Spark

Hunter's eyes remain soft as he listens to Katie. She just looked so... sad. It was a stark contrast to the strong Elite agent who had arrested him. She was... hurting. And whether Hunter realized it or not, his deeply buried sensitive cord was struck. He hadn't allowed it to surface in a long time. 

Furrowing his brow, he dwells on her words of Jason. The whole thing confused him, but he wasn't going to ask her to explain it. It appeared to be rather unexplainable anyway. All he knew was, they were able to feel each other's emotions and telepathically communicate. And now they couldn't. He wondered if it was like some cases of twins that were so close that when one died, it felt as though the other would too, just because of the sudden void.

"Friend, huh?" He gives her a wry grin. "You arrested me and I hit on you mercilessly. Either you've got bad taste or I'm not as bad as I thought." 

Cocking his head, he continues to just study Katie, probing her eyes with his own, as if searching so deeply for answers. "You are feeling," he observes quietly. "You're feeling a lot." He couldn't even begin to understand all of this - it was beyond him. But he did see plenty when he looked at Katie's eyes. 

"Problem is... obviously none of it feels very good." He doesn't break his gaze but continues to study her intensely. Were she and her boyfriend the same? Was Jason going through the same thing? If so, that would be a doozy of a thing to deal with, as far as their relationship went... right? He didn't even know if that was correct. 

Interrupted by the food arriving, Hunter sits back to make room for his plate. Breathing in deeply the smell of his steak, he nods with satisfaction. "Much better than sitting home alone with chips and salsa." 

Lifting his glass of coke, he aims it in a toast. "To a crappy world - may be it be kinder in the days ahead. And to good feelings - may they return quickly to put the spark back in your eyes." 

Left Behind

Stacy gives a nod. She had no doubt that he would live up to her trust in him. IN a way it was so strange that she trusted him so much with Ashlee, or trusted him at all. The way her heart fluttered, the way her stomach turned in knots, everything about Eric made her feel like a little kid again it was hard to accept she could feel this way.

   "I'll save you a spot at the table with Ash and I."

Giving a smile Stacy turns to head out of the barn. The rain would pick up soon and she wanted to finish her afternoon rounds before it got to bad. Though she did want to stay there and watch Eric. Stopping at the door and turning to look at him Stacy almost has to force herself to leave. Why did it feel like she was mush when she was around Eric. It was a feeling she would have to ponder even though the answer was simple!

Looking up at Hunter Katie could see the questions written all over his face and for a moment in his eyes she saw a softness, the silly, over confidant look was gone and it made Katie wonder was this the real Hunter? Once again his personality had changed and Katie couldn't help but wonder if it was just a mask or real this time.

Shifting a little and searching Hunter's face for another moment Katie finally shakes her own slightly at his question. She wished there was something he could do but really there wasn't. She had to work thought this herself, and try to figure everything out. It's just how it was.

   "You are doing something, your having dinner with me. Other than that I have to work through it myself. Rick, the Dr in charge of Jason and I's care said it will just take time to start feeling again. It just...it feels like Jason is moving, spending time with friends, laughing having a great time and I'm just...getting left behind."

Looking down at the table again Katie lets out a small sigh. Thinking about it, and admitting it was so different. Actually coming out and saying how Jason made her feel seemed to hurt more than just pretending it didn't happen.

   "I know he didn't mean to make me feel that way, at least I don't think he does. It's just one of those things ya know? I don't know I am sure things will work out just till than...at least I have a friend to hang out with now too. So thanks and I mean that."

Sobering

Eric was glad Stacy still thought it was okay if he gave Ashlee riding lessons. He really was looking forward to it, and was hoping he hadn't messed things up too badly. 

Realizing he was still looking down at his work, he feels a might stupid. For this whole thing. For the things he'd just said. For pulling away from her. He didn't even know why he felt any kind of nervous at all. He trusted Stacy, for sure. What was it she did to him every time she was near? It was almost... scary. And yet... it felt good. He was too afraid to acknowledge what he thought it might be. It couldn't be that. He wasn't ready for that. He might never be again. Surely it was just some fleeting feelings that would fade quickly... right? His heart reminds him what he'd felt the evenings in the hayloft. And yesterday when she'd gone missing. And when he'd had his arms around her on the ride home. Curse his heart for deceiving him. That's all this was. Some silly deception of emotions. 

Forcing himself to look up at Stacy, he catches her eye. Deception? As an involuntary smile spreads on his lips, he wonders. "I enjoy it, you know that. And I'll do my best to live up to your trust." 

Pausing, he knew she needed to go. And for a moment, he's almost disappointed that he would be alone again. But... he'd come here to be alone in the first place, right? There he went again in circles. If she hadn't been standing there, he would have rolled his eyes. Instead, though, he bites his lip. He usually either skipped lunch or ate alone in his usual corner. But today.... 

"See you at lunch?"

Hit with the piece of ice, Hunter gains a silly grin and shakes his head. He'd continue the little war, but he gives her a chance to speak instead.

No emotions? What was she talking about? He tries to remember all the things Kyle had told him. He knew she dated some guy named Jason and they were both Elite agents. Kyle had mentioned they had some telepathic connection and while Hunter had found it hard to swallow, he'd believed his friend. 

Still listening, Hunter's eyebrows rise slightly. The connection was gone? How? Why? Did it just go poof, or had they done something? Kyle had said that it had caused some problems... had they been able to, like, not be connected on purpose? It was too strange of a question to ask.

And then... to have Katie tell him that making her laugh had been an accomplishment... it was... strangely sobering. Hunter didn't feel proud of it in the least - not when he saw the dim look in Katie's eye. It was like all of a sudden she was hallow... dark, almost. And so sad. 

His smile had faded. Sitting up straight, he leans his elbows on the table and looks across at Katie, his expression softer than it had been all evening. "I'm sorry I was so flippant. I didn't realize." Still studying her eyes, he tries to figure her out without asking all the questions on his mind. "You okay? I mean... is there something I can do?"

Accomplishment

As Eric removes his hands Stacy shifts a little on the bale. The strange tention now coming over them it was a bit strange and confused Stacy just a little bit. Picking at a peace of straw Stacy takes a few and starts to brad them herself before looking up at Eric again giving a chuckle.

   "It was ok the first time you asked me, and now that all the miss understandings are cleared up its still ok that you do."

Standing up Stacy sticks her hands into her pockets knowing she would have to go soon and finish her rounds. Maybe it was the best thing too since she might of embarrassed Eric a little bit or so it seemed.

   "She really will enjoy that and I know you'll keep her safe. So I have no problem with it at all Eric, and thank you for doing everything you have for her."

Katie rolls her eyes again at Hunter and his comment. She couldn't just get a straight answer from him could she? Maybe he just did had a bunch of different masks he liked to put on at different times. Sounds liked a pretty crappy way to live if you asked her.

Having Hunter toss the paper at her Katie swats it away before taking a peace of ice and throwing it at him grinning a little. Hearing his next question her smile faded just a little. Was she really being that cold?

   "Don't get a big head its just hard to warm up when you can't feel any emotions."

Katie looks down at the table for a moment  and plays with a ring of water her glass had left. She new Hunter probley wouldn't understand and he might as more questions than she was really willing to answer right now. Than again Kyle could of told him more about her and Jason than she thought too.

   "It's a long story but it involves my boyfriend Jason and a special connection we once had that's gone. However you got me to laugh tonight, you got me to feel something good so thats an accomplishment you can feel good about."
  

Different Sides

Eric could feel even more heat rise to his face and his eyes remain downward. It wasn't easy for him to take a compliment - it was even harder coming from Stacy. 

Grinning a little, he curls his fingers in to give her hand a squeeze. "I'm not real sure what's so amazing."

Feeling strangely like a schoolboy, Eric lets go of her hand and turns back to his whip and twine. He knew for certain she could see his red face, and he really wishes he knew why his stomach was suddenly doing crazy things. 

Beginning to braid the twine again, he keeps himself busy. "I... I never asked... is it still okay if I teach Ashlee how to ride? I wasn't sure after.... well, you know... after everything."

Hunter chuckles and shakes his head, his eyes falling to the table for a moment before bouncing back up to Katie's face. "Eh... you know us guys... we got a reputation to keep up with." 

He grins then shrugs. "I dunno... I suppose there's some weird glamor in it all. I desert race. Lots happening... lots expected of a person. It all just... sorta happens."

For a brief moment, a look of almost-sadness crosses his face. Deep down there was a part of him who really didn't like this life at all. Getting drunk and arrested the other night... he might have laughed it off and acted like he was having a great time, but in reality... it really had been pretty lousy. And he did like racing... but all the attention and alcohol and partying... it was starting to leave a bad taste in his mouth whether he wanted to admit it or not. People thought he was a lot more than he really was. Even the girls. He never took one home, although he gave everyone the impression he did. Maybe he found it harder to play this role than he originally thought.

A new grin quickly forms. "Or, I'm just a guy with lots of different sides and I can pick and choose which side to show when I want. It keeps other people guessing and on their toes." 

Picking up a straw wrapper and balling it up between his fingers, he tosses it teasingly at Katie. "You, however, are hiding behind a weird wall of coolness that I can't quite figure out. Do you ever warm up, or is it just guys like me that turn you off?"

Amazing

Stacy gives a chuckle at Eric's comment and a little nod. They sure didn't but maybe hanging around here a little bit longer she would quickly learn how to fend them off if she needed too. Her smile grows at the thought and she shakes her head.

Looking up as Eric said he was happy she was ok Stacy smiled. Hearing he had been worried, really worried she cocked her head a little bit. After everything had happened and he had not yet known why she was so angry he was still worried about her? He's been able to look past all that for the moment to be worried. Stacy had to admit it did make her feel good inside. To know someone cared about her...it had been along time.

As Eric reaches out and takes her hand Stacy looks down there hands together. They seemed to almost fit together no matter what way he had them. A chill running up her arm and down her spine. She could feel coming to her cheeks at his words but she could feel a warmth in her heart. He really did notice her...that much?

   "Thank you Eric...for...just being you and making me feel good."

As his hand still lingered  on her's Stacy closed her fingers just a little bit around his. They might be working hands but they were still soft, and still nice. They were hands of someone who had much to offer even if he didn't think so. She though he did...there was just something soft behind his eyes.

   "I think...Your pretty amazing yourself."

Rolling her eyes Katie heads for the door and waits for Hunter. Following after him Katie just drives wondering where they were going but waiting to see. Pulling up to the bar Katie quirts an eyebrow wondering if this was such a good idea but she was here now she might as well try and enjoy it.

...Settling into the booth and figuring out what she wanted to eat Katie finally leaned back and looked across the table at Hunter. Hearing his question Katie shifts a little bit. Why did she deiced to come out after all?

   "Well...I was bored, you were bored and...we both wanted to kill time so why not right?"

Continuing to search his face again Katie wondered what his angel was and why it always seemed like he was contrasting himself. One minute he was one way and the next he was completely different.

   "So, now a question for you...How come you contradict you act so all that if you not think you are?"

Gotta Ask

As Stacy reaches over to his hand, Eric ceases his work, confused as to what she was doing. Her touch was warm... soft... just like he remembered on their ride home last night. A little tingle runs down his spine as she speaks. Was she trying to read his story? Was she, out of all people, taking the time?

He's about to close his fingers around hers when she withdraws, leaving him staring awkwardly down at the twine again. As she shows him her head, he glances up and chuckles. "Yeah... the police academy don't teach anybody how to fight trees."

His gaze returns to his task as a rather awkward silence takes over the barn until a low rumble of thunder echos through. Eric finishes separating the twine and is ready to braid it again when he pauses. Looking to the side, he studies Stacy for a moment. Her eyes. Her cheeks. Her lips. Her hair. She was very beautiful. "I'm... I'm glad you're okay," he comments quietly. "I was um..." He clears his throat. "Kinda worried about ya yesterday." No, that wasn't true. His gaze drops. "Well... really worried, actually."

He shrugs, wondering why all of a sudden he felt a slight chill. What he did know, however, was what he wanted to say. Setting aside the twine and whip, he turns just a little towards Stacy, reaching over and taking her hand. Turning it over, he runs a finger through her palm, his eyes following. "I was worried 'cause..." His finger finds a callous. "You're a hard worker..." His touch lightly runs over a faint scar. "...a dedicated mother..." He finds a small cut from yesterday. "...very brave..." His finger settles into the softness of her palm to linger there. "...and a fine woman." 

Swallowing hard, he could feel the heat in his face. But he wasn't sorry. He was telling the truth - the truth that he was taking the time to see her story too. He didn't know why she bothered to try and get to know him. His story wasn't a very grand one and was full of his own pitfalls. He had very little to offer. But for some reason, she was trying to get to know him more... and respected that... and it made him feel good. And he wanted her to know that she hadn't slipped his gaze either. 

Staring down at her hand, Eric suddenly finds himself unable to lift his eyes. Maybe this made her uncomfortable. Maybe he shouldn't have taken her hand. Maybe this would only embarrass her.

"Right. Nothing even remotely close to a date. Got it." Hunter raises his hands again in surrender. "Guess that scratches the goodnight kiss, but..." He sighs deeply. "I'll try to live without it." Realizing he'd yet again said too much, he shakes his head, a little color coming to his face. "Sorry. Forgive my impulsiveness. It happens in the presence of beautiful young ladies." 

Seeing the clerk walk by, Hunter stifles a laugh. They better get out of here before they really got into trouble. "Okay, I can pick the place," he agrees. "Lemme finish my shopping and meet you out front."

Within ten minutes, Hunter had his grocery sacks and met Katie out in front of the store. Grinning, he nods to the parking lot. "I'm in the blue car." He casually points to his racing car. "Follow me and I'll lead the way to our da... dinner." Tossing her a wink, he heads to his car and watches to see where Katie goes so he'd know which car to look for in his rearview mirror...

...Fifteen minutes later, Hunter has chosen After Hours Bar & Grill, knowing they served dinner late into the evening. It wasn't too late yet, but enough that it might be hard to find something decent and Hunter's tastebuds had shifted from chips and salsa to steak. 

Leading the way inside, he asks for a table in the side room, a good long ways from the bar and smoke. The lighting was a little dim, but not too bad, and they get a booth back in the corner by a window so it didn't feel too claustrophobic.

After ordering, Hunter situates himself sideways in the booth to lean against the window with his feet stretched across the booth. Grinning a little, he looks over at Katie. "I'm sorry, but I just gotta ask... what possessed you to come with me tonight? I know good and well I'm not 'all that,' even though I act like it."

Hands

Still eyeing Hunter Katie shakes her head and rolls her eyes at the same time. Why on earth was she doing this? Hunter was rediculace, a flirt, and....and...he made her laugh. It made Katie feel kind of good. Maybe thats why she wanted to have dinner with him.

   "No way, you can't pay. If you pay its a date and it can't be a date I have a boyfriend. I'll pay for me, you pay for you."

Katie waves her finger at him before turning back to her cart and pulling the bag of chips out and setting them in a random spot on the shelf. At the moment once again she see the same clerk go by. Letting her eyes get slightly big Kaite gives a wave to him before looking back to Hunter.

   "Guess I wont need those. I can go shopping tomorrow. And...since I wont let you pay, you pick where we eat that can be your make up. Make it someplace good too would ya."

Katie raises an eye brow at him before sticking out her toung. For a second she felt...a slight bit silly. Why she wan't sure maybe it was just the whole event of the night with the chips leading up to here and now. It was odd, but...it felt...good.

Sitting down with Eric Stacy continues to watch him. It was interesting what he was doing and though she had no idea what he was talking about it was still kind of cool to watch him work. He new what he was doing for sure and he was good at it.

   "Mmmm...You're really good at that. It's easy to tell you have been doing it for a while."

Stacy reaches out to Eric's hand that was holding the rope Stacy runs her fingers over Eric's for a moment and than on his palm between the rope. Feeling the caleses she new he had working hands that though he drove truck he did a lot around the ranch that had caused these and that meant he cared what happened.

   "It's funny how the texture of our hands can tell a whole story without us even knowing it, as long as someone takes the time to read."

Moving her hand away Stacy can feel her cheeks getting a little red. She couldn't believe she'd just done that. What had come over her to cause her to do that...Maybe it was the pain killers Angel had her on?

Shifting a little on the bale Stacy turns a little to point to the side of her head where is was black and blue with a few stitches. Nothing to bad, but it didn't look wonderful either. She gives a little laugh.

   "Just think I've taken down some bad people in my time and nothing to major happened. I get a fight with the ground and a tree and I get banged up. Sounds backwards huh?"

Snap

Eric turns quickly at Stacy's voice, a little grin making its way to his lips. "Hey. Pull up a bale," he teases. 

Tying off the whip he was working on, he takes his jackknife and cuts off the excess twine. "Oh, just retying the ends of these longing whips." He gestures to several more whips that were lying at his feet, used to longe the horses. 

Pausing, he realizes that Stacy might not have a clue what he was talking about. "See, the whips eventually wear out." He picks on up that seems fine except for the end where it's frayed and too short. He swings it around in the air and it doesn't do much. "All it needs is a new popper though." Picking up the one he'd just finished it, he flicks it out in the aisle, making it snap loudly. "Just a bit of twine is all it takes." 

Looking back up at Stacy, his cheeks grow a little warm. "Not that... you wanted to know all that." Had he been rambling? He hoped not. 

Retrieving a new piece of baling twine, he cuts it shorter and starts to unravel it, splitting it in half by rolling it between his fingers. "So um..." He clears his throat. "How's the head?" 

Against her better judgment. Yeah... Hunter had figured Katie would turn him down. Not that he blamed her after the other night. And she didn't even know his reputation. 

Sighing, he's ready to bid her goodnight when she suggests dinner. His eyebrows rise and a new kind of grin tugs the corners of his mouth. Really? She would actually go out with him? He couldn't help being surprised. And... just a little flattered too. He wouldn't tell her that, but after already knowing a bit about her, he'd never think she'd accept anything with him. He prided himself in having a good memory, and all the comments and stories Kyle had told had not fallen on deaf ears, even if he'd been uninterested at the time. 

"Dinner, huh?" He swivels his cart back and forth, just letting his eyes linger on her face. "How can I refuse? Especially when you just called us friends..." The thought strikes him that last he knew, she had a serious dating relationship with a boyfriend. Yet she was willing to go out with him - just as friends or not. That seemed a tad peculiar but he certainly wasn't going ot turn her down.

Biting his lower lip, his grin widens. "Just name the place. Except I do have to buy... Call it an apology for the other night."

Suggestion

Catching the bag of chips Katie gives another chuckle and toss it into her cart. Well at least she had a bag now. If anything she couldn't say the house was empty there was a bag of chips. And with this bag she's remember this night forever. 

About to walk again again Katie rises an eyebrow at Hunter's comment. Was he really still using the cheesy pickup lines on her or was he really that bored that he just wanted company, from the person who had just recently arrested him? Searching his face Katie wondered...what was his motive?

   "A contribution to society and against my better judgment."

Katie searches Hunter's face for a long moment. Looking into his eyes she wondered if he could be trusted or not. She'd seen him in a pretty bad spot the other night with being drunk around Kyle and Alice...not to mention his constant hitting on her. Now that he was sober would he be any different?

 "....How about we start out with going some place public for like...dinner...just as friends."

Entering the barn as a few rain drops feel Stacy zips her coat up a little more. There was something about the barn she liked, the smells, maybe the sounds but there was something calming. No one new but this wasn't her first time wondering in here when it was quiet.

Turning one of the corners Stacy stops seeing Eric sitting on one of the bails. She didn't want to bother him but if she turned and walked away and he noticed her she would feel pretty bad. What was so wrong with saying Hi an talking a little bit. It had never bothered her before...so why did she feel strange now? It wasn't a bad strange but more of a flutter.

   "What are you doing there?"

Stacy walks a little closer to Eric hoping she wasn't bothering him to much and if she was he's let her know. She was cerous on what he was doing though. His fingers worked so swiftly, and smoothly it was easy to tell this was not the first time he'd done this. 

 

Contribution to Society

Hunter gives Katie a sheepish sort of look. "Drunk... tipsy... a mere slip of the tongue." 

Katie's refusal to go back and get chips brings a new smile to Hunter's lips. Not only was he amused with her, but seeing her laugh was giving him a much better impression of her than he'd had the other night. 

Peering into his cart, he quirks an eyebrow. "Somehow during my misfortune, I ended up with a second bag." Retrieving it, he tosses it to Katie. "I don't have any dinner plans either. All I got now are chips and salsa to keep me company." 

Leaning on his cart, his eyes roam Katie's face, his grin remaining. "How 'bout coming over to my place?" As soon as he'd said it, he knew how wrong it sounded. He hadn't meant it that way at all. Straightening, he raises his hands. "Just hangin' out. Chips, salsa, maybe a B movie... and nothing else." It was pretty stupid of him to ask, come to think of it. But that was the problem - he always spoke before thinking. Not only did he know from Kyle that Katie was a nice conservative girl, but she was also an Elite agent who had arrested him. He really wasn't trying to imply he was after her. He was just... bored. 

"I promise to behave. I'm so bored, I'm ready to invite that clerk, and he doesn't look like he's any fun at all. So see? I'm desperate." He flashes Katie a new smile, even though that same sheepishness invades his eyes. "And you know when I'm bored I get myself into trouble. So hanging out with me would be a...a contribution to society." 

"Sure. I'll take a couple pieces." Ariel agrees to splitting the leftovers. She wasn't about to let anything go to waste. 

Once they were finished and outside ready to part, Ariel stops on the sidewalk to look up at Trey. She wasn't sure if she'd ever get used to his height. "Thanks for lunch. It was nice." 

Eric sits on a bale of hay in the barn, braiding the end of a whip. Thunder rolled gently as the mid-morning rain came down. It was a surprising bit of weather - no one had predicted rain, let alone a thunderstorm. It was welcomed though. They needed the moisture. 

Because of the rain, the barn was extra quiet today. Eric's leg was hurting enough that he knew he should probably be icing it right now but... this was his haven. And with so few people around... well... he didn't want to give it up. It wouldn't be until this afternoon that Ashlee would be in here. Lunch wouldn't be for another hour or so. The horses were all taken care of for now. And he was relaxed. 

Leaning back a little, his fingers work with the twine like hundreds of times before. His mind was wandering just a bit. To the last few weeks. To yesterday. He felt just a tad mixed up inside but he wasn't sure why. He tried to ignore it but... it wasn't as easy as it should be. 

Caught up in his own thoughts and his task, he paid very little attention to what was going on around him.

Humor

Giving another smile to Ariel Trey finishes off his last bit and takes the last sip from his drink. Man if there was one reason to stay here pizza would be high on the list. He was loving this stuff for sure. Having nice company to eat it was was great too. Getting to talk to Ariel really help free his mind of a few things.

   "You got that right...I could keep eating because it tasted so good but I know I'd sure pay for it."

Waving for the bill and for the check Trey would pick up the tab. He though it was only right since he was the one who asked Ariel to lunch.

   "Would you like to split the left overs to bring home?"

Walking away with Hunter Katie does all she can to keep her own laugh in. She found that....funny? That was one of the few good feels she had felt in a while. Just something about it seemed to hit her, maybe this was why Hunter and Kyle use to be friends they seemed to both have a slightly silly side.

   "Coming Dear, coming."

Katie turns to the clerk again.

 

   "Keep up the good work, I'll...Ummmm...put in a good word."

Having Hunter pulling on the cart Katie pushes following after him quickly. Getting far enough away Katie breaks out in laughter along with Hunter. This whole thing was funny and...and...it felt good. Hearing Hunters comment about she timing Katie just shakes her head and leans on her cart.

   "I thought you said you weren't drunk just tipsy?"

Katie lets the humor linger in her voice. She was just teasing Hunter and it was kind of fun. Her mood was slightly better today than he had been the night she arrested him. Maybe because she didn't have a job to do here, maybe because she was going to spend time with Jason tomorrow or maybe it was just Hunter.

   "I was just here trying to figure out something for dinner. Now all I can think about is chips and I am not going down that isle again."

 

Too Scared

Ariel chuckles and nods. "Well I like surprises, so that will work." Hearing Trey wouldn't need a ride, she wonders what he was working out, but she wouldn't ask. If he didn't need a ride, it might be better anyway. "Okay, whatever works."

Finished with her pizza, she its back and sets a hand on her stomach. "I am... stuffed." She sighs with content. "I don't think I'm going to need supper tonight."

Spinning around too fast, Hunter loses one of the bags of chips he'd just picked up. It takes him just a moment to realize who it is, and his cheeks flush slightly. "Trouble?" He recovers quickly, tossing a bag back onto the rather sad looking pyramid. "This isn't trouble. This is... uh... recreation... yes." He nods, bending to pick up another bag. "See? Exercise. Corn chip bowling. Knock 'em down then pick 'em up. Guys here don't like it very much, but it passes the time rather well."

He leans on his shopping cart while setting his other hand on hips hip in a mock display of confidence. Of course, it's right then that the clerk decides to show up. 

Seeing Katie stumble over her words, a smile spreads on Hunter's face. "What she's trying to say is, we're just doing our best to clean up this mess that somehow appeared out of nowhere. I mean, go figure. Poof. Chips on the floor." 

He hands a bag to the clerk. "Unfortunately, we have shopping to do. So sorry we can't stick around. Thank you for your help. You're doing a fine job." 

Steering his cart away from the mess, he reaches over and pulls Katie's cart along with him several aisles down. "Come along, dear. Let's not dawdle." 

Only when out of sight and earshot of the clerk does Hunter start laughing. Looking at Katie, he shakes his head and takes a deep breath, composing himself. "Dang you sure got some timing, woman. First time I'm drunk. Second time I'm making a mess. Maybe the third time will be the charm." He cocks his head, still grinning. "But something tells me you're not the type to go for charm. I might be too scared to try that anyway, come to think of it."

mess?

Wondering up and down the isles Katie had no idea what she was looking for. Her house was pretty much empty of food besides the stuff Ryder and Thirteen had gotten for themselves. She new if she asked they would be more than happy to share but all in all Katie didn't feel much like cooking after another late night of working and going out to eat alone seemed rather depressing.

Coming to the end of an isle Katie stops as a quite a few bags of chips fall in front of her. Just looking down at them and than up Katie gives a grown and rolls her eyes. What were the odds of meeting Hunter again, at this store, at this time, and in this area.

   "I'm starting to think trouble just follows you around or maybe it's me trouble is following."

Katie gives a smirk. Though she had just gotten out of work she was dressed differently than the other day. Her badge was absent along with her cuffs and her gun not visible. A denim jacket was her coat of choose and her hair was loose from her pony tail slightly curly at the ends.

Shaking her head she bends down to pick up a few of the bags and try to put them back on the display only to have them fall once more. At that moment a clirk walks by and stops placing his hands on his hips and looking at Hunter and Katie.

   "What on earth do you two think your doing?"

Looking up Katie's eyes go slightly wide.

   "I'm not with...it was his...I....we..making a mess?"

Katie shrugs a little before a smile cracks across her face. For a moment she almost felt like a kid again with her hand caught in the cookie jar. For some reason this whole scene seemed crazy and why she was stumbling over her words she had no idea.

 Trey's grin grows a little as she continues looking at Ariel his eyes sparkling just a little bit more than normal. He was happy she said yes and though he'd told her they could of done a double date he was kind of happy she was trieing to trust him.

   "That sounds great. I think I can handle picking out the movies and where we eat. But I wont tell you so it can be kind of like a surprise."

Seeing his slice of pizza was gone Trey goes for another peace doing the same thing with this one as the last. Pulling the pepperoni off, than the cheese and than eating the crust. It was an odd quirk but its just what he did.

   "Oh and mmm...you wont have to pick me up. I'll find a ride there so you wont have to worry about it."

Truth be told he'd already started to plan things out in his head. He's ask Pete if maybe he could use his car. Not that he thought he would say yes but if he did than he's pick Ariel up. If he said no...Trey would figure something else out.

Ryan was thankful for what Tal said but still wasn't to sure about staying with Tal and risking having him get hurt again but for now she'd let it go. Tal was in pain and she wasn't going to make him talk or argue anymore than he already had.

   "You're to good to me Tal you know that?"

Leaning down Ryan presses her lips ever so softly against Tal's just letting it linger for a moment before pulling away and smiling down at him. She new he's be conked out soon from the pain killers but she was would stay till Eli got there. Than head home, eat, shower and more than likely be back. Even if Tal was awake he had a long road in front of him, and Ryan...she didn't want him to travel it alone.

Avalanche

Tal sighs deeply, his thumb caressing Ryan's hand. Closing his eyes for a moment, he musters up the energy to talk some more. He was fighting the meds that were making him drowsy and he knew it. 

"Ryan..." He'd shake his head if he could. Opening his eyes again, he looks at her softly. "If anybody's to blame, it's me... for going to you in...in the first place." 

Pausing again, he breathes through a wave of pain. "You're not the cause... and you never will be." He fights to bring strength into his weak voice. "I refuse to...to let Alec win. He can hurt my body... but he can't hurt my heart... that belongs to you." 

He squeezes her hand. "Don't be scared... that just gives him control. You're too tough for that." 

He manages a wry grin. "Now come here and give me a kiss... gently."

Ariel was busy with trying not to slop sauce on the table when Trey's question brings her gaze snapping back up again. A... a date? They'd hung out a lot at parties and such, sure, but... a date date? His little backtracking about making sure she was comfortable brings a grin to her lips. She had to give him an "A" for effort. 

Taking another bite of pizza, she purposely lets the silence linger until Trey looks up again so she can see his eyes. There really was no good reason for her to say no. She still felt a bit awkward around him, but she wasn't afraid of him, and she had no boyfriend. 

"I bet we could convince Pete and his girlfriend to come along," she muses thoughtfully. 

Her eyes twinkle with humor. She didn't mean to torture him, but she couldn't help but tease just a little. Shaking her head, she wipes her mouth with a napkin. "If I insisted someone else go along, it would seem rather hypocritical after our lunch today, wouldn't it?" 

Her grin returns. "Tell you what. I'll go to a movie matinee and dinner." That way she wouldn't be out late with him. "You have to pick the movie and place to eat though."

"No, I don't mind." Jason quirks an eyebrow, wondering why Katie would think he would mind her being around. He never minded. 

Shrugging it off, he returns his concentration to finishing his food. "Okay, well, tonight I'm gonna spend some time with Mom. Then we can do the park thing tomorrow. I'll let Sandy know it'll be us and Kaylee. Maybe we'll do lunch too, depending on how Kaylee does."

As Jason's cell phone beeps again, he rolls his eyes. Looking at the message, he smirks. "And... apparently I forgot to give Reese the paperwork I was doing this morning. Fantastic." 

Grinning a little, he shakes his head. "And Rick wanted me to stay off work a while longer?" Finishing up his rice quickly, he wipes his mouth with a napkin. "Okay. Guess we better head back." 

The rest of the day kept Jason busy at work and by the time he heads home, he's exhausted. After meeting up with Cindy at the hotel for supper, when he gets home, he goes straight to bed, sending Katie a text that he'd see her tomorrow.

Hunter sighs with boredom as he leans on the shopping cart, ambling down the grocery store aisle. Pitiful. Just pitiful. On a night when everybody else had something else going on, what did he find to do? Shop. That was something really fun. He inwardly rolls his eyes at himself. At least he almost had the store to himself since it was later in the day. It was pretty quiet so at least he wasn't having to dodge kids or wait in long lines.

Ever since the night at the concert, he'd been keeping himself constantly busy. He'd only realized it today when he'd finally been forced to slow down by lack of things to do. Why he'd taken off on a binge of "fun," he wasn't sure. Maybe it was to keep his mind off Kyle. Maybe it was to keep his mind off how he'd made an idiot of himself in front of whats-her-name...Katie. She'd been rather cold. Maybe he was losing his touch. Although there towards the end, he'd thought he'd seen a little bit of warmth. Oh well. The odds weren't in his favor for getting arrested by her again.

Stopping by a large display of corn chips and salsa, Hunter quirks an eyebrow. If he had to spend an evening alone, he might as well enjoy it. Reaching out for a bag of chips, picking that particular one was his unfortunate luck. Before he could do anything about it, an avalanche of corn chip bags came tumbling down into the aisle, scattering everywhere. Staring at the floor and blinking, Hunter smirks at the mess. Yessirree, he'd lost his touch somewhere alright. Groaning, he leans down to start picking up the bags.

Double Date

Searching Jason's face Katie wondered if that was disappointment she saw in his eyes. Strange he always enjoyed having out with Wyatt and Aerith. They were two people besides Jamie and Con they spend a good deal of time with laughing and just having fun. It confused Katie that he'd be disappointed now, she just didn't understand.

   "Ok if your sure you don't mind."

Taking a sip of her water Katie gives a nod of her head. She though it might be fun to go out and do something with Jason since it had been a little bit. And the company meeting his friend might be nice too.

   "Yeah, I'd like too. As long as you don't mind that is. I'll just take Friday off instead."

Hearing Tal's words about loving her Ryan could feel a sudden warmth run through her veins. It was different than hearing it from a family member, this was Tal her boyfriend, someone who had gotten beaten up because of her and he took it, he took it for love. It was a feeling...Ryan had never felt before and for a second it was hard to process. But finally letting the smile grow a little more on her face she didn't let the silence linger to long least worry Tal.

   "I...Thank you Tal for making me feel special."

Looking down at Tal's good hand that was in her's she just study's it for a long moment. A million things going through her mind.  She loved him too and it was for that fact she didn't want him to hurt anymore.

  "Tal I...I don't wan't anything to happen to you. What if Alec comes after you again? What if...its worse yet again. I couldn't live with myself. You don't deserve this and...I don't want to be the cause of it."

Now pulling the cheese off the pizza and eating it Trey thinks about Ariel's words. She was pretty smart and had a point. Reese never said he HAD to make a solid desition or that he couldn't change his mind later.

   "Yeah, I though it was pretty nice to of Reese to offer everything he has to get me out of the dungeon. I think I'll take him up on it and just see how it goes. Worse comes to worse I don't like it and well handle that when it comes."

Looking across the table at Ariel Trey just study's her for a long moment. Cocking his head to the side he just searched her face. She was very wise, and very soft and he couldn't help but wonder where it stemmed from. Was she always like this or was it something she leaned. 

Finally looking down at his pizza again for a moment his cheeks turn slightly red. He'd never though about someone as deep as he did with Ariel. Why he wasn't sure but he wondered if it had to do with that strange feeling he had in his stomach.

   "Maybe....after I get settled would you like...to go to dinner, or a move on a date?"

Taking a bit of the now empty crust Trey thinks for a moment remembering how she had been pretty uncomfortable with him the other night and how maybe she might still be.

   "If it would make you more comfortable maybe there was a friend you know or something that would like to come with us like a double date kind of thing."

Words Spoken for the First Time

Saturday... Jason's eyes widen. "Oh crap. I forgot all about meeting Wyatt and Aerith. Shoot." 

He thinks for a moment then shakes his head. "No... no, don't change things with them." He purses his lips in thought. "I'll call Sandy and tell her I can't be there." He tries to shrug it off. Was that... disappointment he felt? Was that what that little twinge was? He wishes it were stronger so he'd know. He had to assume that's what it was though. It was better than feeling nothing, even if it didn't feel good. 

"So... tomorrow you wanna come to the park too then right?" 

Tal isn't surprised that Ryan and Eli had been with him so much and had taken care of things at his apartment. But it was still humbling, in a way, to know that he had people like them in his life who were willing to help like that. He was so appreciative, and the first thing that comes to mind is how on earth he'd ever be able to pay them back. But he knew saying that would probably bring a whack to the arm and he hurt enough already the way it was. 

"If I could get up," he muses hoarsely, "I'd give you a hug and kiss.... Thanks for doing all that." He pauses to swallow and tries to shift a little, but it seemed no matter how he moved, it hurt something or other. "You're the best." 

Still holding her hand, he tugs her a little closer, glad he had at least one working arm. He had something to say, and he wanted to make sure he said it before they went any further. 

"Nobody's asked... but... but I know you and Eli know." He struggles to get the words out, slurring slightly as his jaw resists the movement. "...about Alec... I mean.  It... It wasn't him but... somebody he... he sent." 

His grip on Ryan's hand tightens. He didn't want to upset her, and he himself didn't want to think about it, but he was going to finish, whether she liked it or not. "But I want you to know... that... that no matter what..." He coughs and winces, knowing he needed to stop for a while, but refusing. "...I'm not... not gonna give up. I...I love you, Ryan McKade... And nobody's gonna scare me away from you."

Ariel nibbles at the cheese around the pizza crust, rarely eating the crust but liking the crispy cheese that had bubbled over. Listening to Trey, she tries not to laugh. She wasn't amused by his situation or what he was going through, but she didn't think he'd said so much to her since she'd known him, let alone at one setting. It was interesting to know that his mother had come to see him, and even bring her little girl. Ariel immediately imagines a pretty gutsy woman. And apparently... it had had an affect on Trey. He seemed to be thinking about more things now - more people - not just himself. Was this a one-time emotional switch or was he slowly changing? Ariel wondered. 

His question brings out a light chuckle. "Of course it's confusing. I can understand." After taking a sip of her coke, she reaches for another slice of pizza. It was no wonder her brother had a routine of coming here - it really was the best pizza in town. At least in her opinion. 

"So... why do you have to decide now?" She chews thoughtfully while looking back at Trey. "I mean, lets say you stay for six months then choose to go home? Or four months? Or ten? Nothing is forever anyway. If you really want to stick around and get to know your family, it might be permanent but it might not, and you always have an option to go back to Mexico whenever you want."

Ariel shrugs. She didn't know if it would make as much sense to him as it did her or not. "Sounds like the Elite is being very generous. If you can't make up your mind, take them up on their offer, and six weeks down the road if you figure you really do want to go back to Mexico then you're out nothing. Or if you decide to stay then you're already on your way to getting yourself established." She grins. "Really, you're in a perfect spot. It's a win-win situation for you. And... if you opt to go back to Mexico now, who says you can't come visit? You still win."

50/50

Sitting at the table with Jason Katie gives a small smile. She'd like to go, getting to spend more time with Jason was always fun, she loved seeing Kaylee, and if she finally got to meet Sandy maybe she wouldn't feel as bad as she did. About to say something once again Katie is again cut off by someone coming over to the table. Sitting quietly Katie just waits wondering if Jason would introduce her or not.

Finally being introduced Katie does her best to give a smile. She didn't want Jason's new found friends to think she was a sourpuss after all even if she felt like it kind of.

   "Hey Rusty, its nice to meet you."

Looking back down at her food as Rusty is about to walk away Katie looks up again quickly. Pizza and bowling on Saturday...that was news to her. Last she new this Saturday was there double date with Wyatt and Aerith. 

Waiting till Rusty was gone as to not call Jason out in front of him Katie thinks for a moment before looking up at Jason again. Searching his eyes she wondered if he honestly forgot, or if the reason he hadn't told her was because he new she would be upset he was blowing them off.

   "You're going out this Saturday? Should I just tell Wyatt and Aerith things came up and we will go to dinner with them another day?"

Sitting with Tal once again after the Dr was gone and locking his fingers with her own she lays a hand on top of him and continues to smile down at him. Such re-leaf washed over her that Tal was going to be ok, though he had a long road ahead of him he was going to be ok.

Giving a chuckle as his comment Ryan's eyes sparkle. She wondered when he was going to ask that and she new when she told him he would be a little upset, but she also new he'd get over it quick.

   "Eli and I rotated between being here, working, and watching after the dogs. There was however he or I here at all times. We didn't want to give up that easily that you would pull though."

Continuing to just let her eyes search Tal's face Ryan was so happy he was going to be ok yet in the back of her mind loomed the first time had been bad, this time had been worse...would there be another if Ryan continued with Tal? She didn't want to believe there would be but she couldn't help it. Tal had been through enough and she didn't want him hurt anymore...it was a hard time to process what was right, and what wasn't but the thought was there and it haunted Ryan.

   "Speaking of my brother he should be getting out of work soon and coming here."

   "Hey, it's not a problem thanks for calling me back."

Trey was not sitting in the place he had learned to call his room paper still in hand. He'd been about to ask if Pete wanted to go to lunch when Ariel had called him back. Hearing she wanted to go though was even better. He wasn't a hundred percent sure she would want to or not.

   "Nah, lets meet at that place we had the pizza at the other night. It's close and I can walk...looks kind of nice outside today."

..."So Reese gave me the choose of staying, or going back to Mexico. I....told him I needed some time."

Trey pulls a peace of pepperoni off his pizza and pops it into his mouth just savoring the taste. It tasted so good, and so fresh here he just wished he could make the peace last longer. Looking across the table at Ariel he gives a small smile. Alright he'd given her the low down on meeting his sister and spending time with his mother and now he was just moving right into what Reese had talked to him about. He felt like a chatter box today and that was unusual for him. He wasn't sure if it was out of excrement or fear, or maybe both.

  "I feel like if I don't go home my family will be upset with me, and really they have done a lot and even if I have grown up in a bad way they have done all they could to raise me right. Yet...I have family here too that I am not to sure I want to say goodbye to yet. Not to mention a few friends too. I'm just kind of at a loss on what to do. There are so many fifty fifty chances with this one I'm not to sure what direction I am going to take. It's slightly confusing ya know?"

Introductions

"Oh, well that would work." Jason nods and takes a bite of chicken. "You could meet Sandy then too. I think you'll like her. She's been dying to meet you, I know." 

"Jason!" 

Jason looks up quickly, his eyebrows rising. "Hey, man, what's up?" 

A young man approaches their table, grinning from ear to ear. His reddish blonde hair was cut short and spiky, his build medium-height and athletic. He eyes Katie for a moment before looking back at Jason. "Well what do you think? I'm hungry."

Jason smirks. "Go figure. I've been here how many times and never ran into you?" 

"No kidding. We meet up once and now we're everywhere." The guy laughs, his green eyes twinkling.

A new grin creases Jason's lips. "We had to have gone right by each other a million times." 

"Probably." He pauses and glances to Katie again. "This the phantom girlfriend?" 

Jason laughs and shakes his head. "A phantom, she is not. Sorry." Introductions had completely slipped his mind. "Rusty, this is Katie. Katie, Rusty. He's an old friend from high school." 

"It's true." Rusty extends his hand to Katie. "Everything but the old part. I'll always be a month younger than him." 

"Yeah, yeah." Jason waves him off. 

Rusty grins. "I'd love to stay and crash your party, but I got my own girlfriend to meet up with. I'll catch you later." 

"Right." Jason watches him walk away, then remembers something. "Oh. Rusty!"

"Hmm?" Rusty stops and turns around. 

"Saturday night. Pizza and bowling. Sandy's idea. You going?" 

"Of course!" 

"Alright. See you then." Jason relaxes again and picks up his fork to finish his food. "Okay, so where were we? Tomorrow? So you wanna come along to the park then?" 

Confused, but trusting Ryan, Tal lets her go and tries to relax. It isn't easy though. His leg was packed in tightly, and so was his right hand. Not to mention, a brace was holding his head still, and it felt like the side of his face was all bandaged up. Accident? What accident? Fighting to remember, flashes of the dark alley come to mind. Then he knows. 

It doesn't take long for the doctor to come in and check him over, asking him a ton of questions about how he feels and if he feels this or that or if such and such hurts. What Tal really wanted was just to get out of here. But after learning the extent of damage, he's a bit shocked and dismayed. He was going to be here for a little while. 

After what seemed like forever, Tal is finally left alone with Ryan again. Though exhausted, he was at least alert now. It was hard to talk - his jaw was incredibly sore. But apparently that was to be expected since it had been fractured. He was supposed to minimize his talking, but he didn't want to just lie around in silence. 

Finding Ryan's hand again, he holds it, trying to reassure her... or maybe himself too. "What have you been doing the last few days?" he mumbles. "Don't tell me you've been here the whole time."

Letting her ponytail loose, Ariel shakes out her hair as she enters her house. A morning of horseback riding with her brother had been fun - it always was. 

Humming to herself, she wanders to the phone to find there was a voicemail message. Whenever going out to clear her head, she never took her cell phone. It was a rule she'd started long ago. 

Picking up the phone, she listens as she aims down the hall to her bedroom. Hearing Trey's voice, she pauses what she's doing, to listen a little more carefully. He... needed someone to talk to? He sounded... different. 

Easing down to sit on the edge of her bed, Ariel thinks. Whether Trey knew it or not, he'd broken her trust in a few ways. She wasn't scared of him, nor did she hate him, nor did she not forgive him. But... remembering how he'd been that night... it still made her somewhat uncomfortable. And remembering how she'd needed to baby him and pretty much manipulate him in order to get him to stay and settle down... She might have succeeded, but it hadn't been fun. She was glad she didn't have to watch him for the Elite anymore. That helped. And he had been kind of sweet that evening at the party and going out for pizza. It was just... Did she want to keep hanging out with him?

Shaking her head, she stands and goes to find some clean clothes then goes to the shower. Letting the warm water run over her, she sighs deeply. Trey needed a good friend, and she knew that. He'd always been a gentleman when sober. She did like his eyes. And... she wasn't one to just turn her back. There was no reason to.

She lets her thoughts go for now and finishes up her shower.  Putting on her clean clothes, she wanders to the living room and flops down on the couch with her phone. Dialing, she waits to hear Trey's voice.  

"Hi, Trey. It's Ariel. Got your message. Sorry it took me a while to get back to you." 

She twirls a strand of hair around her finger. "Lunch sounds good if it's not too late. Want me to come pick you up?"

Backfire

Being sweeped up into Carson's arms Misty can't help but laugh a little as her arms go around his neck to hang on. Retuning the kiss and looking back into Carson's eyes Misty gives a smile leaning her head against him. His mood swings confused her but she continued to just keep moving on from them. Life sometimes had a funny way of making people like that sometimes and Misty could only hope it would pass quickly.

   "You get the plates and I'll finish putting everything into bowls and what not so we can sit and eat."

Turning to the counter and getting some serving bowls out Misty puts the mashpotatos into one, the beans into another and the rolls into one more bring them over and placing them onto the table. Grabbing two glasses she sets them down as well before looking to Carson.

   "What did you want to drink tonight? Beer, Milk, Juice or water?"

Feeling Tal's fingers tighten around her own again Ryan can feel her heart race. Was Tal really waking up, was he going to be ok. She didn't dare hope anymore but she couldn't help it, it was to late to stop it. Seeing his eye lids start to crack open Ryan stands so that Tal could see her better without having to move again. A smile spread across her face and small tears rolled down her cheek.

   "Just hold still Tal, you had an accident....give me a second I have to go get one of the Dr's I'll be right back, I promise."

Leaving the room Ryan goes to find a Dr letting them know what was going on. She wanted them to check Tal, make sure he was ok, look at everything she had to know he was going to make it. Tal was strong and Ryan new it...but she didn't want anything to backfire.

Taking a bit of her egg roll  Katie gives a nod to Jason. If he got time with Kaylee that would be fun for him and Katie wouldn't mind helping him with her. She enjoyed the little girls company and no matter what she always found a way to make her laugh.

About to say something Katie was cut off by the beeping of the phone as well. Just watching Jason she could feel something strange at his mention to it being Sandy and wanting to meet Kaylee as well. It was a feeling Katie had felt a few times before when Jason had said he was going to hang out with his friends. In a way...she felt left out. 

Looking down at her food and running her fork through her rice Katie doesn't look up again at Jason's next comment either. It almost felt like a slap to the face or a punch to the gut. Katie had always had Thursdays off for as long as she worked at TJY and now...Jason was forgetting that too?

   "Well, I'm pretty much caught up on all my work. I don't think Reese would have to much of a problem if I switch my day off for tomorrow with Friday. Than I can spend time with you guys too."

Fear

"Mm-hmm..." A beach sounded nice. Carson could almost feel himself sitting on the sand on the Australian coastline where he used to spend his downtime. 

Almost dozing off, his stomach suddenly growls very loudly. Opening his eyes wide, a grin forms before he laughs. "I guess I better feed that thing before it gets loose." 

Sighing, he finally rights himself and stands to stretch and yawn. Seeming to have renewed energy, he bends down to sweep Misty up off the couch, holding her in his arms. Smiling, he gives her a long kiss. "You're the best. And you always will be." He stares her in the eye as if looking into her soul. "Don't you ever forget that." Another kiss follows before he carries her into the kitchen and finally sets her down. 

"Want me to get the plates out?" 

Tal felt as though he were surrounded in a very thick fog, dulling all of his senses. But he did hear a voice. It was soft... familiar... safe. Trying his hardest to pull himself from this strange state, his fingers tighten again around Ryan's hand. 

Yes, I'm awake. I'm here. What's wrong? Where are we? I hurt. Are you okay? 

The words seem to get stuck between his brain and his vocal cords, piling up in his subconscious. Swallowing hard, his throat felt as though he'd just drank a box of nails. A strange piece of torn memory surfaces for a brief moment, making him feel again the tube being forced down his throat. It was gone now though. What was happening? 

Light. Yes, there it was. Light. He had to lift his eyelids. He must. He had to find out what was going on. The work required just to open his eyes felt exhausting. But slowly, slowly, they crack open, just enough to view a very blurry world. 

Looking right then left, Tal finally sees a blurry figure standing over him. He blinks, trying to bring things into focus. Trying to turn his head, only proves to shoot pain down his neck so he doesn't attempt that again. 

Ryan? 

He squeezes her hand again, trying one more time. Finally a whisper makes it to the surface. "Ryan?" He blinks again, his eyes opening a little wider, helping clear the fog. Bits and pieces of the room slowly come into focus and his ears pick up the sounds of beeping and whirring again. Was he in a hospital? Why? What was wrong with him? Was he okay? 

Fear suddenly races through his veins, raising his blood pressure. "What's happening?" he asks hoarsely.

Alec pries his eyes open and stares at the digital clock that rested on the floor next to his mattress. He should have met the road crew two hours ago. He closes his eyes again and rolls over the other way, pulling his blanket up farther. Someone would show up soon. He knew it. And he didn't care... 

..."Alec!" Wyatt bangs on the door, hearing nothing. Growling, he finds the right key and opens up Alec's apartment. It only takes a moment to see the sleeping figure at the far end of the living room. "Hey! Alec!" 

Nothing. Wyatt suddenly wonders if there was cause for concern. Walking quickly to Alec, he kneels down and gives him a shake. "Hey. You alive?" 

Alec's arm flies back to smack Wyatt's shoulder. "Off me," he grumbles. 

Wyatt's eyes narrow. "Are you sick?" 

"I'm sick and tired," Alec retorts, his face still turned towards the wall. 

"Tough." Wyatt stands and gives the mattress a kick. "You were supposed to report to work. What happened?" 

Alec glares at the wall. "I decided I didn't want to go to work today."

"And since when have you been allowed to make that decision?"

"Sue me." 

Wyatt shakes his head in disgust. Heading back across the room, he retrieves his cell phone and calls back to the office. "Alec's fine - he's just playing stubborn. You wanna force him out to work, I'm gonna need backup. You want me to bring him in, I will." 

Reese sighs. "Well what do you think?" 

"I don't know!" Wyatt throws up his arms. Things between him and his father were still tense, and he was not in the mood to go back and forth about what they should do. "Just tell me what to do and I'll do it." 

"Okay fine. Bring him in and we'll see what's going on. He was fine the other day." 

..."What's up, Alec?" Reese was tired. There was too much going on for him to have to worry about Alec's bad attitude. After recent events, his tolerance for Alec in general was pretty thin the way it was. Knowing Wyatt had to just about drag him here was not helping. 

Alec sits in the break room - surprised he wasn't locked in the interrogation room again. He stares up at Reese with dull expression. "I'm tired and wanted to sleep." 

"Well maybe you stayed up too late." Reese frowns as he stands in front of him. "You've shown up every day for work until today. Why now?" 

Alec shrugs. 

Reese shakes his head. "You're pushing the limit, Alec. I'm still waiting for proof of what you did to Tal Donahue. You refusing to work is just one more count against you."

Alec doesn't respond. 

"Look at me!" Reese bends to his eye level. "What is wrong with you?!" 

Alec flinches. "You wanna put me behind bars? Is that what you want?" 

"It sure would be a lot easier than dealing with you." 

"Fine." Alec stands up to face him and holds out his wrists. "Lock me up. Go report to Brown, or the judge, or whoever, that I'm going around beating guys up and refusing to work." 

Reese's eyes narrow. "What are you trying to do, Alec? What's your game?" 

"I don't have a game," he hisses. "Everything has been ripped out of my hands - what do you expect me to do?" 

"I expect you to be appreciative of the fact that you're not already behind bars! You have a record ten miles long, which includes multiple counts of murder! Do you realize how lucky you are to even be standing here?!" 

Alec's hands drop. "So arrest me and be done with it." 

"If I do that, my program dies." Reese grits his teeth. "So help me, I will not allow you to be the cause of this program failing. There are too many other people from the Agency that need our help. I'll be hanged if I let you tear this thing down." He takes a step back and points to the door. "You have off work today and tomorrow to get your head back on straight. Now move!" 

...Alec trudges from TJY, having refused a ride back home. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, his feet scuff the sidewalk. He feared prison more than anything else, for sure. Being stuck behind bars. Having no freedom at all. Yet at the same time, it almost seemed better than this. Out here, he was taunted with what he wanted just out of reach. It was like dangling a carrot in front of a horse but never letting it have it. At least in prison he'd know he was there for life and couldn't do anything. Out here... it was just pain. Mistakes, stupidity and pain. 

"...So Mom said she might leave Kaylee with me for a day." Jason eats his Chinese food at lunch, sitting across from Katie at Tou Han's. The last couple days had been fairly quiet. He'd spent some time with his mom. Some time with friends. A little time with Katie. Nothing too exciting. Well - at least not that he knew. It didn't feel exciting to him. He'd avoided talk of Trey with his mother though, not wanting to broach that subject again, and while at work, he had made sure he didn't see Trey at all. Other than that, things seemed... normal. Eating supper a couple times with his mom and Katie had been enjoyable though. At least he had felt that much.

"I thought that might be kinda fun. Thought I might-" He's cut off by his phone beeping. 

Taking it out of his pocket and reading the text message, he grins. "Or maybe not. Sandy wants to meet Kaylee." Replying to the message, his grin remains. "She'd get a kick out of that. Maybe she'll even meet me us at the park or something. Apparently Kaylee likes the ducks." 

Finished with his message, he looks at Katie again, then purses his lips. "Oh... you work tomorrow, don't you? I forgot, I've got off but you don't."

Hope

Being left in the room alone again Trey just continues to hold the paper. He didn't know what was to choose. He was being given freedom, something he wanted more than anything, a life outside this holding cell and for the first time, for the first time he was scared.

Reaching over to the phone on his night stand Trey takes a little paper out from under it that had Ariel's number on it. He wasn't sure if she was working or not today but he try calling anyways. He needed someone to talk to and...well...it always seemed easy with her even after he'd found out the whole thing was a set up.

   "Hey Ariel, I wasn't sure if you were working or not. Wondered if you wanted to grab a bit to eat or something. I...kinda need a friend to talk too."

Hanging up the phone Trey now wondered if Ariel would even call him back. He new things were far from perfect with them but  they were working on it. Would she be sad if he left? At one point Alec thought the answer would be yes but with everything that had went on...would she now?

Continuing to look down at Carson Misty gives another smile even though his eyes were closed. Sometimes she wished she could just run away too. When the stress became to much, when life just seemed to crazy Misty wouldn't have minded just getting away.

   "Maybe we should take a vacation and get away for a little while. Maybe a cruse, or a beach somewhere..."

The sound of a vacation did sound nice. Just getting away the two of them...just spending time with each other souly maybe thats what they both needed.

   "...Maybe thats what we both need."

Sitting in the chair next to the bed Ryan keeps her hand in Tal's. This was the position most people would find her in now adays. If she wasn't working she was sitting here with Tal, keeping her fingers locked with his so that if somewhere...deep down...he'd know he wasn't alone and he had someone fight for. 

Leaning her head back and closing her eyes Ryan felt so tired, but sleep only came in spirits. Feeling a movement on her hand Ryan's eyes fly open. Had she just dozed off and imagined that or had Tal's hand really moved. Getting up and moving to the edge of the bed Ryan looks down at him. With all her heart she wanted it to be true that Tal had just moved his hand. Even that would give her hope.

   "Tal...are you awake? Squeeze my hand again if you can...please sweety...I'm here."

Hand

"Take all the time you need," Reese agrees. He wasn't going to push Trey one way or the other. It was totally up to him what to do. Reese had briefly discussed this with Angelica too, making sure she was okay with all this as well. After all, she'd been the one who had pushed for the Elite to offer protection in the first place. Now - it was time to move forward in whichever direction Trey chose. 

The comment about curfew makes Reese chuckle and he shakes his head. "No. No more curfew and no more babysitters. Although I have a feeling Pete will miss having you around." 

Nodding, he turns to leave. "When you make up your mind, let me know."

"I sure do." Carson offers Misty a smile, though it's a weary one. Letting his eyes fall shut again, he wishes to stop time and just remain like this. 

"Do you ever wish we were somewhere else?" he asks quietly. "Do you ever wish there was something more... something different?" Setting her free hand on his chest, his fingers stroke hers lightly. "I wanna run away." 

He swallows hard, suddenly finding it strangely difficult to control his feelings. It was a true rarity for him to become emotional at all, even when it was just him and Misty. Tears were something simply not shown. So they remain hidden even now, behind his closed eyes. "I wanna just take you and run where no one will ever find us." 

Days seem to all meld together in a hospital. Especially for those waiting for any news or change in a loved one's condition. Every minute drags on until time just doesn't seem to exist anymore. For the one lying motionless and quiet in the bed, time takes on a strange dimension, evolving into an odd mixture of dream, reality and thoughts that belong to neither world. 

Day two: No change. Eli and Ryan take turns working, sitting with Tal and taking care of Tal's dogs. Day three: Tal begins breathing on his own, allowing the doctors to remove the assistance of the machines. He remains asleep. Day four: Doctors are more positive about Tal's recovery. His lung is doing well, and his internal organs are functioning properly. Eli and Ryan continue their routine. Day five: All is quiet.

Tal's mind feels as though it's very far away. As if it has separated from his body to take an unplanned vacation, leaving him in a rather confused state. Where was he? Why did he feel as though his body was being restricted? He felt dizzy. In pain. There were strange sounds around him. Strange smells. He wants to see, but his eyes are so very heavy, as if he cannot even muster the strength to open them. But amidst the fear and confusion, there was a small spark of hope. Something warm. Something familiar. A hand. Ryan's hand, nestled in his own. His entire body felt immobile. But his fingers twitch. Slowly, they curl around Ryan's hand, giving it a weak squeeze.

Curfew

Looking up at Eli Ryan felt like a little kid again looking up for hope in her brothers eyes. He's been the strong one, he'd been the whole they fraught so desperately for them to stay together, he was the one who took on three jobs to support her and John. Now...now he was the strong one again and Ryan was grateful.

   "Alright...lets go look after Tal."

Backing away from her brother Ryan takes one last look at the window she new was Alec's before turning away and getting into her. Pulling out of the parking lot the going was slowing than coming. Though Ryan wanted to get back to Tal she didn't want to get back to the hospital.

Still sitting with Carson on the couch Misty continues to run her free hand through his hair knowing that he liked and enjoyed it. Hearing his words about just sitting there Misty's eyes filled with concern. Was it work, was it something at TJY, was it everything that had been happing with Alec. Misty didn't know where to start.

   "We can sit here like this for as long as you want my love. You know if there is anything bothering you...you can talk to me right?"

Looking up at Reese Trey eyes him for a long moment. He found it strange that the top dog was standing in his room. He hardly ever saw Reese unless he'd done something wrong. So it made him wonder why he was here now. The look in his eye though was much different than one he had seen before.

Hearing Reese's apologies Trey was a little surprised. It felt nice to hear it, though he had to admit he thought he never would. Reaching out and taking the paper from Reese Trey just looks at it for a long moment. He had freedom to go home and yet something...something made him a little sad about it too. He also could choose to stay and maybe...just maybe get to know his family a little more. If he stayed though he could always go visit his family in Mexico right?

   "I'll need to take some time to think about my desition if thats...ok?"

What suprised Trey even more was the fact that TJY would be willing to help him get on his feet if he stayed. It was strange to have so much kindness but as the same time he soaked it in like a sponge and enjoyed it too.

   "Just one thing though...if I stay and get my own place...I won't still have to have a curfew will I?"

Trey couldn't help but let the corners of his mouth upturn in a smile just a little bit his tone joking. Maybe this place wasn't so bad after all and they did have some good people here...In the while he'd been here Try had leaned many things. Maybe there really was more to everything than the little he had known.