Leo smiles as he's led around by Cassy, finally able to be distracted by something. He takes in all the sights and smells, feeling quite at home in these surroundings. Ambling behind her into the studio, he surveys the walls and the mirrors.
Grinning a little at the hope in Cassy's eyes, he shakes his head in amusement. "As if I could say no to that look." He chuckles and glances back to the mirrors. "I think we can handle it."
Shedding his jacket, Leo tosses it to one side and rubs his hands together. "Alright. I'm hungry for pizza so let's get this show on the road. Please tell me you have a radio though. We've gotta have music or else you'll be witness to one lethargic helper."
Bouncing to the door, Dani opens it wide, her hair being a little unruly and getting in her face today. "Hi!"
Gesturing for Dalton to come in, she shut the door behind him and follows to the living room, her stomach growling at the smell of the food. Spotting the flowers in Dalton's hand, she starts to grin, her eyes twinkling. "Aw, the people at the gas station much like you very much to give you flowers. How sweet of them."
Eli hugs his sister back, not caring a bit at showing her affection in public. He had too much respect for anybody to even think about teasing them. Hearing about the cake, he quirks an eyebrow. "I... did happen to notice it was gone, yes." He blinks a little. "You apparently had quite the appetite today."
A short ways away, a newcomer walks slowly around the cars and people, his eyes taking in everything around him. Though no one knew him, no one approached him either. His shoulders were square and the look in his eye was one that no one wanted to confront. Alec searches for the one person and car that would be familiar, scanning the crowd.
Finally spotting Ryan, he swings around to come up behind her, seeing the man she was talking to. He knew this had to be Eli... there was definitely a family resemblance, and the way they were chatting with relaxed body language gave it away. Alec puts a finger to his lips, motioning Eli to say nothing.
Approaching from behind, he stands behind Ryan and gives her a nudge to the back of the knees. "What? I came all this way just to see you standing around and talking?"
Scott manages a smile and nod. "Okay, sounds good." Eventually he gives up trying to eat anything more and takes his plate to the counter, not wanting to make it obvious how much food had been left.
Once everything was cleaned up and they'd gone to the living room, he settles down on the couch with Hope and Domino to watch the movie. Though he smiled a the funny parts and maybe chuckled once in a while, it was apparent that he wasn't getting into the comedy as much as he usually did. Half an hour into it though and anyone would realize why he'd grown quiet.
Leaned back, Scott's eyes had fallen shut and sleep had taken over.
3/11/10
Mirrors
Setting a few items on the shelfs and at least getting the products she could put up on her own up it was a start. Her knee was a little extra sore tonight after doing and therapy but she did her best to just try and ignore it for now. Leo was coming to help and her couldn't crap out now.
Hearing the loud knock on the metal doors Cassy gives a little jump being so lost in what she was doing she had lost track of time. Knowing it was Leo though the feeling pass as she goes and opens the door.
"Well I'll be, you did end up coming after all. Thanks so much again."
Stepping to the side a little Cassy leaves room for Leo to come in as she closed the door behind him.
"I figure I would give you a quick tour of the place so you know where you gone, I'd order the pizza, and than we can start working until they food got here."
Cassy was obviously excited to having Leo's help not to mention the twinkle of passion that shown in her eyes for the studio.
"This is the waiting room. Parents can wait for there kids, other wait for there lessons to start."
The first room was easy to tell it was a lobby, Chairs were set up to both sides of the wall along with shelfs that held dance shoes, tights, and attire for younger kids, to adult sizes as well. A large desk, with cash register was straight ahead and than on the left and right side, men and woman bathroom.
"Than over here, its far from done but its where you come in to help me, is the studio. You don't have to worry about taking your shoes off with the floor. The whole thing is going to be replaces once the rest of the mirrors and what not are up."
Entering into the much larger room, windows lined the wall straight on. White curtains covering them up along with shades for privacy. On the left side was a beam that stretched across the wall. A dark red oak color rich with color as if it had just been finished. The right wall had the start to being covered in mirrors that stretched from the floor up to the ceiling.
Stopping in front of the mirrors Cassy looks at them for a long moment before half turning to see Leo smiling again.
"The guys that were putting up the mirrors quit on me this morning. They said I was being to picky and didn't seem to understand why they had to be straight. So thats out project tonight, I was hopping you could help me up the rest of the mirrors up. They are way to heavy for one person, specially when one is cripple."
Cassy gives a small chuckle as she completely turns to Leo her hands folded in front of her. She new it was a lot to ask but she was hopping Leo wouldn't mind.
Stopping at the gas station to pick up the pizza and wings Dalton pulls out his phone. Dialing Dani's number he waits to hear her sweet voice.
"Hey Baby, I am getting the pizza's now. I should be there in five minutes."
Giving a smile, hanging up and getting the pizza Dalton is right on time five minutes later giving a strong knock on the. Standing outside with food and pop in hand he waits at the door for Dani. In his other hand was a little extra surprise of flowers for her.
Leaning up from her engine and seeing her brother a smile spreads across Ryan's face. Tonight she donned her own leather jacket, tight jeans, and her hair was tied back in a low ponytail to stay out of her face, a few lose strands falling in her eyes.
"Or, it was no normal than any other day lately. When am I not up to race?"
Ryan throw her brother an odd look as if he should know better than think something was wrong enough for her not to race. This was her out, her rush where she could lose her mind.
Finally throwing the rage down Ryan moves around the car and gives her brother a hug. This was the first time today seeing him. She'd left a little earlier than normal to get to the race track just missing her brother, so the hug was a little extra tight.
Pulling away Ryan gives a grin as she looks up at her brother folding her arms across her chest and giving a small laugh an unknown humor glimmering in her eyes.
"I hope you didn't go home and look for the chocolate cake...because..there is none. Finished it off earlier today."
Giving a smile at Scott from the other side of the table Hope takes another bit of her dinner. So far the night had been pretty good with Scott. Quiet but good non the less. Taking note Scott didn't eat much Hope didnt say anything. At least he was trying to eat a little, that was a good thing.
"Well I figured a movie that can make us laugh would be good so I picked out Robin Hood Men in Tights and there is ice cream too we can pig out on."
Hearing the loud knock on the metal doors Cassy gives a little jump being so lost in what she was doing she had lost track of time. Knowing it was Leo though the feeling pass as she goes and opens the door.
"Well I'll be, you did end up coming after all. Thanks so much again."
Stepping to the side a little Cassy leaves room for Leo to come in as she closed the door behind him.
"I figure I would give you a quick tour of the place so you know where you gone, I'd order the pizza, and than we can start working until they food got here."
Cassy was obviously excited to having Leo's help not to mention the twinkle of passion that shown in her eyes for the studio.
"This is the waiting room. Parents can wait for there kids, other wait for there lessons to start."
The first room was easy to tell it was a lobby, Chairs were set up to both sides of the wall along with shelfs that held dance shoes, tights, and attire for younger kids, to adult sizes as well. A large desk, with cash register was straight ahead and than on the left and right side, men and woman bathroom.
"Than over here, its far from done but its where you come in to help me, is the studio. You don't have to worry about taking your shoes off with the floor. The whole thing is going to be replaces once the rest of the mirrors and what not are up."
Entering into the much larger room, windows lined the wall straight on. White curtains covering them up along with shades for privacy. On the left side was a beam that stretched across the wall. A dark red oak color rich with color as if it had just been finished. The right wall had the start to being covered in mirrors that stretched from the floor up to the ceiling.
Stopping in front of the mirrors Cassy looks at them for a long moment before half turning to see Leo smiling again.
"The guys that were putting up the mirrors quit on me this morning. They said I was being to picky and didn't seem to understand why they had to be straight. So thats out project tonight, I was hopping you could help me up the rest of the mirrors up. They are way to heavy for one person, specially when one is cripple."
Cassy gives a small chuckle as she completely turns to Leo her hands folded in front of her. She new it was a lot to ask but she was hopping Leo wouldn't mind.
Stopping at the gas station to pick up the pizza and wings Dalton pulls out his phone. Dialing Dani's number he waits to hear her sweet voice.
"Hey Baby, I am getting the pizza's now. I should be there in five minutes."
Giving a smile, hanging up and getting the pizza Dalton is right on time five minutes later giving a strong knock on the. Standing outside with food and pop in hand he waits at the door for Dani. In his other hand was a little extra surprise of flowers for her.
Leaning up from her engine and seeing her brother a smile spreads across Ryan's face. Tonight she donned her own leather jacket, tight jeans, and her hair was tied back in a low ponytail to stay out of her face, a few lose strands falling in her eyes.
"Or, it was no normal than any other day lately. When am I not up to race?"
Ryan throw her brother an odd look as if he should know better than think something was wrong enough for her not to race. This was her out, her rush where she could lose her mind.
Finally throwing the rage down Ryan moves around the car and gives her brother a hug. This was the first time today seeing him. She'd left a little earlier than normal to get to the race track just missing her brother, so the hug was a little extra tight.
Pulling away Ryan gives a grin as she looks up at her brother folding her arms across her chest and giving a small laugh an unknown humor glimmering in her eyes.
"I hope you didn't go home and look for the chocolate cake...because..there is none. Finished it off earlier today."
Giving a smile at Scott from the other side of the table Hope takes another bit of her dinner. So far the night had been pretty good with Scott. Quiet but good non the less. Taking note Scott didn't eat much Hope didnt say anything. At least he was trying to eat a little, that was a good thing.
"Well I figured a movie that can make us laugh would be good so I picked out Robin Hood Men in Tights and there is ice cream too we can pig out on."
No appetite
Dani smirks and reaches over to whack Dalton's arm. "No." She rolls the chair closer to show him the movie. "It's the one you wanted to see."
Grinning, she rolls her eyes. "As for the rare mood, maybe it's because I got out of work early."
Swiveling the chair a little, her eyes dance. "Okay. My place. Sounds good. I'm sure you have to get back to work, so I'll leave you to it." Standing up, she bends down to give Dalton's forehead a kiss. "Don't work too hard. Call me when you get out so know when to expect you."
The day moves on, too slowly for some, to quick for others. As far as the auto shop went, things seemed to be quieter than normal in the afternoon. Leo spoke little to the guys and said not a word to Ryan for the rest of the day. Once it was time to leave, he hit the time clock and left without so much as a bye to anyone still there. Going home first, he changed his clothes, and almost considered calling Cassy and backing out of tonight. He wasn't much in the mood for company tonight, let along being good company himself. But he knew she needed the help and he'd said yes, so he doesn't call. Instead, he follows her directions, making it to her new studio in good time.
Parking alongside the curb, Leo takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. He was in a downright sour mood and needed to get over it quickly. Cassy was too nice for him to be grouchy with her.
Finally getting out of his car, he sees the truck and wanders to the building's front door, giving it a hearty knock.
Dani stretches and yawns on the couch, having fallen into a nap that afternoon after getting things ready for Dalton to come over. She'd gotten way too comfortable and just hadn't been able to pass up a quick sleep. Now though, she knew Dalton would be arriving soon so she better get up and moving. Just... five more minutes.
A motorcycle engine revs as pulls slowly up to that night's gathering. Eli steers around the crowd, finding a good spot to park up near the action. Cutting the engine, he puts his kickstand down and takes off his helmet, shaking out his hair.
Standing up, his leather jacket and chaps creak a little, and he looks around for his sister. Spotting her car, he wanders through the people, nodding or waving to others who acknowledged his presence. Ever since taking on Roth, he had quite the nice respect going on around here, making it a nice place to hang out on race nights.
Finding his sister, he leans against her car casually. "Hey, Speedy. Heard you had an interesting day. You up for tonight?"
Scott liked Hope's cooking. He really did. But his appetite just didn't want anything. Sitting at his little kitchen table, he plays with some of his food before forcing himself to eat a little bit for Hope's sake. He didn't want her to think he didn't like it.
Looking over to her, he tries to make it quickly through the meal. "Did you decide what movie you wanted to watch?"
At least his house was cleaned up better than it had been earlier. Pictures weren't strewn everywhere. It was messier than normal though and he just hoped that Hope hadn't noticed.
Grinning, she rolls her eyes. "As for the rare mood, maybe it's because I got out of work early."
Swiveling the chair a little, her eyes dance. "Okay. My place. Sounds good. I'm sure you have to get back to work, so I'll leave you to it." Standing up, she bends down to give Dalton's forehead a kiss. "Don't work too hard. Call me when you get out so know when to expect you."
The day moves on, too slowly for some, to quick for others. As far as the auto shop went, things seemed to be quieter than normal in the afternoon. Leo spoke little to the guys and said not a word to Ryan for the rest of the day. Once it was time to leave, he hit the time clock and left without so much as a bye to anyone still there. Going home first, he changed his clothes, and almost considered calling Cassy and backing out of tonight. He wasn't much in the mood for company tonight, let along being good company himself. But he knew she needed the help and he'd said yes, so he doesn't call. Instead, he follows her directions, making it to her new studio in good time.
Parking alongside the curb, Leo takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. He was in a downright sour mood and needed to get over it quickly. Cassy was too nice for him to be grouchy with her.
Finally getting out of his car, he sees the truck and wanders to the building's front door, giving it a hearty knock.
Dani stretches and yawns on the couch, having fallen into a nap that afternoon after getting things ready for Dalton to come over. She'd gotten way too comfortable and just hadn't been able to pass up a quick sleep. Now though, she knew Dalton would be arriving soon so she better get up and moving. Just... five more minutes.
A motorcycle engine revs as pulls slowly up to that night's gathering. Eli steers around the crowd, finding a good spot to park up near the action. Cutting the engine, he puts his kickstand down and takes off his helmet, shaking out his hair.
Standing up, his leather jacket and chaps creak a little, and he looks around for his sister. Spotting her car, he wanders through the people, nodding or waving to others who acknowledged his presence. Ever since taking on Roth, he had quite the nice respect going on around here, making it a nice place to hang out on race nights.
Finding his sister, he leans against her car casually. "Hey, Speedy. Heard you had an interesting day. You up for tonight?"
Scott liked Hope's cooking. He really did. But his appetite just didn't want anything. Sitting at his little kitchen table, he plays with some of his food before forcing himself to eat a little bit for Hope's sake. He didn't want her to think he didn't like it.
Looking over to her, he tries to make it quickly through the meal. "Did you decide what movie you wanted to watch?"
At least his house was cleaned up better than it had been earlier. Pictures weren't strewn everywhere. It was messier than normal though and he just hoped that Hope hadn't noticed.
Saved you
Looking up from his computer at Dani Dalton quirks an eyebrow at her good moon. Not that Dani wasn't in a good mood often just something today was different. Looking down at the computer again Dalton types in a few things. Wish Scott gone things were quiet, things were lonely the office was...bear. He missed his little buddy.
"Your in rare form today."
Looking up again his mouth turns up into a bawd smile. He liked it when Dani came to see him, and when she was so excited about spending time with him. It really did make Dalton feel good.
"How about your place tonight its more comfortable there, and I'll be up the pizza and wings on the way. What movie is this anyways? Is it a girly gonna make me cry one?"
Dalton's voice had a teasing hint to it though Dani new good and well he wasn't like a normal guy, he actually liked watching chick flicks. Though it was rare to see him cry over them.
A look pass through Ryan's eyes at Leo's comment, a mixture of being hurt, and irritation with the whole situation. Receiving the kiss from Alec and watching him walk away Ryan looks back to Leo and shakes her head.
"Think what you want Leo but I just saved you from getting your face smashed in because you wanted to start a fight and take the first swing."
Taking her jacket off so she could get back to work Ryan stops again and lets out a sigh.
"As for telling Darrel be my guest in telling him Leo was here with me, but Alec doesn't steal anymore, and all he was doing here was walking me inside. He made no threats what so ever and would of left in a few seconds if you had just left him alone."
Not wanting to deal with this anymore after having a nice lunch Ryan looks to Axel and gives a shake of her head. She really didn't want to talk about what had just happened, maybe later. Axel was her friend and she could talk to him about anything but would he be able to understand Alec was changing or would he be against her too?
Going back to her car Ryan starting to tinker with the engine. She needed to get this done asap so she could leave a little bit early to get ready for the race tonight.
Luck of the draw I guess. I'm sorry Reese stuck you with babysitting Alec J.
Katie sits at her desk hard at work. Being back was nice, it felt good to be working again even if there was a huge mountain of paper work waiting for her. It gave her all the more to considerate on and get done.
At least he's not trying to run away anymore so you would have to chase him.
Katie pulls on Jason's humor emotions her teasing words being pushed to him.
"Your in rare form today."
Looking up again his mouth turns up into a bawd smile. He liked it when Dani came to see him, and when she was so excited about spending time with him. It really did make Dalton feel good.
"How about your place tonight its more comfortable there, and I'll be up the pizza and wings on the way. What movie is this anyways? Is it a girly gonna make me cry one?"
Dalton's voice had a teasing hint to it though Dani new good and well he wasn't like a normal guy, he actually liked watching chick flicks. Though it was rare to see him cry over them.
A look pass through Ryan's eyes at Leo's comment, a mixture of being hurt, and irritation with the whole situation. Receiving the kiss from Alec and watching him walk away Ryan looks back to Leo and shakes her head.
"Think what you want Leo but I just saved you from getting your face smashed in because you wanted to start a fight and take the first swing."
Taking her jacket off so she could get back to work Ryan stops again and lets out a sigh.
"As for telling Darrel be my guest in telling him Leo was here with me, but Alec doesn't steal anymore, and all he was doing here was walking me inside. He made no threats what so ever and would of left in a few seconds if you had just left him alone."
Not wanting to deal with this anymore after having a nice lunch Ryan looks to Axel and gives a shake of her head. She really didn't want to talk about what had just happened, maybe later. Axel was her friend and she could talk to him about anything but would he be able to understand Alec was changing or would he be against her too?
Going back to her car Ryan starting to tinker with the engine. She needed to get this done asap so she could leave a little bit early to get ready for the race tonight.
Luck of the draw I guess. I'm sorry Reese stuck you with babysitting Alec J.
Katie sits at her desk hard at work. Being back was nice, it felt good to be working again even if there was a huge mountain of paper work waiting for her. It gave her all the more to considerate on and get done.
At least he's not trying to run away anymore so you would have to chase him.
Katie pulls on Jason's humor emotions her teasing words being pushed to him.
Tide you over
Having Ryan step in between them, Leo aims an icy glare at her. "I was so wrong about you."
Watching them, Alec's smile is gone, replaced by a not-so-happy expression, but he doesn't step in again. It wasn't worth it. Nodding to Ryan, he backs off. "Yeah... if I can convince Reese to let me out for a while, I'll find my way there."
Ignoring Leo, he puts a hand to Ryan's face, leaning in to kiss her lips. "To tide you over." He winks and finally turns around, heading outside.
Leo's angry stare watches him leave, then snaps back to Ryan. "Darrel is going to hear about this," he threatens. "He won't be so quick to let a thief back in this shop."
Axel is sitting quietly in one of the corners, having observed the entire scene unfold. He remains silent though, knowing what was and wasn't his business. If Ryan brought up the subject to him, he might give his two cents worth, but until then, he should just stay out of it.
Alec ambles to Jason's truck and gets in, going for his seatbelt.
"You're late," Jason mutters.
"So?"
"So it's on my head." Jason spins gravel, leaving the parking lot and hitting the road. "If I woulda known you were gonna sneak off with a girl, I wouldn't have brought you."
"Hey - there was no sneaking," Alec defends. "You coulda come with. Though you mighta had more of an experience than you wanted."
Jason rolls his eyes. "I don't wanna know, alright? Let's just get you to the station and hope Brown is in good humor today." He gives Alec a sidelong glance. "Is that the shirt you were wearing earlier?"
"Nope." Alec grins slyly. "I just needed a clean one after all the-"
Jason holds up his hand. "Forget I asked."
Dani flops down into the empty chair behind Dalton's desk and holds up the movie she'd rented that he'd been wanting to see. She smiles from ear to ear, not even giving him a formal greeting after just dropping by. "Your place or mine tonight?"
She swivels in the chair, still grinning. "Pizza and wings too."
Watching them, Alec's smile is gone, replaced by a not-so-happy expression, but he doesn't step in again. It wasn't worth it. Nodding to Ryan, he backs off. "Yeah... if I can convince Reese to let me out for a while, I'll find my way there."
Ignoring Leo, he puts a hand to Ryan's face, leaning in to kiss her lips. "To tide you over." He winks and finally turns around, heading outside.
Leo's angry stare watches him leave, then snaps back to Ryan. "Darrel is going to hear about this," he threatens. "He won't be so quick to let a thief back in this shop."
Axel is sitting quietly in one of the corners, having observed the entire scene unfold. He remains silent though, knowing what was and wasn't his business. If Ryan brought up the subject to him, he might give his two cents worth, but until then, he should just stay out of it.
Alec ambles to Jason's truck and gets in, going for his seatbelt.
"You're late," Jason mutters.
"So?"
"So it's on my head." Jason spins gravel, leaving the parking lot and hitting the road. "If I woulda known you were gonna sneak off with a girl, I wouldn't have brought you."
"Hey - there was no sneaking," Alec defends. "You coulda come with. Though you mighta had more of an experience than you wanted."
Jason rolls his eyes. "I don't wanna know, alright? Let's just get you to the station and hope Brown is in good humor today." He gives Alec a sidelong glance. "Is that the shirt you were wearing earlier?"
"Nope." Alec grins slyly. "I just needed a clean one after all the-"
Jason holds up his hand. "Forget I asked."
Dani flops down into the empty chair behind Dalton's desk and holds up the movie she'd rented that he'd been wanting to see. She smiles from ear to ear, not even giving him a formal greeting after just dropping by. "Your place or mine tonight?"
She swivels in the chair, still grinning. "Pizza and wings too."
Crazy
Getting back to the stop and going inside with Alec, Ryan couldn't but feel a tiny bit of pride having a man walk her back to work. Even if it was because he didn't want to go back to Jason yet it still felt nice.
Turning to tell Alec she might see him later at the race if he can get away she stops hearing Leo's voice and seeing him coming over them them. Rolling her eyes to herself she stays standing next to Alec with her arms crossed over her chest.
Just watching them Ryan's own irritation shown on her face. This was rediculace and Alec wasn't doing anything wrong.
"Leo, stop..he's here because I said he can be here. He's not doing anything wrong but being a gentlemen and walking me inside so chill out."
Going to turn back to Alec again Ryan stops once more as Leo continues. Letting out a heavy sigh Ryan is about to say more then Leo's fist goes flying at Alec. Seeing Alec moves out of the way and miss it Ryan's eyes widen.
"Leo..."
Moving quickly herself she steps between Alec and Leo putting her hand on Leo's chest turning to look at Alec to make sure he was ok, before looking back to Leo again.
"Are you crazy Leo...are you insane? Stop acting like this."
Turning to Alec again Ryan gives a nod to him and a smile smile.
"Alec, Jason is waiting...I'll see you tonight at the race ok?"
Turning to tell Alec she might see him later at the race if he can get away she stops hearing Leo's voice and seeing him coming over them them. Rolling her eyes to herself she stays standing next to Alec with her arms crossed over her chest.
Just watching them Ryan's own irritation shown on her face. This was rediculace and Alec wasn't doing anything wrong.
"Leo, stop..he's here because I said he can be here. He's not doing anything wrong but being a gentlemen and walking me inside so chill out."
Going to turn back to Alec again Ryan stops once more as Leo continues. Letting out a heavy sigh Ryan is about to say more then Leo's fist goes flying at Alec. Seeing Alec moves out of the way and miss it Ryan's eyes widen.
"Leo..."
Moving quickly herself she steps between Alec and Leo putting her hand on Leo's chest turning to look at Alec to make sure he was ok, before looking back to Leo again.
"Are you crazy Leo...are you insane? Stop acting like this."
Turning to Alec again Ryan gives a nod to him and a smile smile.
"Alec, Jason is waiting...I'll see you tonight at the race ok?"
Fist
"Yeah.... I'm coming." Alec bends down to retie a shoelace then sprints after Ryan. Once they're out the door, he follows to her car again, lapsing into quietness on the way back to the auto shop. Everything was so different now. Even individual circumstances in the same day. One minute he was in TJY's custody, the next he was free for an hour. One minute, he was being totally ridiculous with Ryan, the next it was back to reality and seriousness. He wasn't sure if he liked that about life now or not.
Arriving back at the auto shop, he throws Ryan a sidelong glance and half a grin. "Let me walk you in... I don't want to face Jason yet." As if he were scared of Jason. He wasn't a bit, but at the moment, he wasn't ready to let Jason be in charge quite yet. And if he took his time, it would prove his point.
He gets out with Ryan and wanders into the shop with her, through the open bay door where the other guys were working. Some had taken lunch breaks and were back already. Jed had left late and wasn't even back yet.
Jason watches from the end of the parking lot, sighing and rolling his eyes as he sees Alec walking back in with Ryan. They were already late.
I hate being a babysitter. How did I wind up with this task anyway?
Leo glances up from his car and sees Alec following Ryan into the shop. The hair on the back of his neck stands up and he straightens, waiting to see if Alec would turn around and leave right away, or linger. Unfortunately, it was the latter. Leo's anger started to boil for more than one reason. Besides his personal feelings about Ryan and that whole mess, this guy was a crook. Darrel was gone and Leo wanted no part in having Alec around the same shop he'd tried to rob at one time.
Ambling around the car, he wipes his hands on a rag, clearly irritated as he approaches Ryan and Alec. "Well, Ryan... I see you brought your friend." He gives Alec a once over. "You're not welcome here," he states flatly.
Alec quirks an eyebrow, cocking his head. "I think I remember you..." He looks to Leo's uniform. "Leo."
"You should," Leo retorts. "Jaw feeling better?"
"Mmm..." Alec rubs his chin thoughtfully, totally ignoring Leo's irritated tone. "Yeah. After spending some time with this girl, everything feels better."
Leo can feel his whole body tense. "Get out," he hisses.
"I'm not gonna steal anything." Alec holds out his arms and gives a short laugh. "Settle down."
"You've already stolen enough," Leo returns coldly.
Understanding flickers in Alec's eyes and he looks to Ryan and Leo again. "Ahhh...." His mouth quirks into an amused grin again. "You're the ex, aren't you?"
Leo's hand balls up at his side, his jaw tightening. "I've told you to get out twice now," he warns. "We don't want thieves in our shop. Now go before I call you in for harassment."
"Who am I harassing?" Alec laughs again. "I walk here all calm and-"
Leo's fist comes flying in Alec's direction. Alec is trained too well though, and ducks, giving Leo's fist nothing but air to hit. "Heeeey, now that was uncalled for." His tone is still laced with amusement though his eyes warn that he's getting fed up.
Arriving back at the auto shop, he throws Ryan a sidelong glance and half a grin. "Let me walk you in... I don't want to face Jason yet." As if he were scared of Jason. He wasn't a bit, but at the moment, he wasn't ready to let Jason be in charge quite yet. And if he took his time, it would prove his point.
He gets out with Ryan and wanders into the shop with her, through the open bay door where the other guys were working. Some had taken lunch breaks and were back already. Jed had left late and wasn't even back yet.
Jason watches from the end of the parking lot, sighing and rolling his eyes as he sees Alec walking back in with Ryan. They were already late.
I hate being a babysitter. How did I wind up with this task anyway?
Leo glances up from his car and sees Alec following Ryan into the shop. The hair on the back of his neck stands up and he straightens, waiting to see if Alec would turn around and leave right away, or linger. Unfortunately, it was the latter. Leo's anger started to boil for more than one reason. Besides his personal feelings about Ryan and that whole mess, this guy was a crook. Darrel was gone and Leo wanted no part in having Alec around the same shop he'd tried to rob at one time.
Ambling around the car, he wipes his hands on a rag, clearly irritated as he approaches Ryan and Alec. "Well, Ryan... I see you brought your friend." He gives Alec a once over. "You're not welcome here," he states flatly.
Alec quirks an eyebrow, cocking his head. "I think I remember you..." He looks to Leo's uniform. "Leo."
"You should," Leo retorts. "Jaw feeling better?"
"Mmm..." Alec rubs his chin thoughtfully, totally ignoring Leo's irritated tone. "Yeah. After spending some time with this girl, everything feels better."
Leo can feel his whole body tense. "Get out," he hisses.
"I'm not gonna steal anything." Alec holds out his arms and gives a short laugh. "Settle down."
"You've already stolen enough," Leo returns coldly.
Understanding flickers in Alec's eyes and he looks to Ryan and Leo again. "Ahhh...." His mouth quirks into an amused grin again. "You're the ex, aren't you?"
Leo's hand balls up at his side, his jaw tightening. "I've told you to get out twice now," he warns. "We don't want thieves in our shop. Now go before I call you in for harassment."
"Who am I harassing?" Alec laughs again. "I walk here all calm and-"
Leo's fist comes flying in Alec's direction. Alec is trained too well though, and ducks, giving Leo's fist nothing but air to hit. "Heeeey, now that was uncalled for." His tone is still laced with amusement though his eyes warn that he's getting fed up.
Jingling
Receiving the kiss that was softer than all the rest, sent a different emotion in Ryan. It was the racing heart, and emotions the coursed through her but it was in a softer way. Maybe thats what was different about Alec, He could be rough, cocky, and soft at the same time balancing each other out.
As the kiss ends Ryan takes a few steps away from Alec and cocks her head a little as he puts the shirt on. Today had been a good day, and if he ended up making it to the race tonight that would be fun to.
"As long as Eli doesn't come home from work early, our secret is safe."
Exiting the living room and grabbing her keys Ryan leans around the wall back into the living room giving a smile and jingling her keys.
"The bus is moving out, I don't want to hold you any longer and Jason get mad so they wont let you out for experiments again."
Ryan disappears around the wall heading for the door again, waiting there for Alec to join her.
As the kiss ends Ryan takes a few steps away from Alec and cocks her head a little as he puts the shirt on. Today had been a good day, and if he ended up making it to the race tonight that would be fun to.
"As long as Eli doesn't come home from work early, our secret is safe."
Exiting the living room and grabbing her keys Ryan leans around the wall back into the living room giving a smile and jingling her keys.
"The bus is moving out, I don't want to hold you any longer and Jason get mad so they wont let you out for experiments again."
Ryan disappears around the wall heading for the door again, waiting there for Alec to join her.
Secret
Feeling Ryan's hands move over his skin, Alec closes his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath and smelling her shampoo. Her words of thanks make him pull back slightly and look down into her eyes, searching for the meaning... the sincerity. She was really thankful he'd come? Really? Honesty shone in her gaze. She was.
It was another new sensation. It was one thing for a woman to enjoy his company then part ways and say thanks for the good time, but for Ryan to be thankful for a day like this... when all they'd done was play around and be ridiculous... he didn't know someone could be grateful for that. He was, but he had thought he was the unique one. Maybe... she didn't need what all the other women had been after in order to want his company. It felt... different. It felt... good.
"I don't know," he replies softly. "I'm beginning to think you're what I needed too." His tone was serious, but almost confused as if he thought he might be crazy or that these feelings were so foreign to him.
Leaning down once more, his kiss is gentler this time, his hand holding her palm to his chest where his heart thumped. Pulling away, he finally relents and accepts the shirt, slipping it on over his head. "Okay.... I guess I'm ready now." He glances to the kitchen where he knew she'd have to clean up later. "Our little secret."
It was another new sensation. It was one thing for a woman to enjoy his company then part ways and say thanks for the good time, but for Ryan to be thankful for a day like this... when all they'd done was play around and be ridiculous... he didn't know someone could be grateful for that. He was, but he had thought he was the unique one. Maybe... she didn't need what all the other women had been after in order to want his company. It felt... different. It felt... good.
"I don't know," he replies softly. "I'm beginning to think you're what I needed too." His tone was serious, but almost confused as if he thought he might be crazy or that these feelings were so foreign to him.
Leaning down once more, his kiss is gentler this time, his hand holding her palm to his chest where his heart thumped. Pulling away, he finally relents and accepts the shirt, slipping it on over his head. "Okay.... I guess I'm ready now." He glances to the kitchen where he knew she'd have to clean up later. "Our little secret."
Deffintly
Being pulled to Alec Ryan wraps her arms around his wast. Just feeling his muscles under her touch. Returning the quick kiss Ryan pulls away a little to look up into Alec's eyes.
"I don't want you to go ether."
Her words were a whisper, she'd enjoyed today very much, and had enjoyed being free with Alec. Would there be more times like this? When Alec got out would the world really be theres like he had said? Ryan could only hope.
"Guess I should get you back though."
Absentmindedly Ryan runs her hands along Alec's back till them move to his side. On the left her fingers run over something rough that she could guess was a scar. Continuing to run her fingers along her her other hand finds the front of his chest, her fingers just resting there. Looking up in to Alec's eyes she'd drawn into them for a moment.
"Thank you, for coming to me today. Your defiantly what I needed."
"I don't want you to go ether."
Her words were a whisper, she'd enjoyed today very much, and had enjoyed being free with Alec. Would there be more times like this? When Alec got out would the world really be theres like he had said? Ryan could only hope.
"Guess I should get you back though."
Absentmindedly Ryan runs her hands along Alec's back till them move to his side. On the left her fingers run over something rough that she could guess was a scar. Continuing to run her fingers along her her other hand finds the front of his chest, her fingers just resting there. Looking up in to Alec's eyes she'd drawn into them for a moment.
"Thank you, for coming to me today. Your defiantly what I needed."
Just as sweet
Alec grins a little, running a finger over the faces in the photo. "You were cute," he teases.
Setting the frame back down, he reaches for the shirt, but takes Ryan's hand along with it, pulling her to him. "Tell me we have to leave," he begs. "I don't want to."
Tilting his head, he leans in to give her a kiss, wrapping his arms around her. "Mmm.... no whipped cream, but just as sweet." He runs a hand through her damp hair, just looking down into her eyes. "Better say goodbye now," he warns softly. "Jason is going to kill me for getting back so late."
Scott nods and slides from his seat to stand. "Yeah... yeah, I was working on something earlier I want to finish up. And if you're coming over, I better clean up - I have stuff all over the place."
Bending down, he gives her a last kiss. "I'll see you later then."
Setting the frame back down, he reaches for the shirt, but takes Ryan's hand along with it, pulling her to him. "Tell me we have to leave," he begs. "I don't want to."
Tilting his head, he leans in to give her a kiss, wrapping his arms around her. "Mmm.... no whipped cream, but just as sweet." He runs a hand through her damp hair, just looking down into her eyes. "Better say goodbye now," he warns softly. "Jason is going to kill me for getting back so late."
Scott nods and slides from his seat to stand. "Yeah... yeah, I was working on something earlier I want to finish up. And if you're coming over, I better clean up - I have stuff all over the place."
Bending down, he gives her a last kiss. "I'll see you later then."
Gawknig
Hope gives a little scoff and a smile. She wanted to stay here longer with Scott if he was going to stay.
"I am working out of my house right now. I couldn't stand being in the room thats not really an office any longer. If anyone needs me they know my number. If you need to go though I understand."
Hope gives a small nod again the smile still on her face. She was happy that tonight she would be able to spend time with Scott. It would be nice to do that again and she hoped there would be more time and not another ten days.
Giving a laugh as she is swatted out of the kitchen Ryan heads up the small set of steps trying her best not to get cake and whip cream all over alone the way.
Entering her own room first Ryan thought it bed to clean herself up before making her way into her brothers room where she might track a mess. Getting some new clothing out Ryan gives to the bathroom first where she sheds her cloths in a heap and hopes into the showing.
It doesn't take long before Ryan it out of the shower again, dressed and running a comb through her wet hair. Ambling out of the bathroom and into her room once again Ryan throws the cloths in the wash and grabs the black shirt for Alec heading down the steps again.
Glancing into the kitchen quickly and not seeing Alec Ryan turns to head back into the living room. Stopping in the doorway she just stands there not saying anything for a long moment. Ryan new Alec was muscler from when she had run her hands down his shirt, but now seeing him with his shirt on, took her breath away.
Giving a she of her head she enters the room more closely coming up next to Alec looking down at the picture. It was the only one she had of her dad, and so so dear to her. Pointing to the boy in the middle Ryan offers a little information.
"Thats Eli there, and the one on the right thats John and that handsome guy holding me is my dad."
Giving a smile to Alec Ryan holds out the shirt thought she really didn't want him to put it on, or have that she had to go back to work she new both had to go there own way.
"Here you go. I'll let Eli know you have it."
"I am working out of my house right now. I couldn't stand being in the room thats not really an office any longer. If anyone needs me they know my number. If you need to go though I understand."
Hope gives a small nod again the smile still on her face. She was happy that tonight she would be able to spend time with Scott. It would be nice to do that again and she hoped there would be more time and not another ten days.
Giving a laugh as she is swatted out of the kitchen Ryan heads up the small set of steps trying her best not to get cake and whip cream all over alone the way.
Entering her own room first Ryan thought it bed to clean herself up before making her way into her brothers room where she might track a mess. Getting some new clothing out Ryan gives to the bathroom first where she sheds her cloths in a heap and hopes into the showing.
It doesn't take long before Ryan it out of the shower again, dressed and running a comb through her wet hair. Ambling out of the bathroom and into her room once again Ryan throws the cloths in the wash and grabs the black shirt for Alec heading down the steps again.
Glancing into the kitchen quickly and not seeing Alec Ryan turns to head back into the living room. Stopping in the doorway she just stands there not saying anything for a long moment. Ryan new Alec was muscler from when she had run her hands down his shirt, but now seeing him with his shirt on, took her breath away.
Giving a she of her head she enters the room more closely coming up next to Alec looking down at the picture. It was the only one she had of her dad, and so so dear to her. Pointing to the boy in the middle Ryan offers a little information.
"Thats Eli there, and the one on the right thats John and that handsome guy holding me is my dad."
Giving a smile to Alec Ryan holds out the shirt thought she really didn't want him to put it on, or have that she had to go back to work she new both had to go there own way.
"Here you go. I'll let Eli know you have it."
Wandering around... shirtless O.o
Something about Ryan's words struck a chord deep down in Alec. They both had something the other needed. Was that true? Was she actually filling a void? If asked, he would have denied having a void at all... but the thought of not seeing Ryan at all anymore... it did leave a strange pang.
Seeing Ryan try to get up just to fall again sends Alec into another fit of laughter. He didn't know if he'd ever been quite so silly in all his life. A grown man... criminal... murderer... sitting here on the floor covered in food and actually thinking it was funny. It couldn't get much stranger.
Still laughing, he grabs Ryan and pulls her onto his lap, grinning at her. "I guess maybe a meeting with the chief of police does call for attire not of the edible kind."
Leaning in, he gives her a nice long kiss on the lips that tasted oh-so-sweet with all the cake and whipped cream that lingered. He could spend all day with her, but even if his spirit was rebellious, he knew better than to test his luck today. He was already going to be late, but better late than not at all. This meeting with Brown could be his ticket out.
Sighing in surrender, he shifts around to get up and help Ryan up too. Sending her off towards the hallway, he gives her bottom a backhanded whack before she disappears. Still grinning, he shakes his head and goes for the sink. He sheds his shirt that was full of the gooey mess and leans over the sink to rinse not only his face but his hair and neck too - everywhere that had gotten sticky. He knew Ryan was probably getting cleaned up too, since she had to go back to work.
Finally all rinsed off, Alec finds a towel and dries his hair and face. Still alone for the moment, he wanders into the living room to take a look around since he hadn't yet had a chance. He takes note of the fairly-neat room, the shoes over in one corner that must be Eli's, and the nice television set. Ambling over to the couch, he spies a framed picture on the end table. Picking it up, he sees Ryan when she was very young, along with two boys and a man. Their father who had died? Her brothers? He wondered which one was Eli.
"Don't be sorry." Scott sighs. "It's me, I know. I'll plan on your coming over tonight then... Domino will be happy - I think she's missed you too."
Taking note of the time, Scott straightens again, his fingers slipping from Hope's. "I guess you need to get back to work, huh?"
Seeing Ryan try to get up just to fall again sends Alec into another fit of laughter. He didn't know if he'd ever been quite so silly in all his life. A grown man... criminal... murderer... sitting here on the floor covered in food and actually thinking it was funny. It couldn't get much stranger.
Still laughing, he grabs Ryan and pulls her onto his lap, grinning at her. "I guess maybe a meeting with the chief of police does call for attire not of the edible kind."
Leaning in, he gives her a nice long kiss on the lips that tasted oh-so-sweet with all the cake and whipped cream that lingered. He could spend all day with her, but even if his spirit was rebellious, he knew better than to test his luck today. He was already going to be late, but better late than not at all. This meeting with Brown could be his ticket out.
Sighing in surrender, he shifts around to get up and help Ryan up too. Sending her off towards the hallway, he gives her bottom a backhanded whack before she disappears. Still grinning, he shakes his head and goes for the sink. He sheds his shirt that was full of the gooey mess and leans over the sink to rinse not only his face but his hair and neck too - everywhere that had gotten sticky. He knew Ryan was probably getting cleaned up too, since she had to go back to work.
Finally all rinsed off, Alec finds a towel and dries his hair and face. Still alone for the moment, he wanders into the living room to take a look around since he hadn't yet had a chance. He takes note of the fairly-neat room, the shoes over in one corner that must be Eli's, and the nice television set. Ambling over to the couch, he spies a framed picture on the end table. Picking it up, he sees Ryan when she was very young, along with two boys and a man. Their father who had died? Her brothers? He wondered which one was Eli.
"Don't be sorry." Scott sighs. "It's me, I know. I'll plan on your coming over tonight then... Domino will be happy - I think she's missed you too."
Taking note of the time, Scott straightens again, his fingers slipping from Hope's. "I guess you need to get back to work, huh?"
If
Cake, and whip cream going every where Ryan doesn't even care. She would clean up the kitchen later after she got back from work. Eli wasn't meant to be home till closer to her race time anyways so it would give her plenty of time to clean up.
Ending up on the ground with Alec Ryan can't help her roar of laughter seeing Alec laughing made her feel good. He was having a good time, and Ryan was having a good time that was all that mattered at that moment.
Finally panting trying to calm her laughter Ryan leans against the cupboard next to Alec the smile still large on her face. Turning her head slightly to Alec at his question her eyes spark.
"I believe we were trying to figure out if you had, what I needed. And under close examination of this experiment I would say we both have something the other needs in there life. So this experiment was a success."
Falling silent once again and giving Alec a once over Ryan shakes her head. Going to stand up she slips on some whip cream and falls down next to Alec one more giving another laugh.
"If you want to help me up, seeing as I can't do it on my own I'll go get you one of my brothers shirts so you can be half way decent looking for your interview with Brown."
Ending up on the ground with Alec Ryan can't help her roar of laughter seeing Alec laughing made her feel good. He was having a good time, and Ryan was having a good time that was all that mattered at that moment.
Finally panting trying to calm her laughter Ryan leans against the cupboard next to Alec the smile still large on her face. Turning her head slightly to Alec at his question her eyes spark.
"I believe we were trying to figure out if you had, what I needed. And under close examination of this experiment I would say we both have something the other needs in there life. So this experiment was a success."
Falling silent once again and giving Alec a once over Ryan shakes her head. Going to stand up she slips on some whip cream and falls down next to Alec one more giving another laugh.
"If you want to help me up, seeing as I can't do it on my own I'll go get you one of my brothers shirts so you can be half way decent looking for your interview with Brown."
Teehee
Receiving the cake to the face, Alec blinks at Ryan, something twinkling in his eyes, dying to be let out. A grin pulls at his mouth and he leans forward, swiping Ryan's face with his own, to leave behind cake on her as well.
Straightening, he surveys his handiwork, viewing the mixture of whipped cream and cake all over Ryan's face. He knew he must look just as bad. His grin starts to grow, gradually spreading into a full smile. Leaning forward, he licks off some of the sugary treat from Ryan's cheek as some cake falls from his own face. A chuckle starts way down deep, starting to build. Grabbing the can of whipped cream again, neither needed to say it - the war had begun.
The next few minutes was total chaos. Whipped cream flew, cake flew. The small chuckle that had started so faint built up to genuine laughter coming from Alec as he partook in the food fight. Somehow or another, he wound up dragging Ryan from the counter, only to slide on some whipped cream that had ended up on the floor, and he winds up pulling them both down. Cake was everywhere. Whipped cream was everywhere.
Totally out of breath, Alec leans back against the cupboards, still trying to control his laughter. He sprays the can one more time, only to have just a little fluff come out, just increasing the cause for laughing. In the shape Ryan was in, he knew he must look just as bad, if not worse. It was all over his face, in his hair and on his shirt. And he couldn't remember the last time he'd had this much fun. Maybe he remembered how to laugh after all.
Breathing heavily, he finally gains a little bit of control, though doesn't bother trying to get up off the floor. "What was... this experiment again?"
Straightening, he surveys his handiwork, viewing the mixture of whipped cream and cake all over Ryan's face. He knew he must look just as bad. His grin starts to grow, gradually spreading into a full smile. Leaning forward, he licks off some of the sugary treat from Ryan's cheek as some cake falls from his own face. A chuckle starts way down deep, starting to build. Grabbing the can of whipped cream again, neither needed to say it - the war had begun.
The next few minutes was total chaos. Whipped cream flew, cake flew. The small chuckle that had started so faint built up to genuine laughter coming from Alec as he partook in the food fight. Somehow or another, he wound up dragging Ryan from the counter, only to slide on some whipped cream that had ended up on the floor, and he winds up pulling them both down. Cake was everywhere. Whipped cream was everywhere.
Totally out of breath, Alec leans back against the cupboards, still trying to control his laughter. He sprays the can one more time, only to have just a little fluff come out, just increasing the cause for laughing. In the shape Ryan was in, he knew he must look just as bad, if not worse. It was all over his face, in his hair and on his shirt. And he couldn't remember the last time he'd had this much fun. Maybe he remembered how to laugh after all.
Breathing heavily, he finally gains a little bit of control, though doesn't bother trying to get up off the floor. "What was... this experiment again?"
3/10/10
I'm Sorry
Looking across the table at Scott Hope gives a smile. She felt bad now for making him feeling bad.
"No no...we will stay in Scott. Its ok I understand. Today we stand in, I'll cook and we can watch a movie. Maybe some time later this week we can go out ok."
Hope continues to smile at Scott she didnt mean to make him feel bad at all and she was sorry. Giving his hand a squeeze she keeps running her finger over his.
"I am sorry Scott. Being with you is good enough for me and I should be happy for that."
As Alec draws away again Ryan gives a laugh at his comment shaking her head a little. They were never getting lunch in this way. Intently watching him go for the whip cream again Ryan waits read to start up the sharing once again.
Continuing to grin and watch Ryan goes completely silent as Alec miss his mouth, finally though her grin turns into a smile and a laugh escapes her lips, rolling into even more laughter. Still laughing and hearing Alec's question Ryan nods.
"Yes...yes I am."
Seeing Alec's movement and that he had the can pointed at her Ryan gives a streak.
"Alec...dont you even think about it...Alec...no NOOOOooooo..."
Getting whip cream in the face Ryan can't help laugh again not being able to move because Alec was infront of her she just brings her hand to her eyes and whipes the cream out of them staring back at him.
Giving a big smile and locking her legs around Alec once more mischief played with the fire in her eyes. Not missing a beat she moves fast reaching for some of the cake pushing it right into Alec's face.
"I told you think to think about it."
Ryan's voice was laced with laughter. Turning her head a little so her cheek stuck out to Alec she laughs again.
"If you want some more whip cream with that you can have a lick."
Rosetta's eyes twinkle as she looks up at her husband. What a great idea that was as she listened. Sparky and Faith could have there own place, and he would still be able to be here to help out.
"I am sure we could use some extra hands in the kitchen, or cleaning for Faith as well so she has something to do."
Standing Rosetta goes over to her husband. This was fun thinking up all this stuff even if Sparky said no it would still be great. The land out there wasn't doing much of anything now, and if they built a house, they would have a big yard incase they wanted to make the family grow and room for them to do whatever they wanted. Trails intertwined back there, but Rosetta new that as long as they respected the area they would have no problem still using them.
"I think offering that land to them, if things keep going on the up and up with them would be great. They are family, and I love having the family here. We are building out own little community here, this Ranch...."
Rosetta wraps her arms around Mick's neck giving a kiss to his nose.
"...Our ranch has turned into something better than I ever expected. I think that would be a wonderful idea Mick."
"No no...we will stay in Scott. Its ok I understand. Today we stand in, I'll cook and we can watch a movie. Maybe some time later this week we can go out ok."
Hope continues to smile at Scott she didnt mean to make him feel bad at all and she was sorry. Giving his hand a squeeze she keeps running her finger over his.
"I am sorry Scott. Being with you is good enough for me and I should be happy for that."
As Alec draws away again Ryan gives a laugh at his comment shaking her head a little. They were never getting lunch in this way. Intently watching him go for the whip cream again Ryan waits read to start up the sharing once again.
Continuing to grin and watch Ryan goes completely silent as Alec miss his mouth, finally though her grin turns into a smile and a laugh escapes her lips, rolling into even more laughter. Still laughing and hearing Alec's question Ryan nods.
"Yes...yes I am."
Seeing Alec's movement and that he had the can pointed at her Ryan gives a streak.
"Alec...dont you even think about it...Alec...no NOOOOooooo..."
Getting whip cream in the face Ryan can't help laugh again not being able to move because Alec was infront of her she just brings her hand to her eyes and whipes the cream out of them staring back at him.
Giving a big smile and locking her legs around Alec once more mischief played with the fire in her eyes. Not missing a beat she moves fast reaching for some of the cake pushing it right into Alec's face.
"I told you think to think about it."
Ryan's voice was laced with laughter. Turning her head a little so her cheek stuck out to Alec she laughs again.
"If you want some more whip cream with that you can have a lick."
Rosetta's eyes twinkle as she looks up at her husband. What a great idea that was as she listened. Sparky and Faith could have there own place, and he would still be able to be here to help out.
"I am sure we could use some extra hands in the kitchen, or cleaning for Faith as well so she has something to do."
Standing Rosetta goes over to her husband. This was fun thinking up all this stuff even if Sparky said no it would still be great. The land out there wasn't doing much of anything now, and if they built a house, they would have a big yard incase they wanted to make the family grow and room for them to do whatever they wanted. Trails intertwined back there, but Rosetta new that as long as they respected the area they would have no problem still using them.
"I think offering that land to them, if things keep going on the up and up with them would be great. They are family, and I love having the family here. We are building out own little community here, this Ranch...."
Rosetta wraps her arms around Mick's neck giving a kiss to his nose.
"...Our ranch has turned into something better than I ever expected. I think that would be a wonderful idea Mick."
Refill
Feeling Ryan deepen her kiss with him, Alec knows she's enjoying it as much as he, making him like it all the more. Once she pulls away, he's ready to move on, but being drawn back in again, he doesn't resist. The invisible force was too strong. Feeling her hand on him that moves down and around to his back, he reaches back without breaking the kiss to bring her hand forward again and lock fingers with her, his palm against hers.
After a few moments, Alec draws away, needing to catch his own breath this time. "I think I need a refill," he teases.
Going for the whipped cream again, he gives it a shake and aims for his mouth. This time though, his eyes are on Ryan and he sprays too soon. Catching the side of his mouth instead of the center, half the cream goes in his mouth and half misses to spray across his cheek. His eyes go a little wide and he almost chokes on what he's got in his mouth.
Hearing a laugh escape from Ryan, his eyes narrow slightly with an evil glint. "You laughing at me?"
Not even taking the time to clean off his own face, he takes aim once more, but this time it isn't towards himself. Whipped cream goes flying onto Ryan's face.
Scott's shoulders sink a little. He'd thought Hope wanted to spend time with him, so he didn't think it mattered, being out or in. But apparently all he was doing lately was disappointing her. He was here though, wasn't he? Right now? First time in about two weeks and it wasn't even going well. What was happening to them?
His eyes were tired as he looks back up at Hope, seeing the emotions pooled in her gaze. "Okay... we can go out tonight," he relents quietly. "Just, um... pick something lighthearted, okay?"
Mick sinks into a little deeper into thought for a moment before nodding. "I... don't think I've been fair with him, ya know? He's been more than great when I've been gone... when I'm around he pulls more than his share." He sighs. "I know he's considered leaving before. There are some ranch hands we could pretty easily do without, but him... I really don't want to lose him. Now with him and Faith... it's only natural that he'd want his own place if that thing progresses with them."
Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, he gives his wife a sidelong glance. "You know that couple acres in the clearing out back of the west pasture? We really don't use it all that much..."
His implication hangs in the air. They'd purchased more land the last couple years, expanding the ranch property even farther. It was great to have for when they needed it for the horses but... they had more than plenty of land now. "What do you think?"
After a few moments, Alec draws away, needing to catch his own breath this time. "I think I need a refill," he teases.
Going for the whipped cream again, he gives it a shake and aims for his mouth. This time though, his eyes are on Ryan and he sprays too soon. Catching the side of his mouth instead of the center, half the cream goes in his mouth and half misses to spray across his cheek. His eyes go a little wide and he almost chokes on what he's got in his mouth.
Hearing a laugh escape from Ryan, his eyes narrow slightly with an evil glint. "You laughing at me?"
Not even taking the time to clean off his own face, he takes aim once more, but this time it isn't towards himself. Whipped cream goes flying onto Ryan's face.
Scott's shoulders sink a little. He'd thought Hope wanted to spend time with him, so he didn't think it mattered, being out or in. But apparently all he was doing lately was disappointing her. He was here though, wasn't he? Right now? First time in about two weeks and it wasn't even going well. What was happening to them?
His eyes were tired as he looks back up at Hope, seeing the emotions pooled in her gaze. "Okay... we can go out tonight," he relents quietly. "Just, um... pick something lighthearted, okay?"
Mick sinks into a little deeper into thought for a moment before nodding. "I... don't think I've been fair with him, ya know? He's been more than great when I've been gone... when I'm around he pulls more than his share." He sighs. "I know he's considered leaving before. There are some ranch hands we could pretty easily do without, but him... I really don't want to lose him. Now with him and Faith... it's only natural that he'd want his own place if that thing progresses with them."
Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, he gives his wife a sidelong glance. "You know that couple acres in the clearing out back of the west pasture? We really don't use it all that much..."
His implication hangs in the air. They'd purchased more land the last couple years, expanding the ranch property even farther. It was great to have for when they needed it for the horses but... they had more than plenty of land now. "What do you think?"
O.O O.O O.O O O.O O.O
A bit of disappointment and hurt flash in Hope's eyes at Scott refusal to go, and his words that felt like the cold sting of a whip. Hope new the words had not been meant to hurt so bad, but they did none the less.
"I guess I don't much feel like staying inside today..."
Hope is quiet for a moment looking down at there hands. How could she say no when he was offering time with her. Even if she didn't want to be inside sacrificial a little couldn't hurt right?
"...but to spend time with you...I...I guess it would be better than nothing."
As Alec pulls away to retrieve the items from the fridge Ryan's just watchs him. Leaning her head on the cuboid behind her and catching her breath the best she can.
Watching his take the whip cream can Ryan just watches him for a long moment wondering what he was going, his comment made her curious even more.
Seeing him coming to her thought with the whip cream in his mouth Ryan gives a grin before pushing herself off the cabinet to need Alex. Her lips wrapping around his in the exchange of the whip cream. Tasting the sweetness with the cool, and the warmth of Alec's mouth Ryan kiss him a little harder, her passion behind the kiss a little deeper the sweetness making it that much greater.
Pulling away a little to catch her breath and swallow Ryan brings her hands to Alec's chest Gripping his shirt for a second Ryan comes back for more this time taking his lip in her mouth and sucking the whip cream off of it as her hands slip down his chest to his stomach lingering for a moment before moving to his back, bring herself into a kiss with him one more.
"I guess I don't much feel like staying inside today..."
Hope is quiet for a moment looking down at there hands. How could she say no when he was offering time with her. Even if she didn't want to be inside sacrificial a little couldn't hurt right?
"...but to spend time with you...I...I guess it would be better than nothing."
As Alec pulls away to retrieve the items from the fridge Ryan's just watchs him. Leaning her head on the cuboid behind her and catching her breath the best she can.
Watching his take the whip cream can Ryan just watches him for a long moment wondering what he was going, his comment made her curious even more.
Seeing him coming to her thought with the whip cream in his mouth Ryan gives a grin before pushing herself off the cabinet to need Alex. Her lips wrapping around his in the exchange of the whip cream. Tasting the sweetness with the cool, and the warmth of Alec's mouth Ryan kiss him a little harder, her passion behind the kiss a little deeper the sweetness making it that much greater.
Pulling away a little to catch her breath and swallow Ryan brings her hands to Alec's chest Gripping his shirt for a second Ryan comes back for more this time taking his lip in her mouth and sucking the whip cream off of it as her hands slip down his chest to his stomach lingering for a moment before moving to his back, bring herself into a kiss with him one more.
Sharing
Drawn in so closely by Ryan's legs, Alec puts a hand up on the cupboards behind her to steady himself as his other continues to rub her back or creep up to her neck and shoulders.
"Top shelf..."
He kisses her neck again, then her lips.
"...got it."
Prying himself away, he only has to take one step to the side to open the refrigerator door, leaving Ryan where she was. Spotting the cake, his eyes find the can of whipped cream as well. Retrieving both, he sets them on the counter beside Ryan, going for the whipped cream first. "Mama always taught me to share." Giving it a shake, he sprays a good amount into his mouth, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Returning to Ryan, he grins a little, his mouth still full as he returns for a kiss, sharing the whipped cream with her.
Scott's hand relaxes under Hope's touch, but his eyes remain on the table. "I....I don't feel much like going out in public tonight," he responds quietly.
Her words made him feel bad. He hadn't meant to push her away... he hadn't meant to worry her or upset her. He'd just needed his own space, that's all.
"You can come watch a movie with me at my house though," he offers. "Be more comfortable anyway. And I guess that way you can keep an eye on me like you want to."
He hadn't meant for his last words to be chilled, but once they were out, the iciness was obvious enough that he even cringes a little. Sliding his other hand across the table to cup her fingers between his palms, he rubs his thumbs over her knuckles. "I didn't mean that how it sounded," he backtracks softly.
"Top shelf..."
He kisses her neck again, then her lips.
"...got it."
Prying himself away, he only has to take one step to the side to open the refrigerator door, leaving Ryan where she was. Spotting the cake, his eyes find the can of whipped cream as well. Retrieving both, he sets them on the counter beside Ryan, going for the whipped cream first. "Mama always taught me to share." Giving it a shake, he sprays a good amount into his mouth, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Returning to Ryan, he grins a little, his mouth still full as he returns for a kiss, sharing the whipped cream with her.
Scott's hand relaxes under Hope's touch, but his eyes remain on the table. "I....I don't feel much like going out in public tonight," he responds quietly.
Her words made him feel bad. He hadn't meant to push her away... he hadn't meant to worry her or upset her. He'd just needed his own space, that's all.
"You can come watch a movie with me at my house though," he offers. "Be more comfortable anyway. And I guess that way you can keep an eye on me like you want to."
He hadn't meant for his last words to be chilled, but once they were out, the iciness was obvious enough that he even cringes a little. Sliding his other hand across the table to cup her fingers between his palms, he rubs his thumbs over her knuckles. "I didn't mean that how it sounded," he backtracks softly.
Hunger
"Mmmm...."
Ryan continues the kiss her lips taking in Alec's kiss. This was what was different, the way he kissed her, the way he touched her it sent chill over her whole body. In between her own gasps for air Ryan is able to talk.
"Sweet and Spicy the...."
Ryan's hands fingers continue to run along Alec's arm, and his neck, to his back on more her other hand on his head keeping him close to her still.
"...hunger continues to taunt."
Feeling Alec's hand run down her leg Ryan wraps her legs around his wast even though she was still sitting on the counter.
"The cake is in the fridge top shelf."
Ryan losens her grip a little bit so if Alec wanted to get it her could but her legs stay wrapped around him, and her lips continue to meet his, not being able to break free of her addiction for them.
Ryan continues the kiss her lips taking in Alec's kiss. This was what was different, the way he kissed her, the way he touched her it sent chill over her whole body. In between her own gasps for air Ryan is able to talk.
"Sweet and Spicy the...."
Ryan's hands fingers continue to run along Alec's arm, and his neck, to his back on more her other hand on his head keeping him close to her still.
"...hunger continues to taunt."
Feeling Alec's hand run down her leg Ryan wraps her legs around his wast even though she was still sitting on the counter.
"The cake is in the fridge top shelf."
Ryan losens her grip a little bit so if Alec wanted to get it her could but her legs stay wrapped around him, and her lips continue to meet his, not being able to break free of her addiction for them.
Sweet
Totally forgetting about anything else for the moment, Alec gives a low murmur, allowing himself to enjoy this mutual attention from Ryan. Her fingers sent chills down his spine like no other woman had. Something about her touch... her kiss... it was an enticing danger.
Continuing the kiss, Alec manages to speak quietly in between as he catches his breath, turning his head the other way, or moving to kiss her cheeks again. "You're sweet," he confirms. "Problem with sugar though... I always want... more." His grip around her tightens as his hand wanders down to her knee then returns to her back again. "You gonna... get the cake? ....or tell me.... where it is?"
Continuing the kiss, Alec manages to speak quietly in between as he catches his breath, turning his head the other way, or moving to kiss her cheeks again. "You're sweet," he confirms. "Problem with sugar though... I always want... more." His grip around her tightens as his hand wanders down to her knee then returns to her back again. "You gonna... get the cake? ....or tell me.... where it is?"
Could find out
As Alec comes even closer to her Ryan's heart picks it up once again pounding in her chest, in her ears. Her breathing already becoming rapped to made the heart beat though she does her best to stay calm.
The counters of her mouth turn up a little more the fire in her eyes seeming to burn a little brighter as she gives a little squint at Alec.
Suddenly Being pulled to him Ryan's arms automatically go around his shoulders her one hand finding the back of his head like it had so many times before. Her fingers wrapping around his hair as he kissed her neck, a low noise forming in her throat. As the light kiss go up to her cheekbone Ryan's grasp on his hair loosens and her finger move to rack through his soft strands of hair. A chuckle forms at his comment about his sweet tooth.
Feeling his lips so close to her, his breath on her own Ryan gives him a soft kiss before retreating.
"Experiments...."
Ryan brings her lips to his again letting it linger just a little while longer as her other hand finds its way to the side of his face, her finger tip running lightly along his jaw and his neck as she pulls away again.
"...they are fun, but I don't know how sweet I am. I guess you could find out."
Her hand finally finding his back as she tightens her own grip around him keeping him close to her. Her sweet, soft lips pressed to his once again the the emotions flooded over. His lips against her, the sweetness of the kiss, it put her in a trance. They were the only ones who matter, they had the world and time at there finger tips.
"Your not worried about that Scott but I am, and I have to sit back and watch not being able to do anything. Going to bed at night and wondering if your ok. Waking up, not hearing from you and asking myself if you made it though the night alright because I have no idea whats going on, because you wont talk to me. You wont tell me when your scared or angry, you wont call me when you had a nightmare. I know nothing and thats worse than knowing everything."
The emotions flow through Hope's eyes and pool behind them. Scott had been doing so well and now, now it was falling apart. With every day Scott didn't get better, and Hope worried she could feel another part of herself break away. She cared so dang much and she felt so dang helpless.
Looking down at her own plate Hope's hungry seemed to just go away itself. She didn't feel like eating right now eater. Again reaching across the table Hope rests her hand on top of his hand that was clenched, running her finger lightly over his skin. He wanted to change the subject, she didnt but she would respect his wish anyways.
"Come see a movie tonight with me? I'd like that."
Rosetta gives a smile and a nod at her husband. She was so proud of him for accepting that his brother had been helping her out so well. She didn't mind at all raising Sparky's pay her certainty did deserve it.
"Sparky has been my right hand man for a long time with helping me around here. I don't see another problem with him continuing to help me. I think raising his pay a little could be manageable as well."
Looking down at her papers again to make a small note about changing a few things with Sparky's own paperwork.
At Mick's change in subject Rosetta gives a small laugh and a nod of her head as she looks up at her husband.
"Yeah he does a lot from what I can see. Its good to see him happy, and smile again."
The counters of her mouth turn up a little more the fire in her eyes seeming to burn a little brighter as she gives a little squint at Alec.
Suddenly Being pulled to him Ryan's arms automatically go around his shoulders her one hand finding the back of his head like it had so many times before. Her fingers wrapping around his hair as he kissed her neck, a low noise forming in her throat. As the light kiss go up to her cheekbone Ryan's grasp on his hair loosens and her finger move to rack through his soft strands of hair. A chuckle forms at his comment about his sweet tooth.
Feeling his lips so close to her, his breath on her own Ryan gives him a soft kiss before retreating.
"Experiments...."
Ryan brings her lips to his again letting it linger just a little while longer as her other hand finds its way to the side of his face, her finger tip running lightly along his jaw and his neck as she pulls away again.
"...they are fun, but I don't know how sweet I am. I guess you could find out."
Her hand finally finding his back as she tightens her own grip around him keeping him close to her. Her sweet, soft lips pressed to his once again the the emotions flooded over. His lips against her, the sweetness of the kiss, it put her in a trance. They were the only ones who matter, they had the world and time at there finger tips.
"Your not worried about that Scott but I am, and I have to sit back and watch not being able to do anything. Going to bed at night and wondering if your ok. Waking up, not hearing from you and asking myself if you made it though the night alright because I have no idea whats going on, because you wont talk to me. You wont tell me when your scared or angry, you wont call me when you had a nightmare. I know nothing and thats worse than knowing everything."
The emotions flow through Hope's eyes and pool behind them. Scott had been doing so well and now, now it was falling apart. With every day Scott didn't get better, and Hope worried she could feel another part of herself break away. She cared so dang much and she felt so dang helpless.
Looking down at her own plate Hope's hungry seemed to just go away itself. She didn't feel like eating right now eater. Again reaching across the table Hope rests her hand on top of his hand that was clenched, running her finger lightly over his skin. He wanted to change the subject, she didnt but she would respect his wish anyways.
"Come see a movie tonight with me? I'd like that."
Rosetta gives a smile and a nod at her husband. She was so proud of him for accepting that his brother had been helping her out so well. She didn't mind at all raising Sparky's pay her certainty did deserve it.
"Sparky has been my right hand man for a long time with helping me around here. I don't see another problem with him continuing to help me. I think raising his pay a little could be manageable as well."
Looking down at her papers again to make a small note about changing a few things with Sparky's own paperwork.
At Mick's change in subject Rosetta gives a small laugh and a nod of her head as she looks up at her husband.
"Yeah he does a lot from what I can see. Its good to see him happy, and smile again."
Tired
"Mm... I think I might like to come see the races," Alec muses. "See what kind of danger you get yourself into."
Watching her peer into the refrigerator, he folds his arms and cocks his head, taking in the scene before she straightens up again, sitting on the counter. Moving closer to her, a crooked grin forms on his face, his eyes widening ever so slightly when she pauses in the middle of her last sentence. The mention of dessert makes the faint grin grow. "Been a long time since I've had chocolate cake..."
Nearing the counter, he comes as close as he can, standing between her knees. His hands slide around behind her and he pulls her into him. "...with whipped cream. That might curb my sweet tooth. Or..." He tilts his head down and gives her neck a light kiss. "We could experiment..." The line of kisses moves up to her cheek. "And find out if..." Up and around her cheek bone and back down to her lips. "You could curb it instead."
Scott's eyes shoot up at Hope's mention of her staying at his house. He hadn't expected that kind of offer. When she's finished speaking though, he shakes his head. "I don't feel unsafe."
Memories of the night he'd been attacked come flooding back. The shouting... gunshots... blood... who he'd killed. He snaps back to attention. "I took care of myself well enough the last time... I'm not worried about that." He shrugs. "I think you coming to stay with me might be... overkill."
Turning his fork in his hand for a few moments, he finally sets it on his plate and shoves it to the side, a signal for the waiter to pick it up next time he walked by. Not even half had been eaten.
"I don't... know what's wrong with me, Hope. I'm trying to not shut you out and I'm trying to let God help. But it's hard when I'm carrying a burden without even knowing what that burden is. I can't control what's happening in my brain and it's screwing everything up."
Frustration laces his words and he crumples up his napkin, tossing it onto his finished plate. He'd been doing so well. He'd been back to his old self again. He'd found himself even after all he'd been through. What had happened? What had gone wrong, and when? And why?
Looking down, he realizes that his hand had clenched into a fist, turning his knuckles white. There was still buried anger that one session with a punching bag had not defeated.
"Can we talk about something other than me?" he asks quietly. "I'm tired of being the topic of the hour."
Mick sits back in his chair, a pensive expression on his face. Sparky really had done a lot. More than Mick had ever expected. His brother had done more than simply step up to the plate. When Mick had failed and left everyone behind, Sparky had fallen into step without a grudge, without complaint. And that deserved a thanks.
The wheels in Mick's mind continue to turn. "I know we haven't set up an official rank system around here," he mentions. "Everyone always works so well together but... If it's alright with you, I'd like to name Sparky as the foreman around here. I looked at the books and it looks like we could afford to bump up his pay a little bit too."
He swivels in his seat to look at Rosetta again, searching to see if she agreed. He seems to bounce to a different topic just as quickly. "He's pretty serious about this Faith woman, isn't he?"
Watching her peer into the refrigerator, he folds his arms and cocks his head, taking in the scene before she straightens up again, sitting on the counter. Moving closer to her, a crooked grin forms on his face, his eyes widening ever so slightly when she pauses in the middle of her last sentence. The mention of dessert makes the faint grin grow. "Been a long time since I've had chocolate cake..."
Nearing the counter, he comes as close as he can, standing between her knees. His hands slide around behind her and he pulls her into him. "...with whipped cream. That might curb my sweet tooth. Or..." He tilts his head down and gives her neck a light kiss. "We could experiment..." The line of kisses moves up to her cheek. "And find out if..." Up and around her cheek bone and back down to her lips. "You could curb it instead."
Scott's eyes shoot up at Hope's mention of her staying at his house. He hadn't expected that kind of offer. When she's finished speaking though, he shakes his head. "I don't feel unsafe."
Memories of the night he'd been attacked come flooding back. The shouting... gunshots... blood... who he'd killed. He snaps back to attention. "I took care of myself well enough the last time... I'm not worried about that." He shrugs. "I think you coming to stay with me might be... overkill."
Turning his fork in his hand for a few moments, he finally sets it on his plate and shoves it to the side, a signal for the waiter to pick it up next time he walked by. Not even half had been eaten.
"I don't... know what's wrong with me, Hope. I'm trying to not shut you out and I'm trying to let God help. But it's hard when I'm carrying a burden without even knowing what that burden is. I can't control what's happening in my brain and it's screwing everything up."
Frustration laces his words and he crumples up his napkin, tossing it onto his finished plate. He'd been doing so well. He'd been back to his old self again. He'd found himself even after all he'd been through. What had happened? What had gone wrong, and when? And why?
Looking down, he realizes that his hand had clenched into a fist, turning his knuckles white. There was still buried anger that one session with a punching bag had not defeated.
"Can we talk about something other than me?" he asks quietly. "I'm tired of being the topic of the hour."
Mick sits back in his chair, a pensive expression on his face. Sparky really had done a lot. More than Mick had ever expected. His brother had done more than simply step up to the plate. When Mick had failed and left everyone behind, Sparky had fallen into step without a grudge, without complaint. And that deserved a thanks.
The wheels in Mick's mind continue to turn. "I know we haven't set up an official rank system around here," he mentions. "Everyone always works so well together but... If it's alright with you, I'd like to name Sparky as the foreman around here. I looked at the books and it looks like we could afford to bump up his pay a little bit too."
He swivels in his seat to look at Rosetta again, searching to see if she agreed. He seems to bounce to a different topic just as quickly. "He's pretty serious about this Faith woman, isn't he?"
God and I
As Alec moves closer Ryan can already feel her heart beat start to pick up. Just the simple presence of him next o her sent the emotions and feelings through her body like nothing else she ever felt. Just letting the first kiss continue Ryan returns the passion, the emotions, just letting them wash over like a blanket.
When he pulls away to kiss her eyes, and than her nose Ryan can feel the breath catch in her throat as she tells herself to breath. Her own words coming out in a whisper before Alec comes back to her lips once again.
"For some reason I think...you do have what I am missing."
Feeling another kiss by Alec Ryan's eyes fall shut again taking in the kiss for as long as it last. Only to open her eyes once again with the same saucy grin on her face as Alec pulls away.
Finally getting out of the car and into the house Ryan has no problem just letting Alec rome the house. She didn't really have anything of value that he could take if he wanted to, but she trusted he wouldn't.
Going into the kitchen and opening the fridge Ryan looks into it seeing what they have.
"Yeah, my older brother Eli lives with me. He's at work right now so you wont be able to meet him, maybe another time. Or since your only taking a half hour now for lunch maybe Reese will give you the other hour your in titled tonight and you can come see my race. You can meet my brother than."
Standing up again Ryan closes the fridge before turning to face Alec again her back against the counter. Bracing her hands behind her Ryan lifts herself up to sit on the counter top her legs swinging.
"So the ruling is, we have pizza, hamburgers, pasta, or....we can make a lunch out of dessert.."
The fire in Ryan's eyes dance rapidly as the saucy grin returns to her face. Just letting her last sentience hang in the air for a moment before continuing.
"...because there is some chocolate cake left and whip cream too."
Compassion shown in Hope's eyes for Scott. What was she to do that she hadn't already. Everything she could think of doing had been tried and failed. What else could she do?
"Scott..would you let me come stay with you in your extra room for a little while? I'm scared of you being alone, and maybe if I was there with you I could help you better, and it might make you feel safe."
Taking a bit of her wrap Hope falls quiet again, she didn't know what Scott would think of this or if he would even agree. She hoped he would consider thought.
"I care to much to just turn around and not see whats going on Scott. I know you trying, and I know you want to figure it out but please...let me help you each day. Its easier to hold a burden when you know there is someone who has your back and will help carry the load. God and I want to help...will you let us?"
When he pulls away to kiss her eyes, and than her nose Ryan can feel the breath catch in her throat as she tells herself to breath. Her own words coming out in a whisper before Alec comes back to her lips once again.
"For some reason I think...you do have what I am missing."
Feeling another kiss by Alec Ryan's eyes fall shut again taking in the kiss for as long as it last. Only to open her eyes once again with the same saucy grin on her face as Alec pulls away.
Finally getting out of the car and into the house Ryan has no problem just letting Alec rome the house. She didn't really have anything of value that he could take if he wanted to, but she trusted he wouldn't.
Going into the kitchen and opening the fridge Ryan looks into it seeing what they have.
"Yeah, my older brother Eli lives with me. He's at work right now so you wont be able to meet him, maybe another time. Or since your only taking a half hour now for lunch maybe Reese will give you the other hour your in titled tonight and you can come see my race. You can meet my brother than."
Standing up again Ryan closes the fridge before turning to face Alec again her back against the counter. Bracing her hands behind her Ryan lifts herself up to sit on the counter top her legs swinging.
"So the ruling is, we have pizza, hamburgers, pasta, or....we can make a lunch out of dessert.."
The fire in Ryan's eyes dance rapidly as the saucy grin returns to her face. Just letting her last sentience hang in the air for a moment before continuing.
"...because there is some chocolate cake left and whip cream too."
Compassion shown in Hope's eyes for Scott. What was she to do that she hadn't already. Everything she could think of doing had been tried and failed. What else could she do?
"Scott..would you let me come stay with you in your extra room for a little while? I'm scared of you being alone, and maybe if I was there with you I could help you better, and it might make you feel safe."
Taking a bit of her wrap Hope falls quiet again, she didn't know what Scott would think of this or if he would even agree. She hoped he would consider thought.
"I care to much to just turn around and not see whats going on Scott. I know you trying, and I know you want to figure it out but please...let me help you each day. Its easier to hold a burden when you know there is someone who has your back and will help carry the load. God and I want to help...will you let us?"
Not eating
Arriving at Ryan's, Alec seems a little surprised that she would bring him here. "Experiments, huh?" He nods a little. "I think that would be a very productive thing to do."
Glancing down to the car clock, he sighs. "Unfortunately, a need for food will leave little room for lengthier experimentation."
Looking back over to Ryan, a little grin makes his mouth twitch. "Not that I'll pass up the shorter experiments." Leaning over closer to her, his rough palm cups the side of her face, his voice lowering to a whisper. "Maybe we'll find out I've got what you've been missing."
As his lips find hers, his eyes fall shut and he kisses her gently and gradually more passionate. An eternity within a single moment.
Drawing away, he sends light kisses over her eyes and nose, winding up back at her lips again to end the sweet moment. "Okay... now I'm ready for lunch."
Alec scoots back over and gets out of her car, looking around at the apartments before following her inside. Upon entering, his eyes take in everything, his gaze ricocheting between windows, hallways and doors, calculating where every entry and exit was. Ambling into the kitchen, his sights go to the grocery list on the refrigerator, then what occupied the counter tops, taking note of what he saw and how it did or didn't jive with what he thought Ryan's tastes were. "Did you say you lived with your brother?"
Scott swallows hard, looking down. "I didn't mean to shut you out. I just..." He'd fallen into his dark little world again and didn't know how to climb back out. "I've just been trying to figure out how to get over this thing or... or find a key to straighten out my mind and all the tangled data. But... but nothing works."
He would have said more, but the food arrives and he pulls back, falling silent again. Picking around his food, it's obvious that he isn't intending on eating any more today than he had been lately. A few bites and he's back to running his fork through it and making it look like he was eating more than he was.
Eventually, he finally speaks again. "I didn't mean to leave you hanging the last couple weeks either. Time just... melted all together and I've been keeping myself so busy that I guess I didn't even realize how many days had gone by. Just keep calling me, okay?" He looks up in earnest. "I don't know... how... to let anybody else in. I don't know what will help. I talk it out, but the problem is still here. I think I get over it and then I have another nightmare. I just want.... I want something different... I want to get as far removed from the Agency and Elite as I can. Maybe with less exposure to what data is in my mind, the less it will crop up."
He glances back down again and drags a noodle across his plate, not having realized that he had just separated all the types of food on his plate, categorizing everything as if his actions were trying to compartmentalize everything just like his mind had done.
Glancing down to the car clock, he sighs. "Unfortunately, a need for food will leave little room for lengthier experimentation."
Looking back over to Ryan, a little grin makes his mouth twitch. "Not that I'll pass up the shorter experiments." Leaning over closer to her, his rough palm cups the side of her face, his voice lowering to a whisper. "Maybe we'll find out I've got what you've been missing."
As his lips find hers, his eyes fall shut and he kisses her gently and gradually more passionate. An eternity within a single moment.
Drawing away, he sends light kisses over her eyes and nose, winding up back at her lips again to end the sweet moment. "Okay... now I'm ready for lunch."
Alec scoots back over and gets out of her car, looking around at the apartments before following her inside. Upon entering, his eyes take in everything, his gaze ricocheting between windows, hallways and doors, calculating where every entry and exit was. Ambling into the kitchen, his sights go to the grocery list on the refrigerator, then what occupied the counter tops, taking note of what he saw and how it did or didn't jive with what he thought Ryan's tastes were. "Did you say you lived with your brother?"
Scott swallows hard, looking down. "I didn't mean to shut you out. I just..." He'd fallen into his dark little world again and didn't know how to climb back out. "I've just been trying to figure out how to get over this thing or... or find a key to straighten out my mind and all the tangled data. But... but nothing works."
He would have said more, but the food arrives and he pulls back, falling silent again. Picking around his food, it's obvious that he isn't intending on eating any more today than he had been lately. A few bites and he's back to running his fork through it and making it look like he was eating more than he was.
Eventually, he finally speaks again. "I didn't mean to leave you hanging the last couple weeks either. Time just... melted all together and I've been keeping myself so busy that I guess I didn't even realize how many days had gone by. Just keep calling me, okay?" He looks up in earnest. "I don't know... how... to let anybody else in. I don't know what will help. I talk it out, but the problem is still here. I think I get over it and then I have another nightmare. I just want.... I want something different... I want to get as far removed from the Agency and Elite as I can. Maybe with less exposure to what data is in my mind, the less it will crop up."
He glances back down again and drags a noodle across his plate, not having realized that he had just separated all the types of food on his plate, categorizing everything as if his actions were trying to compartmentalize everything just like his mind had done.
Conduct
Looking over at Alec and raising her eyebrow at his question the grin formed on her face stays put though she was thinking hard before she answered. Her eyes going back to the road another minute of silence before she speaks again.
"This speed demon realized it wasn't fair to her ex to be stringing him along when obviously there was something she needed he was missing."
Stopping at a red light Ryan looks over at Alec the fire in her eyes dancing with Alec's own.
"So the answer to your question would be yes, to both I guess."
Moving forward again its about another five minutes before they pull into the driveway of Ryan's apartment. Shutting the car off and opening her door she nods to Alec.
"Home sweet home. Figured we would have something different, and I can feel you left overs. Not only that its a little more privet to conduct experiments."
"This speed demon realized it wasn't fair to her ex to be stringing him along when obviously there was something she needed he was missing."
Stopping at a red light Ryan looks over at Alec the fire in her eyes dancing with Alec's own.
"So the answer to your question would be yes, to both I guess."
Moving forward again its about another five minutes before they pull into the driveway of Ryan's apartment. Shutting the car off and opening her door she nods to Alec.
"Home sweet home. Figured we would have something different, and I can feel you left overs. Not only that its a little more privet to conduct experiments."
Poor sap
Returning Ryan's kiss, Alec grins just a little bit, settling back for the ride, not caring where they went.
Hearing her speak again, one of his eyebrows rises slightly. "Ah. An ex." He purses his lips and looks over to her, cocking his head. The pieces were falling together now.
"So... did the big bad Agency guy steal some poor sap's girl away from him?" He sticks out his lower lip, feigning a pouting look. "Or did Miss Speed Demon find a faster lane?"
Hearing her speak again, one of his eyebrows rises slightly. "Ah. An ex." He purses his lips and looks over to her, cocking his head. The pieces were falling together now.
"So... did the big bad Agency guy steal some poor sap's girl away from him?" He sticks out his lower lip, feigning a pouting look. "Or did Miss Speed Demon find a faster lane?"
Explanation
"You might feel like that Scott but your not. Your just trying to deal with it, and your trying to do it alone. But you need help you need someone to help you. Your forcing yourself to go through this alone when you don't have to."
Hope continues to hold Scott's hand. She wasn't ready to give up on him not yet. In every way Hope wanted to be there for him. He meant so much to her, more than words could ever say.
"Scott if I didn't want to be around you or thought you were horrible company I wouldn't ask to spend time with you. I know nothing can happen in a snap of the fingers, I don't expect it to and thats why I am being pashent, because I do understand. I'd just like to see you more than once every two weeks."
Following Alec outside and to her car Ryan gives a laugh. Moving into the drive side of the car she leans over bringing her hand to the side of Alec's face and than to the back of his head. Looking at him deep in the eyes the flames in her eyes seem to dance, and her lips had turned up into a grin.
"Experiments, I could never tire of those."
Pressing her lips to Alec's she lets her kiss show how much in the last ten days she had missed seeing him. Pulling away and giving another grin Ryan new this probably wasn't the best place for a make out session.
Starting her car she pulls out the parking lot and starts down the street. Quiet for a moment Ryan wasn't sure where they were going. Maybe back to her place to grab some left over pizza that was still in the fridge.
Glancing over at Alec she had read the question in his eyes, even if he was trying to hide it Ryan seemed to be able to see right though. She really had tried to see him, and finding most days he was busy she hadn't bothered to come back. So she hadnt been lieing about that, but it wasn't the whole truth ether.
"I really am sorry I haven't come to see you more. The few times I did you were busy, and than other than that...I've been having some problems with my ex. I mean nothing major, but just its kind of stressful. So I have had that linger on my mind."
Continuing to smile Faith felt the warmth wash over her. Sparky had been here the whole time, never leaving her. He had said he would be there when she woke up, and he was right.
"I guess this means we get to start the rest of our lifes huh? I'm excited to get to spend more time with you. I just need to rest a little, I feel tired. When I wake up, I'll see you again."
Closing her eyes Faith felt so tired even though she had been in a coma just the little bit of talking seemed so hard right now. Just a little rest, and she would be ok.
Sitting at her desk Rosetta was busy doing her own work while Mick went through any of the files he wanted. There was nothing to hide from him so Rosetta had no objection what he went through.
"I needed help, try as I may to do all this alone I couldn't. Sparky was there and he was bored so he did a good job of stepping up to help me."
Rosetta gives a smile to Mick, his brother had helped her a lot and she new Mick liked working in the barn more than doing the paper work anyways.
Hope continues to hold Scott's hand. She wasn't ready to give up on him not yet. In every way Hope wanted to be there for him. He meant so much to her, more than words could ever say.
"Scott if I didn't want to be around you or thought you were horrible company I wouldn't ask to spend time with you. I know nothing can happen in a snap of the fingers, I don't expect it to and thats why I am being pashent, because I do understand. I'd just like to see you more than once every two weeks."
Following Alec outside and to her car Ryan gives a laugh. Moving into the drive side of the car she leans over bringing her hand to the side of Alec's face and than to the back of his head. Looking at him deep in the eyes the flames in her eyes seem to dance, and her lips had turned up into a grin.
"Experiments, I could never tire of those."
Pressing her lips to Alec's she lets her kiss show how much in the last ten days she had missed seeing him. Pulling away and giving another grin Ryan new this probably wasn't the best place for a make out session.
Starting her car she pulls out the parking lot and starts down the street. Quiet for a moment Ryan wasn't sure where they were going. Maybe back to her place to grab some left over pizza that was still in the fridge.
Glancing over at Alec she had read the question in his eyes, even if he was trying to hide it Ryan seemed to be able to see right though. She really had tried to see him, and finding most days he was busy she hadn't bothered to come back. So she hadnt been lieing about that, but it wasn't the whole truth ether.
"I really am sorry I haven't come to see you more. The few times I did you were busy, and than other than that...I've been having some problems with my ex. I mean nothing major, but just its kind of stressful. So I have had that linger on my mind."
Continuing to smile Faith felt the warmth wash over her. Sparky had been here the whole time, never leaving her. He had said he would be there when she woke up, and he was right.
"I guess this means we get to start the rest of our lifes huh? I'm excited to get to spend more time with you. I just need to rest a little, I feel tired. When I wake up, I'll see you again."
Closing her eyes Faith felt so tired even though she had been in a coma just the little bit of talking seemed so hard right now. Just a little rest, and she would be ok.
Sitting at her desk Rosetta was busy doing her own work while Mick went through any of the files he wanted. There was nothing to hide from him so Rosetta had no objection what he went through.
"I needed help, try as I may to do all this alone I couldn't. Sparky was there and he was bored so he did a good job of stepping up to help me."
Rosetta gives a smile to Mick, his brother had helped her a lot and she new Mick liked working in the barn more than doing the paper work anyways.
Crazy
Scott's eyes drop, though his fingers run over Hope's. "You haven't failed me," he assures quietly. "Don't ever think that, okay?"
He looks back up at her, wanting her to accept that. "You've never failed me... all you've ever done is be there for me when I needed you. If anyone's failed it's me and I just haven't figured out how to fix things yet."
Sighing, his shoulders droop a little. He'd thrown himself into his photography and to the outsider he would look incredibly busy and fulfilled. But if one looked closer, he was so weary. His weight loss had gradually continued and he was tired... tired of fighting.
"I miss us too," he mentions softly. "I just... I'm not good company right now. All I do is replay nightmares in my mind, rehash data and try to get it all out of my head. I don't... I don't like me right now. I'm not who I want to be but I haven't found the key yet to getting back to where I need to be. I had it once.... just a glimpse... I thought I'd conquered the monsters. But they're back and seem stronger this time. I feel like..."
He searches Hope's eyes. He was serious when he said this... there was no joking, even if it sounded like a teasing phrase. He'd never been more serious. "I feel like I'm going crazy."
Axel looks between Ryan and Alec with reservations but says nothing. He wasn't so sure about this, but it really was none of his business. He nods to Ryan and gives Alec one last suspicious glance before returning to his tools.
Alec looks down at Ryan, jerking his head towards Axel. "Nervous fellow, eh?" He aims Ryan towards the open door. "I don't care where we go. Anywhere but TJY. As far as the ride goes though..." He gestures to a pickup parked at the far end of the parking lot. It was Jason's. "I got an escort from here to the police station for a nice little interview with the chief, supposedly. That's why I only got half an hour."
He pauses as he slides into the passenger side of Ryan's car and waits for her. "However... I think forty-five minutes would do just as well. Unless you grew bored with scientific experiments and that's why I haven't seen you."
Many things lingered in his eyes. There was irritation for his little exchange with Axel that he'd hidden so well. There was weariness from long days of interrogation. There was the same desperate desire for freedom that had yet to be released. There was question as to why he really hadn't seen Ryan lately.
"Yeah... you too." Leo watches Cassy leave, waving out the door. He shrugs and aims back for the garage. Helping Cassy would be something different to do and at least it was a good deed rather than a waste of time.
Just as he gets back into the garage, he sees Alec and Ryan leaving, their arms around each other. His stomach churns as an untamed anger boils down deep. Great. Alec was coming here now. Just what he wanted.
Sparky gives a little chuckle. "I don't care if you're bald for the rest of your life - as long as you're with me."
He squeezes her hand. "You've been out over a week. Going on two, I guess. I've lost track of time." His thumb runs over her hand gently. "Yeah... I've been here the whole time."
Mick leans back in the office chair, looking through another file and shakes his head. After getting in deeper to all that had gone on while he'd been away, he was finding Sparky's fingerprints in everything. "Rosetta..." He continues to flip through pages. "When I was told Sparky helped out, I had no idea it was this much..." His voice showed his surprise. "There's hardly anything he didn't do or at least help with. He basically took over my tasks completely didn't he?"
He looks back up at her, wanting her to accept that. "You've never failed me... all you've ever done is be there for me when I needed you. If anyone's failed it's me and I just haven't figured out how to fix things yet."
Sighing, his shoulders droop a little. He'd thrown himself into his photography and to the outsider he would look incredibly busy and fulfilled. But if one looked closer, he was so weary. His weight loss had gradually continued and he was tired... tired of fighting.
"I miss us too," he mentions softly. "I just... I'm not good company right now. All I do is replay nightmares in my mind, rehash data and try to get it all out of my head. I don't... I don't like me right now. I'm not who I want to be but I haven't found the key yet to getting back to where I need to be. I had it once.... just a glimpse... I thought I'd conquered the monsters. But they're back and seem stronger this time. I feel like..."
He searches Hope's eyes. He was serious when he said this... there was no joking, even if it sounded like a teasing phrase. He'd never been more serious. "I feel like I'm going crazy."
Axel looks between Ryan and Alec with reservations but says nothing. He wasn't so sure about this, but it really was none of his business. He nods to Ryan and gives Alec one last suspicious glance before returning to his tools.
Alec looks down at Ryan, jerking his head towards Axel. "Nervous fellow, eh?" He aims Ryan towards the open door. "I don't care where we go. Anywhere but TJY. As far as the ride goes though..." He gestures to a pickup parked at the far end of the parking lot. It was Jason's. "I got an escort from here to the police station for a nice little interview with the chief, supposedly. That's why I only got half an hour."
He pauses as he slides into the passenger side of Ryan's car and waits for her. "However... I think forty-five minutes would do just as well. Unless you grew bored with scientific experiments and that's why I haven't seen you."
Many things lingered in his eyes. There was irritation for his little exchange with Axel that he'd hidden so well. There was weariness from long days of interrogation. There was the same desperate desire for freedom that had yet to be released. There was question as to why he really hadn't seen Ryan lately.
"Yeah... you too." Leo watches Cassy leave, waving out the door. He shrugs and aims back for the garage. Helping Cassy would be something different to do and at least it was a good deed rather than a waste of time.
Just as he gets back into the garage, he sees Alec and Ryan leaving, their arms around each other. His stomach churns as an untamed anger boils down deep. Great. Alec was coming here now. Just what he wanted.
Sparky gives a little chuckle. "I don't care if you're bald for the rest of your life - as long as you're with me."
He squeezes her hand. "You've been out over a week. Going on two, I guess. I've lost track of time." His thumb runs over her hand gently. "Yeah... I've been here the whole time."
Mick leans back in the office chair, looking through another file and shakes his head. After getting in deeper to all that had gone on while he'd been away, he was finding Sparky's fingerprints in everything. "Rosetta..." He continues to flip through pages. "When I was told Sparky helped out, I had no idea it was this much..." His voice showed his surprise. "There's hardly anything he didn't do or at least help with. He basically took over my tasks completely didn't he?"
3/9/10
Hidden Emotions
Hope lets out a small sigh. She felt so bad for Scott, and at the same time she felt so bad for herself. She loved Scott, and she new she was his strong ground but how could she be when he wouldn't let her and it hurt.
"I've been...pretty crappy really. Your pulling away from me Scott and I don't know what to do because I feel like I have failed you."
Playing with the corner of the menu for a moment Hope falls quiet. Finally looking up at Scott again she gives a small smile reaching across the table to take his hand in her own.
"I want to help you and be there for you, but I can't if you wont let me. Other than that I'm....ok. Works going, and sitting at home watching tv is ok though most nights there is nothing on. I miss you, I miss us Scott."
Ryan's grin grows just a little at Alec's comment. Her emotions of drear staying hidden for now.
Going to reply Ryan stops looking at Axel and they go back and forth. Cocking her head just a little wonder how well Alec would respond. She was actually impressed on how calm Alec stayed with Axel.
Giving a small chuckle at Alec's comment about his integrity Ryan gives a little nod of his head.
"He's a gentlemen when he wants to be honest. And actually Reese gave him an hour and a half but thats a story for another time."
As Alec puts his arm over Ryan's shoulder is surprised her a little but what surprised her even more was when her own arm wrapped around his wast in return. The grin still on her face, looking to Alex she nods.
"I guess I am taking lunch now if anyone asks. I'll be back in an hour."
Turning back to Alec she gives a little laugh again it was nice that he surprised her and showed up at her work. No one had ever done that before.
"So where should we go for lunch? I can drop you off at TJY after."
Giving a big smile Cassy takes Leo's arm in her hand and gives a squeeze in a friendly matter that showed she was excited and she really was to have his help. Not to mention it had been nice catching up with him the other day and she would like to talk more often.
"Ok than, I will see you at six give or take."
Taking her keys out of her purse Cassy starts for the door before stopping. Giving Leo a little wave and one last smile.
"Enjoy the rest of your day and remember chin up. I'll see you later."
Exiting the shop the rest of the way Cassy goes to her car and before you know it she was out of sight once again.
Feeling Sparky's fingers lock with her own the smile grows just a little on her lips knowing this wasn't a dream and she really was awake.
"Scared the tar out of you huh? Well now your going to have to deal with me being bald for a while."
Faith gives a small laugh as her eyes twinkle looking at Sparky. She was a live, and she was going to be able to spend more time with Sparky now. She would continue to pray the tumor didn't come back, but for now she got to live longer, and it was an amazing feeling.
"How long was I out? Did you stay with me the whole time Hun?"
"I've been...pretty crappy really. Your pulling away from me Scott and I don't know what to do because I feel like I have failed you."
Playing with the corner of the menu for a moment Hope falls quiet. Finally looking up at Scott again she gives a small smile reaching across the table to take his hand in her own.
"I want to help you and be there for you, but I can't if you wont let me. Other than that I'm....ok. Works going, and sitting at home watching tv is ok though most nights there is nothing on. I miss you, I miss us Scott."
Ryan's grin grows just a little at Alec's comment. Her emotions of drear staying hidden for now.
Going to reply Ryan stops looking at Axel and they go back and forth. Cocking her head just a little wonder how well Alec would respond. She was actually impressed on how calm Alec stayed with Axel.
Giving a small chuckle at Alec's comment about his integrity Ryan gives a little nod of his head.
"He's a gentlemen when he wants to be honest. And actually Reese gave him an hour and a half but thats a story for another time."
As Alec puts his arm over Ryan's shoulder is surprised her a little but what surprised her even more was when her own arm wrapped around his wast in return. The grin still on her face, looking to Alex she nods.
"I guess I am taking lunch now if anyone asks. I'll be back in an hour."
Turning back to Alec she gives a little laugh again it was nice that he surprised her and showed up at her work. No one had ever done that before.
"So where should we go for lunch? I can drop you off at TJY after."
Giving a big smile Cassy takes Leo's arm in her hand and gives a squeeze in a friendly matter that showed she was excited and she really was to have his help. Not to mention it had been nice catching up with him the other day and she would like to talk more often.
"Ok than, I will see you at six give or take."
Taking her keys out of her purse Cassy starts for the door before stopping. Giving Leo a little wave and one last smile.
"Enjoy the rest of your day and remember chin up. I'll see you later."
Exiting the shop the rest of the way Cassy goes to her car and before you know it she was out of sight once again.
Feeling Sparky's fingers lock with her own the smile grows just a little on her lips knowing this wasn't a dream and she really was awake.
"Scared the tar out of you huh? Well now your going to have to deal with me being bald for a while."
Faith gives a small laugh as her eyes twinkle looking at Sparky. She was a live, and she was going to be able to spend more time with Sparky now. She would continue to pray the tumor didn't come back, but for now she got to live longer, and it was an amazing feeling.
"How long was I out? Did you stay with me the whole time Hun?"
Strong point
"I'm doing okay." It was Scott's automatic response. He'd been asked how he was doing many times lately, so his answer came easily, true or not.
Setting his menu aside, he gives a little sigh, playing with his fork. He was glad he was sitting on this side of the table... had he been on the opposite, his blind eye would have been towards the door and he'd gotten used to making sure he could see all he needed to in order to not be cornered unknowingly.
"I don't know," he admits a little more honestly. "I'm alright I guess. Sorry I haven't been around. I've just been.... taking pictures a lot. I should be out looking for another job but... haven't been motivated I guess."
Rubbing his forehead, he wishes to be rid of his headache. "Nightmares keep me up most nights, but other than that... I'm fine. You?"
"Maybe I was waiting to see how many times you'd show up to try and see me," Alec counters.
Axel is still watching, a bit uncomfortable with this whole thing, and he clears his throat. "I believe it's Alec Banks, right?"
Alec straightens and turns to Axel a bit coolly. "That's right." He cocks his head. "Oh yeah. You were here that night."
"I was." Axel was out of the loop, so even more suspicious. "How'd you get here?"
"What? You think I stole a car or something?" Alec holds up his hands. "I didn't. I swear. Never steal cars. Well..." He pauses. "Not unless it's absolutely necessary." Seeing the wary look in Axel's eyes, his own narrow slightly with a faint, cocky grin on his lips. "Chill. I'm on lunch break."
"Lunch break."
"That's right. Call me in if you don't believe me. Or maybe you'd just as soon kick me out before I head for the cash register."
"I didn't say that."
"You didn't have to." Alec's eyes give off a spark, his shoulders kept square and steady. "But unless my instincts prove me wrong... this mechanic behind me will vouch for my incredible integrity."
"Incredible?"
"Well... modesty was never my strong point." Alec turns back around to Ryan, slinging an arm around her shoulders. "I got half an hour, babe. We gonna spend it staring into a greasy engine, or out in the sunshine?"
Leo gives little laugh and shakes his head. "Pizza's not necessary, but always welcome. No olives." He grins and accepts the address. "Got it. I'll come on over after work then."
Looking back at Cassy, he remembers her from a year ago. She looked a little different now, but not too much. She was still as pretty as she had been then. Maybe prettier. And despite the rough time, there was still life behind her eyes.
"Guess I'll... see you later."
Sparky had been staring into nothingness when the sound of Faith's voice snaps him to attention. Looking quickly to her bed, his eyes widen. His guitar is immediately left on the window seat as he goes to her side, taking her hand.
"You're awake," he breathes. "Thank God you're awake."
Sinking down in a chair next to her bed, he still holds her hand, his free hand reaching up to come through her hair. "I knew you could do it," he whispers. Swallowing hard, he holds back the tears that were in his eyes. Now his prayer was that this was not a horrid last moment, but a first moment of many to come.
"Scared the tar out of me anyway," he teases quietly.
Setting his menu aside, he gives a little sigh, playing with his fork. He was glad he was sitting on this side of the table... had he been on the opposite, his blind eye would have been towards the door and he'd gotten used to making sure he could see all he needed to in order to not be cornered unknowingly.
"I don't know," he admits a little more honestly. "I'm alright I guess. Sorry I haven't been around. I've just been.... taking pictures a lot. I should be out looking for another job but... haven't been motivated I guess."
Rubbing his forehead, he wishes to be rid of his headache. "Nightmares keep me up most nights, but other than that... I'm fine. You?"
"Maybe I was waiting to see how many times you'd show up to try and see me," Alec counters.
Axel is still watching, a bit uncomfortable with this whole thing, and he clears his throat. "I believe it's Alec Banks, right?"
Alec straightens and turns to Axel a bit coolly. "That's right." He cocks his head. "Oh yeah. You were here that night."
"I was." Axel was out of the loop, so even more suspicious. "How'd you get here?"
"What? You think I stole a car or something?" Alec holds up his hands. "I didn't. I swear. Never steal cars. Well..." He pauses. "Not unless it's absolutely necessary." Seeing the wary look in Axel's eyes, his own narrow slightly with a faint, cocky grin on his lips. "Chill. I'm on lunch break."
"Lunch break."
"That's right. Call me in if you don't believe me. Or maybe you'd just as soon kick me out before I head for the cash register."
"I didn't say that."
"You didn't have to." Alec's eyes give off a spark, his shoulders kept square and steady. "But unless my instincts prove me wrong... this mechanic behind me will vouch for my incredible integrity."
"Incredible?"
"Well... modesty was never my strong point." Alec turns back around to Ryan, slinging an arm around her shoulders. "I got half an hour, babe. We gonna spend it staring into a greasy engine, or out in the sunshine?"
Leo gives little laugh and shakes his head. "Pizza's not necessary, but always welcome. No olives." He grins and accepts the address. "Got it. I'll come on over after work then."
Looking back at Cassy, he remembers her from a year ago. She looked a little different now, but not too much. She was still as pretty as she had been then. Maybe prettier. And despite the rough time, there was still life behind her eyes.
"Guess I'll... see you later."
Sparky had been staring into nothingness when the sound of Faith's voice snaps him to attention. Looking quickly to her bed, his eyes widen. His guitar is immediately left on the window seat as he goes to her side, taking her hand.
"You're awake," he breathes. "Thank God you're awake."
Sinking down in a chair next to her bed, he still holds her hand, his free hand reaching up to come through her hair. "I knew you could do it," he whispers. Swallowing hard, he holds back the tears that were in his eyes. Now his prayer was that this was not a horrid last moment, but a first moment of many to come.
"Scared the tar out of me anyway," he teases quietly.
Calming
Giving a smile to Scott as he gives her a kiss and moves to the seat across from her Hope gives a little shake of her head.
"Nope, not yet was just waiting for you to make sure you were gonna be here first."
Taking note his contacts were in Hope normally would have no objection to that he looked good without his glasses, but at this point in time with his eye covered up she couldn't help but worry just a little.
Glancing over the menu Hope looks for something to order. She didn't know what she wanted or was even in the mood for. Salad, a burger, steak, maybe a wrap looked kind of good. Finally deciding what she felt like having she looked up at Scott giving a smile.
"So, how have you been? Over the last ten days the only time I saw you was when you packed your stuff up at TJY. Holding up ok and dealing with everything good?"
Continuing to work on the car Ryan has no idea anyone had come up behind her as she worked. Not to mention her mind was to far away thinking about many other things to even really considerate on who was around her.
Hearing the voice behind her Ryan is pulled from where her mind had been wondering only to let a grin pass on her lips. straightening and holding her wrench in her hand looking over her shoulder slightly.
"Maybe I was just waiting to see how long it would take you to come here, since every time I tried to see you, you were busy."
Cassy's smile grows a little happy Leo was willing to help. Everyone who she had planned on helping her ended up ditching so it really was nice he said yes.
"Great. I have everything in the moving truck outside my soon to be studio so it wont be to hard. I'll even order a pizza as an extra thank you."
Giving another smile Cassy goes into her purse and pulls out a peace of paper. Moving to the counter she jots down the address and hands it to Leo.
"Its on the corner of Lake st, and Church. Its a pretty big building you can't miss it. I'll be waiting outside for you. Thank you so much again Leo. I really appreciate it."
Letting out a sigh and looking at JT Bree nods. She was thankful she was safe, her and and Uncle and soon to be Gunner to. but a part of her heart was still broken to think anyone's parents could do this. Bree with she had known what her mother was like before when she was a kid. And her dad she couldn't help but wonder if he had always been like this too. Much wonder layed in her eyes but thats all it was. Questions that never would be answered and feelings that would always linger.
Pushing her sandwich away Bree didn't want anymore. She'd had a little but she just didnt feel all that hungry.
"So...what did u want to do today?"
Thirteen gives a small she of her head. She new she was doing great with all the people and she was handling herself well but...she just wanted something different.
Going back over to the small table by the wall she sits down again with a long sigh.
"I know he likes me out there, but...I hate being around all those people I don't know. I just feel...I like to cook now that I know how and I like that more. I'll ask him when he gets back, and hope he says yes."
Thirteen gives another smile her eyes giving a little glisten that she really was excited about talking to Carson about this. It would be something new, something she would like more, and something she was actually taking an interest in on her own.
In the dark clouds of a mind, stuck between life and death a darkness rains. Wondering, searching looking for a light, any light. If it was to lead to life than it was right, if it was to lead to the eternal life, than it was good.
No light came to fill the darkness, maybe because one was holding on to tight to something they went ready to leave behind. Than a soft sound seemed to break through the darkness....music, the sound of a lullaby so sweet, so pure, a love being expressed through the words, and that voice the voice that seemed to beckon, that seemed to call for the darkness to break.
Opening her eyes slowly Faith lets the bright lights of the room. Taking them in she squints trying to remember where she was and why she was here. Moving her head to one side and seeing the mashens she was hooked up to, and Sparky she remembers. A smile spreads across her face. She had hurd him singing.
A smile spreads across Faith's lips and her voice is horse and raspy.
" I love it when you sing, its so calming."
Giving a smile and a nod to Eric Wendy was pleased herself Eric was eating. She liked help out more around the ranch, it made her feel good.
"That's mom's homemade soup so she will like to know you like it. Not to mention she wont come over here and kill you."
Wendy was happy Eric was going to be ok. For a little while it had gotten hairy there and it worried even her, but now some of his color was coming back, and eating in itself was a good thing.
"Nope, not yet was just waiting for you to make sure you were gonna be here first."
Taking note his contacts were in Hope normally would have no objection to that he looked good without his glasses, but at this point in time with his eye covered up she couldn't help but worry just a little.
Glancing over the menu Hope looks for something to order. She didn't know what she wanted or was even in the mood for. Salad, a burger, steak, maybe a wrap looked kind of good. Finally deciding what she felt like having she looked up at Scott giving a smile.
"So, how have you been? Over the last ten days the only time I saw you was when you packed your stuff up at TJY. Holding up ok and dealing with everything good?"
Continuing to work on the car Ryan has no idea anyone had come up behind her as she worked. Not to mention her mind was to far away thinking about many other things to even really considerate on who was around her.
Hearing the voice behind her Ryan is pulled from where her mind had been wondering only to let a grin pass on her lips. straightening and holding her wrench in her hand looking over her shoulder slightly.
"Maybe I was just waiting to see how long it would take you to come here, since every time I tried to see you, you were busy."
Cassy's smile grows a little happy Leo was willing to help. Everyone who she had planned on helping her ended up ditching so it really was nice he said yes.
"Great. I have everything in the moving truck outside my soon to be studio so it wont be to hard. I'll even order a pizza as an extra thank you."
Giving another smile Cassy goes into her purse and pulls out a peace of paper. Moving to the counter she jots down the address and hands it to Leo.
"Its on the corner of Lake st, and Church. Its a pretty big building you can't miss it. I'll be waiting outside for you. Thank you so much again Leo. I really appreciate it."
Letting out a sigh and looking at JT Bree nods. She was thankful she was safe, her and and Uncle and soon to be Gunner to. but a part of her heart was still broken to think anyone's parents could do this. Bree with she had known what her mother was like before when she was a kid. And her dad she couldn't help but wonder if he had always been like this too. Much wonder layed in her eyes but thats all it was. Questions that never would be answered and feelings that would always linger.
Pushing her sandwich away Bree didn't want anymore. She'd had a little but she just didnt feel all that hungry.
"So...what did u want to do today?"
Thirteen gives a small she of her head. She new she was doing great with all the people and she was handling herself well but...she just wanted something different.
Going back over to the small table by the wall she sits down again with a long sigh.
"I know he likes me out there, but...I hate being around all those people I don't know. I just feel...I like to cook now that I know how and I like that more. I'll ask him when he gets back, and hope he says yes."
Thirteen gives another smile her eyes giving a little glisten that she really was excited about talking to Carson about this. It would be something new, something she would like more, and something she was actually taking an interest in on her own.
In the dark clouds of a mind, stuck between life and death a darkness rains. Wondering, searching looking for a light, any light. If it was to lead to life than it was right, if it was to lead to the eternal life, than it was good.
No light came to fill the darkness, maybe because one was holding on to tight to something they went ready to leave behind. Than a soft sound seemed to break through the darkness....music, the sound of a lullaby so sweet, so pure, a love being expressed through the words, and that voice the voice that seemed to beckon, that seemed to call for the darkness to break.
Opening her eyes slowly Faith lets the bright lights of the room. Taking them in she squints trying to remember where she was and why she was here. Moving her head to one side and seeing the mashens she was hooked up to, and Sparky she remembers. A smile spreads across her face. She had hurd him singing.
A smile spreads across Faith's lips and her voice is horse and raspy.
" I love it when you sing, its so calming."
Giving a smile and a nod to Eric Wendy was pleased herself Eric was eating. She liked help out more around the ranch, it made her feel good.
"That's mom's homemade soup so she will like to know you like it. Not to mention she wont come over here and kill you."
Wendy was happy Eric was going to be ok. For a little while it had gotten hairy there and it worried even her, but now some of his color was coming back, and eating in itself was a good thing.
Offended
"Okay, sounds good." Scott really wasn't paying a whole lot of attention, but he'd caught what Hope had said. "I'll meet you there in about half an hour, okay?"
Bringing the call to an end, he sets the phone aside, still absorbed in his photo project. Only Domino's bark to be let outside a while later reminded him that he needed to go.
Getting to the restaurant, he was a few minutes late and he finds Hope already there. Wandering over to the table, he leans down to give her a quick kiss before sitting across from her. "Hi. Sorry I'm late." He had his contacts in today, with one to cover his blind eye... proof he was hiding from the world again. "Did you order yet?"
Axel lifts an eyebrow, a little surprised and annoyed at Ryan's sharp remark, but after she continues, he decides to let it slide this time. Her change of subject made it apparent that she didn't want anything to do with deeper topics right now.
"Jess is good. We spend a lot of time together, even if we have to do it at band practice. The guys love her though so we have fun." His voice trails off as movement in the window catches his eye. Had someone just walked by? Odd. His question was answered though as a shadow appears from the open garage door behind the car Ryan was working on. Axel eyes the man with mixed emotions, wondering at his presence.Wasn't he supposed to be in Elite custody?
Alec wanders into the garage and catches Axel's eye, putting a finger to his lips to keep him quiet. Ambling up behind Ryan, he looks over her shoulder into the engine. "This heap of metal is what's kept you from visiting me? I'm offended."
Leo is a little surprised that Cassy had come to him for this kind of help. But then, sometimes it was hard getting a hold of friends to do things like this. He shrugs then nods. "Yeah... yeah, I could swing by to give you a hand. I don't have anything going on tonight... I get off about six, if you wanna tell me where to be."
JT sighs a little, then shakes his head. "No... no, I don't think your parents will try anything again. First off, if they do, we're legally safe now - nothing can happen. And two, David and Angelica are digging enough that once the truth is out in the open, the situation will be resolved."
He shrugs lamely. "People do crazy things in the name of money, Bree. Your mother... she wasn't always like this. But once she got into money... she changed. I don't even know who she is anymore. But you don't have to worry, okay? From here on out, we're safe. We did it the right way this time."
Ryder chuckles at Thirteen. "I don't know - Carson's pretty picky about his kitchen. You can ask him when he gets back though, if you want. Can't hurt. I know he's happy with how you've been handling customers though. But maybe he'd let you spend a little more time back here at least."
Sparky sits on the deep window sill of the hospital room, his back leaning back against the cold glass as rain pelts against it. It had been raining for three days straight and now matched his spirits. They were approaching two weeks... two weeks that Faith had been in a coma. No family. No one to make decisions. And the doctors were already hinting at the possibility of taking her off life support. They'd removed all of the tumor - so on one hand, the operation had been a success. But the downside was that as a result, Faith had lapsed into a coma soon after the surgery. Sparky had told her he'd see her again... and he had yet to see her eyes after they'd disappeared behind the O.R. doors. She was still... and peaceful. But so very quiet.
Sparky had not yet returned to the ranch. Others had made sure he had clean clothes and anything else he needed, while he'd spent his days and nights between the chair Faith's room and the couch in the waiting room. A prayer was constantly on his mind, running over and over and over. Please, I beg you to not let me lose her now. Don't deprive me of the love you just so recently put before me... but your will be done.
Fingering the neck of his guitar, he picks out a soft tune, the melody filling the room with mellow tones. The songs of choice had varied... usually it was just the music and him remaining silent or humming along. Once in a while he would sing softly. Today a song was on his tongue - one that had been on his heart for a while now, and on paper less than twenty-four hours.
Love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
Calling me a fool,
The world thinks I'm crazy.
Maybe they are right.
I'm crazy over you.
Oh, they don't see what I see,
A heart that's pure and true.
Oh, they don't hear what I hear,
The love in your voice.
So love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
They just can't see past their,
Fenced in little world.
They don't seem to listen,
To the inside of a man.
Oh, they don't see what I see,
A spirit free and soaring.
Oh, they don't feel what I feel,
A heart that's beating strong.
Love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
Miracles don't happen,
At least that's what I thought.
Then God sent me an angel,
To open up my heart.
They tell me to walk away.
They tell me to just forget it.
They tell me I'm being foolish.
But I have chosen.
I have chosen.
Forever and a day.
Love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
The notes slowly die away and Sparky is still looking over to Faith's quiet form. Leaning on his guitar, he takes a deep breath and lets it out in a sigh. Forever... he didn't want it to end so quickly. He didn't want to have to wait until death for forever to begin. But the more hours that went by, the closer they were to saying goodbye.
Eric takes a sip of soup after blowing on his spoon. "Mmm." He smiles at Wendy in thanks for her bringing him his lunch. He couldn't believe how long he'd been cooped up in this bunk house, but it was better than what the alternative could have been.
His infection had worsened to the point where Angel and Jim were ready to take him to the hospital, but only by the grace of God had his fever begun to lessen. It had been a severe enough condition that he'd been unable to even sit up for days, but slowly, so slowly, the infection had begun to dissolve. Being able to sit up now and actually have lunch for the third day in a row was a treat, though the color in his face hadn't quite returned yet. He didn't remember a whole lot about this last week or so, but he was told that he'd come awfully close to what no one wanted to think about.
"Thank you, Wendy." The chicken soup hit the spot. "You can tell your mom I was a good boy and ate something." He winks at her. "Then neither of us will get into trouble."
Bringing the call to an end, he sets the phone aside, still absorbed in his photo project. Only Domino's bark to be let outside a while later reminded him that he needed to go.
Getting to the restaurant, he was a few minutes late and he finds Hope already there. Wandering over to the table, he leans down to give her a quick kiss before sitting across from her. "Hi. Sorry I'm late." He had his contacts in today, with one to cover his blind eye... proof he was hiding from the world again. "Did you order yet?"
Axel lifts an eyebrow, a little surprised and annoyed at Ryan's sharp remark, but after she continues, he decides to let it slide this time. Her change of subject made it apparent that she didn't want anything to do with deeper topics right now.
"Jess is good. We spend a lot of time together, even if we have to do it at band practice. The guys love her though so we have fun." His voice trails off as movement in the window catches his eye. Had someone just walked by? Odd. His question was answered though as a shadow appears from the open garage door behind the car Ryan was working on. Axel eyes the man with mixed emotions, wondering at his presence.Wasn't he supposed to be in Elite custody?
Alec wanders into the garage and catches Axel's eye, putting a finger to his lips to keep him quiet. Ambling up behind Ryan, he looks over her shoulder into the engine. "This heap of metal is what's kept you from visiting me? I'm offended."
Leo is a little surprised that Cassy had come to him for this kind of help. But then, sometimes it was hard getting a hold of friends to do things like this. He shrugs then nods. "Yeah... yeah, I could swing by to give you a hand. I don't have anything going on tonight... I get off about six, if you wanna tell me where to be."
JT sighs a little, then shakes his head. "No... no, I don't think your parents will try anything again. First off, if they do, we're legally safe now - nothing can happen. And two, David and Angelica are digging enough that once the truth is out in the open, the situation will be resolved."
He shrugs lamely. "People do crazy things in the name of money, Bree. Your mother... she wasn't always like this. But once she got into money... she changed. I don't even know who she is anymore. But you don't have to worry, okay? From here on out, we're safe. We did it the right way this time."
Ryder chuckles at Thirteen. "I don't know - Carson's pretty picky about his kitchen. You can ask him when he gets back though, if you want. Can't hurt. I know he's happy with how you've been handling customers though. But maybe he'd let you spend a little more time back here at least."
Sparky sits on the deep window sill of the hospital room, his back leaning back against the cold glass as rain pelts against it. It had been raining for three days straight and now matched his spirits. They were approaching two weeks... two weeks that Faith had been in a coma. No family. No one to make decisions. And the doctors were already hinting at the possibility of taking her off life support. They'd removed all of the tumor - so on one hand, the operation had been a success. But the downside was that as a result, Faith had lapsed into a coma soon after the surgery. Sparky had told her he'd see her again... and he had yet to see her eyes after they'd disappeared behind the O.R. doors. She was still... and peaceful. But so very quiet.
Sparky had not yet returned to the ranch. Others had made sure he had clean clothes and anything else he needed, while he'd spent his days and nights between the chair Faith's room and the couch in the waiting room. A prayer was constantly on his mind, running over and over and over. Please, I beg you to not let me lose her now. Don't deprive me of the love you just so recently put before me... but your will be done.
Fingering the neck of his guitar, he picks out a soft tune, the melody filling the room with mellow tones. The songs of choice had varied... usually it was just the music and him remaining silent or humming along. Once in a while he would sing softly. Today a song was on his tongue - one that had been on his heart for a while now, and on paper less than twenty-four hours.
Love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
Calling me a fool,
The world thinks I'm crazy.
Maybe they are right.
I'm crazy over you.
Oh, they don't see what I see,
A heart that's pure and true.
Oh, they don't hear what I hear,
The love in your voice.
So love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
They just can't see past their,
Fenced in little world.
They don't seem to listen,
To the inside of a man.
Oh, they don't see what I see,
A spirit free and soaring.
Oh, they don't feel what I feel,
A heart that's beating strong.
Love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
Miracles don't happen,
At least that's what I thought.
Then God sent me an angel,
To open up my heart.
They tell me to walk away.
They tell me to just forget it.
They tell me I'm being foolish.
But I have chosen.
I have chosen.
Forever and a day.
Love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
The notes slowly die away and Sparky is still looking over to Faith's quiet form. Leaning on his guitar, he takes a deep breath and lets it out in a sigh. Forever... he didn't want it to end so quickly. He didn't want to have to wait until death for forever to begin. But the more hours that went by, the closer they were to saying goodbye.
Eric takes a sip of soup after blowing on his spoon. "Mmm." He smiles at Wendy in thanks for her bringing him his lunch. He couldn't believe how long he'd been cooped up in this bunk house, but it was better than what the alternative could have been.
His infection had worsened to the point where Angel and Jim were ready to take him to the hospital, but only by the grace of God had his fever begun to lessen. It had been a severe enough condition that he'd been unable to even sit up for days, but slowly, so slowly, the infection had begun to dissolve. Being able to sit up now and actually have lunch for the third day in a row was a treat, though the color in his face hadn't quite returned yet. He didn't remember a whole lot about this last week or so, but he was told that he'd come awfully close to what no one wanted to think about.
"Thank you, Wendy." The chicken soup hit the spot. "You can tell your mom I was a good boy and ate something." He winks at her. "Then neither of us will get into trouble."
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