Kyle can see that Katie has recognized him, but glancing to Jason, he picks up no change in body language, so he assumes that she has said nothing yet. He didn't know yet how he'd even approach anybody afterward... maybe it was good that Katie had already spotted him.
A few people move in front of him and Alice so Katie is lost from view, but Kyle still has a good vantage point to see the stage. The music was loud, the music was good. The rest of Kyle's band had ended up in two different places, and at some point, Kyle catches Theo and Twila boogieing on the sidelines along with who knows who else. Laughing, he elbows Alice and points, glad to see his friends having a good time. This was pretty strange for him, but at least the others could just enjoy themselves.
A few more songs roll by and Kyle blends in with the audience, still detected only by Katie and glad of it. This gave him more time to relax and breathe before he had to think any more about what he would say or what he would do once the show was over.
As JetStream has a short pause in between songs, Jason takes a swig from his water bottle, and Mike adjusts a few things on his drumset. The audience has no intention of leaving, and Phil grins out at them. "Gotta catch our breath."
Laughter makes Jason smile and he throws a wink out to Katie before wiping his brow.
Wooee. It's warm up here tonight. Watch the sweat fly.
Phil plays a couple notes on his bass, starting the groove for the next song, but as the lights sweep the audience, he comes to an unexpected halt. His eyes growing wide, he stares out into the audience. Jason and Mike exchange glances, then look to Phil. What was he doing?
What is Phil looking at? Is there anything wrong out there? I can't tell where he's looking, can you?
Phil ignores their questioning glances, totally disrupting their concert flow. His smile grows wider and wider until he points, unable to contain himself. "Kyle!!!"
Jason, Mike and Jen's heads snap to follow Phil's pointing, they too now ignoring the fact that they were pausing the concert.
Kyle's stomach does a flip-flop and he gives Alice a sidelong glance before he puts his head down sheepishly for a minute then raises it again. He gives a little wave, not knowing what else to do.
"Well don't just sit there!" Phil waves him up on stage, bouncing a little. "Get up here!" His excitement and shock at seeing his brother is obvious as he speaks to the audience again. "Kyle Mitts is in da house!"
Kyle hadn't wanted any attention at all, but it looked like he wasn't going to get away with it. Looking to Alice and giving her hand a quick squeeze, he finally rises from his chair and walks up to the stage. It was such a different feeling than the last time he'd been on stage with JetStream. Things were so different now... he had changed... his perspectives had changed. But friendships and blood hadn't. Before reaching the platform, he spies Jen at he sound table and decides then to go to her first. Kneeling down to eye-level, he isn't sure what to say unsure if he would even be accepted.
On Jen's face was a mixture of shock and joy. "Kyle... what are you doing here?!"
"Oh..." He shrugs casually. "Just in the neighborhood."
Jen squeals and holds out her arms for a hug. Relief sweeps over Kyle and he is quick to embrace his sister, hugging her close. "Man it's good to see you."
She giggles and pulls back, her eyes shining. "Ditto. Why didn't you tell us you were coming, you big jerk?"
"Ah-"
"Is she the only one that gets attention or what??"
Kyle looks back at the stage to see Phil waiting and he grins. He was so nervous, but it was slowly dispersing as it was becoming more and more obvious he was more than welcome here. "Guess I'm being dragged into the spotlight." He ruffles Jen's hair and winks at her. "I'll still be here after the concert." Backing up to the stage, he turns around to step up and has no time to spare before Phil has him in a rough hug, his smile still pasted on his face.
Kyle returns the hug and laughs, turning to the audience and having to speak loudly without a mic. "If you hadn't noticed - they weren't expecting me."
Someone whistles - Kyle had an inkling it was Kip - and a round of cheers starts from those who had known him from JetStream. Grinning, he quirks a smile and he shakes his head. "This is a JetStream concert, y'all!" He throws out his arms to the side. "What are you doing hollering for me, huh?"
The cheers don't stop.
Kyle can't help but laugh, and turns around to see Jason. He point at him in a friendly gesture, then gives a bow, beginning to feel the adrenaline just from being up here onstage.
Jason shakes his head, his own smile forming.
The dog... he looks good... real good.
"Kyle, what on earth are you doing here?"
"Crashing the party, man!"
Mike hollers from his drumset. "You're not really crashing the party until you join in!"
Kyle spins around, his eyes wide. "Hey, I'm part of the audience tonight!"
"Booo!"
He whips back around to scan the faces. "Who just booed?" No one owns up to it.
Jason steps forward, grabbing the extra microphone. "Who wants to hear Kyle sing, eh?"
It seems the clapping and cheering comes from everyone in the audience, whether they really remembered who he was or not.
Kyle sets his hands on his hips and shakes his head, amused, but awkward. He cocks his head and looks at Jason, catching his eye.
Jason stares back at him with a steady gaze, and gives a small bow of his own, handing him the microphone. No words are exchanged, but none need to be. In that instant, rivalry disappeared for good. "Come on, Kyle... Don't tell me you forgot the words to Flying High."
Wishing he had more time to talk to Jason, but knowing in front of the crowd the show had to go on, Kyle turns and uses the mic. "I should remember it, seeing as though I'm the one who wrote it." He laughs at someone's shrill whistle. "Yeah, yeah, alright." Turning back around, he glances to Phil, Jason and Mike. "Y'all ready or what?"
Mike grins and starts in the drumbeat. Kyle can't help the laugh that escapes and he looks out at the people, finding Alice. His smile only widens. One could see his eyes sparkling from the back row. He was so out of place but so much at home.
"...supreme... and a couple pepperonis." Carson jots down a note to himself before glancing up as the last customer leaves Mom and Pop's for the evening. Moving around to the front, he turns the sign around to show they were closed, though he would leave the door unlocked. Jason said he was bringing JetStream, most likely Cryptic would show up, then someone else had mentioned there might be a few extras on top of that.
Carson wasn't going to turn down some extra income, let alone turn down the batch of people he now called his friends. "Hey, Misty..." He wanders back to the counter, slinging an arm over her shoulders. "You're not gonna eat and run are you? Staying for the fun and festivities?"
Grinning slyly, he leans in to kiss her neck, slipping both arms around her waist from behind. "Okay, I admit it," he mumbles into her neck. "I sent the girls home and now I could use some extra help in the kitchen."
5/18/10
Could it be
Giving a nod and smiling Alice gets out of the jeep and goes to the other side to join Kyle. She'd be there with him and so would the others. She new God had this in his plan, it was his time they came back and thats why they were here. This would turn out just fine.
Entering the building and staying close to Kyle Alice makes her way through the crowds making sure her seat was next to him. Watching JetStream up on stage the sounded good if not better than the last time she had heard them. There was a new rhythm about them without Kyle yet they still held true to who they always had been and there sound.
Scanning the area as the music starts to play Katie gives it a once over. Everything seemed alright for now witch she was pleased of. The safety of JetStream and Jason was always important to her and her main focus at a concert. Enjoying the music was the added incentive.
Leaning against the wall and watching the stage for a moment Katie enjoys the music and the feelings Jason gave off while he played. It was a nice feeling for sure. Moments go by and Katie scans the area again this time though she straightens just a little seeing someone she thought she new but had to look harder. She hadn't seen him in so long nor had she herd he was in town.
Seeing Kyle bring his finger to his lips a smile spreads big on Kaite's face as her own emotions take a slight slight shift, and her heart beat picks up a little. It was Kyle, and he was here. Though her emotions did sift Katie had gotten the signal and new Kyle must of wanted to surprise the others so no message was passed to Jason that he was here, not yet anyways.
Entering the building and staying close to Kyle Alice makes her way through the crowds making sure her seat was next to him. Watching JetStream up on stage the sounded good if not better than the last time she had heard them. There was a new rhythm about them without Kyle yet they still held true to who they always had been and there sound.
Scanning the area as the music starts to play Katie gives it a once over. Everything seemed alright for now witch she was pleased of. The safety of JetStream and Jason was always important to her and her main focus at a concert. Enjoying the music was the added incentive.
Leaning against the wall and watching the stage for a moment Katie enjoys the music and the feelings Jason gave off while he played. It was a nice feeling for sure. Moments go by and Katie scans the area again this time though she straightens just a little seeing someone she thought she new but had to look harder. She hadn't seen him in so long nor had she herd he was in town.
Seeing Kyle bring his finger to his lips a smile spreads big on Kaite's face as her own emotions take a slight slight shift, and her heart beat picks up a little. It was Kyle, and he was here. Though her emotions did sift Katie had gotten the signal and new Kyle must of wanted to surprise the others so no message was passed to Jason that he was here, not yet anyways.
Don't tell
"Yeah, I'll be around." Leo gives a little laugh. "I still wanna come to your opening too and... whenever you want to practice or whatever...." He shrugs, not sure how to say he was available without making it sound like he wanted to be here all the time. Not that he didn't, he just....
He shakes his head a little, clearing his rampant thoughts. "Yeah."
Ambling over to the bench, he puts his sneakers on and looks around, making sure he had everything. Saying a quick goodbye, he heads out into the evening air, aiming for his car. Once there, he turns around and looks at the building once more. It was far from goodbye... he could feel it. His job as handyman was over... for now. But he'd be back... this wasn't a friendship that would be over just because there weren't any more toilets to fix right now.
Kyle takes a deep breath and nods. "Yeah... yeah, Katie's got the eyes of a hawk and so does Jason. Can't escape an Elite agent's eyes no matter how hard you try."
Psyching himself up for another moment or two, he finally opens the door. "Alright... you win, we sit in the middle."
Getting out of the jeep, he and Alice are joined by the others, who had far less tension than he did. They were all just excited to be out and about and at a fun little concert. Making their way inside the building, the small group filters into the crowd. Kyle had waited long enough that they could hear the first song starting. Paying their way and giving a little extra for the charity, the group wanders through the next set of doors into the darkened auditorium. Sure enough, the concert had already started. There wasn't an overwhelming number of free seats, but enough that they would be able to sit close to each other, just not all in one group.
The hands of time,
Spinning, spinning.
The hands of time,
Stop for no one.
The hands of time,
Spinning, spinning,
Can you stop it?
No one can.
Hop on board the wheel of time,
Let it take you 'round once more.
Carry you through present now,
The future waits to take a bow.
Heading off to the side, his hand in Alice's, Kyle glances down front, spotting Phil, Jason and Mike onstage. Jason sounded as good as ever, and so did the other two. It was different without a keyboard, but they were doing well with a nice upbeat song to kick off the night right. A small lump rises in Kyle's throat. Over a year... over a year since he'd been onstage with them as JetStream. There had been a lot of bad feelings when he'd been caught between them and Cryptic. But now... would it be different? Would they accept him now, even though he had his own band starting up? Phil looked so relaxed - he'd gotten even better on the bass, and Mike was going to town on the drums. It felt good to be back.
The hands of time,
Circling, circling.
The hands of time,
Never cease.
The hands of time,
Circling, circling,
Going by,
Faster still.
Hop on board the wheel of time,
Let it take you far today.
Carry you through what is now,
The future waits to take a bow.
The hands of time,
Twisting, twisting.
The hands of time,
Lost in space.
The hands of time,
Twisting, twisting,
All is gone now.
It's the past.
Can't stop time, can't make it brake.
Can't take away the time of day.
Can't look now, already it's gone.
Can't stop time, can't go back.
Realizing he was blocking traffic, Kyle moves again, making sure Alice is still close to him. Sliding in front of an empty seat, he stays standing, along with many others, so he could still see well. As he moves over, his line of sight shoots straight down to the side of the stage and he sees Katie. For an instant, no other bodies blocked his view. His stomach gives a little lurch.
Hop on board the wheel of time,
Let it take you 'round once more.
Hop on board the wheel of time,
Open up your arms and soar.
Hop on board the wheel of time,
Go find what it is, you're looking for.
"Please don't tell Jason I'm here yet," he whispers under his breath. The music was loud, the lights were bright and there was typical concert chaos going on. But while there was still time, Kyle brings a finger to his lips, hoping that if Katie could even see him from that distance and would actually recognize him, that she wouldn't blow his cover yet.
He shakes his head a little, clearing his rampant thoughts. "Yeah."
Ambling over to the bench, he puts his sneakers on and looks around, making sure he had everything. Saying a quick goodbye, he heads out into the evening air, aiming for his car. Once there, he turns around and looks at the building once more. It was far from goodbye... he could feel it. His job as handyman was over... for now. But he'd be back... this wasn't a friendship that would be over just because there weren't any more toilets to fix right now.
Kyle takes a deep breath and nods. "Yeah... yeah, Katie's got the eyes of a hawk and so does Jason. Can't escape an Elite agent's eyes no matter how hard you try."
Psyching himself up for another moment or two, he finally opens the door. "Alright... you win, we sit in the middle."
Getting out of the jeep, he and Alice are joined by the others, who had far less tension than he did. They were all just excited to be out and about and at a fun little concert. Making their way inside the building, the small group filters into the crowd. Kyle had waited long enough that they could hear the first song starting. Paying their way and giving a little extra for the charity, the group wanders through the next set of doors into the darkened auditorium. Sure enough, the concert had already started. There wasn't an overwhelming number of free seats, but enough that they would be able to sit close to each other, just not all in one group.
The hands of time,
Spinning, spinning.
The hands of time,
Stop for no one.
The hands of time,
Spinning, spinning,
Can you stop it?
No one can.
Hop on board the wheel of time,
Let it take you 'round once more.
Carry you through present now,
The future waits to take a bow.
Heading off to the side, his hand in Alice's, Kyle glances down front, spotting Phil, Jason and Mike onstage. Jason sounded as good as ever, and so did the other two. It was different without a keyboard, but they were doing well with a nice upbeat song to kick off the night right. A small lump rises in Kyle's throat. Over a year... over a year since he'd been onstage with them as JetStream. There had been a lot of bad feelings when he'd been caught between them and Cryptic. But now... would it be different? Would they accept him now, even though he had his own band starting up? Phil looked so relaxed - he'd gotten even better on the bass, and Mike was going to town on the drums. It felt good to be back.
The hands of time,
Circling, circling.
The hands of time,
Never cease.
The hands of time,
Circling, circling,
Going by,
Faster still.
Hop on board the wheel of time,
Let it take you far today.
Carry you through what is now,
The future waits to take a bow.
The hands of time,
Twisting, twisting.
The hands of time,
Lost in space.
The hands of time,
Twisting, twisting,
All is gone now.
It's the past.
Can't stop time, can't make it brake.
Can't take away the time of day.
Can't look now, already it's gone.
Can't stop time, can't go back.
Realizing he was blocking traffic, Kyle moves again, making sure Alice is still close to him. Sliding in front of an empty seat, he stays standing, along with many others, so he could still see well. As he moves over, his line of sight shoots straight down to the side of the stage and he sees Katie. For an instant, no other bodies blocked his view. His stomach gives a little lurch.
Hop on board the wheel of time,
Let it take you 'round once more.
Hop on board the wheel of time,
Open up your arms and soar.
Hop on board the wheel of time,
Go find what it is, you're looking for.
"Please don't tell Jason I'm here yet," he whispers under his breath. The music was loud, the lights were bright and there was typical concert chaos going on. But while there was still time, Kyle brings a finger to his lips, hoping that if Katie could even see him from that distance and would actually recognize him, that she wouldn't blow his cover yet.
Tiger
Cassy's smile grows at Leo's comment. She didn't get complements often but it felt nice when Leo gave them to her. Taking a few steps back of her own Cassy gives a smile knowing it was time for him to go.
"Alright you drive safe."
Taking a few steps with Leo twords the door Cassy stops and gives a look around herself. Her heart wanted to sing for joy everything was finally finished but at the same time her heart sank knowing everything was done and Leo wouldn't be around as much.
"It's kind of sad and happy at the same time you know. I'll be able to start class soon, but you wont be around as much. I really did get use to your company."
Looking at Leo Cassy gives a smile. They all had to move on though and she new Leo's time was done here so he would have to move on too it was just a little sad.
"Good memories I will hold though. Don't be a strange and you can call me too ok? Take care Leo and remember...I'm here for ya if you need me."
Sitting with Jason while he eats Katie can't help but laugh at fill knowing it was all in fun. They were all like a close knit family, looking out for each other, teasing eachother, and just having fun.
Once people started coming and Katie said prayers with the guys She takes her normal post to one side of the stage. Her lock out as always keeping her eyes open.
Knock em dead tiger...
Sitting in the Jeep with Kyle Alice looks over to given. Just watching him for a long moment she could still see his nerves were running high. She couldn't blame him it had been a long time but she new things were gonna be ok too.
"How about...middle, and than we can go say hi afterward."
Leaning over a little Alice rests her hand on Kyle's arm a smile on her lips. Things would be ok, and his family would be happy to see him she just new it.
"You know even if your in the back, That bodyguard of Jason's will probably spot you before anyone else. They are gonna be happy to see ya Kyle, I know they will. Your not alone ether, you got us all with you."
"Alright you drive safe."
Taking a few steps with Leo twords the door Cassy stops and gives a look around herself. Her heart wanted to sing for joy everything was finally finished but at the same time her heart sank knowing everything was done and Leo wouldn't be around as much.
"It's kind of sad and happy at the same time you know. I'll be able to start class soon, but you wont be around as much. I really did get use to your company."
Looking at Leo Cassy gives a smile. They all had to move on though and she new Leo's time was done here so he would have to move on too it was just a little sad.
"Good memories I will hold though. Don't be a strange and you can call me too ok? Take care Leo and remember...I'm here for ya if you need me."
Sitting with Jason while he eats Katie can't help but laugh at fill knowing it was all in fun. They were all like a close knit family, looking out for each other, teasing eachother, and just having fun.
Once people started coming and Katie said prayers with the guys She takes her normal post to one side of the stage. Her lock out as always keeping her eyes open.
Knock em dead tiger...
Sitting in the Jeep with Kyle Alice looks over to given. Just watching him for a long moment she could still see his nerves were running high. She couldn't blame him it had been a long time but she new things were gonna be ok too.
"How about...middle, and than we can go say hi afterward."
Leaning over a little Alice rests her hand on Kyle's arm a smile on her lips. Things would be ok, and his family would be happy to see him she just new it.
"You know even if your in the back, That bodyguard of Jason's will probably spot you before anyone else. They are gonna be happy to see ya Kyle, I know they will. Your not alone ether, you got us all with you."
Back row
Leo shakes his head at Cassy, his own tone having grown quieter. "Your shine has nothing to do with your knee, Cass." Taking her hand, he puts it over her own heart. "It's what's in there. That's what's makes you stand out. And that's something you'll never lose."
Giving a nod, he steps back, letting her hands go. "I better get going... gotta go find a key and take it to Eli before I head home."
He pauses and looks around the inside of the new studio. "And... I guess I've done just about as much damage here as I can, so... I suppose if you need anything just give me a call. Otherwise... I'll see you around?"
Spying the sandwich, Jason can't help his grin. "And I thought Jen was the only mother around here."
Thanks... you're too good for me.
Taking the sandwich, he rocks back on his heels and flops back to sit on the floor, leaning back against the stage. "Mm...nobody can spread peanut butter and jelly on bread like you can." He takes a bite and nods. "Yep."
"Hey, no time for dates!" Phil looks down at them both from the stage, his hands on his hips.
"Aw..." Jason gives him a pitiful expression. "You gonna deprive me the two minutes it's gonna take for me to scarf this sandwich my girl made just for me?"
The corner of Phil's mouth twitches and he finally shakes his head. "No. I don't want you to be a bear onstage."
"That's what I thought." Jason grins and takes another bite, elbowing Katie teasingly.
The rest of setting up goes smoothly and JetStream has plenty of time for a good sound check and running through one song. They'd played this event once before, so tension wasn't too high, though as always, the adrenaline was keeping them all hyped. Once people started showing up, they disappear backstage to gather their thoughts and pray.
Kyle sits in Alice's jeep, staring at the building. They'd been parked for five minutes already and the others were out fooling around in the lot, waiting. Kyle's fingers tap on the steering wheel without him even realizing it, as his knee bounces just a little. JetStream was probably backstage by now... probably all done setting up. Jen was probably making last-minute adjustments... people were probably finding their seats. It was a fundraiser so there were probably more people here than would normally be just to hear JetStream, but most likely a lot of them were local fans. JetStream had never gone too far from home and never out of state, but they had done a good job building up a local reputation, especially since Jason had been on board. Being on the local radio station once in a while helped too.
Kyle sighs, bringing his thoughts back around and he gives Alice a sidelong glance. "I'm thinking... back row. Go say hi afterward."
Giving a nod, he steps back, letting her hands go. "I better get going... gotta go find a key and take it to Eli before I head home."
He pauses and looks around the inside of the new studio. "And... I guess I've done just about as much damage here as I can, so... I suppose if you need anything just give me a call. Otherwise... I'll see you around?"
Spying the sandwich, Jason can't help his grin. "And I thought Jen was the only mother around here."
Thanks... you're too good for me.
Taking the sandwich, he rocks back on his heels and flops back to sit on the floor, leaning back against the stage. "Mm...nobody can spread peanut butter and jelly on bread like you can." He takes a bite and nods. "Yep."
"Hey, no time for dates!" Phil looks down at them both from the stage, his hands on his hips.
"Aw..." Jason gives him a pitiful expression. "You gonna deprive me the two minutes it's gonna take for me to scarf this sandwich my girl made just for me?"
The corner of Phil's mouth twitches and he finally shakes his head. "No. I don't want you to be a bear onstage."
"That's what I thought." Jason grins and takes another bite, elbowing Katie teasingly.
The rest of setting up goes smoothly and JetStream has plenty of time for a good sound check and running through one song. They'd played this event once before, so tension wasn't too high, though as always, the adrenaline was keeping them all hyped. Once people started showing up, they disappear backstage to gather their thoughts and pray.
Kyle sits in Alice's jeep, staring at the building. They'd been parked for five minutes already and the others were out fooling around in the lot, waiting. Kyle's fingers tap on the steering wheel without him even realizing it, as his knee bounces just a little. JetStream was probably backstage by now... probably all done setting up. Jen was probably making last-minute adjustments... people were probably finding their seats. It was a fundraiser so there were probably more people here than would normally be just to hear JetStream, but most likely a lot of them were local fans. JetStream had never gone too far from home and never out of state, but they had done a good job building up a local reputation, especially since Jason had been on board. Being on the local radio station once in a while helped too.
Kyle sighs, bringing his thoughts back around and he gives Alice a sidelong glance. "I'm thinking... back row. Go say hi afterward."
5/17/10
One better
Giving a slight nod to Chance once they are at TJY Destiny new this might very well be the last time she had her own thoughts to herself for a while. Though she was surround by people here still, she could think on her own without having someone looking over her shoulder.
Watching Chance walk away Destiny turns and heads to the little room that had been hers for a night. Gathering her items, and putting away stuff in bags till finally she sinks down on the bed. Just to think for a long moment, her mind slowing down enough to do so. What would happen now? And after she didn't need protection anymore, what would fill her time now that her parents were gone. It was a depressing thought thats for sure but it was one that would come sooner or later, but maybe it was best saved for later.
Standing again Destiny heads out of the room once more wondering aimlessly around up and down hallways, and in and out of rooms just exploring, keeping her mind busy. Finally ending at the break room again with her book in hand Destiny sits and opens it to read. It would keep her busy till Chance was ready to go again.
Listing to Leo there was something different about the way he talked about Baxtor now. It wasnt a talk down but more of accepting. Cassy was just happy he wasn't giving up altogether like he wanted not to long ago.
"Well, as long as your happy filling in that I guess thats what matters. I don't care what you say or those snobs over at Baxtor thinks, I still believe your the best partner I ever had."
Continuing to just dance with Leo and let the music carry them Cassy can't help the small chuckle at Leo's comment to her shinning.
"Maybe I shined once upon a time, but I got a bum knee that half the times feels like its getting worse than better, and I couldn't keep up with everyone over there at Baxtor if I tried. I'd probably end up damaging my knee permanently."
Moving instep with Leo Cassy lets him lead her into the slow dip and than back up again before keeping there steps in tune. Drawing to the end and coming within inches of Leo Cassy smiles and cocks her head to one side just a little. Her voice no more than a whisper.
"Thank you though for thinking I shine bright still."
Watching all the commotion Katie gives a small shake of her head. Off to one side she was setting up a few things to help the guys out before scoping the area out herself to make sure there were no blind spots she didn't know about or could end up being dangerous. Katie always like to help out the band but tryed to stay out of the bussle of things not minding sitting back and just watching the others and laughing pulling on Jason's emotions and talking with him silently.
I love watching you guys interact it really is entertaining.
Finished with what she was working on Katie stands and gives over to the small cooler pulling out a bottle of OJ.
Think I can do that for and one better...
Walking over to where Jason was and squatting down next to him Katie smiles holding out the bottle of OJ in one hand and the PB & J sandwich in the other.
"Since you were pretty much with me all afternoon I new you hadn't had anything to eat so I made sure to pack something to at least hold you over till after the concert".
Watching Chance walk away Destiny turns and heads to the little room that had been hers for a night. Gathering her items, and putting away stuff in bags till finally she sinks down on the bed. Just to think for a long moment, her mind slowing down enough to do so. What would happen now? And after she didn't need protection anymore, what would fill her time now that her parents were gone. It was a depressing thought thats for sure but it was one that would come sooner or later, but maybe it was best saved for later.
Standing again Destiny heads out of the room once more wondering aimlessly around up and down hallways, and in and out of rooms just exploring, keeping her mind busy. Finally ending at the break room again with her book in hand Destiny sits and opens it to read. It would keep her busy till Chance was ready to go again.
Listing to Leo there was something different about the way he talked about Baxtor now. It wasnt a talk down but more of accepting. Cassy was just happy he wasn't giving up altogether like he wanted not to long ago.
"Well, as long as your happy filling in that I guess thats what matters. I don't care what you say or those snobs over at Baxtor thinks, I still believe your the best partner I ever had."
Continuing to just dance with Leo and let the music carry them Cassy can't help the small chuckle at Leo's comment to her shinning.
"Maybe I shined once upon a time, but I got a bum knee that half the times feels like its getting worse than better, and I couldn't keep up with everyone over there at Baxtor if I tried. I'd probably end up damaging my knee permanently."
Moving instep with Leo Cassy lets him lead her into the slow dip and than back up again before keeping there steps in tune. Drawing to the end and coming within inches of Leo Cassy smiles and cocks her head to one side just a little. Her voice no more than a whisper.
"Thank you though for thinking I shine bright still."
Watching all the commotion Katie gives a small shake of her head. Off to one side she was setting up a few things to help the guys out before scoping the area out herself to make sure there were no blind spots she didn't know about or could end up being dangerous. Katie always like to help out the band but tryed to stay out of the bussle of things not minding sitting back and just watching the others and laughing pulling on Jason's emotions and talking with him silently.
I love watching you guys interact it really is entertaining.
Finished with what she was working on Katie stands and gives over to the small cooler pulling out a bottle of OJ.
Think I can do that for and one better...
Walking over to where Jason was and squatting down next to him Katie smiles holding out the bottle of OJ in one hand and the PB & J sandwich in the other.
"Since you were pretty much with me all afternoon I new you hadn't had anything to eat so I made sure to pack something to at least hold you over till after the concert".
Oh I am
"Alrighty then." Chance pops another fry into his mouth before wiping his hands on a napkin. "Sounds like a royal plan." He cocks his head at her, squinting a little. "Always got to have a plan. That's my motto. Or... one of them at least."
Grinning, he returns to finishing up his food, making sure he gets all the bits of bacon that had fallen from his sandwich. It doesn't take long and they're on their way once again, Chance keeping an ever-watchful eye on their surroundings.
Once back at the house, together it's quick work of putting away all the groceries and then it's back to TJY. They arrive without incident, but it's not until they're in the building does Chance let Destiny leave his sight.
"I'm gonna go check in with Reese and get some things finalized. I'll try to catch back up with you at the break room, okay?"
Leo chuckles and shakes his head as he dances with Cassy, not finding it too difficult to do two things at once. "Oh, maybe I could help with a class or two. I don't think I've outgrown Baxtor though, Cass. I'm grateful for your encouragement but... somebody's gotta stay behind to see the next batch of newbies. Maybe if I worked at it twenty-four/seven I could get good enough for something else, but what's gonna pay the bills in the meantime? I may have a sense of rhythm, but I don't have that raw talent like some of these dancers lately."
Spinning with her to the tempo of the song, he pauses until he is in a good position to speak again. "I'm glad you think I've got what it takes, but I've been thinking a lot lately and... I think it's time I realized that I really don't. I enjoy dancing... I've gotten fairly good with a lot of practice but... I just don't have 'it.' I don't have that spark that makes a dancer go over the top... that makes them special... like you."
Thinking as the music draws on his mind, the dance steps come easily. "I get mad when they bump me down on the performance list, but once I think about it, they're just doing what's best. They put the best dancers in the spotlight and they should. Those dancers who are the top pick... they're there for a reason, and the reason is simply that they're the best in the group. Me... I could show up the average person on the street because I've been practicing for years but against other dancers?" He shakes his head a little again.
Letting the music take over for several moments, he moves with Cassy, one hand in hers, the other around her waist. His tone is thoughtful but not depressed like it had been the week before. "I'm just not in the same league as the others... as you. But... I'm learning to be okay with that. Baxtor will always need the fill-ins... those who can manage a lead if they practice enough and if the top picks can't make it... those who can run lights or push props around. At this point in my life... I would have to dance every day, all day, literally to get any further than I am and... it's just not possible."
Lowering Cassy into a slow dip, he sweeps her gracefully back up and around, his eyes connecting with hers. "I'm glad for a while we were both novice enough to be teamed up. I always had fun being your partner. But Baxtor is growing up and out, and all I can do is tuck away the memories and be satisfied with what I got now... which is a set of average dancing feet and hands that do better in a car engine than in a dance partner's hands."
As the song begins it's approach on the final notes, Leo brings Cassy face-to-face with him again, both of his hands in hers between them, bringing them only inches apart. "But I'm okay with that," he assures softly. "I'm okay being average. If it weren't for people like me... people like you wouldn't shine so brightly."
"Jason... helloooo, earth to Jason."
Jason snaps to attention as Jen's hand waves in front of his face. JetStream was trying to set up in the community auditorium, but Jason's mind had been far from where it ought to be. "Huh?"
Jen smirks and wheels around in front of him. "You only have one boot on. Are you going to get fully dressed or... are you sporting a new style?"
Jason looks down to his black cowboy boots - one on his foot and one in his hand. He gives Jen a sheepish grin. "Who knows... new style might catch on."
Jen giggles and shakes her head. "Don't forget to slap some of this in your hair after we're done setting up." She hands him some hair gel. "Your hair is the perfect length to give it a little spike."
"Oh, really?" Jason quirks an eyebrow at her. "Miss style tonight, are we?"
"Tonight? I always am."
Jason laughs and stands up, pulling on his boot. "This is true." Jen had always had a sense of style and had always steered the band's attire and hairdos before a concert - and none of them minded because nine times out of ten, she was right.
"At least you finally learned how to dress," Jen teases.
Jason looks down to his form-fitting jeans and black tee. "At least Katie should appreciate it."
"Yeah," Jen smirks. "And every other girl in the audience."
"Oh, stop." Jason ruffles her hair playfully. "You know I can't stand a compliment."
Jen cocks her head as he walks away, giggling again. "Keep walking, Jase..."
Spinning around, Jason can feel heat in his face, but he knew all the teasing was in good fun. He and Jen were more like siblings than anything else, though she had no problem telling him when he looked good. "Watch it."
"Oh I am." She nods vigorously. "Trust me."
"I..." Jason shakes his head, giving up. He wasn't thinking fast enough tonight to win this one.
"Think fast!"
Jason ducks as a roll of tape comes flying in his direction. Catching it in one hand, he looks over to Phil. "You trying to take somebody's head off or what?"
"Only those slow enough not to see it coming."
"Phil!" Mike wails. "Where did you put that cord?"
"What cord?"
"The orange one."
"This one?"
"That's yellow."
"What about the green one?"
"Did I not say orange?"
"Like... orange orange or more red orange?"
"Orange, Phil! Just orange!"
Phil throws up his arms. "Well how am I supposed to know which one you're talking about? We packed ten more than we really needed."
"Yes, but I want that one."
"Which one?"
"The orange one!" Mike hops offstage and comes up to Phil, taking him by the shoulders and manually moving him to the side. Looking down, he spots the cord he was looking for in one of the boxes. Picking it up, he rolls his eyes. "How about this one, genius?"
Jason grins and wanders back into the small commotion to continue setting up.
Mmm... concert nights. Wouldn't trade them for the world.
He kneels on the floor and begins to tape down some of the cords to avoid anyone tripping over them.
Hey, Hero... bring me that bottle of orange juice, would you? I forgot to eat anything before we came.
Grinning, he returns to finishing up his food, making sure he gets all the bits of bacon that had fallen from his sandwich. It doesn't take long and they're on their way once again, Chance keeping an ever-watchful eye on their surroundings.
Once back at the house, together it's quick work of putting away all the groceries and then it's back to TJY. They arrive without incident, but it's not until they're in the building does Chance let Destiny leave his sight.
"I'm gonna go check in with Reese and get some things finalized. I'll try to catch back up with you at the break room, okay?"
Leo chuckles and shakes his head as he dances with Cassy, not finding it too difficult to do two things at once. "Oh, maybe I could help with a class or two. I don't think I've outgrown Baxtor though, Cass. I'm grateful for your encouragement but... somebody's gotta stay behind to see the next batch of newbies. Maybe if I worked at it twenty-four/seven I could get good enough for something else, but what's gonna pay the bills in the meantime? I may have a sense of rhythm, but I don't have that raw talent like some of these dancers lately."
Spinning with her to the tempo of the song, he pauses until he is in a good position to speak again. "I'm glad you think I've got what it takes, but I've been thinking a lot lately and... I think it's time I realized that I really don't. I enjoy dancing... I've gotten fairly good with a lot of practice but... I just don't have 'it.' I don't have that spark that makes a dancer go over the top... that makes them special... like you."
Thinking as the music draws on his mind, the dance steps come easily. "I get mad when they bump me down on the performance list, but once I think about it, they're just doing what's best. They put the best dancers in the spotlight and they should. Those dancers who are the top pick... they're there for a reason, and the reason is simply that they're the best in the group. Me... I could show up the average person on the street because I've been practicing for years but against other dancers?" He shakes his head a little again.
Letting the music take over for several moments, he moves with Cassy, one hand in hers, the other around her waist. His tone is thoughtful but not depressed like it had been the week before. "I'm just not in the same league as the others... as you. But... I'm learning to be okay with that. Baxtor will always need the fill-ins... those who can manage a lead if they practice enough and if the top picks can't make it... those who can run lights or push props around. At this point in my life... I would have to dance every day, all day, literally to get any further than I am and... it's just not possible."
Lowering Cassy into a slow dip, he sweeps her gracefully back up and around, his eyes connecting with hers. "I'm glad for a while we were both novice enough to be teamed up. I always had fun being your partner. But Baxtor is growing up and out, and all I can do is tuck away the memories and be satisfied with what I got now... which is a set of average dancing feet and hands that do better in a car engine than in a dance partner's hands."
As the song begins it's approach on the final notes, Leo brings Cassy face-to-face with him again, both of his hands in hers between them, bringing them only inches apart. "But I'm okay with that," he assures softly. "I'm okay being average. If it weren't for people like me... people like you wouldn't shine so brightly."
"Jason... helloooo, earth to Jason."
Jason snaps to attention as Jen's hand waves in front of his face. JetStream was trying to set up in the community auditorium, but Jason's mind had been far from where it ought to be. "Huh?"
Jen smirks and wheels around in front of him. "You only have one boot on. Are you going to get fully dressed or... are you sporting a new style?"
Jason looks down to his black cowboy boots - one on his foot and one in his hand. He gives Jen a sheepish grin. "Who knows... new style might catch on."
Jen giggles and shakes her head. "Don't forget to slap some of this in your hair after we're done setting up." She hands him some hair gel. "Your hair is the perfect length to give it a little spike."
"Oh, really?" Jason quirks an eyebrow at her. "Miss style tonight, are we?"
"Tonight? I always am."
Jason laughs and stands up, pulling on his boot. "This is true." Jen had always had a sense of style and had always steered the band's attire and hairdos before a concert - and none of them minded because nine times out of ten, she was right.
"At least you finally learned how to dress," Jen teases.
Jason looks down to his form-fitting jeans and black tee. "At least Katie should appreciate it."
"Yeah," Jen smirks. "And every other girl in the audience."
"Oh, stop." Jason ruffles her hair playfully. "You know I can't stand a compliment."
Jen cocks her head as he walks away, giggling again. "Keep walking, Jase..."
Spinning around, Jason can feel heat in his face, but he knew all the teasing was in good fun. He and Jen were more like siblings than anything else, though she had no problem telling him when he looked good. "Watch it."
"Oh I am." She nods vigorously. "Trust me."
"I..." Jason shakes his head, giving up. He wasn't thinking fast enough tonight to win this one.
"Think fast!"
Jason ducks as a roll of tape comes flying in his direction. Catching it in one hand, he looks over to Phil. "You trying to take somebody's head off or what?"
"Only those slow enough not to see it coming."
"Phil!" Mike wails. "Where did you put that cord?"
"What cord?"
"The orange one."
"This one?"
"That's yellow."
"What about the green one?"
"Did I not say orange?"
"Like... orange orange or more red orange?"
"Orange, Phil! Just orange!"
Phil throws up his arms. "Well how am I supposed to know which one you're talking about? We packed ten more than we really needed."
"Yes, but I want that one."
"Which one?"
"The orange one!" Mike hops offstage and comes up to Phil, taking him by the shoulders and manually moving him to the side. Looking down, he spots the cord he was looking for in one of the boxes. Picking it up, he rolls his eyes. "How about this one, genius?"
Jason grins and wanders back into the small commotion to continue setting up.
Mmm... concert nights. Wouldn't trade them for the world.
He kneels on the floor and begins to tape down some of the cords to avoid anyone tripping over them.
Hey, Hero... bring me that bottle of orange juice, would you? I forgot to eat anything before we came.
Help Teach
Taking another bit of her own food Destiny gives a smile at Chance. The first night meeting him she had been a little worried and on edge about him, but now he didn't seem so bad and for the most part it would seem they got along. In a few days who new how they would feel but for nice it was nice.
"Well I am happy I could help you keep your job than."
Reaching for her drink and taking another sip Destiny continues to watch Chance across the table. Studying him for a long moment, trying to understand who he was. Finally though when she is done with her drink he gaze is broken and she throws her napkin into the tray along with her other paper.
"I don't think I have any where else to go today. Got all the personal items I needed from the store today. Really all thats left at TJY for me is my clothing and other things. I have a few books back there for me too so if you have to do some other work I can sit around and wait."
Moving in tone with the music next to Leo, Cassy lets him move as she follows. Today she had picked a softer song that she new didn't have the upbeat parts. Her knee was hurting from yesterday and it would be best just to take it easy, but a little practice was better than nothing and with Leo she wouldn't want to pass it up.
"Maybe you have out grown that place, not them out growing you. I know you got talent, and I can tell just from helping me practice you still have what it takes. Maybe you could look for positions else where."
Continuing to move with the music but her eyes never leave his. Watching in tune with his own and her's just letting the music carry them as they talked.
"Hey, I might need help teaching class here if you wanted. I know its not actually dancing in one, but you could help produce and than at the end we could even have our own dance number. Different, but it might be fun."
"Well I am happy I could help you keep your job than."
Reaching for her drink and taking another sip Destiny continues to watch Chance across the table. Studying him for a long moment, trying to understand who he was. Finally though when she is done with her drink he gaze is broken and she throws her napkin into the tray along with her other paper.
"I don't think I have any where else to go today. Got all the personal items I needed from the store today. Really all thats left at TJY for me is my clothing and other things. I have a few books back there for me too so if you have to do some other work I can sit around and wait."
Moving in tone with the music next to Leo, Cassy lets him move as she follows. Today she had picked a softer song that she new didn't have the upbeat parts. Her knee was hurting from yesterday and it would be best just to take it easy, but a little practice was better than nothing and with Leo she wouldn't want to pass it up.
"Maybe you have out grown that place, not them out growing you. I know you got talent, and I can tell just from helping me practice you still have what it takes. Maybe you could look for positions else where."
Continuing to move with the music but her eyes never leave his. Watching in tune with his own and her's just letting the music carry them as they talked.
"Hey, I might need help teaching class here if you wanted. I know its not actually dancing in one, but you could help produce and than at the end we could even have our own dance number. Different, but it might be fun."
Once upon a time
Chance pauses his eating for a moment to rest his elbow on the table, his chin nestled in his palm as he listens to Destiny. His eyes don't leave her face as he takes her voice in, mulling it over and letting it mix with the words she was speaking.
A little grin forms on his face. A substitute teacher, huh? Interesting. He wasn't surprised to find her parents had been fairly well off and that she'd been close to them. It could be hard living off a substitute job without some other means. What would she do now? He wondered. His grin widens, thinking about stuffed turtles.
Chuckling, he straightens and picks up his cheeseburger again. "Staying alive is definitely an art," he agrees. "Some have a talent for it and others don't. Some can learn it and some can't." He would have a hard time locating all the wounds he'd received from getting nicked with bullets or swiped with knives. Toby had kept him on the force because he'd walked away from situations nobody should have. Shot, beat up, kicked around and thrown off a cliff - all with the result of him being able to walk away on his own two feet.
"I suppose if everybody could do it on their own, then people like me would be out of a job." His eyes seem to smile at Destiny. If she had eyes in the back of her head, he wouldn't need to be here now. Which... would mean he'd be back where he wanted to be at this point, but it hadn't been too unpleasant for the first day so far. And at least it kept him out of Toby's hair.
Chewing another french fry, he glances at his watch. "Guess after this, we'll head back to the house and get the groceries put away. Then we'll go back to base and see what's happening so we can load up anything else we need to bring back to the house... unless you need to make any other stops."
Leo glances over his shoulder to see Cassy disappear, and shakes his head a little before continuing to paint. A few more minutes and he'd take a break. Then he should be able to finish up in no time...
"So I wound up so far down on the list that now I'm running lights." Leo steps lightly beside Cassy, stopping and letting her twirl out to his fingertips then back again as he danced with her. After he'd finished outside, as promised, he had changed shoes and was helping her practice. He wasn't quite as limber in his jeans, but it was good enough.
He rolls his eyes a little at his own news. "Which means for the next four weeks, I get to help with props and wiring instead of practices. I'm thinking maybe they like me there better... and maybe I need to just be satisfied with knowing I was in a few productions once upon a time and leave it at that."
A little grin forms on his face. A substitute teacher, huh? Interesting. He wasn't surprised to find her parents had been fairly well off and that she'd been close to them. It could be hard living off a substitute job without some other means. What would she do now? He wondered. His grin widens, thinking about stuffed turtles.
Chuckling, he straightens and picks up his cheeseburger again. "Staying alive is definitely an art," he agrees. "Some have a talent for it and others don't. Some can learn it and some can't." He would have a hard time locating all the wounds he'd received from getting nicked with bullets or swiped with knives. Toby had kept him on the force because he'd walked away from situations nobody should have. Shot, beat up, kicked around and thrown off a cliff - all with the result of him being able to walk away on his own two feet.
"I suppose if everybody could do it on their own, then people like me would be out of a job." His eyes seem to smile at Destiny. If she had eyes in the back of her head, he wouldn't need to be here now. Which... would mean he'd be back where he wanted to be at this point, but it hadn't been too unpleasant for the first day so far. And at least it kept him out of Toby's hair.
Chewing another french fry, he glances at his watch. "Guess after this, we'll head back to the house and get the groceries put away. Then we'll go back to base and see what's happening so we can load up anything else we need to bring back to the house... unless you need to make any other stops."
Leo glances over his shoulder to see Cassy disappear, and shakes his head a little before continuing to paint. A few more minutes and he'd take a break. Then he should be able to finish up in no time...
"So I wound up so far down on the list that now I'm running lights." Leo steps lightly beside Cassy, stopping and letting her twirl out to his fingertips then back again as he danced with her. After he'd finished outside, as promised, he had changed shoes and was helping her practice. He wasn't quite as limber in his jeans, but it was good enough.
He rolls his eyes a little at his own news. "Which means for the next four weeks, I get to help with props and wiring instead of practices. I'm thinking maybe they like me there better... and maybe I need to just be satisfied with knowing I was in a few productions once upon a time and leave it at that."
5/16/10
Art in itself
Thinking for a moment as Chance turns the tables on her, she just looks at him for a moment with a smerk and a shake of her head. He hadn't answered her question but maybe...there was no answer.
"Well in the fall and winter season I am a substaut ninth gread teacher and in the spring/summer, I..."
Stopping for a moment Destiny thinks. She did she do when she wasn't teaching. She'd never really had to think of it before and now that she had to it felt strange.
"...I mostly spent time with my mom, and when my father was home I'd spend time with him as well. They had a very nice house, with lots of land. Volleyball, badminton, frisbee with the dogs."
Taking a fry and running it through a cup of extra mayo she had asked for Destiny munches on it for a moment before looking up at Chance again, her eyes slightly glazed over, but trying to move on quickly she thinks of a few other things as well.
"I like to swim, go shopping, I collect stuffed turtles...mmm...I like to read and draw too. Oh and my newest hobby is trying not to get shot as well. It's an art in itself you know"
Destiny smiles a little humor dancing in her own eyes trying to makes the best she can out of the situation.
Feeling Alec's foot hit hers under the table Ryan's can't help but laugh as she finishs off her chili dog and takes the last sip of her drink. Feeling rather full she crumples her paper with the rest of her fries up before taking Alec's hand and standing.
"I'd love to take a little walk on the beach with you."
Passing the garbage can Ryan throws there trash in it her hand still in Alec's as they head down onto the beach a little more.
Giving a smile at Leo as he brushes the hair from Cassy's face and hearing his words she wasn't sure what else to say or that anything else really needed to be said. Though she tucked his words away and to remember on those days when things just seemed so hard herself.
Knowing Leo was done for now on talking she was happy at least he had talked for a little bit. She was going to miss these times once everything was done and Leo wasn't around as much. She'd grown use to having him here but at least she would have the memories and even if it wasn't as much she would still be able to see him.
"Some light practice today would be nice. I have some lemon aid in here for you as well when you want to take a break from your hard work."
Knowing for now the conversation was done and Leo wanted to get back to work Cassy made her way back inside stopping before entering to look up at Leo for just a moment before disappearing inside.
"Well in the fall and winter season I am a substaut ninth gread teacher and in the spring/summer, I..."
Stopping for a moment Destiny thinks. She did she do when she wasn't teaching. She'd never really had to think of it before and now that she had to it felt strange.
"...I mostly spent time with my mom, and when my father was home I'd spend time with him as well. They had a very nice house, with lots of land. Volleyball, badminton, frisbee with the dogs."
Taking a fry and running it through a cup of extra mayo she had asked for Destiny munches on it for a moment before looking up at Chance again, her eyes slightly glazed over, but trying to move on quickly she thinks of a few other things as well.
"I like to swim, go shopping, I collect stuffed turtles...mmm...I like to read and draw too. Oh and my newest hobby is trying not to get shot as well. It's an art in itself you know"
Destiny smiles a little humor dancing in her own eyes trying to makes the best she can out of the situation.
Feeling Alec's foot hit hers under the table Ryan's can't help but laugh as she finishs off her chili dog and takes the last sip of her drink. Feeling rather full she crumples her paper with the rest of her fries up before taking Alec's hand and standing.
"I'd love to take a little walk on the beach with you."
Passing the garbage can Ryan throws there trash in it her hand still in Alec's as they head down onto the beach a little more.
Giving a smile at Leo as he brushes the hair from Cassy's face and hearing his words she wasn't sure what else to say or that anything else really needed to be said. Though she tucked his words away and to remember on those days when things just seemed so hard herself.
Knowing Leo was done for now on talking she was happy at least he had talked for a little bit. She was going to miss these times once everything was done and Leo wasn't around as much. She'd grown use to having him here but at least she would have the memories and even if it wasn't as much she would still be able to see him.
"Some light practice today would be nice. I have some lemon aid in here for you as well when you want to take a break from your hard work."
Knowing for now the conversation was done and Leo wanted to get back to work Cassy made her way back inside stopping before entering to look up at Leo for just a moment before disappearing inside.
Normal is relative
Leo can feel his own face redden a little. He didn't deserve such compliments, really. He hadn't done that much around here... just patched up a few things and maybe made them look a little better, that's all. But he could tell that Cassy was genuinely grateful. And even if he didn't want to take the compliment, it did feel good... way deep down where it counted.
Looking into Cassy's eyes, he can see her passion for life, despite what she'd been through. When trying to help a friend, her pain meant nothing to her. "You're so strong," he almost whispers. It seemed so disconnected from what she'd been saying, but to him, it was directly in line with her words. "Like a wind that no one can hold back." Reaching out, he brushes aside a rogue wisp of hair from her face. "Don't ever change."
Letting his hand drop, he looks down again and finally goes for the paint can and brush once more. He was done talking about himself. It was something he needed to work through and work out, now that everything was out in the open. He could... he just had to figure out how.
"Almost done out here," he changes the subject. "We can dance a little in a while if you want to get in some practice today."
Alec grins a little and nods. "Yeah, your brother seems alright. Not sure he likes me all that well but... maybe if I stick around long enough, I can add him to the friend category. You, on the other hand..."
He stuffs the rest of his hotdog into his mouth to finish it off before ending his sentence. "...you're in a category all your own."
Sliding his foot on the grass under the table, it meets Ryan's and he gives it a little tap. Finishing up the food isn't hard, and soon Alec is standing, offering Ryan a hand. "Shall we walk the beach before we leave?"
"Fun? Normal?" Chance chuckles. "I'm not sure those two words are actually part of my everyday vocabulary."
He would have just let it go at a joke, but he saw that Destiny really was interested. So after another bite of his sandwich, he shrugs. "Don't have much time for fun lately. Working mostly. Going for a swim is about the only way I wind down some days, but otherwise... it's go to work, go home and back again."
He hadn't really thought about it much, but it wasn't like he had a grand circle of friends he would hang out with or anything. The Elite did take up most of his time, even if he was always trying to cut a new deal with Toby.
"Normal is relative. I guess a normal day for me would be one when I go to work and don't get shot at, though... that was beginning to be the norm up until I got shipped here." Toby had put him on some pretty hairy cases, that was for sure. "Hoping that changes... for both our sakes," he teases. He hadn't really answered he question very well, but he turns the table anyway. "What about you?"
Looking into Cassy's eyes, he can see her passion for life, despite what she'd been through. When trying to help a friend, her pain meant nothing to her. "You're so strong," he almost whispers. It seemed so disconnected from what she'd been saying, but to him, it was directly in line with her words. "Like a wind that no one can hold back." Reaching out, he brushes aside a rogue wisp of hair from her face. "Don't ever change."
Letting his hand drop, he looks down again and finally goes for the paint can and brush once more. He was done talking about himself. It was something he needed to work through and work out, now that everything was out in the open. He could... he just had to figure out how.
"Almost done out here," he changes the subject. "We can dance a little in a while if you want to get in some practice today."
Alec grins a little and nods. "Yeah, your brother seems alright. Not sure he likes me all that well but... maybe if I stick around long enough, I can add him to the friend category. You, on the other hand..."
He stuffs the rest of his hotdog into his mouth to finish it off before ending his sentence. "...you're in a category all your own."
Sliding his foot on the grass under the table, it meets Ryan's and he gives it a little tap. Finishing up the food isn't hard, and soon Alec is standing, offering Ryan a hand. "Shall we walk the beach before we leave?"
"Fun? Normal?" Chance chuckles. "I'm not sure those two words are actually part of my everyday vocabulary."
He would have just let it go at a joke, but he saw that Destiny really was interested. So after another bite of his sandwich, he shrugs. "Don't have much time for fun lately. Working mostly. Going for a swim is about the only way I wind down some days, but otherwise... it's go to work, go home and back again."
He hadn't really thought about it much, but it wasn't like he had a grand circle of friends he would hang out with or anything. The Elite did take up most of his time, even if he was always trying to cut a new deal with Toby.
"Normal is relative. I guess a normal day for me would be one when I go to work and don't get shot at, though... that was beginning to be the norm up until I got shipped here." Toby had put him on some pretty hairy cases, that was for sure. "Hoping that changes... for both our sakes," he teases. He hadn't really answered he question very well, but he turns the table anyway. "What about you?"
Stop blaming yourself
Taking another bit of her hot dog Ryan listens to Alec and gives a chuckle at his mention to keeping an eye on her. She new he was joking and new better than to think that but it was funny hearing him say it anyways.
Hearing his real reason Ryan gives a slight nod thinking for a long moment. She missed her friendship with Leo too. Even before they dated that had been pretty good friends and now it was rare they even said hi. She'd tried though talking to him and getting along and he just didn't want that, though she didn't blame him.
"Yeah, maybe someday we will have a friendship again just right now...I don't see it in the works. As for being sorry you took it away, Mmmm...maybe I'd change how I went about it but in the end I probably pick you all over again. There is just something about you Alec Banks that makes it work. We balance out each other, and give each other the thrill and excitement we need. Leo and I...we just weren't meant to be."
Looking across the table at Alec Ryan's eyes twinkle in the sun light as it shines down on them. She meant what she had said, her and Leo were ok together, and they did have the fun times but even if Alec hadn't come along it might of ended just the same. They just didnt work. But Alec he was different and gave Ryan fuel, yet contained the fire at the same time so it didn't get out of hand, and Ryan did the same for him.
Shifting gears a little Ryan thinks about Alec's comment on friends and gives a small nod. There were very few people she would consider friends, and she often was over careful on who she called a friend but he was right it was nice.
"It is nice to have friends, people you can trust and know have your back. Doesn't come easy thats for sure and sometimes you have to weed out those who really are not true friends but in the end it worth it."
Giving another smile and a sip of her drink Ryan pauses for a second before continuing.
"Hey the guys joked around with ya today thats a good start in making friends, and....my brother wants you to call him thats a good sign too. If you were going to choose any people to be friends with I'd say my brother is defiantly one of the good ones. He knows how to have fun and stay out of trouble...most of the time and he'd watch your back even if it killed him."
Moving onto the other side of the table with Chance and hearing his comment Destiny looks down at her fried chicken sandwich.
"This was fried in grease I guess that counts right and its loaded with cheese."
Giving another laugh Destiny picks up her frosty and gives a long slurp trying to get the thick liquid through the straw. Finally getting a little she gives up for now and sets the drink down before taking a bit of her own food.
Looking across the table once she was done chewing Destiny just study's Chance for a long moment. Taking him in, and working him over in her mind. Her voice taking on a different tone of one who really was interested Destiny speaks.
"So what do you like to do for fun on a normal day?"
Giving a nod and leaning against her car that Cassy had wondered over to while talking to Leo to take a little pressure off her knee she thinks for a moment. What Leo was feeling Cassy could understand and it was easy to see the pain in his eyes. This woman really had hurt him and it upset Cassy to know she had done such a good job and damaging such a great guy.
"I guess thats the thing with love...we gotta take a bunch of falls before we can finally sore high. And maybe...you should stop blaming yourself for this happening. What if this, and what if that is all find and dandy and maybe you would of kept Ryan, but than you would of lost who you are alone the way and been just as miserable."
Shifting her weight just a little Cassy continues to lean against her car as she brings a hand to her mouth in deep thought for a moment. Her and Leo's situations had been quite differnt, but she tried to play how she felt in her mind over again to try and give her a better foot on what to say. But when it came down to it all Cassy could so was speak from her heart.
"Don't let this one incontinent put you put though forever. You just need to find someone who likes you for Leo Barnsworth, and everything you have to offer and not try to be someone else. Your little world where you fit best, is where the woman your gonna be with is gonna be happy too. Moving out and trying to be someone your not its only gonna end in pain."
Cassy gives a smile as she pushes off the car and comes over a little close to Leo giving a smile as the sun reflects off her hair, and the light dances in her eyes.
"You think your just a bumbling idiot that no one could love...your wrong. All the work you have done for me, everything you have fixed is not the work of a clumsy idiot, its the work of a man who is will to give his heart to his friend and do his best. Without you, non of this stuff would of gotten done. Your a great guy, and a great friend and I'd be willing to stand up to anyone, any day and tell them your prefect just the way you are."
Searching Leo's face for a long moment Cassy can feel her cheeks get a little red. Maybe she spoke from her heart a little to much, but its what she felt...not as a person who wanted a deeper relationship with Leo, but as his friend.
Hearing his real reason Ryan gives a slight nod thinking for a long moment. She missed her friendship with Leo too. Even before they dated that had been pretty good friends and now it was rare they even said hi. She'd tried though talking to him and getting along and he just didn't want that, though she didn't blame him.
"Yeah, maybe someday we will have a friendship again just right now...I don't see it in the works. As for being sorry you took it away, Mmmm...maybe I'd change how I went about it but in the end I probably pick you all over again. There is just something about you Alec Banks that makes it work. We balance out each other, and give each other the thrill and excitement we need. Leo and I...we just weren't meant to be."
Looking across the table at Alec Ryan's eyes twinkle in the sun light as it shines down on them. She meant what she had said, her and Leo were ok together, and they did have the fun times but even if Alec hadn't come along it might of ended just the same. They just didnt work. But Alec he was different and gave Ryan fuel, yet contained the fire at the same time so it didn't get out of hand, and Ryan did the same for him.
Shifting gears a little Ryan thinks about Alec's comment on friends and gives a small nod. There were very few people she would consider friends, and she often was over careful on who she called a friend but he was right it was nice.
"It is nice to have friends, people you can trust and know have your back. Doesn't come easy thats for sure and sometimes you have to weed out those who really are not true friends but in the end it worth it."
Giving another smile and a sip of her drink Ryan pauses for a second before continuing.
"Hey the guys joked around with ya today thats a good start in making friends, and....my brother wants you to call him thats a good sign too. If you were going to choose any people to be friends with I'd say my brother is defiantly one of the good ones. He knows how to have fun and stay out of trouble...most of the time and he'd watch your back even if it killed him."
Moving onto the other side of the table with Chance and hearing his comment Destiny looks down at her fried chicken sandwich.
"This was fried in grease I guess that counts right and its loaded with cheese."
Giving another laugh Destiny picks up her frosty and gives a long slurp trying to get the thick liquid through the straw. Finally getting a little she gives up for now and sets the drink down before taking a bit of her own food.
Looking across the table once she was done chewing Destiny just study's Chance for a long moment. Taking him in, and working him over in her mind. Her voice taking on a different tone of one who really was interested Destiny speaks.
"So what do you like to do for fun on a normal day?"
Giving a nod and leaning against her car that Cassy had wondered over to while talking to Leo to take a little pressure off her knee she thinks for a moment. What Leo was feeling Cassy could understand and it was easy to see the pain in his eyes. This woman really had hurt him and it upset Cassy to know she had done such a good job and damaging such a great guy.
"I guess thats the thing with love...we gotta take a bunch of falls before we can finally sore high. And maybe...you should stop blaming yourself for this happening. What if this, and what if that is all find and dandy and maybe you would of kept Ryan, but than you would of lost who you are alone the way and been just as miserable."
Shifting her weight just a little Cassy continues to lean against her car as she brings a hand to her mouth in deep thought for a moment. Her and Leo's situations had been quite differnt, but she tried to play how she felt in her mind over again to try and give her a better foot on what to say. But when it came down to it all Cassy could so was speak from her heart.
"Don't let this one incontinent put you put though forever. You just need to find someone who likes you for Leo Barnsworth, and everything you have to offer and not try to be someone else. Your little world where you fit best, is where the woman your gonna be with is gonna be happy too. Moving out and trying to be someone your not its only gonna end in pain."
Cassy gives a smile as she pushes off the car and comes over a little close to Leo giving a smile as the sun reflects off her hair, and the light dances in her eyes.
"You think your just a bumbling idiot that no one could love...your wrong. All the work you have done for me, everything you have fixed is not the work of a clumsy idiot, its the work of a man who is will to give his heart to his friend and do his best. Without you, non of this stuff would of gotten done. Your a great guy, and a great friend and I'd be willing to stand up to anyone, any day and tell them your prefect just the way you are."
Searching Leo's face for a long moment Cassy can feel her cheeks get a little red. Maybe she spoke from her heart a little to much, but its what she felt...not as a person who wanted a deeper relationship with Leo, but as his friend.
Where I fit
Alec crunches into his onion ring and nods thoughtfully. Pausing, he sees the question in Ryan's eye and he shrugs. "Just wondering. Gotta keep an eye on these guys, ya know? Chick like you... guys all over might wanna move in on you and I'd never know."
A grin forms and he winks at Ryan. He knew she wouldn't give him up for someone else. "Naw... guess I figure you were tryin' to be friends with Leo and all and I guess maybe somewhere along the way I wound up feeling a little bad that I took that away from you." He shrugs and runs an onion ring through the fixings on his hotdog. "Guess maybe I hoped you'd get some of that back or something, I don't know."
Swallowing his bite, he looks back to Ryan, squinting a little in the sun. "I don't know what it's like to have real friends... other than you, I mean. But it looks nice."
"Alright. Main drag it is." Chance pulls out of the parking lot and heads the way Destiny directed him. Hitting the main street, he drives a little slower, looking at all the signs. "Hmmm..." He mumbles to himself mostly as he reads aloud the fast food options.
Eventually they wind up at a Wendy's and after ordering, Chance picks a spot in the far corner near a window. Settling down at the small table, he bites into his bacon cheeseburger and lets out a yummy "Mmmm." Grinning, he looks across at Destiny. "Nothing like a bit of grease to make a meal taste good."
Leo concentrates on the sidewalk as Cassy talks to him. What she said made sense. Most of it he knew, but sometimes coming from someone else made it easier to digest.
Cassy's final question makes all his other trains of thought cease as he stares at the pebble being pushed around by the toe of his sneaker. He really didn't want to answer her... it didn't feel good and he didn't like where that thought process took him. But Cassy was his friend... she understood him... and he knew he needed to work through this.
"You're right... it really did... does hurt. Not just because she went off with another guy but because..." He shrugs. "I tried so hard... twice."
He finally gets up enough nerve to look up at Cassy. "I feel like a fool. I was hard up for a girl's attention, ya know? Guy like me... not exactly Hercules or Mr. Charm." Leo can feel a little heat on his neck and he shrugs again, lowering his arms to tuck his hands in his jeans pockets.
"When Ryan accepted me, it was like wow... I got Ryan McKade... I was the envy of all the guys. Mistake number one. Then when I found out it was all a lie, but she decided she really did like me, so I actually took her back. Mistake number two. Then along came Alec."
Leo clears his throat and takes a moment to think, glancing down the street at some traffic, then finally looking at the sidewalk again. "So... the best man won. I wasn't enough. Wasn't good enough... wasn't adventurous enough, I don't know. But Ryan chose a guy that should be in prison. I guess he just had the right moves."
Pausing, he finally looks at Cassy again, his eyes full of frustration, confusion and hurt. "So I guess what's blocking me from moving on is as simple as pride. I feel like the biggest idiot on the planet for ever thinking I could actually have Ryan McKade. I'm Leo Barnsworth - class clown, garage klutz, dumb handyman... now we can add ditched fool."
Biting his lip, Leo knew good and well Cassy wouldn't agree with his attitude. "I just need to let it go... Ryan's got what she wants now and I'm not it. I just need to accept it and settle back into my own little world I always lived in. It's where I fit best."
A grin forms and he winks at Ryan. He knew she wouldn't give him up for someone else. "Naw... guess I figure you were tryin' to be friends with Leo and all and I guess maybe somewhere along the way I wound up feeling a little bad that I took that away from you." He shrugs and runs an onion ring through the fixings on his hotdog. "Guess maybe I hoped you'd get some of that back or something, I don't know."
Swallowing his bite, he looks back to Ryan, squinting a little in the sun. "I don't know what it's like to have real friends... other than you, I mean. But it looks nice."
"Alright. Main drag it is." Chance pulls out of the parking lot and heads the way Destiny directed him. Hitting the main street, he drives a little slower, looking at all the signs. "Hmmm..." He mumbles to himself mostly as he reads aloud the fast food options.
Eventually they wind up at a Wendy's and after ordering, Chance picks a spot in the far corner near a window. Settling down at the small table, he bites into his bacon cheeseburger and lets out a yummy "Mmmm." Grinning, he looks across at Destiny. "Nothing like a bit of grease to make a meal taste good."
Leo concentrates on the sidewalk as Cassy talks to him. What she said made sense. Most of it he knew, but sometimes coming from someone else made it easier to digest.
Cassy's final question makes all his other trains of thought cease as he stares at the pebble being pushed around by the toe of his sneaker. He really didn't want to answer her... it didn't feel good and he didn't like where that thought process took him. But Cassy was his friend... she understood him... and he knew he needed to work through this.
"You're right... it really did... does hurt. Not just because she went off with another guy but because..." He shrugs. "I tried so hard... twice."
He finally gets up enough nerve to look up at Cassy. "I feel like a fool. I was hard up for a girl's attention, ya know? Guy like me... not exactly Hercules or Mr. Charm." Leo can feel a little heat on his neck and he shrugs again, lowering his arms to tuck his hands in his jeans pockets.
"When Ryan accepted me, it was like wow... I got Ryan McKade... I was the envy of all the guys. Mistake number one. Then when I found out it was all a lie, but she decided she really did like me, so I actually took her back. Mistake number two. Then along came Alec."
Leo clears his throat and takes a moment to think, glancing down the street at some traffic, then finally looking at the sidewalk again. "So... the best man won. I wasn't enough. Wasn't good enough... wasn't adventurous enough, I don't know. But Ryan chose a guy that should be in prison. I guess he just had the right moves."
Pausing, he finally looks at Cassy again, his eyes full of frustration, confusion and hurt. "So I guess what's blocking me from moving on is as simple as pride. I feel like the biggest idiot on the planet for ever thinking I could actually have Ryan McKade. I'm Leo Barnsworth - class clown, garage klutz, dumb handyman... now we can add ditched fool."
Biting his lip, Leo knew good and well Cassy wouldn't agree with his attitude. "I just need to let it go... Ryan's got what she wants now and I'm not it. I just need to accept it and settle back into my own little world I always lived in. It's where I fit best."
Herdest
Coming out more Cassy stands with Leo in as the nice sun light shines down on them. It felt kind of strange hearing about Leo's ex but she was his friend so she new listing was part of it and though it felt odd she new there was nothing she could do and listing was the best thing a friend could do.
"Yeah I bet it does suck. I kind relate to you a little, I mean I saw Steve the other day his arms around another girl and it really hurt inside. But I think maybe what your feeling with Ryan hurts a lot more."
Shifting a little Cassy thinks for a long moment before talking about. Just working words over in her head before speaking knowing she had to be carfel on what she said as not to make it for her own gain.
"When we give our heart to someone and than they break it, its really not an easy thing to forgive. I think forgetting is the wrong way to go about it, to really get over it forgiveness, acceptance, and than moving on is what will help with you feeling better. But yes I know thats three of the hardest things to do."
Cocking her head a little to look at Leo in the eye her own look reflected she did know it was hard to handle sometimes and she had been there were he was and sometimes still was with trying to move on. Though she might be one step a head she'd been going through the same thing he was.
"Whats the thing thats the hardest about this whole Ryan thing that blocks your way?"
Helping Chance load everything into the car Destiny can hear her stomach rumble as she snaps her seat belt. As if Chance himself could read her mind Destiny can't help but laugh a little at his mention of food.
"No one told me you were a mind reader too."
Shaking her head a little and leaning back in the seat she lets out a low sigh. Today had been filled with many things are she was pooped but was she really about to call it quits so early? She was having a nice time out with Chance. Though he was her bodyguard he was quickly becoming a friend she could act completely out of the normal with too.
"I think grabbing something for lunch sounds nice. Crazy because we have all this food now, but nice non the less."
Turning her head to look at Chance the light catch Destiny's eyes and makes them glow for a second the smile still on her lips. Inside her felt so broken, and still scared that every moment she took could be the wrong one for the Agency to strike but she had to have some kind of fun or she would go crazy.
"You get to pick where though. If you take a left out of here, and than a right at the first stop light you will come to the main drag where there are a bunch of fast food places we could grab a bit at."
Sitting down with her food Ryan is quiet for a long while enjoying her chili dog and frys. It had been so long since she had, had one that now it was like someone had given her a million dollars.
Finally looking up at Alec and watching him as he played with his onion ring Ryan gave a chuckle before taking a sip of her drink. Hearing his question she things for a moment finding it strange he would ask about Leo, let alone think she would know to much.
"He's doing ok I think. We had it out at work a week back, and than he got pretty sick with a cold. He's better now and been to work like normal. Though the grapevine I've heard he's got a friend he's been helping out and spending a lot of time with. Other than that I don't know much else."
Taking a fry and dipping it into the ketchup Ryan takes a bit just looking at Alec for a long moment not being able to help the curiosity that played in her eyes but didn't makes its way to her lips.
"Yeah I bet it does suck. I kind relate to you a little, I mean I saw Steve the other day his arms around another girl and it really hurt inside. But I think maybe what your feeling with Ryan hurts a lot more."
Shifting a little Cassy thinks for a long moment before talking about. Just working words over in her head before speaking knowing she had to be carfel on what she said as not to make it for her own gain.
"When we give our heart to someone and than they break it, its really not an easy thing to forgive. I think forgetting is the wrong way to go about it, to really get over it forgiveness, acceptance, and than moving on is what will help with you feeling better. But yes I know thats three of the hardest things to do."
Cocking her head a little to look at Leo in the eye her own look reflected she did know it was hard to handle sometimes and she had been there were he was and sometimes still was with trying to move on. Though she might be one step a head she'd been going through the same thing he was.
"Whats the thing thats the hardest about this whole Ryan thing that blocks your way?"
Helping Chance load everything into the car Destiny can hear her stomach rumble as she snaps her seat belt. As if Chance himself could read her mind Destiny can't help but laugh a little at his mention of food.
"No one told me you were a mind reader too."
Shaking her head a little and leaning back in the seat she lets out a low sigh. Today had been filled with many things are she was pooped but was she really about to call it quits so early? She was having a nice time out with Chance. Though he was her bodyguard he was quickly becoming a friend she could act completely out of the normal with too.
"I think grabbing something for lunch sounds nice. Crazy because we have all this food now, but nice non the less."
Turning her head to look at Chance the light catch Destiny's eyes and makes them glow for a second the smile still on her lips. Inside her felt so broken, and still scared that every moment she took could be the wrong one for the Agency to strike but she had to have some kind of fun or she would go crazy.
"You get to pick where though. If you take a left out of here, and than a right at the first stop light you will come to the main drag where there are a bunch of fast food places we could grab a bit at."
Sitting down with her food Ryan is quiet for a long while enjoying her chili dog and frys. It had been so long since she had, had one that now it was like someone had given her a million dollars.
Finally looking up at Alec and watching him as he played with his onion ring Ryan gave a chuckle before taking a sip of her drink. Hearing his question she things for a moment finding it strange he would ask about Leo, let alone think she would know to much.
"He's doing ok I think. We had it out at work a week back, and than he got pretty sick with a cold. He's better now and been to work like normal. Though the grapevine I've heard he's got a friend he's been helping out and spending a lot of time with. Other than that I don't know much else."
Taking a fry and dipping it into the ketchup Ryan takes a bit just looking at Alec for a long moment not being able to help the curiosity that played in her eyes but didn't makes its way to her lips.
Your pick
Leo hadn't realized Cassy had come out, so her words startle him. Giving a little jolt, he turns around quickly, sending droplets of paint onto the sidewalk. "Huh? Oh. Yeah... yeah, everything's fine." He turns back to the window, trying to continue painting, but it just doesn't work. Finally he looks back at Cassy and sighs, giving up. He tosses the paintbrush into the half-empty can and leans back against the dry wall, folding his arms. "No, it's not. That was Eli... Ryan's brother. And I'm being selfish, grouchy, hypocritical and bitter."
Looking out to the street, he avoids Cassy's eyes. "I don't understand why I can't just let things go, ya know? I'm holding a grudge and it doesn't even feel good. I think I can forget, then it crops up again."
His eyes trail down to the sidewalk at his feet and he kicks at a pebble. He was sure Cassy really didn't need to hear all this. A simple "yes" or "no" would have been fine.
Chance shrugs nonchalantly. "I'm not a big breakfast person and really I'll eat any of this stuff. So it doesn't matter much to me."
Finally picking out some light breakfast foods, it's on to the next aisle. Soon they've gone from one end to the other and their shopping cart was full, but not overflowing. They'd chosen all the essentials and only a few extras, knowing they'd be back.
Once through the line and all loaded in the car, Chance lets the motor run before pulling out. "Alright, so after all that food shopping, I'm starving. We can grab a bite somewhere, or go back and make our own lunch. Your pick."
Alec follows along with Ryan, more than happy to be eating lunch with her. It doesn't take long for them to get their food and get settled on a picnic table that overlooked the little beach on the lake.
Digging into his food, Alec is quiet for a while, enjoying his hotdog and onion rings. Playing with an onion ring, he closes one eye and looks through it at Ryan, framing her in the fried circle. "So... how's Leo been lately? Haven't seen him around much at the shop when I've shown up."
Looking out to the street, he avoids Cassy's eyes. "I don't understand why I can't just let things go, ya know? I'm holding a grudge and it doesn't even feel good. I think I can forget, then it crops up again."
His eyes trail down to the sidewalk at his feet and he kicks at a pebble. He was sure Cassy really didn't need to hear all this. A simple "yes" or "no" would have been fine.
Chance shrugs nonchalantly. "I'm not a big breakfast person and really I'll eat any of this stuff. So it doesn't matter much to me."
Finally picking out some light breakfast foods, it's on to the next aisle. Soon they've gone from one end to the other and their shopping cart was full, but not overflowing. They'd chosen all the essentials and only a few extras, knowing they'd be back.
Once through the line and all loaded in the car, Chance lets the motor run before pulling out. "Alright, so after all that food shopping, I'm starving. We can grab a bite somewhere, or go back and make our own lunch. Your pick."
Alec follows along with Ryan, more than happy to be eating lunch with her. It doesn't take long for them to get their food and get settled on a picnic table that overlooked the little beach on the lake.
Digging into his food, Alec is quiet for a while, enjoying his hotdog and onion rings. Playing with an onion ring, he closes one eye and looks through it at Ryan, framing her in the fried circle. "So... how's Leo been lately? Haven't seen him around much at the shop when I've shown up."
Seemed comfortable
Accepting another kiss Ryan doesn't mind at all. Every kiss with Alec seemed new, exciting, like her eyes were being open again to what the feelings felt like.
Thrown from the thought quickly though and before Ryan even new what was happing she was out of the car and standing in front of Alec. Giving a laugh and a shake of her head Ryan goes to the other side of the car again pulling the keys off her seat from where she had dropped them.
"Alright, lets get some food..I am ready know I want a chili dog and some frys. We can sit over on the picnic tables to eat and than go for a nice walk."
Coming back around to the side with Alec again Ryan grins at him before heading twords the little hot dog stand.
Staring back at Chance for a long moment Destiny holds her smile as she watches him. Hearins his soft words she finally blinks. Had she heard him right? He'd said it so softly surly she had miss heard him. But still a little color comes her her cheeks as she hopes off the back of the car and comes along side him to look at the different things in front of them.
"Lets see...I like Granola bars, and Cereal so lets get both. Any kind you like over another? Your going to be eating there too remember? I want to make sure we have stuff in the house you like too."
Looking over her shoulder at Chance she gives a smile. It felt strange saying he would be eating in the house with her yet at the same time it seemed comfortable to say it even if he was just protecting her there.
Glancing out the door and seeing Leo talking with someone else Cassy just watches for a few moments. Everything looked to be ok until Leo's face dropped slightly. Cassy didn't want to be nosey so she just went back about her work till she heard the motorcycle drive off.
Going to the door and just watching Leo for a long moment Cassy couldn't help but worry a little for her friend. Finally stepping out she looks up at Leo and gives a smile.
"Everything ok?"
Thrown from the thought quickly though and before Ryan even new what was happing she was out of the car and standing in front of Alec. Giving a laugh and a shake of her head Ryan goes to the other side of the car again pulling the keys off her seat from where she had dropped them.
"Alright, lets get some food..I am ready know I want a chili dog and some frys. We can sit over on the picnic tables to eat and than go for a nice walk."
Coming back around to the side with Alec again Ryan grins at him before heading twords the little hot dog stand.
Staring back at Chance for a long moment Destiny holds her smile as she watches him. Hearins his soft words she finally blinks. Had she heard him right? He'd said it so softly surly she had miss heard him. But still a little color comes her her cheeks as she hopes off the back of the car and comes along side him to look at the different things in front of them.
"Lets see...I like Granola bars, and Cereal so lets get both. Any kind you like over another? Your going to be eating there too remember? I want to make sure we have stuff in the house you like too."
Looking over her shoulder at Chance she gives a smile. It felt strange saying he would be eating in the house with her yet at the same time it seemed comfortable to say it even if he was just protecting her there.
Glancing out the door and seeing Leo talking with someone else Cassy just watches for a few moments. Everything looked to be ok until Leo's face dropped slightly. Cassy didn't want to be nosey so she just went back about her work till she heard the motorcycle drive off.
Going to the door and just watching Leo for a long moment Cassy couldn't help but worry a little for her friend. Finally stepping out she looks up at Leo and gives a smile.
"Everything ok?"
Face
"Mmm..." Alec murmurs and sighs with pleasure at Ryan's attention. His arms tighten around her, as he pays no attention to what time it was, or how much time they had before they needed to get back. Enveloped in another kiss was all he cared about.
Eventually pulling away a little bit, he smiles at Ryan, resting his forehead against hers. "Alright, Miss Danger... I guess you're stuck with me."
He plants another kiss on her lips, but quite suddenly, his hand is on the doorhandle. Opening the door, he grabs hold of Ryan and pulls her out of the car with him, standing her up. "Okay, time for food," he announces abruptly, abandoning the cuddling. "And a walk on the beach."
Chance finally laughs too, joining in with Destiny as he stops the cart in the next aisle. "She was pretty funny," he agrees.
Leaning on the handle of the cart, he just studies Destiny for a moment, seeing life behind the veil of sorrow that had been placed over her eyes. "I like the look on your face right now too," he comments, almost too quietly to hear.
Just as quickly as he'd said it though, he looks away, clearing his throat, and points to the breakfast food. "Cereal? Poptarts? Granola bars? What'll you have?"
Concentrating on painting the trim around the outside window, Leo's brush falters as he hears a motorcycle rev behind him. Pausing his work, he turns around and is surprised to see Eli pull up to the curb.
It was odd Eli would stop or seek him out, and for a moment, Leo wonders if something is wrong. Setting down his paintbrush and wiping his hands on a towel, he wanders over to the bike as it's turned off. "Eli."
Eli takes off his helmet and nods to Leo. "Hey, how's it going?"
They didn't talk as much, now that Leo wasn't over at the apartment with Ryan anymore, but Leo did miss Eli's company sometimes. "It's going alright."
"Somebody said I might find you here. Part time job?"
"No... just helping out a friend." Leo glances over his shoulder, seeing Cassy's form in the doorway. He looks back to Eli with question. "What's up?"
Eli knew he might as well just cut to the chase. "I came to ask your help."
Leo quirks an eyebrow and folds his arms. "Help with what?"
"You said once you had a friend who had a big garage... I'm needing space for a paint job."
"There's plenty of places you could find without asking me." Leo was even more suspicious now. "Mark's shed is five miles out of town. A bit out of your way, don't you think?"
"Yeah, well... If you could just get a hold of the keys... that would be helpful."
Leo's eyes narrow. "What's going on, Eli?"
Eli purses his lips, then gestures down to where he'd sanded his bike earlier. "You can't see it now, but somebody got to my bike... mine and my girlfriend's. This little job of mine, it's... well, let's just say it's payback... in the nicest way, of course."
"Oh, no..." Leo shakes his head. "You're not dragging me into the middle of something like that. I'm sorry about your bikes, but I got-"
"It was Roth."
Leo stops short, anger automatically surfacing. "Roth? Why?"
"It's my girl... she used to be his. He got mad... ruined the paint on my bike, and the job I'd just done on hers."
"So what exactly is it you're planning?"
"I just want to... borrow... Roth's racing car. Just for a couple days, mind you. He won't even know it's gone. And my girl's out of town so she won't get involved."
Leo had a feeling he knew what Eli was up to. "And you want Mark's garage to keep it during those couple days because it's far from town."
"Might be nice to have an extra set of hands to push, too."
Leo thinks for a moment, still skeptical. "Ryan in on this?"
"Probably." Eli searches Leo's eyes. "Her and Alec both if I can nab them."
Leo immediately backs down. "Aw, no... no, I'm sorry. I just can't do that. I'll get you Mark's keys but other than that, you're on your own."
"Come on, Leo," Eli begs. "You wanna get back at Roth too, right?"
"Sounds like you got enough people," Leo spits back.
Eli sighs, seeing that Leo didn't want to be around Ryan and Alec and he couldn't blame him. "Yeah, okay. Just get me the keys and tell me where the shed is."
"Alright. When?"
"Tonight?"
Leo quirks an eyebrow. "I'll try to make it happen. If I can, I'll stop by your place tonight with the keys."
"Ten o'clock?"
"Got it." Leo backs up as Eli starts his engine again. Standing still for several moments, he stares down the street, even after the bike was out of sight. Even if he was just getting a set of keys, it meant he was involved in this thing. He did want to get back at Roth, and he knew whatever plan Eli had up his sleeve was probably a good one. But he just couldn't do more than secure a safe location... he wasn't going to work alongside Ryan, let alone her and Alec both. That was asking too much.
Put in a bit of a sour state, Leo spins around and stalks back to the window, grabbing his paintbrush again. His first swipe and paint lands on the window, making him growl at himself. "Nice, Leo." Taking his towel, he wipes it off and starts again, though his mood wasn't much for intricate work at this point.
Eventually pulling away a little bit, he smiles at Ryan, resting his forehead against hers. "Alright, Miss Danger... I guess you're stuck with me."
He plants another kiss on her lips, but quite suddenly, his hand is on the doorhandle. Opening the door, he grabs hold of Ryan and pulls her out of the car with him, standing her up. "Okay, time for food," he announces abruptly, abandoning the cuddling. "And a walk on the beach."
Chance finally laughs too, joining in with Destiny as he stops the cart in the next aisle. "She was pretty funny," he agrees.
Leaning on the handle of the cart, he just studies Destiny for a moment, seeing life behind the veil of sorrow that had been placed over her eyes. "I like the look on your face right now too," he comments, almost too quietly to hear.
Just as quickly as he'd said it though, he looks away, clearing his throat, and points to the breakfast food. "Cereal? Poptarts? Granola bars? What'll you have?"
Concentrating on painting the trim around the outside window, Leo's brush falters as he hears a motorcycle rev behind him. Pausing his work, he turns around and is surprised to see Eli pull up to the curb.
It was odd Eli would stop or seek him out, and for a moment, Leo wonders if something is wrong. Setting down his paintbrush and wiping his hands on a towel, he wanders over to the bike as it's turned off. "Eli."
Eli takes off his helmet and nods to Leo. "Hey, how's it going?"
They didn't talk as much, now that Leo wasn't over at the apartment with Ryan anymore, but Leo did miss Eli's company sometimes. "It's going alright."
"Somebody said I might find you here. Part time job?"
"No... just helping out a friend." Leo glances over his shoulder, seeing Cassy's form in the doorway. He looks back to Eli with question. "What's up?"
Eli knew he might as well just cut to the chase. "I came to ask your help."
Leo quirks an eyebrow and folds his arms. "Help with what?"
"You said once you had a friend who had a big garage... I'm needing space for a paint job."
"There's plenty of places you could find without asking me." Leo was even more suspicious now. "Mark's shed is five miles out of town. A bit out of your way, don't you think?"
"Yeah, well... If you could just get a hold of the keys... that would be helpful."
Leo's eyes narrow. "What's going on, Eli?"
Eli purses his lips, then gestures down to where he'd sanded his bike earlier. "You can't see it now, but somebody got to my bike... mine and my girlfriend's. This little job of mine, it's... well, let's just say it's payback... in the nicest way, of course."
"Oh, no..." Leo shakes his head. "You're not dragging me into the middle of something like that. I'm sorry about your bikes, but I got-"
"It was Roth."
Leo stops short, anger automatically surfacing. "Roth? Why?"
"It's my girl... she used to be his. He got mad... ruined the paint on my bike, and the job I'd just done on hers."
"So what exactly is it you're planning?"
"I just want to... borrow... Roth's racing car. Just for a couple days, mind you. He won't even know it's gone. And my girl's out of town so she won't get involved."
Leo had a feeling he knew what Eli was up to. "And you want Mark's garage to keep it during those couple days because it's far from town."
"Might be nice to have an extra set of hands to push, too."
Leo thinks for a moment, still skeptical. "Ryan in on this?"
"Probably." Eli searches Leo's eyes. "Her and Alec both if I can nab them."
Leo immediately backs down. "Aw, no... no, I'm sorry. I just can't do that. I'll get you Mark's keys but other than that, you're on your own."
"Come on, Leo," Eli begs. "You wanna get back at Roth too, right?"
"Sounds like you got enough people," Leo spits back.
Eli sighs, seeing that Leo didn't want to be around Ryan and Alec and he couldn't blame him. "Yeah, okay. Just get me the keys and tell me where the shed is."
"Alright. When?"
"Tonight?"
Leo quirks an eyebrow. "I'll try to make it happen. If I can, I'll stop by your place tonight with the keys."
"Ten o'clock?"
"Got it." Leo backs up as Eli starts his engine again. Standing still for several moments, he stares down the street, even after the bike was out of sight. Even if he was just getting a set of keys, it meant he was involved in this thing. He did want to get back at Roth, and he knew whatever plan Eli had up his sleeve was probably a good one. But he just couldn't do more than secure a safe location... he wasn't going to work alongside Ryan, let alone her and Alec both. That was asking too much.
Put in a bit of a sour state, Leo spins around and stalks back to the window, grabbing his paintbrush again. His first swipe and paint lands on the window, making him growl at himself. "Nice, Leo." Taking his towel, he wipes it off and starts again, though his mood wasn't much for intricate work at this point.
5/15/10
MAY DAY MAY DAY!!!!!!
Being pulled into Alec's lap Ryan doesn't mind it at all as she wraps her arm around his neck to make it a little more comfortable. Leaning into him Ryan accepts his kiss giving it her own passion in return as her hand finds the back of his head again.
As he pulls back Ryan's grin grows, going in for another kiss and than pulling back again, only to have him return once more, and pull away.
"Trouble, danger, sounds kind of fun if you ask me."
Bringing her lips to Alec's again Ryan deepens the kiss just letting if last for several moment before pulling away and kissing his nose, than his cheek, than making her way down to his neck, than back up to his ear nibbling on it a little. Her breath brushing across it.
"Danger is my middle name after all, and I think I like it that way."
Shifting a little again Ryan looks Alec in the eyes again for a long moment as she runs her hand long the side of his face once more. Her eyes dancing with his, the sparks being thrown back and forth till finally she brought her lips to his once more and letting the kiss last this time.
Hanging on tight to the end of the cart Destiny laughs and lets out a whoop of her own as the go shooting down the isles again. She couldn't remember the last time she had laughed so much as now that she was she was going to enjoy it.
Looking behind her a little Destiny see the course they are taking as well and gives a little shreek.
"May day may day may day.."
Coming to a stop right in front of the carts Destiny lets out a low breath happy that they hadn't crashed. Shooting the employee a glair though Destiny was not amused that she was being such a stick in the mud for them just having a little bit of fun.
Hearing Chances story Destiny dosn't skip a beat as she slips into the roll he was describing. Giving a nod to what Chances was saying agreeing with him that what he said was true.
"Your lucky this time lady. Next time watch that YOU don't make a scene. We might not be around to save you again."
As Chance turns the cart around and starts away again Destiny can't help the chuckle that escapes her lips. Giving a shake of her head once they were around the corner she lets her laugh out a little more.
"That was great! Did you see the look on her face? I though she was going to wet herself right there."
As he pulls back Ryan's grin grows, going in for another kiss and than pulling back again, only to have him return once more, and pull away.
"Trouble, danger, sounds kind of fun if you ask me."
Bringing her lips to Alec's again Ryan deepens the kiss just letting if last for several moment before pulling away and kissing his nose, than his cheek, than making her way down to his neck, than back up to his ear nibbling on it a little. Her breath brushing across it.
"Danger is my middle name after all, and I think I like it that way."
Shifting a little again Ryan looks Alec in the eyes again for a long moment as she runs her hand long the side of his face once more. Her eyes dancing with his, the sparks being thrown back and forth till finally she brought her lips to his once more and letting the kiss last this time.
Hanging on tight to the end of the cart Destiny laughs and lets out a whoop of her own as the go shooting down the isles again. She couldn't remember the last time she had laughed so much as now that she was she was going to enjoy it.
Looking behind her a little Destiny see the course they are taking as well and gives a little shreek.
"May day may day may day.."
Coming to a stop right in front of the carts Destiny lets out a low breath happy that they hadn't crashed. Shooting the employee a glair though Destiny was not amused that she was being such a stick in the mud for them just having a little bit of fun.
Hearing Chances story Destiny dosn't skip a beat as she slips into the roll he was describing. Giving a nod to what Chances was saying agreeing with him that what he said was true.
"Your lucky this time lady. Next time watch that YOU don't make a scene. We might not be around to save you again."
As Chance turns the cart around and starts away again Destiny can't help the chuckle that escapes her lips. Giving a shake of her head once they were around the corner she lets her laugh out a little more.
"That was great! Did you see the look on her face? I though she was going to wet herself right there."
Madman
Having Karla scoot a little closer to him, Kip feels a strange little feeling in his stomach... a good one... something like butterflies, but not quite. And in this moment, he knew for sure that he and Karla would be okay. She was accepting him back... after his mistake, she was forgiving him. And he was bound and determined, not to make that same mistake again.
Leaning a little closer so their shoulders touched, he's happy to have his hand in hers, resting in her lap, and he gives her fingers a little squeeze. He might not want to admit it, but this whole new adventure was a bit scary to him too, so having her there with him felt really nice.
"Mmm." Kyle kisses the top of Alice's head and gives her a big hug. "I love you, too, Pepper... I love you, too."
Chance grins, imagining Destiny stuffing her mouth full of candy. A little chuckle slips out and it seems he wants to say something, but refrains. Scanning the shelf again, he grabs a big bag of M&Ms. "Small chocolates... but lots of them."
He winks at Destiny and throws the bag in the shopping cart. "Alright... fruit... candy... now that we have the essentials, we're ready to get the, shall we say... extras." Aiming down the aisle, he takes a run with Destiny on the end of the cart before climbing on the bar again and shooting towards the intersection. "Geronimo!"
Meeting the intersecting aisle, there's a store employee carefully stacking a pyramid of soup cans. Seeing the speeding cart coming towards her, she jumps back, dropping a can onto the floor. Chance's eyes widen as he realizes their collision course and he quickly slides back to the floor, his feet acting as breaks, bringing the cart to a stop right in front of the stack of cans.
The store employee gives a little gasp and she glares at Chance for the shenanigans. "Really," she hisses, "I would expect this from an eight-year-old."
Chance looks around them quickly as if looking for someone. "Well uh... I guess you better start expecting it from twenty-eight-year-olds too." He glances to the floor and nods at the runaway can. "I think you dropped something there."
"Move along, or I'll have to call management," she threatens.
"Hey, lady." Chance gains a look of irritation. "You wanna keep it down? I happen to be on a very important mission here and I'm trying to keep my cover here, but you're making it very difficult." He pulls open his jacket to reveal his badge, his voice lowering to a hoarse whisper. "Now I'm supposed to be a madman, so please... don't blow my cover. Just play along and maybe, just maybe, we'll all get out of this alive."
The woman blinks and backs up a couple steps, her face paling slightly. "Okay... okay. I'm sorry, officer, I didn't think-"
"It's fine. Everything's fine. Now... my colleague and I are going to continue as we were. You just act like everything is normal." Chance gives her a serious nod before swiveling the cart around. Heading down the next aisle, his eyes go wide at Destiny and his mouth quirks into something between a cringe and a smile, the laughter held just under the surface but dying to be let loose.
Alec returns Ryan's kiss, only to have her pull away too soon for his liking. A grin creases his lips and he searches her eyes, first the right, then the left, studying them, drawing them closer with his gaze. His hand still rests to the back of her head too, and her fingers in his hair made him never want to move.
"You're good at that, aren't you?" he speaks quietly, his sly glint returning to his eye. "Driving me crazy. I can't let you get away that easy."
Reaching down with one hand on her jacket and one on her waist, he pulls her from her seat until she's sitting sideways on his lap. Grinning mischievously, he runs a finger down the side of her face. "You sure you wanna stick around with me?"
He leans down and kisses her lips with deep passion before pulling back again.
"I could get us in a lot of trouble."
His kiss finds her sweet lips again.
"Might be dangerous... being around me."
Another kiss and his arms wrap around her.
"Unless you... like it that way."
Leaning a little closer so their shoulders touched, he's happy to have his hand in hers, resting in her lap, and he gives her fingers a little squeeze. He might not want to admit it, but this whole new adventure was a bit scary to him too, so having her there with him felt really nice.
"Mmm." Kyle kisses the top of Alice's head and gives her a big hug. "I love you, too, Pepper... I love you, too."
Chance grins, imagining Destiny stuffing her mouth full of candy. A little chuckle slips out and it seems he wants to say something, but refrains. Scanning the shelf again, he grabs a big bag of M&Ms. "Small chocolates... but lots of them."
He winks at Destiny and throws the bag in the shopping cart. "Alright... fruit... candy... now that we have the essentials, we're ready to get the, shall we say... extras." Aiming down the aisle, he takes a run with Destiny on the end of the cart before climbing on the bar again and shooting towards the intersection. "Geronimo!"
Meeting the intersecting aisle, there's a store employee carefully stacking a pyramid of soup cans. Seeing the speeding cart coming towards her, she jumps back, dropping a can onto the floor. Chance's eyes widen as he realizes their collision course and he quickly slides back to the floor, his feet acting as breaks, bringing the cart to a stop right in front of the stack of cans.
The store employee gives a little gasp and she glares at Chance for the shenanigans. "Really," she hisses, "I would expect this from an eight-year-old."
Chance looks around them quickly as if looking for someone. "Well uh... I guess you better start expecting it from twenty-eight-year-olds too." He glances to the floor and nods at the runaway can. "I think you dropped something there."
"Move along, or I'll have to call management," she threatens.
"Hey, lady." Chance gains a look of irritation. "You wanna keep it down? I happen to be on a very important mission here and I'm trying to keep my cover here, but you're making it very difficult." He pulls open his jacket to reveal his badge, his voice lowering to a hoarse whisper. "Now I'm supposed to be a madman, so please... don't blow my cover. Just play along and maybe, just maybe, we'll all get out of this alive."
The woman blinks and backs up a couple steps, her face paling slightly. "Okay... okay. I'm sorry, officer, I didn't think-"
"It's fine. Everything's fine. Now... my colleague and I are going to continue as we were. You just act like everything is normal." Chance gives her a serious nod before swiveling the cart around. Heading down the next aisle, his eyes go wide at Destiny and his mouth quirks into something between a cringe and a smile, the laughter held just under the surface but dying to be let loose.
Alec returns Ryan's kiss, only to have her pull away too soon for his liking. A grin creases his lips and he searches her eyes, first the right, then the left, studying them, drawing them closer with his gaze. His hand still rests to the back of her head too, and her fingers in his hair made him never want to move.
"You're good at that, aren't you?" he speaks quietly, his sly glint returning to his eye. "Driving me crazy. I can't let you get away that easy."
Reaching down with one hand on her jacket and one on her waist, he pulls her from her seat until she's sitting sideways on his lap. Grinning mischievously, he runs a finger down the side of her face. "You sure you wanna stick around with me?"
He leans down and kisses her lips with deep passion before pulling back again.
"I could get us in a lot of trouble."
His kiss finds her sweet lips again.
"Might be dangerous... being around me."
Another kiss and his arms wrap around her.
"Unless you... like it that way."
O.O NO OJ WAS CONSUMED IN THIS POST O.O
Hopping off the cart once they stop Destiny scans all the candy trying to deiced what she wanted. Bringing a hand to her lips in a thinking manor she makes a hummm sound showing she really was trying to deiced.
Hearing Chance's question a wider smile forms on Destiny's lips as she looks back to the candy again. Reaching out and finding what she was looking for she holds up a bad of sour patch kids.
"I like seeing out many I can fit in my mouth before it becomes to sour."
A grin forms on her lips as she throws the bag into the cart. This was going to be fun she new it would be. She never had any brother's or sisters so having Chance around to do some fun stuff with would be a nice change from the norm.
"Now you pick what you want too so we each had our favorites to share."
Feeling Kip's hand slip into her own Karla moves her fingers around a little. It felt warm in her own, but comfortable. There was no awkwardness like she would of thought after everything that happened. Giving a little returned squeeze to signal it was ok they held hands.
"I'm really happy I ended up coming too and I am glad I get to share this experience with you."
Looking out at the pond again it was a nice day thats for sure. Feeling Kip's quick kiss on her cheek it was a shock but it made her feel warm inside and she liked it. Knowing her cheeks were red now Karla felt the same feelings she had the first time Kip had kissed her. Though she was a little leery now not wanting to get hurt again she had to take the risk, she couldn't not take it and lose someone who made her feel special.
Sliding a little closer to Kip her hand still in his Karla was now quite close to him than they were before. Turning her head to look at him a smile forms on her lips before she looks out at the pond again. Placing his hand in her lap with her own she gives a sigh. Everything would be ok.
Being pulled closer to Kyle Alice can feel the warmth of his arm around her and loved every moment. They way Kyle held her, touched her it was always warm and welcoming. Feeling the soft kiss that followed Alice couldn't help the soft memer from her her lips as she returned the gentile gesture.
Pulling away a little Alice smile up at Kyle before leaning into him again and resting her head onto his chest.
"I love you Kyle Mitts, and don't you forget it!"
A grin forms on her lips as Alec's own brushes hers. Her heart seemed to race and if it was from his kiss, or his words Ryan wasn't sure. She really had found Alec's heart for him again? It send a whole new set of emotions through her much different than the ones before but good non the less.
"Mmm...maybe your right, maybe I am the hero and your the torcher. But I think its the kind I like because the out come is good."
Bringing her hand up Alec's arm and over his shoulder Ryan's hand finds the back of his head. Racking her fingers through his hand Ryan is a little more on the rough side as her eyes dance with fire.
"But the thing is...."
Ryan brings her face close to Alec's her breath heavy.
"...two can play at that game."
Pressing her lips to his she lets is last for a moment before pulling away herself the grin still on her lips.
Hearing Chance's question a wider smile forms on Destiny's lips as she looks back to the candy again. Reaching out and finding what she was looking for she holds up a bad of sour patch kids.
"I like seeing out many I can fit in my mouth before it becomes to sour."
A grin forms on her lips as she throws the bag into the cart. This was going to be fun she new it would be. She never had any brother's or sisters so having Chance around to do some fun stuff with would be a nice change from the norm.
"Now you pick what you want too so we each had our favorites to share."
Feeling Kip's hand slip into her own Karla moves her fingers around a little. It felt warm in her own, but comfortable. There was no awkwardness like she would of thought after everything that happened. Giving a little returned squeeze to signal it was ok they held hands.
"I'm really happy I ended up coming too and I am glad I get to share this experience with you."
Looking out at the pond again it was a nice day thats for sure. Feeling Kip's quick kiss on her cheek it was a shock but it made her feel warm inside and she liked it. Knowing her cheeks were red now Karla felt the same feelings she had the first time Kip had kissed her. Though she was a little leery now not wanting to get hurt again she had to take the risk, she couldn't not take it and lose someone who made her feel special.
Sliding a little closer to Kip her hand still in his Karla was now quite close to him than they were before. Turning her head to look at him a smile forms on her lips before she looks out at the pond again. Placing his hand in her lap with her own she gives a sigh. Everything would be ok.
Being pulled closer to Kyle Alice can feel the warmth of his arm around her and loved every moment. They way Kyle held her, touched her it was always warm and welcoming. Feeling the soft kiss that followed Alice couldn't help the soft memer from her her lips as she returned the gentile gesture.
Pulling away a little Alice smile up at Kyle before leaning into him again and resting her head onto his chest.
"I love you Kyle Mitts, and don't you forget it!"
A grin forms on her lips as Alec's own brushes hers. Her heart seemed to race and if it was from his kiss, or his words Ryan wasn't sure. She really had found Alec's heart for him again? It send a whole new set of emotions through her much different than the ones before but good non the less.
"Mmm...maybe your right, maybe I am the hero and your the torcher. But I think its the kind I like because the out come is good."
Bringing her hand up Alec's arm and over his shoulder Ryan's hand finds the back of his head. Racking her fingers through his hand Ryan is a little more on the rough side as her eyes dance with fire.
"But the thing is...."
Ryan brings her face close to Alec's her breath heavy.
"...two can play at that game."
Pressing her lips to his she lets is last for a moment before pulling away herself the grin still on her lips.
Steel
Looking back at Karla as she thanks him, Kip is a little confused at first, before a small smile surfaces. "You're the one that stopped to see if I was gonna live," he replies, remembering the day he'd run too hard and she'd found him on the curbside.
Hesitating at first, Kip finally dares to reach over and take her hand. He couldn't tell if she was still upset with him or not for the whole Whitney thing, and he hated how it had made such a mess. If he could go back in time and change it, he would. He hated tension between him and anybody, and with Karla it felt ten times worse.
"I'm... I'm glad you came with us." He nods, showing he meant it.
Biting his lip, he studies her face for a moment, his cheeks growing slightly warm. Deciding to take the risk, he leans over and plants a quick kiss to her cheek. Straightening again, he looks out at the pond, not wanting to see rejection in her eyes, and his hand wiggles a little bit in hers as he thinks maybe he ought to just get up and walk away before she told him she hadn't liked that.
Kyle can't help a smile and a light laugh as he looks down at Alice. Bringing her hand up closer to his chest, it pulls her closer to him as his other arm slips around her. He leans his head into her hand and gives a contented sigh. "God knew what he was doing when he brought you to me," he muses softly. "You always keep me on track."
Leaning down, he gives Alice's lips a tender kiss - unusual for him to do in public, but he had no other way to express how grateful he was.
Nearby, Twila taps Theo's arm and points to Kyle and Alice, a silly grin on her face. Theo puts his hand over her eyes and turns her around to walk the other way and she giggles.
"What's wrong with watching somebody tell someone else they love them?"
Theo keeps pushing her the other way, though he laughs. "There's a different between seeing it and gawking at it. Go rent a romance movie."
Twila gives his shoulder a whack, but she's laughing. "I think they're cute."
"Okay, me too. But don't tel anybody I said that."
"Don't worry, tough guy, your secret is safe with me."
A little surprised Destiny hops on the back of the cart, Chance's grin widens. "You kidding me? A sugar high is the best buzz in the world."
Spinning around the corner, he speeds up a little, just because she was hanging on, then skids to a stop in front of a large display of all kinds of candy. For some reason, seeing her laugh brought a warm feeling to his insides. This was still just an Elite assignment, of course, but there was no reason for him not to enjoy parts of it, right?
"Mmm too many choices," he muses as he stares at the rows of bags and boxes. "I fancy chocolate on most occasions. What's your favorite?"
"A hero?" Alec's eyes shift a little as he abandons his other feelings for now. "I think you've got that a little backward, don't you?"
His hand slips up to her shoulder, then to the back of her neck, pulling her face closer to him. "You're the one that rescued me, remember? If it weren't for you, I'd still have a chunk of steel where my heart is supposed to be."
Leaning in closer, he teases her with only a small, light kiss before pulling away.
Hesitating at first, Kip finally dares to reach over and take her hand. He couldn't tell if she was still upset with him or not for the whole Whitney thing, and he hated how it had made such a mess. If he could go back in time and change it, he would. He hated tension between him and anybody, and with Karla it felt ten times worse.
"I'm... I'm glad you came with us." He nods, showing he meant it.
Biting his lip, he studies her face for a moment, his cheeks growing slightly warm. Deciding to take the risk, he leans over and plants a quick kiss to her cheek. Straightening again, he looks out at the pond, not wanting to see rejection in her eyes, and his hand wiggles a little bit in hers as he thinks maybe he ought to just get up and walk away before she told him she hadn't liked that.
Kyle can't help a smile and a light laugh as he looks down at Alice. Bringing her hand up closer to his chest, it pulls her closer to him as his other arm slips around her. He leans his head into her hand and gives a contented sigh. "God knew what he was doing when he brought you to me," he muses softly. "You always keep me on track."
Leaning down, he gives Alice's lips a tender kiss - unusual for him to do in public, but he had no other way to express how grateful he was.
Nearby, Twila taps Theo's arm and points to Kyle and Alice, a silly grin on her face. Theo puts his hand over her eyes and turns her around to walk the other way and she giggles.
"What's wrong with watching somebody tell someone else they love them?"
Theo keeps pushing her the other way, though he laughs. "There's a different between seeing it and gawking at it. Go rent a romance movie."
Twila gives his shoulder a whack, but she's laughing. "I think they're cute."
"Okay, me too. But don't tel anybody I said that."
"Don't worry, tough guy, your secret is safe with me."
A little surprised Destiny hops on the back of the cart, Chance's grin widens. "You kidding me? A sugar high is the best buzz in the world."
Spinning around the corner, he speeds up a little, just because she was hanging on, then skids to a stop in front of a large display of all kinds of candy. For some reason, seeing her laugh brought a warm feeling to his insides. This was still just an Elite assignment, of course, but there was no reason for him not to enjoy parts of it, right?
"Mmm too many choices," he muses as he stares at the rows of bags and boxes. "I fancy chocolate on most occasions. What's your favorite?"
"A hero?" Alec's eyes shift a little as he abandons his other feelings for now. "I think you've got that a little backward, don't you?"
His hand slips up to her shoulder, then to the back of her neck, pulling her face closer to him. "You're the one that rescued me, remember? If it weren't for you, I'd still have a chunk of steel where my heart is supposed to be."
Leaning in closer, he teases her with only a small, light kiss before pulling away.
Willy Wonka
Keeping her hand on Alec's face Ryan looks him in the eyes her own face was stern but still showed her compassion for him. Maybe he had killed Drew because he was mad, but it wasnt worth beating himself up over.
"Still that doesn't make you a murder ether but there are a whole lot of what if that can't be answered. Live and learn, your not an Elite Agency your not trained, you acted out of emotion just like anyone else would."
Ryan gives Alec a small smile. Not many people would understand why she felt this way about Alec, and how she could open her heart to him in such a way that one day could cause it to break, sometimes still she didn't even understand but it was easy to do with Alec. With all the time spent with him she'd gotten to see the deeper him, something no one else did.
"Your a hero in my eyes Alec. Keeping that girl safe and standing up to the Agency. I don't care what anyone else says."
Following after Chance Destiny can't help but laugh as he zooms down the isle. She new people were looking at them but she didn't really care. Her own laughter rings as she catchs up and grabs some strawberry's and than some blueberry's as well.
"Mmmm...I love fruit. If I didn't love steak and hamburgers so much I could be a vegetarian no problem."
Continuing on though the section with the veggies and the fruit they get all they need from there before moving on. Next was the candy isle and Destiny only turns slightly to Chance a grin forming on her face as she raises an eyebrow.
Hopping on the end of the car she holds on knowing she was light enough Chance could still push. It was rare she acted silly like this but today just seemed like one of those days and it felt good.
"I think Willy Wonka is calling us. You always have to have candy in a house for when the craving hit."
Walking hand in hand with Kyle Alice new he was nervous. After all this time she's learned to pick up on different things to tell Kyle's mood before he even said anything. Just letting him talk Alice is silent for a long moment afterwords just thinking. But finally she found the words she wanted even though it really hadn't been hard.
"I know they are going to be happy to see you. They are family and nothing is stronger in bond than that. I bet they missed you an awful lot and I think the surprise for them will be nice."
Stopping Alice pulls on Kyle's hand a little to turn him to face her. Bringing her hand to the side of his face she runs her thumb over his cheek.
"They are going to love seeing you, and if they new you were thinking about ducking out of it, they'd whack ya."
Sitting on the rock just looking out at the pond Karla was enjoying the nice sun shine. It was different here, a lot different. Not bad...just not what she was use to and still it was a bit nerve wracking but she new she was with friends and that helped calm her a little.
Turning her head to look at Kip as he sat down Karla gives him a smile and a slight nod letting him know it was ok. She new the last few days things had been really crazy, and there drive here had been a little more quiet than planned but it was still nice non the less and she was happy Kip was there to be strong for her.
"I"m doing ok. Just trying to get use to everything, I am sure once we have a permanent place to stay it will be a little easier. I'm just trying at the moment to makes as little a mess at Kyle's grandparents as I can."
Looking out at the pond again Karla's lips turn into a smile as she thinks to herself. So far, the experiences she had, had were great and she thanked that all to Kip.
"Kip, I wanted to say thanks for letting me share this with you. So far the adventure has been great and I am sure its gonna get even better. If it hadn't been for you I never would of got to experience this. So...thanks."
Things had been rough with the over the last few days but Karla had already forgiven Kip and was starting to let go of the feelings she had when she saw him and Whitney together. They were gonna be ok, Karla new it. The time she needed seemed to be getting short by the minute. How could she be mad forever at someone as special as Kip?
"Still that doesn't make you a murder ether but there are a whole lot of what if that can't be answered. Live and learn, your not an Elite Agency your not trained, you acted out of emotion just like anyone else would."
Ryan gives Alec a small smile. Not many people would understand why she felt this way about Alec, and how she could open her heart to him in such a way that one day could cause it to break, sometimes still she didn't even understand but it was easy to do with Alec. With all the time spent with him she'd gotten to see the deeper him, something no one else did.
"Your a hero in my eyes Alec. Keeping that girl safe and standing up to the Agency. I don't care what anyone else says."
Following after Chance Destiny can't help but laugh as he zooms down the isle. She new people were looking at them but she didn't really care. Her own laughter rings as she catchs up and grabs some strawberry's and than some blueberry's as well.
"Mmmm...I love fruit. If I didn't love steak and hamburgers so much I could be a vegetarian no problem."
Continuing on though the section with the veggies and the fruit they get all they need from there before moving on. Next was the candy isle and Destiny only turns slightly to Chance a grin forming on her face as she raises an eyebrow.
Hopping on the end of the car she holds on knowing she was light enough Chance could still push. It was rare she acted silly like this but today just seemed like one of those days and it felt good.
"I think Willy Wonka is calling us. You always have to have candy in a house for when the craving hit."
Walking hand in hand with Kyle Alice new he was nervous. After all this time she's learned to pick up on different things to tell Kyle's mood before he even said anything. Just letting him talk Alice is silent for a long moment afterwords just thinking. But finally she found the words she wanted even though it really hadn't been hard.
"I know they are going to be happy to see you. They are family and nothing is stronger in bond than that. I bet they missed you an awful lot and I think the surprise for them will be nice."
Stopping Alice pulls on Kyle's hand a little to turn him to face her. Bringing her hand to the side of his face she runs her thumb over his cheek.
"They are going to love seeing you, and if they new you were thinking about ducking out of it, they'd whack ya."
Sitting on the rock just looking out at the pond Karla was enjoying the nice sun shine. It was different here, a lot different. Not bad...just not what she was use to and still it was a bit nerve wracking but she new she was with friends and that helped calm her a little.
Turning her head to look at Kip as he sat down Karla gives him a smile and a slight nod letting him know it was ok. She new the last few days things had been really crazy, and there drive here had been a little more quiet than planned but it was still nice non the less and she was happy Kip was there to be strong for her.
"I"m doing ok. Just trying to get use to everything, I am sure once we have a permanent place to stay it will be a little easier. I'm just trying at the moment to makes as little a mess at Kyle's grandparents as I can."
Looking out at the pond again Karla's lips turn into a smile as she thinks to herself. So far, the experiences she had, had were great and she thanked that all to Kip.
"Kip, I wanted to say thanks for letting me share this with you. So far the adventure has been great and I am sure its gonna get even better. If it hadn't been for you I never would of got to experience this. So...thanks."
Things had been rough with the over the last few days but Karla had already forgiven Kip and was starting to let go of the feelings she had when she saw him and Whitney together. They were gonna be ok, Karla new it. The time she needed seemed to be getting short by the minute. How could she be mad forever at someone as special as Kip?
Bananas
Feeling Ryan's touch to his face, Alec closes his eyes for a moment, taking in her words. Was that it? Was it simply because now he cared? What if Jason was right though? Maybe he really had killed Drew just because he'd been mad. He replays the scenario in this mind for the umpteenth time. Drew had been lying there, unarmed, daring him to pull the trigger. The shot had been fired. Had it been necessary?
Alec's eyes open again, focusing on Ryan's face. "It wasn't self defense," he almost whispers. "Jason's right." He swallows hard and drops his gaze. "I... I was angry. Drew was unarmed at that point."
Having Destiny shake his hand, Chance's smile widens. Laughing, he nods. "Shopping extravaganza, here we come."
Getting out of the car, he makes sure nothing seems out of the ordinary before joining up with Destiny to go inside the store. He knew he needed to make a habit of always being on guard and always aware of the people around them. It wasn't hard... he lived like this most days now.
Grabbing a cart, Chance looks around the store. "Alright... no list. This is gonna be fun." Grinning, he aims for one end of the store, where the fresh produce was. Spying a rack of bananas, he throws Destiny a silly look. Stepping up onto the bar of the cart, he gives a little push and rides down the aisle, grabbing a bunch of bananas as he goes before finally setting a foot down to stop near the strawberries. "You can't ever go wrong with fruit," he muses.
"Are you guys ready or what?" Kyle stands at the door with his arms out, looking around the living room at his friends who were lounging and talking.
Russ is the first to his feet, throwing his hands in the air. "Woot! Concert here we come! Why didn't you say so?"
"I just did! We're gonna be late if we don't hustle!" In reality, they had plenty of time, but Kyle wanted to get the bunch out of the house for a while. His grandparents were more than happy to have them, but keeping a gang of bored "young'uns" all day was tiring them out just a little bit.
There's a bit more chaos as everyone cleans up and gets ready to go. Kyle had made a couple phone calls and found out that JetStream was going to go to Mom and Pop's afterward and he'd had someone else make sure Carson was aware that there would probably be some extra people this time. Kyle figured if they got going early to the concert, they'd have time to stop off at the park and walk around for a few minutes so his friends could see a few sights and they could all stretch their legs.
Getting everyone out and going again, it feels like a whirlwind, but they're finally at the park with some time to kill.
Kyle walks slowly, hand-in-hand with Alice, not paying a whole lot of attention to any quiet activities in the park, or even the pond that he usually went to see. He was nervous about tonight. Trying to hide it, but it was still there. He knew the others probably wouldn't notice, unless it was maybe Erik - he was pretty observant. But Alice would know for sure, whether Kyle said anything or not.
"You think... they'll be glad to see me?" he questions aloud. His hand wiggles hers around, his pent-up energy a combination of boredom and nervousness. "I mean... I don't know." Even after his late-night conversation with Gram, he wasn't so sure about it all. He'd changed a lot in the last year too... would things be alright? "Maybe they wouldn't want me showing up at a concert, ya know? Maybe I should just call Phil tomorrow or something instead."
After a friendly wrestling match with Theo, Kip is out of breath and flops down on a big rock by the little pond, startling a few of the ducks. He'd seen where Karla had headed, and had intentionally sought her out. The trip to Nevada had been okay... not quite what Kip had imagined, but it could have been a lot worse. Then last night, he hadn't had much time to sit and chat with Karla - everything had been kind of chaotic.
Catching his breath, he picks at a long piece of grass beside the rock and turns his head just a little to see Karla. "So... how ya doing?" His tone was a little hesitant. He hadn't been quite as hyper the last couple days, being more careful and not quite sure where he stood anymore. What he really wanted to ask was "how are we?" but he didn't.
Alec's eyes open again, focusing on Ryan's face. "It wasn't self defense," he almost whispers. "Jason's right." He swallows hard and drops his gaze. "I... I was angry. Drew was unarmed at that point."
Having Destiny shake his hand, Chance's smile widens. Laughing, he nods. "Shopping extravaganza, here we come."
Getting out of the car, he makes sure nothing seems out of the ordinary before joining up with Destiny to go inside the store. He knew he needed to make a habit of always being on guard and always aware of the people around them. It wasn't hard... he lived like this most days now.
Grabbing a cart, Chance looks around the store. "Alright... no list. This is gonna be fun." Grinning, he aims for one end of the store, where the fresh produce was. Spying a rack of bananas, he throws Destiny a silly look. Stepping up onto the bar of the cart, he gives a little push and rides down the aisle, grabbing a bunch of bananas as he goes before finally setting a foot down to stop near the strawberries. "You can't ever go wrong with fruit," he muses.
"Are you guys ready or what?" Kyle stands at the door with his arms out, looking around the living room at his friends who were lounging and talking.
Russ is the first to his feet, throwing his hands in the air. "Woot! Concert here we come! Why didn't you say so?"
"I just did! We're gonna be late if we don't hustle!" In reality, they had plenty of time, but Kyle wanted to get the bunch out of the house for a while. His grandparents were more than happy to have them, but keeping a gang of bored "young'uns" all day was tiring them out just a little bit.
There's a bit more chaos as everyone cleans up and gets ready to go. Kyle had made a couple phone calls and found out that JetStream was going to go to Mom and Pop's afterward and he'd had someone else make sure Carson was aware that there would probably be some extra people this time. Kyle figured if they got going early to the concert, they'd have time to stop off at the park and walk around for a few minutes so his friends could see a few sights and they could all stretch their legs.
Getting everyone out and going again, it feels like a whirlwind, but they're finally at the park with some time to kill.
Kyle walks slowly, hand-in-hand with Alice, not paying a whole lot of attention to any quiet activities in the park, or even the pond that he usually went to see. He was nervous about tonight. Trying to hide it, but it was still there. He knew the others probably wouldn't notice, unless it was maybe Erik - he was pretty observant. But Alice would know for sure, whether Kyle said anything or not.
"You think... they'll be glad to see me?" he questions aloud. His hand wiggles hers around, his pent-up energy a combination of boredom and nervousness. "I mean... I don't know." Even after his late-night conversation with Gram, he wasn't so sure about it all. He'd changed a lot in the last year too... would things be alright? "Maybe they wouldn't want me showing up at a concert, ya know? Maybe I should just call Phil tomorrow or something instead."
After a friendly wrestling match with Theo, Kip is out of breath and flops down on a big rock by the little pond, startling a few of the ducks. He'd seen where Karla had headed, and had intentionally sought her out. The trip to Nevada had been okay... not quite what Kip had imagined, but it could have been a lot worse. Then last night, he hadn't had much time to sit and chat with Karla - everything had been kind of chaotic.
Catching his breath, he picks at a long piece of grass beside the rock and turns his head just a little to see Karla. "So... how ya doing?" His tone was a little hesitant. He hadn't been quite as hyper the last couple days, being more careful and not quite sure where he stood anymore. What he really wanted to ask was "how are we?" but he didn't.
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