Could be as long as six months. Though we have a lot of our own rules, we're still under some regulations that we have to abide by. The duration won't be decided just by me - I can only recommend a time frame."
"And what would you recommend?"
"Probably a month... to see if you're actually gonna turn around."
Alec thinks for several long moments. Freedom today meant being hunted by the Elite and the Agency. Freedom in the future meant having the Elite as a friend despite being sought after by the Agency. And whether any Agency scum would admit it or not, the Elite was the only adversary they really worried about. "I'll stay," he finally answers. "One two conditions."
"And they are?"
"One - you don't lock me in and you don't keep an ankle bracelet on me. If I have to trust you not to shoot me in the back, then you gotta trust me too."
Reese thinks for a moment, then nods. They could lock certain doors at night so Alec couldn't have access to anything important if he did decide to turn on them. "Alright. And two?"
"Free lunch hours."
Reese furrows his brow, confused. "I don't follow."
"If I wanna leave over lunch, eat by myself, go to the park or sit in the bathroom, the hour is mine."
Reese purses his lips in thought, looking to Ryan a moment. His expression remains serious, despite the humor in his eye. "We better make it an hour and a half," he muses. "Deal. Are you in?"
Alec can feel the inner war again and wished it were easier than this. He didn't like this place, he didn't like the lack of freedom or control. But unfortunately... it appeared it would be better than the alternative. Turning his head, he stares at Ryan, not looking back at Reese when he answers. "Deal."
"Good." Reese stands up again, setting aside the notebook. "You and I have a lot to talk about then, and I'm sure Miss McKade needs to get back to work by now. I'll still be here waiting for you."
Alec knows that's the cue to leave, so he stands up, wandering from the office with Ryan. Susanne was away from her desk, so the two were alone in this corner when Alec stops and looks down at Ryan's eyes. He didn't wear a smile, but there was something different about his countenance that only few would notice. "Now that you got your way, am I gonna see you again?"
Focusing on Ryan's point, Reese remains standing, rocking on his heels a little as his mind wraps around what she's saying. A long pause begins, tense enough that they could hear the buzzing of the florescent lights on the ceiling.
Alec can feel the heat on his neck. He'd figured out that Ryan had cared but had had no idea she was quite that passionate about it... about helping him. He'd never liked thinking he needed anyone else in his life, let alone needing the help of someone else. But... for some unexplainable reason... Ryan's words did not irritate him. If they would have come from anyone else, he would have growled a response that he didn't need anyone to defend him, let alone a woman. But right now it just... didn't seem to... matter. The feeling baffled him, but he didn't have much time to think about it. So instead, he simply stood next to her, looking at Reese with his hands hanging from his jeans pockets as if to say, "yeah, what she said." A cool ember burned in his eyes, but it was more one of hate towards being locked up, not hate towards the Elite as a whole anymore.
Reese studies Alec, then Ryan, then Alec again. Oddly enough, a grin makes its way to his face and he shakes his head, almost amused. "Leave it to a woman," he muses wryly. "Miss McKade, I couldn't agree with you more. Why do you think I've been fighting to keep this guy out of prison?"
He backs up a step to his chair, easing down and motioning for the other two to sit as well.
Alec hesitates, wondering what the trap was. He'd rather be standing in case he needed to bolt. But glancing at Ryan, he figures he's come this far... he might as well play along. So he sits in a chair, but only on the edge in case he wants to get up quickly.
Reese leans forward on his desk, folding his hands. "Alec, I want you to know that if it hadn't been for your bullheadedness and your temper, we would have let you out a whole lot sooner than this. I know you think Gage is a pushover, but at least he's free. Now you're the one in second place and it's going to be a much longer haul for you, I'll tell you that right now. But I do have one question for you. Why didn't you run when you had the chance today? You went to the work of slipping our spy, yet when alone, you still came back. What was your reason?"
Alec looks at Reese dully and shrugs. "Because I'm crazy?"
"Come on, Alec... tell me why you didn't run."
"I don't know. It felt stupid but I did it anyway and that's all I know."
"Did you come to try and take advantage of us, or because you're ready to get on your way to real freedom?"
Alec swallows hard and looks to Ryan. It was more than freedom he wanted. His eyes roam back to Reese. "Nothing's free, not even freedom. You're asking me to give up freedom in order to gain it. And... that didn't make much sense... until today."
"Praise be." Reese throws up his hands, raising his eyes to the ceiling. "He finally got it." Looking back to Alec, he shakes his head. "Whether you believe it or not, we're on your side here, fighting for what's right. Now I want you to know that one wrong move, and we'll turn on you as fast as you turn on us - then you'll have both us and the Agency after you. But stay on the right road, and we'll have your back. How many times have you heard that before?"
Never. Alec doesn't like the intimidated feelings creeping up on him, and his fingers pick at a tear in his jeans. "So what's your point?"
"My point is, how badly do you want long lunches with Miss McKade here?"
Alec's eyebrows rise a little. He didn't get it. He wanted to get mad, but at this point, he was too baffled. "I don't know. I guess..." He looks at Ryan again, then back to Reese. "...pretty badly."
"Then you're gonna earn it," Reese states flatly. "As much as I want to say you're free, it just doesn't work that way. So you're going to stay here - but you're going to give us something we want, in order to get what you want."
"Such as?"
"This was a good start." Reese holds up the notebook that Alec had written in. "But we want more. That's your bargaining chip and it's the only one you got because other than information about the Agency, you're worth nothing to the legal system. And you know we have a man who can tell us if you're telling us the truth."
Alec frowns. "Yeah, he almost killed me."
"He probably should have," Reese reminds. Scott had been defending his home, plain and simple. "But call this a second chance. If you're finally willing to stop bucking the system, I can pull strings and get you out of here. But if you remain stubborn, the Chief of Police is ready to get you on trial and thrown into prison for life. You don't want that, I don't want that, and Miss McKade doesn't want that. So why not take the better route?"
Alec grits his teeth, fighting against his own nature... his want for control. He didn't like being in this position. He hated having the short end of the stick and he hated being vulnerable. This is why he hadn't wanted to give in before this. But... he can feel the chain beneath his shirt. Maybe... there was something... worth... making a compromise. His shoulders drop slightly. And though the fire was still in his gaze, it was a glowing ember, safer than the raging flames that had been present before. "How long will I have to stay here?"
"Don't know. Could be as short as three weeks. Could be as long as six months. Though we have a lot of our own rules, we're still under some regulations that we have to abide by. The duration won't be decided just by me - I can only recommend a time frame."
"And what would you recommend?"
"Probably a month... to see if you're actually gonna turn around."
Alec thinks for several long moments. Freedom today meant being hunted by the Elite and the Agency. Freedom in the future meant having the Elite as a friend despite being sought after by the Agency. And whether any Agency scum would admit it or not, the Elite was the only adversary they really worried about. "I'll stay," he finally answers. "One two conditions."
"And they are?"
"One - you don't lock me in and you don't keep an ankle bracelet on me. If I have to trust you not to shoot me in the back, then you gotta trust me too."
Reese thinks for a moment, then nods. They could lock certain doors at night so Alec couldn't have access to anything important if he did decide to turn on them. "Alright. And two?"
"Free lunch hours."
Reese furrows his brow, confused. "I don't follow."
"If I wanna leave over lunch, eat by myself, go to the park or sit in the bathroom, the hour is mine."
Reese purses his lips in thought, looking to Ryan a moment. His expression remains serious, despite the humor in his eye. "We better make it an hour and a half," he muses. "Deal. Are you in?"
Alec can feel the inner war again and wished it were easier than this. He didn't like this place, he didn't like the lack of freedom or control. But unfortunately... it appeared it would be better than the alternative. Turning his head, he stares at Ryan, not looking back at Reese when he answers. "Deal."
"Good." Reese stands up again, setting aside the notebook. "You and I have a lot to talk about then, and I'm sure Miss McKade needs to get back to work by now. I'll still be here waiting for you."
Alec knows that's the cue to leave, so he stands up, wandering from the office with Ryan. Susanne was away from her desk, so the two were alone in this corner when Alec stops and looks down at Ryan's eyes. He didn't wear a smile, but there was something different about his countenance that only few would notice. "Now that you got your way, am I gonna see you again?"
Sit...and listen?
Following Ty inside Libby felt a little strange being here, not because it was with Ty but because it wasn't often if ever she went to someone else house. So it was a tiny bit of excitement, and not sure what the rules where such as taking off ones shoes and what not there were to follow. But making a quick desition for herself Libby removes her shows and enters a little father into Ty's home.
Looking around the room Libby takes in everything making sure not to miss all the details in the rooms. For two guys living here, it was strangely clean but Libby liked that, knowing they took pride in where the lived.
Turning her head quickly to look at Ty again Libby walks over into the kitchen coming up behind him and looking into the fridge.
"Lets see what ya go here. How about some orange juice?"
Libby gives a smile to Ty still looking over his shoulder. It was strange as soon as she stepped into this house she felt comfortable and at ease. It had been so long since she had felt like that, it was so strange, but it was welcomed, the calm, the peace...it was welcomed.
Stepping back from Ty Libby looks at him giving a smile.
"You get the liquid, and if you point me in the right direction I can get the cups."
Smiling up at Ryder Thirteen gives a little nod. Her head felt so light and fluttery like it was going to float away that at the moment nothing else seemed to hurt.
"A walk sounds good. I'd like that, and if its with you thats even better."
Moving away from Ryder Thirteen slides out of the booth. Grabbing her jacket she puts it again again. Making sure the money was all on the table and they didn't leave to big of a mess she waits patiently for Ryder.
Getting out of the car Ryan follows Alec inside, millions of eyes watching Alec and herself. Though she wouldn't say it, right now she was pretty scared on what was going to happen, but she held her head high just the same. Determined not to let her fear show through.
Moving through the lobby and into Reese office Ryan stands next to Alec her eyes still having the fire in them they had before. It covered how shaky she felt inside, as her head was high but still held a tone of respect for Reese.
"Mr. Reese!"
Ryan gave a nod back to him. For sure she though he would be yelling, or having someone yank Alec off alright but it didn't come and is surprised her. Hearing his next question Ryan took in a deep breath before looking to Alec and than looking back to Reese.
"Some things can't be rushed, and though sometimes rules are broken, it can be for a good thing. I wont say I am sorry, because I am not. The little extra time I think did some good. Excuses...I dont have any. But...I feel what I did was right. Do what you want to me, I wont take anything back, and I wont regret my desition."
Taking in a deep breath Ryan is quiet for a moment catching her breath from the long ramble she had, but picking up where she left off, she continued.
"One thing I ask of you is don't give up on Alec, he deserves better than that because...well...You might think its been all kiss but I hasn't. I took the time to get to know Alec, and I saw the side of him non of you have. You threw Dr. in his face, and pushed him for information but did you take the time to just sit...and listen? I did...He's got a soul like anyone else than wants to be free of his torment."
Looking to Alec again Ryan smiles. Where her words came from she didn't know but that were what she felt. Only after a few meetings it felt like she new him from they day she was born. And the fluttering in her stomach continued as she looked back to Reese.
Her own words had held so much meaning, though she was respectful, they were strong only to prove she meant them with every inch of who she was.
Looking around the room Libby takes in everything making sure not to miss all the details in the rooms. For two guys living here, it was strangely clean but Libby liked that, knowing they took pride in where the lived.
Turning her head quickly to look at Ty again Libby walks over into the kitchen coming up behind him and looking into the fridge.
"Lets see what ya go here. How about some orange juice?"
Libby gives a smile to Ty still looking over his shoulder. It was strange as soon as she stepped into this house she felt comfortable and at ease. It had been so long since she had felt like that, it was so strange, but it was welcomed, the calm, the peace...it was welcomed.
Stepping back from Ty Libby looks at him giving a smile.
"You get the liquid, and if you point me in the right direction I can get the cups."
Smiling up at Ryder Thirteen gives a little nod. Her head felt so light and fluttery like it was going to float away that at the moment nothing else seemed to hurt.
"A walk sounds good. I'd like that, and if its with you thats even better."
Moving away from Ryder Thirteen slides out of the booth. Grabbing her jacket she puts it again again. Making sure the money was all on the table and they didn't leave to big of a mess she waits patiently for Ryder.
Getting out of the car Ryan follows Alec inside, millions of eyes watching Alec and herself. Though she wouldn't say it, right now she was pretty scared on what was going to happen, but she held her head high just the same. Determined not to let her fear show through.
Moving through the lobby and into Reese office Ryan stands next to Alec her eyes still having the fire in them they had before. It covered how shaky she felt inside, as her head was high but still held a tone of respect for Reese.
"Mr. Reese!"
Ryan gave a nod back to him. For sure she though he would be yelling, or having someone yank Alec off alright but it didn't come and is surprised her. Hearing his next question Ryan took in a deep breath before looking to Alec and than looking back to Reese.
"Some things can't be rushed, and though sometimes rules are broken, it can be for a good thing. I wont say I am sorry, because I am not. The little extra time I think did some good. Excuses...I dont have any. But...I feel what I did was right. Do what you want to me, I wont take anything back, and I wont regret my desition."
Taking in a deep breath Ryan is quiet for a moment catching her breath from the long ramble she had, but picking up where she left off, she continued.
"One thing I ask of you is don't give up on Alec, he deserves better than that because...well...You might think its been all kiss but I hasn't. I took the time to get to know Alec, and I saw the side of him non of you have. You threw Dr. in his face, and pushed him for information but did you take the time to just sit...and listen? I did...He's got a soul like anyone else than wants to be free of his torment."
Looking to Alec again Ryan smiles. Where her words came from she didn't know but that were what she felt. Only after a few meetings it felt like she new him from they day she was born. And the fluttering in her stomach continued as she looked back to Reese.
Her own words had held so much meaning, though she was respectful, they were strong only to prove she meant them with every inch of who she was.
Hour
Such a simple thing as giving his hand a squeeze, but in that small gesture, Alec felt a warmth that penetrated his soul - a soul so barricaded that it took the strongest of emotions to unlock any part of it. With all the time he'd been with other women for the fun of it, never had one simply gripped his hand. It was a sign reserved for someone who actually... cared.
Ryan's sweet kiss brings him from his stare and seems to snap him from a trance. Why it was important to him that she did not forget him, he didn't know. But for some reason, it's what he wanted. Anybody in the past, he didn't care whether they remembered him or not, and more than likely, it would be good if they didn't. But Ryan... this beauty before him... to have her remember him was worth tucking away into his heart.
He wanted to stay. He wanted to find that freedom he was looking for. He wanted to take Ryan with him. But maybe giving up that freedom was the only way to find it.
Before he could change his mind, he turns from her to exit the car. Waiting for her, he walks to the building, waving at the security camera as they entered. Once inside and down to the main floor, there were more eyes on them this time - apparently Reese wasn't the only one who knew they were late. Alec ignores them though, and heads straight for Reese's office with Ryan behind him.
He walks past Susanne, not bothering to ask her if it was okay to enter the office, and he doesn't knock, but pushes the door open and stands inside as if saying "here I am."
Reese looks up quickly and gets to his feet, seeing both Alec and Ryan. He studies them each for a moment, wondering at their lateness. Con had told him enough, and Reese had had a fear that Alec would simply take off with or without Ryan. He was actually surprised that Alec was back here now. "Mr. Banks... Miss McKade." He folds his arms across his chest. "Glad you made it back." He eyes Alec, then moves his gaze to Ryan. "What happened to the hour?"
Seeing the look on Thirteen's face and hearing her words, Ryder feels a little lurch in his heart - one that awakened feelings he hadn't felt in a long time. He did love Thirteen and would always be there for her unless there came a day when she didn't want him, and he hoped that day never came.
Receiving her kiss, he returns it gently, his hand going to cradle the side of her face, his thumb tracing her cheek and jawline. So tender and sweet was his expression of love, even remaining in his eyes as he drew away again. A smile was on his face.
"You wanna go for a short walk? Get some fresh air? Then we can meet Trent back here."
"Eh... don't thank me." Ty shakes his head and steps out of the truck, shrugging off Libby's thanks. This is what friends did... they had each other's back no matter what.
Leading the way to the porch, Ty fishes for his keys and then lets them inside. For being a house of two bachelors, it was well-kept and clean. Heading to the kitchen, Ty sheds his jacket and throws it over the chair, going for the refrigerator. Looking inside, he pauses with the door open. "Want anything to drink?"
Ryan's sweet kiss brings him from his stare and seems to snap him from a trance. Why it was important to him that she did not forget him, he didn't know. But for some reason, it's what he wanted. Anybody in the past, he didn't care whether they remembered him or not, and more than likely, it would be good if they didn't. But Ryan... this beauty before him... to have her remember him was worth tucking away into his heart.
He wanted to stay. He wanted to find that freedom he was looking for. He wanted to take Ryan with him. But maybe giving up that freedom was the only way to find it.
Before he could change his mind, he turns from her to exit the car. Waiting for her, he walks to the building, waving at the security camera as they entered. Once inside and down to the main floor, there were more eyes on them this time - apparently Reese wasn't the only one who knew they were late. Alec ignores them though, and heads straight for Reese's office with Ryan behind him.
He walks past Susanne, not bothering to ask her if it was okay to enter the office, and he doesn't knock, but pushes the door open and stands inside as if saying "here I am."
Reese looks up quickly and gets to his feet, seeing both Alec and Ryan. He studies them each for a moment, wondering at their lateness. Con had told him enough, and Reese had had a fear that Alec would simply take off with or without Ryan. He was actually surprised that Alec was back here now. "Mr. Banks... Miss McKade." He folds his arms across his chest. "Glad you made it back." He eyes Alec, then moves his gaze to Ryan. "What happened to the hour?"
Seeing the look on Thirteen's face and hearing her words, Ryder feels a little lurch in his heart - one that awakened feelings he hadn't felt in a long time. He did love Thirteen and would always be there for her unless there came a day when she didn't want him, and he hoped that day never came.
Receiving her kiss, he returns it gently, his hand going to cradle the side of her face, his thumb tracing her cheek and jawline. So tender and sweet was his expression of love, even remaining in his eyes as he drew away again. A smile was on his face.
"You wanna go for a short walk? Get some fresh air? Then we can meet Trent back here."
"Eh... don't thank me." Ty shakes his head and steps out of the truck, shrugging off Libby's thanks. This is what friends did... they had each other's back no matter what.
Leading the way to the porch, Ty fishes for his keys and then lets them inside. For being a house of two bachelors, it was well-kept and clean. Heading to the kitchen, Ty sheds his jacket and throws it over the chair, going for the refrigerator. Looking inside, he pauses with the door open. "Want anything to drink?"
2/28/10
Ever
Alec's words hitting her once more send the wave of flutters and emotions through her. A grin forms on her lips as the flame and fire flickers in her eyes a little brighter.
Feeling his finger run along her face, they were gentile this time. Much differnt from the last few, but still inviting that send a chill along her spin. As Alec pulls her closer to him Ryan looks into his eyes for a long moment till finally her own fall shut. Feeling his lips on her own, send the electric shock through her as she return the kiss.
Pulling away a little Ryan's lips curl in a grin. It was sweet of Alec to let her have on last memoir of himself.
"Thank you, its a good memorie to have. I couldn't think of a better one."
Giving another smile Ryan looks down taking Alec's hand in her own giving it a gentile squeeze for a moment before letting it go. Leaning in Ryan gives him another kiss on the lips not letting it linger to long or she new they would never make it inside.
"I don't think I could ever forget you."
Turning where Ty told her to Libby gives a smile and a side long glance to him. He was so sweet, and Libby was thankful for that. Having a friend who didn't think any differently of her for this, who wouldnt shy away at trouble it was nice knowing he was there.
"Your house for a little bit sounds like a plan to me. Just lead the way, and I shall follow."
Libby gives a laugh as a smile comes to her face again. Going to Ty's would be nice, it would get her mind off everything and than when he left for work she could go home, and she could only hope thinks would be calmed down by than.
"Thank you by the way Ty."
Hearing what Ryder had said Thirteen sits up from her leaning position just looking at Ryder for a long moment. Searching his eyes she looked for the truth in them. Finding it, find what she was looking for a smile spreads on Thirteens. Bigger than it had been in a long while. She new what Ryder said was true.
Bringing her hand to the side of his face Thirteen runs her finder along his cheek bone, and along his jaw. Mapping over his face, memorizing this moment in time, because she never wanted to forget it.
"Thank you!"
He'd made her feel so good, her eyes seemed to beam through the darkness. If asked Thirteen wouldn't have choose anyone else to have said it first. And though she never felt love before, not that she could remember but the the of her father..this felt different.
With Ryder it was the emotions that drover her on. This warm feeling she had when he looked at her and touched her. Thirteen new..this was love, the undescribable feeling.
"Ryder...I...I love you too."
Bringing her face close to his Thirteen's arms wrap around his neck just draping over his shoulders as she brings her face close to his. Looking into his never ending eyes that bore his soul Thirteen's eyes slipped closed. Her heart pounding in her chest, as her lips met Ryder's for what felt like...the first time again.
Feeling his finger run along her face, they were gentile this time. Much differnt from the last few, but still inviting that send a chill along her spin. As Alec pulls her closer to him Ryan looks into his eyes for a long moment till finally her own fall shut. Feeling his lips on her own, send the electric shock through her as she return the kiss.
Pulling away a little Ryan's lips curl in a grin. It was sweet of Alec to let her have on last memoir of himself.
"Thank you, its a good memorie to have. I couldn't think of a better one."
Giving another smile Ryan looks down taking Alec's hand in her own giving it a gentile squeeze for a moment before letting it go. Leaning in Ryan gives him another kiss on the lips not letting it linger to long or she new they would never make it inside.
"I don't think I could ever forget you."
Turning where Ty told her to Libby gives a smile and a side long glance to him. He was so sweet, and Libby was thankful for that. Having a friend who didn't think any differently of her for this, who wouldnt shy away at trouble it was nice knowing he was there.
"Your house for a little bit sounds like a plan to me. Just lead the way, and I shall follow."
Libby gives a laugh as a smile comes to her face again. Going to Ty's would be nice, it would get her mind off everything and than when he left for work she could go home, and she could only hope thinks would be calmed down by than.
"Thank you by the way Ty."
Hearing what Ryder had said Thirteen sits up from her leaning position just looking at Ryder for a long moment. Searching his eyes she looked for the truth in them. Finding it, find what she was looking for a smile spreads on Thirteens. Bigger than it had been in a long while. She new what Ryder said was true.
Bringing her hand to the side of his face Thirteen runs her finder along his cheek bone, and along his jaw. Mapping over his face, memorizing this moment in time, because she never wanted to forget it.
"Thank you!"
He'd made her feel so good, her eyes seemed to beam through the darkness. If asked Thirteen wouldn't have choose anyone else to have said it first. And though she never felt love before, not that she could remember but the the of her father..this felt different.
With Ryder it was the emotions that drover her on. This warm feeling she had when he looked at her and touched her. Thirteen new..this was love, the undescribable feeling.
"Ryder...I...I love you too."
Bringing her face close to his Thirteen's arms wrap around his neck just draping over his shoulders as she brings her face close to his. Looking into his never ending eyes that bore his soul Thirteen's eyes slipped closed. Her heart pounding in her chest, as her lips met Ryder's for what felt like...the first time again.
Don't be
Alec can't help just a little surprise at Ryan's insistence on going in with him. His eyes follow her hand as she cuts the motor and takes the keys, moving up to meet her own eyes once more. Not alone anymore... what did it mean? It was hard for him to remember a time when he hadn't felt alone. Despite Agency camaraderie or women, he'd always been a loner, feeling doomed to always be that way. Had he been in this same position a year ago, he would have been told to face the music himself and gotten a kick in the rear on his way. It's how he learned to be tough... to be indestructible. And now...
Reaching over, he turns his hand to run the backside of his fingers down the side of Ryan's face, tracing her cheek, then turning to brush over her lips. "You're either brave or stupid," he points out quietly. "But I see the flame." He stares into her eyes, searching, searching for her soul. "And I guess now I'm either brave or stupid too."
Leaning closer to Ryan, his hand moves to the back of her head as he kisses her lips, drinking in their sweetness one last time. Pulling away, he cocks his head just a little. "In case they won't let you come back," he explains. "I don't have anything else for you to remember me by."
"Don't be sorry." Ty doesn't answer Libby's question of where they were headed right away. He'd been silent as they'd slipped from the house and driven away, just letting her have her space. "I've been there and it sucks but it's not your fault so don't apologize."
He looks over at her, feeling badly for her situation and wishing he had a way to help. She was too sweet to deserve a homelife like that. But it wasn't his place to tell her what to do.
"Um... you can take me back to my place." He points at the next corner. "Turn here."
Getting to Wyatt's house and pulling in the drive, Ty makes note that Wyatt's jeep wasn't there yet - he was either still at work or off and gone to see Aerith. "I still got a couple hours before work," he muses. "If you don't feel like going home yet, you can come inside."
"Never?" Ryder squeezes Thirteen's fingers a little bit as she takes them in hers. He'd told Trent they might go walking around, but right now he was content just sitting here with Thirteen. If they didn't move an inch, he wouldn't mind. This whole thing.... it was about her, not him and he wouldn't push or pressure her or try and force her to cheer up when he knew it was so hard.
Moving his face down closer to hers, he kisses her forehead tenderly. "I guess I haven't done a very good job then," he muses quietly.
His arm around her tightens slightly. "You deserve a whole lot more than this world has given you. And I know it's your dad you want right now. But... but for what it's worth..."
He pauses, feeling his pulse pick up just a little bit. He'd only ever said these words to one other woman. But he knew it to be true now. "For what it's worth, I love you, Thirteen."
Reaching over, he turns his hand to run the backside of his fingers down the side of Ryan's face, tracing her cheek, then turning to brush over her lips. "You're either brave or stupid," he points out quietly. "But I see the flame." He stares into her eyes, searching, searching for her soul. "And I guess now I'm either brave or stupid too."
Leaning closer to Ryan, his hand moves to the back of her head as he kisses her lips, drinking in their sweetness one last time. Pulling away, he cocks his head just a little. "In case they won't let you come back," he explains. "I don't have anything else for you to remember me by."
"Don't be sorry." Ty doesn't answer Libby's question of where they were headed right away. He'd been silent as they'd slipped from the house and driven away, just letting her have her space. "I've been there and it sucks but it's not your fault so don't apologize."
He looks over at her, feeling badly for her situation and wishing he had a way to help. She was too sweet to deserve a homelife like that. But it wasn't his place to tell her what to do.
"Um... you can take me back to my place." He points at the next corner. "Turn here."
Getting to Wyatt's house and pulling in the drive, Ty makes note that Wyatt's jeep wasn't there yet - he was either still at work or off and gone to see Aerith. "I still got a couple hours before work," he muses. "If you don't feel like going home yet, you can come inside."
"Never?" Ryder squeezes Thirteen's fingers a little bit as she takes them in hers. He'd told Trent they might go walking around, but right now he was content just sitting here with Thirteen. If they didn't move an inch, he wouldn't mind. This whole thing.... it was about her, not him and he wouldn't push or pressure her or try and force her to cheer up when he knew it was so hard.
Moving his face down closer to hers, he kisses her forehead tenderly. "I guess I haven't done a very good job then," he muses quietly.
His arm around her tightens slightly. "You deserve a whole lot more than this world has given you. And I know it's your dad you want right now. But... but for what it's worth..."
He pauses, feeling his pulse pick up just a little bit. He'd only ever said these words to one other woman. But he knew it to be true now. "For what it's worth, I love you, Thirteen."
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