Beating

Trey's comment makes both Pete's and Ariel's eyes snap towards him. Was he still upset over the whole thing? Was he still bitter that they hadn't been entirely honest with them?

Ariel isn't sure what to say, but seeing Trey stumble over his next few words, she realized that he hadn't meant for his previous statement to sound mean. Maybe he was trying after all. Maybe.

Shaking her head, she pretends not to have noticed his awkwardness. "You guys are all alike."

"Whoa!" Pete holds up his hand. "You're putting me in the same category as your brother? That is so not fair."

Colt snickers. "Maybe she thinks you're immature."

Pete was, by far, the oldest of the group, and his eyes narrow playfully. "And your point is...?"

"Pizza!" Dani comes to the table carrying the first of the pizzas.

"Oh, bless you." Colt gives her a wide grin. "You have no idea how many lives you just saved."

Dani blinks as she sets down the pizza. "That hungry?"

"No. But Pete was going to strangle me. Now he'll be too busy stuffing his face."

Dani laughs. "Glad I could help."

"Help me more by joining us." Colt feigns desperation. "If but one more soul is added to my side, my heart shall remain beating!"

Ariel's eyes widen. "Somebody had too much caffeine tonight."

Dani shakes her head, giving Colt's shoulder a pat. "Nice try, cowboy. I belong to someone else's table."

As she walks away, Colt sighs. "All the good ones are taken."

"Nah." Pete grabs a slice of pizza. "You're just not smart enough to find the free - ow!" He jumps as a boot hits his shin. "Play nice!"

Ariel rolls her eyes again and grabs a plate for herself. Glancing to Trey, she winks. "Welcome to the crazier side of us."


"No thanks necessary." Rick gives Katie a little wave, watching her leave the infirmary. After a short sigh, he turns back to his work. He was worried about his two friends, even if he wouldn't tell them so. But he did have confidence that they would be okay. The odd Agency connection was still a mystery, and how it worked was beyond medical science. Despite that, he still believed that what he'd said to Katie was true - that she and Jason would just have to adjust. Nothing was "wrong." They would simply need to get used to this new way of feeling things...

Over the next few weeks, Rick kept a close eye on them, whether they knew it or not. He checked up on Katie several times, and talked with Jason when he'd come in for check-ups with his knee. Thankfully, that was the least of Rick's worries. Without the Agency influence in Jason's system, there was nothing eating away at his weaknesses, and therefore, his knee was healing well and much more quickly than anticipated. By week three, he told Jason he could leave his crutches behind and wear a brace as long as he didn't overdo it yet and continued to put it up when he was sitting and continue his therapy as well. But despite time and the occasional laugh from Katie and Jason, Rick was kept very aware that the two young agents still had a lot of adjusting to do yet...

"I'm fine." Jason spits out the thermometer and shoos Rick away from checking his pulse. "Isn't it about time I didn't have to come in here every other day."

"Twice a week," Rick corrects. "And I suppose so." He retreats, leaving Jason sitting on the table in the infirmary. "How's, um... how's things with you and Katie?"

Jason pulls on his t-shirts and lifts his eyebrows. "Huh?"

"You and Katie." Rick comes back and leans on the table beside him. "You two doing alright?"

"Well, yeah, sure." Jason shrugs. "I mean why not?"

"I don't know..."

Jason eyes him suspiciously. "What are you getting at?"

"Nothing. I was just curious."

Jason's gaze lowers a little. He thinks back over the last couple weeks. He and Katie had spent almost every evening together... just like they always did. Except... things still weren't the same. They didn't... talk much. They didn't... do much. A movie here... a pizza there... but nothing... fun. Or maybe it was fun and Jason just didn't know it. But last night... last night they'd cuddled on his couch and even fallen asleep for a while. And when Katie had left to go home, they hadn't kissed goodbye. Jason wasn't sure why... they always did... and he didn't think either had forgotten. It just didn't seem... necessary. It had been an okay evening and they weren't mad at each other. But... they just weren't... close.

Rick sees the turmoil behind Jason's eyes and knows there is much being unsaid. "How about you two taking some time off? Visit Texas? Or just go to the beach. Go hang out with friends. Do you do anything like that anymore?"

Jason shrugs. "Not really."

"Why not?"

"I dunno. Guess we didn't want to." Jason runs a hand through his hair. "Look... I don't know what you've been told, but apparently you've noticed Katie and I haven't been that close lately. And if you really must know, I don't know why it is. I just... I don't feel much of anything anymore, and..."

Rick waits. "And...?"

Jason wasn't sure he wanted to say it out loud. "And I guess... It's... well, what if the connection was the only thing Katie and I really had? I mean... what if we never really loved each other? What if it was just our connection amplifying everything and now that it's gone... "us" is gone?"

"Aw, Jase..." Rick shakes his head. "I don't think that's true. You and Katie always had more than just being able to talk to each other from miles away. You just need to give this time."

"That's what you said in the beginning."

Rick sighs. "I don't pretend to have all the answers... but I still believe that the both of you will adjust. I know it's hard. But you gotta hang on."

"To what?"

Rick's shoulders drop. He wasn't getting anywhere. "To what's in here." He touches Jason's chest over his heart. "How do you feel right now?"

Jason smirks. "Honestly? Depressed. But I don't want anything to-"

"I'm not trying to cure you with pills," Rick cuts him off. "You feel bad, right?"

"Yeah, so?"

"Jason... you're feeling. It may be negative, but you know what it is. You couldn't do that two weeks ago. One of these days, you're gonna probably feel angry. Or irritated. Or upset. And then one day you're going to have fun. You're going to feel happy. Or joy... Or love." He tries desperately to get his point across. "I know what you feel now sucks. But it's a good thing. The more you try to understand those faint feelings, the better you'll become at it, and pretty soon, it will all be natural again. Please... trust me."

Jason swallows hard, his eyes glued to the floor. He nods though. Maybe Rick was right. He did feel right now. He felt rotten, but Rick did have a point - at least he really was feeling something, and that was an improvement. Maybe the negative was just easier to recognize than the good right now. "Okay... I'll give it more time."

"Good."

Jason heads out of the infirmary, limping just a little. He goes down the hall to his office and shuts the door. Easing down behind his desk, he puts his feet up and grabs his tennis ball. Throwing it at the wall, he plays catch with himself, his mind whirling with paperwork, his mother, Wes, and Katie.


Dylan wasn't used to this kind of treatment, but opening his eyes again, he sees it's true that Stacy really was going to help him. While it felt rather childish, at the moment, he was too weak to fight, and maybe deep down, that little boy still existed that needed to just be loved.

Finally able to get some soup in him, it felt good. Dylan does give Stacy a lame kind of look though at her comment. "Nice try," he responds hoarsely. "It's not the spoon... it's me."

With half the soup finally down, he can't handle anymore, and refuses another bite. Sinking back a little, he sniffs his runny nose and rubs his tired eyes with his hand, only to withdraw more sweat. Shivering, he pulls his blanket up again.

Looking at Stacy, his eyes seems to be far away. "I'm... I'm doing it... right? I'm... I'm beating it?"

Silly Contraption

As Colt sits down next to him Trey lets out a small breath trying his best to relax. He wasn't sure what had come over him to make him invite Colt to stay but it was to late to turn it back now. Who knows maybe He was an ok guy after all if he just gave him a chance. Now that he wasn't drunk and convinced it was Ariel's boyfriend...maybe he could stand him. Wouldn't hurt to have another friend around town either.

Watching Ariel, Pete and Colt go back and forth and around in circles Trey can't help but give a small grin. It was funny watching them argue with each other and intrusting. They were arguing but there was no malice or hate involved. Is was like fighting but not really something Trey had never seen before.

As Colt brings Trey into the conversation his gives a smirk and a chuckle before answering.

"Yeah they have a tendince of doing that."

Once the words were out of his mouth he cringes. He didn't mean them the way he sounded he was only trying to playfuly agree with Colt even though thats not how I came out.

"I mean...they...see to like doing that to you is...is what I meant."

Rolling his eyes at himself Trey lets out a long sigh. Great, he hoped Ariel hadn't take it the wrong way because he really didn't mean it that way it just came out wrong.

Watching Dylan try to eat Stacy's heart goes out to him once again. He was trying and that was really important. Thats what she wanted to see. She wanted to see Dylan have the will to try and do it on his own knowing if he needed it there were people to fall back on but no depending on them alone.

"Here let me help."

Giving another smile and sitting on the edge of the bed Stacy takes the spoon and scoops some of the soup bring it to Dylan's mouth for him to eat. She continued to help very happy knowing it was in fact going down easy. Keeping up his strength was important and he would definitely need it. Even if the worse was over there was a lot more to come.

"Spoons really are horrible contraptions. Half the time I try and eat soup it lands on my shirt and non in my mouth. Thats why I prefer the thick stews so I don't have to worry about it as much."

Spill

Though still in a fog, Dylan's eyes mange to open as he hears Stacy return to his room. The scent of broth made him hungry and nauseous at the same time. Part of him wanted to refuse. And part of him wanted to take advantage of the help that was being offered. Part of him wanted to be stubborn. And part of him knew good and well from his past experience that he couldn't do this alone.

Pulling himself up to sit against the headboard, he eyes the food for a moment, trying to control his body's wish to go throw up again. "Okay." He nods numbly. "Thank you..."

Reaching for the spoon, it shakes, spilling half the broth, but the other half does make it to his mouth and goes down easily. Nibbling on half a cracker too, it seemed to agree with him but the broth tasted better. Trying again and spilling most of it once more, he gives up. Leaning his head back, he sniffs and closes his eyes. His face was flushed with fever, his body continuing to wage war. He wanted to eat more, he just couldn't get his fingers to function properly.


Colt can't help his surprise at Trey's insistence that he stay. Really? Was this the same guy he'd seen a couple nights ago? His eyes shift to his sister, who gives him a little nod. "Well... I guess when you put it that way..."

His grin turns a little crooked and he pulls out the chair next to Trey to sit down. "So... I thought there was a hot party at the Sunrise tonight."

Pete chuckles. "Yeah, well... it wasn't exactly a beach party."

"Oh, I see. There was... no... sand?"

Ariel snickers. "Maybe you should actually come to one of these get-togethers once so you're not such an idiot when we talk about it."

"You kidding me?" Colt arcs one eyebrow way above the other. "And mingle with the life of the city?"

"Dude..." Pete looks at him dumbly. "You live in the city."

"Ahh, but I spend my spare time out in the fresh air that is not influenced by exhaust, fumes, and smog."

"No... just... manure."

"I give up." Colt swings his eyes to Trey. "Is it just me, or are those two ganging up on me? 'Cause that's certainly the way it feels."

Unexspected Invite

Helping Dylan back to bed and pulling the cover over him she takes her hand and brushes some of the sweaty matted hair out of his face and to the side. Giving a soft smile it was so much different than when Dylan had seen her before.

Standing again Stacy gives a nod. If Dylan fell asleep by time she got back that would be ok she would keep the food at his bed stand waiting for when he woke up.

Leaving the room Stacy goes to the kitchen opening the fridge and cupboards looking to see what she could make for Dylan. Finally deciding on some crackers and chicken broth she figured it would be the best thing for him. It would lay light in his stomach and would also help soak up the sourness that was there a the moment.

...A few minutes later Stacy knocked and opens the door to the bedroom. Holding the trey she enters seeing Dylan still awake she was glad. He'd be able to at least eat something.

"Here you go some crackers and chicken broth. You don't have to eat it all just as much as you can. ok?"

Trey gives a nod to Colt. He had heard that Mom and Pop's was the best place to get good pizza. He really had yet to decied. Sometime her would like to try one of the other places just so he had something to compare it to.

Hearing his comment about liking to hang out with Pete and Ariel Trey is quiet for a moment as he rips at a napkin on the table before speaking again.

"Yeah...I...I do. They are good people even if they are smarty pants sometimes. Keeps me on my toes."

Looking up at Colt and studying him for a long moment Trey wondered what Colt thought of him. He hadn't made a good impression the other night and part of him wanted to change that. After all if he was going to be Ariel's friend than he better get on her brothers good side...right?

"I ordered us way to many pizza's. You might as well stay and join us. You movie can wait but your sister...I don't know. At least have one slice for her sake?"

Katie gives a nod to Rick. He's always done what he could to help her and Jason. Always had there best intrust in mind and though she was feeling down she was thankful.

"Alright, I will. Thanks again!"

Try

Colt is just ready to give a smart remark back to Trey when he catches Ariel's eye. His sister gives him a warning look, which shuts his mouth until he'd rethought what he'd been ready to say. He remembers all that Ariel had told him the other night and wonders now if Trey needed more friendship rather than someone else razzing on him.

A twinkle returns to his eye and he grins. "Well, pizza can be found on just about every corner around here, but this is the best place."

"Wanna join us?" Ariel invites.

Colt shakes his head. "Nah. I gotta date with a movie at home and I gotta be up early tomorrow to get back to the stable."

Pete fiddles with his drink, listening. "Still working there, huh?"

"Yep. Pay's not the best but I still enjoy it."

Ariel chuckles. "The ol' cowboy. Chick magnet."

"Hey!" Colt throws out his arms and looks around. "Do you see anybody following me?"

Pete smirks. "Try some deodorant, boy. Might help."

Colt's eyes narrow, though he grins. "Thanks a lot." He swings his gaze back to Trey. "And you actually like hanging out with these two? You've got guts."


"Okay." Rick stands with Katie. "How about you stop back in here next week sometime? I'd like to give you a basic check up just to make sure everything's still alright and settling down."


At first, Dylan just looks at Stacy, unmoving. Finally though, he accepts her help and gets his feet under him so he can stand, albeit wobbly. Leaning on her as they go back to his room, he finds his head on her shoulder until they get to his bed again.

Easing down and pulling his blankets up again, he shivers. Looking up at Stacy, tears pool in his eyes. He seems to want to say something but stops, dropping his gaze. "I'll try to stay awake for... for something to eat."

Willing to Help

Looking up and seeing Colt Trey can feel himself stiffen a little and his cheeks become slightly red but not enough to really have anyone draw notice to them. He remembered who cold was and he remembered how much of an idea he had acted in front of him. In a way Trey wished he had forgotten that night.

Giving a smirk to Colt's comment about not seeing him so long again Trey felt like sinking down in his chair even more. Hearing Ariel's comment that followed Trey gives a little smirk before glancing at Colt again.

"A rut where pizza is involved dosn't seem like to bad a thing. Than again back in Mexico pizza wasn't something you find on every corner so maybe I am just partial because I was deprived."

Picking up his straw and unwrapping it Trey puts it into the glass of soda and just watches it sink as the bubbles cling to the straw trying to keep it afloat but failing. Trey wondered if maybe thats how he felt at the moment. Trying to stay float but slowly was sinking not to sure how to stay fast.

Listing to everything Rick had to say Katie finally gives a little shrug. Maybe sooner or later the emptiness would go away and till than she just feel uncomfortable. What Rick said did make sence to her but she couldn't even see herself getting use to it. Only time would tell but as of right now stood she didn't know.

"Well, at least I know nothings wrong."

Standing and scanning the infirmary again Katie lets out a sigh. She'd dont hardly any work today and should probley get back to it. She'd remind herself later to give her Aunt a call and see how they were all doing.

"Thanks Rick, I should get back to work."

Taking the glass back from Dylan again Stacy just studied him for a moment. She wondered how much he remembered from what happened earlier today. She would guess not much but different people remembered things than other.

"You dad needed to get some sleep so I told him I'd stick around encase you needed anything. He just wanted to make sure you'd be ok."

Twirling the glass against her other palm Stacy shifts a little bit. Even if Dylan did remember what happened this was one of the good reasons she was here was for if Dylan needed something. Leaving out the park about making sure he didn't escape again was just not something that needed to be said as well.

"Come on, let me help you back to bed and I will see about getting you something light to eat since your stomach probable can't handle a lot at the moment."

Leaning down Stacy gets Dylan's arm over her shoulder to try and help him stand. She could do all the work for him but she wanted him to try and stand on his own too. He needed to stay strong and if everyone did everything for him though this it wouldn't work. She was more than willing to help though as long as he was willing to try.

Not so long

Rick sighs and nods, giving Katie's shoulder a pat. He wasn't surprised Jason wasn't talking about it, whether he felt fine or not. He never was one to express himself very well.

"I know you don't like it. And to be honest, I hated to do this to you two. But you and I both knew that there would be some kind of after affects that we couldn't predict." He didn't like making promises with something like this - something so intangible and medically impossible. But there were a few things he was certain of. And right now, Katie needed reassurance.

"It'll get better, Katie. That emptiness will eventually go away. It's just a shock to your system. From what I can tell without actually having experienced it myself, is that you and Jason both have been living in separate rooms full of television sets - all blaring loud and all on different stations. You both adapted and learned how to sort through the noise to understand it, accept it, and communicate. Now all of a sudden, all plugs have been pulled. There is a dead silence in your rooms now and a wall between both of you. It's empty. But... here's the thing..."

He cocks his head a little, trying to see her face. "The room isn't really empty. It's still got you in it. And nobody can steal your own emotions - I don't care what kind of Agency cocktail made it go haywire to begin with, but the origin is still there - you. It's going to take a while to remember how to feel everything again on such a small scale. But you will. There's nothing wrong with you... this is how it's supposed to be."


Dylan looks up groggily as Stacy comes to him, his eyes glossy. Reaching numbly for the water, he accepts it to rinse his mouth and just stays on the floor, leaning against the toilet. He shakes his head slowly and sniffs before wiping some sweat from his eyes.

"I'll just.... lose it," he mumbles. Yes, he was hungry. But the thought of food repulsed him at the same time.

He hands the glass of water back to her shakily, fearing he'd drop it if he didn't. Closing his eyes, he didn't care that he was on the bathroom floor. He couldn't sink much lower than he already had anyway. "What're you... you doin' here anyway?"


Ariel chuckles. "I like almost anything on my pizza, so we should be good. And... too much just means leftovers."

Sitting next to Pete across from Trey, her eyes roam the restaurant. She felt awkward. She really wasn't sure why, unless it was just that things were okay but not quite settled yet. She didn't know. But it didn't do much to help the atmosphere.

A prick to her neck makes her turn quickly and she realizes that Pete had just blown his straw wrapper at her. She smirks and gives his arm a whack. "Behave yourself."

The bell at the door turns her attention, and her eyebrows rise. "Well, well, well, look who the cat dragged in."

Colt immediately sees their table and is equally surprised. "Hey, gang." He approaches and offers his hand to Pete. "Long time no see."

"Yeah, man." Pete gives his hand a hearty shake. "What's happening?"

"Not much." Colt shrugs. He glances over to Trey. "And... not so long time no see." He grins a little, not trying to be mean, but finding this scene rather ironic.

Ariel cocks her head. "So what are you doing here?"

"Hello. Food." Colt grins. "This is my ritual you know. It's my pizza night."

"Hey, Colt!" Carson calls from the kitchen. "Same as always?"

Colt turns and waves at him, hollering back. "You got it!"

Ariel rolls her eyes and looks at Trey. "He needs to get out of his rut."

Empty

Sitting down with Rick Katie listened. He was always so nice and he always was trying to help for that Katie was thankful. If he was right thought and this was normal...Katie never relized how bleak emotions really were.

"I just feel...empty."

Stopping to think about Jason and what he might be feeling Katie just shakes her head a little bit. Things with Jason had been...different but he never mentioned there emotions to her. She didn't even know if he missed them like she did.

"I'm not sure...He wont talk to me about it. Everything is just...different now. I dont like it."

Hearing Dylan move around Stacy stays alert and doesn't move as she see Dylan leave the bedroom and go to the bathroom. She didn't want to invade his privacy if he had to use the restroom. Hearing him get sick Stacy finally gets up and goes to the sink and gets some water before heading back to the bathroom. Knocking Stacy enters and looks down at Dylan. Holding out the glass of water to him.

"Here you go, to wash your mouth out. Hungry at all?"

Seeing Ariel come into Mom and Pop's Trey perks up a little bit and gives a wave telling her to come on over. They pretty much could sit where they wanted too and it didn't matter much to him.

"I hope you don't mind Pete and I ordered some pizza's already. Probable to much but we wanted to have a little bit of everything. My treat. So I hope we picked something you like."

Sitting down at one of the tables Trey taps his finger against it. He wasn't sure what else to say or do now that everyone was here. It had been an idea to do something fun but now he felt almost lost on what to do.

Make sense?

Pausing his work and turning to Katie, Rick gives her a warm smile. He hadn't seen her much lately, and hoped things were alright.

Her stated concern though, makes him furrow his brow. Folding his arms, he cocks his head and studies her for a moment. "I was wondering how you were doing..."

Sighing, he contemplates the whole situation. "I assume you mean you can't feel your emotions." He gestures to a chair to have her sit down. "I was wondering what sort of impact this whole thing might have on you. Although..." He squints. "From what I can see, you're looking mighty sad, which means you're feeling something."

Siting down next to her, he gives her another smile. "I could be wrong... but I'm wondering if you can still feel just fine - but things feel differently to you. I'm wondering if your emotions are still there, but since they're not being amplified by Jason, perhaps they're just harder for you to sense and to recognize. Does that make sense?"

Rick shakes his head slowly. "I may not be right - but that's my theory. Do you know if Jason is experiencing the same thing?"


It had only been an hour, but Dylan had no sense of time. All he knew was that he'd been woken by his stomach. Kicking off the blankets, he half rolls, half falls out of bed. Standing shakily, his legs buckle and he gropes for the door. Making it to the hallway, he leans against the wall, his whole body trembling. Thankfully he makes it to the bathroom in time to throw up, but once he's on the floor, he doesn't have the strength to get back up.


Seeing Pete and Trey come into Mom and Pop's, Dani's first reaction is a little sigh. She never complained about the one or two late nights a week, but she'd been hoping for a boring one tonight so Carson would let her off early and she could get in at least an hour with Dalton.

Slinging a towel over her shoulder, she eyes Trey with question. Hearing about a party, she's just about ready to react when he explains it's only three people. Grinning a little, Dani shakes her head. "Yeah, I can crank up the music a bit. But only if you guys order a pizza and make it worth my while."


It was a few minutes later that Ariel arrives as well. Entering the little restaurant, she glances around for Pete and Trey. She really wasn't sure about this. She was glad Trey was sober, in a better mood, and had apologized to her. But she wasn't ready yet to just act like everything was fine either. But he was apparently trying his best, and so was Pete, so the least she could do was make an effort as well.

Seeing Trey at the counter, she waits to see where he and Pete would sit.

Something Wrong

Completely not paying any attachen to her work now Katie leans back in her chair chewing on the end of her pen. She tried to fish for more emotions, to try to feel more but it simply would not come. She thought she felt something but what it was she had no notions of what it was. As her phone goes off again Katie looks at the message again letting out a small sigh before replying.

Yeah, I feel bad for your mom too :( I...I think I am ok.
I am gonna have to call my Aunt later and see how
everyone else is. Mick's probley taking it hard too.

Sitting there a little longer after hitting send Katie felt bad. She felt like there was more emotion she should be feeling but she just wasn't. Getting up from her desk Katie makes her way across the floor and to the infirmary. Entering she spots and see Rick standing at one of the counters. Going over to him her voice is quiet hoping she wasn't bothering him to much.

"Rick...I think there is something wrong with me. I...I can't feel anything."


Stacy gives a nod to Mick as she goes to the kitchen and sits down at the table. She didn't mind how long he slept as long as he got some sleep. Sitting at the kitchen table she could keep an eye on the room Dylan was in and be comfortable at the same time.


Entering Mom and Pop's Trey glances around. It wasn't busy like Pete had said so it should be a nice night. Walking over to the counter and leaning over it a little bit to Dani he gives a smile.

"Hey do you think you could find a way to play some music. We have a part coming in and a little music would make it fun."

Stopping to think about what he said Trey shakes her head for a second resaying what he wanted.

"Well...its a three person party so nothing major."

Worried

Jason reads Katie's message. Was he okay? How could he even answer that? No, he wasn't okay. But it wasn't a "not okay" that he was used to. It was different. He was less okay with his emotional state, or lack thereof, than what he felt about his stepfather possibly being dead.

He stops for a moment, thinking about Wes. He'd tried so hard. He'd tried to be as much a father he could, even when Jason hadn't warmed up to him. But Jason had always seen how Wes had treated his mother - it was more than any other man had done. And now Jason had a little sister, too. No, he had no malice against Wes at all. There was definite... sorrow. Was that what this was? Sorrow? That faint feeling back in the nooks and crannies that could barely be felt? Since he didn't feel happy, did that mean he was sad?

Jason shakes his head. He was just going around in circles now.

Hitting the reply button, he pauses yet again. What did Katie think? Did she feel anything either? Although technically she was no relation to Wes at all, other than him being her aunt's brother-in-law, Jason knew Katie still considered him her uncle - all of the Henson's were like her aunts and uncles and they all considered her their niece too. Wes was no exception. Was Katie bothered by this news? Jason simply didn't know. There was no blip in his emotions. There was no hiccup in the flow to tell him something was wrong. There was no flow at all.

He sighs.

Yeah I think I'm ok.
Worried about Mom.
U?


Mick thinks for a moment, wiping his nose again. Exhaustion wasn't even close to how he felt. Would Dylan be okay for a little while? He did trust Stacy.

Finally, he nods. "Okay. I guess I could use a little sleep. Let me go clean up then get him cleaned up too and I'll let you take over."

It takes him a bit longer than anticipated to get his nose to stop bleeding, but once it does, he heads back to the bedroom. By now, Dylan appeared to be back down in a low state of fever mixed with depression mixed with exhaustion. It was just as well - Mick figured it would be a while until he exploded again, if he did at all.

Managing to get a clean shirt on Dylan and pulling the blankets over him again, Mick exits once more into the hall. "He seems to be quieted down again." He rubs a hand over his face, feeling as though he could collapse right there. "His fever has been going up and down and he gets chilled pretty bad, but I think his outburst has passed." He shakes his head. "All night it's been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. One minute he's determined to beat this, the next he's depressed and would rather die, and the next he's desperate just for more drugs and doesn't care how he gets them."

Stacy didn't need all of that information. But maybe Mick just needed to vent a little. He manages a small smile. "Thanks for your help. I'll be in the master bedroom if you need me. I'll try not to sleep too long."


In bed, Dylan shivers uncontrollably. He was hot. He was cold. He was nauseous. He was thirsty. He was angry. He was subdued. He craved the drugs. He was determined to get through this. It didn't matter what he felt one second - the next he felt the opposite. Had he just been outside? He wasn't even sure. Where was he? He wasn't sure of that either.

Burrowing farther under the blankets, he tries to shut everything out. It didn't work though. When he closed his eyes, all that was waiting were more nightmares.

Lack of

Continuing to help Mick bring Dylan back to the bunk Stacy could feel her own heart break. It was always hard having a case with a child involved now it just seemed even worse being so close to who it was. She felt so bad for Mick and new he was doing what he could.

Taking a quick scan of the area there were people wondering what was going on but who she was looking was not there. Stacy breath a sigh of releaf knowing Ashlee had not see any of this. It was not something she would want not to mention it might have scared her. Dylan was her friend too and she just didn't know how she would react.

"Easy does it Dylan, no one is trying to hurt you."

Stacy's voice was softer than her normal gruff demeanor proving that maybe she'd delt with this before. Looking to Mick she gives a nod showing she was ready to continue to the house.

Getting inside proves to be a challenge but once it is finished and Dylan was in the room with Mick Stacy stayed out in the hall and leaned against the wall till Mick emerged. Letting his catch his own breath Stacy studied his face for a long moment. She could see how tired Mick was and in this state he would be no use to anyone.

"Yeah I can watch him. You clean up, and...why don't you get some sleep too. I can see on you face how little you have actually gotten. Your not gonna be any use to anyone unless your rested. I can't watch him its not a problem. Thats what I am here for anyways."

Stacy gives a smile to Mick proving she really didn't mind at all. If she could help by watching Dylan for a little bit than she wanted to be able to do that. Right now she didn't have anything else going on anyways.

Sitting at her desk Katie's mind wonders to anything but her work. She wondered what Jason was doing, and felt the emptiness of not knowing was almost tourer. Hearing the beep of her phone Katie reads the message slowly. Wes was MIA? Her Uncle was...lost.

Something welled inside Katie's chest was it sadness? It felt so bleak though so...unimportant. this was her Uncle, Jason's step father shouldn't she be crying or at least feel worse than she did? The lack of emotion confused her and she didn't like it.

Hitting the reply button Katie wasn't sure what to say and only one thing came to mind.

"Are...you ok?"

Thankful

Finally succeeding in ripping free of Mick's grasp, Dylan resumes his course to Angel's office, but he only makes it several steps before he's caught again. As his arm is cranked behind his back, he howls in protest. Locked in Stacy's grip, he tries to break free, but all it does is serve to cause more pain in his arm. "No! Let me go!" he shouts.

Though he fought with all he had, by now, his energy was almost spent. His thrashing slows, his breathing growing more rapid and shallow. Tears stream down his face as he fights against Stacy and against the invisible force that felt as though it were ripping him up inside.

Mick slowly picks himself up off the ground, thankful that Stacy had been nearby. Wiping his bloody nose on his sleeve, he opts to ignore that for now, along with the pain in his shoulder. Trudging forward, he doesn't waste time talking to Stacy yet - they needed to get Dylan back to the house.

By now, Dylan's tugging and pulling had lessened immensely, although his anger had not. "I hate you!" he screams, not caring if he was talking to his father, Stacy, or both.

Mick feels as though he's been stabbed through the heart... again... but doesn't react. "Come on, Dylan," he prompts quietly. "Let's go."

Taking the other side, he nods to Stacy, letting her keep Dylan in her grip and using her help to aim him back to the house and half drag him up the porch. Once inside the house, Mick is glad for Stacy's assistance in getting his son down the hallway and back into the spare room. Forcing Dylan onto the bed, Mick pins him down, looking him square in the eye. "You will stay here," he commands firmly.

"No!" Dylan struggles but his efforts are week. "Get off of me!"

"I will... but only if you settle down."

Dylan glares at him, still out of breath as sweat drenches his shirt. "Why do you hate me?" Though angry, his voice cracks in almost a whimper.

"I don't hate you." Mick keeps his voice steady and calm. "I love you very very much. That's why I'm doing this."

Finally, finally, Dylan begins to relax.

"Can I let you go now?" Mick asks.

Dylan nods numbly.

Taking the risk, Mick loosens his grip and straightens, backing away from the bed. Stepping out into the hall, he shuts the door for a moment, leaning back against it and closing his eyes for several seconds to regroup. Eventually looking to Stacy, he nods. "Thank you. He went crazy and when I tried to stop him, it was like I was trying to hold back the Hulk."

He wipes his nose again, finding it was still bleeding, and he rolls his eyes. "I better take care of this. Would you mind just making sure he doesn't leave the room for a minute while I clean myself up?"


Jason hangs up the phone in his living room, a strange feeling settling over him. It was... numb. He should be more upset. Maybe he was. Is this what it felt like? He couldn't tell. It bothered him that it didn't feel worse. Why wasn't he upset? Why didn't he...feel?

Swallowing hard, he picks up his cell phone this time and flips it open to text Katie a message.

Mom just called. Bad news.
Wes is MIA. No details yet.
Pray for her.

Stop

Trey gives a small smirk at Ariel's comment about socializing. He was pretty horrible at it, but in time that would become easier too...right? Putting his hands into his pockets he gives a little sheepish grin before looking to Pete.

"Maybe if he's not to busy we can get special treatment too."

Giving a wink Trey turns to head out but stops heading Ariel wanted to ride alone. Cocking his head a little bit he wondered if it was anything. Giving a small smile he nods, he wouldn't make a big deal out of it. She was meeting them there that was good enough.

"Sounds good to me....That just gives Pete and I some time to see what kinda trouble we can stir up."

Turning again to head out once more another crack formed on the wall around his heart..forgiveness. Tonight was turning out pretty good all in all. Better than Trey had expected.

Not to far away Stacy was making one of her mid afternoon rounds. Even though she was sticking around for Dylan she had to still take care of her normal stuff too. Hearing the commotion over in the yard though Stacy stops for a second and listens. Heading that was she walks quickly to see what was going on.

Just getting to the yard Stacy see Dylan break free of Mick's hold and her walks becomes a sprint. Getting to Dylan Stacy grabs him by arm and pulls it around to his back but not hard enough to hurt him only to keep him from running. Taking his other hard in her hand Stacy hold it firmly. It was hard with Dylan's power of adrenalin behind him but she tried to stand from taking a few steps back here and there.

"Dylan you need to calm down. This will be a lot easier on you if you do."

Still trying to hold Dylan Stacy looks over to Mick. She hopped he was ok. Normaly she would of checked on that first but her first instincet here was to get Dylan before he hurt himself. Now it was just trying to get Dylan back to the house before many people saw him that she was worried about. He didn't need that much attachen on him.

Help

"I hope this is the last time, too." Eric really meant it. Dylan wasn't his child and he wasn't very close to him either. But it pained him to see him hurt himself, and to see Mick and Jade go through all of this too. He hoped that Dylan, when better, would realize how much everyone here gave of themselves for him.

Returning to brush Static, Eric smiles at Ashlee's idea of a card. He didn't know if Dylan would truly appreciate such a gesture or not. But what mattered was Ashlee's big heart. "I think... that's a great idea."

Finishing up Static with Ashlee's help, Eric eventually puts him away then gives Ashlee another task to do before supper. No matter what was going on with Dylan, the rest of the ranch had to keep going...


The night was long. By evening, Dylan's symptoms had worsened, leaving him with a high fever and half the night in the bathroom. Mick does all he can, sticking close and making sure he got up when he needed to or back down in bed. Changing sheets twice from Dylan's sweat alone, he tries to get his son to drink plenty of water but it wasn't easy. By midnight, Mick tells Stacy she doesn't have to stay and she could come stick close in the morning if she wanted.

Dylan wanted to eat or drink nothing and didn't want anyone to touch him. But he was too weak to fend off Mick, forcing him to give in. Vivid nightmares plagued his mind through the night, awaking him with screams and cries for help just to end the torture. He begged Mick for relief... begged him for just one more dose, even though it was an impossible request. Finally by mid morning the next day, he seemed to be resting a little more peacefully, giving Mick a short reprieve...


Mick leans on the kitchen counter and takes a deep breath. He just needed to get Dylan through this. After a few days, the worst would be over and they could work towards change. But right now, he just needed to find the strength to help his son through this critical point. He'd had no sleep last night, and his tired eyes proved it. He knew Rosetta probably hadn't slept much either, but he'd insisted she at least stay in bed and try to sleep unless he needed her help. So far, he'd been able to handle everything on his own, though it was difficult at times.

Now it seemed Dylan was resting at least, giving Mick a short break to get some coffee. He assumed the rest of the ranch was moving forward - he hadn't been outside since yesterday. He'd seen Rosetta briefly earlier and knew she'd gone to the office to do some filing. And Stacy? She was probably nearby somewhere. Everyone else? He hadn't a clue. But he also knew it was okay - he needed to be here and he trusted that everyone else understood that.

Pouring himself some coffee, he sighs deeply, letting the warm liquid slide down his throat. This should keep him awake for a bit longer.


In the spare bedroom, Dylan pries open his eyes and squints at the half-open door. His body trembled and his stomach was in knots. His head was going to split open, he was sure. And the determination from the morning before... was all but gone. Right now, only one thing mattered, and no one was giving it to him. He needed to get some. Somehow. Or anything. Maybe he could find something in Angel's office that would at least get him close to where he wanted to be. She had powerful stuff, right? He'd seen all sorts of meds in there before.

It was his desperate craving and fever that drove him. Rational thoughts didn't exist. No matter the stupidity of his notion, in his state, it was the only thing that mattered or made sense.

Almost falling out of bed, he gropes for his jeans. The room spun and he manages to pull himself up and aim for the door. Later, he wouldn't even remember leaving the room. But right now, he had one destination and he dragged himself forward.


Hearing the front door open and close, Mick whirls around just in time to see Dylan leaving the house. "Dylan!" Mick hadn't even heard him get up. What on earth was he doing? Mick had thought he'd been asleep, and now felt stupid for being caught off guard. "Dylan!" He sprints for the door and heads outside.

Dylan staggers in the direction of Angel's office. He wanted anything. He needed it. Something to take away the pain. Something to give him that blissful feeling that everything in the world was just fine. He could find it. He didn't care what it was. He didn't care if it was a lethal combination of over-the-counter drugs. Just once. He had to have it.

"Dylan, stop!" Mick knew his son was desperate and probably didn't even know what he was doing, but this was no time to give in. Getting around in front of Dylan, he puts his hands on his shoulders to stop him. "Get back to the house," he orders gently but firmly.

"No!" Dylan shrugs off his hands and continues forward. His pulse was racing, his breathing shallow. Feverish and driven half-mad, he wasn't thinking clearly at all. Nothing here would give him the relief he was hunting for, but it didn't matter. He would try anyway.

Mick stops him again with a firmer grip. "Yes! Turn around and go back to the house. Come on. I'll go with you."

"You can't make me!" Dylan glares at him and tries to shoulder past, but Mick stood his ground. Instantly riled, Dylan takes a swing at him but misses and before he realizes it, he's put in a bear hug from behind, locking both his arms. Now caught and restrained, his lethargic state is overpowered by a sudden surge of adrenaline. "Let me go!" he screams. Thrashing wildly, he stumbles forward with Mick but isn't able to break loose.

"I won't let you go," Mick retorts. "You're coming back to the house. Now."

"No!" Dylan tries ripping himself loose and when that doesn't work, he throws his head back, smacking Mick squarely in the face.

Pain surges through Mick's nose and he can feel blood start to trickle down. Sheer willpower keeps his hands together with arms locked around his son. "Cut it out!" he barks. "Calm down!"

"Let me go! Just let me go!" Seeing he was aimed toward the house again only serves to double Dylan's efforts of trying to break free.

Mick's muscles ached and he was gasping for breath. Though Dylan was stronger, his adrenaline-induced power was enormous and Mick didn't know how much longer he could hold him. "Just... stop.... stop fighting...." His hat is knocked off and he tries to keep his balance as his son whips back and forth.

"I won't stay!" Dylan screams. A mix of sweat and tears runs down his face, his muscles straining to break free. "You can't stop me!" He lunges forward with all his might. But breaking free isn't what happens. Instead, as he heads for the ground, he takes Mick right along with him.

Hitting the ground hard, shoulder-first, Mick winces but refuses to unlock his arms from around his son. He gasps for breath as the wind is knocked out of him and fights blindly against Dylan's thrashing body. On his back with Dylan on top of him, he's helpless to do anything but keep him in his grasp, taking elbows to the ribs and kicks to his legs. His grip loosens. "I need a little help here!" he calls out. He had no idea who was even within earshot, but surely someone had heard Dylan screaming and would be close by. He knew Dylan couldn't go anywhere, let alone far in his shape. He was only afraid of him hurting himself, or others, when he was like this. "I can't hold him!" Mick calls louder and with a little more desperation.


Pete grins and nods. "Yeah... these indoor parties never did much for me." He looks around the room too. "At least at the beach I can go for a walk or sit by a bonfire. And it's cheaper."

Ariel rolls her eyes. "You two don't know the meaning of socializing. But if you're both going to go to Mom and Pop's, I'll go with. I think tonight's the weeknight they're open late."

"Mm-hmm." Pete nods again. "Carson shouldn't mind too much"

Ariel gives Trey a sidelong glance before looking back to Pete. "I'll um... I'll meet you guys there, okay?"

Pete got the hint that she'd rather drive alone. "Sure thing. Come on, Trey, let's go see what we can stir up."

Card

Walking over to Ariel to Pete Trey just lets them go at it for a few moments. It was funny because they almost frighted like brother and sister. It really was rather funny. Still feeling slightly out of place Trey does his best to suck it up. Maybe things would be a little awkward for a short time, but maybe things could go back to the way they were too. He had to at least try.

"Is it just me or do the beach party's seem more exciting? This just seems kind of....meh."

Trey takes a sip of his soda as she eyes scan the area. Not many people were here he new. Some he'd seen at the beach party but not really anyone he talked with. Could be because it was inside too that it just seemed rather cramped.

"You guys wanna start our own part and head over to Mom and Pop's. I over heard someone at TJY say they had some good pizza. Maybe we will see more people we know there."

Ashlee felt sad inside for Dylan hearing that it was going to be so hard for him it hurt to know he was going to be hurting so much. She never understood why someone would put there body through that. But than again she had never been in those situations either.

"I...I hope this will be the last time Dylan goes through this. It's not fun watching one of your friends do this to themselves and feel helpless."

Thinking for a long moment as she went back to brushing Static slowly she gives a small sigh. After it was said and done she would still be Dylan's friend. If he was going to need her how could she turn her back on him. Even if he didn't ask for it, she wouldn't leave him high and dry, she would be there with open arms.

"I think, I am going to make him a card tonight so when he's a little better I can give it to him."

Surprised

Ariel chuckles and nods. "Yeah, lets." Finishing off her fruit punch, she slides off the stool and turns to go, but then looks back over her shoulder. Retrieving the flowers, she looks up at Trey with a little grin. Now she was ready.

Walking with him across the floor, she finally spots Pete standing near a table, chatting with some other people, a soda pop in his hand. Approaching casually, Ariel gives him a rather peeved look.

Pete excuses himself quickly from the table and looks back and forth between Trey and Ariel before landing on Ariel. "What? What did I do to you?"

"Oh, you know. Just watch out for the payback."

Pete tries not to smile, but it doesn't work very well. "You're looking nice tonight."

"Thanks. So are you."

Pete glances to Trey and gives him a wry grin. "Mingling, are we?"


Ashlee's words bring Eric's brushing to a sudden halt, and his eyebrows rise slightly. He shouldn't have been surprised. She was a bright girl who observed a lot. But it wasn't exactly something he'd hoped she'd notice.

Her question brings a serious but soft expression to his face. He might as well level with her, if she'd figured out that much. Tipping his hat back a little, he leans on Static's back and studies Ashlee for a moment or two. "I hope so," he finally answers. "It's not gonna be easy for him though. Something like that..." He shakes his head. "It's easy to get into and hard to get back out again. Thankfully, he's trying to get out. But he's gonna be pretty sick for a few days."

Focusing on the brush for a moment, he finally looks back at Ashlee. "The best we can do is let his dad help him through this. Then when it's over, Dylan's gonna need to know that he's still got friends who care about him. Right now it's his body that's retaliating. When that's over, it's going to be his mind, and that can be worse. But... as long as he knows we're still here for him even after all of this... I think he'll be okay."

Be ok

Finally sitting completely down Trey figured it was safe. He understood a little what Ariel was saying but trying was all he had right now. There was a lot he was going to have to work through and learn so a promise was not something he wanted to commit to.

As Ariel brings her hand to the side of Trey's face he can feel a little color coming to his cheeks. Her hand was soft, and warm, not the cold lifeless touch he had felt before in other people. Ariel really was someone special to be able to warm his cold heart.

"Cheers!"

Trey holds up his cup and clinks it gently against hers. Taking a sip and letting the bubbly liquid go down his throat Trey spins around on the bar stool and leans aganst the bar looking at all the people there right now. It was busy but not to busy.

"Want to see if we can find Pete somewhere and see what he's up too?"

Looking over the horse at Eric Ashlee gives a smile as she continued to brush Static. Seeing Eric glance at the house every now and than Ashlee lets out a small sigh. No one new she new about Dylan and she didn't think she needed to talk about it till now.

"I know about Dylan Eric and why I haven't seen him as much."

Drawing quiet again Ashlee leans on the horse a little and picks at the brush pulling lose hair from it. Thinking for a moment she wondered how long it would take Dylan to get everything out of his system. She worried about Dylan and prayed once again he would be ok.

"Is....is Dylan going to be ok?"

Stacy takes up a new place outside the house on the pouch swing. She wasn't sure how long but it was where most of her days would be spend. She was happy that the nights were worm she wouldn't mind much sleeping here. She was a cop after all and she was use to worse than this. If Mick needed her she would be waiting.

Stick close

Mick nods in agreement. "Thanks. Do what you want, but I might suggest Clint and Wendy first, just since I'm not sure Cindy needs anything else to worry about right now. I do agree about getting BJ away from it though. He thinks a lot of Dylan, surprisingly, and I don't want to scare him either."

...After making arrangements, it was a short while later that Mick returned to Dylan's bunkhouse, then a couple hours after that, when he opted to move him to the house. With Dan's help, he gets his son to his feet long enough to coax him to the house and get him into the spare bedroom.

Lying down on the new bed, Dylan wasn't sure, but for some reason, it felt softer than his own. Shaking as another wave of chills hit, he burrows farther under the blankets, not caring anymore about getting up. Unfortunately, the worst was yet to come.

Leaving the bedroom door slightly ajar, Mick stands with Dan in the hallway and sighs. He nods though. "Thanks for all your help. I may need you again. In the meantime, if you could let Jade know what's going on, that'd be good. I need to tell Stacy too so she can stick close."


Grooming Static, the sound of curry combs and brushes filled the barn aisle. Eric looked over at Ashlee on the other side, grinning a little as she worked at helping him with his horse. Static wasn't a small Appaloosa by any means, but she wasn't afraid, and the gelding seemed to take a liking to her, too.

Although he worked, Eric's eyes wandered every once in a while to outside where he could just see the main house. He'd gotten wind of what was happening with Dylan as word spread through the family. He wasn't sure what Ashlee knew though, or what Stacy wanted her to know, so he'd asked her to help him out in the barn so she didn't go looking for Dylan.


Ariel grins a little and turns to sip her drink again, taking a moment to think. Swiveling the stool back so she was looking at Trey again, she sighs. "Yes... we all mess up sometimes. Nobody's perfect no matter how hard we try." She pauses, pursing her lips. "It's just some of those things we do to mess up are less acceptable than others... Getting upset is one thing. Trying to drink it away is another. Speaking your mind before thinking is one thing. Being mean is another. And if we always just say, 'I'll try, but I know I'm gonna mess up again,' then it kinda defeats the purpose of trying to change."

Reaching out slowly, Ariel cradles the side of Trey's face with her palm. "But I don't really want to slap you. I do appreciate you coming tonight. It was very sweet of you, and I really do like the flowers. I've... never been given flowers before."

Letting her hand drop, she straightens a little again and stirs the ice in her punch. Giving Trey a sidelong glance, a new smile creeps out and she shakes her head. "What am I gonna do with you, hmm?" Sighing, she lifts her glass in a toast. "To us. And the sometimes-rough road of making friendships."

Court

Looking down for a moment Trey can feel his heart still racing as he wasent sure what Ariel was saying. This was all new to him and rather confusing. He tried his best to understand though and most of what she said he figured she would. If he was her he'd say the same thing. Giving a little smile Trey nods too.

"Well, I guess I do deserve the slap so...you can do both if you want. Not to hard though I don't wanna knock any teeth loose."

Running a hand though his wet hair Trey just lets it fall anywhere. He didn't know what else to say, or what else to do. He's been wrong and he new it. He's acted wrong and he new it.

"I guess, I leave the ball in your court and I will accept it for what it is. I can't promise you anything because...even if I try will all I can not to...I'm human and I'll just mess up again. But I can try my best to try and do better."

Giving a nod to Mick Dan had no probley sitting with Dylan. He's rather someone be with him than not alone anyways. Patting Dylan's hand lightly for a moment Dan at in one of the chairs by the bed just letting Dylan know he was there and everything would be ok.

...Looking up from her desk Rosetta could tell something was wrong more than the news of Mick's brother. Her own heart gave a leap and as he explains about Dylan she gives a nod. They new it would happen sooner or later it was just the question of when.

"That is completely fine. I would just like to see first I could find someone for BJ to stay with for a little bit. Not that I think Dylan would hurt him, but I think he would get scared and that wont help anything. Maybe Cindy or Wendy and Clint will watch him."

But

Dylan tries his best to focus, thinking on Dan's words. The last time Dylan had been caught, he'd been much angrier at the world, trusting no one, and locked up at the McClain ranch. This time he was angry at some but not everyone, he was mostly angry with himself, and he had a small few people he could trust. But in the end, because this time it had been completely his choice to go back to that way of life, he felt he must be the stupidest person alive. All he'd wanted was to get away from here... forget about the world... find someone who believed in him rather than never trusting him. But all he'd found was misery and a bunch of people that couldn't care less about him.

Staring at the outstretched phone, then glancing up to see Dan's eyes, Dylan blinks back new tears. Mick already knew? It shouldn't be a surprise. But was Dan right? Would Mick really not hate him? What if he got mad though? Yelled at him? Turned his back on him?

Though he feared the worst, somewhere deep down, Dylan knew better. And somewhere deep down was that little boy that still hoped his daddy would rescue him.

"Okay," he finally relents quietly. "You win."

Taking the phone, he hand shakes but he makes the call... "Dad? ... I...I'm at my bunk... Can... can you come?"

It takes mere minutes for Mick to arrive. He didn't know what was going on, but he had a feeling what it was about. Sure enough, when he walks in, the scene didn't surprise him. Dylan's state was all too familiar.

Kneeling beside Dan, Mick studies Dylan's face. "What's up, hmm?"

Dylan shivers. "You... you already know."

He did. And it was killing him inside, despite his calm demeanor. "When was the last time?"

Dylan looks to Dan for reassurance before answering. "Day before... before yesterday."

Mick reaches out and feels Dylan's warm forehead. "I need to know, Dylan... what was it?"

Dylan doesn't have the energy to lie. "Same as last time."

"Heroin?"

"...Yeah."

Mick sighs deeply. He wanted to wring Dylan's neck and hug him at the same time. "Okay... well... now we have a start. Come on up off the floor and back into bed."

With Dan's help, Mick gets Dylan back in his bed with an extra blanket over him. Standing near the door, Mick sets his hands on his hips, trying to think of what should be done. He looks to Dan, grateful. "Thanks... for all you've done. I want to move Dylan to the house - the next couple days are gonna be rough and it'll be easier to take care of him. I gotta talk to Rosetta first though. Would you stay here and keep an eye on him for just a while?"

...Leaving Dylan in good hands, Mick heads to the office quickly, hunting down Rosetta. Finding her at the desk, he was glad. "Hey, Babe..." His face was wrought with worry. "Dylan finally hit bottom. He's starting to go through withdrawal and is already pretty bad. Dan's with him now, but I'd like it if I could bring Dylan to the house. I wanted to check with you first though. If it's anything like last time, he'll probably get desperate in another day or so and it could get ugly. I won't bring him here if you don't want me to."


Looking quickly to the side as someone sits next to her, Ariel can't help her surprise. Trey was the last person she'd expected to see here tonight, and the look in her eye proved it. "Hi... Trey..." She wasn't upset he was there, but she was rather confused.

Seeing the flowers, then eying Trey rather suspiciously, she finally understood why Pete had been so insistent about tonight. Now he really owed her. Her hands remain cupped around her glass, her expression remaining rather dull but not upset.

Trey was apologizing? Surprise number two. She looks back at the flowers. They really were lovely, and it really was a sweet gesture. Interrupted by the bartender, she doesn't get a chance to respond, but simply continues listening to Trey, giving him time to say whatever he wanted.

His rather romantic words make her cheeks flush slightly and she finds herself glancing back down to her fruit punch before looking back at the flowers again. She had to admit that he was making her feel special whether she wanted him to or not. She hadn't thought he had it in him to say things like that. Surprise number three.

When Trey seemed to be finished, Ariel finally looks back up at him, just studying his face for several moments. Though the music was loud and more people were milling about, it felt kind of quiet in their corner at the end of the bar. She gives Trey a small smile before fingering the flowers and picking up one of the daisies to smell. Nodding, she places it back with the bunch.

Taking a deep breath, she folds her hands, cocking her head at him. "Thank you... Trey. The flowers are lovely and... I accept your apology and forgive you."

Pursing her lips, she thinks for another moment or two. "I'd like to tell you it'll all be okay now and we can just go right back to hanging out at the beach." Looking into Trey's big dark eyes, it was hard not to melt right on the spot. "But I guess I just don't know." She had to be honest. "I do still want you as a friend. I never didn't. And I know that when I told you about the truth of why I started spending time with you, that it hurt your feelings. But when you got so upset..."

Her eyes glance down for a moment. Her palms suddenly felt clammy. "...I saw something in your eyes that, quite honestly, scared me. It wasn't just what you said... it was how you said it. There was almost a hate in your tone and..."

She looks back up at him again. "...and I wasn't sure anymore what kind of a guy you were. Then when you showed up at my place drunk... It wasn't so much why or that you came - I was rather glad you'd come to me instead of going and jumping off a bridge or something. But the guy I thought I'd been hanging out with, I wouldn't have pegged for someone to go and drink away his problems and... I'm not so sure I could handle that again."

Ariel bites her lip, a little smile quirking, and she shakes her head. "Then you go and give me those great big puppy dog eyes and I don't know whether to slap you or hug you."

Heart of Stone

Dan rolls his eyes at Dylan. If the poor kid wasn't in tough shape right now he would of wracked him over the head. Sooner or later he was going to have to understand that Mick wasn't going to hate him for every little thing he did wrong. Nobody was perfect all the time, not even Mick himself.

"I know you have Dylan, I new from the moment I picked you up at the gas station but you wanna know what...I don't think any differently of you. I don't hate you either and Mick wont either because he knows already too. You gotta ask for his help Dylan."

Whipping a few more beads of sweat from Dylan's for head again Dan cocks his own to try and look at the young man in the eyes. He new he was feeling crappy and dizzy but he wanted to catch his gaze even for a moment to let him know things would be ok and would work out.

"If you wont tell Mick you need his help now, than I will. You might think you can do this alone but you wont be able too. No that doesn't make you weak either. Asking for help and leaning on others is what makes you strong. So...are you going to tell you dad, or am I going to have too?"

Dan holds out his cell phone to Dylan. He new the young man wouldn't be able to walk anywhere and he wasn't going to leave him before anyone else came to sit with him so his phone was the next best thing. Mick's number was already programmed into it all he had to do was push the button.

Enter the sunrise and scanning the area Trey's eyes fall onto Ariel. He felt his nerves start to rise and he hated it. It was a feeling he didn't like at all and didn't understand why when it came to her it happened.

Giving a glace to Pete and than back to Ariel Trey gives a short nod. He's catch up with Pete a little bit later. Taking a few steps forward looks down at the bag in his hand. Was he being cheese? To much? Over doing it? He didn't know but he had to try. Pulling a pretty bunch og daisy's out of the bag a single red rose stood out in the middle of them. Tossing the bag in a near by garbage Trey continues on his way to Ariel sliding in beside her on another stool.

"Hey Ariel..."

Hey Ariel....wow great start. Trey couldn't help but feel stupid, valnarubule, and such a nerd right now. Looking down at the flowers Trey trys to get his thoughts together and say the right thing. Maybe he was over thinking this whole thing. What if Ariel rejected him and he looked stupid. Well if she did it was his own fault, so why not just do it. He couldn't look worse than he did the night at her place.

"Ariel...these are for you. I...I know they wont make up for how I acted the other night I was a real jerk and...if your not willing to turst me again than I understand but...I wanted to tell you sorry anyways. Thats why I had Pete ask you to come tonight."

As the bartender comes over to him Trey really could go for a beer but opts out at least for now. Instead he orders a coke with a shot of vanilla in it. Getting the syrup put in after always tasted better he had found out.

"These flowers are for you too. I wanted to tell you that in a group full of girls I've met they have all been the smile like these daisy's, but than I met you and...you just stand out from the rest. Your special like the rose and I'm sorry for letting my anger get the best of me Ariel. I really am..."

Trey could feel his heart beat a mile a minute in his chest. He thought for sure he would of passed out by now if he didn't think it would make him look any sillier than he already did.

"...and I've got a lot of work at friendship, trust, forgiveness, and trying to soften up my heart of stone. But if your willing to put up with me...I...I'd still like to have you as a friend!"

Tears

Dylan vaguely thinks he hears someone at the door but isn't sure enough to spend energy responding. Within moments, though, he realizes he's no longer alone and Dan is kneeling beside him. He pries his eyes open enough to give Dan a lethargic look. Yes, he heard him. He knew what was going on, and no, he didn't want Mick. Had he just passed out? It didn't matter.

Pulling himself up a little bit, he shakes his head. "Nu-uh," he mumbles. "I hafta.... do it... by myself." No one knew. Or did everyone know? Another dizzy spell hits and Dylan puts a hand to his head. Here he was, sitting on the floor, unable to even pick himself up, with Dan staring at him with worry. He felt miserable and stupid. So utterly stupid.

Tears pool in his eyes and he shakes his head again. "I... I did some bad stuff, Dan... I..." He stops and swallows hard, sinking back against the wall again. "I don't want Dad to know... he'll... he'll hate me."


Pete gives Trey a once-over and grins, giving his shoulder a firm pat. "Sounds good to me. I'm ready to forget about work for a while."

Heading out, he leads the way to his car. Once on the road, he turns up the radio to pass the time, although it doesn't take long to make it to the Sunrise. The parking lot was almost full but Pete manages to find a space not too far from the door.

Getting inside, he scans the main room and the bar. Music was playing and colored lights moved about the floor but it wasn't too bad as far as noise went. The stage was home to a DJ tonight instead of a karaoke display, and the bar was in full-swing. Hopefully nobody would get out of hand though.

Setting his hands on his hips, Pete takes a second look around before he finally spots Ariel seated at the far end of the bar. She was alone and looked rather bored. "Well... there she is." Pete nods in her direction before glancing at Trey. "It's all you now."


Swiveling back and forth on the bar stool, Ariel stirs her fruit punch with the straw, watching the ice cubes chase each other around the glass. She was in jeans and cowboy boots tonight, with a silky red blouse under her light, brown leather jacket. She'd decided to pull her hair back in a low ponytail tonight, but hadn't gone to too much trouble to look good. She wouldn't be here at all if Pete hadn't convinced her to come.

Sipping her drink a little, she resumes her stare at the cubes. So far, none of her own friends had shown up, or at least those she liked to hang out with at the beach parties. If Pete didn't show up soon, she'd have to lay into him tomorrow and he'd owe her one.

Party

Looking up front the fence once more Dan looks across the field for Dylan. If he was ever late it was never this long and Dan starts to worry. Calming his own nerves he tries to reason. Maybe Dylan had just forgotten about helping with the fence today and was cleaning stalls. Dan new he wouldn't feel better till he new for sure.

Making his way across the pasture and to the barn he enters looking around for a few moments. Not seeing Dylan and asking a few of the hand but getting no luck Dan's gut twisted. Now leaving the barn Dan goes to Dylan's bunk and gives a knock on the door. Getting no answer he knocks again, nothing, once more.

"Dylan if your in there I am coming in."

Checking the door and finding it unlocked Dan enters the bunk house and looks around before spotting Dylan on the floor by the wall. Rushing over to him and dropping down on the floor Dan could feel his heart race. A million and one things could be wrong right now and for the first time in a while he was petrified. He didn't want to see anything happen to Dylan he new it would crush his family.

"Dylan...Dylan can you hear me? Whats going on?"

Dan checked Dylan's pulse and breaths a sigh of re leaf when he found it. He wasn't dead, and it didn't look like he had, had an OD. It looked more like a withdraw. Taking a handkerchief from his pocket Dan whipes a little bit of the sweat from Dylan's face. He new Mick had to know about this but he had to give Dylan a chance to tell him himself, or at least ask for him to get Mick. If not than he would go on his own.

"Do you want me to go get Mick?"

Looking up as Pete knocks and enters Trey stands. He was ready as he's ever be. His hair was still damp from his shower, he was cleaned up a bit, had a nice white layered button up shirt on and a good pare of jeans, a bit of colon splashed on too.

"I think I am as ready as I am gonna get. Let party it up."

Turning around and grabbing his jean jacket along with a bag he took extra care of carrying Trey joins Pete at the door. Early this morning he'd left to go to the store and a few other places to returned. Seeing Ariel tonight made him a little worried but he did his best to fill himself with confidence anyways.