Alec couldn't help the surprise that passed in his eyes. He had thought Hope would make it more difficult than this, thinking her words had been a trap. But apparently he'd said the right thing. He blinks. He had?
Listening to her call to Reese surprised him even more. She knew he wouldn't approve, and she was doing it anyway? She cared about Scott that much that she would trust Alec himself? An ex-Agency crook? Go against Reese's wishes?
Her prompting brings Alec's mind back around and he gives his head a little shake as if clearing cobwebs. Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, he grits his teeth as his sore ribs protest, but he ignores them, going for his sneakers. Once he's got something on his feet, he grabs his denim jacket and stands up, nodding to Hope. "Lead the way. You'll have to talk my way out of here with Hal on the prowl."
It does take a bit of convincing for Hal to let Alec go, but trusting Hope, he finally gives in without Reese's direct clearance. Once outside, Alec obediently follows Hope to her car, showing no signs of running off just yet. He's quiet as they start the two-hour drive, though after a while, he finally breaks the silence. "If Scott's in as bad a shape as I think he is, this isn't gonna be easy for you," he mentions. Though his voice was matter-of-fact with his usual cool tone, if one listened hard enough they might just catch the slightest warmth coming through in a form almost resembling concern for Hope. "Seeing me is gonna be one of those visual triggers, not to mention he's angry and probably still a bit scared of me. You should be prepared to see him do anything, though I expect him to get physical." It was obvious, and a bit surprising, that Alec was already forming some sort of plan in his mind of what he would do and what would happen.
Reese fumbles in his pocket as he keeps one hand on the steering wheel, muttering to himself as he misses the call. Finally getting his cell phone out, he glares at it, reminded that these jeans had smaller pockets.
Listening to the voicemail as he drives, his eyes go wide. Who was Hope bringing? Who did she know he would not be happy about? And why would she do something she knew he wouldn't approve of? That didn't seem like her.
Shutting his phone, he tries to think of who on earth Hope was talking about. Was it Alec? Was she daring to bring Alec with her? Surely not. Not only was Alec not allowed to leave the premises, but he could run off, hold her hostage, not to mention Scott seeing him could be a disaster. Surely she didn't mean Alec... did she?
Reese almost calls her back, but then decides against it. There was no point. She'd already made up her mind and was probably on the road too by now. He'd just wait and see. At least he'd get to Brookshire first to see what the situation was like before she came.
Once he did get there though, he was at a loss. Shown to Scott's room, he was informed by Jenny that if nothing changed, Scott would have to be transferred by that evening because there was nothing they could do for him. And entering, Reese's heart gave a lurch.
Scott sat in the very corner of his room, tucked back against the wall in the shadow. His arms were wrapped around his legs, his eyes open but staring into nothingness. He was rocking himself and mumbling quietly, totally oblivious to anything going on around him. Even when Reese kneels in front of him and touches his shoulder, Scott doesn't even acknowledge his presence.
"Scott? Scott, it's Reese... can you talk to me?"
Nothing. It was as if Scott didn't even know he was there. All he did was rock and mumble words that made no sense to Reese at all. It sounded like he was reading sheets of computer data.
Standing again, Reese tries to keep his mind focused as he goes back out into the hall, just catching Jenny before she went back downstairs. "Jenny... who was it that was here yesterday?"
She shakes her head slowly. "I'm not sure, Mr. Reese. He was a tall man with dark hair, but when we checked the registry later that day, there was no signature. He must have distracted the nurse at the front counter because he never actually wrote anything - he just pretended to."
"How old was the man? Can you take a guess?"
"Mm... I would say late sixties maybe?" Jenny scrunches her nose. "I'm bad with ages though, so I'm really not sure."
"What about security tapes?"
Jenny shakes her head. "Dr. Hawks already checked and there were no shots of the visitor, surprisingly. Not that he could find anyway. Do you think it was someone Scott knew? I mean... do you think that the visitor is connected with his breakdown?"
"I don't know, Jenny... I don't know."
3/31/10
3/30/10
All day
Continuing to look at Alec Hope squints her eyes a little bit studying him, looking for the meaning in his words and breaking down what he was saying. Finally a smile forms on her face and she gives a nod.
"First off, my name is Hope not babe, and next your answer was exactly what I wanted to hear, it takes a man with some kind of heart to not swear on another life. As for an agency scum bag, I don't see one where so I guess were good."
Still Hope's own gaze didnt break from Alec's as she just continued to look back at him. His words, though some might have stun to think of anything bad happing to Scott, they didn't make her flinch.
Continuing to look at Alec Hope reaches for the phone in her pocket pulling it out and dialing Reese's number. She new he was probley driving right now so she would catch him on the road but that was ok. Hearing his voice mail pick up Hope leave a vage message but one that let him know she was on the way.
"Reese, its Hope. Listen I am bringing someone with me to see Scott. Your probably going to be pretty upset with me when you find out who but right about now I'll do anything to keep him out of being transported to where he doesn't belong. So this person says he can help, and I believe him. I'll see you shortly."
Hanging up the phone Hope nods to Alec's shoes her eyes still locked with his. For some strange reason she did believe him. Maybe it was that look of wanting to help, and the small soft side that shined through the cold hard steal. She could only hope she wasn't wrong.
"Well come on get your shoes on we don't have all day."
"First off, my name is Hope not babe, and next your answer was exactly what I wanted to hear, it takes a man with some kind of heart to not swear on another life. As for an agency scum bag, I don't see one where so I guess were good."
Still Hope's own gaze didnt break from Alec's as she just continued to look back at him. His words, though some might have stun to think of anything bad happing to Scott, they didn't make her flinch.
Continuing to look at Alec Hope reaches for the phone in her pocket pulling it out and dialing Reese's number. She new he was probley driving right now so she would catch him on the road but that was ok. Hearing his voice mail pick up Hope leave a vage message but one that let him know she was on the way.
"Reese, its Hope. Listen I am bringing someone with me to see Scott. Your probably going to be pretty upset with me when you find out who but right about now I'll do anything to keep him out of being transported to where he doesn't belong. So this person says he can help, and I believe him. I'll see you shortly."
Hanging up the phone Hope nods to Alec's shoes her eyes still locked with his. For some strange reason she did believe him. Maybe it was that look of wanting to help, and the small soft side that shined through the cold hard steal. She could only hope she wasn't wrong.
"Well come on get your shoes on we don't have all day."
Trust me
Alec gives Hope a wry grin. "I don't swear on anybody's anything, babe. If that's a threat to put Ryan away if I decide to high-tail it, you can forget it. But if you think you can trust the word of an Agency scumbag, then let me come."
He looks Hope in the eye, not breaking his gaze. "If what you're saying about Scott is true, I can imagine his state. And if that's true, then he's gonna need a shock... and it ain't gonna be pretty." Alec dares her to blink first. "You want his brain to rot? Give him a sedative and stick him in the loony bin. You want him responsive? Let him see me. It'll be a mess, I guarantee, but he needs something to jar his brain and seeing friendly people won't cut it. Either that or..."
He shrugs. "I'm sure if you call up the Agency, they'd be glad to send in one of their men to do the job."
Alec quirks one eyebrow. "If you wanna play stubborn and make me swear, then you're on your own. Trust me, and I'll come."
He looks Hope in the eye, not breaking his gaze. "If what you're saying about Scott is true, I can imagine his state. And if that's true, then he's gonna need a shock... and it ain't gonna be pretty." Alec dares her to blink first. "You want his brain to rot? Give him a sedative and stick him in the loony bin. You want him responsive? Let him see me. It'll be a mess, I guarantee, but he needs something to jar his brain and seeing friendly people won't cut it. Either that or..."
He shrugs. "I'm sure if you call up the Agency, they'd be glad to send in one of their men to do the job."
Alec quirks one eyebrow. "If you wanna play stubborn and make me swear, then you're on your own. Trust me, and I'll come."
That much
Looking Alec in the eye Hope knows he's not lieing, and though she new very little about The Agency but he was right this wasn't there Style. The Agency was cruel and wouldnt want anything to be helping in there long painful road.
"At this point, I'll do anything for Scott."
Hearing Alec's request to go with her Hope can feel a bit of surprise inside, but doesn't let it show on her face. Thinking for a long moment Hope looks down at her hands. She could probably get into big trouble for letting Alec out and going with her. She already new if she asked Reese he would say no, and if she didn't ask at all than she would be in even more trouble. But this was for Scott...maybe it was worth it.
"Can you swair to me on your friend Ryan's freedom not to run away or hurt Scott? If you can do that, you can come with me."
They new enough about Ryan and what she did in her spare time that if they had to they could put her away. Hope hated to have to play that way but if in sure Alec wouldn't try anything stupid than it had to be. Once getting Alec's confirmation than she would see about asking Reese about Alec.
Feeling Gunner drap his arms over her shoulders Bree turns her head a little and gives a laugh. Bringing her own hands to his arms and holding them for a moment leaning back slightly.
"Missed driving that much huh?"
Turning and giving a kiss to Gunner's nose Bree goes over to the vase that sat with a cork in it, on top of the fridge. Bringing it down she shakes it just a little hearing something rattle on the inside. A grin pass on her lips.
"Anything that important that Uncle JT doesn't want to lose something important he always puts it in this jar."
Opening it up and dumping it out one to the counter some money and paper along with Gunner's keys. Grabbing them and throwing them over her shoulder Bree new Gunner would catch them while she put the other stuff away.
Once placing the jar back on the fridge Bree turns around her eyes laced with humor. Giving a nod and grabbing her own keys to slid them in her pocket she was ready.
"Alright, lets hit the road. I haven't had one of those root beer less floats in a long while, let alone with a vampire."
Throwing down the money for the food and grabbing his own jacket Dan stands from the table giving there waitress a nod of his head before following Dylan out. Hearing his comment about making his sister happy brought a smile to his face. It was nice to know he made Jade that happy and it was nice to hear Dylan say thank you.
Not drawing much attachen to it Dan walks a little closer to Dylan throwing his arm around his shoulder in a playful manor as they continued to walk to the car. Finally letting him go only once they got there, and were ready to get in.
"At this point, I'll do anything for Scott."
Hearing Alec's request to go with her Hope can feel a bit of surprise inside, but doesn't let it show on her face. Thinking for a long moment Hope looks down at her hands. She could probably get into big trouble for letting Alec out and going with her. She already new if she asked Reese he would say no, and if she didn't ask at all than she would be in even more trouble. But this was for Scott...maybe it was worth it.
"Can you swair to me on your friend Ryan's freedom not to run away or hurt Scott? If you can do that, you can come with me."
They new enough about Ryan and what she did in her spare time that if they had to they could put her away. Hope hated to have to play that way but if in sure Alec wouldn't try anything stupid than it had to be. Once getting Alec's confirmation than she would see about asking Reese about Alec.
Feeling Gunner drap his arms over her shoulders Bree turns her head a little and gives a laugh. Bringing her own hands to his arms and holding them for a moment leaning back slightly.
"Missed driving that much huh?"
Turning and giving a kiss to Gunner's nose Bree goes over to the vase that sat with a cork in it, on top of the fridge. Bringing it down she shakes it just a little hearing something rattle on the inside. A grin pass on her lips.
"Anything that important that Uncle JT doesn't want to lose something important he always puts it in this jar."
Opening it up and dumping it out one to the counter some money and paper along with Gunner's keys. Grabbing them and throwing them over her shoulder Bree new Gunner would catch them while she put the other stuff away.
Once placing the jar back on the fridge Bree turns around her eyes laced with humor. Giving a nod and grabbing her own keys to slid them in her pocket she was ready.
"Alright, lets hit the road. I haven't had one of those root beer less floats in a long while, let alone with a vampire."
Throwing down the money for the food and grabbing his own jacket Dan stands from the table giving there waitress a nod of his head before following Dylan out. Hearing his comment about making his sister happy brought a smile to his face. It was nice to know he made Jade that happy and it was nice to hear Dylan say thank you.
Not drawing much attachen to it Dan walks a little closer to Dylan throwing his arm around his shoulder in a playful manor as they continued to walk to the car. Finally letting him go only once they got there, and were ready to get in.
With you
Alec is sitting on the infirmary bed, just having been looked over by Rick and told he could go back downstairs tonight. He was still sore, but he'd much rather hibernate downstairs than be in the middle of traffic like he had been. Especially now that he was banned from visitors. He hadn't been told as much, but he had a hunch that Ryan had been turned away this morning and it made him mad. He didn't want to tell Reese the truth... he didn't. But... he missed his friend too.
Just ready to lay back in the bed again, he looks up quickly as Hope approaches him. He was a little surprised. Even though he'd given them information recently, he didn't really expect her back. Unless this was about his own mental state and not Scott.
He was wrong.
Listening to Hope, his eyebrows rise. "Nervous breakdown, huh?" He shakes his head slowly. "I don't know if the Agency had anything to do with visiting him or not and that's the truth." His eyes show he's not lying. "But I will say that it's not their style. They'd rather just let nature take its course and see a guy go insane the slow cruel way."
Cocking his head, he really thinks about it, wondering what could have happened. Searching Hope's eyes, he squints a little. "But if Scott really did crash... you can't take it the easy way anymore. It's gonna take a drastic measure and I'm not sure you're up to it."
He looks towards the door then back at her again. "Take me with you."
It doesn't take Gunner long to get ready, though he does take a little more time than normal, enjoying the shower again and trying to find his clothes since it had been a while since he'd been here.
Once finished though, he's back in the living room, lacing up his boots and hunting for his car keys. "Yo, Bree... where did your uncle hide my keys?"
He wanders into the kitchen to find her, coming up behind her and draping his arms over her shoulders. "Two floats with our names on them are getting warm... but I'm not letting you drive. So help me find my keys."
Dylan thinks a moment then shakes his head. "Naw... I don't need anything other than some more nerve."
Picking up his still-wet jacket, he stands up, ready to go, too. But as he turns to go to the door, he glances back over his shoulder. "And by the way... thanks for making my sister smile. I don't think I've seen her so happy before."
Giving a little shrug, he starts for the door again.
Just ready to lay back in the bed again, he looks up quickly as Hope approaches him. He was a little surprised. Even though he'd given them information recently, he didn't really expect her back. Unless this was about his own mental state and not Scott.
He was wrong.
Listening to Hope, his eyebrows rise. "Nervous breakdown, huh?" He shakes his head slowly. "I don't know if the Agency had anything to do with visiting him or not and that's the truth." His eyes show he's not lying. "But I will say that it's not their style. They'd rather just let nature take its course and see a guy go insane the slow cruel way."
Cocking his head, he really thinks about it, wondering what could have happened. Searching Hope's eyes, he squints a little. "But if Scott really did crash... you can't take it the easy way anymore. It's gonna take a drastic measure and I'm not sure you're up to it."
He looks towards the door then back at her again. "Take me with you."
It doesn't take Gunner long to get ready, though he does take a little more time than normal, enjoying the shower again and trying to find his clothes since it had been a while since he'd been here.
Once finished though, he's back in the living room, lacing up his boots and hunting for his car keys. "Yo, Bree... where did your uncle hide my keys?"
He wanders into the kitchen to find her, coming up behind her and draping his arms over her shoulders. "Two floats with our names on them are getting warm... but I'm not letting you drive. So help me find my keys."
Dylan thinks a moment then shakes his head. "Naw... I don't need anything other than some more nerve."
Picking up his still-wet jacket, he stands up, ready to go, too. But as he turns to go to the door, he glances back over his shoulder. "And by the way... thanks for making my sister smile. I don't think I've seen her so happy before."
Giving a little shrug, he starts for the door again.
More Help
The more the kiss come the more Bree enjoys them and falls deeper in love with Gunner. Small giggles escaped her lips every here and there but not in a way that would make Gunner think she was laughing at him, but that she was enjoying herself.
Feeling Gunner's hug Bree new that there sweet affection was done for now and thought it did make her sad, she new that life had to go on, and other things needed to be done.
As Gunner stands and flops her back on the couch again throwing the blanket over her head Bree claws at it laughing as she pulled it off. Watching Gunner go into the other room she stands from the couch herself.
"Mmm....a date with two floats, can I have the cute one?"
Shaking her head again Bree makes her way to the bathroom that was connected to her own room. Before they went anywhere she would have to clean herself up too and at look like she was human if she wasn't going to act like it.
Looking up as Reese enters the room Hope gives him a small smile and a nod. She new why he was here but she new he might need to talk anyways and she was thankful he cared enough to tell her. If Dr. Hawks hadn't called her only a little while before she never would have know so just knowing Reese was filling her in was very nice.
"Thank you for letting me know Reese. I have a few things I need to figure out. I will meet you up there."
Offering a small smile Hope looks down at her paper work for a long while. Since she had talked to Dr. Hawks her mind had been racing with wonder on who had been to see Scott and what had happened. If he really did have a nervous break down there was nothing that said he would even talk to her. So going in unprepared would do no good.
Waiting for Reese to leave Hope gathers a few things together before heading out of her office. Taking the short trip from her office to where Alec was being kept Hope gives a knock on the door before entering.
"Hey Alec, I know I've asked a lot of you already but I was wondering if you could help me again. Scott had a visitor last night and the Dr. don't know who it was but he's had a nervous break down. Do you if the Angecy might have sent anyone to push Scott father along into going crazy so he wouldn't talk to anyone?"
Looking back at Alec Hope new it was a lot of ask. She had already asked him so much but he was the only one she new of that might have an answer or some kind of key to what happened to Scott last night.
"Ha, I think you will do just fine back there. As long as you work hard, and you Dad see that you are trying and you talk to him about everything going on, I think things will work out just fine."
Giving a small laugh and a stretch Dan continues to streach with his arms folded on the table. Dylan was an ok kid, miss understood and confused but he was ok all in all. This was part of God's plan and Dan new if given the opportunity it would work out great, and he would work in Dylan's life. That was deffintly something worth working twords.
"Well, I am ready to go back when you are. Its no rush, and if you need anything while we are in time just let me know."
Feeling Gunner's hug Bree new that there sweet affection was done for now and thought it did make her sad, she new that life had to go on, and other things needed to be done.
As Gunner stands and flops her back on the couch again throwing the blanket over her head Bree claws at it laughing as she pulled it off. Watching Gunner go into the other room she stands from the couch herself.
"Mmm....a date with two floats, can I have the cute one?"
Shaking her head again Bree makes her way to the bathroom that was connected to her own room. Before they went anywhere she would have to clean herself up too and at look like she was human if she wasn't going to act like it.
Looking up as Reese enters the room Hope gives him a small smile and a nod. She new why he was here but she new he might need to talk anyways and she was thankful he cared enough to tell her. If Dr. Hawks hadn't called her only a little while before she never would have know so just knowing Reese was filling her in was very nice.
"Thank you for letting me know Reese. I have a few things I need to figure out. I will meet you up there."
Offering a small smile Hope looks down at her paper work for a long while. Since she had talked to Dr. Hawks her mind had been racing with wonder on who had been to see Scott and what had happened. If he really did have a nervous break down there was nothing that said he would even talk to her. So going in unprepared would do no good.
Waiting for Reese to leave Hope gathers a few things together before heading out of her office. Taking the short trip from her office to where Alec was being kept Hope gives a knock on the door before entering.
"Hey Alec, I know I've asked a lot of you already but I was wondering if you could help me again. Scott had a visitor last night and the Dr. don't know who it was but he's had a nervous break down. Do you if the Angecy might have sent anyone to push Scott father along into going crazy so he wouldn't talk to anyone?"
Looking back at Alec Hope new it was a lot of ask. She had already asked him so much but he was the only one she new of that might have an answer or some kind of key to what happened to Scott last night.
"Ha, I think you will do just fine back there. As long as you work hard, and you Dad see that you are trying and you talk to him about everything going on, I think things will work out just fine."
Giving a small laugh and a stretch Dan continues to streach with his arms folded on the table. Dylan was an ok kid, miss understood and confused but he was ok all in all. This was part of God's plan and Dan new if given the opportunity it would work out great, and he would work in Dylan's life. That was deffintly something worth working twords.
"Well, I am ready to go back when you are. Its no rush, and if you need anything while we are in time just let me know."
Breakdown
"Mm-hmm..." Gunner just lets their time together continue, taking advantage of the fact that neither one of them needed to be anywhere else right now. If t here was one thing Gunner was learning, it was to take each moment he had and live it.
Eventually though, he finally does pull away with a few more short kisses and a deep sigh. He pulls Bree down to hug her close, but knows he can't stay this way forever.
"Alright, up and at 'em!" Without warning, he shoots up and stands, pulling Bree right up with him, just to dump her back on the couch and throw the blanket over her head. Heading for the hallway, he hollers over his shoulder. "This rare breed has to see a vampire about a dog. Don't go too far though... we have a date with two sinkable floats."
Reese hangs up his phone, concern raging in his eyes. This wasn't good.
Standing up, he opts to go to Hope's office instead of using the phone. Heading for the hall, he barely acknowledges others he meets along the way. The morning had been great - everyone was in good spirits after Gunner's release yesterday. But now suddenly one small storm cloud had become much more ominous.
"Hope?" Reese taps on her door and opens it slowly. He knew she was planning to leave to go to Brookshire shortly, so it was just as well that he caught her now.
Stepping inside, he closes the door behind him, signaling that he had something serious to say. "Um... I just got a call from Jenny at Brookshire. Something... something happened."
Reese shakes his head, unsure about any of this and not wanting to upset Hope either. "It's Scott." He knew he just needed to say it - there was no beating around the bush with Hope. "Jenny said they don't know what happened, but they're diagnosing it as a nervous breakdown. He had a visitor yesterday and a while after that, Jenny said Scott just went to pieces. He won't talk, won't move and just sits in his room. She said he's babbling things that don't make any sense. But if they can't pull him through, they'll have to move him to a difference facility."
Reese swallows hard. This wasn't good, especially after the information Alec had shared... had Scott finally broken under the strain? Were they too late to help him? A small voice was in the back of Reese's mind, telling him to go talk to Alec, but his stubbornness was winning over. There was no way he was going to tell Alec about this and involve him further... that wouldn't be right at all... would it?
"I'm going up there myself... so if you want to ride together, we can."
Dylan almost retorts with a comment about not caring what Mick thought - if he wanted to go see the dirtbike track, he would. But this time, he holds his tongue. "Yeah... that'd be cool. If I survive getting back to the ranch that is."
Smirking a little, he finishes off his pop and sets his cup aside. He looks over his shoulder to see the front windows, noting that it was still pouring rain outside. At least it hadn't been doing this when BJ had gotten lost. He supposed that was one good thing.
Turning back at Dan, he cocks his head a little bit. This guy was alright... and if he was going to be Dylan's brother-in-law, he might as well get along, right? No point in making any more enemies than he already had.
Eventually though, he finally does pull away with a few more short kisses and a deep sigh. He pulls Bree down to hug her close, but knows he can't stay this way forever.
"Alright, up and at 'em!" Without warning, he shoots up and stands, pulling Bree right up with him, just to dump her back on the couch and throw the blanket over her head. Heading for the hallway, he hollers over his shoulder. "This rare breed has to see a vampire about a dog. Don't go too far though... we have a date with two sinkable floats."
Reese hangs up his phone, concern raging in his eyes. This wasn't good.
Standing up, he opts to go to Hope's office instead of using the phone. Heading for the hall, he barely acknowledges others he meets along the way. The morning had been great - everyone was in good spirits after Gunner's release yesterday. But now suddenly one small storm cloud had become much more ominous.
"Hope?" Reese taps on her door and opens it slowly. He knew she was planning to leave to go to Brookshire shortly, so it was just as well that he caught her now.
Stepping inside, he closes the door behind him, signaling that he had something serious to say. "Um... I just got a call from Jenny at Brookshire. Something... something happened."
Reese shakes his head, unsure about any of this and not wanting to upset Hope either. "It's Scott." He knew he just needed to say it - there was no beating around the bush with Hope. "Jenny said they don't know what happened, but they're diagnosing it as a nervous breakdown. He had a visitor yesterday and a while after that, Jenny said Scott just went to pieces. He won't talk, won't move and just sits in his room. She said he's babbling things that don't make any sense. But if they can't pull him through, they'll have to move him to a difference facility."
Reese swallows hard. This wasn't good, especially after the information Alec had shared... had Scott finally broken under the strain? Were they too late to help him? A small voice was in the back of Reese's mind, telling him to go talk to Alec, but his stubbornness was winning over. There was no way he was going to tell Alec about this and involve him further... that wouldn't be right at all... would it?
"I'm going up there myself... so if you want to ride together, we can."
Dylan almost retorts with a comment about not caring what Mick thought - if he wanted to go see the dirtbike track, he would. But this time, he holds his tongue. "Yeah... that'd be cool. If I survive getting back to the ranch that is."
Smirking a little, he finishes off his pop and sets his cup aside. He looks over his shoulder to see the front windows, noting that it was still pouring rain outside. At least it hadn't been doing this when BJ had gotten lost. He supposed that was one good thing.
Turning back at Dan, he cocks his head a little bit. This guy was alright... and if he was going to be Dylan's brother-in-law, he might as well get along, right? No point in making any more enemies than he already had.
Eyes
Giving a little laugh Bree kiss Gunner again knowing it did in fact tickle him but she wanted to do it anyways because he liked the way it felt under her fingers. Just being in a moment like this with Gunner Bree liked it. It was different but welcomed.
"Ok well..."
Bree stops talking for a moment as Gunner's lips meet her's again just holding the rest of her sentience till after the kiss. Feeling his fingers on the back of her head causes Bree to shiver just a little as a tingle goes down her spin.
"...when you ready...let me know..."
Bringing her hand to the side of Gunner's face Bree cradles his face in her head, tilting her own head a little and pressing her lips to his. Bree's heart beating so fast she was sure Gunner could feel it.
"...so I can get off of you first...since I'm on top."
Just looking down into Gunner's eyes again for a moment Bree felt so captivated by them. So big, so bold, full of color, and full of the life she had first sensed in them. Leaning in again Bree doesn't pull away so quickly just letting the passion flow. The kiss deeping as the both enjoyed the moment that was intended for them.
Taking another bit of his burger Dan thinks for a long moment. Since he had gotten out of jail really he hadn't taken interest in much other than working so it took him a little longer thing think.
"Well, I like horses, spending time with you sister...readying. I've watched dirt biking before but never did it myself. I know the have a nice track a little father into town, maybe sometime if Mick says its ok we can go check it out."
Finshing off his burger Dan smiles at Dylan. He was ready when even Dylan was but he didn't want to rush him. He was rather enjoying having someone else to chat with, even if Dylan had nothing else to say.
"Ok well..."
Bree stops talking for a moment as Gunner's lips meet her's again just holding the rest of her sentience till after the kiss. Feeling his fingers on the back of her head causes Bree to shiver just a little as a tingle goes down her spin.
"...when you ready...let me know..."
Bringing her hand to the side of Gunner's face Bree cradles his face in her head, tilting her own head a little and pressing her lips to his. Bree's heart beating so fast she was sure Gunner could feel it.
"...so I can get off of you first...since I'm on top."
Just looking down into Gunner's eyes again for a moment Bree felt so captivated by them. So big, so bold, full of color, and full of the life she had first sensed in them. Leaning in again Bree doesn't pull away so quickly just letting the passion flow. The kiss deeping as the both enjoyed the moment that was intended for them.
Taking another bit of his burger Dan thinks for a long moment. Since he had gotten out of jail really he hadn't taken interest in much other than working so it took him a little longer thing think.
"Well, I like horses, spending time with you sister...readying. I've watched dirt biking before but never did it myself. I know the have a nice track a little father into town, maybe sometime if Mick says its ok we can go check it out."
Finshing off his burger Dan smiles at Dylan. He was ready when even Dylan was but he didn't want to rush him. He was rather enjoying having someone else to chat with, even if Dylan had nothing else to say.
I promise
Not sure how to have smalltalk after such a deep subject, Dylan shrugs lamely. "I dunno."
He picks up a fry again to chew on it, his eyes roaming the room. He shrugs again. "I like dirtbikes. Parents didn't want me riding, but I did anyway. Guess I don't have too many hobbies... spent too much time getting into trouble, I suppose."
His finger runs around the rim of his glass and he looks back to Dan. "You?"
Gunner grins and returns Bree's kiss, enjoying their deeper passion. It was different... it was more than they'd shared before... he liked it.
Squirming just a little, he brings his hand up to stop Bree's fingers from moving on his chest. "You know that tickles," he teases quietly.
He chuckles and nods. "Yeah, breeds don't come much rarer than me. I might even go as far to say that I'm the only one of my kind." Moving his arm up a little, his hand slides up to the back of her head, bringing her closer to him so he can kiss her again.
"Floats," he murmurs. "Yeah... that would be good." He returns to kissing her.
"Soon... I'll get up..." He turns his head a little as he kisses her lips some more.
"I promise." He tightens his grip around her, wanting to feel what it really was like to just be passionate without jail bars in the way.
He picks up a fry again to chew on it, his eyes roaming the room. He shrugs again. "I like dirtbikes. Parents didn't want me riding, but I did anyway. Guess I don't have too many hobbies... spent too much time getting into trouble, I suppose."
His finger runs around the rim of his glass and he looks back to Dan. "You?"
Gunner grins and returns Bree's kiss, enjoying their deeper passion. It was different... it was more than they'd shared before... he liked it.
Squirming just a little, he brings his hand up to stop Bree's fingers from moving on his chest. "You know that tickles," he teases quietly.
He chuckles and nods. "Yeah, breeds don't come much rarer than me. I might even go as far to say that I'm the only one of my kind." Moving his arm up a little, his hand slides up to the back of her head, bringing her closer to him so he can kiss her again.
"Floats," he murmurs. "Yeah... that would be good." He returns to kissing her.
"Soon... I'll get up..." He turns his head a little as he kisses her lips some more.
"I promise." He tightens his grip around her, wanting to feel what it really was like to just be passionate without jail bars in the way.
Chest...*blink*
Dan gives a simple nod, that was better than nothing. At least Dylan would come back and at least try. That was more than he had hopped for, and if it was keep Dylan safe, and at least getting him to tell his story than Dan was happy.
"Ok, its a deal than. If you need to go, or you need anything else just let me know and I will see what I can do."
Looking down at his meal again Dan starts to take a few bits now a little more content with the situation, and feeling a tad bit of his hunger coming back to him.
"So Dylan...what are some things you do like?"
Squinting her own eyes open as the rays of light had come into the living room, it dosnt take Bree long to remember where she was. Feeling Gunner under her still Bree gives a tiny stretch but dosnt move much. Her own side felt sore, but she hate the idea of moving.
"I could stay like this forever. But than again we would miss out on the rootless floats, and I think thats a crime worth being punished for."
Shifting a little again so Bree could be closer to Gunner's face she lays her hand on his chest, her fingers finding the soft curls there to gently run her fingers through. Bringing her face down closer to his Bree press her lips to Gunner letting it linger for a long moment. Putting away but not moving to far she smiles down at him her eyes searching the depths of his.
"I never met a vampire who felt so warm before. You must be one of those rare breeds."
"Ok, its a deal than. If you need to go, or you need anything else just let me know and I will see what I can do."
Looking down at his meal again Dan starts to take a few bits now a little more content with the situation, and feeling a tad bit of his hunger coming back to him.
"So Dylan...what are some things you do like?"
Squinting her own eyes open as the rays of light had come into the living room, it dosnt take Bree long to remember where she was. Feeling Gunner under her still Bree gives a tiny stretch but dosnt move much. Her own side felt sore, but she hate the idea of moving.
"I could stay like this forever. But than again we would miss out on the rootless floats, and I think thats a crime worth being punished for."
Shifting a little again so Bree could be closer to Gunner's face she lays her hand on his chest, her fingers finding the soft curls there to gently run her fingers through. Bringing her face down closer to his Bree press her lips to Gunner letting it linger for a long moment. Putting away but not moving to far she smiles down at him her eyes searching the depths of his.
"I never met a vampire who felt so warm before. You must be one of those rare breeds."
3/29/10
All day
Dylan gives a deep sigh, not knowing if this was really a good idea or not. Logic reminded him that he had no where else to go and at least back at the ranch he knew he'd get warm meals and a roof over his head. That was more than he had hitchhiking back to Colorado or anywhere else.
What about making good with his dad? He really didn't know if that could ever work or not. But... he was tired of living this way. He was tired of the constant fight. And there still was a part of him deep down that was simply a little boy looking for his father's love and approval. He never would outgrow that, and if he had a chance to satisfy it then... was it worth swallowing his pride?
"Okay." He shrugs. "I don't have any better offers right now, so... I'll come back. But I don't promise it'll be for weeks. Dad was ready to knock my block off last night and if he comes at me like that again, I'm taking off."
Gunner feels Bree's kiss and hears her words of love, giving her a little squeeze in response. He would have expressed more, but he was just too tired. He had someone to chase away the darkness tonight and he knew he would have the first good night sleep in way too long.
And he was right.
Shifting slightly, Gunner groans a little. His entire body was stiff. He must not have moved a muscle all night. He starts to stretch, then remembers that he's not alone, so he doesn't move too much, not wanting to disturb his couch partner.
Managing to open his eyes, he takes note that it's much brighter in the living room than he'd expected. Squinting a little and trying to get his eyes to adjust, he finds the clock on the back wall. No wonder it was light and he was aching. It was almost eleven o'clock. Talk about a good long night's sleep. Even now though, he felt like he could just about go right back to sleep. He was so warm and comfortable. He hadn't even heart JT get up and leave hours prior.
Taking a deep breath, he lets it out slowly then yawns, moving just a little bit, his head sinking further down into his pillow. He couldn't feel the arm that had been wrapped around Bree all night - it was way past having fallen asleep and was numb now, but he didn't move it yet.
"Can we just stay here all day?" he mumbles groggily.
What about making good with his dad? He really didn't know if that could ever work or not. But... he was tired of living this way. He was tired of the constant fight. And there still was a part of him deep down that was simply a little boy looking for his father's love and approval. He never would outgrow that, and if he had a chance to satisfy it then... was it worth swallowing his pride?
"Okay." He shrugs. "I don't have any better offers right now, so... I'll come back. But I don't promise it'll be for weeks. Dad was ready to knock my block off last night and if he comes at me like that again, I'm taking off."
Gunner feels Bree's kiss and hears her words of love, giving her a little squeeze in response. He would have expressed more, but he was just too tired. He had someone to chase away the darkness tonight and he knew he would have the first good night sleep in way too long.
And he was right.
Shifting slightly, Gunner groans a little. His entire body was stiff. He must not have moved a muscle all night. He starts to stretch, then remembers that he's not alone, so he doesn't move too much, not wanting to disturb his couch partner.
Managing to open his eyes, he takes note that it's much brighter in the living room than he'd expected. Squinting a little and trying to get his eyes to adjust, he finds the clock on the back wall. No wonder it was light and he was aching. It was almost eleven o'clock. Talk about a good long night's sleep. Even now though, he felt like he could just about go right back to sleep. He was so warm and comfortable. He hadn't even heart JT get up and leave hours prior.
Taking a deep breath, he lets it out slowly then yawns, moving just a little bit, his head sinking further down into his pillow. He couldn't feel the arm that had been wrapped around Bree all night - it was way past having fallen asleep and was numb now, but he didn't move it yet.
"Can we just stay here all day?" he mumbles groggily.
Kiss Chest, no OJ promise!!!!! O.O
"I know you didn't want him to get hurt, and Mick knows you didn't want him to get hurt, but he did get hurt. BJ is a special kind of kid ya know. He's smart for his age and understand a lot more than people know. But he's also just a kid and I think people forget that sometimes."
Taking his napkin and whipping his mouth Dan looks across the table again and cocks his head to the side for a moment studying Dylan. He was a sixteen year old boy with a head as thick as his fathers, who didn't like to be told what to do, so telling him to go back to the ranch just wouldn't do and Dylan would always feel it wasn't his choose.
" I do think you should go back and at least try to talk with Mick. How about this...come back with me, give it a few more weeks at the ranch and really try to like to talk with you dad, and work things out. After those few weeks are up you still hate it there, and you want to leave. I'll drive you to where every it is you want to go. But you have to at least put an effort twords working on things with you Dad. What do you say?"
Smiling through the darkness as Gunner shift Bree gives a little grunt as he bops her in the head but says nothing to on it knowing it was an accident. Just giving a laugh here and there Bree did her best to keep her voice down and not wake her Uncle.
Finally as Gunner is comfortable Bree lays half on top of him getting comfortable himself. Laying her head on his chest and feeling his warm skin under her face mixed with the rippled from his chest, and the rhythm of his breath seemed to make her eyes even heaver.
Feeling so safe wrapped in Gunner's arms Bree new tonight she would get a goodnight rest with no fear making its way into her dreams. Moving her head one more time Bree gives Gunner's chest a kiss than lays her head down again. Finding his fingers with her own she lays them on top of them. Staring into the night and just enjoying feeling Gunner so close, finally Bree's eyes fall shut but not before a whisper slips from her lips.
"I love you Gunner."
Taking his napkin and whipping his mouth Dan looks across the table again and cocks his head to the side for a moment studying Dylan. He was a sixteen year old boy with a head as thick as his fathers, who didn't like to be told what to do, so telling him to go back to the ranch just wouldn't do and Dylan would always feel it wasn't his choose.
" I do think you should go back and at least try to talk with Mick. How about this...come back with me, give it a few more weeks at the ranch and really try to like to talk with you dad, and work things out. After those few weeks are up you still hate it there, and you want to leave. I'll drive you to where every it is you want to go. But you have to at least put an effort twords working on things with you Dad. What do you say?"
Smiling through the darkness as Gunner shift Bree gives a little grunt as he bops her in the head but says nothing to on it knowing it was an accident. Just giving a laugh here and there Bree did her best to keep her voice down and not wake her Uncle.
Finally as Gunner is comfortable Bree lays half on top of him getting comfortable himself. Laying her head on his chest and feeling his warm skin under her face mixed with the rippled from his chest, and the rhythm of his breath seemed to make her eyes even heaver.
Feeling so safe wrapped in Gunner's arms Bree new tonight she would get a goodnight rest with no fear making its way into her dreams. Moving her head one more time Bree gives Gunner's chest a kiss than lays her head down again. Finding his fingers with her own she lays them on top of them. Staring into the night and just enjoying feeling Gunner so close, finally Bree's eyes fall shut but not before a whisper slips from her lips.
"I love you Gunner."
Decent
Dylan continues to look down even when Dan begins to speak. Feeling so lost today though, the words actually begin to sink in past his pride. And for the first time since this whole thing started, there was a part of Dylan that didn't feel alone.
Finally, his eyes drift upward to meet Dan's. His gaze was full of frustration for this battle, anger - more at himself than anything else, and embarrassment. There were two things happening inside of him. One was his own battle with what had happened to him and what was still going on, and one was his bitterness towards his father for feeling abandoned as a child.
Playing with his napkin, he mulls over Dan's advice to talk to Mick. Would it really do any good? Especially after what had happened with BJ? "I... don't know that he even wants to talk to me," he admits. Not after... well, with BJ and all." He shrugs lamely. "I didn't mean for the kid to get hurt, ya know. He was just being a pain and I didn't know he'd get lost." He looks at Dan almost pleadingly. "I didn't want him to. I just... I don't like him hanging around me and.... I guess I was irresponsible just like my dad said."
His head starts to hang again. "Do you... really think I should go back?"
A grin sneaks onto Gunner's face at Bree's comment, though his eyes stay closed. Sensing the light go out, he sighs deeply, right on the edge of sleep. Not expecting company though, his eyes open as he feels Bree climbing onto the couch with him and nesting down in what was left of a space between him and the back cushions.
Smiling in the dark, he shakes his head. "This'll never do," he mumbles. He raises himself halfway up and twists around, pulling off his t-shirt. Rooting around, he's pretty sure he bumps Bree in the head with his elbow at least once until he's on his back, with her halfway on top of him and halfway still in between him and the couch so she can rest her head on his chest.
Grabbing the soft blanket from the back of the couch, he throws one end of it so it covers them and settles his head back with a deep sigh, Bree's head moving with his lung's motion. One arm was tucked around her, while the other rested on the outside, his hand lying somewhere near hers.
Finally, his eyes drift upward to meet Dan's. His gaze was full of frustration for this battle, anger - more at himself than anything else, and embarrassment. There were two things happening inside of him. One was his own battle with what had happened to him and what was still going on, and one was his bitterness towards his father for feeling abandoned as a child.
Playing with his napkin, he mulls over Dan's advice to talk to Mick. Would it really do any good? Especially after what had happened with BJ? "I... don't know that he even wants to talk to me," he admits. Not after... well, with BJ and all." He shrugs lamely. "I didn't mean for the kid to get hurt, ya know. He was just being a pain and I didn't know he'd get lost." He looks at Dan almost pleadingly. "I didn't want him to. I just... I don't like him hanging around me and.... I guess I was irresponsible just like my dad said."
His head starts to hang again. "Do you... really think I should go back?"
A grin sneaks onto Gunner's face at Bree's comment, though his eyes stay closed. Sensing the light go out, he sighs deeply, right on the edge of sleep. Not expecting company though, his eyes open as he feels Bree climbing onto the couch with him and nesting down in what was left of a space between him and the back cushions.
Smiling in the dark, he shakes his head. "This'll never do," he mumbles. He raises himself halfway up and twists around, pulling off his t-shirt. Rooting around, he's pretty sure he bumps Bree in the head with his elbow at least once until he's on his back, with her halfway on top of him and halfway still in between him and the couch so she can rest her head on his chest.
Grabbing the soft blanket from the back of the couch, he throws one end of it so it covers them and settles his head back with a deep sigh, Bree's head moving with his lung's motion. One arm was tucked around her, while the other rested on the outside, his hand lying somewhere near hers.
Weak Human
Continuing to just sit back and listen to Dylan Dan gives a small nod here and there proving he was listing. Hearing his story Dan's face didn't really change much though his eyes did flood with emotions. It was easy to see just from looking at Dylan he was telling the truth and yet it still bothered him to talk about it.
Once Dylan was done Dan sits up and folds his hands on the table. Letting the silence just fall over the table for a long moment Dan just collects his thoughts thinking for a long moment how ironic that he was the one Dylan had deiced to talk to.
"Dylan, I believe you and I am probably the last person that is good to give you any kind of advice with out looking like a hypocrite. I don't even talk to my father anymore, its been well over five years. I should of put more effort into trying to contact him but I guess I was ashamed of my own self."
Dan stops again thinking. It really was true, Dan never put any effort into talking to his Dad after he got out of jail when maybe he should of. It had been so long was it really worth it now?
"I can tell you one thing though Dylan, before I came down to go to lunch I saw the look in your dad's eye when he saw you at the end of the driveway and there was so much love and sorrow that filled his eyes. and if you were to just tell him the truth, I know he would believe you. He dosnt think your a loser, I don't know why he never wanted anything to do with you as a kid, and I cant even guess but he wanted to be part of your life now, and thats something I wouldnt want to pass up."
Giving a nod and a sip of his pop just thinking again for a moment.
"Unfortunately out past will always follow us, and we will always remember the past, but thats because it will help us in the future when what we choose to do. I think one of the biggest steps we have to take though is forgiving ourselves. Thats the hardest thing to do."
That had been the hardest thing for Dan. Forgiving himself for what he did, and drying to live with the nightmares he had every night. It hadn't been an easy task.
"Weak...no human, you and me both. Drugs, alcohol....the ways of the world that temp who we are. Your not weak Dylan, just human and if these people are still after you I think its gives you an even better reason for telling you dad because he can keep you safe and anyone else who might get hurt so they could get to you. Its your desition but you keep saying you mess up left and right...maybe not its time to do the smart thing, and let your dad know! The choose is yours."
As the night drew to an end Bree could feel her own eyes starting to close and as Gunner makes it final they they were going home Bree didn't try and fight back. She had, had enough of the fun for one day and she could feel her own eyes start to close and she was feeling a little claustrophobic.
Once getting home and seeing Gunner crash on the couch after staying awake for a little while longer Bree can't help but laugh. He was so tired, and he deserved a good rest how could she not let him have it.
Giving over to the couch and sitting on the edge for a moment Bree rubs his back still smiling. Leaning down a little she gives him a kiss on the side of the face letting it linger for a moment.
"Yeah I will be here tonight. I am way to tired to drive home. So that means no running around the house in your boxers."
Giving a small laugh and standing from the couch Bree walks over to the light and turns it off. Standing in the dark room for a moment and watching Gunner's form on the couch almost like he might disappear Bree turns but than turns back to the couch again. Making her way back to the couch a little Bree squeeze herself between Gunner and the back of the couch making herself comfortable even if she was squished a little. Drapping her arm over Gunner's back she smiles before closing her eyes.
"Good Night Gunner."
Once Dylan was done Dan sits up and folds his hands on the table. Letting the silence just fall over the table for a long moment Dan just collects his thoughts thinking for a long moment how ironic that he was the one Dylan had deiced to talk to.
"Dylan, I believe you and I am probably the last person that is good to give you any kind of advice with out looking like a hypocrite. I don't even talk to my father anymore, its been well over five years. I should of put more effort into trying to contact him but I guess I was ashamed of my own self."
Dan stops again thinking. It really was true, Dan never put any effort into talking to his Dad after he got out of jail when maybe he should of. It had been so long was it really worth it now?
"I can tell you one thing though Dylan, before I came down to go to lunch I saw the look in your dad's eye when he saw you at the end of the driveway and there was so much love and sorrow that filled his eyes. and if you were to just tell him the truth, I know he would believe you. He dosnt think your a loser, I don't know why he never wanted anything to do with you as a kid, and I cant even guess but he wanted to be part of your life now, and thats something I wouldnt want to pass up."
Giving a nod and a sip of his pop just thinking again for a moment.
"Unfortunately out past will always follow us, and we will always remember the past, but thats because it will help us in the future when what we choose to do. I think one of the biggest steps we have to take though is forgiving ourselves. Thats the hardest thing to do."
That had been the hardest thing for Dan. Forgiving himself for what he did, and drying to live with the nightmares he had every night. It hadn't been an easy task.
"Weak...no human, you and me both. Drugs, alcohol....the ways of the world that temp who we are. Your not weak Dylan, just human and if these people are still after you I think its gives you an even better reason for telling you dad because he can keep you safe and anyone else who might get hurt so they could get to you. Its your desition but you keep saying you mess up left and right...maybe not its time to do the smart thing, and let your dad know! The choose is yours."
As the night drew to an end Bree could feel her own eyes starting to close and as Gunner makes it final they they were going home Bree didn't try and fight back. She had, had enough of the fun for one day and she could feel her own eyes start to close and she was feeling a little claustrophobic.
Once getting home and seeing Gunner crash on the couch after staying awake for a little while longer Bree can't help but laugh. He was so tired, and he deserved a good rest how could she not let him have it.
Giving over to the couch and sitting on the edge for a moment Bree rubs his back still smiling. Leaning down a little she gives him a kiss on the side of the face letting it linger for a moment.
"Yeah I will be here tonight. I am way to tired to drive home. So that means no running around the house in your boxers."
Giving a small laugh and standing from the couch Bree walks over to the light and turns it off. Standing in the dark room for a moment and watching Gunner's form on the couch almost like he might disappear Bree turns but than turns back to the couch again. Making her way back to the couch a little Bree squeeze herself between Gunner and the back of the couch making herself comfortable even if she was squished a little. Drapping her arm over Gunner's back she smiles before closing her eyes.
"Good Night Gunner."
Up in the night
Gunner's eyes widen at Bree's comment and he turns to her, letting out a low growl. He leans in towards her neck, but turns at the last second just to put his head on her shoulder instead of playing a vampire. "A bed... no bars... mmmm yeah, I think I can handle that... especially the door on the bathroom." Once his head has rested on her shoulder for a few moments though, his eyes fall shut, the grin slowly fading from his face.
Out of nowhere, he snaps up and stands abruptly, almost dumping his punch on the floor. "Okay, that's it, time to go. I can't stay awake another minute."
Still having Bree's hand in his, he pulls her up out of the chair and drags her to the door. "G'night y'all! Thanks for the party!"
The others laugh and wave, all knowing it was getting a bit late and glad that he'd been there for a while at all. JT sees Gunner and Bree disappear and downs the rest of his punch quickly. "I better go or they're gonna leave me here without a car." Grinning, he waves to the group and heads out quickly to follow the other two out.
The car ride doesn't take too long and Gunner winds up riding shotgun just so he can talk to JT and stay awake until they get back. Running on pure adrenaline, he manages to stay up a little while longer. Once JT has gone to bed though, Gunner kicks his shoes off and barely makes it to the couch to flop down on his stomach, not even bothering to turn out the light.
"Are you staying?" he mumbles to Bree into the cushions. "I don't wanna get up in the night and think there's not a lady in the house."
The party was over. TJY was cleaned up. People were going home and Reese was one of the few who was left. It wasn't for a pleasant task though. He'd been tempted to put this off, but he knew he needed to get it done before anything else happened.
"What?" Alec is sitting up in the infirmary bed, soon to be released to his room on the lower level again. He was going stir crazy, but at least Ryan had visited. Now though... "You can't do that."
"I can keep out whoever I want to keep out," Reese retorts as he stands beside the bed, his arms crossed. "You won't talk, Ryan won't be allowed back."
"I've been telling you the truth!"
"Then try sticking with the same story for once." Reese's eyes narrow. "I'm through playing games, Alec. Either you talk or Ryan will be escorted out next time she tries to come. It's that simple."
Alec glares at Reese, feeling his insides churn.
"Think about it." Reese turns to leave. "I'll be here in the morning."
Dylan thinks for several long moments as his jaw muscles work out his tension without realizing it, just like his father. Everyone thought he'd caved to peer pressure or had just been stupid... the problem was that he hadn't given them anything else to believe. After recent events, something deep down just wanted someone to believe in him again. And if it wasn't going to be his father, anybody would do. Would Dan really listen? Would he really believe him? Dylan had heard Dan had a past of his own... maybe there really was some sort of connection there.
"I didn't want to do it." On the surface, Dylan didn't want to talk about this at all. But something deeper wanted release from these chains.
"My friends were crap... and I knew it. But I didn't have anybody else." He shrugs lamely. "I wasn't doin' good in school and I don't know... I didn't get along with Ben, and me and my mom weren't doing real well so... I hung out with the losers. Got in a bit of trouble now and again. Got picked up by the cops a couple times, but it wasn't anything major enough to send me away."
Dylan's eyes drift to the table where he picks up another french fry to play with. "One night there was a party. I snuck out of the house to go 'cause I was already grounded. Most of the others were getting drunk or smoking weed out back. I drank once in a while, but never did any more than that... always figured I was smart enough to stay away from anything else whether they offered it to me or not. I hung around for awhile then a few of my buddies dragged me into a back room. They didn't tell me what was going on - I thought they were just fooling around or something. Then they sat me down and held me in a chair. I think they were half drunk themselves and they thought it was pretty funny."
He pauses and rubs his arm where one could still faintly see the marks of needles. "I... tried to get away when I saw them come out with the needle. They were laughing. Talking about seein' me high in the clouds. I tried to fight them off but they were stronger." He shrugs lamely. "So they shot me up."
It was obvious from the look in his eye that even though he tried to be tough about the whole thing, that it really bothered him still. It had been a very bad experience that haunted him still, though he'd never admitted it. He'd told people at he McClains that his nightmares had just been about a fire or something, when in reality, they were of that night.
He looks away for a moment, finding something else to focus on, then eats a fry, not even sure himself if he was going to go on. But after a sip of his pop, he does, still not looking up at Dan. He was too afraid he'd find disbelief or disappointment.
"Um... anyway, I don't remember much else about that night. I think the guys brought some girls in or something and I don't remember what happened but I don't think I did things I should have. Somehow I got home. I almost thought it had all been a bad dream 'cept the mark was still on my arm. I didn't say anything to anybody 'cause I knew there was no way they'd believe me. 'Oh sure, Dylan, they "forced" you.' So I kept my mouth shut over the weekend. Only thing was, come Monday, I was wanting whatever they'd given me real bad."
Dylan's face gains color, proving how embarrassed he was. "I... I tried to get past it. Figured if I just waited it out, I'd be okay. I didn't want to get hooked... I knew it was bad stuff. But... after school that day, on my way home, those same guys nabbed me again. And... it happened all over again. They threatened me... said if I told anyone, they'd hurt my mom and sister. They were serious so I... got scared. A few more times just like that and... they got what they wanted - me, addicted to their drugs."
He starts on another fry then lets it drop back to his plate, feeling sick in his gut just thinking about it all again. "I kept wondering what the point was... them getting me addicted. It didn't make sense. But all I ever got was hearing them boast about how much they'd got paid." He scoffs in disbelief. "Someone paid them to get me high. It got bad enough that it wasn't even hard for me anymore to get the stuff. Mostly I found 'em after school or at night when I'd sneak out of the house. Sometimes they'd make me do things for 'em for a fix. Nobody ever got hurt, but I stole more than one thing from the school. I only heard them talking once or twice and it sounded like someone was still payin' them, and they were just taking advantage by getting me to do things for them."
Dylan swallows hard, looking at his hands. "I wanted out so bad, I just... I was too weak. I couldn't say no anymore. Every time I tried, I just..." This was the worst part. Admitting he'd wanted off the stuff but couldn't do it. It just proved how weak he was.
"Eventually, there was a bunch who said they were goin' for a one-way joyride. I just wanted to get out of town and leave it all. So... I went with. I figured I was enough of a mess I deserved whatever I got. There were guys, girls... I don't remember much other than trying to forget and not caring what I did with who or how or how many." He scoffs again. "Yeah... Mama's little boy done did things that'd make her heart stop."
Dylan stops once more, not even sure why he should go on. This was the first time he'd told anybody any of this. The trouble, the drugs, the girls... all of it. He might as well finish now. "Next thing I remember is being totally doped up and the gang from TJY found us. I... found out Dad was involved and it just made me mad 'cause..." He shrugs. "He didn't care about taking care of me when I was a kid, and now he showed up to tell me how to live, while showing off how he was weak-willed himself."
Emotion floods Dylan's eyes as his gaze remains downcast. His hands grip each other so tightly that his knuckles turn white. "I hated it the whole time, Dan. I never once got enjoyment out of sticking myself or getting higher than a kite or doing stupid things while I was there. I just... I couldn't help it and every time I came back around, I wanted to go walk in front of a mac truck 'cause I felt so stupid. I hid it all well but it didn't matter."
Pausing again, he tries to stay in control. "Part of me was glad to be at the McClain's. I finally got off that stuff but they all automatically thought I was just some punk kid who'd had too much fun... even my dad. I knew that my story was impossible to believe. I just wanted to be gone but they wouldn't let me. I didn't want anything to do with my dad, but he had to be there too... I suppose the rest isn't worth saying. You know how things went after I got here."
Dylan still avoids Dan's eyes. "So that's it. I was stupid. I couldn't even stop myself from getting hooked by some mongrel high school thugs. I was born a loser and always will be. Family thinks so and they're right. Doesn't matter what I do now... I'll always have been a druggie and a petty crook." His thumb runs along the table, his food now forgotten. There was only one thing left. "And they're still after me."
Out of nowhere, he snaps up and stands abruptly, almost dumping his punch on the floor. "Okay, that's it, time to go. I can't stay awake another minute."
Still having Bree's hand in his, he pulls her up out of the chair and drags her to the door. "G'night y'all! Thanks for the party!"
The others laugh and wave, all knowing it was getting a bit late and glad that he'd been there for a while at all. JT sees Gunner and Bree disappear and downs the rest of his punch quickly. "I better go or they're gonna leave me here without a car." Grinning, he waves to the group and heads out quickly to follow the other two out.
The car ride doesn't take too long and Gunner winds up riding shotgun just so he can talk to JT and stay awake until they get back. Running on pure adrenaline, he manages to stay up a little while longer. Once JT has gone to bed though, Gunner kicks his shoes off and barely makes it to the couch to flop down on his stomach, not even bothering to turn out the light.
"Are you staying?" he mumbles to Bree into the cushions. "I don't wanna get up in the night and think there's not a lady in the house."
The party was over. TJY was cleaned up. People were going home and Reese was one of the few who was left. It wasn't for a pleasant task though. He'd been tempted to put this off, but he knew he needed to get it done before anything else happened.
"What?" Alec is sitting up in the infirmary bed, soon to be released to his room on the lower level again. He was going stir crazy, but at least Ryan had visited. Now though... "You can't do that."
"I can keep out whoever I want to keep out," Reese retorts as he stands beside the bed, his arms crossed. "You won't talk, Ryan won't be allowed back."
"I've been telling you the truth!"
"Then try sticking with the same story for once." Reese's eyes narrow. "I'm through playing games, Alec. Either you talk or Ryan will be escorted out next time she tries to come. It's that simple."
Alec glares at Reese, feeling his insides churn.
"Think about it." Reese turns to leave. "I'll be here in the morning."
Dylan thinks for several long moments as his jaw muscles work out his tension without realizing it, just like his father. Everyone thought he'd caved to peer pressure or had just been stupid... the problem was that he hadn't given them anything else to believe. After recent events, something deep down just wanted someone to believe in him again. And if it wasn't going to be his father, anybody would do. Would Dan really listen? Would he really believe him? Dylan had heard Dan had a past of his own... maybe there really was some sort of connection there.
"I didn't want to do it." On the surface, Dylan didn't want to talk about this at all. But something deeper wanted release from these chains.
"My friends were crap... and I knew it. But I didn't have anybody else." He shrugs lamely. "I wasn't doin' good in school and I don't know... I didn't get along with Ben, and me and my mom weren't doing real well so... I hung out with the losers. Got in a bit of trouble now and again. Got picked up by the cops a couple times, but it wasn't anything major enough to send me away."
Dylan's eyes drift to the table where he picks up another french fry to play with. "One night there was a party. I snuck out of the house to go 'cause I was already grounded. Most of the others were getting drunk or smoking weed out back. I drank once in a while, but never did any more than that... always figured I was smart enough to stay away from anything else whether they offered it to me or not. I hung around for awhile then a few of my buddies dragged me into a back room. They didn't tell me what was going on - I thought they were just fooling around or something. Then they sat me down and held me in a chair. I think they were half drunk themselves and they thought it was pretty funny."
He pauses and rubs his arm where one could still faintly see the marks of needles. "I... tried to get away when I saw them come out with the needle. They were laughing. Talking about seein' me high in the clouds. I tried to fight them off but they were stronger." He shrugs lamely. "So they shot me up."
It was obvious from the look in his eye that even though he tried to be tough about the whole thing, that it really bothered him still. It had been a very bad experience that haunted him still, though he'd never admitted it. He'd told people at he McClains that his nightmares had just been about a fire or something, when in reality, they were of that night.
He looks away for a moment, finding something else to focus on, then eats a fry, not even sure himself if he was going to go on. But after a sip of his pop, he does, still not looking up at Dan. He was too afraid he'd find disbelief or disappointment.
"Um... anyway, I don't remember much else about that night. I think the guys brought some girls in or something and I don't remember what happened but I don't think I did things I should have. Somehow I got home. I almost thought it had all been a bad dream 'cept the mark was still on my arm. I didn't say anything to anybody 'cause I knew there was no way they'd believe me. 'Oh sure, Dylan, they "forced" you.' So I kept my mouth shut over the weekend. Only thing was, come Monday, I was wanting whatever they'd given me real bad."
Dylan's face gains color, proving how embarrassed he was. "I... I tried to get past it. Figured if I just waited it out, I'd be okay. I didn't want to get hooked... I knew it was bad stuff. But... after school that day, on my way home, those same guys nabbed me again. And... it happened all over again. They threatened me... said if I told anyone, they'd hurt my mom and sister. They were serious so I... got scared. A few more times just like that and... they got what they wanted - me, addicted to their drugs."
He starts on another fry then lets it drop back to his plate, feeling sick in his gut just thinking about it all again. "I kept wondering what the point was... them getting me addicted. It didn't make sense. But all I ever got was hearing them boast about how much they'd got paid." He scoffs in disbelief. "Someone paid them to get me high. It got bad enough that it wasn't even hard for me anymore to get the stuff. Mostly I found 'em after school or at night when I'd sneak out of the house. Sometimes they'd make me do things for 'em for a fix. Nobody ever got hurt, but I stole more than one thing from the school. I only heard them talking once or twice and it sounded like someone was still payin' them, and they were just taking advantage by getting me to do things for them."
Dylan swallows hard, looking at his hands. "I wanted out so bad, I just... I was too weak. I couldn't say no anymore. Every time I tried, I just..." This was the worst part. Admitting he'd wanted off the stuff but couldn't do it. It just proved how weak he was.
"Eventually, there was a bunch who said they were goin' for a one-way joyride. I just wanted to get out of town and leave it all. So... I went with. I figured I was enough of a mess I deserved whatever I got. There were guys, girls... I don't remember much other than trying to forget and not caring what I did with who or how or how many." He scoffs again. "Yeah... Mama's little boy done did things that'd make her heart stop."
Dylan stops once more, not even sure why he should go on. This was the first time he'd told anybody any of this. The trouble, the drugs, the girls... all of it. He might as well finish now. "Next thing I remember is being totally doped up and the gang from TJY found us. I... found out Dad was involved and it just made me mad 'cause..." He shrugs. "He didn't care about taking care of me when I was a kid, and now he showed up to tell me how to live, while showing off how he was weak-willed himself."
Emotion floods Dylan's eyes as his gaze remains downcast. His hands grip each other so tightly that his knuckles turn white. "I hated it the whole time, Dan. I never once got enjoyment out of sticking myself or getting higher than a kite or doing stupid things while I was there. I just... I couldn't help it and every time I came back around, I wanted to go walk in front of a mac truck 'cause I felt so stupid. I hid it all well but it didn't matter."
Pausing again, he tries to stay in control. "Part of me was glad to be at the McClain's. I finally got off that stuff but they all automatically thought I was just some punk kid who'd had too much fun... even my dad. I knew that my story was impossible to believe. I just wanted to be gone but they wouldn't let me. I didn't want anything to do with my dad, but he had to be there too... I suppose the rest isn't worth saying. You know how things went after I got here."
Dylan still avoids Dan's eyes. "So that's it. I was stupid. I couldn't even stop myself from getting hooked by some mongrel high school thugs. I was born a loser and always will be. Family thinks so and they're right. Doesn't matter what I do now... I'll always have been a druggie and a petty crook." His thumb runs along the table, his food now forgotten. There was only one thing left. "And they're still after me."
Duty
Taking another bit of is own burger Dan turns a little listing to Dylan and puts his feel up on the booth seat and leaning his back in the crack where the wall and booth met so he could still listen to Dylan and look him in the eye.
Just staying silent Dan chews on his frys or takes a drink of his pop not interrupting Dylan but listening to him. Oh yes how Dylan reminded him of himself in his younger years. Just wanting someone to listen, or just someone to believe him. It was hard road to travel when everything was stacked against you.
"I'd believe you and listen because I have been down that road a time or two myself, and when no one will listen it sucks."
Dan gives a small nod to Dylan, he was in face more than what people though on the outside, and his closet had there own hidden skeletons tucked away. He was far from perfect and maybe that was why he felt even more to Dylan. But Dan left the ball in Dylan's court again if he wanted to keep talking he could Dan would just listen.
Keeping close to Gunner at TJY Bree can't stop smiling. Her cheeks were starting to hurt but she didn't care, the smile never moved. How could she be so happy and not smile? It was just not possible.
Hearing Gunner's comment to Susanne Bree can't help the short laugh the escaped her lips from Susanne's own confusion.
"Thats later."
And as the night continues the laughs do, and the fun just keep rolling, a few different times color coming to Bree's cheeks as she was talked about, or Gunner would tell someone else she was the best thing in the world. Being in the spot light with Gunner was different, and she liked it even more because it was with him.
As the night continues and Bree follows Gunner to the quiet part of the room Bree didn't mind at all. It was nice being around the people, but just time alone with Gunner was good to where she could hear her own thoughts.
Looking up at Gunner still holding his hand Bree's eyes twinkle a little as she just looks back into Gunner's.
"I am happy he drove too. I think I am gonna be snuggling in the back with you and possible pass out myself. I bet its going to feel nice not sleeping on that horrible cell bed and having a potty with a door..."
Bree's lips curl a little as she slipped her next comment in.
"...and not having bars in the way of doing your vamperic duty.
Just staying silent Dan chews on his frys or takes a drink of his pop not interrupting Dylan but listening to him. Oh yes how Dylan reminded him of himself in his younger years. Just wanting someone to listen, or just someone to believe him. It was hard road to travel when everything was stacked against you.
"I'd believe you and listen because I have been down that road a time or two myself, and when no one will listen it sucks."
Dan gives a small nod to Dylan, he was in face more than what people though on the outside, and his closet had there own hidden skeletons tucked away. He was far from perfect and maybe that was why he felt even more to Dylan. But Dan left the ball in Dylan's court again if he wanted to keep talking he could Dan would just listen.
Keeping close to Gunner at TJY Bree can't stop smiling. Her cheeks were starting to hurt but she didn't care, the smile never moved. How could she be so happy and not smile? It was just not possible.
Hearing Gunner's comment to Susanne Bree can't help the short laugh the escaped her lips from Susanne's own confusion.
"Thats later."
And as the night continues the laughs do, and the fun just keep rolling, a few different times color coming to Bree's cheeks as she was talked about, or Gunner would tell someone else she was the best thing in the world. Being in the spot light with Gunner was different, and she liked it even more because it was with him.
As the night continues and Bree follows Gunner to the quiet part of the room Bree didn't mind at all. It was nice being around the people, but just time alone with Gunner was good to where she could hear her own thoughts.
Looking up at Gunner still holding his hand Bree's eyes twinkle a little as she just looks back into Gunner's.
"I am happy he drove too. I think I am gonna be snuggling in the back with you and possible pass out myself. I bet its going to feel nice not sleeping on that horrible cell bed and having a potty with a door..."
Bree's lips curl a little as she slipped her next comment in.
"...and not having bars in the way of doing your vamperic duty.
Listen
Dylan surprises even himself by listening quietly to Dan. Maybe he was down far enough that anything close to advice wasn't so repulsive anymore. Maybe for once he was confused enough that answers didn't seem so bad.
Was it true that his dad really didn't hate him? Was it true that he would listen? Was it true that Mick had let Dylan go because he really didn't want to push him away? Dylan wondered.
He chews on another french fry, still quiet for a few moments and mulling over what Dan had said. "He wouldn't believe me," he finally responds. "Who would believe someone who said they'd wanted nothing to do with drugs but who'd been found as a doped up addict? Who would believe someone who said it wasn't their choice, rather than saying they'd caved to peer pressure?" He scoffs at the idea.
"Why do I act like I do? Because it's more believable." Glancing up, he finally looks into Dan's eyes. His own gaze betrayed him as it begged for a chance to tell his story to someone who would listen. No parents to chide him, no counselors to coax him, no sister to tell him what to do. He was tired of living in this lonely, quiet world. But who could he trust to believe him? Who could he trust to just... listen?
It took a while and there was quite a bit of chaos, but once the dust settled and darkness had settled over the sky, finally everyone was together again in the rec room at TJY. It was the best room for a party and even Gunner had been surprised at the work they'd put into dolling up the room. Apparently most had been pretty confident that the case wouldn't last past today, and everyone was thankful they'd been right.
"We're so glad to have you back, Brent." Susanne's eyes shine as she gives Gunner a little hug.
Gunner smirks at her. "You know better than to call me by my given name," he teases.
"Oh, pooh." Susanne rolls her eyes. "Don't make me sorry for ordering a cake."
"Mmm... cake. We got blood to drink?"
"What?"
"Never mind." Gunner gives Bree a sidelong glance, knowing she'd probably be the only one who got the joke.
Just about everybody greets him and shakes his had, seeming to be very pleased he was back. It felt odd in a way... to Gunner, it felt like he'd never left, yet at the same time, it felt like years had passed.
"Speech! Speech!"
Gunner whirls around, his eyes narrowing. "Conrad," he growls. "Don't you dare."
Con grins and holds up his cup of punch. "I dared. Speech!"
As the others chime in, Gunner shakes his head. "Alright, alright! If you lot would quiet down, maybe a man could get a word in edgewise." Once the room is quiet, he looks around at all the faces then chuckles. "I don't know what you want me to say. Thanks for... waiting for me and... for having this party. Makes a guy feel good. I'm glad to be back, that's for sure."
"What's the best part about getting out of jail?" Jason teases.
"That's easy. Holding this girl's hand and getting back into my own clothes again."
Several people laugh, though a few murmur, "Awww," as they see him holding Bree's hand.
"I expect you to be to work at seven in the morning," Reese comments dryly. He can't help but smile though. "No, I think you've earned a couple days of R&R."
As the little party continues, Gunner finally finds his way to a more quiet corner, totally exhausted but not wanting to be rude and leave. Sitting next to Bree against the far wall, his hand is still in hers. "Good thing your uncle drove," he muses. "I don't think I could make it back across town without falling asleep."
Was it true that his dad really didn't hate him? Was it true that he would listen? Was it true that Mick had let Dylan go because he really didn't want to push him away? Dylan wondered.
He chews on another french fry, still quiet for a few moments and mulling over what Dan had said. "He wouldn't believe me," he finally responds. "Who would believe someone who said they'd wanted nothing to do with drugs but who'd been found as a doped up addict? Who would believe someone who said it wasn't their choice, rather than saying they'd caved to peer pressure?" He scoffs at the idea.
"Why do I act like I do? Because it's more believable." Glancing up, he finally looks into Dan's eyes. His own gaze betrayed him as it begged for a chance to tell his story to someone who would listen. No parents to chide him, no counselors to coax him, no sister to tell him what to do. He was tired of living in this lonely, quiet world. But who could he trust to believe him? Who could he trust to just... listen?
It took a while and there was quite a bit of chaos, but once the dust settled and darkness had settled over the sky, finally everyone was together again in the rec room at TJY. It was the best room for a party and even Gunner had been surprised at the work they'd put into dolling up the room. Apparently most had been pretty confident that the case wouldn't last past today, and everyone was thankful they'd been right.
"We're so glad to have you back, Brent." Susanne's eyes shine as she gives Gunner a little hug.
Gunner smirks at her. "You know better than to call me by my given name," he teases.
"Oh, pooh." Susanne rolls her eyes. "Don't make me sorry for ordering a cake."
"Mmm... cake. We got blood to drink?"
"What?"
"Never mind." Gunner gives Bree a sidelong glance, knowing she'd probably be the only one who got the joke.
Just about everybody greets him and shakes his had, seeming to be very pleased he was back. It felt odd in a way... to Gunner, it felt like he'd never left, yet at the same time, it felt like years had passed.
"Speech! Speech!"
Gunner whirls around, his eyes narrowing. "Conrad," he growls. "Don't you dare."
Con grins and holds up his cup of punch. "I dared. Speech!"
As the others chime in, Gunner shakes his head. "Alright, alright! If you lot would quiet down, maybe a man could get a word in edgewise." Once the room is quiet, he looks around at all the faces then chuckles. "I don't know what you want me to say. Thanks for... waiting for me and... for having this party. Makes a guy feel good. I'm glad to be back, that's for sure."
"What's the best part about getting out of jail?" Jason teases.
"That's easy. Holding this girl's hand and getting back into my own clothes again."
Several people laugh, though a few murmur, "Awww," as they see him holding Bree's hand.
"I expect you to be to work at seven in the morning," Reese comments dryly. He can't help but smile though. "No, I think you've earned a couple days of R&R."
As the little party continues, Gunner finally finds his way to a more quiet corner, totally exhausted but not wanting to be rude and leave. Sitting next to Bree against the far wall, his hand is still in hers. "Good thing your uncle drove," he muses. "I don't think I could make it back across town without falling asleep."
If you tryed
Continuing to eat his meal Dan doesn't say anything only looking up brefly as Dylan sits down. Though he didnt say a word Dan was happy that he had choose to sit with him and eat. Even if they said nothing at all the whole meal he new God had some plan at work and if he could be a part of it that would be great.
Looking up from his meal as Dylan talks Dan is a bit surprised. He really hadnt exspected Dylan to say anything to him, let alone what he did.
Taking a fry of his own and dipping it in some ketchup Dan thinks for a long moment before talking. In a way Dan new how Dylan was feeling. If not for the same reason, he did understand. It had been a long time since he talked to his own parents and when posed with the question he new they would want nothing to do with him, but still he should of at least tried.
"Mick does not hate you Dylan. Disappointed yes maybe...but far from hates you. He might be a hard guy to get a long with, but I don't think there is a bone in his body to hate."
Thinking again for a moment Dan takes a sip of his drink.
"I think your dad just realized the more he pulled, the more you would push away and he didn't want to lose you completely so it was best to just let you go."
Leaning back a little Dan looks across the table at the young man that sat before him. Dylan seemed so hard yet so soft at the same time. Lost in a world he grew up to fast in. In a way he reminded him of himself.
"If your not who they think you are than why do you act it? Wouldn't you rather prove them wrong? I bet your Dad would listen if you just tried to talk to him."
Looking up from his meal as Dylan talks Dan is a bit surprised. He really hadnt exspected Dylan to say anything to him, let alone what he did.
Taking a fry of his own and dipping it in some ketchup Dan thinks for a long moment before talking. In a way Dan new how Dylan was feeling. If not for the same reason, he did understand. It had been a long time since he talked to his own parents and when posed with the question he new they would want nothing to do with him, but still he should of at least tried.
"Mick does not hate you Dylan. Disappointed yes maybe...but far from hates you. He might be a hard guy to get a long with, but I don't think there is a bone in his body to hate."
Thinking again for a moment Dan takes a sip of his drink.
"I think your dad just realized the more he pulled, the more you would push away and he didn't want to lose you completely so it was best to just let you go."
Leaning back a little Dan looks across the table at the young man that sat before him. Dylan seemed so hard yet so soft at the same time. Lost in a world he grew up to fast in. In a way he reminded him of himself.
"If your not who they think you are than why do you act it? Wouldn't you rather prove them wrong? I bet your Dad would listen if you just tried to talk to him."
Hates me
Dylan remains quiet on the long ride to down, thankful for Dan's silence as well. He huddles a little closer to the vents to absorb some heat as he begins to dry off a bit, though his hair still drips.
By the time they get to down, he was about halfway dry and finally warm at least. But as they pull up in front of the little cafe, he again had to make a choice. At least Dan was letting him decide what to do. But at this point, he didn't feel much like doing anything, whether it was going inside or heading out. Even if he did head out though, he'd have to hitchhike and it was still raining.
Giving Dan a sidelong glance, he watches him get out of the truck and go inside. Sighing, Dylan unbuckles himself but just sits for a while, thinking things through and trying to decide where he would go from here. If he went home, it would be a nightmare all over again and his mom and Ben didn't want to deal with him anyway. If he went back to the ranch, he wasn't really wanted there anyway and just caused trouble. If he headed out on his own, who knew where he would end up at. A few months down the road and they'd probably find him doped up again, or worse.
His stomach growls. Dylan's gaze shifts to the restaurant again. It was kind of stupid to pass up a free meal, especially if he would have a lot of walking to do. He finally makes up his mind and gets out of the truck, walking in the rain to make it inside. Looking around, he spots Dan off to the side already eating. Wandering over to him slowly, he sinks into the booth across from him, his eyes still aimed downward. He was still half wet, making him look just as miserable as he felt, if not more so.
Accepting a meal wasn't the worst thing in the world. He didn't like it, but he'd do it, knowing it was the smart thing to do this time. Not saying much other than to tell the waitress what he wanted, Dylan's eyes remained glued to the table as he remains quiet. Eventually he sheds his wet jacket and starts in on his hamburger, taking a little more time than necessary. Maybe he didn't even realize himself that he was stalling.
He wasn't sure what compelled him to finally speak. Maybe it was because Dan didn't ask it of him and it was on his own terms. Or maybe it was because he was at a complete loss and really didn't know which way to go. He'd made an awful lot of decisions for someone his age, but too many had ended up sending him down paths he never should have taken. Today he was doubting himself.
"I'm really not who they think I am," he mumbles, staring down at his plate as he doodles in his ketchup with a french fry. "To them I'm just some punk druggie who wanted to get that way."
He shrugs lamely. "I guess it doesn't matter though. Either way I wound up a loser so I guess they can just think what they want. The truth wouldn't matter now anyway since Dad hates me."
By the time they get to down, he was about halfway dry and finally warm at least. But as they pull up in front of the little cafe, he again had to make a choice. At least Dan was letting him decide what to do. But at this point, he didn't feel much like doing anything, whether it was going inside or heading out. Even if he did head out though, he'd have to hitchhike and it was still raining.
Giving Dan a sidelong glance, he watches him get out of the truck and go inside. Sighing, Dylan unbuckles himself but just sits for a while, thinking things through and trying to decide where he would go from here. If he went home, it would be a nightmare all over again and his mom and Ben didn't want to deal with him anyway. If he went back to the ranch, he wasn't really wanted there anyway and just caused trouble. If he headed out on his own, who knew where he would end up at. A few months down the road and they'd probably find him doped up again, or worse.
His stomach growls. Dylan's gaze shifts to the restaurant again. It was kind of stupid to pass up a free meal, especially if he would have a lot of walking to do. He finally makes up his mind and gets out of the truck, walking in the rain to make it inside. Looking around, he spots Dan off to the side already eating. Wandering over to him slowly, he sinks into the booth across from him, his eyes still aimed downward. He was still half wet, making him look just as miserable as he felt, if not more so.
Accepting a meal wasn't the worst thing in the world. He didn't like it, but he'd do it, knowing it was the smart thing to do this time. Not saying much other than to tell the waitress what he wanted, Dylan's eyes remained glued to the table as he remains quiet. Eventually he sheds his wet jacket and starts in on his hamburger, taking a little more time than necessary. Maybe he didn't even realize himself that he was stalling.
He wasn't sure what compelled him to finally speak. Maybe it was because Dan didn't ask it of him and it was on his own terms. Or maybe it was because he was at a complete loss and really didn't know which way to go. He'd made an awful lot of decisions for someone his age, but too many had ended up sending him down paths he never should have taken. Today he was doubting himself.
"I'm really not who they think I am," he mumbles, staring down at his plate as he doodles in his ketchup with a french fry. "To them I'm just some punk druggie who wanted to get that way."
He shrugs lamely. "I guess it doesn't matter though. Either way I wound up a loser so I guess they can just think what they want. The truth wouldn't matter now anyway since Dad hates me."
Burger and Frys
Hearing they were both safe now was good, and coming from Gunner actually in his arms hearing him say it was even better. Things really had worked out in the end and now there life could start once more. Bree couldn't help the love that shown through her eyes when she looked at Gunner and how much they sparkled.
Sliding down from Gunner Bree's fingers lock with his not wanting to let go of him when she just got him back. Looking up at him again a small laugh rolls off her lips at his comment.
"I have no problem following you. I'm not ready to let you go again."
Standing tall next to Gunner as the faced the crowed of people Bree felt so proud. This was her man, this was her love and he'd stood up for her. Never had she felt a feeling like this before, but to feel so important, loved and respected. Now it was time for Gunner to see the others. Bree new they would have there time together alone, later, now she was ready to share. At least for a little while anyways.
Feeling Reese arms around her made Angelica feel good. Seeing him give her a little public affection was even nicer. Looking up at Reese Angelica's eyes shown big and bright.
"Thank you, I think most of it was Gunner's little speech."
Giving a little laugh and a small shake of her head Angelica new Gunner really was lucky, and Bree was too. His words were certainly powerful and came right from the heart enough to melt the olds judges heart. That didnt happen often, and the fact that it really proved how much Gunner cared.
"Cake huh? I'd love to go with you. I'll just leave my car hear for now and I'll come back later to get it. Riding with you sounds better."
Still holding his smile Dan motions for Dylan to get into the car. He wouldnt call Dylan a friend yet, but there was a connection made with him in the barn the other day and now Dan himself wanted to make sure the young man was ok as well.
"I know you don't it will be on me. Nothing fancy just burgers and fry than you can be on your way to where ever your going."
Waiting for Dylan to get in and close the door Dan turns up the heat a little. He was warm but from the looks of it Dylan was far from it.
Setting out once again Dan doesn't try and make conversation just letting the silence rain. If Dylan wanted to talk to him he would, if not Dan wouldn't force him. Though he did give him a sidelong glance here and there just studying him for a long moment.
Finally getting into town and to a small cafe nothing grand Dan parks the car. This was all about choosing and it was up to Dylan not him to make it. Turning a little in the truck Dan looks at him and gives a nod.
"I'll be inside if you want to join me. Having some company would be nice. But if you don't well than you can sit here or be on you way. Ether way though its your turn to choose."
Giving a smile and getting out of the truck shuts the door behind him dropping his keys into his pocket, before heading into the restraint.
Sliding down from Gunner Bree's fingers lock with his not wanting to let go of him when she just got him back. Looking up at him again a small laugh rolls off her lips at his comment.
"I have no problem following you. I'm not ready to let you go again."
Standing tall next to Gunner as the faced the crowed of people Bree felt so proud. This was her man, this was her love and he'd stood up for her. Never had she felt a feeling like this before, but to feel so important, loved and respected. Now it was time for Gunner to see the others. Bree new they would have there time together alone, later, now she was ready to share. At least for a little while anyways.
Feeling Reese arms around her made Angelica feel good. Seeing him give her a little public affection was even nicer. Looking up at Reese Angelica's eyes shown big and bright.
"Thank you, I think most of it was Gunner's little speech."
Giving a little laugh and a small shake of her head Angelica new Gunner really was lucky, and Bree was too. His words were certainly powerful and came right from the heart enough to melt the olds judges heart. That didnt happen often, and the fact that it really proved how much Gunner cared.
"Cake huh? I'd love to go with you. I'll just leave my car hear for now and I'll come back later to get it. Riding with you sounds better."
Still holding his smile Dan motions for Dylan to get into the car. He wouldnt call Dylan a friend yet, but there was a connection made with him in the barn the other day and now Dan himself wanted to make sure the young man was ok as well.
"I know you don't it will be on me. Nothing fancy just burgers and fry than you can be on your way to where ever your going."
Waiting for Dylan to get in and close the door Dan turns up the heat a little. He was warm but from the looks of it Dylan was far from it.
Setting out once again Dan doesn't try and make conversation just letting the silence rain. If Dylan wanted to talk to him he would, if not Dan wouldn't force him. Though he did give him a sidelong glance here and there just studying him for a long moment.
Finally getting into town and to a small cafe nothing grand Dan parks the car. This was all about choosing and it was up to Dylan not him to make it. Turning a little in the truck Dan looks at him and gives a nod.
"I'll be inside if you want to join me. Having some company would be nice. But if you don't well than you can sit here or be on you way. Ether way though its your turn to choose."
Giving a smile and getting out of the truck shuts the door behind him dropping his keys into his pocket, before heading into the restraint.
Better come with
Though people were still clamoring around the courtroom, Gunner can only focus on Bree coming towards him. He loses her for a moment, but she reappears again, having climbed her way to the front. And as she stands just looking at him, he can only gaze upon her. It felt so unreal that this was finally over... that she was finally free... that he was finally free.
Seeing her start for him, Gunner automatically opens his arms wide, catching her as she jumps into him. His arms wrap around her tightly, unwilling to let go now that he could finally hold her.
Without even time to say hi, he's drawn into her kiss. Words could be so useless when they couldn't do justice and this was one of those moments where words would just mess things up. Gunner's pulse races as he allows Bree to deepen the kiss, giving passion right back to her. He did love her. He knew that now and he was no longer afraid of it. Forced to fight for it, it had become so precious, and he knew that he would never be willing to give it up.
As her fingers rake through his hair, his eyes remained closed, feeling in the state of perfect bliss. The rest of the room simply didn't exist. Nothing did. Not even time. It was just him and her as their hearts beat in their chests.
Finally though, Gunner pulls back just slightly, kissing Bree's nose and her cheek tenderly before looking into her eyes once more. He could hold her here forever. "It's all over," he whispers. "We're safe now... both of us."
"Gunner!"
He turns his head a little to see some of the others waving to him from behind where the guards were keeping people back. He looks back at Bree and winks. "Looks like this vampire has to go meet the mob."
Letting Bree slide back to her feet, he keeps his arms around her. "I worked this hard though... I'm not letting you out of my sight, so you better come with me."
Reese straightens a little as Angelica approaches and a smile spreads on his face. "I'd care very much to be your date."
Slinging an arm around her shoulders, he gives her a little squeeze. "Congratulations, by the way. This was quite a victory." Wandering through the doors, he looks down at her for a moment. "Party's back at TJY but I gotta pick up the cake... want to go with me?"
"Yeah..." Scott finally turns around to look at Dalton as his friend prepared to leave. "Don't let Reese wait too long for another tech guy if TJY needs one. They probably don't, but if they do... don't let Reese wait for me to come back."
Though his voice is determined, it was his eyes that betrayed him. There was a part of Scott that was missing since he'd left TJY... a part of him that was no longer being fulfilled. He'd been a perfect fit for that job and now had taken it away from himself.
Turning back to the window, his palm returns to the glass, not to look back over his shoulder again until Dalton was gone. Alone once more, he sets down his half can of Mountain Dew and wanders over to the basket they'd brought again. There were a few more goodies in there... but it was the two envelopes that caught his attention.
Taking them out, he goes to sit down on his bed. He opens the card first. Finding the words a bit fuzzy, he finds his glasses and starts to read again. It was a simple "Thinking of You" card, signed by everyone at TJY as far as he could tell. It even had Carson's signature on it. Scott was sure it had been Susanne who had gone to the work to track everybody down. Even if he was embarrassed to be here, he couldn't help a little feeling of warmth, knowing how many people had cared enough to sign the card and write their well wishes.
Next, Scott slowly unfolds the letter from his sister, pulling his legs up a little tighter to himself. It was a short letter, but the words embed themselves in his mind.
Letting the letter drop to his side, he leans back against the wall an sighs. She loved him. Despite all that had happened, she still loved him. That was nice to know. He loved her too. She was his sister... his twin. He'd always love her. But... how could they get along when she was going with a guy that Scott felt so much hate towards? It was hard to separate the two. He hated Gage, but his sister had chosen to date him. So hating one and loving the other was not an easy task.
Folding up her letter again, he sets it on his table for now, and sets the card up so he can see it. What would he do with Sapphire's words later? He didn't know. Had it changed anything? He didn't know that either. But maybe... just maybe... the first brick had been laid to building a new bridge.
Hearing a vehicle right close, Dylan jumps a little and looks up through the rain. Seeing the open door and hearing Dan's voice, he hesitates. Was this some kind of ploy? Or just a casual invite? Surely Dan knew by now that Dylan was intent on leaving.
But it was either go with or continue to sit out here in the pouring rain. Blinking away the rain, Dylan finally gets to his feet. Getting into the truck, he puts his backpack on the floor and shuts the door. He puts his seatbelt on and hunches over, his hands tight in his lap as he shivers. It looked like he was half-drowned, as wet as he was.
Unwilling to look at Dan, he just stares at the floor, cold, wet and miserable. "I don't have money for lunch," he mumbles.
Seeing her start for him, Gunner automatically opens his arms wide, catching her as she jumps into him. His arms wrap around her tightly, unwilling to let go now that he could finally hold her.
Without even time to say hi, he's drawn into her kiss. Words could be so useless when they couldn't do justice and this was one of those moments where words would just mess things up. Gunner's pulse races as he allows Bree to deepen the kiss, giving passion right back to her. He did love her. He knew that now and he was no longer afraid of it. Forced to fight for it, it had become so precious, and he knew that he would never be willing to give it up.
As her fingers rake through his hair, his eyes remained closed, feeling in the state of perfect bliss. The rest of the room simply didn't exist. Nothing did. Not even time. It was just him and her as their hearts beat in their chests.
Finally though, Gunner pulls back just slightly, kissing Bree's nose and her cheek tenderly before looking into her eyes once more. He could hold her here forever. "It's all over," he whispers. "We're safe now... both of us."
"Gunner!"
He turns his head a little to see some of the others waving to him from behind where the guards were keeping people back. He looks back at Bree and winks. "Looks like this vampire has to go meet the mob."
Letting Bree slide back to her feet, he keeps his arms around her. "I worked this hard though... I'm not letting you out of my sight, so you better come with me."
Reese straightens a little as Angelica approaches and a smile spreads on his face. "I'd care very much to be your date."
Slinging an arm around her shoulders, he gives her a little squeeze. "Congratulations, by the way. This was quite a victory." Wandering through the doors, he looks down at her for a moment. "Party's back at TJY but I gotta pick up the cake... want to go with me?"
"Yeah..." Scott finally turns around to look at Dalton as his friend prepared to leave. "Don't let Reese wait too long for another tech guy if TJY needs one. They probably don't, but if they do... don't let Reese wait for me to come back."
Though his voice is determined, it was his eyes that betrayed him. There was a part of Scott that was missing since he'd left TJY... a part of him that was no longer being fulfilled. He'd been a perfect fit for that job and now had taken it away from himself.
Turning back to the window, his palm returns to the glass, not to look back over his shoulder again until Dalton was gone. Alone once more, he sets down his half can of Mountain Dew and wanders over to the basket they'd brought again. There were a few more goodies in there... but it was the two envelopes that caught his attention.
Taking them out, he goes to sit down on his bed. He opens the card first. Finding the words a bit fuzzy, he finds his glasses and starts to read again. It was a simple "Thinking of You" card, signed by everyone at TJY as far as he could tell. It even had Carson's signature on it. Scott was sure it had been Susanne who had gone to the work to track everybody down. Even if he was embarrassed to be here, he couldn't help a little feeling of warmth, knowing how many people had cared enough to sign the card and write their well wishes.
Next, Scott slowly unfolds the letter from his sister, pulling his legs up a little tighter to himself. It was a short letter, but the words embed themselves in his mind.
Letting the letter drop to his side, he leans back against the wall an sighs. She loved him. Despite all that had happened, she still loved him. That was nice to know. He loved her too. She was his sister... his twin. He'd always love her. But... how could they get along when she was going with a guy that Scott felt so much hate towards? It was hard to separate the two. He hated Gage, but his sister had chosen to date him. So hating one and loving the other was not an easy task.
Folding up her letter again, he sets it on his table for now, and sets the card up so he can see it. What would he do with Sapphire's words later? He didn't know. Had it changed anything? He didn't know that either. But maybe... just maybe... the first brick had been laid to building a new bridge.
Hearing a vehicle right close, Dylan jumps a little and looks up through the rain. Seeing the open door and hearing Dan's voice, he hesitates. Was this some kind of ploy? Or just a casual invite? Surely Dan knew by now that Dylan was intent on leaving.
But it was either go with or continue to sit out here in the pouring rain. Blinking away the rain, Dylan finally gets to his feet. Getting into the truck, he puts his backpack on the floor and shuts the door. He puts his seatbelt on and hunches over, his hands tight in his lap as he shivers. It looked like he was half-drowned, as wet as he was.
Unwilling to look at Dan, he just stares at the floor, cold, wet and miserable. "I don't have money for lunch," he mumbles.
3/28/10
Halo
Continuing to sit on the edge of her seat Bree held her breath without even realizing it. Looking between the judge, Gunner, Angelica and David Bree's heart just raced as her hands became clammy gripping onto the back to of the bench in front of her.
Remember those walls I built
Well, baby they're tumbling down
And they didn't even put up a fight
They didn't even make up a sound
I found a way to let you in
But I never really had a doubt
Standing in the light of your halo
I got my angel now
Hearing the judges ruling Bree is instantly on her feet. Gunner was free, he could go home, she could hold him touch him, kiss him...he was really free again. Looking to her Uncle quick Bree's face breaks out in the biggest smile for the first time in a long time.
It's like I've been awakened
Every rule I had you breakin'
It's the risk that I'm takin'
I ain't never gonna shut you out
Everywhere I'm looking now
I'm surrounded by your embrace
Baby I can see your halo
You know you're my saving grace
Taking a few stops around her Uncle and out to the isle for a moment Bree loses Gunner in the mess of people. Some happy, some angry, some thinking justice had not be served but to Bree this had been her prayer answered and no one was going to keep her from Gunner longer than she already had been.
You're everything I need and more
It's written all over your face
Baby I can feel your halo
Pray it won't fade away
Hit me like a ray of sun
Burning through my darkest night
You're the only one that I want
Think I'm addicted to your light
Moving back into where she had been sitting Bree slips her shoes off and climbs up onto the bench. Looking up over the mass group of people the smile was still formed on her face. Holding onto the bench in front of her Bree hopes over it, and than the next, and than the next making her way to the front till finally she was on the other side of the divider and the space between her and Gunner was empty.
I swore I'd never fall again
But this don't even feel like falling
Gravity can't forget
To pull me back to the ground again
Feels like I've been awakened
Every rule I had you breakin'
The risk that I'm takin'
I'm never gonna shut you out
For a moment just standing there Bree catchs her breath as all the other sound around her just seems to fade. The other people in the room just seemed to vanish, light surrounding the one person that she had longed to feel again. Giving a small bounce Bree breaks out in a run for Gunner not wanting to be away from him any longer. Getting closer she gives a jump knowing he could catch her, and feeling his arms go around her as she wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his wast.
Everywhere I'm looking now
I'm surrounded by your embrace
Baby I can see your halo
You know you're my saving grace
You're everything I need and more
It's written all over your face
Baby I can feel your halo
Pray it won't fade away
Not even giving him a chance to talk Bree bings her lips to his just letting her passion, and all her emotions overflow into her kiss from the last weeks that had passed. Her heart beating so hard in her chest, she didn't care who was in the room, everyone else didn't matter, it was only her and Gunner.
I can feel your halo halo halo
I can see your halo halo halo
I can feel your halo halo halo
I can see your halo halo halo
You're my saving grace....
Pulling away for just a moment Bree's hand moves to the back of Gunner's hair her other arm still around him. Turning her head the other way Bree comes back in to continue the kiss with as much passion as the first time. Gunner's skin so soft, feeling him close to her again felt so good , his sent filling her nose and just making her kiss deepen even more as her fingers ran through Gunner's hair.
Taking David's hand in her own for a moment Angelica couldn't help the disappointment she felt that there tradition was being broken but she understood why. Though her heart hurt a little losing such a great partner and friend Angelica puts on a smile.
"I couldn't have done it without you David. Thank you."
Letting go of David's hand Angelica couldn't help the small feeling of gloom as she watched him pack his stuff up. This really was good bye? Maybe there paths would cross again, maybe this really was it.
"Enjoy your flight and if you ever need anything just...let me know. Good Bye David."
Angelica's good bye sounded so final but maybe this was the end and goodbye was the way to close it. Angelica didn't know, she was always bad with goodbyes.
Trying not to let the horrible feeling linger to long Angelica gathers her own items up in her brief case before moving away from the table. Wanting to congratulate Gunner Angelica stops seeing him and Bree in a romantic embrace. She's leave them for now and talk to them in a little bit before heading back to TJY for the small part everyone was invited to.
Moving through the crowd Angelica finds Reese, a smile spreading across her own face. Reaching up to push a strand of her own hair behind her ear Angelica's cheeks turn a slight shade of read.
"I herd there was a small victory part some where for Gunner, care to be my date?"
Giving a little sigh Dalton's heart breaks a little more. He couldn't help but pray a little more that God would help Scott a little more recovering so he could get out of this place. He hated seeing his friend like this more than anyone new and if he could He'd break him out himself but somewhere he did know this would help Scott, some how.
Standing Dalton goes over to Scott at the window and lays a gentile hand on his shoulder. Dalton was never good with comfort but he tried his best anyways.
"I don't know if they will listen to me, but I will tell them you said that. I miss you buddy, and thats something I wont get use to."
Letting out a sigh Dalton turns form Scott to throw the can into the garbage before making his way to the door. He's be one of those people who wouldn't stay away. Maybe he would write for a little bit, let things lay low for a little bit but he'd be back to see his friend.
"I'll see you soon. Keep you chin up Scott, I know its hard but...remember there is always tomorrow and many people who care."
Walking with Mick and stopping Dan's eyes follow Mick down the driveway. Squinting just a little bit he could make out Dylan's form. Looking back to Mick and studding his eyes he could see the look they layed behind them, it was the same look his dad had giving him so long ago. The conflicting of letting someone go, but wanting to still protect them.
Before Mick even said anything Dan had already made up his mind that he would be going into town for lunch and seeing if Dylan needed a ride. Hearing Mick's question to him was just a confirmation. Giving a nod Dan gives a smile to Mick as he takes his keys from his pocket.
"I was going to go into to town for lunch anyways, I'll see if he would like a ride!"
..After a few moments Dan was heading down the driveway taking it slow. Getting to where Dylan was sitting Dan stops. Reaching over and opening the door Dan gives a small grin to Dylan before yelling out to him.
"Hey, I'm heading into town for some lunch, want a ride and one last mean before you head out?"
Remember those walls I built
Well, baby they're tumbling down
And they didn't even put up a fight
They didn't even make up a sound
I found a way to let you in
But I never really had a doubt
Standing in the light of your halo
I got my angel now
Hearing the judges ruling Bree is instantly on her feet. Gunner was free, he could go home, she could hold him touch him, kiss him...he was really free again. Looking to her Uncle quick Bree's face breaks out in the biggest smile for the first time in a long time.
It's like I've been awakened
Every rule I had you breakin'
It's the risk that I'm takin'
I ain't never gonna shut you out
Everywhere I'm looking now
I'm surrounded by your embrace
Baby I can see your halo
You know you're my saving grace
Taking a few stops around her Uncle and out to the isle for a moment Bree loses Gunner in the mess of people. Some happy, some angry, some thinking justice had not be served but to Bree this had been her prayer answered and no one was going to keep her from Gunner longer than she already had been.
You're everything I need and more
It's written all over your face
Baby I can feel your halo
Pray it won't fade away
Hit me like a ray of sun
Burning through my darkest night
You're the only one that I want
Think I'm addicted to your light
Moving back into where she had been sitting Bree slips her shoes off and climbs up onto the bench. Looking up over the mass group of people the smile was still formed on her face. Holding onto the bench in front of her Bree hopes over it, and than the next, and than the next making her way to the front till finally she was on the other side of the divider and the space between her and Gunner was empty.
I swore I'd never fall again
But this don't even feel like falling
Gravity can't forget
To pull me back to the ground again
Feels like I've been awakened
Every rule I had you breakin'
The risk that I'm takin'
I'm never gonna shut you out
For a moment just standing there Bree catchs her breath as all the other sound around her just seems to fade. The other people in the room just seemed to vanish, light surrounding the one person that she had longed to feel again. Giving a small bounce Bree breaks out in a run for Gunner not wanting to be away from him any longer. Getting closer she gives a jump knowing he could catch her, and feeling his arms go around her as she wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his wast.
Everywhere I'm looking now
I'm surrounded by your embrace
Baby I can see your halo
You know you're my saving grace
You're everything I need and more
It's written all over your face
Baby I can feel your halo
Pray it won't fade away
Not even giving him a chance to talk Bree bings her lips to his just letting her passion, and all her emotions overflow into her kiss from the last weeks that had passed. Her heart beating so hard in her chest, she didn't care who was in the room, everyone else didn't matter, it was only her and Gunner.
I can feel your halo halo halo
I can see your halo halo halo
I can feel your halo halo halo
I can see your halo halo halo
You're my saving grace....
Pulling away for just a moment Bree's hand moves to the back of Gunner's hair her other arm still around him. Turning her head the other way Bree comes back in to continue the kiss with as much passion as the first time. Gunner's skin so soft, feeling him close to her again felt so good , his sent filling her nose and just making her kiss deepen even more as her fingers ran through Gunner's hair.
Taking David's hand in her own for a moment Angelica couldn't help the disappointment she felt that there tradition was being broken but she understood why. Though her heart hurt a little losing such a great partner and friend Angelica puts on a smile.
"I couldn't have done it without you David. Thank you."
Letting go of David's hand Angelica couldn't help the small feeling of gloom as she watched him pack his stuff up. This really was good bye? Maybe there paths would cross again, maybe this really was it.
"Enjoy your flight and if you ever need anything just...let me know. Good Bye David."
Angelica's good bye sounded so final but maybe this was the end and goodbye was the way to close it. Angelica didn't know, she was always bad with goodbyes.
Trying not to let the horrible feeling linger to long Angelica gathers her own items up in her brief case before moving away from the table. Wanting to congratulate Gunner Angelica stops seeing him and Bree in a romantic embrace. She's leave them for now and talk to them in a little bit before heading back to TJY for the small part everyone was invited to.
Moving through the crowd Angelica finds Reese, a smile spreading across her own face. Reaching up to push a strand of her own hair behind her ear Angelica's cheeks turn a slight shade of read.
"I herd there was a small victory part some where for Gunner, care to be my date?"
Giving a little sigh Dalton's heart breaks a little more. He couldn't help but pray a little more that God would help Scott a little more recovering so he could get out of this place. He hated seeing his friend like this more than anyone new and if he could He'd break him out himself but somewhere he did know this would help Scott, some how.
Standing Dalton goes over to Scott at the window and lays a gentile hand on his shoulder. Dalton was never good with comfort but he tried his best anyways.
"I don't know if they will listen to me, but I will tell them you said that. I miss you buddy, and thats something I wont get use to."
Letting out a sigh Dalton turns form Scott to throw the can into the garbage before making his way to the door. He's be one of those people who wouldn't stay away. Maybe he would write for a little bit, let things lay low for a little bit but he'd be back to see his friend.
"I'll see you soon. Keep you chin up Scott, I know its hard but...remember there is always tomorrow and many people who care."
Walking with Mick and stopping Dan's eyes follow Mick down the driveway. Squinting just a little bit he could make out Dylan's form. Looking back to Mick and studding his eyes he could see the look they layed behind them, it was the same look his dad had giving him so long ago. The conflicting of letting someone go, but wanting to still protect them.
Before Mick even said anything Dan had already made up his mind that he would be going into town for lunch and seeing if Dylan needed a ride. Hearing Mick's question to him was just a confirmation. Giving a nod Dan gives a smile to Mick as he takes his keys from his pocket.
"I was going to go into to town for lunch anyways, I'll see if he would like a ride!"
..After a few moments Dan was heading down the driveway taking it slow. Getting to where Dylan was sitting Dan stops. Reaching over and opening the door Dan gives a small grin to Dylan before yelling out to him.
"Hey, I'm heading into town for some lunch, want a ride and one last mean before you head out?"
Torn
The judge purses his lips and studies Gunner for several long minutes as people in the courtroom hold their breath. Gunner bravely looks back at him without blinking, passion for his cause showing in his gaze. The clock in the back of the room ticks as the judge weights his options. he could lose his job for siding with the defendant. But Gunner had struck a chord and looking into his eyes produced the most conviction Bartowski had ever felt in this court. His next move shocks the entire room.
Without any further conversation or debate, he addresses the crowd. "This case is dismissed. Mr. Franklin, you're free to go."
The prosecution erupts with complaints - witnesses from Northside yell their displeasure. On the other side, shocked shouts of relief ring out. David's eyes go wide and he looks at Angelica with total shock, unable to believe the sudden ruling.
For a moment, Gunner can't move. His feet felt glued to the floor as such relief swept over him. Thank you, God... Thank you. Turning around, he first looks to David and Angelica, his eyes thanking them more than words ever could. As the noise persists, and friends and coworkers try to come to him for congratulations and greetings, Gunner's eyes only look for one person.
The guards try to keep order and push people back, both those who were angry, and those who were on Gunner's side. It was a noisy chaos for several minutes as emotions ran high.
Gunner sweeps the room with his gaze, almost frantically searching. And finally his sight reaches the one he really wanted. Locking eyes with Bree, nothing else in the room mattered anymore. She was the whole reason for this thing and the only reason worth this victory.
David lets out a long sigh and holds out his hand to shake Angelica's. "Well, partner, congratulations." Smiling, he stands and begins to gather his papers, putting them back in his briefcase. "Sorry to win and run," he jokes, "but my plane leaves in an hour and I still need to pick up my bags from the hotel."
He hadn't told her that he would be sacrificing a victory dinner that was their tradition. Snapping his case shut, he looks down at Angelica warmly. "Eat a slice of celebration for me." His eyes roam to Reese, who was near the back of the room, then he looks back at Angelica. "I think your victory party awaits." Smiling again, he winks. "See you around, Angelica."
Scott nods a little as Dalton talks, not arguing with him about Hope and just listening to what was going on back at TJY. "Yeah... I hope Gunner gets off alright. If he doesn't, you and I and JT belong behind bars just as much as he does."
He fiddles with his pop can again, his eyes roaming everywhere but Dalton's gaze. "I'm sure the office will get used to me not being around," he comments dryly. "Even when I get back out of here, I'm not planning to go back. I'm tired of the living nightmare."
Standing up, he paces a little before stopping in front of the window, looking down over the grounds. Reaching out, he places his hand on the glass just like he used to do at Hope's old office. It felt the same. His palm was soothed by the coolness of the glass, yet it was warmed by the sun's rays. There was an odd comfort to it... maybe because it did remind him of Hope's old office and he'd found peace there. "Tell them not to come anymore, Dalton," he pleads quietly. "I know they mean well... but I don't want anybody here. Please."
Dylan stuffs his last shirt into his backpack, looks around the room one more time then zips up his bag. He grabs his knife off the table and slips it into his pocket then slips on his jacket. There was no point in any farewells or fanfare. He had nothing here. It wasn't even worth the fight anymore. His dad didn't even care anymore so why should he stay? Dylan hadn't wanted to stay here, but he hadn't ever thought Mick would give up on him like that. Maybe it was best so he could leave as he pleased now.
Slinging his backpack over his shoulder, Dylan heads out. It was near lunchtime but not quite. If he hurried, he'd make it to the road without being stopped by anybody. He didn't feel like explaining, and he hoped to make it without any words with his sister.
Making his way down the driveway, he looks back once, seeing a few people around the barn doing chores before the noontime meal. He didn't see his father. A raindrop hits him on the face and he sighs. But he wasn't going to stop. Turning back around, he continues his trek to the road.
It wasn't a long hike... the driveway wasn't all that long and he makes it to the road just as the clouds burst forth with the rain that had been felt in the air since early this morning. Dylan stands at the roadside, totally disgusted and totally beat. What was he doing? He'd called no one. He had no ride. He had no plans. He had nowhere to go. And it didn't matter where he went - he would never be safe. They would always find him.
Miserable, Dylan lets his backpack slide from his shoulder, and he uses it to sit on as he quickly becomes soaked in the cold, pouring rain. He pulls his jacket a little tighter around him, but it didn't matter much. Within minutes he was sopping wet from head to toe and so far no one had driven by for him to hitch a ride with. Shivering a little, he hunches over and just sits - the very picture of what was going on inside of him. He wanted to leave and be on his own, yet he knew that the ranch was a safe place to be. So he was stuck between the two worlds, feeling void of any element that would push him one way or the other and make up his mind.
"Yeah, that should be good for now. Let's go take a break for lunch." Mick nods to Dan after they'd brought in some of the horses out of the rain and made sure they had enough hay for the feeding later.
Stopping at the edge of the barn to prepare to walk through the rain, Mick stops and squints down the driveway a the odd form. Was that someone sitting by the road? It was hard to see. But then he knew. He knew without his eyes being sure that it was Dylan. Had he called someone to pick him up? If he had, why would he be waiting out there in this pouring rain? Had he just set out on his own then stopped himself? Did he feel rejected yet had nowhere else to go? Mick's heart was torn in two. It was going to take him a while to forgive Dylan for what happened with BJ, but even so, he wanted so badly to go after him and tell him to stay and come back inside where it was warm and dry. But he knew he couldn't. Not this time. Not after he'd made up his mind not to coax Dylan anymore. Deep down, Mick knew that if his son broke, he'd be there for him, but until that point, he had to remove himself from the situation and let Dylan decide.
Mick exchanges another glance with Dan, a sad look passing in his eyes. "I told him he could leave," he explains quietly. "Looks like he didn't make it very far." He sighs deeply. "He's gonna catch his death of cold out there."
He watches for a few more moments, seeing that Dylan was making no move to get up and walk or come back. Mick looks back at Dan again. "I can't go rescue him... not this time. But...." He shrugs lamely. "Would you mind going and offering him a ride to town? If he's that determined to leave, I might as well make sure he gets to town in one piece."
Without any further conversation or debate, he addresses the crowd. "This case is dismissed. Mr. Franklin, you're free to go."
The prosecution erupts with complaints - witnesses from Northside yell their displeasure. On the other side, shocked shouts of relief ring out. David's eyes go wide and he looks at Angelica with total shock, unable to believe the sudden ruling.
For a moment, Gunner can't move. His feet felt glued to the floor as such relief swept over him. Thank you, God... Thank you. Turning around, he first looks to David and Angelica, his eyes thanking them more than words ever could. As the noise persists, and friends and coworkers try to come to him for congratulations and greetings, Gunner's eyes only look for one person.
The guards try to keep order and push people back, both those who were angry, and those who were on Gunner's side. It was a noisy chaos for several minutes as emotions ran high.
Gunner sweeps the room with his gaze, almost frantically searching. And finally his sight reaches the one he really wanted. Locking eyes with Bree, nothing else in the room mattered anymore. She was the whole reason for this thing and the only reason worth this victory.
David lets out a long sigh and holds out his hand to shake Angelica's. "Well, partner, congratulations." Smiling, he stands and begins to gather his papers, putting them back in his briefcase. "Sorry to win and run," he jokes, "but my plane leaves in an hour and I still need to pick up my bags from the hotel."
He hadn't told her that he would be sacrificing a victory dinner that was their tradition. Snapping his case shut, he looks down at Angelica warmly. "Eat a slice of celebration for me." His eyes roam to Reese, who was near the back of the room, then he looks back at Angelica. "I think your victory party awaits." Smiling again, he winks. "See you around, Angelica."
Scott nods a little as Dalton talks, not arguing with him about Hope and just listening to what was going on back at TJY. "Yeah... I hope Gunner gets off alright. If he doesn't, you and I and JT belong behind bars just as much as he does."
He fiddles with his pop can again, his eyes roaming everywhere but Dalton's gaze. "I'm sure the office will get used to me not being around," he comments dryly. "Even when I get back out of here, I'm not planning to go back. I'm tired of the living nightmare."
Standing up, he paces a little before stopping in front of the window, looking down over the grounds. Reaching out, he places his hand on the glass just like he used to do at Hope's old office. It felt the same. His palm was soothed by the coolness of the glass, yet it was warmed by the sun's rays. There was an odd comfort to it... maybe because it did remind him of Hope's old office and he'd found peace there. "Tell them not to come anymore, Dalton," he pleads quietly. "I know they mean well... but I don't want anybody here. Please."
Dylan stuffs his last shirt into his backpack, looks around the room one more time then zips up his bag. He grabs his knife off the table and slips it into his pocket then slips on his jacket. There was no point in any farewells or fanfare. He had nothing here. It wasn't even worth the fight anymore. His dad didn't even care anymore so why should he stay? Dylan hadn't wanted to stay here, but he hadn't ever thought Mick would give up on him like that. Maybe it was best so he could leave as he pleased now.
Slinging his backpack over his shoulder, Dylan heads out. It was near lunchtime but not quite. If he hurried, he'd make it to the road without being stopped by anybody. He didn't feel like explaining, and he hoped to make it without any words with his sister.
Making his way down the driveway, he looks back once, seeing a few people around the barn doing chores before the noontime meal. He didn't see his father. A raindrop hits him on the face and he sighs. But he wasn't going to stop. Turning back around, he continues his trek to the road.
It wasn't a long hike... the driveway wasn't all that long and he makes it to the road just as the clouds burst forth with the rain that had been felt in the air since early this morning. Dylan stands at the roadside, totally disgusted and totally beat. What was he doing? He'd called no one. He had no ride. He had no plans. He had nowhere to go. And it didn't matter where he went - he would never be safe. They would always find him.
Miserable, Dylan lets his backpack slide from his shoulder, and he uses it to sit on as he quickly becomes soaked in the cold, pouring rain. He pulls his jacket a little tighter around him, but it didn't matter much. Within minutes he was sopping wet from head to toe and so far no one had driven by for him to hitch a ride with. Shivering a little, he hunches over and just sits - the very picture of what was going on inside of him. He wanted to leave and be on his own, yet he knew that the ranch was a safe place to be. So he was stuck between the two worlds, feeling void of any element that would push him one way or the other and make up his mind.
"Yeah, that should be good for now. Let's go take a break for lunch." Mick nods to Dan after they'd brought in some of the horses out of the rain and made sure they had enough hay for the feeding later.
Stopping at the edge of the barn to prepare to walk through the rain, Mick stops and squints down the driveway a the odd form. Was that someone sitting by the road? It was hard to see. But then he knew. He knew without his eyes being sure that it was Dylan. Had he called someone to pick him up? If he had, why would he be waiting out there in this pouring rain? Had he just set out on his own then stopped himself? Did he feel rejected yet had nowhere else to go? Mick's heart was torn in two. It was going to take him a while to forgive Dylan for what happened with BJ, but even so, he wanted so badly to go after him and tell him to stay and come back inside where it was warm and dry. But he knew he couldn't. Not this time. Not after he'd made up his mind not to coax Dylan anymore. Deep down, Mick knew that if his son broke, he'd be there for him, but until that point, he had to remove himself from the situation and let Dylan decide.
Mick exchanges another glance with Dan, a sad look passing in his eyes. "I told him he could leave," he explains quietly. "Looks like he didn't make it very far." He sighs deeply. "He's gonna catch his death of cold out there."
He watches for a few more moments, seeing that Dylan was making no move to get up and walk or come back. Mick looks back at Dan again. "I can't go rescue him... not this time. But...." He shrugs lamely. "Would you mind going and offering him a ride to town? If he's that determined to leave, I might as well make sure he gets to town in one piece."
3/27/10
Rosy Color
Hearing the judge start his ruling and not listen to anything else David had to say Angelica's head thumps hard in her chest. This was all wrapped up, how could they have gone wrong with this?
As Gunner stands up though Angelica quietly trys to prompt him to sit down but seeing he would not listen Angelica looks to David and gives a shrug. There was nothing else she could do.
Watching Gunner as he stood and asked to talk Bree's heart was thumping just from the judge seeming like he wasn't going to let him go, but now confused as to why he was speaking Bree looked to JT. Begging for comfort, begging for Gunner not to talk, scared of what would happen.
Sitting on the edge of her seat Bree listens to what Gunner was saying. If anyone looked at her they would be able to tell that she was the one he was talking about. The rosy color that came to her cheeks, and the smile the spread across her face at his words.
Inside Bree's heart thumped so hard she though for sure it would come right out of her chest. Gunner words ran through her like a warm water running over her skin. Leaving a tingle, leaving a new feeling...Love...Gunner had admitted to the world he loved her. This feeling was not something she could not explain.
Grabbing a cup of coffee and downing it quickly Dan heads out of the dinning hall and to the barn starting his days work. Taking in a deep breath as wind blows softly through Dan's hair a smile moves to his lips. Though the events of last night had been less than good, today seemed different and he felt good.
Entering the barn and getting to work Dan hopes it will go smoothly so he can spend more time with Jade again.
Continuing to look down at Scott Dalton gives a little nod. He could tell the sound of his friends voice was hurt and he felt bad. He wished he could take that pain away even though he new he couldn't.
"Hope loves you a lot, and I think she is just scared she is going to lose you I think. Thats only a guess though."
Letting out a small sigh Dalton takes another sip of the pop and leans back on the bed a little bit. He did understand where Scott was. So long ago he wanted to do things on his own too and in doing so he grew up to be quite bitter, and hate the world he lived in. But that had changed again slowly...and yet Dalton still understood where he was coming from.
"TJY is ok. We all miss you something terribly. You are a big part of the family there. Not to mention I miss having my buddy around to challenge my tiny mind. Not to mention no one appreciates the classical music like you did."
Dalton gives a small laugh at his comment hoping maybe Scott would find a little humor in it as well. Continuing on Daltion fills Scott in on a few more things that have been going on.
"Gunner's hearing is going on right now and Angelica thinks there case is pretty solid. With any luck they wont make it go any further. I think Bree will be happy for that. She miss him something horrible."
As Gunner stands up though Angelica quietly trys to prompt him to sit down but seeing he would not listen Angelica looks to David and gives a shrug. There was nothing else she could do.
Watching Gunner as he stood and asked to talk Bree's heart was thumping just from the judge seeming like he wasn't going to let him go, but now confused as to why he was speaking Bree looked to JT. Begging for comfort, begging for Gunner not to talk, scared of what would happen.
Sitting on the edge of her seat Bree listens to what Gunner was saying. If anyone looked at her they would be able to tell that she was the one he was talking about. The rosy color that came to her cheeks, and the smile the spread across her face at his words.
Inside Bree's heart thumped so hard she though for sure it would come right out of her chest. Gunner words ran through her like a warm water running over her skin. Leaving a tingle, leaving a new feeling...Love...Gunner had admitted to the world he loved her. This feeling was not something she could not explain.
Grabbing a cup of coffee and downing it quickly Dan heads out of the dinning hall and to the barn starting his days work. Taking in a deep breath as wind blows softly through Dan's hair a smile moves to his lips. Though the events of last night had been less than good, today seemed different and he felt good.
Entering the barn and getting to work Dan hopes it will go smoothly so he can spend more time with Jade again.
Continuing to look down at Scott Dalton gives a little nod. He could tell the sound of his friends voice was hurt and he felt bad. He wished he could take that pain away even though he new he couldn't.
"Hope loves you a lot, and I think she is just scared she is going to lose you I think. Thats only a guess though."
Letting out a small sigh Dalton takes another sip of the pop and leans back on the bed a little bit. He did understand where Scott was. So long ago he wanted to do things on his own too and in doing so he grew up to be quite bitter, and hate the world he lived in. But that had changed again slowly...and yet Dalton still understood where he was coming from.
"TJY is ok. We all miss you something terribly. You are a big part of the family there. Not to mention I miss having my buddy around to challenge my tiny mind. Not to mention no one appreciates the classical music like you did."
Dalton gives a small laugh at his comment hoping maybe Scott would find a little humor in it as well. Continuing on Daltion fills Scott in on a few more things that have been going on.
"Gunner's hearing is going on right now and Angelica thinks there case is pretty solid. With any luck they wont make it go any further. I think Bree will be happy for that. She miss him something horrible."
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