Scott hears just the tail end of Dalton's comment about the chair, and a little grin pulls his mouth. He doesn't respond though, his energy having been completely spent. Exhausted and malnourished, he just didn't have any energy left to give, even if he wanted to stay awake.
It's a few minutes before Justin appears in the door again, seeing that everything was now quiet and Scott was sleeping. There would be no session today - not any day until Scott was back into his own room again. The mental exercises would simply be too much of a strain right now.
Looking to Dalton, Justin gives him a slight nod. "Thank you... Dalton. For coming. You're a good friend."
Later on, after Scott had slept a while and Justin had left, Mary, one of the nurses comes to rouse Scott and see about lunch. It doesn't take her long to return with a hearty luncheon of a sandwich and sides for Dalton, and a simpler lunch for Scott. Now sitting up in bed, he sighs as he looks at the bowl of applesauce and the lightly buttered toast. One might think he was jealous of Dalton's lunch, but he wasn't. He didn't want anything - sandwich or applesauce.
Picking up his plastic spoon, he toys with the sauce, swishing it around in different patterns in the bowl.
Without warning, Mary appears in the doorway again, throwing him a glance. "It belongs in your mouth, Scott. Don't make me come feed you like a baby."
Scott throws her a smirk. "Yes, Mary."
"I mean it."
Scott turns his spoon around and threatens to catapult it in her direction.
Mary shakes her head. "I'll be back in half an hour to see if you've eaten anything. And don't think spreading it around will fool me."
Scott smirks as she leaves, then returns to playing with the applesauce. Giving up, he tears a tiny piece of his toast off with his fingers and nibbles at it without much enthusiasm. "They're calling it an eating disorder," he comments dryly to Dalton. "Someone should try cramming food down their throats so they can see what it feels like. Then let's see if they like applesauce and toast."
Frustrated, his hand comes down hard on the tray, accidentally hitting the spoon handle. A spoonful of applesauce is launched skyward, flying through the air as a sloppy projectile before it splatters against the far wall, pieces dripping down onto the floor.
Scott's eyes widen. He'd been mad, but not that mad. Mary would kill him. "Oops."
Justin greets his enthusiastic dogs as they bark and whine, wanting his attention as he arrives home. Letting them loose from their chains, he heads inside his house to do some housework, make some calls, probably grab a bite to eat, then eventually head back out to Beth's. It would take him an hour to get there, so he would have to leave by four and... probably not get everything done beforehand. But, he said he'd go, so he would.
The day progresses as Justin thought, and though he'd had to postpone a few tasks, most were done by the time he had to leave. At least he'd gotten the dogs brushed so they were halfway decent. Ambling to his truck, he calls them and they come running, knowing that they were going to get a ride. All three pile into the pickup and Justin starts the engine, looking at his palm where most of the ink had smeared but he could still recall what he'd written there earlier.
Able to find his way with little trouble, Justin manages to get to Beth's apartment only five minutes late. Acceptable, he figures.
Dressed in his sneakers, black jeans an olive green t-shirt, he gets out of his pickup and make sure both the dogs have their leashes on before approaching the front door. Ringing the bell, he waits, quietly informing his "girls" to be on their best behavior and making them sit beside him.
"Waiting for someone?" Bret had come up behind Charlotte and was grinning by the time she turned around.
Crouching a little to see Nicholas' eyes, his grin widens. "Are you ready to come home, little man?" No response, but he nods anyway. "That's what I thought. So am I. And I think..." He straightens and looks to Charlotte, giving her a kiss on the forehead. "...Mommy's ready too."
Reaching for the bag, he relieves her of it. "Here, let me take that. I'll let you bring our precious cargo and I promise not to speed on the way home." He gives Charlotte a sidelong glance. "That's for later when he's old enough to enjoy it."
Ryder turns the last few pages of the boring magazine, then tosses it aside, missing the table and watching as it falls to the floor. He didn't care. Sighing with disgust, he lies back into his pillows and stares at his leg that was propped up and bandaged. Apparently it wasn't cooperating with JT's wishes. It still wasn't healing correctly, and after two more surgeries, JT hoped now that it would start to show improvement. Unfortunately, because of the extended procedures, Ryder's stay had been prolonged, and he'd been told that his recovery time would be doubled. Once JT was convinced that it was healing well, Ryder would still have to stay off that leg for at least a month, and only after the doctor's approval would he then be allowed to walk on it again.
A sidelong glance proves that Thirteen was still with him. She'd been a little trooper, but now what were they supposed to do? He was supposed to take care of her, not the other way around. Four weeks bumbling around on one foot was going to be murder. Not to mention, he was already bored out of his mind and wanted to get back to work so badly he could taste it.
Jason watches Destiny leave to go to her room and he sighs. There just wasn't anything else he could do. Period.
Finishing his breakfast, he takes his time cleaning up and putting away the dishes. Wandering to the living room, he checks on the cameras, fiddles on the computer for a short while, but then fell into boredom. Or perhaps more not knowing what to do than actually being bored.
Eventually though, he finds his way to his guitar, that he was no glad he'd brought. Settling down on the living room floor with the wall as his backrest, he strums around for a little while, playing nothing in particular. Soon a melody does come to mind though and a consistent tune is played.
His fingers slowly strum his acoustic guitar, the gentle notes flowing through the house. His fingertips expertly pick out a soft melody, even with his eyes closed. Humming for a few minutes, he eventually starts to sing... quietly... softly.
"Twenty minutes felt like forever,
In your arms.
I wanted it to last a lifetime,
But now you’re gone.
All I have are these feelings inside.
All I have are the memories of you.
I see you.
When I look inside my heart.
I see you.
When no one thinks I’m looking for you.
All I have to do,
Is close my eyes.
Thirty minutes felt like forever,
Holding you.
I wanted to be yours for always,
But now it’s all gone.
All I have is a heart in scattered pieces.
All I have are the memories of you.
I see you.
When I look inside my heart.
I see you.
When no one thinks I’m looking for you.
All I have to do,
Is close my eyes.
I can take my heart to places,
I could only dream.
So if I choose to see you once more,
Nothing’s gonna stop me.
‘Cause all I have to do…
Is close my eyes.
I see you.
When I look inside my heart.
I see you.
When no one thinks I’m looking for you.
All I have to do,
Is close my eyes.
Mmmm... close my eyes.
Yeah, all I have to do.
Close my eyes."
8/14/10
Bright Eyes
Seeing Scott was going to fall asleep again Dalton didn't mind his friend needed some rest, and he was sure just the little bit of interaction today had been a lot on his body. Having Scott invite him to stay for lunch Dalton give a nod even if Scott couldn't see him.
"I'll stay through lunch with you. Its kind of peaceful just sitting and listening to the music. If Reese needs me he knows my number."
Leaning back in the chair again and shifting a little bit to get comfortable he closes his own eyes letting the music wash over him. Speaking even if Scott was already asleep.
"I do need to talk to them about there chairs though. Don't they know not everything is skinny as a stick."
Dalton couldn't help but feel like he was going to bust the chair. It was a tight squeeze to get into it but he managed and was some what comfortable now.
Destiny gives a nod pushing off the sink and taking a few steps forward. Maybe later she would watch tv or something but right now she just wanted to lay down again.
"I don't need to go anywhere but I'll let you know if I change my mind. Thanks."
Continuing through the kitchen and down the hall Destiny slips into her room again and closes the door. Going to her bed she sits down laying her head on the pillow sinking into it and letting the softness just wrap around her head.
Putting the little booties on Nicholas Charlotte opts out on putting the hat on as well. It was warm outside and he would be ok without it. Looking down at her son the smile spreads on her face again as she picks him up in her arms and holds him gently. His little camo jump suit making him look even cutter.
Nicholas' bright eyes look back at his mom as he rests his head on her shoulder his little fist coming up to her mouth so he could suck on it.
Grabbing the dipper bag along with a few other things Charlotte looks down the hall to see if Bret was in sight yet. They were able to go home today and Charlotte couldn't be happier. She was tired of staying in the hospital and wanted to get settled at home with the baby.
"Where's Daddy huh? Running late...he's probably still trying to fight with the car seat huh?"
Charlotte gives a small little laugh at the tiny bundle she held in her arms. It was hard to believe she was a mom but it was a good feeling too that Bert and her family had grown.
"I'll stay through lunch with you. Its kind of peaceful just sitting and listening to the music. If Reese needs me he knows my number."
Leaning back in the chair again and shifting a little bit to get comfortable he closes his own eyes letting the music wash over him. Speaking even if Scott was already asleep.
"I do need to talk to them about there chairs though. Don't they know not everything is skinny as a stick."
Dalton couldn't help but feel like he was going to bust the chair. It was a tight squeeze to get into it but he managed and was some what comfortable now.
Destiny gives a nod pushing off the sink and taking a few steps forward. Maybe later she would watch tv or something but right now she just wanted to lay down again.
"I don't need to go anywhere but I'll let you know if I change my mind. Thanks."
Continuing through the kitchen and down the hall Destiny slips into her room again and closes the door. Going to her bed she sits down laying her head on the pillow sinking into it and letting the softness just wrap around her head.
Putting the little booties on Nicholas Charlotte opts out on putting the hat on as well. It was warm outside and he would be ok without it. Looking down at her son the smile spreads on her face again as she picks him up in her arms and holds him gently. His little camo jump suit making him look even cutter.
Nicholas' bright eyes look back at his mom as he rests his head on her shoulder his little fist coming up to her mouth so he could suck on it.
Grabbing the dipper bag along with a few other things Charlotte looks down the hall to see if Bret was in sight yet. They were able to go home today and Charlotte couldn't be happier. She was tired of staying in the hospital and wanted to get settled at home with the baby.
"Where's Daddy huh? Running late...he's probably still trying to fight with the car seat huh?"
Charlotte gives a small little laugh at the tiny bundle she held in her arms. It was hard to believe she was a mom but it was a good feeling too that Bert and her family had grown.
Wake of sorrow
Scott's bad eye starts to ache and he rubs it without even realizing it had become a habit when he started to grow uneasy. Hope had been sick? He didn't like that. Nobody was there to take care of her. Not that she couldn't on her own, but she deserved something better than that... something better than a lifeless man imprisoned in a mental hospital. There was a part of him that was happy to hear she was still waiting for him. Being loved was one of the most wonderful feelings in the world. But he also felt undeserving. Hope needed more than he could give, and all he was doing now was failing her miserably. He wished her to be happy, even if it was with someone else because right now, they were at an unbearable stalemate.
Sighing a little, his head sinks further into his pillow making him seem all the more frail. "Thanks, Dalton..." He really did appreciate the visit today. But even though the laughing was good, his body was still exhausted. "If you want..." His eyes drift shut then open again. "...to stay for lunch, you can. Or if Reese needs you back to TJY too, you can go. I'll... I'll be okay."
"Five it is." Justin would really have to hustle in order to get to Beth's by five, but at this point, he was not going to provide any hindrances. It was all her and she could pick and choose the when and where so she was the most comfortable.
"I will be there... and if I get lost, I'll call you." He chuckles. "I'll bring the dogs too so they won't get jealous."
Spotting his uncle walking towards him, he knows he needed to go. "Got someone I need to talk to, Beth. I'll see you tonight."
Watching Destiny, Jason's heart sank a little more. It was growing more obvious that yes, there had been something between her and Chance. Jason hoped it was nothing that couldn't be mended... nothing that had gone too far, though he was pretty sure Destiny was smarter than that. Unfortunately, her heart was still hurting.
Going back to his food, Jason's mind runs through his choices and he opts to switch the subject back again. "Well, I'll call Wyatt and have him bring Trooper over. In the meantime, I'll be hanging out in the living room unless you end up needing to go someplace. Don't hesitate to ask, okay?"
Chance sits in the shower, the water pelting down on him as he leaned his head into the corner of the slick wall. He wasn't sure how long he'd been sitting here, but the water was the only thing that felt good right now. His face stung under the cool droplets as they hit his still-fresh wounds. But it was a pain that he liked. It was a punishment to himself that he allowed.
His phone had been ringing off the hook, but he had yet to answer it. He knew it was the Underground. They didn't dare come to his place for risk of being seen, so he knew he was safe to ignore them for now. He never used to ignore them though. It had always been an adventure... and one that made him money to boot.
He thinks back to when he'd first been approached. Fresh into the Elite, he was trying to work his way up. A man had shown up, offering him a new kind of venture. They'd been watching him and liked how he worked. They liked his skills and knew he was a risk-taker. The man told Chance that the Underground was like a broom that swept along behind the Elite, cleaning up messes left behind or things that had been left undone. And they would pay good money.
Chance had never been a hundred percent convinced about what the Underground stood for, but he hadn't thought it all that bad either. They were still taking out the bad guys, so what could be so wrong, right? The risk was thrilling, he could pit one against the other and gain even more money, and he'd be paid up enough to live a high life.
And so it was. Chance had been riding the fence ever since, feeding information and working from both sides, cleverly disguising his schemes with "undercover" work, just like he'd done with Destiny.
Chance blinks away some water and stares ahead at the lower faucet as the shower continued to wash over him. Destiny. For the first time, he'd seen a very real consequence of what the Underground was doing. Up until this point, Chance really hadn't cared. He was never that closely connected with anyone he pointed out to kill or anyone he ensnared. It had all been a game to him. But getting to know Destiny... living day-to-day with the knowledge that the Underground had crushed her world and seeing that pain in her eyes... Chance's mind had begun to question what he was really involved with. Though he had not been the one to call in her father, he still knew all about it and was still working for the Underground, which made him a part of it. And he had even been willing to drag Destiny into the middle and use her as bait, all in the name of trapping the Agency. Destiny had trusted him with her life... with her heart, no less... and he had done the despicable.
Still sitting in the bottom of the shower, Chance doesn't even feel like moving. He had, in essence, helped destroy Destiny's world, and he wasn't sure how to live with that thought. The Underground might have good intentions, but their methods were leaving a wake of sorrow and hurting families behind. And Chance had not seen that until now. Who was he really working for? Was all this money really worth it?
Sighing a little, his head sinks further into his pillow making him seem all the more frail. "Thanks, Dalton..." He really did appreciate the visit today. But even though the laughing was good, his body was still exhausted. "If you want..." His eyes drift shut then open again. "...to stay for lunch, you can. Or if Reese needs you back to TJY too, you can go. I'll... I'll be okay."
"Five it is." Justin would really have to hustle in order to get to Beth's by five, but at this point, he was not going to provide any hindrances. It was all her and she could pick and choose the when and where so she was the most comfortable.
"I will be there... and if I get lost, I'll call you." He chuckles. "I'll bring the dogs too so they won't get jealous."
Spotting his uncle walking towards him, he knows he needed to go. "Got someone I need to talk to, Beth. I'll see you tonight."
Watching Destiny, Jason's heart sank a little more. It was growing more obvious that yes, there had been something between her and Chance. Jason hoped it was nothing that couldn't be mended... nothing that had gone too far, though he was pretty sure Destiny was smarter than that. Unfortunately, her heart was still hurting.
Going back to his food, Jason's mind runs through his choices and he opts to switch the subject back again. "Well, I'll call Wyatt and have him bring Trooper over. In the meantime, I'll be hanging out in the living room unless you end up needing to go someplace. Don't hesitate to ask, okay?"
Chance sits in the shower, the water pelting down on him as he leaned his head into the corner of the slick wall. He wasn't sure how long he'd been sitting here, but the water was the only thing that felt good right now. His face stung under the cool droplets as they hit his still-fresh wounds. But it was a pain that he liked. It was a punishment to himself that he allowed.
His phone had been ringing off the hook, but he had yet to answer it. He knew it was the Underground. They didn't dare come to his place for risk of being seen, so he knew he was safe to ignore them for now. He never used to ignore them though. It had always been an adventure... and one that made him money to boot.
He thinks back to when he'd first been approached. Fresh into the Elite, he was trying to work his way up. A man had shown up, offering him a new kind of venture. They'd been watching him and liked how he worked. They liked his skills and knew he was a risk-taker. The man told Chance that the Underground was like a broom that swept along behind the Elite, cleaning up messes left behind or things that had been left undone. And they would pay good money.
Chance had never been a hundred percent convinced about what the Underground stood for, but he hadn't thought it all that bad either. They were still taking out the bad guys, so what could be so wrong, right? The risk was thrilling, he could pit one against the other and gain even more money, and he'd be paid up enough to live a high life.
And so it was. Chance had been riding the fence ever since, feeding information and working from both sides, cleverly disguising his schemes with "undercover" work, just like he'd done with Destiny.
Chance blinks away some water and stares ahead at the lower faucet as the shower continued to wash over him. Destiny. For the first time, he'd seen a very real consequence of what the Underground was doing. Up until this point, Chance really hadn't cared. He was never that closely connected with anyone he pointed out to kill or anyone he ensnared. It had all been a game to him. But getting to know Destiny... living day-to-day with the knowledge that the Underground had crushed her world and seeing that pain in her eyes... Chance's mind had begun to question what he was really involved with. Though he had not been the one to call in her father, he still knew all about it and was still working for the Underground, which made him a part of it. And he had even been willing to drag Destiny into the middle and use her as bait, all in the name of trapping the Agency. Destiny had trusted him with her life... with her heart, no less... and he had done the despicable.
Still sitting in the bottom of the shower, Chance doesn't even feel like moving. He had, in essence, helped destroy Destiny's world, and he wasn't sure how to live with that thought. The Underground might have good intentions, but their methods were leaving a wake of sorrow and hurting families behind. And Chance had not seen that until now. Who was he really working for? Was all this money really worth it?
Surviving
Continuing to watch Jason and listen to what he said Destiny's heart hurt a little more. She new from how Chance had talked about the Elite he liked working there, and this group he was working for...why had he done that? He though it was right? He didn't realize how bad they were? Destiny didn't know the answer to that but she new her heart was still ripped apart both emotions clashing with each other.
"Yeah, I...guess we did."
So Chance was back in Arizona now far away. Destiny might never see him again even if she wasn't sure if she wanted to anyways or not. Everything just felt so wrong and now it just felt like Destiny was wasting everyone times.
Looking down at her plat again Destiny just couldn't eat anything more. Moving her chair out and taking her plate Destiny takes it to the trash and throws the rest of the food out and putting the plate into the sink.
Ryan laughs and shakes her head again before going back to work on her car. She'd have to make up for some lost time now but it wouldn't be to bad and it wouldn't take to long for her to start with the next car.
Sitting up a light straighter at Scott's question of Hope Dalton takes it as another good sign that he was showing some interest. It meant at least he cared enough to ask and all was not lost. Choose his words wisely as not to lie to his friend, but not break it privacy of Hope either Dalton searches for the words to say.
"She is doing the best she can be. Working from home a little because she's been sick, but she is surviving. As far as I know she's not seeing anyone either. She still loves ya and that just doesn't go away."
Dalton give a smile and a pat to his friends arm. He was happy Scott still cared, and knowing Hope still cared about him should make him feel good. She wasn't going to leave him for this one little bump.
"I'll make sure to tell Susanne hi back too."
Beth trys to think about the movie. Maybe she would pick something funny since Justin liked anyways. Nothing mushy that would just be...not the right idea. This was defiantly not a date and she didn't want to preseve it as that. Just the though made her a little nervous. It was only a friendship thing.
"Ummm...I guess five would be ok. Give me time with Sarah and than go home to start dinner. You can bring the dogs too if you want."
"Yeah, I...guess we did."
So Chance was back in Arizona now far away. Destiny might never see him again even if she wasn't sure if she wanted to anyways or not. Everything just felt so wrong and now it just felt like Destiny was wasting everyone times.
Looking down at her plat again Destiny just couldn't eat anything more. Moving her chair out and taking her plate Destiny takes it to the trash and throws the rest of the food out and putting the plate into the sink.
Ryan laughs and shakes her head again before going back to work on her car. She'd have to make up for some lost time now but it wouldn't be to bad and it wouldn't take to long for her to start with the next car.
Sitting up a light straighter at Scott's question of Hope Dalton takes it as another good sign that he was showing some interest. It meant at least he cared enough to ask and all was not lost. Choose his words wisely as not to lie to his friend, but not break it privacy of Hope either Dalton searches for the words to say.
"She is doing the best she can be. Working from home a little because she's been sick, but she is surviving. As far as I know she's not seeing anyone either. She still loves ya and that just doesn't go away."
Dalton give a smile and a pat to his friends arm. He was happy Scott still cared, and knowing Hope still cared about him should make him feel good. She wasn't going to leave him for this one little bump.
"I'll make sure to tell Susanne hi back too."
Beth trys to think about the movie. Maybe she would pick something funny since Justin liked anyways. Nothing mushy that would just be...not the right idea. This was defiantly not a date and she didn't want to preseve it as that. Just the though made her a little nervous. It was only a friendship thing.
"Ummm...I guess five would be ok. Give me time with Sarah and than go home to start dinner. You can bring the dogs too if you want."
Found someone else
Justin fishes for a pen and quickly jots down the address on his other palm. The movie question throws him of. "Uh..." He didn't really watch movies that often. "Anything really... I guess." He knew well enough how to sit through something he didn't enjoy so it really didn't matter to him. If it was something he liked, great. If not, it was fine.
"I don't know if I'll catch you here today or not - what time you want me there tonight? Anything is fine with me."
Scott listens intently to Dalton about TJY, finding the news interesting. Even if he never said it... and even if he'd resigned... there were days when he missed it. Sounded like things were going well though. He'd always known they could survive quite well without him and he knew Dalton was very capable of handling anything that came his way.
"Tell Susanne I say hi back," he responds. She always was one of the sweetest people he knew.
So tired, Scott struggles to keep his eyes open. There was another question he wanted to ask, yet was afraid to. Why he was afraid, he didn't even know. But this was Dalton... he could talk to him about anything, right?
"How... how's Hope?" His eyes lower as his finger traces a pattern in the blanket. "I..I mean... is she like... seeing... anyone?" While he didn't feel ready to see her, he did wonder if it really was over between them. Surely she had moved on. Surely she had found someone else by now.
Leo smiles and bows. "Of course! No one gets through me."
Grinning, he tosses Ryan a wink. He'd seen her and Alec and it was quite obvious that things were working out. Leo was happy for her and hoped that things would go smoothly for her.
Jason sighs and sets his fork down, folding his hands. He couldn't blame Destiny for asking about Chance. He just knew that anything he said would bring no comfort. But he wouldn't lie. Everything had happened very quickly because of Reese's decisions, so it was hard to think that Chance was gone already. But it was true.
"He was interrogated," Jason responds. "We still don't have everything we wanted, but he wasn't going to give away information on the Underground. He... is no longer a part of the Elite... has been stripped of all his rankings and connections."
He searches Destiny's eyes for a moment. "And he was flown back to Arizona to be released. The Elite is watching him in case he goes back to the Underground. If he doesn't, then he's clean. If he does, then we catch him and... there will be consequences."
Pausing, Jason just continues to watch Destiny. "I'm sorry. You two got close... didn't you?"
"I don't know if I'll catch you here today or not - what time you want me there tonight? Anything is fine with me."
Scott listens intently to Dalton about TJY, finding the news interesting. Even if he never said it... and even if he'd resigned... there were days when he missed it. Sounded like things were going well though. He'd always known they could survive quite well without him and he knew Dalton was very capable of handling anything that came his way.
"Tell Susanne I say hi back," he responds. She always was one of the sweetest people he knew.
So tired, Scott struggles to keep his eyes open. There was another question he wanted to ask, yet was afraid to. Why he was afraid, he didn't even know. But this was Dalton... he could talk to him about anything, right?
"How... how's Hope?" His eyes lower as his finger traces a pattern in the blanket. "I..I mean... is she like... seeing... anyone?" While he didn't feel ready to see her, he did wonder if it really was over between them. Surely she had moved on. Surely she had found someone else by now.
Leo smiles and bows. "Of course! No one gets through me."
Grinning, he tosses Ryan a wink. He'd seen her and Alec and it was quite obvious that things were working out. Leo was happy for her and hoped that things would go smoothly for her.
Jason sighs and sets his fork down, folding his hands. He couldn't blame Destiny for asking about Chance. He just knew that anything he said would bring no comfort. But he wouldn't lie. Everything had happened very quickly because of Reese's decisions, so it was hard to think that Chance was gone already. But it was true.
"He was interrogated," Jason responds. "We still don't have everything we wanted, but he wasn't going to give away information on the Underground. He... is no longer a part of the Elite... has been stripped of all his rankings and connections."
He searches Destiny's eyes for a moment. "And he was flown back to Arizona to be released. The Elite is watching him in case he goes back to the Underground. If he doesn't, then he's clean. If he does, then we catch him and... there will be consequences."
Pausing, Jason just continues to watch Destiny. "I'm sorry. You two got close... didn't you?"
Your Good Like That
Thinking for a moment Destiny gives a tiny nod. She didn't mind dog and if Jason wanted to bring his dog over she wouldn't say no.
"Yeah, thats fine if you have someone bring him here."
Looking down at the food again and taking another bit Destiny new her stomach wouldn't be able to handle anymore food as it bubble and churned. Thinking a moment before looking up at Jason again Destiny just study's him for a moment before saying anything again, when she did speak she wasnt even sure why she asked what she did.
"What happened to Chance?"
Being turned around to go inside, but than back around once again to receive Alec's kiss that was a little bit more his style Ryan's own arms go around him taking in the kiss and returning whole heartedly. Her one hand on his back holding him close to her and the other finding his hair.
As Alec pulls away Ryan's own first had been reignited in her eyes as the grin spread on her lips. Everything was looking alright again, she had her kindred spirit as Leo called it, she had her friend, her brother everything seemed perfect or pretty close to it.
"I'll see you tonight, and will call before hand."
Being turned around for one last time and receiving the wack to her bottom Ryan looks over her shoulder with a laugh before heading back into the shop. The smile on her face a little bigger, and the fire in her eyes bring once again.
Getting to her car Ryan takes a look before turning around slowly to look at the other guys before starting before her eyes fall on Leo.
"You made sure they didn't sabotage my car...right Leo because your good like that? Thanks."
Giving a grin and a nod Ryan goes back to her car moving a little faster than before now having a reason to get done with work.
Seeing Scott continue to laugh makes Dalton feel that much better and gives hope. It was really good to see Scott laugh and the tears in his eyes from doing so. Finally gaining a little control himself Dalton sits back in the chair the smile staying on his face.
"It would have made a good blackmail picture thats for sure. Once you get out of here I'll try and reenact it for ya."
And he would too just for Scott. As Scott asks about TJY Dalton thinks for a moment before finally answering.
"Things are going ok. Kinda lonely still with out you around but I am managing. I don't know how you ever did it a lone. They are all so needed with there computers."
Dalton gives a small chuckle.
"..But I've started showing some of them how to do things so when it break they can try to fix it. A lot of new changes have been happing too. Nate's been out because Laura had her baby, Alec isn't staying at TJY anymore, We got a new guy in there now. I think he's Angelica's cousin and his parents sent him up here for protection from Mexico. Other than that its been pretty same old same old. Oh yeah Susanne told me to tell you hi too."
Dalton tried to fill Scott in on everything he could with out over whelming him to much. It had to be a good thing Scott was asking how things back at TJY were, at least he still cared.
About to hear inside Beth hears her phone ring. Stopping and looking down at the number seeing it was Justin Beth turns and goes back down a few steps away from the building answering the phone.
"Hello!"
Hearing Justin's voice on the other end Beth gives a very tiny smile. So thats why she had not seen him this morning he was in a completely different area. Walking down a few more steps Beth takes a seat on one of them out of the way a little bit. Hearing Justin would come over tonight Beth could feel a tiny bit of excitement. Nothing to big but a little rush. It had been a long time since anyone had been to her apartment if ever so having a friend there would be nice.
"Oh yeah, I guess that would help. The address is 367 Cherry Wood Street. I's only twenty minutes from here off of main road exit 5. If you get lost you can just call me. Are there any cretin kinds of movies you like?"
"Yeah, thats fine if you have someone bring him here."
Looking down at the food again and taking another bit Destiny new her stomach wouldn't be able to handle anymore food as it bubble and churned. Thinking a moment before looking up at Jason again Destiny just study's him for a moment before saying anything again, when she did speak she wasnt even sure why she asked what she did.
"What happened to Chance?"
Being turned around to go inside, but than back around once again to receive Alec's kiss that was a little bit more his style Ryan's own arms go around him taking in the kiss and returning whole heartedly. Her one hand on his back holding him close to her and the other finding his hair.
As Alec pulls away Ryan's own first had been reignited in her eyes as the grin spread on her lips. Everything was looking alright again, she had her kindred spirit as Leo called it, she had her friend, her brother everything seemed perfect or pretty close to it.
"I'll see you tonight, and will call before hand."
Being turned around for one last time and receiving the wack to her bottom Ryan looks over her shoulder with a laugh before heading back into the shop. The smile on her face a little bigger, and the fire in her eyes bring once again.
Getting to her car Ryan takes a look before turning around slowly to look at the other guys before starting before her eyes fall on Leo.
"You made sure they didn't sabotage my car...right Leo because your good like that? Thanks."
Giving a grin and a nod Ryan goes back to her car moving a little faster than before now having a reason to get done with work.
Seeing Scott continue to laugh makes Dalton feel that much better and gives hope. It was really good to see Scott laugh and the tears in his eyes from doing so. Finally gaining a little control himself Dalton sits back in the chair the smile staying on his face.
"It would have made a good blackmail picture thats for sure. Once you get out of here I'll try and reenact it for ya."
And he would too just for Scott. As Scott asks about TJY Dalton thinks for a moment before finally answering.
"Things are going ok. Kinda lonely still with out you around but I am managing. I don't know how you ever did it a lone. They are all so needed with there computers."
Dalton gives a small chuckle.
"..But I've started showing some of them how to do things so when it break they can try to fix it. A lot of new changes have been happing too. Nate's been out because Laura had her baby, Alec isn't staying at TJY anymore, We got a new guy in there now. I think he's Angelica's cousin and his parents sent him up here for protection from Mexico. Other than that its been pretty same old same old. Oh yeah Susanne told me to tell you hi too."
Dalton tried to fill Scott in on everything he could with out over whelming him to much. It had to be a good thing Scott was asking how things back at TJY were, at least he still cared.
About to hear inside Beth hears her phone ring. Stopping and looking down at the number seeing it was Justin Beth turns and goes back down a few steps away from the building answering the phone.
"Hello!"
Hearing Justin's voice on the other end Beth gives a very tiny smile. So thats why she had not seen him this morning he was in a completely different area. Walking down a few more steps Beth takes a seat on one of them out of the way a little bit. Hearing Justin would come over tonight Beth could feel a tiny bit of excitement. Nothing to big but a little rush. It had been a long time since anyone had been to her apartment if ever so having a friend there would be nice.
"Oh yeah, I guess that would help. The address is 367 Cherry Wood Street. I's only twenty minutes from here off of main road exit 5. If you get lost you can just call me. Are there any cretin kinds of movies you like?"
8/13/10
Bare minimum
Getting off the phone with Rebecca, Justin realizes he'd missed a separate call. Seeing it was Beth, he wonders for a moment if anything was wrong. Listening to her message though, he understands.
Flipping his phone shut, he leans his head back and thinks for several moments. Dinner and a movie... and she was making his favorite pie. While he was thrilled that she was busying herself with an activity and actually trying to do something different, it felt an awful lot like a date. Going fishing was one thing... but dinner and a movie? Was that such a good idea? He didn't want to hold her back... didn't want to make her feel like he didn't care... but he didn't want to give the wrong impression either. He could go and just be casual though, right? If he assumed there was nothing more here than the usual, and he acted as such, then there should be no misunderstandings, right? And if anything else came up, he'd just have to be honest. But he could at least go ahead and see what would happen.
Figuring she'd answer since she just called, Justin dials her back. "Hey, Beth - I was on another call, sorry. I'm actually here - just in a different wing today."
He pauses, still hesitant, but he forces his tone not to show it. "Tonight sounds just fine. All I'll need are directions to your place."
Having Dalton try to take the part of the cheerleader sends Scott further into his fit of laughter, winding up making him cough and need a glass of water, but he didn't care.
Once finally under control again, his head sinks back in his pillow once more, his eyes watering from laughing. It had been a very long time since he'd laughed that much, and it did feel good.
"Thank you." He grins. "I really wish I would have had a camera though."
Still curled on his side, he calms down, the classical music still playing softly. Taking a deep breath, he lets it out slowly, feeling very tired, but trying stay alert.
"Hey, Dalton..." His eyes drift downward as he fingers his blanket again. "How's... how's things at TJY?"
"Yeah... yeah, I do." Justin grins. "Trooper's a big brute, but he's a good dog. Had him on duty for a while, but he got in trouble with the boss." He chuckles.
"I thought if you were ok with dogs, I might have Wyatt bring him over and introduce you. Having him around makes it even easier to get out and about too since his ears and nose are better than electronic radar any day."
"Mmm..." Alec shakes his head and gives Ryan a wry grin to her question about Reese. "Long story. It's been an interesting last couple days though."
His grin widens. "Pizza and wings sound great... you may want to bring a pillow to sit on or something though... we're talking the bare minimum here right now. But I gotta walk to the store anyway, so I'll pick up a few things too and we should be set."
Giving her hands another squeeze, he knew she needed to go. "Call me before you come."
Backing away, he turns to go, then stops. "Aw, why not."
Spinning back around, he grabs Ryan and pulls her into a rough, passionate kiss before pulling away, his eyes twinkling. "I just wanted to make sure it would last you until later."
Pointing her back to the garage, he gives her bottom a swift but light kick to send her on her way before he turns too, to amble across the parking lot and back towards the street.
Flipping his phone shut, he leans his head back and thinks for several moments. Dinner and a movie... and she was making his favorite pie. While he was thrilled that she was busying herself with an activity and actually trying to do something different, it felt an awful lot like a date. Going fishing was one thing... but dinner and a movie? Was that such a good idea? He didn't want to hold her back... didn't want to make her feel like he didn't care... but he didn't want to give the wrong impression either. He could go and just be casual though, right? If he assumed there was nothing more here than the usual, and he acted as such, then there should be no misunderstandings, right? And if anything else came up, he'd just have to be honest. But he could at least go ahead and see what would happen.
Figuring she'd answer since she just called, Justin dials her back. "Hey, Beth - I was on another call, sorry. I'm actually here - just in a different wing today."
He pauses, still hesitant, but he forces his tone not to show it. "Tonight sounds just fine. All I'll need are directions to your place."
Having Dalton try to take the part of the cheerleader sends Scott further into his fit of laughter, winding up making him cough and need a glass of water, but he didn't care.
Once finally under control again, his head sinks back in his pillow once more, his eyes watering from laughing. It had been a very long time since he'd laughed that much, and it did feel good.
"Thank you." He grins. "I really wish I would have had a camera though."
Still curled on his side, he calms down, the classical music still playing softly. Taking a deep breath, he lets it out slowly, feeling very tired, but trying stay alert.
"Hey, Dalton..." His eyes drift downward as he fingers his blanket again. "How's... how's things at TJY?"
"Yeah... yeah, I do." Justin grins. "Trooper's a big brute, but he's a good dog. Had him on duty for a while, but he got in trouble with the boss." He chuckles.
"I thought if you were ok with dogs, I might have Wyatt bring him over and introduce you. Having him around makes it even easier to get out and about too since his ears and nose are better than electronic radar any day."
"Mmm..." Alec shakes his head and gives Ryan a wry grin to her question about Reese. "Long story. It's been an interesting last couple days though."
His grin widens. "Pizza and wings sound great... you may want to bring a pillow to sit on or something though... we're talking the bare minimum here right now. But I gotta walk to the store anyway, so I'll pick up a few things too and we should be set."
Giving her hands another squeeze, he knew she needed to go. "Call me before you come."
Backing away, he turns to go, then stops. "Aw, why not."
Spinning back around, he grabs Ryan and pulls her into a rough, passionate kiss before pulling away, his eyes twinkling. "I just wanted to make sure it would last you until later."
Pointing her back to the garage, he gives her bottom a swift but light kick to send her on her way before he turns too, to amble across the parking lot and back towards the street.
Grace
Walking up the walkway like to many times before Beth stops at the little bench that had become her's and Justin. Looking around and not seeing him in sight at all she can't help but hope everything was ok. She wanted to talk to him and ask him to dinner, and maybe a movie tonight if he'd like. She was ready to take the next step...it was hard, she was scared, but she was ready.
Not knowing if he had missed Justin or not Beth figures at least a phone call would be sure to get through to him. Dialing his number and getting his voice mail Beth almost guessed thats what she would get.
"Hey Justin, its Beth. I was wondering if you didn't have anything to do tonight if you would...like to come over for dinner and maybe a movie. I...was making you favorite pie again too. Let me know, thanks."
Hanging up the phone Beth makes her way into the hospital to see Sarah like she had many times before. Maybe today she would take her out to the gardens or make had a picnic. It was a nice day out and Beth would hate it if Sarah was cooped inside for it.
Sitting continuing to listen to the music and hear Scott's works Dalton new he must be awfully tired of hearing everyone tell him it was ok, and that he had to get better. Right after his own parents death He'd hated when people told him that all the time too.
Hearing about Scott's vision of him as a cheerleader all Dalton can do it look at his friend and blink for a few moments. Seeing the smile that forms on Scott's lips and hearing the chuckles that start to come out of him Dalton perks up a little bit as a smile comes to his own lips and a chuckle comes out as he jumps up. Lifting his arms in the air.
"Give me an S....give me a C....give me a O....give me a T...give me another T...whats that spell? My little Buddy."
Sinking down in the chair for a moment Dalton has a look of confusion on his face as his spelling and what it ment.
"Ok, so I am not as graceful as I would like to think. but I can try again if you want!"
Dalton starts to laugh again happy to see Scott smiling. If nothing else that alone made him feel like his mission was accomplished.
Hearing Jason's question Destiny gives a little sigh not really wanting to talk but not really having that option. She might as well attempt to maybe it would help her feel a little better but she doubted it.
"Yeah Dogs are ok. You have a dog?"
As Alec leans in and kiss her lips softly Ryan returns the kiss. It was softer than she was use to but filled with just as much passion and for once Ryan didn't mind it. The light tenderness of his embrace was nice and seemed to fit the moment. Not something Ryan would always want but it was a nice change, and a good feeling to see this lighter side of Alec.
As Alec pulls away a little Ryan keeps her arms around him. She had to get going back to work even if she didn't want to. Maybe they could meet up later though. Feeling his hands slide down her and lock with her own Ryan give them a little squeeze as she looks up into Alec's eyes.
Hearing about Alec's apartment a bigger smile spreads on Ryan's face as her eyes dance, and sparkle. Squeeze Alec's hands a little tighter it was easy to see how excited she was for him.
"You finally got your own apartment? Oh Alec....I am so excited for you...wow. What made Reese decide that one? Yes I will totally come over tonight, I'll even bring some pizza and wings too."
Sitting in the hospetil waiting room Hope sits quiet keeping her eyes down. They were tired and sunken in today had been a bad day on top of being worried. She hadn't been feeling worse over the last few months but she hadn't been feeling better either, The cancer seemed to be growing still at a very slow rate and the Dr's were worried they would have to do surgery after all.
Today she was here to talk over options and get a white blood cell transplant, but her mind was not on that today. Today she was thinking about Scott and how much she missed him. She hoped he was doing ok, and still getting better. Mostly her days were filled with working a few hours, coming home and playing with Domino before getting to tired and going to bed for an hour or so, but not a day passed she didn't think of Scott and miss just a little more.
Not knowing if he had missed Justin or not Beth figures at least a phone call would be sure to get through to him. Dialing his number and getting his voice mail Beth almost guessed thats what she would get.
"Hey Justin, its Beth. I was wondering if you didn't have anything to do tonight if you would...like to come over for dinner and maybe a movie. I...was making you favorite pie again too. Let me know, thanks."
Hanging up the phone Beth makes her way into the hospital to see Sarah like she had many times before. Maybe today she would take her out to the gardens or make had a picnic. It was a nice day out and Beth would hate it if Sarah was cooped inside for it.
Sitting continuing to listen to the music and hear Scott's works Dalton new he must be awfully tired of hearing everyone tell him it was ok, and that he had to get better. Right after his own parents death He'd hated when people told him that all the time too.
Hearing about Scott's vision of him as a cheerleader all Dalton can do it look at his friend and blink for a few moments. Seeing the smile that forms on Scott's lips and hearing the chuckles that start to come out of him Dalton perks up a little bit as a smile comes to his own lips and a chuckle comes out as he jumps up. Lifting his arms in the air.
"Give me an S....give me a C....give me a O....give me a T...give me another T...whats that spell? My little Buddy."
Sinking down in the chair for a moment Dalton has a look of confusion on his face as his spelling and what it ment.
"Ok, so I am not as graceful as I would like to think. but I can try again if you want!"
Dalton starts to laugh again happy to see Scott smiling. If nothing else that alone made him feel like his mission was accomplished.
Hearing Jason's question Destiny gives a little sigh not really wanting to talk but not really having that option. She might as well attempt to maybe it would help her feel a little better but she doubted it.
"Yeah Dogs are ok. You have a dog?"
As Alec leans in and kiss her lips softly Ryan returns the kiss. It was softer than she was use to but filled with just as much passion and for once Ryan didn't mind it. The light tenderness of his embrace was nice and seemed to fit the moment. Not something Ryan would always want but it was a nice change, and a good feeling to see this lighter side of Alec.
As Alec pulls away a little Ryan keeps her arms around him. She had to get going back to work even if she didn't want to. Maybe they could meet up later though. Feeling his hands slide down her and lock with her own Ryan give them a little squeeze as she looks up into Alec's eyes.
Hearing about Alec's apartment a bigger smile spreads on Ryan's face as her eyes dance, and sparkle. Squeeze Alec's hands a little tighter it was easy to see how excited she was for him.
"You finally got your own apartment? Oh Alec....I am so excited for you...wow. What made Reese decide that one? Yes I will totally come over tonight, I'll even bring some pizza and wings too."
Sitting in the hospetil waiting room Hope sits quiet keeping her eyes down. They were tired and sunken in today had been a bad day on top of being worried. She hadn't been feeling worse over the last few months but she hadn't been feeling better either, The cancer seemed to be growing still at a very slow rate and the Dr's were worried they would have to do surgery after all.
Today she was here to talk over options and get a white blood cell transplant, but her mind was not on that today. Today she was thinking about Scott and how much she missed him. She hoped he was doing ok, and still getting better. Mostly her days were filled with working a few hours, coming home and playing with Domino before getting to tired and going to bed for an hour or so, but not a day passed she didn't think of Scott and miss just a little more.
Dalton in a skirt
Returning Ryan's gaze, Alec's expression turns to one of sheepishness. "I haven't felt this stupid in a long time, ya know." He smirks along with a little sigh. Living outside of the Agency... it was harder than it looked sometimes.
Alec's thumb runs along Ryan's cheek, his eyes softening into a gaze gentle and warm. Leaning down, he kisses her lips softly, then returns with more passion, though it was still softer than normal. Pulling back, his eyes return to hers. "Yeah, I missed you," he confirms quietly.
Letting his hands wander down from her face, they slide down her arms until they've found her hands to hold. "I know you gotta get back to work, and I gotta walk to the store but... after work..." He shrugs. "My little housewarming party last night was pretty lame since it was just me." He hoped that not only would she come over tonight, but that she would be excited too, that he had his apartment now.
Jason wasn't surprised by Destiny's response, but he still felt badly anyway. Continuing to eat, the wheels in his mind turn.
"Hey, Destiny... do you like dogs?"
Another little grin quirks Scott's mouth in a wry manner, his eyes, though clouded, showed his mind was still sharp. "Anybody but you, Dalton, and I'd tell 'em off. Between you and everybody else, I'm gonna have to start a collection of phrases." He sighs wearily as his strength lacks. "Thanks though... I know you're just trying to cheer me up here."
His eyes drift shut again, then open wide as if a thought has just struck him. "I just envisioned you as a cheerleader."
Blinking, he looks to Dalton, a new smile starting at the very corner of his mouth and slowly, slowly spreading across his lips. Something rises from the depths that was maybe, perhaps something close to a chuckle. His eyes brighten past the haze and that same tiny chuckle evolves into a laugh that is caught behind a closed mouth. The whole mental image though is too much for any soul, no matter how depressed, and soon that trapped laugh had been released, followed by another and another.
Out in the hall, Justin leans back against the wall and grins, shaking his head. Dalton probably wouldn't have any problem beating him up. Why the giant didn't like him was yet to be proven, though Justin still hoped maybe someday they could at least come to a mutual understanding.
Continuing to listen, he smiles as he hears Scott laughing. If nothing else good happened all day, this one moment was worth it. He was a firm believer in laughter being the best medicine and hearing it from Scott provided hope... a hope that he would not let this man down.
Sighing, Justin turns and heads down the hall to a bench to sit for a while, leaving the room be. This whole ordeal was getting to him. It always did. He knew he needed to separate his cases from his personal life, but sometimes it was hard.
He glances at his watch. Beth would be around any time now. If he didn't find her at their bench, he'd hunt around and see if he could find her. But right now, he was too weary to get up and look. He was tired too, but he knew Scott was so much more tired than he.
After a few moments of inner debate, Justin retrieves his cell phone and searches for the right number before dialing and waiting to hear the answer. "Hi, Rebecca... this is Justin. What are you doing tonight? I could use someone to talk to."
Alec's thumb runs along Ryan's cheek, his eyes softening into a gaze gentle and warm. Leaning down, he kisses her lips softly, then returns with more passion, though it was still softer than normal. Pulling back, his eyes return to hers. "Yeah, I missed you," he confirms quietly.
Letting his hands wander down from her face, they slide down her arms until they've found her hands to hold. "I know you gotta get back to work, and I gotta walk to the store but... after work..." He shrugs. "My little housewarming party last night was pretty lame since it was just me." He hoped that not only would she come over tonight, but that she would be excited too, that he had his apartment now.
Jason wasn't surprised by Destiny's response, but he still felt badly anyway. Continuing to eat, the wheels in his mind turn.
"Hey, Destiny... do you like dogs?"
Another little grin quirks Scott's mouth in a wry manner, his eyes, though clouded, showed his mind was still sharp. "Anybody but you, Dalton, and I'd tell 'em off. Between you and everybody else, I'm gonna have to start a collection of phrases." He sighs wearily as his strength lacks. "Thanks though... I know you're just trying to cheer me up here."
His eyes drift shut again, then open wide as if a thought has just struck him. "I just envisioned you as a cheerleader."
Blinking, he looks to Dalton, a new smile starting at the very corner of his mouth and slowly, slowly spreading across his lips. Something rises from the depths that was maybe, perhaps something close to a chuckle. His eyes brighten past the haze and that same tiny chuckle evolves into a laugh that is caught behind a closed mouth. The whole mental image though is too much for any soul, no matter how depressed, and soon that trapped laugh had been released, followed by another and another.
Out in the hall, Justin leans back against the wall and grins, shaking his head. Dalton probably wouldn't have any problem beating him up. Why the giant didn't like him was yet to be proven, though Justin still hoped maybe someday they could at least come to a mutual understanding.
Continuing to listen, he smiles as he hears Scott laughing. If nothing else good happened all day, this one moment was worth it. He was a firm believer in laughter being the best medicine and hearing it from Scott provided hope... a hope that he would not let this man down.
Sighing, Justin turns and heads down the hall to a bench to sit for a while, leaving the room be. This whole ordeal was getting to him. It always did. He knew he needed to separate his cases from his personal life, but sometimes it was hard.
He glances at his watch. Beth would be around any time now. If he didn't find her at their bench, he'd hunt around and see if he could find her. But right now, he was too weary to get up and look. He was tired too, but he knew Scott was so much more tired than he.
After a few moments of inner debate, Justin retrieves his cell phone and searches for the right number before dialing and waiting to hear the answer. "Hi, Rebecca... this is Justin. What are you doing tonight? I could use someone to talk to."
Willing to Try
Listing to the music Dalton's closes his own eyes for a moment letting the soft melody of the music just flow. Opening them again and looking down at his friend slowly. He was responding well to him and that was important to Dalton.
Hearing Scott's words Dalton think so for a moment before speaking again. He wanted to choose his words wisely, and be a friend to Scott without a lecture.
"I know you are little buddy, I know you are. I'm so proud of you for how far you've come so far. Every little step counts and over the last few months you have take some big steps."
Giving his friends arm a pat and just letting him know he was there Dalton takes note to how thin Scott was and it made his heart break even more. It was so hard to see anyone like this let alone his friend.
"Don't give up though Scott, you have come so far to give up when your so close would be a horrible thing. We all miss you very much, and we are all rooting for you. Not to mention if you did than I'd have to come back and put you into a headlock and I think your friend Justin out there might not like it, and I'd end up hurting him too."
Dalton gives a little laugh trying his best to keep the mood a little light. Not saying the words Scott can't because he was sure he had heard that way to much. So he twisted his words into a better way, a friendly way and kept the mood light.
Looking down at her plate again Destiny takes a tiny bit of her eggs her tummy giving a growl that she was hungry but at the same time she wasn't. Destiny hated this feeling she felt inside but she just didn't have what it took to pull herself out right now.
"No, I don't need to go anywhere today. I'll just stay inside."
Taking another bit of her eggs Destiny puts her fork down and just sits there for a moment before picking up her drink and taking a sip, only to look down at her food again.
Feeling Alec return the hug Ryan just bury herself into his chest more. Just to feel his arms wrap around her felt so nice. Ryan really had missed it a great deal. Hearing he never stopped caring sent her heart into a race as well. He really did care about her? The confirmation felt good though Ryan felt a little silly thinking it.
"I wasnt trying to keep you on a leash Alec, you can do whatever you want anytime you want. But I was tired of the fighting, and having to listen to you both go back and forth because that does affect me. I care about you a great deal, and Leo is one of my friend I dont want to have to worry about keeping you two apart all the time because thats no fun for me. It makes me feel like more of a babysitter than anything else."
Feeling Alec's hand on the side of her face Ryan leans her head into it the warm on her skin. Continuing to look into his eyes and search them Ryan took them in and let them warm her soul again. Her own pride, and thick hardheadedness needing to put aside.
"I'm no sorry for what I said that night because I meant it. But I'm sorry that I yelled. I should of found a better way to express what I was feeling. So for that I am sorry too."
Just continuing to look up in Alec's eyes Ryan could get lost in them. Leo had been right, she missed him, and last would of been willing to go back and be happy, but now having Alec standing here still knowing he care she felt willing to at least try again.
Hearing Scott's words Dalton think so for a moment before speaking again. He wanted to choose his words wisely, and be a friend to Scott without a lecture.
"I know you are little buddy, I know you are. I'm so proud of you for how far you've come so far. Every little step counts and over the last few months you have take some big steps."
Giving his friends arm a pat and just letting him know he was there Dalton takes note to how thin Scott was and it made his heart break even more. It was so hard to see anyone like this let alone his friend.
"Don't give up though Scott, you have come so far to give up when your so close would be a horrible thing. We all miss you very much, and we are all rooting for you. Not to mention if you did than I'd have to come back and put you into a headlock and I think your friend Justin out there might not like it, and I'd end up hurting him too."
Dalton gives a little laugh trying his best to keep the mood a little light. Not saying the words Scott can't because he was sure he had heard that way to much. So he twisted his words into a better way, a friendly way and kept the mood light.
Looking down at her plate again Destiny takes a tiny bit of her eggs her tummy giving a growl that she was hungry but at the same time she wasn't. Destiny hated this feeling she felt inside but she just didn't have what it took to pull herself out right now.
"No, I don't need to go anywhere today. I'll just stay inside."
Taking another bit of her eggs Destiny puts her fork down and just sits there for a moment before picking up her drink and taking a sip, only to look down at her food again.
Feeling Alec return the hug Ryan just bury herself into his chest more. Just to feel his arms wrap around her felt so nice. Ryan really had missed it a great deal. Hearing he never stopped caring sent her heart into a race as well. He really did care about her? The confirmation felt good though Ryan felt a little silly thinking it.
"I wasnt trying to keep you on a leash Alec, you can do whatever you want anytime you want. But I was tired of the fighting, and having to listen to you both go back and forth because that does affect me. I care about you a great deal, and Leo is one of my friend I dont want to have to worry about keeping you two apart all the time because thats no fun for me. It makes me feel like more of a babysitter than anything else."
Feeling Alec's hand on the side of her face Ryan leans her head into it the warm on her skin. Continuing to look into his eyes and search them Ryan took them in and let them warm her soul again. Her own pride, and thick hardheadedness needing to put aside.
"I'm no sorry for what I said that night because I meant it. But I'm sorry that I yelled. I should of found a better way to express what I was feeling. So for that I am sorry too."
Just continuing to look up in Alec's eyes Ryan could get lost in them. Leo had been right, she missed him, and last would of been willing to go back and be happy, but now having Alec standing here still knowing he care she felt willing to at least try again.
I thought...
The corner of Scott's mouth upturns as he sees Dalton - the first hint of a smile in days. His other eye opens to see the CD and he reaches out with his thin hand to look at what songs were on it. "This is better than the stuff they play around here," he muses quietly.
Shifting a little, he stays curled up, but a little higher into the pillows so it's easier to see Dalton, watching as the CD is put in the player and the volume turned up. As the soft notes play, Scott sighs deeply. It was nice. The music was soothing, and so was seeing his friend.
Though his eyes drift shut for a moment, he opens them again, just looking at Dalton for the longest moment. He knew Justin must have called him, and had he known prior, he would have argued, but seeing a friend brought more comfort than maybe he'd admit.
Noticing that Justin had slipped back out into the hall, Scott's bony fingers toy with the edge of the green blanket. "I'm tired, Dalton," he says softly. His sunken eyes drift downward. "I'm just... tired of fighting all the time." He should have died while with the Agency... had he known the road would be this hard afterward, he might not have had the will to live in that dungeon.
He was improving little by little at controlling his brain's reflexes when faced with triggers - he had to admit that Justin's little memory game had really helped. He was far from being able to face more than little photos, but there was definite improvement. He didn't mind that work... it gave him something to do, and the more he improved, the closer he was to mental freedom. But his body was just so tired of it all. His mind was being stretched beyond its limit and his body seemed to simply be saying it had had enough.
"I'm too tired to do this anymore," Scott continues in almost a whisper. "I just... I just want it to be over."
Jason smiles and nods that yes, he would sit at the table with Destiny. Once settled in, he bows his head for a quick, silent prayer before taking a bite of eggs. Hearing her thanks, another smile is offered. "You're welcome. I figure... the whole world can be falling apart, but at least something can still taste good."
Cocking his head, he looks to her with question. "Anywhere you need or want to go today?"
Shifting his weight from one foot to the other, Alec hates this awkward feeling. It was quite rare with him and no wonder - he despised it so... especially around someone he shouldn't feel awkward with at all.
Biting the inside of his lip, he wonders if this was even a good idea. Was Ryan still mad at him? He couldn't really tell. Was Leo right? Should Alec have waited a while longer?
His unvoiced questions are answered as Ryan comes close and draws him into a hug. A little surprised, it takes Alec a moment to figure out how to react, but it's only a short moment. Slipping his arms around her, he pulls her close, loving the feeling of her buried in his shoulder.
Leaning his head down against hers, one hand wanders up to run his fingers through her hair. "I missed you too," he admits quietly. "I never stopped caring." It felt like he was having to forcefully drag the words out into the light as they kicked and screamed, wanting to stay back in their safe, dark corner of his heart. "I thought you were still mad at me."
Kissing the top of her head, he hugs her tighter. "I didn't mean to upset you when I took on Leo. I thought..." What did he think anyway? The whole thing seemed lame now. "I guess I thought it was just my fight and I was mad that you wouldn't just let me do my thing. I felt like you wanted me on a leash or something."
Biting his lip, he forces himself to stamp down his pride, even though it was hard. Pulling away a little so he can see Ryan's face, his hands slide up to cradle each side. "But... I guess stuff I do affect you too and... I didn't realize that. I'm... I'm not sorry about the fight but... but I'm sorry I upset you... and I'm sorry you thought I didn't care anymore, 'cause that wasn't true."
Shifting a little, he stays curled up, but a little higher into the pillows so it's easier to see Dalton, watching as the CD is put in the player and the volume turned up. As the soft notes play, Scott sighs deeply. It was nice. The music was soothing, and so was seeing his friend.
Though his eyes drift shut for a moment, he opens them again, just looking at Dalton for the longest moment. He knew Justin must have called him, and had he known prior, he would have argued, but seeing a friend brought more comfort than maybe he'd admit.
Noticing that Justin had slipped back out into the hall, Scott's bony fingers toy with the edge of the green blanket. "I'm tired, Dalton," he says softly. His sunken eyes drift downward. "I'm just... tired of fighting all the time." He should have died while with the Agency... had he known the road would be this hard afterward, he might not have had the will to live in that dungeon.
He was improving little by little at controlling his brain's reflexes when faced with triggers - he had to admit that Justin's little memory game had really helped. He was far from being able to face more than little photos, but there was definite improvement. He didn't mind that work... it gave him something to do, and the more he improved, the closer he was to mental freedom. But his body was just so tired of it all. His mind was being stretched beyond its limit and his body seemed to simply be saying it had had enough.
"I'm too tired to do this anymore," Scott continues in almost a whisper. "I just... I just want it to be over."
Jason smiles and nods that yes, he would sit at the table with Destiny. Once settled in, he bows his head for a quick, silent prayer before taking a bite of eggs. Hearing her thanks, another smile is offered. "You're welcome. I figure... the whole world can be falling apart, but at least something can still taste good."
Cocking his head, he looks to her with question. "Anywhere you need or want to go today?"
Shifting his weight from one foot to the other, Alec hates this awkward feeling. It was quite rare with him and no wonder - he despised it so... especially around someone he shouldn't feel awkward with at all.
Biting the inside of his lip, he wonders if this was even a good idea. Was Ryan still mad at him? He couldn't really tell. Was Leo right? Should Alec have waited a while longer?
His unvoiced questions are answered as Ryan comes close and draws him into a hug. A little surprised, it takes Alec a moment to figure out how to react, but it's only a short moment. Slipping his arms around her, he pulls her close, loving the feeling of her buried in his shoulder.
Leaning his head down against hers, one hand wanders up to run his fingers through her hair. "I missed you too," he admits quietly. "I never stopped caring." It felt like he was having to forcefully drag the words out into the light as they kicked and screamed, wanting to stay back in their safe, dark corner of his heart. "I thought you were still mad at me."
Kissing the top of her head, he hugs her tighter. "I didn't mean to upset you when I took on Leo. I thought..." What did he think anyway? The whole thing seemed lame now. "I guess I thought it was just my fight and I was mad that you wouldn't just let me do my thing. I felt like you wanted me on a leash or something."
Biting his lip, he forces himself to stamp down his pride, even though it was hard. Pulling away a little so he can see Ryan's face, his hands slide up to cradle each side. "But... I guess stuff I do affect you too and... I didn't realize that. I'm... I'm not sorry about the fight but... but I'm sorry I upset you... and I'm sorry you thought I didn't care anymore, 'cause that wasn't true."
8/12/10
No one but you
Letting Reese in on what was going on and being in the clear to leave Dalton heads to brookshire. It normaly took two hours but driving faster than normal he makes it there in the time he had promised.
Entering the building and seeing Justin Dalton takes his hand and gives it a quick shake before following him down the long hall. As they walk he plays things over in his own mind. What he would say, how he could get Scott to see how important it was for him to eat.
Getting to the door and entering Dalton stops and just looks at Scott for a moment laying so still in the bed. He looked so small and everything thought he would say was gone and his heart broke more for his friend. Putting the best smile on he could and acting like he always would Dalton comes into the room pulling a chair over to the bed.
"Hey little Buddy, I hope I'm not waking you. I got some new classical music yesterday and I thought maybe you would like to listen to it with me. No one appreciates with me like you do."
Dalton pull the new cd from his pocket and holds it along with his little cd player. He's grabbing it before leaving today knowing maybe it would come in handy. All Scott needed was a friend not another person to lecture him, not yet anyways.
Hearing that Alec was lonely Ryan wonders for a moment if he had been why he had come sooner. Tucking her hands in her pockets she looks down for a moment before up at Alec again searching his eyes. Wondering if he had missed her, and if he was here because he cared.
Thinking about his question for a moment Ryan hated the short silly questions they were throwing back and forth. For them it seemed silly.
"I've been pretty miserable."
Looking away again and leaning against the wall for a moment Ryan closes her eyes. This awkwardness she hated, why wasn't it normal again? Hearing Leo's words in her head again from the night before Ryan looks to Alec and searchs his face. She was hurt, she was sad...but maybe she needed to take the first step? Pushing off the wall Ryan takes a few steps twords Alec and slides her arms around Alec burring her face into his shoulder.
"I've missed you Alec and I thought you didn't care about me anymore."
Not really saying much more Destiny takes a plate and gets one for Jason too. She did like bacon and eggs her mom use to make them too. Bringing the plate back to Jason she holds them as he puts the eggs and bacon on them.
"Were you going to eat with me at the table?"
She voice lacked emotion but she was trying at least. Bringing the plats to the table Destiny goes back and gets some milk for them both before bring that to the table and siting down too.
Looking down at the food Destiny moves it around on her plate for a moment before taking a peace of bacon and taking a small bit. Looking up at Jason Destiny did think it was nice he made this for her.
"Thank you!"
Entering the building and seeing Justin Dalton takes his hand and gives it a quick shake before following him down the long hall. As they walk he plays things over in his own mind. What he would say, how he could get Scott to see how important it was for him to eat.
Getting to the door and entering Dalton stops and just looks at Scott for a moment laying so still in the bed. He looked so small and everything thought he would say was gone and his heart broke more for his friend. Putting the best smile on he could and acting like he always would Dalton comes into the room pulling a chair over to the bed.
"Hey little Buddy, I hope I'm not waking you. I got some new classical music yesterday and I thought maybe you would like to listen to it with me. No one appreciates with me like you do."
Dalton pull the new cd from his pocket and holds it along with his little cd player. He's grabbing it before leaving today knowing maybe it would come in handy. All Scott needed was a friend not another person to lecture him, not yet anyways.
Hearing that Alec was lonely Ryan wonders for a moment if he had been why he had come sooner. Tucking her hands in her pockets she looks down for a moment before up at Alec again searching his eyes. Wondering if he had missed her, and if he was here because he cared.
Thinking about his question for a moment Ryan hated the short silly questions they were throwing back and forth. For them it seemed silly.
"I've been pretty miserable."
Looking away again and leaning against the wall for a moment Ryan closes her eyes. This awkwardness she hated, why wasn't it normal again? Hearing Leo's words in her head again from the night before Ryan looks to Alec and searchs his face. She was hurt, she was sad...but maybe she needed to take the first step? Pushing off the wall Ryan takes a few steps twords Alec and slides her arms around Alec burring her face into his shoulder.
"I've missed you Alec and I thought you didn't care about me anymore."
Not really saying much more Destiny takes a plate and gets one for Jason too. She did like bacon and eggs her mom use to make them too. Bringing the plate back to Jason she holds them as he puts the eggs and bacon on them.
"Were you going to eat with me at the table?"
She voice lacked emotion but she was trying at least. Bringing the plats to the table Destiny goes back and gets some milk for them both before bring that to the table and siting down too.
Looking down at the food Destiny moves it around on her plate for a moment before taking a peace of bacon and taking a small bit. Looking up at Jason Destiny did think it was nice he made this for her.
"Thank you!"
You?
"Thanks, Dalton. When you get here, just go in the first building - I'll be there so I can show you to Scott." Ending the call, Justin paces a little, then leans back against the hallway wall. He knew it would usually take someone two hours to get here from TJY, but he also knew Dalton would push it to get here sooner.
Sighing, he wanders back to Scott's room for now. Finding him asleep, Justin leaves him be again, then ambles back out once more. He didn't like this wing of Brookshire... he didn't like the medical end of it anywhere, period. But if they didn't get Scott help... Justin didn't want to think about it.
Going down a few halls, he comes to the front lobby where he picks a comfy chair to sit in and wait for Dalton.
Sure enough, Dalton arrives when he said he would, and Justin is ready. Standing as soon as he sees him, he approaches and offers a handshake, even though he knew Dalton didn't like him. "Thanks for coming. I'll show you to Scott's room. I don't know if he'll be awake or not."
Leading the way, Justin heads back down the halls and after a couple turns, he comes to a sunny room with a big window. It was a cozy room, but not too small, purposely decorated to feel more like a bedroom than a hospital room. The only difference was the type of bed and the monitors.
Scott lies on his side, curled up under a blanket, though his thin frame was still obvious. Hooked up to an iv, the thin tub runs up over his head to the liquid nourishment they were trying to provide. He was so tired of everyone always telling him to eat. He hated it and he had hated food for ages now. Nothing tasted good and nothing seemed to agree with his stomach anymore either. So he'd wound up fooling others into thinking he was eating more, when in reality, it was less. He had started the road to recovery as far as the Agency data was concerned - at least it was helping him not have bad spells during the day anymore. But right now, he just didn't see value in eating. It felt like too much work, and he was tired of trying.
His head was sunken down in the thick pillow, though he hears footsteps and the quiet creek of the door. Opening just one eye halfway, he scans half the blurry room, thinking it was probably just the doctor again.
Catching sight of Destiny, Jason turns and offers her a smile. "Good morning," he greets, trying to be at least halfway cheerful. "You're just in time. Grab a plate if you want." He shuts off the stove burners and retrieves some utensils.
"Hope you like eggs and bacon." He looks at her out of the corner of his eye. "When I was a kid, my mom always made sure I had a good breakfast. I always did like eggs and bacon, even when all the other kids I knew loved their cold cereals."
Looking up in time to catch Ryan's eye, Leo's eyebrows raise a little bit, and he gives her a little crooked smile before concentrating on his car again. He didn't care if Alec told her he'd been over to his place or not... he was glad to see the scoundrel here at least.
Alec wasn't sure what kind of a greeting he'd expected from Ryan, but regardless, her simple words just didn't feel right. "Lonely," he answers.
Searching Ryan's eyes for several long, silent moments, his gaze digs deeper for the meaning of Leo's words to him earlier. Was Ryan really that hurt? Was she really ready to leave him? Her eyes looked tired today... more tired than normal.
"You?"
Sighing, he wanders back to Scott's room for now. Finding him asleep, Justin leaves him be again, then ambles back out once more. He didn't like this wing of Brookshire... he didn't like the medical end of it anywhere, period. But if they didn't get Scott help... Justin didn't want to think about it.
Going down a few halls, he comes to the front lobby where he picks a comfy chair to sit in and wait for Dalton.
Sure enough, Dalton arrives when he said he would, and Justin is ready. Standing as soon as he sees him, he approaches and offers a handshake, even though he knew Dalton didn't like him. "Thanks for coming. I'll show you to Scott's room. I don't know if he'll be awake or not."
Leading the way, Justin heads back down the halls and after a couple turns, he comes to a sunny room with a big window. It was a cozy room, but not too small, purposely decorated to feel more like a bedroom than a hospital room. The only difference was the type of bed and the monitors.
Scott lies on his side, curled up under a blanket, though his thin frame was still obvious. Hooked up to an iv, the thin tub runs up over his head to the liquid nourishment they were trying to provide. He was so tired of everyone always telling him to eat. He hated it and he had hated food for ages now. Nothing tasted good and nothing seemed to agree with his stomach anymore either. So he'd wound up fooling others into thinking he was eating more, when in reality, it was less. He had started the road to recovery as far as the Agency data was concerned - at least it was helping him not have bad spells during the day anymore. But right now, he just didn't see value in eating. It felt like too much work, and he was tired of trying.
His head was sunken down in the thick pillow, though he hears footsteps and the quiet creek of the door. Opening just one eye halfway, he scans half the blurry room, thinking it was probably just the doctor again.
Catching sight of Destiny, Jason turns and offers her a smile. "Good morning," he greets, trying to be at least halfway cheerful. "You're just in time. Grab a plate if you want." He shuts off the stove burners and retrieves some utensils.
"Hope you like eggs and bacon." He looks at her out of the corner of his eye. "When I was a kid, my mom always made sure I had a good breakfast. I always did like eggs and bacon, even when all the other kids I knew loved their cold cereals."
Looking up in time to catch Ryan's eye, Leo's eyebrows raise a little bit, and he gives her a little crooked smile before concentrating on his car again. He didn't care if Alec told her he'd been over to his place or not... he was glad to see the scoundrel here at least.
Alec wasn't sure what kind of a greeting he'd expected from Ryan, but regardless, her simple words just didn't feel right. "Lonely," he answers.
Searching Ryan's eyes for several long, silent moments, his gaze digs deeper for the meaning of Leo's words to him earlier. Was Ryan really that hurt? Was she really ready to leave him? Her eyes looked tired today... more tired than normal.
"You?"
Sabotage
The morning was turning into a busy one for Ryan leaving little room to think about anything else. Some how though there was still room for joking around and just having a good time with everyone else. The day was a race like it normally was seeing who could finish there mound of cars first. Ryan was glad in more way than one that she had stayed late last night. It gave her a little edge, and she talk with Leo had been a good one. Crying had helped a little and though she didn't feel one hundred percent Ryan sure did feel better than she had.
"Yo Ron you look like your falling behind there. You better pic up the pace or your going to be out of the race simply because."
Giving a laugh and going back to what she was working on Ryan leans in looking a little closer. Her eyes were slightly cloudy today from lack of sleep she got last night, but she was plugging along and there was no way she would of stayed him today. To much work, and it would of let her mind think to much along with it.
Hearing a whistle she instantly looks up to see who it was. Catching sight of Alec standing in one of the bay doors Ryan can't help but be a little surprised to see him. She really hadn't expected it and was going to call him tonight.
Looking at what she was doing again Ryan tightens something so nothing will fall off for now and stands up straight. Scanning the words area Ryan's eyes meet Leo for a moment before looking back to Alec again.
"I'm be right back guys. Don't sabotage my car so you all win."
Taking the rag from her back pocket and whipping her hands on it Ryan steps out of the bay area and squints a little in the sun light as it hurt her tired eyes. Looking up at Alec she was happy to see him. She really had missed him these last few days.
"Hey, how ya been?"
Picking up the phone and hearing Justin's voice on the other other end Dalton raises his eyebrow. He hadnt been at work long and already getting a phone call was odd least of all Justin.
Not being able to stay anything though as Justin goes right into his explanation. Hearing that his little buddy was in trouble and not doing well at all Dalton sinks into his chair and his irritation seems to subside for a moment. He hated hearing Scott was not doing well and it made his heart heavy.
"All right, I'll head down in a few moments after I tell the boss whats up. I should be there in about an hour and a half."
He didn't like Justin but he was ok with putting his differences aside for Scott's sake at the moment. He was who was important here, and if he could help his friend, he would.
Smelling the food cooking again it churned Destiny's stomach. She'd been showered and awake for a while now but had yet to show her face. She just didn't feel like talking, or eating. Her head was heavy, her eyes were tired and she just wanted to sleep. But she should probably get up and try to eat something before someone made her and it did smell good.
Exiting her room and moving slowly to the kitchen Destiny come to the fridge and pulls out a bottle of water and leaning against the counter. She didn't know what to say thought, nothing seemed right and all she could think of was Chance. She hated him so much for why he did, why did she care about him still, and miss him.
"Yo Ron you look like your falling behind there. You better pic up the pace or your going to be out of the race simply because."
Giving a laugh and going back to what she was working on Ryan leans in looking a little closer. Her eyes were slightly cloudy today from lack of sleep she got last night, but she was plugging along and there was no way she would of stayed him today. To much work, and it would of let her mind think to much along with it.
Hearing a whistle she instantly looks up to see who it was. Catching sight of Alec standing in one of the bay doors Ryan can't help but be a little surprised to see him. She really hadn't expected it and was going to call him tonight.
Looking at what she was doing again Ryan tightens something so nothing will fall off for now and stands up straight. Scanning the words area Ryan's eyes meet Leo for a moment before looking back to Alec again.
"I'm be right back guys. Don't sabotage my car so you all win."
Taking the rag from her back pocket and whipping her hands on it Ryan steps out of the bay area and squints a little in the sun light as it hurt her tired eyes. Looking up at Alec she was happy to see him. She really had missed him these last few days.
"Hey, how ya been?"
Picking up the phone and hearing Justin's voice on the other other end Dalton raises his eyebrow. He hadnt been at work long and already getting a phone call was odd least of all Justin.
Not being able to stay anything though as Justin goes right into his explanation. Hearing that his little buddy was in trouble and not doing well at all Dalton sinks into his chair and his irritation seems to subside for a moment. He hated hearing Scott was not doing well and it made his heart heavy.
"All right, I'll head down in a few moments after I tell the boss whats up. I should be there in about an hour and a half."
He didn't like Justin but he was ok with putting his differences aside for Scott's sake at the moment. He was who was important here, and if he could help his friend, he would.
Smelling the food cooking again it churned Destiny's stomach. She'd been showered and awake for a while now but had yet to show her face. She just didn't feel like talking, or eating. Her head was heavy, her eyes were tired and she just wanted to sleep. But she should probably get up and try to eat something before someone made her and it did smell good.
Exiting her room and moving slowly to the kitchen Destiny come to the fridge and pulls out a bottle of water and leaning against the counter. She didn't know what to say thought, nothing seemed right and all she could think of was Chance. She hated him so much for why he did, why did she care about him still, and miss him.
Whistle
Leo laughs and helps Ryan wipe away a few more tears. "You have my word - no one else will ever hear of this."
Stepping back and giving her space, Leo bites his lip, not sure if he should say more or not, but it seemed to be settled at least for now. "I... better let you get back to work. Maybe... it was a good thing I forgot this note earlier."
Giving her a smile, he backs away, then turns to head out of the garage. Once he's in his car with the engine running, he takes out his cell phone, debating for a moment, then finally dialing. "Hey, Cass, it's me... I know it's late, but... how does some ice cream sound?"
Though the evening had been long, the sun insists on rising, just like it did every other day. It's golden rays spring out from the horizon, giving hope of a better day ahead...
"Not here anymore?" Leo raises an eyebrow at Reese's information as he stood on the main floor of TJY early the next morning.
"Nope - he moved into his apartment yesterday," Reese explains, telling him where it is. "Anything wrong?"
"No... no, just wanted to talk to him." Leo nods. "Thanks. Sorry for the time."
"No problem." Reese watches the young man leave, wondering at Leo's appearance. Though healing, one could still see he'd been in a fight. Had he been the other party in Alec's brawl? Maybe he shouldn't have given out the address. At the same time though, it was time for Alec to be on his own, free from Reese's thumb. If he got himself into trouble, he'd have to get himself out. And on top of that, Reese knew that Leo had a clean record.
Leo pauses outside the apartment door, wondering if this really was a good idea. He'd called in to work saying he'd be late... but was this something he should be doing? Normally it was not wise to involve oneself in the middle of someone else's affairs but... if it would help... And even though he hadn't expressed this to Ryan, he felt to blame for much of this. He'd thrown the first punch. If he hadn't, there would have been no brawl and Alec and Ryan would not be on the outs right now.
He knocks. "Alec? You up?" Stumbling footsteps could be heard, along with the locks on the door being unlatched.
Alec had been woken up and his clothes were matted and wrinkled. He opens the door a crack and squints into the hall. "Leo... what are you doing here? What time is it?"
"Time for you to get your head out of your hind end," Leo retorts, pushing the door open further to allow him access inside.
Though annoyed and confused, Alec lets him, then shuts the door again. "What is this?"
"Look..." Leo paces a small circle. "I know that the fight between us was mostly my fault because I swung first. But I've done all I can to make it right and now you're this close to losing Ryan." He measures with his first finger and thumb.
Now fully awake, Alec blinks, taken completely off guard. "What? Why?"
"Because you haven't seen or called her, you dope."
"Well she hasn't come to me either!"
"She said she wouldn't," Leo retorts. "Besides, that's not the point. Do you even realize that you're hurting her feelings?"
Alec folds his arms, confused. "Why? Just because I haven't seen her for a few days?"
"That hurts people's feelings, Alec! Are you feeling good about this whole thing?"
"Well I... wait..." Alec's eyes narrow. "This whole thing? What do you know, and how do you know it?"
Leo isn't sure how to answer that one. If he said the wrong thing, it could be fatal.
The pause is too long, and Alec bristles. "You and her-"
"No," Leo states flatly. "But it was a close call, and I'm not kidding around here. You be glad I've got someone else now, or you'd be out on the street again."
Something passes in Alec's eyes... something he had never felt before, nor would he want to again. Panic. "But..." Ryan had almost gone back to Leo? It was that serious? "But just... just because I didn't call?"
"Not calling is just a symptom, Alec. You're not respecting her the way she needs you to, and in turn, she's got some hefty assumptions about what you want and why you're acting this way. But I don't believe you really want to be a jerk."
"Of course not," Alec snaps. "But I don't understand."
"Then figure it out." Leo couldn't tell him any more than that. He couldn't get any more involved than this, and he couldn't stand here and list all what he thought was wrong. There was miscommunication, assumptions on both parts, and probably lack of respect to a certain degree on both parts too. But they would have to sort through those things themselves. "Just take my advice and swallow your pride," he warns. "I'm only doing this because I know Ryan is happy with you and I like seeing her happy."
...Mid morning. J&J Auto was bustling with activity, noise and the scents of the garage. Leo was back to work with the other guys and Ryan as they all tossed around their laughter but remained hard at work with a long lineup for the day.
A shadow appears in one of the open bays, but no one seems to notice. Alec stands, hands hooked in his jeans pockets, just watching Ryan work. His shoulders were a little lower than normal... the usual spark in his eyes was a little dim today. There was worry in his gaze. Whether he'd admit it or not, Leo had scared him.
Not venturing into the busy garage, but wanting to see Ryan, he gives a little whistle to try and get her attention and draw her outside.
Justin paces the floor, cell phone to his ear as he's put on hold, awaiting transfer to Dalton. It had been a long week. Days were spent at Brookshire like normal, working with Scott and seeing Beth. He and her had gone fishing one more time, but otherwise, it was still just brief meet and greets on the sidewalk, but he wasn't going to push it. He was still waiting for her invitation to her home to look through pictures, but he would say nothing until she did. As for Scott... things had been going fine up until last night.
Justin comes to attention as he hears Dalton's voice. "Dalton, hi, this is Justin Hawks. It's Scott. He's in the medical wing here at Brookshire after he collapsed yesterday. Apparently he wasn't eating and drinking as much as he'd made the nurse believe." Everything else had been going well - even their sessions working with Agency data. But Scott's body had had enough neglect. "They're forcing nutrients and liquids into him, but I cannot get him to understand he needs to take better care of himself. If he doesn't, he'll never leave."
He really was at his wit's end. It was the one thing, he was unable to convince Scott of. Or even if Scott understood, he had simply lost his will to fight. He seemed motivated now to overcome the Agency data in his mind, but as far as anything else went... he had simply quit fighting.
"I didn't want to alert Sapphire... not yet. And... you were the only one I could think of that might be able to help him. I'm asking you to come... if you can... for Scott's sake."
Jason keeps the scrambled eggs moving in the pan, watching the bacon too. He was making a good breakfast that filled the house with a delicious aroma. He didn't know if Destiny was a breakfast person or not, but if she was, the scents would wake her.
So far, the morning had been quiet. Reese had given him the go-ahead to stay here as the main bodyguard at least for now, so Jason was staying put. He wanted to go see Laura and Nate at some point, but they'd figure that out later. For now, it was breakfast and he only hoped Destiny would pull herself from bed and start a new day.
Stepping back and giving her space, Leo bites his lip, not sure if he should say more or not, but it seemed to be settled at least for now. "I... better let you get back to work. Maybe... it was a good thing I forgot this note earlier."
Giving her a smile, he backs away, then turns to head out of the garage. Once he's in his car with the engine running, he takes out his cell phone, debating for a moment, then finally dialing. "Hey, Cass, it's me... I know it's late, but... how does some ice cream sound?"
Though the evening had been long, the sun insists on rising, just like it did every other day. It's golden rays spring out from the horizon, giving hope of a better day ahead...
"Not here anymore?" Leo raises an eyebrow at Reese's information as he stood on the main floor of TJY early the next morning.
"Nope - he moved into his apartment yesterday," Reese explains, telling him where it is. "Anything wrong?"
"No... no, just wanted to talk to him." Leo nods. "Thanks. Sorry for the time."
"No problem." Reese watches the young man leave, wondering at Leo's appearance. Though healing, one could still see he'd been in a fight. Had he been the other party in Alec's brawl? Maybe he shouldn't have given out the address. At the same time though, it was time for Alec to be on his own, free from Reese's thumb. If he got himself into trouble, he'd have to get himself out. And on top of that, Reese knew that Leo had a clean record.
Leo pauses outside the apartment door, wondering if this really was a good idea. He'd called in to work saying he'd be late... but was this something he should be doing? Normally it was not wise to involve oneself in the middle of someone else's affairs but... if it would help... And even though he hadn't expressed this to Ryan, he felt to blame for much of this. He'd thrown the first punch. If he hadn't, there would have been no brawl and Alec and Ryan would not be on the outs right now.
He knocks. "Alec? You up?" Stumbling footsteps could be heard, along with the locks on the door being unlatched.
Alec had been woken up and his clothes were matted and wrinkled. He opens the door a crack and squints into the hall. "Leo... what are you doing here? What time is it?"
"Time for you to get your head out of your hind end," Leo retorts, pushing the door open further to allow him access inside.
Though annoyed and confused, Alec lets him, then shuts the door again. "What is this?"
"Look..." Leo paces a small circle. "I know that the fight between us was mostly my fault because I swung first. But I've done all I can to make it right and now you're this close to losing Ryan." He measures with his first finger and thumb.
Now fully awake, Alec blinks, taken completely off guard. "What? Why?"
"Because you haven't seen or called her, you dope."
"Well she hasn't come to me either!"
"She said she wouldn't," Leo retorts. "Besides, that's not the point. Do you even realize that you're hurting her feelings?"
Alec folds his arms, confused. "Why? Just because I haven't seen her for a few days?"
"That hurts people's feelings, Alec! Are you feeling good about this whole thing?"
"Well I... wait..." Alec's eyes narrow. "This whole thing? What do you know, and how do you know it?"
Leo isn't sure how to answer that one. If he said the wrong thing, it could be fatal.
The pause is too long, and Alec bristles. "You and her-"
"No," Leo states flatly. "But it was a close call, and I'm not kidding around here. You be glad I've got someone else now, or you'd be out on the street again."
Something passes in Alec's eyes... something he had never felt before, nor would he want to again. Panic. "But..." Ryan had almost gone back to Leo? It was that serious? "But just... just because I didn't call?"
"Not calling is just a symptom, Alec. You're not respecting her the way she needs you to, and in turn, she's got some hefty assumptions about what you want and why you're acting this way. But I don't believe you really want to be a jerk."
"Of course not," Alec snaps. "But I don't understand."
"Then figure it out." Leo couldn't tell him any more than that. He couldn't get any more involved than this, and he couldn't stand here and list all what he thought was wrong. There was miscommunication, assumptions on both parts, and probably lack of respect to a certain degree on both parts too. But they would have to sort through those things themselves. "Just take my advice and swallow your pride," he warns. "I'm only doing this because I know Ryan is happy with you and I like seeing her happy."
...Mid morning. J&J Auto was bustling with activity, noise and the scents of the garage. Leo was back to work with the other guys and Ryan as they all tossed around their laughter but remained hard at work with a long lineup for the day.
A shadow appears in one of the open bays, but no one seems to notice. Alec stands, hands hooked in his jeans pockets, just watching Ryan work. His shoulders were a little lower than normal... the usual spark in his eyes was a little dim today. There was worry in his gaze. Whether he'd admit it or not, Leo had scared him.
Not venturing into the busy garage, but wanting to see Ryan, he gives a little whistle to try and get her attention and draw her outside.
Justin paces the floor, cell phone to his ear as he's put on hold, awaiting transfer to Dalton. It had been a long week. Days were spent at Brookshire like normal, working with Scott and seeing Beth. He and her had gone fishing one more time, but otherwise, it was still just brief meet and greets on the sidewalk, but he wasn't going to push it. He was still waiting for her invitation to her home to look through pictures, but he would say nothing until she did. As for Scott... things had been going fine up until last night.
Justin comes to attention as he hears Dalton's voice. "Dalton, hi, this is Justin Hawks. It's Scott. He's in the medical wing here at Brookshire after he collapsed yesterday. Apparently he wasn't eating and drinking as much as he'd made the nurse believe." Everything else had been going well - even their sessions working with Agency data. But Scott's body had had enough neglect. "They're forcing nutrients and liquids into him, but I cannot get him to understand he needs to take better care of himself. If he doesn't, he'll never leave."
He really was at his wit's end. It was the one thing, he was unable to convince Scott of. Or even if Scott understood, he had simply lost his will to fight. He seemed motivated now to overcome the Agency data in his mind, but as far as anything else went... he had simply quit fighting.
"I didn't want to alert Sapphire... not yet. And... you were the only one I could think of that might be able to help him. I'm asking you to come... if you can... for Scott's sake."
Jason keeps the scrambled eggs moving in the pan, watching the bacon too. He was making a good breakfast that filled the house with a delicious aroma. He didn't know if Destiny was a breakfast person or not, but if she was, the scents would wake her.
So far, the morning had been quiet. Reese had given him the go-ahead to stay here as the main bodyguard at least for now, so Jason was staying put. He wanted to go see Laura and Nate at some point, but they'd figure that out later. For now, it was breakfast and he only hoped Destiny would pull herself from bed and start a new day.
World of Hurt
Being pulled into Leo's arms Ryan gives a small little jump not expecting it but once she felt his arms warm around her and the warmth soak in Ryan can't help but just melt a little. Letting her own arms wrap around him she just feels the comfort and soaks it up while she can. Leo was being so sweet, and it was nice.
"I'm happy you found someone else Leo, she sounds really nice."
Ryan meant what she said, she was happy for him. Cassy sounded like a great woman just right for Leo. Him being happy was important and if they couldn't be more than friends, at least she had that right?
"...maybe sometime we will have to double date or something."
Looking up into Leo's eyes Ryan trys to give a smile as she swipes the tears from her eyes. It was to late, and she had found more worth in Leo, but now it was to late and all that was left was a friendship. She had to accept that, and work out her own problems, not try and drag someone else down with her too.
"I'm happy we can still be friends Leo, thanks. But if you tell any of the guys I was crying, your gonna be in for a world of hurt more than Alec gave you."
Ryan gives a little chuckle trying to release some of the tension as she whips her eyes again giving a laugh. She'd never hurt Leo like that even if he did tell someone, but it was the only way she could express she didn't want anyone else to know she had cried.
"I'm happy you found someone else Leo, she sounds really nice."
Ryan meant what she said, she was happy for him. Cassy sounded like a great woman just right for Leo. Him being happy was important and if they couldn't be more than friends, at least she had that right?
"...maybe sometime we will have to double date or something."
Looking up into Leo's eyes Ryan trys to give a smile as she swipes the tears from her eyes. It was to late, and she had found more worth in Leo, but now it was to late and all that was left was a friendship. She had to accept that, and work out her own problems, not try and drag someone else down with her too.
"I'm happy we can still be friends Leo, thanks. But if you tell any of the guys I was crying, your gonna be in for a world of hurt more than Alec gave you."
Ryan gives a little chuckle trying to release some of the tension as she whips her eyes again giving a laugh. She'd never hurt Leo like that even if he did tell someone, but it was the only way she could express she didn't want anyone else to know she had cried.
Punching bag
Listening to Ryan and seeing her inner battle, Leo's shoulders drop just a little. If only he'd heard those words from her before... if only they'd been able to meld better before. Why did they both have to understand each other when it was too late?
"Aw, Ryan..." He sighs and looks down, not sure what to do. But glancing back up again and realizing that she was crying, he felt the edges of his heart cracking. He didn't think he'd ever seen her cry before. She was so strong and never let anybody see her weaknesses. But right now, she was truly letting him see who she really was. And right now, she was simply a woman who needed love.
Stepping forward, Leo doesn't ask permission, but gently slips his arms around her and pulls her close. "Come here," he prompts quietly. Drawing her into a hug, he lets her head rest against his shoulder and he kisses the top of her head.
"The past is the past," he offers tenderly. "You've apologized, I've forgiven, and we can't stay in that spot forever, okay?" He rocks her just a little. "I've got another woman in my life now... her name is Cassy and... I'm not willing to break her heart because... well, because I feel pretty strongly about her."
After a pause, he draws back a little and lifts Ryan's face to see her eyes. Lifting his hand, he wipes away some of her tears. "And I know that you and Alec have strong feelings for each other too. So he might be mad... so what? He'll get over it if he cares, and I know he does. But knowing him, be probably has no idea how much you're hurting. One, because you hide it so well, and two, because..." A wry grin pulls at the corner of his mouth. "....well, he's just not used to seeing those kinds of things. But don't let your stubbornness destroy what you've got going. If you call him first, that doesn't mean he's won - it just means you're bigger than he is to take the first step."
Setting his hands on her shoulders, he tries to give her an encouraging smile. "No matter what... I'll always be your friend, okay? Whether other people think it looks funny or not, I don't care, and Cassy would understand, too. I know we can't have what we did, but if you need to talk or cry or laugh or even hit somebody, I'll be the punching bag, okay?" His chuckle is soft and low. "Don't give up so easily, Ryan," he almost whispers. "Find out why Alec hasn't called, then go from there. But right now, you're running on assumptions and that's never good."
Sitting on a cold park bench, Alec stares out to the little duck pond that was dimly lit with glowing lights beside the walking path. He didn't think he'd ever come here before - other than just passing by on the road.
It was after dark, so there wasn't much activity, if any, but he didn't mind. Glancing up through the trees, he could just make out a few stars in the sky. He knew there were more... but in the city they just couldn't be seen. He wanted to see them. He wanted to run. He wanted to go. He wanted to get away from these miserable chains.
Shifting to sit sideways, he pulls his knees up to his chest and leans against the back of the bench. He hadn't felt this alone since first getting to TJY, and he wasn't even sure why. Dalton was nice... Reese had let him go... things were going well, right? But he was missing something, and that something had a name.
Sighing, he rests his chin on his knees. He'd left his phone back at the apartment. Not that he'd make any calls with it... right? Maybe Ryan didn't even want to hear from him.
"Aw, Ryan..." He sighs and looks down, not sure what to do. But glancing back up again and realizing that she was crying, he felt the edges of his heart cracking. He didn't think he'd ever seen her cry before. She was so strong and never let anybody see her weaknesses. But right now, she was truly letting him see who she really was. And right now, she was simply a woman who needed love.
Stepping forward, Leo doesn't ask permission, but gently slips his arms around her and pulls her close. "Come here," he prompts quietly. Drawing her into a hug, he lets her head rest against his shoulder and he kisses the top of her head.
"The past is the past," he offers tenderly. "You've apologized, I've forgiven, and we can't stay in that spot forever, okay?" He rocks her just a little. "I've got another woman in my life now... her name is Cassy and... I'm not willing to break her heart because... well, because I feel pretty strongly about her."
After a pause, he draws back a little and lifts Ryan's face to see her eyes. Lifting his hand, he wipes away some of her tears. "And I know that you and Alec have strong feelings for each other too. So he might be mad... so what? He'll get over it if he cares, and I know he does. But knowing him, be probably has no idea how much you're hurting. One, because you hide it so well, and two, because..." A wry grin pulls at the corner of his mouth. "....well, he's just not used to seeing those kinds of things. But don't let your stubbornness destroy what you've got going. If you call him first, that doesn't mean he's won - it just means you're bigger than he is to take the first step."
Setting his hands on her shoulders, he tries to give her an encouraging smile. "No matter what... I'll always be your friend, okay? Whether other people think it looks funny or not, I don't care, and Cassy would understand, too. I know we can't have what we did, but if you need to talk or cry or laugh or even hit somebody, I'll be the punching bag, okay?" His chuckle is soft and low. "Don't give up so easily, Ryan," he almost whispers. "Find out why Alec hasn't called, then go from there. But right now, you're running on assumptions and that's never good."
Sitting on a cold park bench, Alec stares out to the little duck pond that was dimly lit with glowing lights beside the walking path. He didn't think he'd ever come here before - other than just passing by on the road.
It was after dark, so there wasn't much activity, if any, but he didn't mind. Glancing up through the trees, he could just make out a few stars in the sky. He knew there were more... but in the city they just couldn't be seen. He wanted to see them. He wanted to run. He wanted to go. He wanted to get away from these miserable chains.
Shifting to sit sideways, he pulls his knees up to his chest and leans against the back of the bench. He hadn't felt this alone since first getting to TJY, and he wasn't even sure why. Dalton was nice... Reese had let him go... things were going well, right? But he was missing something, and that something had a name.
Sighing, he rests his chin on his knees. He'd left his phone back at the apartment. Not that he'd make any calls with it... right? Maybe Ryan didn't even want to hear from him.
Lost Memories
Listing to Leo's words Ryan still leans against her work bench. Hearing what he said about the things she liked Ryan gives a little chuckle. She could remembered when she found out Leo danced and she went to see him. She had been so proud, even if she never told him she would of went and watch him every chance she got. And she would of really enjoyed doing so.
"I liked having you on the sidelines and cheering me on. You didn't have to be in the fight with me to be happy."
Drawing silent again and mulling over Leo's words Ryan wondered about going fast. She liked it, always on the go...but would slowing down really be a bad thing? She been willing to do it for Leo once before because she had been content in him.
Continuing to play things over and over in her head along with Leo's words Ryan's emotions just seemd to build. This and maybe a mixture of everything threatened Ryan's emotions to not be kept hidden any long and the hot wet tears rolled down her cheek. Leo was...an amazing person she could see that now more clearly than ever.
"Leo, why do you have to be so wonderful at a time like this?"
Ryan gives a sniff feeling completely foolish crying like this but she couldn't help it. It almost felt like her own heart was breaking for the mistake she had made. She been foolish she new that now.
"I don't know whats going to happen with Alec and I Leo, but I guess I know how much I hurt you now, and I so very sorry, more than I was before."
Looking up at Leo again Ryan's eyes search his as her heart hurt so much. She new he wouldn't take her back and she didn't blame him. He had someone else now, even if somewhere she wished he would, she new that he just would not. Yet her words she couldn't help but speak.
"I liked having you on the sidelines and cheering me on. You didn't have to be in the fight with me to be happy."
Drawing silent again and mulling over Leo's words Ryan wondered about going fast. She liked it, always on the go...but would slowing down really be a bad thing? She been willing to do it for Leo once before because she had been content in him.
Continuing to play things over and over in her head along with Leo's words Ryan's emotions just seemd to build. This and maybe a mixture of everything threatened Ryan's emotions to not be kept hidden any long and the hot wet tears rolled down her cheek. Leo was...an amazing person she could see that now more clearly than ever.
"Leo, why do you have to be so wonderful at a time like this?"
Ryan gives a sniff feeling completely foolish crying like this but she couldn't help it. It almost felt like her own heart was breaking for the mistake she had made. She been foolish she new that now.
"I don't know whats going to happen with Alec and I Leo, but I guess I know how much I hurt you now, and I so very sorry, more than I was before."
Looking up at Leo again Ryan's eyes search his as her heart hurt so much. She new he wouldn't take her back and she didn't blame him. He had someone else now, even if somewhere she wished he would, she new that he just would not. Yet her words she couldn't help but speak.
8/11/10
Speedbump
Though surprised, Leo can feel his pulse quicken as Ryan's first words sink in. What he wouldn't have given not all that long ago to hear those words. He'd tried so hard for ages to just get Ryan's attention... when he'd finally had her, he felt like he was in seventh heaven.
But he had someone else now... and he knew in his heart that it was right. He couldn't help it that right now, feelings for Ryan lingered. But they were slowly, slowly dissolving. The hole in his heart was being filled by someone who understood him so much more than Ryan ever could. If it weren't for Cassy, would he take Ryan back now? He'd vowed at one time that he never would. But maybe it was best he didn't try to even answer that question.
Hearing that Alec hadn't called her, Leo understands more now, where Ryan's feelings were coming from. He felt badly, but surely something like this wouldn't mean that she and Alec would break up... did it?
Having been staring at the car, he now turns his head to study Ryan's face, looking into one eye then the other. Taking a deep breath, he lets it out slowly. What could he say? She'd certainly made him feel good, in a way, but saying thank you wasn't appropriate. Nor was saying sure, take me back.
Wandering a few steps closer to her, he thinks before speaking carefully. "You didn't make the wrong choice, Ryan. You wouldn't think so either if you'd heard from Alec, so don't let his thickheadedness make you think you chose poorly. You and Alec, you're..." He fishes for the right word. "Kindred spirits. What would you and I do?"
He grins a little. "Our weekends would be spent with you at the races and me down at the dance studio. The important things in our lives are just... different. You wouldn't need me at the races - I make a good speedbump, but that's about it. And you don't care at all for the stage scene. It would only end in frustration."
Leaning back against the car, he keeps his eyes on her. "You're pretty and smart and you don't let anything stand in your way. You're bullheaded, rough and tumble and you can take on any guy you want. What am I supposed to do? Stand on the sidelines and cheer you on?" He shakes his head. "Alec's the kind of guy who will jump right into that fight ring with you - stand back to back with you take out anyone who dares threaten you." He rubs his jaw, a twinkle coming to his eye. "And he can do it, too."
Letting out another little sigh, Leo purses his lips, forcing another small smile. Maybe he was trying to convince himself as much as her and that's why he'd become long-winded. "I'm... glad to know that you see value in me. At one point, I didn't think you did or ever would, and it hurt. But... just because you see it now, doesn't mean you can compare me with Alec. We're two totally different people and... I don't want him to disappoint you, but I do know that whatever happens, you will find happiness someday... you're too stubborn not to."
Spotting a little smudge of grease on Ryan's cheek, he chuckles and straightens to reach up with his thumb to rub it away. "I'm a homebody, Ryan... you need to run... go... stretch yourself beyond the small town boundary. You've got a drive for adventure that I never will have. I wish I did - I really do. But... I don't. But Alec does. I see it. Don't let regrets get in the way of what you really want. We've all learned some hard lessons lately but... if anyone can come out on top, it's you."
Continuing to search her eyes, he nods. "Maybe you haven't heard from him because he's being a jerk. Or maybe the Elite's got him grounded for staying out too late. You don't even know why he hasn't called, so don't throw it all away yet... I know you don't want to."
Mmm... better make it half an hour. Any sooner and I'd think the pizza wasn't cooked.
Jason lets some humor slip through the cracks.
I'll be waiting for you. Maybe I'll see if there's any movies on tv. Nothing loud - don't wanna disrupt Destiny, but maybe enough to entertain us for a while.
He grins.
Not that we couldn't find something to entertain ourselves, but I wouldn't want us getting in trouble over here.
But he had someone else now... and he knew in his heart that it was right. He couldn't help it that right now, feelings for Ryan lingered. But they were slowly, slowly dissolving. The hole in his heart was being filled by someone who understood him so much more than Ryan ever could. If it weren't for Cassy, would he take Ryan back now? He'd vowed at one time that he never would. But maybe it was best he didn't try to even answer that question.
Hearing that Alec hadn't called her, Leo understands more now, where Ryan's feelings were coming from. He felt badly, but surely something like this wouldn't mean that she and Alec would break up... did it?
Having been staring at the car, he now turns his head to study Ryan's face, looking into one eye then the other. Taking a deep breath, he lets it out slowly. What could he say? She'd certainly made him feel good, in a way, but saying thank you wasn't appropriate. Nor was saying sure, take me back.
Wandering a few steps closer to her, he thinks before speaking carefully. "You didn't make the wrong choice, Ryan. You wouldn't think so either if you'd heard from Alec, so don't let his thickheadedness make you think you chose poorly. You and Alec, you're..." He fishes for the right word. "Kindred spirits. What would you and I do?"
He grins a little. "Our weekends would be spent with you at the races and me down at the dance studio. The important things in our lives are just... different. You wouldn't need me at the races - I make a good speedbump, but that's about it. And you don't care at all for the stage scene. It would only end in frustration."
Leaning back against the car, he keeps his eyes on her. "You're pretty and smart and you don't let anything stand in your way. You're bullheaded, rough and tumble and you can take on any guy you want. What am I supposed to do? Stand on the sidelines and cheer you on?" He shakes his head. "Alec's the kind of guy who will jump right into that fight ring with you - stand back to back with you take out anyone who dares threaten you." He rubs his jaw, a twinkle coming to his eye. "And he can do it, too."
Letting out another little sigh, Leo purses his lips, forcing another small smile. Maybe he was trying to convince himself as much as her and that's why he'd become long-winded. "I'm... glad to know that you see value in me. At one point, I didn't think you did or ever would, and it hurt. But... just because you see it now, doesn't mean you can compare me with Alec. We're two totally different people and... I don't want him to disappoint you, but I do know that whatever happens, you will find happiness someday... you're too stubborn not to."
Spotting a little smudge of grease on Ryan's cheek, he chuckles and straightens to reach up with his thumb to rub it away. "I'm a homebody, Ryan... you need to run... go... stretch yourself beyond the small town boundary. You've got a drive for adventure that I never will have. I wish I did - I really do. But... I don't. But Alec does. I see it. Don't let regrets get in the way of what you really want. We've all learned some hard lessons lately but... if anyone can come out on top, it's you."
Continuing to search her eyes, he nods. "Maybe you haven't heard from him because he's being a jerk. Or maybe the Elite's got him grounded for staying out too late. You don't even know why he hasn't called, so don't throw it all away yet... I know you don't want to."
Mmm... better make it half an hour. Any sooner and I'd think the pizza wasn't cooked.
Jason lets some humor slip through the cracks.
I'll be waiting for you. Maybe I'll see if there's any movies on tv. Nothing loud - don't wanna disrupt Destiny, but maybe enough to entertain us for a while.
He grins.
Not that we couldn't find something to entertain ourselves, but I wouldn't want us getting in trouble over here.
Wrong
Giving another laugh at Leo's comment to his wires being loose Ryan shakes her head tighting another bolt. Maybe Leo was a little crazy, but thats ok almost everyone that worked here was as well in one form or another. It was nice that way though, they all had there quirk and it seemed to fit just right!
"Yeah he does get clean happy, specially when its someone else work bench."
Shaking her head Ryan continues to work figuring Leo would be leaving now but resizing he stopped right by the car she had been working on she looks up at him for a moment still bent over the engine. It almost looked like he wanted to ask something so Ryan just waits.
Hearing his question if everything was ok, Ryan looks down at what she was working on again. Thinking for a long moment Ryan lets out a sigh as she works on the engin again not looking up at Leo. She was slightly embarrassed and it was odd for her to ever admit what she would next.
"Leo, I think I made the wrong choose and now I'm paying for it. I care about Alec a lot, but I still think I made the wrong choose."
Ryan finally looks up again and stands straight closing the hood of the car she as working on. Walking over to her work bench and putting down her wrench she turns around and cross her arms over her chest. The term oil in her eyes, and it was easy to see she was hurting.
"He hasn't called me since I yelled at you guys. I've not heard anything wrong him. Not a call, not a text, nothing. Maybe he doesn't care as much as I though and me yelling at him pushed him to far."
Sitting home Thirteen was gone again with Ryder still at the hospital flipping through the TV channels. Being able to talk to Jason without a phone came in handy sometimes even when they were far away.
I hope she is feeling better tomorrow. I feel bad for her, I couldn't imagine how she must feel.
Letting her smile widen as she hears Jason's plan of her coming over Katie can't help but feel that little warm glow inside of her. Pulling on Jason's own emotions to repay the feelings. But its all to soon interrupted but the rum baling of her stomach.
I'm hungry too, I'm lonely, no one is home...I think I will come and see you with pizza in hand. See you in fifteen?
"Yeah he does get clean happy, specially when its someone else work bench."
Shaking her head Ryan continues to work figuring Leo would be leaving now but resizing he stopped right by the car she had been working on she looks up at him for a moment still bent over the engine. It almost looked like he wanted to ask something so Ryan just waits.
Hearing his question if everything was ok, Ryan looks down at what she was working on again. Thinking for a long moment Ryan lets out a sigh as she works on the engin again not looking up at Leo. She was slightly embarrassed and it was odd for her to ever admit what she would next.
"Leo, I think I made the wrong choose and now I'm paying for it. I care about Alec a lot, but I still think I made the wrong choose."
Ryan finally looks up again and stands straight closing the hood of the car she as working on. Walking over to her work bench and putting down her wrench she turns around and cross her arms over her chest. The term oil in her eyes, and it was easy to see she was hurting.
"He hasn't called me since I yelled at you guys. I've not heard anything wrong him. Not a call, not a text, nothing. Maybe he doesn't care as much as I though and me yelling at him pushed him to far."
Sitting home Thirteen was gone again with Ryder still at the hospital flipping through the TV channels. Being able to talk to Jason without a phone came in handy sometimes even when they were far away.
I hope she is feeling better tomorrow. I feel bad for her, I couldn't imagine how she must feel.
Letting her smile widen as she hears Jason's plan of her coming over Katie can't help but feel that little warm glow inside of her. Pulling on Jason's own emotions to repay the feelings. But its all to soon interrupted but the rum baling of her stomach.
I'm hungry too, I'm lonely, no one is home...I think I will come and see you with pizza in hand. See you in fifteen?
Sigh
Leo quirks an eyebrow and pauses his rummaging. Ryan didn't have a date? Nor one the day before? That was odd. Come to think of it, he didn't think he'd seen her on her phone at all today either. Were she and Alec on the outs? Or was he just in trouble again?
Ryan's comment about her and Eli makes Leo laugh. "I've got a few loose wires up top, but not that many."
Finally finding his scribbled note, he holds it up in triumph. "This is what I'm doing here. Figured if I waited until tomorrow, it mighta gotten even more lost or thrown away. You know how Ron's always 'cleaning' things up."
Ambling with the intention of heading back out again, Leo stops by the car Ryan was working on, and runs his hand on the edge for a moment. Looking over to her, he eyes her with curiosity. Something just felt a little... off. She hadn't said anything was wrong, and she'd laughed and smiled all day but...
He cocks his head inquisitively. "Everything okay?"
Alec stands in the middle of the tiny apartment, his eyes circling from one corner to the other and back again. It was quiet. Still.
His backpack slides off his shoulder and onto the floor. There was one long room that would serve as both living room and bedroom, one small bathroom with a shower, and a tiny kitchen. It was almost exactly like Gage's, that was only a couple doors down.
Reese, or rather, the Elite, had supplied Alec with an air mattress, pillow and a couple of blankets. He had a small allowance... enough to get by with the bare necessities until he got a job.
This was better than the lower level of TJY... right?
Alec tries to convince himself it was. In no time, he's got the mattress aired up, his few clothes in one corner and... he looks around. That was about it.
Flopping down, he digs out his tennis ball and tosses it against the wall beside the window. After a few throws, he gets up and stares out the glass onto the front lawn, parking lot and street. And for a moment... he wishes he were back with the Agency. No place of his own, but he'd felt like he belonged. And right at this point in time, he didn't feel like he belonged to anything at all.
Sighing, he goes to the kitchen and scrounges around, finding just a few utensils - everything was clean... he imagined someone had brought them before he and Reese came. By the little ribbon on the silverware, he would guess it to be Susanne.
Finding a little jar that looked like it had been there and forgotten for at least a year, he unscrews the lid and digs in his pocket to pull out a thick roll of cash. Depositing it in the jar, he puts it back in the cupboard. It was just as well that Reese didn't know he had that.
After a little while longer of wandering around in circles, Alec finally heads outside to go for a walk. He needed to do laundry sometime... he was short one set of clothes that were still over at Ryan's, as far as he knew. He sighs. Ryan.
Jason watches Destiny as she leaves, pauses in the living room, then goes back to her bedroom. He'd tried... maybe tomorrow would be better for her. He could only hope.
Miss you tonight...
He wanders back to the couch after having found nothing for supper.
I wouldn't call the police if you wanted to stop by... maybe with a pizza for company... I think Destiny's finished for the night and all I'm doing is staring at a still security monitor.
Chance leans his head against the jet window, closing his eyes. The flight wouldn't be long, but if he could doze, it would go even faster. His mind, however, wouldn't let him sleep. What was he supposed to do, once he got home? If he did nothing, he had lost his freedom. Yet he had no job now. If he did anything with the Underground, he would be caught. He wasn't sure who Reese or Toby would have tailing him, but he knew they'd be there somewhere. Maybe this was worse than jail. And maybe that was Reese's whole point.
The plane touches down at the airport. An Elite vehicle comes. Chance is taken to his apartment. It felt dark and lonely tonight. It had never felt that way before.
After making himself some tea, he goes to the living room to sort through a pile of mail. He leaves it, and his half-finished tea with disinterest though, and wanders to his bedroom where he lies down, sore and miserable. To top it off, he'd lost his necklace... the one with the tiny silver starfish he'd picked up for good luck somewhere along the way - how appropriate.
And the one thing he didn't want to think about tonight, continued to cloud his mind: Destiny. He'd seen pain today... a pain that ultimately the Underground had caused, though he had contributed. The Underground wasn't supposed to be that way though... at least he hadn't thought so. It was supposed to be clean cut. Those they killed were only the ones who deserved it. But... did others have families left behind like Destiny had been?
Chance rolls over and winces, forgetting about the sore spot on his ribs from one of Jason's punches. It was going to be a long night.
Ryan's comment about her and Eli makes Leo laugh. "I've got a few loose wires up top, but not that many."
Finally finding his scribbled note, he holds it up in triumph. "This is what I'm doing here. Figured if I waited until tomorrow, it mighta gotten even more lost or thrown away. You know how Ron's always 'cleaning' things up."
Ambling with the intention of heading back out again, Leo stops by the car Ryan was working on, and runs his hand on the edge for a moment. Looking over to her, he eyes her with curiosity. Something just felt a little... off. She hadn't said anything was wrong, and she'd laughed and smiled all day but...
He cocks his head inquisitively. "Everything okay?"
Alec stands in the middle of the tiny apartment, his eyes circling from one corner to the other and back again. It was quiet. Still.
His backpack slides off his shoulder and onto the floor. There was one long room that would serve as both living room and bedroom, one small bathroom with a shower, and a tiny kitchen. It was almost exactly like Gage's, that was only a couple doors down.
Reese, or rather, the Elite, had supplied Alec with an air mattress, pillow and a couple of blankets. He had a small allowance... enough to get by with the bare necessities until he got a job.
This was better than the lower level of TJY... right?
Alec tries to convince himself it was. In no time, he's got the mattress aired up, his few clothes in one corner and... he looks around. That was about it.
Flopping down, he digs out his tennis ball and tosses it against the wall beside the window. After a few throws, he gets up and stares out the glass onto the front lawn, parking lot and street. And for a moment... he wishes he were back with the Agency. No place of his own, but he'd felt like he belonged. And right at this point in time, he didn't feel like he belonged to anything at all.
Sighing, he goes to the kitchen and scrounges around, finding just a few utensils - everything was clean... he imagined someone had brought them before he and Reese came. By the little ribbon on the silverware, he would guess it to be Susanne.
Finding a little jar that looked like it had been there and forgotten for at least a year, he unscrews the lid and digs in his pocket to pull out a thick roll of cash. Depositing it in the jar, he puts it back in the cupboard. It was just as well that Reese didn't know he had that.
After a little while longer of wandering around in circles, Alec finally heads outside to go for a walk. He needed to do laundry sometime... he was short one set of clothes that were still over at Ryan's, as far as he knew. He sighs. Ryan.
Jason watches Destiny as she leaves, pauses in the living room, then goes back to her bedroom. He'd tried... maybe tomorrow would be better for her. He could only hope.
Miss you tonight...
He wanders back to the couch after having found nothing for supper.
I wouldn't call the police if you wanted to stop by... maybe with a pizza for company... I think Destiny's finished for the night and all I'm doing is staring at a still security monitor.
Chance leans his head against the jet window, closing his eyes. The flight wouldn't be long, but if he could doze, it would go even faster. His mind, however, wouldn't let him sleep. What was he supposed to do, once he got home? If he did nothing, he had lost his freedom. Yet he had no job now. If he did anything with the Underground, he would be caught. He wasn't sure who Reese or Toby would have tailing him, but he knew they'd be there somewhere. Maybe this was worse than jail. And maybe that was Reese's whole point.
The plane touches down at the airport. An Elite vehicle comes. Chance is taken to his apartment. It felt dark and lonely tonight. It had never felt that way before.
After making himself some tea, he goes to the living room to sort through a pile of mail. He leaves it, and his half-finished tea with disinterest though, and wanders to his bedroom where he lies down, sore and miserable. To top it off, he'd lost his necklace... the one with the tiny silver starfish he'd picked up for good luck somewhere along the way - how appropriate.
And the one thing he didn't want to think about tonight, continued to cloud his mind: Destiny. He'd seen pain today... a pain that ultimately the Underground had caused, though he had contributed. The Underground wasn't supposed to be that way though... at least he hadn't thought so. It was supposed to be clean cut. Those they killed were only the ones who deserved it. But... did others have families left behind like Destiny had been?
Chance rolls over and winces, forgetting about the sore spot on his ribs from one of Jason's punches. It was going to be a long night.
Couldnt help
Working quietly Ryan had her ear phones in just drowning herself in music and work. Alec still hadn't called, Eli was going to be working late she might as well work late to catching up on the few days she had missed in the last week.
Hearing Leo's voice break through her mind it doesn't scare Ryan but it does cause her to jump a little as she had been lost in a whole another world. Looking up she gives a small smile and than raises her eyebrow for a moment wondering why Leo was here.
"No...no hot date tonight, non last night either unless you consider eating dinner with my brother a Hot date but if you do than your really messed up."
Looking down at her car again Ryan tinkers with a few things, tighting this and than thighting that before looking up at Leo again as he roots around his desk.
"What are you doing here so late? Kinda surprised to see you....not that I mind."
Giving a nod Dalton watchs the young man he had seemed to form a friendhsip with. He'd come a long way since he first got here, and Dalton was proud to see him going out on his own now. He always felt that way though, maybe it was the soft spot he had in his heart for those in need, or should have a second chance.
"I can do that. If you ever in the area and even if your not and need some mountain dew you know where to find it."
Dalton didn't mind being there for Alec if he ever needed someone and he new he was smart enough to know thats what he was talking about without saying it. It was hard to find a place in the hulks heart, but once you were there it was even harder to get out.
Taking a sip of her water Destiny listens to Jason. He was there for her, and if she needed to talk he would listen. It was nice to know he was there but it didn't make her feel better and she still felt alone. The dark cloud over her heart something Destiny wasn't sure to but couldn't shake.
"Ok, thanks Jason."
Taking the water bottle and going into the living room Destiny looks around for a moment. Images of Chance flash in her mind. How the laughed the first day with the sour patch kids, how they few to liking each other, the tickle war and the first time they kissed. It was hard to face these memories and it hurt even more.
Catching sigh of something on the floor Destiny goes over to the couch and bends down. Picking it up and seeing it was the necklace Chance always wore she could only assume the struggle with Jason.
Just holding it for a long moment Destiny remembers when she had asked Chance about it once. It seemed important to him though he wasn't sure why. There was never a day though Destiny had seen him without it. Unclasping it Destiny puts it around he neck clasping it again and letting it fall under her shirt before standing up again.
Looking around the room and letting out a long sigh Destiny heads back down the hallway and to her room shutting the door behind her. Everything was fresh still, her mind still processing everything and miss those she loved more than she had before. Being alone...was the best thing right now.
Getting onto her bed again Destiny lays down taking her pillow once more. So many things flowed through her mind with feelings she'd never felt before. They all confused her and just made her feel worse.
Standing and getting out of bed Destiny goes to the window and looks out. The sky look cloudy almost like it was going to rain it just seemed to match the mood. Destiny couldnt help but wonder where Chance was.
Hearing Leo's voice break through her mind it doesn't scare Ryan but it does cause her to jump a little as she had been lost in a whole another world. Looking up she gives a small smile and than raises her eyebrow for a moment wondering why Leo was here.
"No...no hot date tonight, non last night either unless you consider eating dinner with my brother a Hot date but if you do than your really messed up."
Looking down at her car again Ryan tinkers with a few things, tighting this and than thighting that before looking up at Leo again as he roots around his desk.
"What are you doing here so late? Kinda surprised to see you....not that I mind."
Giving a nod Dalton watchs the young man he had seemed to form a friendhsip with. He'd come a long way since he first got here, and Dalton was proud to see him going out on his own now. He always felt that way though, maybe it was the soft spot he had in his heart for those in need, or should have a second chance.
"I can do that. If you ever in the area and even if your not and need some mountain dew you know where to find it."
Dalton didn't mind being there for Alec if he ever needed someone and he new he was smart enough to know thats what he was talking about without saying it. It was hard to find a place in the hulks heart, but once you were there it was even harder to get out.
Taking a sip of her water Destiny listens to Jason. He was there for her, and if she needed to talk he would listen. It was nice to know he was there but it didn't make her feel better and she still felt alone. The dark cloud over her heart something Destiny wasn't sure to but couldn't shake.
"Ok, thanks Jason."
Taking the water bottle and going into the living room Destiny looks around for a moment. Images of Chance flash in her mind. How the laughed the first day with the sour patch kids, how they few to liking each other, the tickle war and the first time they kissed. It was hard to face these memories and it hurt even more.
Catching sigh of something on the floor Destiny goes over to the couch and bends down. Picking it up and seeing it was the necklace Chance always wore she could only assume the struggle with Jason.
Just holding it for a long moment Destiny remembers when she had asked Chance about it once. It seemed important to him though he wasn't sure why. There was never a day though Destiny had seen him without it. Unclasping it Destiny puts it around he neck clasping it again and letting it fall under her shirt before standing up again.
Looking around the room and letting out a long sigh Destiny heads back down the hallway and to her room shutting the door behind her. Everything was fresh still, her mind still processing everything and miss those she loved more than she had before. Being alone...was the best thing right now.
Getting onto her bed again Destiny lays down taking her pillow once more. So many things flowed through her mind with feelings she'd never felt before. They all confused her and just made her feel worse.
Standing and getting out of bed Destiny goes to the window and looks out. The sky look cloudy almost like it was going to rain it just seemed to match the mood. Destiny couldnt help but wonder where Chance was.
After dark
"Well thanks anyway." Alec gives Dalton a quirky grin. "I guess you're one of the few who actually put up with me."
Glancing at the wall clock, he stands from the desk. "I suppose I ought to go throw my things in a bag. They might give the newbie the downstairs since I'll be gone."
He pauses before he reaches the door, and turns around again. "I'm sure it'll be a while before I get a job, and... I'm sure Reese will want me reporting back here all the time so... if you ever need help with something again..." He shrugs. "Let me know."
As Destiny emerges from the bedroom, Jason is relieved that she was at least up and moving around, though the look in her eye drove a stake through his heart. Even though she'd been brought here under horrific circumstances, there had still be life there... still a drive to beat the odds and move on. But not tonight. Tonight, that light was gone. Perhaps her relationship with Chance really had been much more than anyone knew.
Following her slowly to the kitchen, he leans on the doorway and nods. "Yeah..." He was ready to say, "most of the time," or "for now," but seeing her like this... he knew that he would request of Reese to let him stay on this job as long as it took. Destiny deserved to have someone consistent - not being tossed around from bodyguard to bodyguard. "Yeah, looks like you're stuck with me."
He offers her a smile, though he knew it wouldn't help matters much. He just wanted so badly to have the right words to say.
"Destiny, I..." He pauses, his eyes going down, then back up again. Be yourself. "I'm sorry... for everything. You came to the Elite for help and... we didn't do a good enough job. I know that unfortunately, there's nothing we can say or do... no compensation that will ever make up for this whole thing. But... for what it's worth..." He gives a slight shrug, just trying to be a friend. "...I'm here. If you need anything or want to talk or just... want silent company, I'm here."
Jason knew that she must feel horribly alone, and it just made him hurt for her all the more. Why he felt so strongly about her, he didn't know. Usually he did a pretty good job of separating his emotions from Elite jobs. But this just felt different.
It was after dark. Leo was coming from dinner with Cassy on his way home, but he'd written himself a note to remember while at work, and without it, he couldn't make the phone call that he needed to. So before going straight to his place, he takes the long way around to stop by the garage first.
Arriving, he's surprised to see Ryan's car parked out front. Odd. He didn't think she normally worked late.
Parking and slipping inside, he wanders through the front office and into the auto area where the lights were on. Spotting Ryan working, he heads her way, trying not to startle her.
"What? No hot date tonight?" he teases. "Or is this how you get the jump on the rest of us?"
Grinning, he hooks his keys to his pocket and aims for the tool bench were a bunch of paper scraps were. He'd written it here somewhere...
Glancing at the wall clock, he stands from the desk. "I suppose I ought to go throw my things in a bag. They might give the newbie the downstairs since I'll be gone."
He pauses before he reaches the door, and turns around again. "I'm sure it'll be a while before I get a job, and... I'm sure Reese will want me reporting back here all the time so... if you ever need help with something again..." He shrugs. "Let me know."
As Destiny emerges from the bedroom, Jason is relieved that she was at least up and moving around, though the look in her eye drove a stake through his heart. Even though she'd been brought here under horrific circumstances, there had still be life there... still a drive to beat the odds and move on. But not tonight. Tonight, that light was gone. Perhaps her relationship with Chance really had been much more than anyone knew.
Following her slowly to the kitchen, he leans on the doorway and nods. "Yeah..." He was ready to say, "most of the time," or "for now," but seeing her like this... he knew that he would request of Reese to let him stay on this job as long as it took. Destiny deserved to have someone consistent - not being tossed around from bodyguard to bodyguard. "Yeah, looks like you're stuck with me."
He offers her a smile, though he knew it wouldn't help matters much. He just wanted so badly to have the right words to say.
"Destiny, I..." He pauses, his eyes going down, then back up again. Be yourself. "I'm sorry... for everything. You came to the Elite for help and... we didn't do a good enough job. I know that unfortunately, there's nothing we can say or do... no compensation that will ever make up for this whole thing. But... for what it's worth..." He gives a slight shrug, just trying to be a friend. "...I'm here. If you need anything or want to talk or just... want silent company, I'm here."
Jason knew that she must feel horribly alone, and it just made him hurt for her all the more. Why he felt so strongly about her, he didn't know. Usually he did a pretty good job of separating his emotions from Elite jobs. But this just felt different.
It was after dark. Leo was coming from dinner with Cassy on his way home, but he'd written himself a note to remember while at work, and without it, he couldn't make the phone call that he needed to. So before going straight to his place, he takes the long way around to stop by the garage first.
Arriving, he's surprised to see Ryan's car parked out front. Odd. He didn't think she normally worked late.
Parking and slipping inside, he wanders through the front office and into the auto area where the lights were on. Spotting Ryan working, he heads her way, trying not to startle her.
"What? No hot date tonight?" he teases. "Or is this how you get the jump on the rest of us?"
Grinning, he hooks his keys to his pocket and aims for the tool bench were a bunch of paper scraps were. He'd written it here somewhere...
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