Speedbump

Though surprised, Leo can feel his pulse quicken as Ryan's first words sink in. What he wouldn't have given not all that long ago to hear those words. He'd tried so hard for ages to just get Ryan's attention... when he'd finally had her, he felt like he was in seventh heaven.

But he had someone else now... and he knew in his heart that it was right. He couldn't help it that right now, feelings for Ryan lingered. But they were slowly, slowly dissolving. The hole in his heart was being filled by someone who understood him so much more than Ryan ever could. If it weren't for Cassy, would he take Ryan back now? He'd vowed at one time that he never would. But maybe it was best he didn't try to even answer that question.

Hearing that Alec hadn't called her, Leo understands more now, where Ryan's feelings were coming from. He felt badly, but surely something like this wouldn't mean that she and Alec would break up... did it?

Having been staring at the car, he now turns his head to study Ryan's face, looking into one eye then the other. Taking a deep breath, he lets it out slowly. What could he say? She'd certainly made him feel good, in a way, but saying thank you wasn't appropriate. Nor was saying sure, take me back.

Wandering a few steps closer to her, he thinks before speaking carefully. "You didn't make the wrong choice, Ryan. You wouldn't think so either if you'd heard from Alec, so don't let his thickheadedness make you think you chose poorly. You and Alec, you're..." He fishes for the right word. "Kindred spirits. What would you and I do?"

He grins a little. "Our weekends would be spent with you at the races and me down at the dance studio. The important things in our lives are just... different. You wouldn't need me at the races - I make a good speedbump, but that's about it. And you don't care at all for the stage scene. It would only end in frustration."

Leaning back against the car, he keeps his eyes on her. "You're pretty and smart and you don't let anything stand in your way. You're bullheaded, rough and tumble and you can take on any guy you want. What am I supposed to do? Stand on the sidelines and cheer you on?" He shakes his head. "Alec's the kind of guy who will jump right into that fight ring with you - stand back to back with you take out anyone who dares threaten you." He rubs his jaw, a twinkle coming to his eye. "And he can do it, too."

Letting out another little sigh, Leo purses his lips, forcing another small smile. Maybe he was trying to convince himself as much as her and that's why he'd become long-winded. "I'm... glad to know that you see value in me. At one point, I didn't think you did or ever would, and it hurt. But... just because you see it now, doesn't mean you can compare me with Alec. We're two totally different people and... I don't want him to disappoint you, but I do know that whatever happens, you will find happiness someday... you're too stubborn not to."

Spotting a little smudge of grease on Ryan's cheek, he chuckles and straightens to reach up with his thumb to rub it away. "I'm a homebody, Ryan... you need to run... go... stretch yourself beyond the small town boundary. You've got a drive for adventure that I never will have. I wish I did - I really do. But... I don't. But Alec does. I see it. Don't let regrets get in the way of what you really want. We've all learned some hard lessons lately but... if anyone can come out on top, it's you."

Continuing to search her eyes, he nods. "Maybe you haven't heard from him because he's being a jerk. Or maybe the Elite's got him grounded for staying out too late. You don't even know why he hasn't called, so don't throw it all away yet... I know you don't want to."


Mmm... better make it half an hour. Any sooner and I'd think the pizza wasn't cooked.

Jason lets some humor slip through the cracks.

I'll be waiting for you. Maybe I'll see if there's any movies on tv. Nothing loud - don't wanna disrupt Destiny, but maybe enough to entertain us for a while.

He grins.

Not that we couldn't find something to entertain ourselves, but I wouldn't want us getting in trouble over here.

Wrong

Giving another laugh at Leo's comment to his wires being loose Ryan shakes her head tighting another bolt. Maybe Leo was a little crazy, but thats ok almost everyone that worked here was as well in one form or another. It was nice that way though, they all had there quirk and it seemed to fit just right!

"Yeah he does get clean happy, specially when its someone else work bench."

Shaking her head Ryan continues to work figuring Leo would be leaving now but resizing he stopped right by the car she had been working on she looks up at him for a moment still bent over the engine. It almost looked like he wanted to ask something so Ryan just waits.

Hearing his question if everything was ok, Ryan looks down at what she was working on again. Thinking for a long moment Ryan lets out a sigh as she works on the engin again not looking up at Leo. She was slightly embarrassed and it was odd for her to ever admit what she would next.

"Leo, I think I made the wrong choose and now I'm paying for it. I care about Alec a lot, but I still think I made the wrong choose."

Ryan finally looks up again and stands straight closing the hood of the car she as working on. Walking over to her work bench and putting down her wrench she turns around and cross her arms over her chest. The term oil in her eyes, and it was easy to see she was hurting.

"He hasn't called me since I yelled at you guys. I've not heard anything wrong him. Not a call, not a text, nothing. Maybe he doesn't care as much as I though and me yelling at him pushed him to far."

Sitting home Thirteen was gone again with Ryder still at the hospital flipping through the TV channels. Being able to talk to Jason without a phone came in handy sometimes even when they were far away.

I hope she is feeling better tomorrow. I feel bad for her, I couldn't imagine how she must feel.

Letting her smile widen as she hears Jason's plan of her coming over Katie can't help but feel that little warm glow inside of her. Pulling on Jason's own emotions to repay the feelings. But its all to soon interrupted but the rum baling of her stomach.

I'm hungry too, I'm lonely, no one is home...I think I will come and see you with pizza in hand. See you in fifteen?

Sigh

Leo quirks an eyebrow and pauses his rummaging. Ryan didn't have a date? Nor one the day before? That was odd. Come to think of it, he didn't think he'd seen her on her phone at all today either. Were she and Alec on the outs? Or was he just in trouble again?

Ryan's comment about her and Eli makes Leo laugh. "I've got a few loose wires up top, but not that many."

Finally finding his scribbled note, he holds it up in triumph. "This is what I'm doing here. Figured if I waited until tomorrow, it mighta gotten even more lost or thrown away. You know how Ron's always 'cleaning' things up."

Ambling with the intention of heading back out again, Leo stops by the car Ryan was working on, and runs his hand on the edge for a moment. Looking over to her, he eyes her with curiosity. Something just felt a little... off. She hadn't said anything was wrong, and she'd laughed and smiled all day but...

He cocks his head inquisitively. "Everything okay?"


Alec stands in the middle of the tiny apartment, his eyes circling from one corner to the other and back again. It was quiet. Still.

His backpack slides off his shoulder and onto the floor. There was one long room that would serve as both living room and bedroom, one small bathroom with a shower, and a tiny kitchen. It was almost exactly like Gage's, that was only a couple doors down.

Reese, or rather, the Elite, had supplied Alec with an air mattress, pillow and a couple of blankets. He had a small allowance... enough to get by with the bare necessities until he got a job.

This was better than the lower level of TJY... right?

Alec tries to convince himself it was. In no time, he's got the mattress aired up, his few clothes in one corner and... he looks around. That was about it.

Flopping down, he digs out his tennis ball and tosses it against the wall beside the window. After a few throws, he gets up and stares out the glass onto the front lawn, parking lot and street. And for a moment... he wishes he were back with the Agency. No place of his own, but he'd felt like he belonged. And right at this point in time, he didn't feel like he belonged to anything at all.

Sighing, he goes to the kitchen and scrounges around, finding just a few utensils - everything was clean... he imagined someone had brought them before he and Reese came. By the little ribbon on the silverware, he would guess it to be Susanne.

Finding a little jar that looked like it had been there and forgotten for at least a year, he unscrews the lid and digs in his pocket to pull out a thick roll of cash. Depositing it in the jar, he puts it back in the cupboard. It was just as well that Reese didn't know he had that.

After a little while longer of wandering around in circles, Alec finally heads outside to go for a walk. He needed to do laundry sometime... he was short one set of clothes that were still over at Ryan's, as far as he knew. He sighs. Ryan.


Jason watches Destiny as she leaves, pauses in the living room, then goes back to her bedroom. He'd tried... maybe tomorrow would be better for her. He could only hope.

Miss you tonight...

He wanders back to the couch after having found nothing for supper.

I wouldn't call the police if you wanted to stop by... maybe with a pizza for company... I think Destiny's finished for the night and all I'm doing is staring at a still security monitor.


Chance leans his head against the jet window, closing his eyes. The flight wouldn't be long, but if he could doze, it would go even faster. His mind, however, wouldn't let him sleep. What was he supposed to do, once he got home? If he did nothing, he had lost his freedom. Yet he had no job now. If he did anything with the Underground, he would be caught. He wasn't sure who Reese or Toby would have tailing him, but he knew they'd be there somewhere. Maybe this was worse than jail. And maybe that was Reese's whole point.

The plane touches down at the airport. An Elite vehicle comes. Chance is taken to his apartment. It felt dark and lonely tonight. It had never felt that way before.

After making himself some tea, he goes to the living room to sort through a pile of mail. He leaves it, and his half-finished tea with disinterest though, and wanders to his bedroom where he lies down, sore and miserable. To top it off, he'd lost his necklace... the one with the tiny silver starfish he'd picked up for good luck somewhere along the way - how appropriate.

And the one thing he didn't want to think about tonight, continued to cloud his mind: Destiny. He'd seen pain today... a pain that ultimately the Underground had caused, though he had contributed. The Underground wasn't supposed to be that way though... at least he hadn't thought so. It was supposed to be clean cut. Those they killed were only the ones who deserved it. But... did others have families left behind like Destiny had been?

Chance rolls over and winces, forgetting about the sore spot on his ribs from one of Jason's punches. It was going to be a long night.

Couldnt help

Working quietly Ryan had her ear phones in just drowning herself in music and work. Alec still hadn't called, Eli was going to be working late she might as well work late to catching up on the few days she had missed in the last week.

Hearing Leo's voice break through her mind it doesn't scare Ryan but it does cause her to jump a little as she had been lost in a whole another world. Looking up she gives a small smile and than raises her eyebrow for a moment wondering why Leo was here.

"No...no hot date tonight, non last night either unless you consider eating dinner with my brother a Hot date but if you do than your really messed up."

Looking down at her car again Ryan tinkers with a few things, tighting this and than thighting that before looking up at Leo again as he roots around his desk.

"What are you doing here so late? Kinda surprised to see you....not that I mind."



Giving a nod Dalton watchs the young man he had seemed to form a friendhsip with. He'd come a long way since he first got here, and Dalton was proud to see him going out on his own now. He always felt that way though, maybe it was the soft spot he had in his heart for those in need, or should have a second chance.

"I can do that. If you ever in the area and even if your not and need some mountain dew you know where to find it."

Dalton didn't mind being there for Alec if he ever needed someone and he new he was smart enough to know thats what he was talking about without saying it. It was hard to find a place in the hulks heart, but once you were there it was even harder to get out.

Taking a sip of her water Destiny listens to Jason. He was there for her, and if she needed to talk he would listen. It was nice to know he was there but it didn't make her feel better and she still felt alone. The dark cloud over her heart something Destiny wasn't sure to but couldn't shake.

"Ok, thanks Jason."

Taking the water bottle and going into the living room Destiny looks around for a moment. Images of Chance flash in her mind. How the laughed the first day with the sour patch kids, how they few to liking each other, the tickle war and the first time they kissed. It was hard to face these memories and it hurt even more.

Catching sigh of something on the floor Destiny goes over to the couch and bends down. Picking it up and seeing it was the necklace Chance always wore she could only assume the struggle with Jason.

Just holding it for a long moment Destiny remembers when she had asked Chance about it once. It seemed important to him though he wasn't sure why. There was never a day though Destiny had seen him without it. Unclasping it Destiny puts it around he neck clasping it again and letting it fall under her shirt before standing up again.

Looking around the room and letting out a long sigh Destiny heads back down the hallway and to her room shutting the door behind her. Everything was fresh still, her mind still processing everything and miss those she loved more than she had before. Being alone...was the best thing right now.

Getting onto her bed again Destiny lays down taking her pillow once more. So many things flowed through her mind with feelings she'd never felt before. They all confused her and just made her feel worse.

Standing and getting out of bed Destiny goes to the window and looks out. The sky look cloudy almost like it was going to rain it just seemed to match the mood. Destiny couldnt help but wonder where Chance was.

After dark

"Well thanks anyway." Alec gives Dalton a quirky grin. "I guess you're one of the few who actually put up with me."

Glancing at the wall clock, he stands from the desk. "I suppose I ought to go throw my things in a bag. They might give the newbie the downstairs since I'll be gone."

He pauses before he reaches the door, and turns around again. "I'm sure it'll be a while before I get a job, and... I'm sure Reese will want me reporting back here all the time so... if you ever need help with something again..." He shrugs. "Let me know."


As Destiny emerges from the bedroom, Jason is relieved that she was at least up and moving around, though the look in her eye drove a stake through his heart. Even though she'd been brought here under horrific circumstances, there had still be life there... still a drive to beat the odds and move on. But not tonight. Tonight, that light was gone. Perhaps her relationship with Chance really had been much more than anyone knew.

Following her slowly to the kitchen, he leans on the doorway and nods. "Yeah..." He was ready to say, "most of the time," or "for now," but seeing her like this... he knew that he would request of Reese to let him stay on this job as long as it took. Destiny deserved to have someone consistent - not being tossed around from bodyguard to bodyguard. "Yeah, looks like you're stuck with me."

He offers her a smile, though he knew it wouldn't help matters much. He just wanted so badly to have the right words to say.

"Destiny, I..." He pauses, his eyes going down, then back up again. Be yourself. "I'm sorry... for everything. You came to the Elite for help and... we didn't do a good enough job. I know that unfortunately, there's nothing we can say or do... no compensation that will ever make up for this whole thing. But... for what it's worth..." He gives a slight shrug, just trying to be a friend. "...I'm here. If you need anything or want to talk or just... want silent company, I'm here."

Jason knew that she must feel horribly alone, and it just made him hurt for her all the more. Why he felt so strongly about her, he didn't know. Usually he did a pretty good job of separating his emotions from Elite jobs. But this just felt different.


It was after dark. Leo was coming from dinner with Cassy on his way home, but he'd written himself a note to remember while at work, and without it, he couldn't make the phone call that he needed to. So before going straight to his place, he takes the long way around to stop by the garage first.

Arriving, he's surprised to see Ryan's car parked out front. Odd. He didn't think she normally worked late.

Parking and slipping inside, he wanders through the front office and into the auto area where the lights were on. Spotting Ryan working, he heads her way, trying not to startle her.

"What? No hot date tonight?" he teases. "Or is this how you get the jump on the rest of us?"

Grinning, he hooks his keys to his pocket and aims for the tool bench were a bunch of paper scraps were. He'd written it here somewhere...

A post full of sadness again! What have we done!

Having a good time with her friends Ryan herself hates that they had to go back so soon. The laughing, joking around and just being with friends was nice and made work a little easier.

Heading out Ryan stops for a moment leaning on her car and looks at her cell phone. No missed called, no new messages still. Was this how it would end? Was this her own payback for what he had done to Leo? She's hurt him, now she was being hurt? Maybe she should just call Alec herself!

Shaking her head Ryan gets into her car and starts it up. Finally pulling out of the parking lot and heading back to the shop Ryan heads. She had more work to do today, and though she was going to be staying late tonight she did want to get done all she could to make up for a few missed days.

Letting out another sigh and leaning his head against the glass a little Nate was so tired, but he refused to go home. He couldnt leave right now he had to stay with his wife and child. He was getting a little sleep on and off, that would have to be good enough for now.

"Yeah coffee would be good. Thanks Con."

Just standing there for a long moment after his friend left Nate continues to watch his new born son. A tear rolling down his cheek. If something was to happen to either of them he'd never forgive himself.

Yeah I'll go check on Trooper. Give Wyatt a little beak on the brute. He always has such a hard time with him. Its kinda funny.

Katie sits at her desk the day almost over and really not being able to wait. She told Reese she would hold off on seeing her family and in a week or so when things calms down a little she would go. With Nate being out because of Laura, and other being tied up Katie though it was best for now.

Just be yourself, and listen if she needs to talk.

Still not moving from her bed Destiny looks up at the knock on her door followed by Jason's voice. She really wasn't ok, and she didn't want to talk but if she said that would Jason persuade here to do so? She didn't think he would but he was her friend after all so he'd want to make sure she was ok right?

Getting up slowly from the bed Destiny felt shaky but she new it was just from her own emotions. No matter what she though, or where she looked her thoughts were on Chance, or what had happened. Opening the door and looking out at Jason her eyes held dark circles and were puffy from crying. She didn't try to smile when she saw him.

"No, and I'm not that hungry. I am kind of thirsty though so I'll get a drink."

Moving past Jason and heading into the kitchen Destiny's walk was a slow one. She didn't say anything right away to Jason thought because she didn't know what to say really. But finally getting to the fridge and grabbing some water she lets out a sigh as a memorie of making Tea for passes through her mind.

"So your going to be watching me now?"

Shaking his head Dalton didn't need any thanks. Alec had been the one willing to help and he simply let him. Not to mention he kind of liked the guy and if keeping in here with him t do something kept him out of trouble than that was a pluse.

"You did it all on your own Alec. You decided to help me and not be a stick in the mud. I'm glad your going to have you own place now. You deserve it."

Dalton gives a little nod as he continues to study Alec. He couldn't help but wonder now that the young man was free would he ever see him again?

Celebrating alone

Hearing Nate speak, Con takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly and quietly. He hadn't quite caught everything Nate said, but he'd heard enough. Part of him blamed Nate as well. Con had known that Laura didn't feel ready for this, and he also knew that Nate had been more than enthusiastic to start a family. It was none of Con's business - he knew that the whole thing was between the married couple. But he was still Laura's big brother and always would be. At the same time though, he was Nate's friend and couldn't imagine being in his shoes either.

Reaching over, he lays a hand on Nate's shoulder, giving it a firm pat, trying to offer some sort of encouragement. He could easily agree with Nate that it was his fault, but he refrains. Now wasn't the time.

"Laura's a fighter, Nate... she'll pull through. And this little one... he's a combination of the both of you... which means he's a fighter, too."

Withdrawing his hand, he folds his arms again, not knowing what else he could say. There really wasn't a whole lot he could say, come to think of it.

"I'm going to get a cup of coffee... want one?"


Jason keeps an eye on the clock, though he does wind up dozing once or twice. Eventually though, as darkness descends, his stomach starts to growl.
Which reminds me... would you make sure you or Wyatt go feed Trooper tonight? I don't think I'm going anywhere for a few days at least.

Getting up from the couch, he wanders to the kitchen to check out the refrigerator. Eventually though, he finds himself down the hall, tapping lightly on Destiny's door. He knew she was upset, but he still needed to make sure she was okay.

"Destiny? It's Jason... I'm gonna stay here with you a while. You doing alright? Want any supper?"

I'm so bad at this. I don't even know what to say to her.


Alec can't help a little laugh too as he flops back down in the chair. What would he do tonight?

"Well, I originally thought I'd have my girl over once I got my own place but looks like I'll be on my own for celebrating. Maybe I'll just sprawl out on the floor and enjoy a space bigger than that cell downstairs."

He stares into nothingness for a moment, wondering at his own feelings. It didn't seem quite as much fun without dragging Ryan along to be happy with him. But in reality, he was thrilled. He knew there would be rules and he knew that it wasn't necessarily going to be easy on his own without anything to give him a start. But - it was definitely better than staying here and maybe... maybe it really was a small slice of that freedom he was so fond of chasing.

Looking back to Dalton, another grin emerges. "I guess I owe you a thanks too for letting me help out - otherwise Reese might still think I was their mystery man."


Catching Ryan's eye, Leo's gaze was just a little bit sheepish. But how else could he have managed to buy Ryan's pizza as a sign of their truce without giving anyone the wrong impression?

"Wooee - nobody sit in Ryan's chair," Jed warns. "Apparently she takes it personally."

Miles whacks him on the head. "And that is no way to get on her good side."

Shuffling around at the table for a moment or two, Axel winds up next to Ryan with Leo across from her, and the other guys circling the end of the table as they admired Ron's new cell phone.

It was a fun lunch... the group didn't often do this, and generally speaking, they didn't hang out as a group much either, unless a few of them wound up at the races - though Axel never went. The group was just a little loud and just a little obnoxious, but not enough to get them into trouble, and the pizzas were devoured quite quickly

Too soon, it's time to head back to work, though several complained it was time for a nap instead. But knowing they needed to finish out the work day, they all head back to the shop again.

Wandering out to his car, Leo watches as the other guys take off first, while he takes his time, walking slowly. Unlocking the car door, the reflection in the window was of Ryan going to her car too. Life was funny sometimes.

A post full of sadness!

Shutting the door quietly behind him as he left Laura's room Nate just stands there for a long moment. His eyes were tired, black circles under them. Sleep had not come in a long time and blame on himself was the only thing that remained in his heart.

Wondering down the hall very slowly Nate comes to the glass windows where his newborn son was and Con was standing too. Quiet he looks in the window binging his hand to the glass. He hadnt even been able to hold him yet and he was still to fragel to the new world and it pained Nate's heart even more. Not looking away from the little bundle on the other side Nate gives a sigh and finally speaks.

"It's my fault Con. I should of talked about it with Laura, taken precautions, I should of taken responsibility enough to have talked with her. Now my son might not make it, and the woman I love more than anything is on the edge and there is nothing I can do but pray."

Nate was so talked some of his words he didn't even know he was speaking or maybe he did but what he was telling them to Con he didn't know. Maybe it was to try to bring his ownself comfort, or maybe the look in Con's eye told him everything that the blame really was on him, and he was trying to tell his friend, his brother in law sorry for not being able to protect his sister like he should of.

Hearing people moving around in the other room Destiny sits straight up as her heart starts to race. Voice, new voice...Chance...where was he. Looking around the room reality seemed to slap her in the face the the memories of what had happened early in the day played back in her mind. Hearing the voices again She could make out one of them as Jason's.

Bringing her knees close to her chest Destiny rests her head on them not moving from the bed. She didn't want to know what was going on or who was coming and going. For all she cared the Agency could storm in here now for her and she'd willingly go.

She new sooner or later Chance would of left and she would of been prepared for that but this...this was a totally different thing now and she felt like the last little bit of light she had left, now had gone out. Now...now she truly was alone.

Looking up as Reese comes into the office Dalton raises and eyebrow for a moment as he tells Alec to stand. He and Alec had just been messing around with some free time they had so he now wondered what was up.

Watching Reese as he takes the cuff off of Alec he and hears about the key to his apartment Dalton can't help the smile that passed over his lips. He was happy for Alec that he was finally got to have his own place.

Once Reese was gone and the bewildered look was on Alec's face Dalton couldn't help but laugh finally. Shaking his head he leans back in his chair a little bit putting his hands behind his head.

"Yes, yes, and yes. Told you helping me would get you on the boss good side. Congrats man. So what are you going to do with your first night of freedom?"

Giving a laugh and getting into her car Ryan pulls up right before Miles on one side, and waits for Leo to get on the other side. Waiting for the ready, and than the go Ryan squeals her tires before taking off leaving Leo behind. Keeping an eye out for cops Ryan speeds down the road making her way to the pizza box.

Not taking long with the high speed Ryan gets there quickly. Looking around and not seeing Leo's car she gives a little smile. Getting out thought and leaning on her own car for a moment she waits but its longer than expected and she can't help but worry about Leo for a moment. Figuring everything surly was ok Ryan heads inside to wait.

Looking up as the other enter the restraint Ryan gives a smile but seeing Leo still not here she worrys a little more but trys not to let it show to much as she jokes around with the other.

"Maybe this time I blew him to kingdom come?"

Stopping for a moment Ryan thinks before shaking her head and rolling her eyes at herself.

"Now that wouldn't be a good thing. Leo's the only good competition I got around work."

Ryan gives a smirk to the other guys knowing they would have something to say about that. But before anything else can be said, or even though about Leo entered. Giving a little sigh of releaf Ryan was happy to know he was ok after all.

"Hey Jed, sometimes the guy who finish in last place is the winner all along."

Turning and giving a small grin to Leo Ryan can't help the small twinkle that danced in her eye. In the back of her head she wondered if Leo hadn't lost on perpus though she wouldn't bring any attachen to it.

"Come on I already pulled an extra chair to the table, and saved a seat for the rest of you. So pick a spot and park it, just don't sit on the far inside on the right thats my spot and I'd hate to have to beat someone to a palp right here and now."

Putting her arm around Leo a little and giving his back a little pat Ryan chuckles before heading over to the table and sliding in. She was happy her friendship had returned with Leo, she missed it. She'd miss him.

Two pitchers of pop along with ice were already on the table along with a few menus for the crew to get there order started.

Did he...am I...

"Okay. Sounds good to me." Gage grins and leans over for one last kiss. "Thanks for spending time with me. I might go stir crazy otherwise."

Still smiling, he pries himself away and gets out of the car, waving and watching as Sapphire drives away. Then turning, he heads inside and up the two flights of stairs to his apartment. Once there, he kicks off his shoes and flops down on his mattress. But try as he might, sleep would not come. Lonny had helped him out, and it was great for being up and about, but now that he wanted to get some rest, he was still too wired.

Sighing, he rolls over and flips on the television to find some cheesy afternoon movie to watch. But by the time Sapphire would come later, he'd only dozed for for a short while.


"Ten seconds?" Leo scoffs. "You kidding? I don't need no ten seconds."

Going over to his own car, which was certainly no race car, he pats the hood lovingly. "Miles! Help us out."

Miles rolls his eyes, though grins and wanders to the edge of the parking lot. "Leo, why do you like to embarrass yourself?" he wonders aloud.

Once the two cars were facing the street, Miles looks both ways to make sure no traffic was coming, raises his arm, then lets it drop. Cringing at the squeal of tires, he stands still as both cars shoot around him. Coughing in the exhaust, he watches them zip down the street, noting that Ryan was already half a block ahead of Leo. He shakes his head and wanders back to the others. "Does Leo really think he has a chance?"

"No." Axel starts towards his own car. "He's just smarter than some people."

Miles furrows his brow and looks to Ron, then Jed, but only receives shrugging shoulders. "Why does he always have to be so cryptic?"

Jed laughs. "I'm too hungry to think about it. C'mon, you can ride with me."

It was only a short while later that the three man arrive at the Pizza Box to find Ryan already inside, with no sign of Leo. "You mean we even beat him?" Miles can't help his laughter. "So much for that race."

No sooner had he spoken, than Leo walks through the door, wearing a quiet grin.

"Leo!" Jed bows to him. "Congratulations on receiving last place. Somebody had to win it."

Leo just shakes his head, twirling his keys and stuffing them in his pocket. He'd made a turn not long after leaving the auto shop, making his drive longer than necessary. He holds up his palms, then lets him drop. "I guess that means I owe Ryan a pizza."


"Alec..." Reese enters Dalton's office, finding Alec at the second desk.

Alec looks up skeptically, tilting his head to down the rest of the Mountain Dew, to which he'd quickly become addicted after spending too much time in here. "What?"

"Stand up, please."

Alec rolls his eyes and stands. "What now? Do I get to go to the firing line?"

Reese doesn't answer, but instead, comes forward with a special key and kneels in front of Alec, lifting his pantleg to unlock the ankle bracelet. After a moment of working with it, it releases and Reese takes it, standing back up. "I have the key to your apartment," he informs. "When the day is over, come see me before I leave and I'll take you."

Alec blinks, stunned as Reese leaves the office. Turning to look at Dalton, his eyebrows are still raised. He'd gotten wind that Chance was their man for both the hacking and the murders, but he hadn't expected this kind of response. "Did he... am I... did that just happen?"


"Alright, Chance, come on."

Chance looks up in surprise as Reese comes into the room with Hal. He didn't know how long he'd been sitting there, but he was pretty sure it had been a couple of hours. What was going on now?

Hal uncuffs him. "Get up."

Chance does as he's told, squinting a little with his sore eyes.

Reese sighs deeply. "Hal will be taking you to the airport, where you will board an Elite jet and be flown back to Arizona."

Chance was sure there had to be more. "Then what?"

"Then you're free to go."

That was just too simple. "What's the catch?"

"Nothing." Reese shakes his head. "You're right. TJY started out undercover and as a vigilante group. Whether or not I agree with the Underground's methods, I owe you the same respect that I desired when defending myself for going around the law."

"So that's it? You just let me loose at risk of causing trouble?"

"We let you loose without the honor of the Elite to do as you please. But should we ever catch you involved with the Underground again, you will be arrested and taken to trial."

Chance studies Reese's eyes, feeling very uneasy about this whole thing. "You're going to track me, aren't you? You know I won't give up any more information, so you're gonna track me and hope that I lead you right to the Underground."

Reese doesn't reply, though it was as good as saying yes. "Hal, please escort him."

As Chance is being pushed to the door, his mind races. Reese was smart. He'd gotten out of drawn-out legal proceedings and had successfully cornered Chance - for if he stayed out of trouble, then that was good. And if he went to the Underground and was caught, that was good for the Elite too. For them, it was a win-win situation. And for Chance, he was being stripped of all dignity and left jobless to fend for himself. "What about my things?"

"They'll be on the plane with you," Hal informs.


Back at the safe house, it was Jason and Gunner who went through Chance's things, gathered them up and packed them, except for Chance's computer which would remain so that he couldn't retain any Elite information. Gunner was the one to meet the other team at the airport, and it was Jason who would remain here, at least for now.

Once Jason knows Gunner is on his way, and the security system had been double-checked, Jason settles down in the living room, stretching out on the couch, but the television remains silent. He had yet to see Destiny. He was sure she was still upset, but he wouldn't rouse her unless she didn't show up by bedtime.


Con stands at the long window, his arms folded as he looks through the glass at his little nephew who was struggling in his big new world. The wires and breathing tube made him look even smaller than he was as a nurse moved about the room, constantly checking on him.

On a different floor, Laura was also under constant watch, one minute stable, and the next surrounded by nurses, trying to keep her from leaving the world her son had just entered.

Con's jaw muscles tighten and relax, tighten and relax. It wasn't supposed to be like this. Laura had been scared from day one, and everyone had assured her that it would be a piece of cake. And now this. After an emergency delivery, now both Laura and the baby were in critical condition and Con had never felt so helpless. He'd always protected his little sister and now there was absolutely nothing he could do.

Warmth

Sapphire enjoyed the meal and having a nice time with Gage like always. Sapphire could see he was a little frigidity but she chalked it up to him being tired. Non the less she was happy to spend the time with him knowing soon it would come to an end.

Finally done with the meal and heading back to the car and than to Gage's apartment Sapphire didn't want there time to end either but she had to get back to work and she new Gage needed some sleep.

"Your right I would chew into you for now sleeping. Its not healthy."

Sapphire gives a little laugh and shakes her head a little bit her eyes giving a small twinkling in her eyes.

"I will call you around six so we can get together for dinner. Maybe I'll bring something over to cook at your place and we can just stay in and snuggle while its cooking."

Not paying much attachen to Chance's grumbling and really what he said from this point out Misty still heard it but just didn't reply. There really was no point in trying to get past his anger to penetrate something deeper. He was angry at the world and feeling sorry for himself nothing would go through that at this point.

Stopping at the door and turning at Chance's last comment Misty gives a nod. She didn't know if she would every see Destiny and depending on the mood or how everything was going she would tell her. Heading out the rest of the way Misty heads back to the infirmary.

Feeling Leo's arm go around her shoulder Ryan can feel the warmth that comes from it. It was the same warmth she had always felt from Leo. The one that said I'm here, I'm always here and I can if I am or not. Just continuing to walk twords the door she new the others were behind them now and couldn't help but laugh at there comments.

"Ohhh...Axel is tied with me. That just means when we get back I am gonna have to step up my game a little."

As Leo lets her go Ryan wonders over to her car opening the door. But before getting in she hears Leo's challenge and raises an eyebrow a little looking over the top at him.

"You...want to race me...do remember who I am right?"

Giving a grin and looking around at the other she gives a nod.

"Ok, your on. I'll even give you a 10 second head start. Whoever wins has to by the other person pizza. Sound fair?"

Race ya

"Mm-hmm." Gage nods. "That's always better than Chinese."

Grinning, he settles back into the seat to buckle in, and engages Sapphire in some small talk on the way to the restaurant. Remaining alert, thought just a little goofy, Gage keeps up with her through their meal, chattering about this and that. A bit more fidgety than normal, he does manage to be quite awake, and by the time they are finished and get back to his place, he doesn't want her lunch break to be over.

Sitting in the car, not really wanting to get out yet, he sighs. "Now I have to go several hours without seeing you." Giving Sapphire a sidelong glance, he grins before leaning over to give her one more kiss. "But I don't want you clobbering me for not sleeping. So... see you tonight?"


"I said patching, not picking," Chance grumbles, wincing as Misty continues on his face. "Regardless, whether I can pick myself up or not really isn't the issue here, is it?" His tone was full of spite... spite for the Elite and spite for himself. "The whole point is just..." He pauses as Misty cleans his lip, his eyes watering from the sting. "...not getting caught."

Feeling her put the him back into the handcuffs, his head hangs again. He had no idea what fate awaited him. At best, he might get away with a year or two in jail, and that was if Reese was nice to him.

Hearing Misty leaving, he calls to her. "Misty..." He pauses, feeling humiliated. "Someday... if your path crosses with Destiny's... tell her I'm sorry. It wasn't supposed to happen like this."


Being pulled up and closer to Ryan, Leo can feel his face start to redden, but he doesn't pull away. Ryan wanted her friend back, and he wanted to try.

Laughing, he slings his arm around her shoulders to drag her towards the door. "I don't think I'm the only delirious one around here, and no, please don't quit your day job. Then I couldn't tease the other guys for getting beat by a girl every day."

"Heeeey," Axel defends as he ambles out with them. "I'll have you know we're tied at the moment."

"Oh, sorry." Leo smirks. "I'll just make fun of the others then."

"What about you?" Ron shoots back. "You get beat too."

"Ah. But I don't profess to be greater than the almighty, wrench-wielding McKade!" Letting Ryan go, Leo gives her a playful punch to the arm. "Race ya to the pizza box."

Sorry

Getting to Gage's house Sapphire smile when she see him coming to the car before she even shut it off. It was good to see him smiling again today, and not to tired though she still didn't understand how he was even walking. She'd be dead on her feet by now.

"Hey there...oh Chinese sounds...."

Having her words cut off by a kiss from Gage Sapphire wouldn't complain as the warm soft feeling washing over her. As he pulls away Sapphire gives a smile as she brings her hand to the side of Gage's face and runs her finger on his cheek.

"I think that was better than Chinese, but I guess we should head out now."

"I'm not picking you up Chance the only one who can do that is yourself. I'm simply cleaning the wounds because its the right thing to do, and I know somewhere inside, you are a good guy."

Bringing her hand up to Chance's face again Misty continues to clean him up. She felt bad for him and hoped he would be able to pick himself up. There was good in him somewhere she new there was. The look he had in his eyes when he had been here before, it only proved somewhere, there was good.

"Tilt your head up a little, let me see your lip."

Tilting his head a little and and patting his lips before putting some cream on it. Doing a few more things around the to clean him up Misty was done. Gathering things up she looks at the cuffs on the table and gives a sigh. She didn't want to cuff Chance again but she new she had to.

"Sorry I have to do this."

Taking the cuffs and going behind Chance Misty gently puts the cuffs back on him and than resting his hands behind him against the chairs.

Continuing her work Ryan stays focused on what she was doing keeping her mind off of many other things Alec seeming to be in the middle of them right now. Ryan just wish she wasnt hanging in limbo.

As the time moves on and work was done Ryan laughs and smile with the other pushing her feelings away the best she could. Seeing Leo joking with the other was good, and a sudden feeling washes over her almost a longing, or a thought of something that once was.

Watching as Leo starts to sing and comes sliding across the floor Ryan gives a laugh and a little shake of her head. A look passing through her eyes and she had to admit she missed Leo and his quirky ways. Was this normal to miss an ex or had she really made the wrong choose?

"Alright you crazy...wonderful...crazy man lets get some more pizza before you sing anymore."

A grin forms on Ryan's face to show she was joking before she holds her hand out to Leo to help him up. Not looking him right in the eye right now so he could tell the feelings she felt. This wasn't his concern, She'd made the desition she had to deal with it. At least she had her friend ship.

"Hey you guys ready or what? I think Leo's getting a little delirious here me too."

Ryan pulls Leo into a half friendly hug as she leans her head to his for a moment her own voice chiming in.

"Pizza, pizza here we come, pizza pizza our work is gonna have to wait to be done."

Giving a little laugh Ryan shakes her head before looking around.

"I guess I shouldn't quit my day job."

Better things to do

"Food..." Gage talks to himself as he goes to take his shower. "Mmm... Chinese. Yes. I still have yet to try different things. It shall be... an adventure."

Showered and in a clean set of clothes, Gage amuses himself with some television for a little while, but winds up pacing, checking his watch and pacing a little more. It was way too boring when he was here alone.

Eventually though, he gets the call and goes outside to wait, pacing up and down the sidewalk, counting squares until Sapphire arrives. When she does, his smile goes from ear to ear and he gets in quickly so she doesn't have to turn off the engine.

"Chinese," he states, first thing. "But before that..." Leaning over, he gives her a soft kiss to the lips. "Okay... now Chinese. Twelve hours at the mill and I am famished!"


Leo laughs and shakes his head, going back to his car. "The day I beat you is the same day pigs will fly. But that doesn't mean I won't keep trying."

The morning goes quickly as the others filter in and the noise and motivation picks up. The guys give Leo a bit of a hard time about his appearance, but he shrugs it off, giving a brief explanation but not letting it grow into a full-blown conversation. Bantering with Miles leads to laughter, and though they were covered in grease and sweat, there was a satisfaction in the air for the work they were accomplishing.

Once lunchtime rolls around, the guys put their work on hold in order to go to the pizza box for their free hour. Leo, put into a silly mood by Miles, uses his wrench as a microphone and sings along with a rock song on the radio. Throwing in a couple dance moves, he spins around, then slides on his knees in front of Ryan, head thrown back as he sings at the top of his lungs. However, instead of the right lyrics, he winds up with his own words. "Baby it's pizza time, yeah! Quit your work and hustle on out, 'cause it's pizza time!"

Miles whistles and he and Ron clap, Jed and Axel laughing and clapping as well at the silly performance.


As expected, Chance remains silent upon Misty's presence. He doesn't fight her, but rubs his wrists gingerly where the cuffs had dug into him. As she cleans the cuts on his face, he flinches, cringing at the stinging pain.

He does finally speak, though his mouth is so sore that it's a bit mumbled. "Don't bother..." He swallows hard, his eyes closing. "It doesn't matter."

Reaching up, he stops Misty's hand. He deserved this pain. "You've got better things to do than easing Reese's conscience by patching me up."

In the clear

Giving another laugh at Gage mixed together and broken words she shakes her head. A little slired words would be normal for someone who went without sleep for twenty four hours. She just felt a little bad she had contributed to his lack of sleep. But lunch was lunch and after he said he would rest.

"Ok, I should be going on my break here shortly. Let's say meet me hour side in a half hour. And decid what you want to eat I picked yesterday."

Finishing up her conversation with Gage Sapphire gets back to work making sure she could get her work done in time so she could see Gage. There wasn't a lot of work, but she did need to get it done. What she couldn't she'd finish when she got done with lunch.

Looking down at Leo's hand Ryan would of rather giving him a friendly hug but maybe the handshake was best. Linking her hand with his and giving it a strong shakes she nods. A friendship still with Leo was important and going out for pizza with everyone and having Leo come along too sealed the deal with Ryan that at least he was trying.

"You already said you were sorry Leo, nothing more needs to be said on it. Whats done is done, and I've moved past it, your in the clear with me."

Letting go of Leo's hand and just watching him for a moment Ryan finally gives his arm a little wack with her rag as she see some of the other guys starting to filter into the area.

"Alright get back to work slacker, lets see if you can beat me today huh?"

Giving gives a grin to Leo. It was going to take a while to form a strong friendship like they had but it was a path there were both willing to take now and thats what was important.

Back at her car she leans to look into the engine and for a moment she just looks letting out a long sigh. Still no call from Alec, and it made her wonder. What she being to stubborn, to bull headed not to try and call him? But if he cared, why hadn't he called her? And if she did call him would she be giving in? Not sticking to her guns and showing she was serous about him trying run who she hung out with?

Letting out another sigh Ryan shakes her head a little. She had to have a clear mind so she could work and not worry about this right now. She could think about this later and figure stuff out.

Looking up as Hal came into the office Misty gives a solom nod listing to him. She was shocked and saddened to hear about what had perspired with Chance. He's seemed like an ok guy who had really been fond of Destiny just from the simple look in his eye she had seen the day she had been shot. Maybe he had cared but just got turned around, or a bad intention only to realize he cared about this woman. Whatever the case was she now had her own job to do.

"Alright, I'll see what I can do with him."

Standing and takes the keys from Hal Misty gathers a few things together to fix cuts, swelling and making Chance as comfortable as she could. Taking her bag and make her wait to the irrigation room she enters.

Just standing there for a moment Misty can feel the awkward tension in the air and always hated it. But it was her job so she had to plug along anyways.

"Hey Chance, I'm going to clean up some of those cuts and what not you have ok?"

Not really exspecting an answer Misty sets her bad down on the floor before walking around the table to where Chance sat. Keeping her self awair of what was going on in the room just incase.

"Ok, lets get these cuffs off you and let your arms rest a little."

Once taking the cuffs off Misty sets to work on cleaning Chance up making it swift and trying not to hurt him all that much. Making him comfortable was important to her no matter what he had done.

Fate

Reese thoughtfully considers Katie's suggestions, while nodding. Silent for a moment, he leans forward, folding his hands. "We're short on hands right now, but I don't want to keep you from your vacation to see your family. If you have plans, go - I don't want you burning out."

Thinking about Jason, he sighs. "Yeah, I wondered about that. Would you mind asking him and seeing what he thinks after this debriefing? It's a start, and for now, Gunner's there, so we're okay. But I want Destiny to be comfortable too. I feel we've done her an injustice, even if it wasn't our fault."


An hour later, Hal emerges from the interrogation room, putting his watch back on and going to wash his hands. They were unable to extract information from Chance on where the Underground headquarters was or who was running it. But they were convinced that no other Elite members, at this point, were involved. Chance had been the "chosen" Elite to be the one to infiltrate and share information. Without him, the Underground would be on their own, or would have to prey on another Elite member.

Even without all the information they wanted, Reese had called a stop to the interrogation. Chance was suffering enough and they would find the Underground on their own - they were bound to cross paths again.

After cleaning up, Hal enters the infirmary, gesturing to Misty. He briefly explains about Chance, then hands her a set of handcuff keys. "He's in the interrogation room. Reese would appreciate it if you looked after him, then left him there until it's decide where he will go." The look in Hal's eyes was a weary one. He didn't like this part of the job, but Chance hadn't given them much of a choice.


In the interrogation room, Chance sits in a chair several feet from the table. His hands were cuffed behind him and his head hung. Blood ran from new cuts to his mouth and his left eye was swollen and bruised, adding to the other marks on his face. What Jason and Destiny had started, Hal had finished and Chance was now a mess. He knew that Reese had allowed it only because what Chance was involved with was such a security risk. He knew that under normal circumstances, the Elite didn't use brute force, but Chance was different - he provided a different kind of risk, and therefore, he was treated the same as someone from the Agency. But even despite that understanding, there was a dull angry ache that burned beneath the surface. He was too weary to fight anymore though. He was just too tired.

Swallowing hard, it hurt just to do that, and he shifts a little in the metal chair, his hands testing the cuffs again, only to find that they were still securely in place. So head hanging, he just sits and waits... waits for his fate.


Leo pops the hood on the car and starts to tinker as Ryan approaches. Her offer for him to join them for lunch raises his eyes to hers. Straightening up, he fiddles with the wrench in his hand.

Shifting a little, he considers it, wondering if he really wanted to socialize today. The other guys had yet to question him about his appearance and he wasn't looking forward to explanations. Then this whole thing with Ryan... But he did want to bury the hatchet, right?

His eyes drift down then back up again to the eyes that he'd fallen for. It seemed ages ago now. "I think that... pizza sounds great." A smile surfaces, making an almost-funny picture with his beat-up face.

Reaching out, he offers a handshake. "Truce?"


"Any time. Soon as you're on break. You pick. Soon. I don't care." Gage laughs at his own clumsy speech. "Just call before you get here so I got time to throw on my shoes and meet you outside. And yes, fine, I'll sleep afterward. Promise."

Pizza Box

Surprised that Gage could even talk after getting out of work and not fall over from exhaustion Sapphire gives a shake of her head even though he couldn't see her, a small smile was on her lips.

"Mmm...I guess lunch wouldn't hurt anything. After that though I want you to get some sleep ok? And if your feeling up to it we can do dinner as well. I love spending time with you Gage so there is no way to say no to dinner."

Moving some papers around on her desk Sapphire was happy Gage called. At least she new he made it home but how he was still standing was beyond her.

"What time would you like me to pick you up hun?"

Looking up from her car at the sound of Leo's voice Ryan gives a smile happy to see him again today. He looked a little better after being cleaned up, but one could still tell he put up a good fight.

"Good Morning Leo."

Though Ryan's eyes were a little tired, and held that look she smiled anyways trying her best to be herself. She didn't want to be odd with Leo and make him think it was him because right now it wasn't.

Grabbing the rag from her pocket and coming around the side of her car to where Leo was working as she really didn't have to yell Ryan gives a look around the quiet shop for a moment. Only a few were in so far but some plans had been made and maybe....Leo would like to come.

" A few of us are going to the pizza box for lunch if we can have a decent time on our cars, your invited too if you would like to come."

Once back to TJY Katie walks behind Chance as Jason was in the front. Katie walks through TJY knowing eyes were on them but keeping her own head up and not answering any questions.

Finally getting into Reese office Katie stands off to the side and just listens. She really didn't have much to say on this matter but she listened and took everything in. It was something she did but just trying to take everything in, and understand what was being said.

Watching as Jason and Chance leave the office Katie gives a sigh and pushes off the wall coming over to Reese's desk and letting out a long sigh. Hearing his questin Katie thinks for a moment before turning a little to look at Reese.

"I was going to see about taking some vacation time to go see my family but I guess now would not be a good time so I can put that off and I can watch Destiny for you, and maybe Jason do. We could do it in shift to make it a little easier and still be able to work here too."

Katie thinks again for a long moment her fingers tapping on the desk for a moment just thinking. It was strange to have Reese asking her for advise but it was kinda nice too.

"I know Jason has been really good with Destiny. She seemed to have responded to him before. Maybe right now he would be the best person for her to have someone she knows and not another person thrown into the middle of everything. Jason could take days and I could always take nights."

Break the ice

Jason senses just a little bit of something close to sympathy, and throws Katie a quick glance, but doesn't comment.

Yeah... yeah, I'm sure Destiny is upset. I'm just mad that we let this happen. Somebody should have been smarter somewhere. Reese better take one of his own to be her bodyguard from now on, whether he wants to spare someone or not. We owe it to her.


Chance leans his head against the side window, his eyes looking out, but concentrating on nothing. He'd been beat up before. Why did today put him in such a state? He could have weaseled his way out if he'd tried hard enough. But this time... this time, it was simply different. He wonders where Destiny is at the moment. Surely she hated him now, and rightly so. He deserved that. He never should have accepted this case, knowing what he did. And he never should have allowed Destiny to get close to him.


Arriving back at TJY, Jason manhandles Chance out of the pickup and to the building. Chance stumbles one but Jason has no mercy, picking him up and forcing him forward again. Chance utters no sound but trudges with his face down.

Entering the building and coming down to the main floor, Chance doesn't look up. He could feel the eyes on him though... he could feel the eyes of the other Elite agents who would be wondering why he was beat up and why he was in Jason and Katie's custody. It was a shameful walk to Reese's office.

Once there, Reese allows all three of them in, allowing Jason and Katie to explain what had happened before turning to Chance. "Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

Chance sits in the chair, looking at the floor. His tongue moves to try and keep his lip from bleeding more. "No, sir."

"Who is the Underground?"

"Jason just told you - a vigilante group."

"Who runs it?"

"I can't tell you that."

"Chance, if you don't-"

"Would you?" Chance finally looks up at him with question. "Would you have given up information about TJY before it was public? You did things against the law from the beginning, did you not? And you did them in the name of justice. The Underground is no different."

"TJY didn't murder," Jason interrupts angrily. "What the Underground has done is despicable and-"

Reese holds up his hand. "Stand down, Jason." Looking back at Chance, he studies the younger man's eyes for several moments. "As Chief of the Elite and your commanding officer, I am hereby stripping you of your rank and association with the Elite. You have violated many terms and regulations by hacking into our system, sharing information with a third party, endangering a witness, subjecting the Elite to sabotage and assisting in killings, justified or not."

Chance's shoulder sink, his eyes drifting downward again. This was the most humiliation he had ever experienced. He might have always liked riding the fence, and he might have always acted carefree - but he had been proud of being an Elite officer and had been proud of his accomplishments. And in one fatal blow, it was all over. His father would be appalled.

Reese continues. "You will be taken into interrogation, after which, your fate will be decided, based on how cooperative you are. Jason, please take Chance to interrogation one."

Jason nods and takes Chance's arm to prompt him up from the chair. "Anything else?"

"After you have secured Mr. O'Mally in the room, please return." Reese looks to Katie as the men leave. "I'm surmising that Gunner is still with Destiny. Do you have any recommendations for a bodyguard at this time?" In all honesty, he was at his wit's end, and wasn't afraid to ask an officer for any suggestions.


Leo enters the shop and clocks in before wandering over to his bay and opening up his tool boxes. Rolling up his sleeves, he takes a look at the car that was on his schedule, hoping he could get it done in one setting.

Glancing over to the car next to him, he spots Ryan. He knew he still didn't look very good after the fight, but he manages half a smile anyway. "Morning," he greets in an attempt to break the ice.


"Soooo.... since I'm up already, I thought maybe we could do lunch?" Gage paces his living room as he talks with Sapphire on the phone. "And then I'll sack out or something but we can still do supper then too... if you want to?"

Swinging into his kitchen, he fills a glass of water to drink, then continues to wander, waiting for Sapphire's response. He knew she said she would wait for him to sleep, but with a little help from Lonny again, he was feeling just fine and would rather spend more time with Sapphire than waste time sleeping. He'd catch a few hours later.

Pillow, and Fluff

Leaning her head back on the truck seat Katie continues to take in the emotions and though Jason says he is sorry Katie doesn't retort this time. She'd come to relize that no matter how many times she told him not to say sorry he would because thats just what he did.

Yeah, it seemed like there was a little more there than maybe we even new. I think that might make the whole thing even worse.

Letting out a sigh and pulling down the visor of she looks in the mirror to see Chance without turning around. Just watching him for a moment Katie couldn't help the little ping that hit her heart for Chance. She was angry at him too, and very upset but still there was that feeling she had.

I hope Destiny will be ok. She was pretty upset!

Finally getting most of the blood off her hands Destiny turns the sink water off before looking down at her hands. There was still blood under her fingers nails but no matter how she scrubbed would it really even come off?

Once Gunner was gone Destiny slowly moves from the bathroom and to her bed. Laying down and taking the smaller pillow in her arms Destiny pulls it close to her as she just lays her head on the other free pillow.

So much was still running though her mind, and on top of the memories of her parents she now had memories of Chance too. She was still so angry at him, and hated how he had made her feel, but at the same time it felt odd knowing he was not there. Someone else was but...it wasnt Chance, and it wasn't what they sheared together.

Burying her face into the pillow a little more Destiny's tears start all over again her sobs muffled but the pillow and her crys of pain being blocked by the fluff. Just letting out all she was feeling till finally, she'd become exhausted and would cry herself to sleep.

Between those two

Gunner nods solemnly, wishing he could do more for Destiny, but recognizing that right now, he could not. "Okay. I'm gonna stay with you for a bit so... if you need anything, just holler."

Feeling badly, but helpless, Gunner nods again and backs off, giving Destiny her space. Wandering back to the computers in the living room, he sit down and opts to browse, knowing that they would have to eventually anyway. He might as well get a jump on things and find out as much as he could. If Chance had made a mistake while hacking, there was a chance he had saved things he shouldn't have.


Chance remains unresponsive, but once they're in the truck and moving, he takes the paper towels Katie had given him and tries to stop some of the bleeding on his face, starting with his nose. The pickup hits a bump and he cringes but doesn't say a word.

How could he have gotten into this mess? How could he have slipped up this badly to be caught? Now the whole Underground was in jeopardy.

As he drives, Jason continues to feed Katie his anger to avoid any explosions.
Sorry. Rick says control my temper. Right. How would he like it if he were walking around with a hundred times the emotions?
He sighs. He knew Katie hated it when he apologized, but he'd never stop. He never liked seeing her in any kind of discomfort, whether the emotions were what she needed or not. He wished it could be less painful.

I don't even know what to say about Chance. Destiny was pretty broken up... I had suspected before that there might have been something going on between those two... I think if there wasn't, Destiny wouldn't have been quite so upset today.

What now?

Letting out a long sigh Katie takes in Jason emotions and though it drained her, it gave her strength too knowing she couldn't wind down now. There was more work to do and she could be weary later.

It's never easy J when someone gets hurt, I guess when they have become closer to us its even worse.

Getting outside and walking to the truck Katie waits till Chance is in before she goes under the seat for the paper towel. Pulling it out she rips three or four off handing them to Chance. Seeing that he took no move to take them Katie puts them in his lag before taking one and holding it to the cut on his face before lowing it and putting it in his lap.

Moving away and shutting the door Katie goes to the passenger side and gets in. Buckling up she new that the ride would be a quiet one as much hung in the air.

The soft sobs continued to come from Destiny's lips as she washed up in the bathroom. Scrubbing the blood from her hands.

Looking up quickly and hearing Gunner's words Destiny looks down again scrubbing her hands. She just wanted the blood gone, and she hurt so much right now she didn't know what was physical and what wasn't.

"Yes, I am in a great deal of hurt, but this blood...its not mine."

She hurt, she was in pain and she didn't want to be anywhere. How was she to feel better how? How would things move on? Would this pain ever go away?

"I think...I just want to lay down now. It's....all I can think of doing right now because I have no will for anything else."

Hurt?

So focused on Chance, Katie's words breaking through to Jason are like a small jolt to his system. Her hand coming to him forces more of his anger her way instead of to Chance, rechanneling his dangerous emotions.

Trying to subdue himself, Jason breathes more deeply, closing his eyes for just a moment, doing his best to calm down. He might have more control now than he used to, but it was still a struggle.

You're right... I'm sorry...

Jason's eyes fly open again as he hears Destiny's voice and then sees her getting Chance up off the floor. Just standing and watching, he lets her own beating on Chance happen, allowing her to express her pain, knowing that it was what Chance deserved.


It was very possible that a strike from Destiny was more painful than any of the blows Jason had given him. Chance can't even move. His eyes remain glued to the floor, his head hanging. Never had he felt this guilty... this ashamed. He'd been beat in his own games before, but this... this felt different. Someone had trusted him - had put their life in his hands - and he had completely destroyed that trust. Who was to say that anything he'd ever told Destiny had been true? Was even the little romantic detour real, or had that all been a lie too?

Another blow to his face comes and he doesn't try to defend himself. Doesn't even move. Being pulled down for a knee to the chest knocks the wind out of him and the last strike to his face knocks him off balance enough to hit the wall and struggle to remain on his feet. But he remains completely silent, his eyes still down. He could hear the pain and rage in Destiny's voice, and he wasn't even sure what he was feeling. He hurt all over, inside and out, but all he could do was just stand there and take whatever blows came his way.

Even after Katie calls off Destiny and she leaves him be, he hangs against the wall, blood trickling from his mouth, nose, and a cut on the side of his face. His eyes, now dull and lifeless look to Jason, Katie, Gunner, then back to Jason as he awaited his fate.

Now halfway calm, Jason moves to Chance and points to the door. "You're coming with us. Out."

Chance hesitates. What about his things? What about Destiny? What about-

"Move!" Jason gives him a hearty shove a little more forceful than intended.

Chance stumbles forward, catching himself on the doorframe but not before his face had slammed into it. Pain courses through his mouth as more blood comes. But he says nothing and instead stumbles out onto the porch.

Jason turns to eye Gunner for a moment. "Stay here with Destiny, would you? At least until we get this figured out."

Gunner nods. "You got it. I'll have Dalton turn the system back on."

"Good." Heading out behind Chance, Jason makes sure Katie is behind him.
So help me... It's days like this I hate my job, and only because I'd get in trouble for knocking his fool block off. Help me get him into the truck and while you're at it, grab some paper towels or something from under the seat so he doesn't get blood all over my truck.


Remaining behind, Gunner makes a quick call to Dalton, not explaining anything, but just asking that the security system be put back online. Hanging up, he can still hear the water running in the bathroom down the hall and he sighs, setting his hands on his hips for a moment. Now what?

Wandering slowly towards the bathroom, Gunner stops and looks through the open door to Destiny, feeling mighty badly for her. Seeing the blood she's rinsing off, he's not sure whose it is. "You hurt?" he asks quietly.

Pain

Keeping her own gun drawn but at her side Katie gives a nod to Jason. Who new what was awaiting on the other side of that door and it was better to be ready. Following behind Jason Katie enters the house keeping her eyes out around the room, and on Destiny and Chance. She hoped they were wrong.

Once Jason directs her to go to Destiny Katie does so keeping her eyes on Chance still as she moved to the side. She felt bad for Destiny, and in a way Chance too but her boiled to much to let it linger.

As the door bursts open Destiny jumps and movies to the edge of the couch. Her own blood was rushing now seeing Jason and the other. What was going on and why where they accusing Chance of something that sounded absurd.

Seeing Katie come over to her Destiny shys away a little and stands moving a little closer to Chance. She didn't understand what they were saying, and she felt very scared.

"Chance has been with me Jason...he..."

Coming a little closer to Destiny Katie does her best to be gentile though the situation was rough.

"Come on Destiny its going to be ok. We wont go far just over here a little way so we are not in the middle ok."

Placing her hands on both sides of Destiny Katie prompts her to come over to the side and stand looking her over and making sure she was ok before drawing her attachen to Chance and Jason again.

Watching her eyes still large Destiny listens to what Jason says and what Chance reply. But as the punchs start to be throw at Chance Destiny cringes and closers her eyes for a moment before opening them again, tears forming in them.

"Jason...stop your hurting him, please."

Destiny couldn't help how she plead as images of her parents flash in her mind. How they were beaten, how each punch had been throw before the were killed.

As everything continues Destiny sobs begging Jason to stop once or twice more though it does no good as Chance continues to be asked questions and he answers his words finally sinking into Destiny that he had lied to her.

But than the words of the worst happens as she hears her name. Tears still in her eyes she listens more intently now still standing with Katie. She was bate...it wasn't the Agency who killed her parents it was....the people Chance worked for and Chance had known? A new anger filled Destiny almost close to a hate. Not that Chance had lied, but he had played her...faked he cared, and had helped kill her parents. It almost made her sick to think she had kissed him the one who planned her parents.

Destiny's eye seemed to grow a fire as almost everything else seemed blocked out. Her fists ball at her sides, she was hurt, betrayed and very angry.

Feeling Jason's emotions go haywire Katie tried her best to keep a lid on it a little. She did her best try and keep Jason calm but without even a little contact to him it was not that strong and Jason's anger was starting to make her feel weak.

Hearing Gunner give her another direction Katie gives a nod. Looking to Chance on the ground and than to Destiny she could leave her here and she'd be ok. Going over to Jason quickly Katie lays a hand on his shoulder and closing her eyes.

J, you need to back off. Your not a killer and if you don't stop your going to kill him. We need to take him back now. Calm down J, its ok, he will get what he deserves.

As Katie walks away to go to Jason's side Destiny can only feel her anger grow even more as she looks to Chance on the ground. She'd grown close to him, she'd cared for him and she was starting to fall for him.

Moving away from the wall and over to Chance Destiny beds down to him before grabbing him by the collor and pulling him up to her, her strength giving by her own anger.

"You lied to me, you used me...and that doesn't even bother me. But my parents, they were good people. They loved there family and had to deal with what was givin to them. My father was Agency but that didn't mean he liked it. He was trying to get OUT."

Her fist balled and not being able to help it connects with the side of Chance's face before bringing him to her again.

"..My mother was not to die. Thats a lie!!! I watched as my father was beaten and shot in the head, I watched as my mother cried, and they shot her in cold blood than turned to me. If I had not gotten away I would of been shot too."

Crying and bringing her fist to Chance's face again Destiny felt as though she lost all reality and she this was the only thing to ease her pain.

"...The people you work for are no better than the Agency. Killed, innocent...my mother and father, my life. How could you...HOW COULD YOU!!!!"

With a scream Destiny brings her fist to his face again, and than brings her knee up to his chest, than a fist to his face. She was in pain and she wanted him to be in pain too.

Still focusing on Jason Katie opens her eyes and see Destiny hearing her words her eyes widen. She couldnt leave Jason but someone had to stop Destiny. It was easy to see she was in pain, but if she didn't stop her own strength was going to kill Chance herself. Using a rough voice she calls.

"Destiny, Back off. Your not like him, your going to kill him if you don't stop."

Hearing Katie's words the tears fall from her eyes some more. Oh how it hurt, and how she wanted it to stop. She didn't know what to do past the anger and hurt as everything just seemed to be ripped open again.

"Why...Why Chance...my parents ...I don't deserve to be here either."

Letting Chance go Destiny could feel herself shaking as she felt so hot, and angry, and said. The hurting just coursing through her. Looking at Chance's body bloody just there she lets out a cry again as she turns quickly and makes her way down the hall to her bedroom and the bathroom to scrub the blood from her hand and just cry, as the pain washed over her.