Now having everyone laughing Ryan can't stop as she still trys to control it. But finally as her sides hurt, and her throat is dry the laughing stops as she still gasps for air. Just laying on her back Ryan look up at the roof until Alec comes into view.
Taking his hand with her own Ryan stands throwing him a smile and shaking her head wiping he tears from her eyes.
"Oh man....I'm ok....I think. But nothing saying a I wont break out in hysteria when Roth sees his car. Oh Man...sorry about that we can all get back to work now I..."
Ryan chuckles a little again before shaking her head and looking at her brother.
"...I'm ok now. I think..but put the picture away before I lose it again."
Slipping his arm around Dani's shoulder Dalton lets her rest on him. He understood what she said about it just not feeling empty here. It was something different out of her norm and would help her.
"You don't need to call you brother. I...I called him last night to let him know you might not be in today. He said it was no problem."
Cocking his head a little to look Dani in the eyes Dalton smiles hopping she wouldn't be mad.
"I hope you don't mind I did that. I figured you might not get a lot of sleep and I wasn't sure when we would wake. So I though I better call him than."
Taking a deep breath at her brother short greeting Sapphire steps closer and sits down next to him.
"Good Morning Scott. I missed ya something awful so I though I might come and see you."
Fidding for a moment Sapphire wasnt sure what to say. How are you didn't seem right. How is it here well she probably already new what he would say. How was the weather she new. She just wasn't sure the words to use.
Holding the bag out to Scott Sapphire smiles. She was proud of what she had brought for her brother. She only hopped he still liked it.
"I brought you a few cans of Mountain Dew, some beef jerky, and Dalton gave me some of his classical music along with a little cd player for you."
Thinking again for a long moment if nothing else happened, if Scott wanted to talk no more there was one thing she wanted him to know. She wanted to make sure he new how much she still cared.
"I love you Scott...very much!"
5/30/10
Go on
Justin looks up and smiles at Sapphire, picking himself up off the ground. "Hey there, Sapphire. Good morning."
Studying her nervous eyes for a moment, he instinctively sets a hand on her shoulder for just a moment to try and get her to relax. "Come on. Scott's outside. He's had a good morning so far."
Leading the way, a prayer runs through Justin's mind as he walks. He almost always followed his instincts, as he was doing today. But when logic and instincts didn't match, it always made him question himself no matter how many times his gut proved right.
Reaching the bench on the edge of the grassy yard, Justin realized they were approaching Scott's blind side. Rather than risk startling him too badly, he speaks before they've arrived. "Hey, Scott. Jenny said you were up and at 'em. Almost didn't believe her." He sees Scott turning his head, but knows Sapphire is still just out of his line of vision. "I brought a visitor with me this morning."
Scott had just been ready to answer Justin's greeting, when the news of a visitor puts him on edge. Quickly turning his head all the way around, he sees Sapphire. And his heart almost stops.
Justin closes the distance, making sure Sapphire didn't hang behind. "Figured we could take a break from games today."
Scott swallows hard and looks up at Sapphire before dropping his gaze back to the ground. Heat crawls up his neck and into his face. Why had Justin brought her here? Had Sapphire asked to come or had Justin asked her? What was the reason? What was the motive? Scott wanted to run. He wanted to hide. But he knew that this time he couldn't. He was trapped. Eventually, he quietly greets both of them. "Hi."
Justin nods Sapphire to the space beside Scott on the bench, his eyes seeming to say, "Go on."
Having Dalton take her hand, Dani looks up at him, her eyes dark and lacking the light they usually held. She gives his hand a squeeze back though, mustering up a little smile. "I might stay here for a while," she agrees softly. "Even though I'll be alone, it doesn't feel as empty here."
She sighs deeply and leans her head over to rest on his shoulder. "I need to call Carson... I was supposed to be at work in fifteen minutes."
Alec and Leo both laugh as they see the poster Eli presents, both agreeing it was absolutely perfect. Not only were the colors feminine but the design was something a little girl would get excited over. The whole thing was one big slap to Roth's masculinity.
As Ryan bursts into laughter and falls to the ground, the other guys all exchange glances, and stare at her blankly at first. It wasn't rare to see Ryan laugh, but to have her laughing uncontrollably was something fairly new. No matter how bizarre though, the laughter is contagious. First it's Eli who starts to laugh more, just because Ryan is. Then Alec starts to snicker, followed by Leo.
Soon all of them are so shook up that no one can work and all they can do is hold their aching sides and wipe the tears from their eyes. Eventually, it's Alec that wanders over to Ryan, the humor still glistening in his eyes. Reaching a hand down, he offers to help her up. "You alright there?"
Studying her nervous eyes for a moment, he instinctively sets a hand on her shoulder for just a moment to try and get her to relax. "Come on. Scott's outside. He's had a good morning so far."
Leading the way, a prayer runs through Justin's mind as he walks. He almost always followed his instincts, as he was doing today. But when logic and instincts didn't match, it always made him question himself no matter how many times his gut proved right.
Reaching the bench on the edge of the grassy yard, Justin realized they were approaching Scott's blind side. Rather than risk startling him too badly, he speaks before they've arrived. "Hey, Scott. Jenny said you were up and at 'em. Almost didn't believe her." He sees Scott turning his head, but knows Sapphire is still just out of his line of vision. "I brought a visitor with me this morning."
Scott had just been ready to answer Justin's greeting, when the news of a visitor puts him on edge. Quickly turning his head all the way around, he sees Sapphire. And his heart almost stops.
Justin closes the distance, making sure Sapphire didn't hang behind. "Figured we could take a break from games today."
Scott swallows hard and looks up at Sapphire before dropping his gaze back to the ground. Heat crawls up his neck and into his face. Why had Justin brought her here? Had Sapphire asked to come or had Justin asked her? What was the reason? What was the motive? Scott wanted to run. He wanted to hide. But he knew that this time he couldn't. He was trapped. Eventually, he quietly greets both of them. "Hi."
Justin nods Sapphire to the space beside Scott on the bench, his eyes seeming to say, "Go on."
Having Dalton take her hand, Dani looks up at him, her eyes dark and lacking the light they usually held. She gives his hand a squeeze back though, mustering up a little smile. "I might stay here for a while," she agrees softly. "Even though I'll be alone, it doesn't feel as empty here."
She sighs deeply and leans her head over to rest on his shoulder. "I need to call Carson... I was supposed to be at work in fifteen minutes."
Alec and Leo both laugh as they see the poster Eli presents, both agreeing it was absolutely perfect. Not only were the colors feminine but the design was something a little girl would get excited over. The whole thing was one big slap to Roth's masculinity.
As Ryan bursts into laughter and falls to the ground, the other guys all exchange glances, and stare at her blankly at first. It wasn't rare to see Ryan laugh, but to have her laughing uncontrollably was something fairly new. No matter how bizarre though, the laughter is contagious. First it's Eli who starts to laugh more, just because Ryan is. Then Alec starts to snicker, followed by Leo.
Soon all of them are so shook up that no one can work and all they can do is hold their aching sides and wipe the tears from their eyes. Eventually, it's Alec that wanders over to Ryan, the humor still glistening in his eyes. Reaching a hand down, he offers to help her up. "You alright there?"
5/29/10
Death by Laughter
Ryan's face stayed completely straight as her eyes scanned the posted and than back to the car, going back to the posted to the car again and than back to the poster picturing it in her mind.
Finally not being able to keep it back any longer her eyes dance and her lips curl up into a large smile. A rouring laughter coming from her lips soft at first, and than more and more. Dropping the sander she was holding she falls back on her butt. Bringing her legs up to her chest and leaning her head on her knees she looks up a few times her laughter still ringing loud and clear as tears form in her eyes.
"Eli....you....oh oh oh....your a genius....Oh my..."
Ryan can't stop her laughter as it still rings out loud and strong looking Alec, than Leo, back to Eli and than the posted again making her laugh even more as she gasped for air.
Feeling the warmth that been on top of him move Dalton's eyes crack open a little getting use to the sun that streamed in the window before opening them all the way seeing Dani turn the corner and go into the bathroom. Not wanting to get up and startle her Dalton stays on the couch closing his eyes again until she comes back.
As the couch movies again and Dani sits down Dalton's eyes open again as he sits up a little giving her a smile. He new she must be tired, and he hated having to go to work today and leave her alone but he hoped she would be ok.
"Hey there lovely. I was thinking I could make some breakfast for us before I go to work."
Sitting up more Dalton reaches out and takes Dani's hand giving it a gentile squeeze.
"If you don't want to go home you can stay here while I am at work I don't mind."
Pulling into the parking lot and shutting the engine off on her car Sapphire just sits for a long moment. Her stomach was a ball of nerves, and she couldn't help but wonder if this was really a good idea. Being rejected by her brother once again would be something she couldn't bear.
Catching sight of Justin though Sapphire new he was waiting for her so she had to ad least try. Taking hold of the bad next to her that contained some Mountain Dew and Jerky . Wondering over to Justin Sapphire sticks her hands in her pockets still holding the bag. Trying her best to give a smile her new it would probably still clear she was nervous.
"Good Morning Justin!"
Finally not being able to keep it back any longer her eyes dance and her lips curl up into a large smile. A rouring laughter coming from her lips soft at first, and than more and more. Dropping the sander she was holding she falls back on her butt. Bringing her legs up to her chest and leaning her head on her knees she looks up a few times her laughter still ringing loud and clear as tears form in her eyes.
"Eli....you....oh oh oh....your a genius....Oh my..."
Ryan can't stop her laughter as it still rings out loud and strong looking Alec, than Leo, back to Eli and than the posted again making her laugh even more as she gasped for air.
Feeling the warmth that been on top of him move Dalton's eyes crack open a little getting use to the sun that streamed in the window before opening them all the way seeing Dani turn the corner and go into the bathroom. Not wanting to get up and startle her Dalton stays on the couch closing his eyes again until she comes back.
As the couch movies again and Dani sits down Dalton's eyes open again as he sits up a little giving her a smile. He new she must be tired, and he hated having to go to work today and leave her alone but he hoped she would be ok.
"Hey there lovely. I was thinking I could make some breakfast for us before I go to work."
Sitting up more Dalton reaches out and takes Dani's hand giving it a gentile squeeze.
"If you don't want to go home you can stay here while I am at work I don't mind."
Pulling into the parking lot and shutting the engine off on her car Sapphire just sits for a long moment. Her stomach was a ball of nerves, and she couldn't help but wonder if this was really a good idea. Being rejected by her brother once again would be something she couldn't bear.
Catching sight of Justin though Sapphire new he was waiting for her so she had to ad least try. Taking hold of the bad next to her that contained some Mountain Dew and Jerky . Wondering over to Justin Sapphire sticks her hands in her pockets still holding the bag. Trying her best to give a smile her new it would probably still clear she was nervous.
"Good Morning Justin!"
Hello Kitty
With the dust starting to cloud around the group, Eli passes out some protective glasses and masks, grinning at his sister's question. "You wanna know really bad, don't you?" His eyes dance along with his teasing tone, knowing that all three of the others were dying to know just what he was planning.
Interrupted for a moment, he turns and ambles back out to Ryan's car, bringing back with him a rolled up poster.
Alec tosses Ryan a rag as requested, though his eyes bounce back to Eli, curious as to what the poster was for.
Eli slips the rubber bands off and unrolls the poster to reveal the artwork of Hello Kitty. He would use the poster as his guide and paint the design freehand. It wouldn't be hard. "I'm thinking... right on the hood. With flowers down both sides." He looks up to see the others' reactions. "I got stencils for the flowers so someone can help with those. And... the base will be pink."
Dani's eyes crack open to find the living room filled with a dim glow. Morning. It was early yet, but her body was used to getting up early to go to Mom and Pop's. She wouldn't be today though. Her eyes burned and she felt as if she'd been run over by a dump truck.
The night had been long. Every time she'd finally fallen asleep, her dreams had eventually turned into nightmares that brought her a fresh supply of tears as she'd shook from fright. But every time, she had found herself still in Dalton's arms as he coaxed her through the night hours. He had never left her - still on the couch with her even now.
Swallowing, it feels like Dani had bricks in her throat. Her eyes were on fire and even the dim light made them hurt even more. Even though she was exhausted, she didn't want to sleep anymore... she wanted a break from the shadowy dreams.
Knowing that she would probably wake Dalton, but being careful anyway, Dani slides over him to get off the couch. Shuffling slowly down the hallway, she aims for the bathroom to splash some cold water on her face and rinse her mouth. She runs her wet hands through her hair a couple times too, though looking in the mirror, it was obvious that it didn't matter much what she did. She looked about as terrible as she felt with her eyes so puffy and dark.
After a few moments, she makes her way back into the living room to ease down on the end of the couch, sitting with her hands in her lap. Dalton needed to go to work. Which meant she needed to go home. She found she had no motivation though. It was amazing what one small discovery could do to her mind and soul. She was no different than she had been two days ago. But she felt different. Marred. Broken.
Bending forward, she leans on her knees and rests her face in her hands. She didn't even know how to begin the day.
"Morning, Jenny."
Jenny looks up and smiles as she sees Justin leaning on her desk. "Good morning. Here for Scott, I assume."
"Mm-hmm. Is he up today."
"He is. Took a little doing to get him out of bed, but I got a slice of toast and half a glass of orange juice in him before he went outside."
"Good. He go out to wait for me?"
"That's what I gather." Jenny gives him a little smirk. "If I were him, I'd be out there on time every day from now on just so I don't get dragged out there."
Justin's mouth curls into a grin. "Me too. Thanks." Leaving the greeting area, Justin heads out through the other door, looking off to where he and Scott usually met. Sure enough, he saw a slouched figure sitting on the bench. But Justin doesn't go to him yet. Instead, he turns and goes back to the parking lot, easing down to sit on the curb and wait for Sapphire. They would go to Scott together this morning.
Picking up a pebble to roll between his fingers, he looks up to the gathering clouds in the sky. A slight breeze blew, and the weather looked far from menacing, but perhaps some rain would come later. If only he could predict Scott like he could the weather. He really had no idea how Scott would react to seeing his sister. Justin was going out on a limb with this one, even if he portrayed confidence to Sapphire. He loved a challenge, and if Scott reacted poorly, he'd have something to work on. He just didn't want Sapphire getting caught in the crossfire. She'd been through enough and if anything happened, Justin would be to blame.
Interrupted for a moment, he turns and ambles back out to Ryan's car, bringing back with him a rolled up poster.
Alec tosses Ryan a rag as requested, though his eyes bounce back to Eli, curious as to what the poster was for.
Eli slips the rubber bands off and unrolls the poster to reveal the artwork of Hello Kitty. He would use the poster as his guide and paint the design freehand. It wouldn't be hard. "I'm thinking... right on the hood. With flowers down both sides." He looks up to see the others' reactions. "I got stencils for the flowers so someone can help with those. And... the base will be pink."
Dani's eyes crack open to find the living room filled with a dim glow. Morning. It was early yet, but her body was used to getting up early to go to Mom and Pop's. She wouldn't be today though. Her eyes burned and she felt as if she'd been run over by a dump truck.
The night had been long. Every time she'd finally fallen asleep, her dreams had eventually turned into nightmares that brought her a fresh supply of tears as she'd shook from fright. But every time, she had found herself still in Dalton's arms as he coaxed her through the night hours. He had never left her - still on the couch with her even now.
Swallowing, it feels like Dani had bricks in her throat. Her eyes were on fire and even the dim light made them hurt even more. Even though she was exhausted, she didn't want to sleep anymore... she wanted a break from the shadowy dreams.
Knowing that she would probably wake Dalton, but being careful anyway, Dani slides over him to get off the couch. Shuffling slowly down the hallway, she aims for the bathroom to splash some cold water on her face and rinse her mouth. She runs her wet hands through her hair a couple times too, though looking in the mirror, it was obvious that it didn't matter much what she did. She looked about as terrible as she felt with her eyes so puffy and dark.
After a few moments, she makes her way back into the living room to ease down on the end of the couch, sitting with her hands in her lap. Dalton needed to go to work. Which meant she needed to go home. She found she had no motivation though. It was amazing what one small discovery could do to her mind and soul. She was no different than she had been two days ago. But she felt different. Marred. Broken.
Bending forward, she leans on her knees and rests her face in her hands. She didn't even know how to begin the day.
"Morning, Jenny."
Jenny looks up and smiles as she sees Justin leaning on her desk. "Good morning. Here for Scott, I assume."
"Mm-hmm. Is he up today."
"He is. Took a little doing to get him out of bed, but I got a slice of toast and half a glass of orange juice in him before he went outside."
"Good. He go out to wait for me?"
"That's what I gather." Jenny gives him a little smirk. "If I were him, I'd be out there on time every day from now on just so I don't get dragged out there."
Justin's mouth curls into a grin. "Me too. Thanks." Leaving the greeting area, Justin heads out through the other door, looking off to where he and Scott usually met. Sure enough, he saw a slouched figure sitting on the bench. But Justin doesn't go to him yet. Instead, he turns and goes back to the parking lot, easing down to sit on the curb and wait for Sapphire. They would go to Scott together this morning.
Picking up a pebble to roll between his fingers, he looks up to the gathering clouds in the sky. A slight breeze blew, and the weather looked far from menacing, but perhaps some rain would come later. If only he could predict Scott like he could the weather. He really had no idea how Scott would react to seeing his sister. Justin was going out on a limb with this one, even if he portrayed confidence to Sapphire. He loved a challenge, and if Scott reacted poorly, he'd have something to work on. He just didn't want Sapphire getting caught in the crossfire. She'd been through enough and if anything happened, Justin would be to blame.
Dead
Once inside with the other Ryan follows her brothers lead and starts to sand down one side of the car. She'd never been no to make the cars look nice she only made them run. So when her brother said it didn't have to be prefect she was happy for that.
Looking up every now and than to watch the other two Ryan kept herself ready to pounce if need be. The last thing she wanted was one of them to leave a bloody mess. Seeing they were ok though Ryan throws a look at her brother and than goes back to work.
"Eli...what are you painting on this thing anyways? Keep in the dark to much and we wont know what we are helping with and it come out like a mush of stuff."
Glancing over at the pain though she had no idea what would be on the car Ryan new it had to be good with all the colors he had. She couldn't help but let her own mind run away with her at the possibilitys.
"Alec can you throw me one of those extra rags to whip this dust off."
Giving a nod into Carson's chest Misty's eyes grow tired and start to close even though the movie was still playing on. Carson was to comfortable not to fall asleep on top of him.
"Yeah I'll go see her. I've been wanting to bring some books I promised she could barrow anyways. So it will be good killing two birds with one stone."
One last squeeze to Carson as a hug and Misty's arms stay around him but go slightly limp proving the tiredness had taken over finally and she was dead to the world.
Looking up every now and than to watch the other two Ryan kept herself ready to pounce if need be. The last thing she wanted was one of them to leave a bloody mess. Seeing they were ok though Ryan throws a look at her brother and than goes back to work.
"Eli...what are you painting on this thing anyways? Keep in the dark to much and we wont know what we are helping with and it come out like a mush of stuff."
Glancing over at the pain though she had no idea what would be on the car Ryan new it had to be good with all the colors he had. She couldn't help but let her own mind run away with her at the possibilitys.
"Alec can you throw me one of those extra rags to whip this dust off."
Giving a nod into Carson's chest Misty's eyes grow tired and start to close even though the movie was still playing on. Carson was to comfortable not to fall asleep on top of him.
"Yeah I'll go see her. I've been wanting to bring some books I promised she could barrow anyways. So it will be good killing two birds with one stone."
One last squeeze to Carson as a hug and Misty's arms stay around him but go slightly limp proving the tiredness had taken over finally and she was dead to the world.
Don't even
"Hey, yeah, would you?" Carson liked the idea of Misty at least checking on Dani tomorrow since he wouldn't be able to until later. "Even if she doesn't want to go out just make sure she's okay... maybe feel her out and see what really happened. I got the idea from Dalton that things still weren't real clear."
He tightens his arm a little bit, feeling her nuzzle into him. He was glad to know that she enjoyed being with him as much as he did her. He couldn't imagine a day going by without having her with him. How he had ever taken it for granted before, he never would know.
"Yeah, okay." Alec stops from saying anymore when Ryan kisses him. A grin quirks his mouth. "Mmm... tell me that again." Receiving another kiss, he returns it, enjoying it way too much for the short amount of time they had. For when Eli and Leo drive by, it's back to work.
Heading across town, Eli chooses side streets, finally winding up on a back road that would taken them straight to Mark's big shed. It wasn't quite out in the country, but it was far enough away from busy streets that no one should suspect a thing.
Parking Ryan's car, Eli and Leo exit. Eli heads to the sliding door, but is surprised to find it locked. Turning to Leo, he throws him a look of question. "I thought Mark said it would be open."
"He did. Then he called me a couple hours ago and told me he forgot to keep it unlocked. So he gave me this." Leo holds up a key.
Eli gives a little chuckle. "So that's why you came? Because you knew we couldn't get in?"
"Nah. I knew you had Alec. If you couldn't get in, he could. Though I'd rather use a key than risk breaking Mark's lock."
"Then... why did you come?"
Leo gets the door unlocked but pauses, looking back at Eli. "Maybe I decided my pride wasn't worth it." Turning away, he slides the door open and waves to Ryan to drive Roth's car inside. Flipping on the lights, it illuminates the large metal shed, used as a garage, storage place and more. Dirt floors, metal walls and ceiling and plenty of lighting. It was perfect.
Once everybody was standing around, Eli rubs his hands together. "Okay.... we gotta sand this baby down... quick and dirty job. Nothing fancy. Just grind her enough so we can get a fresh coat of paint to stick. Tools are in Ryan's car."
As all four pitch in, they wind up back in the garage with some of the tools needed - Eli would be bringing more tomorrow. For now, they would work an hour or two then go home.
Getting everything in place, Leo and Alec wind up side by side, accidentally bumping into each other. Alec turns sharply and falls back out of habit, ready to swing first if need be. But Leo doesn't flinch. His eyes meet Alec's head-on. "Don't even try it."
Alec hadn't expected such a strong response and his surprise defuses his temper enough that he leaves it be, going around to the other side of the car. Leo uncoils an extension cord, minding his own business now to the side.
He tightens his arm a little bit, feeling her nuzzle into him. He was glad to know that she enjoyed being with him as much as he did her. He couldn't imagine a day going by without having her with him. How he had ever taken it for granted before, he never would know.
"Yeah, okay." Alec stops from saying anymore when Ryan kisses him. A grin quirks his mouth. "Mmm... tell me that again." Receiving another kiss, he returns it, enjoying it way too much for the short amount of time they had. For when Eli and Leo drive by, it's back to work.
Heading across town, Eli chooses side streets, finally winding up on a back road that would taken them straight to Mark's big shed. It wasn't quite out in the country, but it was far enough away from busy streets that no one should suspect a thing.
Parking Ryan's car, Eli and Leo exit. Eli heads to the sliding door, but is surprised to find it locked. Turning to Leo, he throws him a look of question. "I thought Mark said it would be open."
"He did. Then he called me a couple hours ago and told me he forgot to keep it unlocked. So he gave me this." Leo holds up a key.
Eli gives a little chuckle. "So that's why you came? Because you knew we couldn't get in?"
"Nah. I knew you had Alec. If you couldn't get in, he could. Though I'd rather use a key than risk breaking Mark's lock."
"Then... why did you come?"
Leo gets the door unlocked but pauses, looking back at Eli. "Maybe I decided my pride wasn't worth it." Turning away, he slides the door open and waves to Ryan to drive Roth's car inside. Flipping on the lights, it illuminates the large metal shed, used as a garage, storage place and more. Dirt floors, metal walls and ceiling and plenty of lighting. It was perfect.
Once everybody was standing around, Eli rubs his hands together. "Okay.... we gotta sand this baby down... quick and dirty job. Nothing fancy. Just grind her enough so we can get a fresh coat of paint to stick. Tools are in Ryan's car."
As all four pitch in, they wind up back in the garage with some of the tools needed - Eli would be bringing more tomorrow. For now, they would work an hour or two then go home.
Getting everything in place, Leo and Alec wind up side by side, accidentally bumping into each other. Alec turns sharply and falls back out of habit, ready to swing first if need be. But Leo doesn't flinch. His eyes meet Alec's head-on. "Don't even try it."
Alec hadn't expected such a strong response and his surprise defuses his temper enough that he leaves it be, going around to the other side of the car. Leo uncoils an extension cord, minding his own business now to the side.
I know
Giving another nod to Leo before going around to the other side of the car and getting in with Alec Ryan buckles up. Cracking the window a little it smelled horrible on the inside, about the same as how Roth smelled if you got to close. Alcoholic and cigarettes, it made Ryan's stomach churn.
Once the car starts moving though the air flow was nice and some of the smell cleared out so when they stopped again it wasn't as bad. Turning a little in her seat to see Alec Ryan thinks for a moment on his comment about Leo. She'd known him for a long time even before they dated, Leo had been there when she started working quite a few years back so she got to know him pretty well.
"Leo might be upset with us still, and not have to many great conversations yet, but its not a snitch ether. He's got good reason to hate Roth as much as the next person. I'm pretty sure he's good on this one."
Leaning over and giving Alec a kiss she smiles a little before returning again for another kiss in the spare time they had. Catching Eli and Leo though pass in there car Ryan moves back to her seat throwing a look at Leo before watching them up ahead again.
Wrapping her arms a little tighter around Carson Misty burys her head into his chest a little more. Hearing about Dani she felt bad for her sister in law but she was happy she had someone like Dalton to take care of her when she needed it.
"Dalton's a little rough around the edges but she in good hands with Dalton. He has a real soft spot for Dani. It's nice to know she has someone like that."
Misty moves her head a little bit to look up at Carson's face giving him a soft smile. She been lucky the day she met Carson though it had been a little rough at the start she was please now how things turned out and the love shone so true in her eyes.
"If you want I had off tomorrow, I can go visit her in the afternoon. Maybe she'd like to get out for ice cream or something."
Once the car starts moving though the air flow was nice and some of the smell cleared out so when they stopped again it wasn't as bad. Turning a little in her seat to see Alec Ryan thinks for a moment on his comment about Leo. She'd known him for a long time even before they dated, Leo had been there when she started working quite a few years back so she got to know him pretty well.
"Leo might be upset with us still, and not have to many great conversations yet, but its not a snitch ether. He's got good reason to hate Roth as much as the next person. I'm pretty sure he's good on this one."
Leaning over and giving Alec a kiss she smiles a little before returning again for another kiss in the spare time they had. Catching Eli and Leo though pass in there car Ryan moves back to her seat throwing a look at Leo before watching them up ahead again.
Wrapping her arms a little tighter around Carson Misty burys her head into his chest a little more. Hearing about Dani she felt bad for her sister in law but she was happy she had someone like Dalton to take care of her when she needed it.
"Dalton's a little rough around the edges but she in good hands with Dalton. He has a real soft spot for Dani. It's nice to know she has someone like that."
Misty moves her head a little bit to look up at Carson's face giving him a soft smile. She been lucky the day she met Carson though it had been a little rough at the start she was please now how things turned out and the love shone so true in her eyes.
"If you want I had off tomorrow, I can go visit her in the afternoon. Maybe she'd like to get out for ice cream or something."
Up and up
"I don't know." Carson closes his eyes and runs a hand absentmindedly through Misty's soft hair. "That was Dalton. Dani's with him and she had some sorta meltdown. Something about remembering the past."
He pauses, not liking it that his own mind was now revisiting a past he had moved beyond and tried to forget. "There was stuff I know she didn't remember about our dad... I'm just worried that it's cropped up now for some reason. If she now remembers him slapping Mum or our sister around, it might be kinda tough. She was pretty young at the time."
Taking a deep breath, he lets it out slowly in a sigh. "If she doesn't come to work tomorrow, I'll go see her after hours."
Looking up a little to see that Dalton had returned to the couch, his words don't register very well. Even so, it didn't matter. Pulling herself up, she crawls to his side of the couch and nuzzles into him again, letting him get comfortable too until she was back lying mostly on top of him, her head resting against his chest. It would always be the most comfortable spot to her... feeling his breath... hearing his heartbeat. There was something soothing about it and right now, that's all she wanted.
Once the blanket is over them, she lets the warm surround her as she tries to calm her still-racing heart. Though her sobs had ceased, another little tears slips out. Sleep wasn't going to come easily, but maybe if Dalton held her long enough, she'd at least feel better. She had to, right?
Alec is still holding the tarp, his eyes narrowing a little at Leo for throwing it at him. Hearing Ryan's bid for him to turn the lights off though, he gives her a little nod. "Alright..."
As the engine roars to life, Eli has the garage door open and the lights go off. Leo looks back at Ryan studying her eyes in the dim light. He doesn't smile, though he doesn't seem upset either. "Yeah well... gotta start somewhere, right?"
His response didn't seem to fit her thanks, but he knew she would understand what he meant. It had taken a lot for him to come tonight. But he was here now and willing to help for the sake of getting back at Roth for some pretty dirty stuff.
"Alec, lets go!" Eli waves him over to the car. "You and Ryan get out of here. Leo, stay here and help me cover up the replacement car."
Alec slides past Leo, throwing him a look before getting in the car. Waiting for Ryan to join him, he puts the car in gear and slowly pulls out of the garage, keeping the headlights off. Stopping to watch and make sure Eli was getting inside with the other car, he has Ryan open up the gate and it's within minutes that they're on the road and pulling off into a side alley to wait for Eli and Leo to take the lead.
Sitting and waiting, Alec finally looks over to Ryan, his eyes seeming to say he was unsure about something. "You think Leo's on the up and up? I mean... he said he wasn't gonna come, and now he just shows up out of the blue?" He didn't ask specifically, but part of him did wonder if Leo had something up his sleeve to get back at either him or Ryan.
In the meantime, Eli and Leo get the other car into the garage, covered up just as if it were Roth's, and are back out of the shop, locking it behind them. As they make their way across the lot again, Eli spots the dog that appeared to be tempted to run them off.
"Hey, puppy... not tonight." He still had a small sliver of steak left, and throws it to the dog as one last distraction. In a few days, he'd have to bring something else when they brought Roth's car back.
Out the gate, locked up and to Ryan's car, Eli and Leo get in and Eli starts the engine. Doing a u-turn in the street, he heads by the alley and flashes the lights for Alec and Ryan to follow.
He pauses, not liking it that his own mind was now revisiting a past he had moved beyond and tried to forget. "There was stuff I know she didn't remember about our dad... I'm just worried that it's cropped up now for some reason. If she now remembers him slapping Mum or our sister around, it might be kinda tough. She was pretty young at the time."
Taking a deep breath, he lets it out slowly in a sigh. "If she doesn't come to work tomorrow, I'll go see her after hours."
Looking up a little to see that Dalton had returned to the couch, his words don't register very well. Even so, it didn't matter. Pulling herself up, she crawls to his side of the couch and nuzzles into him again, letting him get comfortable too until she was back lying mostly on top of him, her head resting against his chest. It would always be the most comfortable spot to her... feeling his breath... hearing his heartbeat. There was something soothing about it and right now, that's all she wanted.
Once the blanket is over them, she lets the warm surround her as she tries to calm her still-racing heart. Though her sobs had ceased, another little tears slips out. Sleep wasn't going to come easily, but maybe if Dalton held her long enough, she'd at least feel better. She had to, right?
Alec is still holding the tarp, his eyes narrowing a little at Leo for throwing it at him. Hearing Ryan's bid for him to turn the lights off though, he gives her a little nod. "Alright..."
As the engine roars to life, Eli has the garage door open and the lights go off. Leo looks back at Ryan studying her eyes in the dim light. He doesn't smile, though he doesn't seem upset either. "Yeah well... gotta start somewhere, right?"
His response didn't seem to fit her thanks, but he knew she would understand what he meant. It had taken a lot for him to come tonight. But he was here now and willing to help for the sake of getting back at Roth for some pretty dirty stuff.
"Alec, lets go!" Eli waves him over to the car. "You and Ryan get out of here. Leo, stay here and help me cover up the replacement car."
Alec slides past Leo, throwing him a look before getting in the car. Waiting for Ryan to join him, he puts the car in gear and slowly pulls out of the garage, keeping the headlights off. Stopping to watch and make sure Eli was getting inside with the other car, he has Ryan open up the gate and it's within minutes that they're on the road and pulling off into a side alley to wait for Eli and Leo to take the lead.
Sitting and waiting, Alec finally looks over to Ryan, his eyes seeming to say he was unsure about something. "You think Leo's on the up and up? I mean... he said he wasn't gonna come, and now he just shows up out of the blue?" He didn't ask specifically, but part of him did wonder if Leo had something up his sleeve to get back at either him or Ryan.
In the meantime, Eli and Leo get the other car into the garage, covered up just as if it were Roth's, and are back out of the shop, locking it behind them. As they make their way across the lot again, Eli spots the dog that appeared to be tempted to run them off.
"Hey, puppy... not tonight." He still had a small sliver of steak left, and throws it to the dog as one last distraction. In a few days, he'd have to bring something else when they brought Roth's car back.
Out the gate, locked up and to Ryan's car, Eli and Leo get in and Eli starts the engine. Doing a u-turn in the street, he heads by the alley and flashes the lights for Alec and Ryan to follow.
Thanks
Dalton gives a small laugh at the mention of Carson ripping his limbs off though it was to quiet for anyone to really hear. Giving a nod and standing Dalton felt good he had Carson's respect. It made having a relationship with Dani so much better.
Hanging up the phone Dalton takes the blankets and pillows back out into the living room. Giving a smile to Dani. Moving around a little Dalton positions himself comfortable on the couch.
"You can come snuggle with me if you like and I can throw this blanket over us, or I can come to you what ever your more comfortable with."
Dalton waits to unfold the blanket to see if Dani would come to him or he would go to her. HE just wanted to make sure she was comfortable with whatever, thats what was important to him is her being comfortable right now.
Leaning up as Carson slids under her again Misty moves her head a little to nuzzled into his chest and get comfortable one more. It didn't take long just about anyway her layed with Carson was comfortable.
"Is everything ok?"
Hearing his comment made her worry a little something was wrong. Than again it did always seem like there was something. Misty just wanted to make sure Carson was ok too.
Seeing the keys come twords her Ryan's quick reflex catch them as she glances down at the set of keys and than back up at Leo again. Confustion was laced in her eyes as to why Leo was helping them but she has no more time to ask anything else as Leo pushes by them.
Turning around and quirking an eyebrow at Alec and Eli Ryan could see they were just as confused. But Leo was here now and it seemed like he was going to help them might as well not fill the air with questions now. Still holding the key Ryan gives a nod to Alec.
"Alec can you shut off the lights before helping Eli with the door. Last thing we want is someone to see the lights on and wonder whats up. I'll get this car started."
Going over to Roth's car Ryan looks at it for a long moment before popping the hood on it. Not many races kept the engines in there cars when they weren't racing but she didn't think Roth was that smart. Looking everything over and making sure it was ok Ryan closes the hood before getting into the car and firing it up.
Getting out of the car once again Ryan new Alec would be driving and she would ride shot gun. Looking over the top of the car though to see Leo Ryan just looks at him for a long moment before finally talking to him.
"Thanks Leo..for the key. It helped out a ton."
Hanging up the phone Dalton takes the blankets and pillows back out into the living room. Giving a smile to Dani. Moving around a little Dalton positions himself comfortable on the couch.
"You can come snuggle with me if you like and I can throw this blanket over us, or I can come to you what ever your more comfortable with."
Dalton waits to unfold the blanket to see if Dani would come to him or he would go to her. HE just wanted to make sure she was comfortable with whatever, thats what was important to him is her being comfortable right now.
Leaning up as Carson slids under her again Misty moves her head a little to nuzzled into his chest and get comfortable one more. It didn't take long just about anyway her layed with Carson was comfortable.
"Is everything ok?"
Hearing his comment made her worry a little something was wrong. Than again it did always seem like there was something. Misty just wanted to make sure Carson was ok too.
Seeing the keys come twords her Ryan's quick reflex catch them as she glances down at the set of keys and than back up at Leo again. Confustion was laced in her eyes as to why Leo was helping them but she has no more time to ask anything else as Leo pushes by them.
Turning around and quirking an eyebrow at Alec and Eli Ryan could see they were just as confused. But Leo was here now and it seemed like he was going to help them might as well not fill the air with questions now. Still holding the key Ryan gives a nod to Alec.
"Alec can you shut off the lights before helping Eli with the door. Last thing we want is someone to see the lights on and wonder whats up. I'll get this car started."
Going over to Roth's car Ryan looks at it for a long moment before popping the hood on it. Not many races kept the engines in there cars when they weren't racing but she didn't think Roth was that smart. Looking everything over and making sure it was ok Ryan closes the hood before getting into the car and firing it up.
Getting out of the car once again Ryan new Alec would be driving and she would ride shot gun. Looking over the top of the car though to see Leo Ryan just looks at him for a long moment before finally talking to him.
"Thanks Leo..for the key. It helped out a ton."
Limbs
Carson sighs and thinks for a long moment before he relents. "Okay..." He could tell that Dalton was serious... about Dani's condition and about his feelings for her. Carson had no reason not to trust him. "Alright... just... call me tomorrow, okay? I'll be at Mom and Pop's, but call me anyway. I want to know how she is."
He starts to wander back towards the living room. "And Dalton... you take good care of her, ya hear? Harm one hair and so help me, I'll tear your limbs out." He pauses, serious about his words, but knowing deep down that they weren't needed. "Thank you for letting me know about this... if she thinks I'll be upset with her not coming to work or something, tell her it's fine and I'm fine with it."
Ending the call, Carson slips his phone back into his pocket and goes back into the living room. Finding Misty stretched out over his spot, he simply pulls her up, lies down and pulls her back down on top of him, wrapping his arms around her. "Mmmm.... if it's not one thing, it's another, isn't it?"
Leo's face showed little expression as he looks around at the other three, his eyes eventually landing on Ryan as her unanswered question hangs in the air. "Figured you'd need these." He tosses a set of keys in her direction, knowing she'd catch them.
Eli's eyebrows rise even more. "Roth's keys? How did you-"
"Don't ask." Leo hooks his thumbs in the pockets of his jeans - the ones with the holes in the knees and paint splatter. His t-shirt was an older one too... it looked like he was ready to work.
Eli doesn't let the awkward silence linger for too long. "So, um... okay. Are you... sticking around?"
Moving a little closer, Leo's eyes narrow as he studies first Eli, then Alec, then Ryan. It was plain to see that he was very much in control of this situation. Had he already called the cops? Was he being tailed here? Did he have some hidden motive? His eyes pierce Ryan's with force they'd never held before... force not held back by fear or timidity.
All of a sudden though, his shoulders relax and he walks past Eli, shouldering past Ryan too. "I couldn't let you guys have all the fun, now could I?" he comments casually. Going for Roth's car, he gives the tarp a hefty yank, revealing that it was indeed the car they wanted. Rolling up the tarp, he throws it at Alec. "Here."
Eli looks to Ryan and blinks then shrugs. He was baffled, but he wouldn't turn down help. "Um... I guess you need to get that thing started. Somebody come help me with the door."
He starts to wander back towards the living room. "And Dalton... you take good care of her, ya hear? Harm one hair and so help me, I'll tear your limbs out." He pauses, serious about his words, but knowing deep down that they weren't needed. "Thank you for letting me know about this... if she thinks I'll be upset with her not coming to work or something, tell her it's fine and I'm fine with it."
Ending the call, Carson slips his phone back into his pocket and goes back into the living room. Finding Misty stretched out over his spot, he simply pulls her up, lies down and pulls her back down on top of him, wrapping his arms around her. "Mmmm.... if it's not one thing, it's another, isn't it?"
Leo's face showed little expression as he looks around at the other three, his eyes eventually landing on Ryan as her unanswered question hangs in the air. "Figured you'd need these." He tosses a set of keys in her direction, knowing she'd catch them.
Eli's eyebrows rise even more. "Roth's keys? How did you-"
"Don't ask." Leo hooks his thumbs in the pockets of his jeans - the ones with the holes in the knees and paint splatter. His t-shirt was an older one too... it looked like he was ready to work.
Eli doesn't let the awkward silence linger for too long. "So, um... okay. Are you... sticking around?"
Moving a little closer, Leo's eyes narrow as he studies first Eli, then Alec, then Ryan. It was plain to see that he was very much in control of this situation. Had he already called the cops? Was he being tailed here? Did he have some hidden motive? His eyes pierce Ryan's with force they'd never held before... force not held back by fear or timidity.
All of a sudden though, his shoulders relax and he walks past Eli, shouldering past Ryan too. "I couldn't let you guys have all the fun, now could I?" he comments casually. Going for Roth's car, he gives the tarp a hefty yank, revealing that it was indeed the car they wanted. Rolling up the tarp, he throws it at Alec. "Here."
Eli looks to Ryan and blinks then shrugs. He was baffled, but he wouldn't turn down help. "Um... I guess you need to get that thing started. Somebody come help me with the door."
Love
Snicking and shaking her head Ryan lets Alec get to work as she stands back keeping an eye out for anyone and for the dog. Once the lock was popped Ryan stays close and follows her brothers lead. Hearing the comment about Alec being needed Ryan whispers.
"I need you for the exalint kissing matches, but technically that means I need YOU for that."
Shaking her head again Ryan continues to follow them inside. Taking her own flash light she scans the area slowly and than the bay doors making sure there was no security system on them. Roth and his buddy's where dumb enough to put one on those but not the door itself so it was better to be safe than sorry.
Once finished checking that Ryan starts to make her way to the car at the end with the tarp on it. She new Roth's car better than anyone so it would only make sense she should check it. But as the lights turn on Ryan stops dead in her tracks her heart starting to race not sure what was going on at first.
Seeing Leo though a thousand thoughts ran through her mind. Why was he here? She new Eli had asked him to come along to start with be he had turned it down. Was he here now to get back at them for good and turn them in to the cops.
Not knowing what else to do Ryan takes a few steps twords Leo. Her hands sliding into her hoodie along with the flash light she had. She didn't want it to come out the wrong way but no matter how it said anything it would probably sound wrong. She could only hope Leo didn't take it that way.
"Leo, what...what are you doing here?"
A smile forms on Angelica's face at Reese's comment as her heart started to race a little. Not totally sure what he ment but at the same time subconsciously knowing it just made her heart race even more.
"I...."
Before being able to reply at all Reese's hand slips from her as the waitress comes over. Picking up her own menu she find quickly what she would like before giving her, her order. Once left along again her eyes still sparkled as she looked to Reese again giving a soft chuckle.
"We were talking about being happy."
Hearing the worry tone in Carson's voice Dalton new he'd be worried and couldn't blame him. He more than likly be worry himself. Not to mention this way his little sister they were talking about. All Dalton could do was reassure him it was ok.
"Oh...umm...break down is the wrong word...she just cried a lot, and was shaking a little. But but...she settled down now, and she's not crying anymore. You don't need to come over, I don't think its that bad. Unless you really think you should...but...I...I'm pretty sure its not necessary."
Dalton hated his lack of finding the right words to say something. It made this whole thing and trying to explain everything to Carson just that much harder. But one thing he new for sure and it was that sentience that had no confusion laced to it and the words were strongly spoken.
"Carson...I love your sister, and I have a great deal of respect for you. If I though she wouldn't be ok, I'd be on the way to the hospital with her already. I promise you she is alright. If anything changes you will be the first one I call...ok?"
"I need you for the exalint kissing matches, but technically that means I need YOU for that."
Shaking her head again Ryan continues to follow them inside. Taking her own flash light she scans the area slowly and than the bay doors making sure there was no security system on them. Roth and his buddy's where dumb enough to put one on those but not the door itself so it was better to be safe than sorry.
Once finished checking that Ryan starts to make her way to the car at the end with the tarp on it. She new Roth's car better than anyone so it would only make sense she should check it. But as the lights turn on Ryan stops dead in her tracks her heart starting to race not sure what was going on at first.
Seeing Leo though a thousand thoughts ran through her mind. Why was he here? She new Eli had asked him to come along to start with be he had turned it down. Was he here now to get back at them for good and turn them in to the cops.
Not knowing what else to do Ryan takes a few steps twords Leo. Her hands sliding into her hoodie along with the flash light she had. She didn't want it to come out the wrong way but no matter how it said anything it would probably sound wrong. She could only hope Leo didn't take it that way.
"Leo, what...what are you doing here?"
A smile forms on Angelica's face at Reese's comment as her heart started to race a little. Not totally sure what he ment but at the same time subconsciously knowing it just made her heart race even more.
"I...."
Before being able to reply at all Reese's hand slips from her as the waitress comes over. Picking up her own menu she find quickly what she would like before giving her, her order. Once left along again her eyes still sparkled as she looked to Reese again giving a soft chuckle.
"We were talking about being happy."
Hearing the worry tone in Carson's voice Dalton new he'd be worried and couldn't blame him. He more than likly be worry himself. Not to mention this way his little sister they were talking about. All Dalton could do was reassure him it was ok.
"Oh...umm...break down is the wrong word...she just cried a lot, and was shaking a little. But but...she settled down now, and she's not crying anymore. You don't need to come over, I don't think its that bad. Unless you really think you should...but...I...I'm pretty sure its not necessary."
Dalton hated his lack of finding the right words to say something. It made this whole thing and trying to explain everything to Carson just that much harder. But one thing he new for sure and it was that sentience that had no confusion laced to it and the words were strongly spoken.
"Carson...I love your sister, and I have a great deal of respect for you. If I though she wouldn't be ok, I'd be on the way to the hospital with her already. I promise you she is alright. If anything changes you will be the first one I call...ok?"
Uh oh
Angelica's response surprised Reese just a little bit. A casual answer would have suited him just fine, but just like his question had had more to it than what he'd said, so too did her response have a lot more behind it than just her words.
The color in Angelica's cheeks was mirrored in Reese's own, though he doesn't back away. He kept her hand in his, just looking into her eyes for what seemed to be much longer than a moment. "Maybe you'll get your wish," he replies softly.
"Well, what can I get you folks?"
Reese retreats as the waitress comes, ready to take their orders. His hand slips from Angelica's and he clears his throat, scanning the menu after having totally forgotten what he wanted. Finally finding it, they're able to ask for what they wanted before the waitress leaves them once more.
Reese grins and takes a sip of his water. "Now where were we?"
Dani doesn't resist being picked up and placed on the couch again. Curling up in the corner, she closes her eyes and nestles into the cushions to wait for Dalton to come back.
A few more tears escape and she sniffs, but is comforted, knowing that she won't have to be alone tonight. Even though the nightmare was from the past, knowing she was safe from harm now was important to her.
Carson had been close to dozing off at his end of the couch when his phone started buzzing in his pocket. Frowning, he wondered who on earth would be calling him now. Answering it, he puts a hand over his other ear to block out the sound of the television.
It was odd having Dalton call him and he was immediately on edge. Then hearing about Dani, a chill runs down his spine. He opens his mouth to reply, but has to wait until Dalton is through. While Carson did find it mildly humorous that Dalton would think of him coming to beat him up, he bypasses the kidding around.
"What do you mean a breakdown?" His mind races. The past? Their father? His face pales. Oh, Dani... was there more than even he knew about?
Rising, he leaves the couch to Misty and goes into the kitchen where it was quieter. "I... that's fine she's with you and I'll make do without her in the morning if she doesn't feel like coming in. But... well are you sure she's okay?"
Worry courses through him. He hadn't thought of their past together since right after finding Dani again. It had all been washed away... forgotten... ignored. He had known that Dani didn't remember anything, but he hadn't expected this. "I mean, do I need to come over? How bad is it?"
Alec's mouth is open to interrupt, when Ryan's final statement brings his thoughts to a halt. He quirks one eyebrow and cocks his head. "Miss McKade... are you bribing me?"
"Chocolate cake..." Eli mumbles to himself wondering what on earth the significance of that was. However, from the tone in his sister's voice and the look that was being passed between those two, he didn't trust it to be anything more than a blatant flirt at the least, and an invite for making out at the most. Either way, all he can do is roll his eyes. "We're running out of time, guys... either quit making eyes at each other and get over here, or go home."
"Sounds to me like going home might be more exciting," Alec quips, his eyes still on Ryan. Returning the fiery stare, he finally glances back to the dog who was still busy eating at the moment. "Alright, fine. But if I come away with another dog bite, I'll never forgive either one of you."
Approaching the gate with the lock, he keeps a sharp eye on the dog, throwing Eli only a sidelong glance. "And you don't get any cake, just for not telling me about this little watchdog."
Suddenly it clicks. Eli crosses his arms. "I didn't get any the last time either."
Alec's head snaps up and a grin spreads on his face, but he doesn't reply. Instead, he sets to work on the lock, retrieving a couple little tools from his pocket to help him along. It takes him less than a minute and the padlock has popped open. "There you go." He swings the gate open and gestures to Ryan. "After you. I wanna see if the dog is still hungry."
Thankfully, all three are able to make it in without incident from the busy dog. Eli brings the one car in too before shutting the gate in case anybody drove by. Within minutes, the three are at the door of the garage and Alec is working on that lock too. This one takes him a little longer, but soon enough, it clicks and they're in.
Eli shakes his head and grins. "I knew I picked the right person."
Alec smirks a little. "One of these days, someone will actually want me because of me and not because of what they need from me."
Eli gives him a little shove into the garage, motioning for Ryan to come inside with them. Everything was pitch black and it takes several moments for their eyes to adjust. The could just make out the shapes of several cars and tool benches. Eli pulls out a flashlight and scans the room as they make their way to the last bay where there was a car under a tarp. "That's gotta be it. Ryan, check it out and make sure, would you? I'll see if we can get this bay door open. We're gonna have to hotwire the thing as long as we get everything back where it's supposed to be when we return it."
Before anybody can go any further though, the garage is suddenly flooded with light. Spinning around, Eli and Alec freeze as a form walks between the cars coming towards them. But as the surprise newcomer reaches halfway, he stops and puts his hands on his hips.
Eli's eyes widen. Was Leo here to blow the whistle? Call the cops? Try to get them not to do this? Confront Alec? The silence was deafening.
The color in Angelica's cheeks was mirrored in Reese's own, though he doesn't back away. He kept her hand in his, just looking into her eyes for what seemed to be much longer than a moment. "Maybe you'll get your wish," he replies softly.
"Well, what can I get you folks?"
Reese retreats as the waitress comes, ready to take their orders. His hand slips from Angelica's and he clears his throat, scanning the menu after having totally forgotten what he wanted. Finally finding it, they're able to ask for what they wanted before the waitress leaves them once more.
Reese grins and takes a sip of his water. "Now where were we?"
Dani doesn't resist being picked up and placed on the couch again. Curling up in the corner, she closes her eyes and nestles into the cushions to wait for Dalton to come back.
A few more tears escape and she sniffs, but is comforted, knowing that she won't have to be alone tonight. Even though the nightmare was from the past, knowing she was safe from harm now was important to her.
Carson had been close to dozing off at his end of the couch when his phone started buzzing in his pocket. Frowning, he wondered who on earth would be calling him now. Answering it, he puts a hand over his other ear to block out the sound of the television.
It was odd having Dalton call him and he was immediately on edge. Then hearing about Dani, a chill runs down his spine. He opens his mouth to reply, but has to wait until Dalton is through. While Carson did find it mildly humorous that Dalton would think of him coming to beat him up, he bypasses the kidding around.
"What do you mean a breakdown?" His mind races. The past? Their father? His face pales. Oh, Dani... was there more than even he knew about?
Rising, he leaves the couch to Misty and goes into the kitchen where it was quieter. "I... that's fine she's with you and I'll make do without her in the morning if she doesn't feel like coming in. But... well are you sure she's okay?"
Worry courses through him. He hadn't thought of their past together since right after finding Dani again. It had all been washed away... forgotten... ignored. He had known that Dani didn't remember anything, but he hadn't expected this. "I mean, do I need to come over? How bad is it?"
Alec's mouth is open to interrupt, when Ryan's final statement brings his thoughts to a halt. He quirks one eyebrow and cocks his head. "Miss McKade... are you bribing me?"
"Chocolate cake..." Eli mumbles to himself wondering what on earth the significance of that was. However, from the tone in his sister's voice and the look that was being passed between those two, he didn't trust it to be anything more than a blatant flirt at the least, and an invite for making out at the most. Either way, all he can do is roll his eyes. "We're running out of time, guys... either quit making eyes at each other and get over here, or go home."
"Sounds to me like going home might be more exciting," Alec quips, his eyes still on Ryan. Returning the fiery stare, he finally glances back to the dog who was still busy eating at the moment. "Alright, fine. But if I come away with another dog bite, I'll never forgive either one of you."
Approaching the gate with the lock, he keeps a sharp eye on the dog, throwing Eli only a sidelong glance. "And you don't get any cake, just for not telling me about this little watchdog."
Suddenly it clicks. Eli crosses his arms. "I didn't get any the last time either."
Alec's head snaps up and a grin spreads on his face, but he doesn't reply. Instead, he sets to work on the lock, retrieving a couple little tools from his pocket to help him along. It takes him less than a minute and the padlock has popped open. "There you go." He swings the gate open and gestures to Ryan. "After you. I wanna see if the dog is still hungry."
Thankfully, all three are able to make it in without incident from the busy dog. Eli brings the one car in too before shutting the gate in case anybody drove by. Within minutes, the three are at the door of the garage and Alec is working on that lock too. This one takes him a little longer, but soon enough, it clicks and they're in.
Eli shakes his head and grins. "I knew I picked the right person."
Alec smirks a little. "One of these days, someone will actually want me because of me and not because of what they need from me."
Eli gives him a little shove into the garage, motioning for Ryan to come inside with them. Everything was pitch black and it takes several moments for their eyes to adjust. The could just make out the shapes of several cars and tool benches. Eli pulls out a flashlight and scans the room as they make their way to the last bay where there was a car under a tarp. "That's gotta be it. Ryan, check it out and make sure, would you? I'll see if we can get this bay door open. We're gonna have to hotwire the thing as long as we get everything back where it's supposed to be when we return it."
Before anybody can go any further though, the garage is suddenly flooded with light. Spinning around, Eli and Alec freeze as a form walks between the cars coming towards them. But as the surprise newcomer reaches halfway, he stops and puts his hands on his hips.
Eli's eyes widen. Was Leo here to blow the whistle? Call the cops? Try to get them not to do this? Confront Alec? The silence was deafening.
5/28/10
Chocolate Cake and Whipcream
A smile still on her face Angelica looks across the table her head cocked slightly. Her eyes sparkled in the streams of light that came in through the window. Only giving it thought for a moment Angelica thought about how she felt around Reese, and how it was different then before she had met him.
Since spending more time with him and taking a little of her sister advise she smiled more, laughed, and felt more alive than she had. Though sometimes work was there topic of choose there was just something there now between them that was nice and it felt good.
"Yeah, I am happy. It's nice having someone there to lean on, and look forward to seeing. For being my first serous relationship I am happy..and hopefully my only."
Angelica's cheeks turn a slight shade of red as she can feel the heart crawling up her neck and into her cheeks.
Just continuing to hold Dani Dalton rocks a little with her in a lulling manor his head still rested on hers just letting her cry as long as she needed and not trying to stop her. His arms tightly around her being her shelter and the protection she needed.
Letting Dani nuzzle into him more Dalton's arm goes over her lap holding her ever so close to him almost hoping he could take the pain away for her even though he new he couldn't. Hearing her request Dalton doesn't even hesitate in his answer.
"You don't have to be, You can stay here, and we can cuddle on the couch."
Not knowing how much longer he sat there with Dani and held her Dalton finally shifted a little bit standing but still not letting go of Dani as he holds her cradled in his arms as he stood up. Turning to the couch he gently sets her down sitting on the edge next to her.
Reaching out and brushing some of the matted hair from her eyes Dalton gives her a soft smile his thumb running over her cheek.
"I'm going to get some pillows and a blanket. It wont take me long. I'll be back in a flash."
Standing and heading into his bedroom Dalton grabs on of the pillows from his bed and the blanket that lied at the end. Turning to go back to Dani he stops remember she had said something about work in the morning. He'd wanted to call Carson to let him know what happened with Dani anyways maybe he should mention he maybe not making it to work in the morning too.
Reaching for the phone on his nightstand Dalton dials Carson's number and waits for a long moment till he hears Carson's voice.
"Hey Carson its Dalton. I just wanted to let you know that Dani had some kind of break down of some sorts. I guess something had been bothering her all day, and than tonight she had a dream and she remembered some stuff from her past he mind had blocked out that had to do with your father. She's ok just pretty shook up and didn't want to be alone so I said I'd stay with her. I just thought I'd call you and let ya know one because your her brother and should know, two I did want you to know she had spend the night here and try to pound my face in because I'd hate to have to hurt you, and three I don't know if she will be in any shape to come into work in the morning or not."
Dalton gives a little snicker at his own humor about Carson knocking his block off, not sure if he would laugh or not but he had to try and make light of the situation some how.
Sitting in the car with Alec and receiving his kiss Ryan can't help the smirk that cross her face. The farthest she had ever gone to breaking any kind of law was her racing, but now doing this with Eli and Alec she had to admit there was something thrilling to it.
Her hand finds the back of his head as she returns the kiss not stopping till she hears her brother knock on the window. Pulling away and giving a grin Ryan winks before getting out of the car and joining her brother Alec not far behind. Scanning the area she gives a nod, everything looked good so far.
Not knowing the dog was there herself it makes Ryan jump and back up a few feet. Looking at Alec and than her brother it was clear he had let Alec out of the loop on this one too. She didn't mind dogs but she had to admit this was did look rather mean and might tear anyone's leg off.
Just listing to her brother and Alec go back and forth Ryan stands with her arms crossed finding this whole thing a little crazy and humorous in a way though she wouldn't let Alec know that. As Eli pulls out the steak though Ryan's eyes widen a little. That was one of the steaks she had just bought for a nice dinner for Alec, Eli and herself.
"HEY...I was saving that you know."
Knowing it was to late now Ryan shakes her head her hands now on her hips. Letting out a sigh she watches the dog as he mows down on the steak before looking back at Alec and cocking hear head a little.
"Come on Alec, the dog is busy eating the steak and once he is done he is probably going to be to full to want to eat anything else so you will be in the clear. Not to mention if we get through this would out getting caught there might be some chocolate cake and whip cream for you and me."
Lowering her head a little Ryan looks up at Alec her eyes roaring with a fire in them, and her grine sassier than ever.
Since spending more time with him and taking a little of her sister advise she smiled more, laughed, and felt more alive than she had. Though sometimes work was there topic of choose there was just something there now between them that was nice and it felt good.
"Yeah, I am happy. It's nice having someone there to lean on, and look forward to seeing. For being my first serous relationship I am happy..and hopefully my only."
Angelica's cheeks turn a slight shade of red as she can feel the heart crawling up her neck and into her cheeks.
Just continuing to hold Dani Dalton rocks a little with her in a lulling manor his head still rested on hers just letting her cry as long as she needed and not trying to stop her. His arms tightly around her being her shelter and the protection she needed.
Letting Dani nuzzle into him more Dalton's arm goes over her lap holding her ever so close to him almost hoping he could take the pain away for her even though he new he couldn't. Hearing her request Dalton doesn't even hesitate in his answer.
"You don't have to be, You can stay here, and we can cuddle on the couch."
Not knowing how much longer he sat there with Dani and held her Dalton finally shifted a little bit standing but still not letting go of Dani as he holds her cradled in his arms as he stood up. Turning to the couch he gently sets her down sitting on the edge next to her.
Reaching out and brushing some of the matted hair from her eyes Dalton gives her a soft smile his thumb running over her cheek.
"I'm going to get some pillows and a blanket. It wont take me long. I'll be back in a flash."
Standing and heading into his bedroom Dalton grabs on of the pillows from his bed and the blanket that lied at the end. Turning to go back to Dani he stops remember she had said something about work in the morning. He'd wanted to call Carson to let him know what happened with Dani anyways maybe he should mention he maybe not making it to work in the morning too.
Reaching for the phone on his nightstand Dalton dials Carson's number and waits for a long moment till he hears Carson's voice.
"Hey Carson its Dalton. I just wanted to let you know that Dani had some kind of break down of some sorts. I guess something had been bothering her all day, and than tonight she had a dream and she remembered some stuff from her past he mind had blocked out that had to do with your father. She's ok just pretty shook up and didn't want to be alone so I said I'd stay with her. I just thought I'd call you and let ya know one because your her brother and should know, two I did want you to know she had spend the night here and try to pound my face in because I'd hate to have to hurt you, and three I don't know if she will be in any shape to come into work in the morning or not."
Dalton gives a little snicker at his own humor about Carson knocking his block off, not sure if he would laugh or not but he had to try and make light of the situation some how.
Sitting in the car with Alec and receiving his kiss Ryan can't help the smirk that cross her face. The farthest she had ever gone to breaking any kind of law was her racing, but now doing this with Eli and Alec she had to admit there was something thrilling to it.
Her hand finds the back of his head as she returns the kiss not stopping till she hears her brother knock on the window. Pulling away and giving a grin Ryan winks before getting out of the car and joining her brother Alec not far behind. Scanning the area she gives a nod, everything looked good so far.
Not knowing the dog was there herself it makes Ryan jump and back up a few feet. Looking at Alec and than her brother it was clear he had let Alec out of the loop on this one too. She didn't mind dogs but she had to admit this was did look rather mean and might tear anyone's leg off.
Just listing to her brother and Alec go back and forth Ryan stands with her arms crossed finding this whole thing a little crazy and humorous in a way though she wouldn't let Alec know that. As Eli pulls out the steak though Ryan's eyes widen a little. That was one of the steaks she had just bought for a nice dinner for Alec, Eli and herself.
"HEY...I was saving that you know."
Knowing it was to late now Ryan shakes her head her hands now on her hips. Letting out a sigh she watches the dog as he mows down on the steak before looking back at Alec and cocking hear head a little.
"Come on Alec, the dog is busy eating the steak and once he is done he is probably going to be to full to want to eat anything else so you will be in the clear. Not to mention if we get through this would out getting caught there might be some chocolate cake and whip cream for you and me."
Lowering her head a little Ryan looks up at Alec her eyes roaring with a fire in them, and her grine sassier than ever.
One in the same
Reese's eyes move quickly to Angelica's as he feels her foot under the table, and a grin perks up the corner of his mouth as he moves his own foot around in response. "Yeah, well... seems like being around you and happy are one in the same anymore."
Sliding his hand across the table, he takes hers, slowly running his thumb through her palm. "How about you? Are you happy?" His eyes told that it was more than just a general question. He and Angelica went on dates frequently now, even though usually they wound up working or talking about work. But was she happy with how things were going between them?
Continuing to cry, Dani not only clings to Dalton physically, but clings to his words as well, trying with all her might to believe them and not be dragged down by the memories she was now facing. How had this happened? Why now? Why here? She knew that sometimes things like this happened... that one little thing could trigger an avalanche of memories and emotions. But not her... she'd never had this trouble before. It didn't feel good and it was confusing.
Dani didn't know how long she stayed curled on Dalton's lap or how long she wept onto his chest. But it was long enough that exhaustion was quickly taking over. The emotional strain and the effort to cry completely wore her out. Music played in the background... the movie was over... but totally forgotten.
Slowly, slowly, the tears begin to lessen. Not because the pain was any less, but because she just couldn't cry anymore. Sniffing a little, she nuzzles into the crook of Dalton's arm. Her voice was hoarse and quiet. "I... I don't want to be alone tonight."
"Oh, wait, hang on!"
Alec rolls his eyes as Eli heads back into the apartment. "Now what? We gotta get going while the gettin's good."
Eli calls from inside. "Get going then. I'm right behind you."
Alec smirks and slings his arm over Ryan's shoulders, leading the way to her car. "Some plan. We're gonna leave him behind."
"Oh, hush." Eli comes running up to them again, his jacket bulging with whatever it was he'd retrieved from inside. "Ready?"
"What did you get?"
"Just a little treat." Eli aims for a buddy's car that was in the lot. "Come on..."
"Okay... it's right around the corner." Eli's voice crackles through the walkie-talkie as he drove the car in front of Ryan and Alec, both vehicles without their lights on.
Alec fiddles with the walkie and looks out the window, keeping an eye on the surroundings as Ryan drove. "Ah... so this is where it is."
"Pull up to the curb on the opposite side of the street," Eli directs. "Fast getaway if we need it."
Once parked, Alec gives Ryan a sly look before leaning over and kissing her lips. "I'm used to the need to watch my back, and the thrill of the crime... but I must admit... having you in on it presents a whole new element... I think I like it." Returning to her lips, he ignores their surroundings for a moment or two, taking advantage of being in the car with her.
A knock on the window breaks the moment though and Eli stares in at them, hands on hips. "You coming or what?" he whispers hoarsely.
Alec grins at Ryan. "I guess we better go."
Getting out, the night air surrounds them. It was dark at this end of town with only a few street lights about a block away. Everything was quiet, except for the sounds of traffic down at a busier intersection.
The three make their way quietly up to the chain link fence that surrounded the auto garage. The place looked half like an auto shop and half like a junkyard... it seemed to fit Roth's character anyway.
Just as they got to the padlocked gate though, a dog comes out of nowhere, barking and gnashing its teeth as it jumps up against the fence, its hair standing straight up on its back. Eli doesn't move, having known good and well the mutt was there. Alec, however, had been clueless. Giving a jump, he backs up several steps closer to the street, holding his hands up. "Oh no... no, no, no."
"Come on," Eli hisses. "It's just a dog. And I got it covered." He reaches into his jacket and pulls out the steak he'd grabbed from the refrigerator before finally leaving the apartment. "Get back over here."
"No way." Alec shakes his head. "I don't care how many steaks you brought," he hisses. "I'm not going in there!"
"I need you to pick this lock, now come on! You said you'd help!"
"And you didn't say anything about a dog!" Alec's eyes narrow. "You knew he was here, didn't you? And you purposely didn't tell me."
Eli glances to Ryan, then back to Alec, finding way too much humor in this, for the situation they were in. "Aw come on." He stifles a laugh as the dog continues to bark. He had no fear of anyone coming to see what was going on - it was usual for a guard dog to bark at whatever went by, whether it was a person or just a stray cat. Roth's pet wouldn't alarm anybody. The only thing that would alarm someone would be if they had to cut wire or cut the padlock to get inside - then there would be proof of a break-in and this whole scheme would be for naught. "Come on, Alec," he requests again. "Get over here and get us in this place."
"Uh-uh." Alec continues to shake his head and takes another step backward as he stares at the dog's flashing teeth.
Eli sighs and throws the steak over the fence to distract the dog and the barking stops. He looks to Alec once more. "Better?"
"Nope." Alec stands his ground stubbornly. "I don't do dogs."
Eli sighs as the situation becomes less funny and he turns to his sister. "Would you kindly bring your chicken of a boyfriend over here? Either that or we can just call this whole thing off right now and I just wasted a perfectly good steak - which, may I remind you, is halfway gone already."
Sliding his hand across the table, he takes hers, slowly running his thumb through her palm. "How about you? Are you happy?" His eyes told that it was more than just a general question. He and Angelica went on dates frequently now, even though usually they wound up working or talking about work. But was she happy with how things were going between them?
Continuing to cry, Dani not only clings to Dalton physically, but clings to his words as well, trying with all her might to believe them and not be dragged down by the memories she was now facing. How had this happened? Why now? Why here? She knew that sometimes things like this happened... that one little thing could trigger an avalanche of memories and emotions. But not her... she'd never had this trouble before. It didn't feel good and it was confusing.
Dani didn't know how long she stayed curled on Dalton's lap or how long she wept onto his chest. But it was long enough that exhaustion was quickly taking over. The emotional strain and the effort to cry completely wore her out. Music played in the background... the movie was over... but totally forgotten.
Slowly, slowly, the tears begin to lessen. Not because the pain was any less, but because she just couldn't cry anymore. Sniffing a little, she nuzzles into the crook of Dalton's arm. Her voice was hoarse and quiet. "I... I don't want to be alone tonight."
"Oh, wait, hang on!"
Alec rolls his eyes as Eli heads back into the apartment. "Now what? We gotta get going while the gettin's good."
Eli calls from inside. "Get going then. I'm right behind you."
Alec smirks and slings his arm over Ryan's shoulders, leading the way to her car. "Some plan. We're gonna leave him behind."
"Oh, hush." Eli comes running up to them again, his jacket bulging with whatever it was he'd retrieved from inside. "Ready?"
"What did you get?"
"Just a little treat." Eli aims for a buddy's car that was in the lot. "Come on..."
"Okay... it's right around the corner." Eli's voice crackles through the walkie-talkie as he drove the car in front of Ryan and Alec, both vehicles without their lights on.
Alec fiddles with the walkie and looks out the window, keeping an eye on the surroundings as Ryan drove. "Ah... so this is where it is."
"Pull up to the curb on the opposite side of the street," Eli directs. "Fast getaway if we need it."
Once parked, Alec gives Ryan a sly look before leaning over and kissing her lips. "I'm used to the need to watch my back, and the thrill of the crime... but I must admit... having you in on it presents a whole new element... I think I like it." Returning to her lips, he ignores their surroundings for a moment or two, taking advantage of being in the car with her.
A knock on the window breaks the moment though and Eli stares in at them, hands on hips. "You coming or what?" he whispers hoarsely.
Alec grins at Ryan. "I guess we better go."
Getting out, the night air surrounds them. It was dark at this end of town with only a few street lights about a block away. Everything was quiet, except for the sounds of traffic down at a busier intersection.
The three make their way quietly up to the chain link fence that surrounded the auto garage. The place looked half like an auto shop and half like a junkyard... it seemed to fit Roth's character anyway.
Just as they got to the padlocked gate though, a dog comes out of nowhere, barking and gnashing its teeth as it jumps up against the fence, its hair standing straight up on its back. Eli doesn't move, having known good and well the mutt was there. Alec, however, had been clueless. Giving a jump, he backs up several steps closer to the street, holding his hands up. "Oh no... no, no, no."
"Come on," Eli hisses. "It's just a dog. And I got it covered." He reaches into his jacket and pulls out the steak he'd grabbed from the refrigerator before finally leaving the apartment. "Get back over here."
"No way." Alec shakes his head. "I don't care how many steaks you brought," he hisses. "I'm not going in there!"
"I need you to pick this lock, now come on! You said you'd help!"
"And you didn't say anything about a dog!" Alec's eyes narrow. "You knew he was here, didn't you? And you purposely didn't tell me."
Eli glances to Ryan, then back to Alec, finding way too much humor in this, for the situation they were in. "Aw come on." He stifles a laugh as the dog continues to bark. He had no fear of anyone coming to see what was going on - it was usual for a guard dog to bark at whatever went by, whether it was a person or just a stray cat. Roth's pet wouldn't alarm anybody. The only thing that would alarm someone would be if they had to cut wire or cut the padlock to get inside - then there would be proof of a break-in and this whole scheme would be for naught. "Come on, Alec," he requests again. "Get over here and get us in this place."
"Uh-uh." Alec continues to shake his head and takes another step backward as he stares at the dog's flashing teeth.
Eli sighs and throws the steak over the fence to distract the dog and the barking stops. He looks to Alec once more. "Better?"
"Nope." Alec stands his ground stubbornly. "I don't do dogs."
Eli sighs as the situation becomes less funny and he turns to his sister. "Would you kindly bring your chicken of a boyfriend over here? Either that or we can just call this whole thing off right now and I just wasted a perfectly good steak - which, may I remind you, is halfway gone already."
You too
Feeling Dani crawl into his arms Dalton holds her a little tighter to him. Just creating a shelter for her to snuggle into him and cry as long as she needed. Running his hands along her back gentile he just let her know he was there for you!
Listing to her words Dalton was a little confused at first but he was able to peace things together a little more as she talked understand a little more on what she was talking.
"Oh..Dani..."
Dalton felt so bad his only heart broke for her. How could anyone do something like this to a person let along a child. Dani had blocked it away to shield herself and in turn it did more harm now that she was reliving it.
"No thats not all your worth Dani. Your worth so much more, and just because someone did something like that in your past doesn't make it any different."
Just continuing to hold her Dalton leans his head leaning against hers. Still just forming the shelter around Dani to block out the world from her right now.
Leaning against Wyatt as they go outside Aerith's own laughter continues. A little softer than before but it was enough to show just how much humor she did find in this whole thing. Bringing her own arm around Wyatt's wast she smiles up at him.
"I think you dad is happy. He seems like he is anyways, and the sparkle thats in his eye when he's with Angelica is just nice to see."
Looking across the table at Reese Angelica smile and a slight nod. She eyes twinkling as she shakes her head a little bit. The display that had just taken place made her heart flutter watching father and son interact. It was nice to see Reese like that.
"He looks very happy. Aerith is a nice young lady."
Finding Reese' foot underneath the table Angelica bumps it with her own running it up his foot a little before taking a drink of her own drink. Looking across at him she smile.
"You look happy too and that makes me smile even more."
Listing to her words Dalton was a little confused at first but he was able to peace things together a little more as she talked understand a little more on what she was talking.
"Oh..Dani..."
Dalton felt so bad his only heart broke for her. How could anyone do something like this to a person let along a child. Dani had blocked it away to shield herself and in turn it did more harm now that she was reliving it.
"No thats not all your worth Dani. Your worth so much more, and just because someone did something like that in your past doesn't make it any different."
Just continuing to hold her Dalton leans his head leaning against hers. Still just forming the shelter around Dani to block out the world from her right now.
Leaning against Wyatt as they go outside Aerith's own laughter continues. A little softer than before but it was enough to show just how much humor she did find in this whole thing. Bringing her own arm around Wyatt's wast she smiles up at him.
"I think you dad is happy. He seems like he is anyways, and the sparkle thats in his eye when he's with Angelica is just nice to see."
Looking across the table at Reese Angelica smile and a slight nod. She eyes twinkling as she shakes her head a little bit. The display that had just taken place made her heart flutter watching father and son interact. It was nice to see Reese like that.
"He looks very happy. Aerith is a nice young lady."
Finding Reese' foot underneath the table Angelica bumps it with her own running it up his foot a little before taking a drink of her own drink. Looking across at him she smile.
"You look happy too and that makes me smile even more."
Happy?
Joined by Dalton on the floor, Dani continues to shake all over. It was a little hard not to pull away from him, but she knew who he was... she knew he was safe, so trying her best, she overrides her flight reaction and lets him take her hand.
"No, it's not okay," she whimpers. The longer she was awake, the more real her memory of the dream became. The more real it became, the more it melded with real memories that had been hidden from her own mind... until now.
Her breathing was still rapid as her heart continued to race. "I saw him again... but... but he never did those things... he couldn't have... not to me, he-" A sob catches in her throat. She knew Dalton would have no idea who or what she was talking about, but she couldn't formulate enough words to make any sense. "Carson... he always got me out of the house... always... so I couldn't have... no..." But it was true. And deep down, she knew it was. Carson had saved his little sister from many times when their father had come home drunk, but he couldn't have been there every time... and it was those nights that were now being brought into the light. Those memories were dark, frightening... ugly. And Dani had never remembered what had been done. The marks she bore were not just bruises on her arm... they were deeper... inside where they'd been locked away to save her this horrid pain of realizing what had been done to her by her own father. To now, so suddenly realize that she had been a victim of abuse was a shock she never could have prepared for.
Tears streamed from her eyes as she very suddenly felt broken and weak. Feeling Dalton's hand on hers, she looks at it for a moment before turning his eyes to his face. It was dim in the living room, but she could still see his eyes... those beautiful eyes that never lost their care.
Dani draws a sharp, ragged breath, which again is choked on as her body refuses to calm down. Pulling herself around, she crawls into Dalton's lap, curling up against him like the big teddy bear he really was. Burying her face against his chest, she cries, her shoulders shaking. "I was his daughter," she whimpers between sobs and gasps for air. "How could he do that to me?"
She pulls herself in tighter, begging to be held and protected from these horrid thoughts. Her few words were enough that anyone would begin to understand, even without the details. "Is that... is that all I am... all I'm worth?"
"Oh, no, ugh, no! I'm coming, I'm coming!" Wyatt rises from the table as Aerith tugs on his sleeve. The thought of his dad and Angelica really was not repulsive in the least - it was just too much fun to make a big deal out of it.
Reese grins and tosses Aerith a wink. "Good call. You two go have fun now."
Wyatt turns around and throws his dad a smirk, then looks to Angelica and gives her a little wave, a smile pasted on his face. "You too."
Reese shakes his head and watches the younger couple leave before rejoining Angelica. He chuckles. "I think Wyatt's happy, don't you?"
Outside, Wyatt starts laughing again, slinging an arm over Aerith's shoulders. "Okay... I'm happy now. We did enough damage, we can go eat lunch now."
Still grinning as they get in her car, he gives a contented sigh. "I think my dad's happy, don't you?"
"No, it's not okay," she whimpers. The longer she was awake, the more real her memory of the dream became. The more real it became, the more it melded with real memories that had been hidden from her own mind... until now.
Her breathing was still rapid as her heart continued to race. "I saw him again... but... but he never did those things... he couldn't have... not to me, he-" A sob catches in her throat. She knew Dalton would have no idea who or what she was talking about, but she couldn't formulate enough words to make any sense. "Carson... he always got me out of the house... always... so I couldn't have... no..." But it was true. And deep down, she knew it was. Carson had saved his little sister from many times when their father had come home drunk, but he couldn't have been there every time... and it was those nights that were now being brought into the light. Those memories were dark, frightening... ugly. And Dani had never remembered what had been done. The marks she bore were not just bruises on her arm... they were deeper... inside where they'd been locked away to save her this horrid pain of realizing what had been done to her by her own father. To now, so suddenly realize that she had been a victim of abuse was a shock she never could have prepared for.
Tears streamed from her eyes as she very suddenly felt broken and weak. Feeling Dalton's hand on hers, she looks at it for a moment before turning his eyes to his face. It was dim in the living room, but she could still see his eyes... those beautiful eyes that never lost their care.
Dani draws a sharp, ragged breath, which again is choked on as her body refuses to calm down. Pulling herself around, she crawls into Dalton's lap, curling up against him like the big teddy bear he really was. Burying her face against his chest, she cries, her shoulders shaking. "I was his daughter," she whimpers between sobs and gasps for air. "How could he do that to me?"
She pulls herself in tighter, begging to be held and protected from these horrid thoughts. Her few words were enough that anyone would begin to understand, even without the details. "Is that... is that all I am... all I'm worth?"
"Oh, no, ugh, no! I'm coming, I'm coming!" Wyatt rises from the table as Aerith tugs on his sleeve. The thought of his dad and Angelica really was not repulsive in the least - it was just too much fun to make a big deal out of it.
Reese grins and tosses Aerith a wink. "Good call. You two go have fun now."
Wyatt turns around and throws his dad a smirk, then looks to Angelica and gives her a little wave, a smile pasted on his face. "You too."
Reese shakes his head and watches the younger couple leave before rejoining Angelica. He chuckles. "I think Wyatt's happy, don't you?"
Outside, Wyatt starts laughing again, slinging an arm over Aerith's shoulders. "Okay... I'm happy now. We did enough damage, we can go eat lunch now."
Still grinning as they get in her car, he gives a contented sigh. "I think my dad's happy, don't you?"
5/27/10
Size
Being on the couch and completely wrapped up in Dani and her warmth on top of him Dalton can feel his own eyes start to close. He'd stayed away for most of the movie but now that is was coming close to the end his eyes were growing heavy as sleep started to over taken him.
Moments later though Dalton's eyes fly open as he hears Dani's cry and her jumping away from him. Not sure what was going on still half asleep himself he sits up right. His heart beats in his chest so loud if no one else hears it he would be surprised.
Just looking at Dani for a moment as he trys to calm his own nerves he see the look of fear in her eyes and it makes his heart race even more. It was hard for him to try and let her know it would be ok specially with his size if she was still dreaming but he had to try.
Trying to tone down his size a little Dalton slides from the couch to the floor so he was level with Dani. Moving a little closer to her he takes her hand in his own gentily.
"Dani its me, you had a dream....your safe...it's ok I promise, its just me and you here."
Not being able to hold back her laughs anymore Aerith just lets it roll out as Reese comes over and joins in picking on his son. It was so nice to see there interaction and see the twink in Reese eye since he had met Angelica it was very refreshing.
"It was all his idea too"
Aerith gives a nod as she throws a glance to Wyatt and gives another laugh. Finally though as her laughs slow down she gives a small nod before standing and going to the other side of Wyatt tugging in his arm.
"Coming on lets get you out of here before you do drown in your own laughter and before we have to see you dad and Angelica make out."
Moments later though Dalton's eyes fly open as he hears Dani's cry and her jumping away from him. Not sure what was going on still half asleep himself he sits up right. His heart beats in his chest so loud if no one else hears it he would be surprised.
Just looking at Dani for a moment as he trys to calm his own nerves he see the look of fear in her eyes and it makes his heart race even more. It was hard for him to try and let her know it would be ok specially with his size if she was still dreaming but he had to try.
Trying to tone down his size a little Dalton slides from the couch to the floor so he was level with Dani. Moving a little closer to her he takes her hand in his own gentily.
"Dani its me, you had a dream....your safe...it's ok I promise, its just me and you here."
Not being able to hold back her laughs anymore Aerith just lets it roll out as Reese comes over and joins in picking on his son. It was so nice to see there interaction and see the twink in Reese eye since he had met Angelica it was very refreshing.
"It was all his idea too"
Aerith gives a nod as she throws a glance to Wyatt and gives another laugh. Finally though as her laughs slow down she gives a small nod before standing and going to the other side of Wyatt tugging in his arm.
"Coming on lets get you out of here before you do drown in your own laughter and before we have to see you dad and Angelica make out."
Just a dream
Wyatt gasps for air, his face turning a shade of red as his coughing starts to mix with laughter - from feeling like an idiot and from listening to his dad. Angelica's own statement seems to make the whole thing much worse, not to mention the look on Aerith's face, and Wyatt's laughing just proves to make him cough even more.
Reese can't help but start to laugh too, pulling Angelica's hand up to give it a kiss. "I think someone needs rescued."
Getting up from his seat, he walks the couple feet to the next table and gives his son's back and hearty whack. "Cough it up, cough it up."
"Got it... yeah... I'm good..." Wyatt wheezes and gives a little wave, his eyes watering.
Reese laughs again and shakes his head. "Boy, you almost made headlines as the first person to ever drown in a glass of water."
"Careful." Wyatt threatens with what was left of his water.
Reese backs up a step, grinning from ear to ear. "Hey now... who crashed whose party, hmm?"
"Oh, alright." Wyatt sets the glass back down. "You win." He grins up at his father, not having lost any of the humor in this whole thing. "I guess we can leave you alone... now that you totally ruined our own joke."
Reese starts to laugh again. "Aw... did I spoil it, hmm?" He nods to the table. "We can make it a foursome if you really want to."
"No... we were just fooling." Wyatt rolls his eyes and starts to get up. "We'll leave you be."
"Sit down." Reese shoves him back in his chair. "You wanted to crash a party, you got it. I'm not letting you leave now."
"But-"
"Oh, no... you're gonna have to stay for the duration, smooching, playing footsie and all."
"Agh!" Wyatt stands up quickly, putting his hands over his ears. "Lalalala!"
All it does is serve to send Reese back to his laughter and he looks to Aerith. "You might want to get out of here before he really creates a scene."
Smiling a little as Dalton shifts around on the couch, Dani doesn't hesitate to burrow right in and get comfortable in a warm spot. One arm draped around Dalton's middle, and her head rested on his chest, moving gently up and down with his slow breaths. Up... down... up... down... a steady, soothing rhythm against the quiet beating of his heart. Dani's focus on the television gets a little blurry, and her eyelids begin to close. She snaps back to attention to watch the movie, but all too soon, her eyes are heavy again...
...The movie intensity grew as it approached the end. The music became louder and a woman screamed as the bad guy came after her. But it wasn't the movie that was playing in Dani's mind. Minutes before, she'd fallen into a deeper sleep than anticipated and as the dreams began to flow, her hand had tightened into a fist, putting Dalton's shirt in a death grip. The dream was abstract, but dark and evoking the feeling of fear. Dani was a little girl again, wandering through rooms and opening doors, looking, searching for something important, but she didn't even know what. Finally, the last room was her own bedroom as a child - the one with pink curtains and blew gently in the breeze. The door opened easily enough, but the overhead light produced an eerie glow instead of the bright beams it was supposed to. The room was suddenly not the haven she remembered, and she became her real age again, looking in on herself as a child, and a dark figure whose face was hidden in the shadows. She saw herself draw back into the corner where the bed met the wall, her blankets pulling clear up to her chin. But the figure came anyway.
The scream coming from the movie registered as Dani's own childhood scream as the hands reached for her.
"No!" Giving a cry, Dani sits bolt upright, ripping herself from Dalton. Getting tangled in his legs, she winds up turning herself around and falling off the edge of the couch, her arm whacking the corner of the coffee table and her knee twisting as her foot gets caught on a cushion.
Her heart racing, she gasps for breath as though the wind had been knocked out of her. Her entire body shook and tears began to stream from her eyes, though at first, she didn't even notice. Her senses told her where she was and who she was with, but her mind was stuck in that dream... that nightmare... the nightmare that had unlocked a door that had been closed for years.
Whimpering, she holds her hurt elbow and leans against the couch without trying to get up. It couldn't be true. It wasn't true. It was just a dream. It was just a dream.
Reese can't help but start to laugh too, pulling Angelica's hand up to give it a kiss. "I think someone needs rescued."
Getting up from his seat, he walks the couple feet to the next table and gives his son's back and hearty whack. "Cough it up, cough it up."
"Got it... yeah... I'm good..." Wyatt wheezes and gives a little wave, his eyes watering.
Reese laughs again and shakes his head. "Boy, you almost made headlines as the first person to ever drown in a glass of water."
"Careful." Wyatt threatens with what was left of his water.
Reese backs up a step, grinning from ear to ear. "Hey now... who crashed whose party, hmm?"
"Oh, alright." Wyatt sets the glass back down. "You win." He grins up at his father, not having lost any of the humor in this whole thing. "I guess we can leave you alone... now that you totally ruined our own joke."
Reese starts to laugh again. "Aw... did I spoil it, hmm?" He nods to the table. "We can make it a foursome if you really want to."
"No... we were just fooling." Wyatt rolls his eyes and starts to get up. "We'll leave you be."
"Sit down." Reese shoves him back in his chair. "You wanted to crash a party, you got it. I'm not letting you leave now."
"But-"
"Oh, no... you're gonna have to stay for the duration, smooching, playing footsie and all."
"Agh!" Wyatt stands up quickly, putting his hands over his ears. "Lalalala!"
All it does is serve to send Reese back to his laughter and he looks to Aerith. "You might want to get out of here before he really creates a scene."
Smiling a little as Dalton shifts around on the couch, Dani doesn't hesitate to burrow right in and get comfortable in a warm spot. One arm draped around Dalton's middle, and her head rested on his chest, moving gently up and down with his slow breaths. Up... down... up... down... a steady, soothing rhythm against the quiet beating of his heart. Dani's focus on the television gets a little blurry, and her eyelids begin to close. She snaps back to attention to watch the movie, but all too soon, her eyes are heavy again...
...The movie intensity grew as it approached the end. The music became louder and a woman screamed as the bad guy came after her. But it wasn't the movie that was playing in Dani's mind. Minutes before, she'd fallen into a deeper sleep than anticipated and as the dreams began to flow, her hand had tightened into a fist, putting Dalton's shirt in a death grip. The dream was abstract, but dark and evoking the feeling of fear. Dani was a little girl again, wandering through rooms and opening doors, looking, searching for something important, but she didn't even know what. Finally, the last room was her own bedroom as a child - the one with pink curtains and blew gently in the breeze. The door opened easily enough, but the overhead light produced an eerie glow instead of the bright beams it was supposed to. The room was suddenly not the haven she remembered, and she became her real age again, looking in on herself as a child, and a dark figure whose face was hidden in the shadows. She saw herself draw back into the corner where the bed met the wall, her blankets pulling clear up to her chin. But the figure came anyway.
The scream coming from the movie registered as Dani's own childhood scream as the hands reached for her.
"No!" Giving a cry, Dani sits bolt upright, ripping herself from Dalton. Getting tangled in his legs, she winds up turning herself around and falling off the edge of the couch, her arm whacking the corner of the coffee table and her knee twisting as her foot gets caught on a cushion.
Her heart racing, she gasps for breath as though the wind had been knocked out of her. Her entire body shook and tears began to stream from her eyes, though at first, she didn't even notice. Her senses told her where she was and who she was with, but her mind was stuck in that dream... that nightmare... the nightmare that had unlocked a door that had been closed for years.
Whimpering, she holds her hurt elbow and leans against the couch without trying to get up. It couldn't be true. It wasn't true. It was just a dream. It was just a dream.
Wide
Just shaking her head and sitting down at the table with Wyatt Aerith takes her own menu trying to find what she wanted. The chicken sandwich looked pretty good, but so did the Gyro wrap. Not sure between the two she was so into figuring it out that she only caught half of what Reese said.
Seeing Wyatt spit the water out on the table she moves her chair back a little bit and gives a shriek. Just looking at Wyatt and blinking for a long moment he wondered what on earth till it click what Reese has said.
Moving her chair back to the table she stops the waitress for more napkins before starting to clean up the water.
"Wyatt...breath breath...are you ok?"
Hearing Reese words Angelica's eyes sparkle as her mouth turns into a grin. Not even missing a beat as Wyatt spit out the water Angelica reaches across the table laying her hand on top of his.
"Mmmm...I could go for dessert. We should of had that first and than come here. That was if we ran out of time and had to get back to work we at least had something nice before the meal."
Angelica gives a wink to Reese, knowing how she meant it and how it sounded were to different things, but playing along was more fun.
Hearing Angelica's comment Aerith's eyes widen a little as she looks across the table at Wyatt. This was something she really didn't need to hear.
With dinner finished and the left overs left on the table for now Dalton leans back on the couch just shifting a little so his long legs could rest on the edge of the table without the food. Keeping his arm around Dani he pulls her a little closer to him so she was half between the couch and him and half on top of him. Completely comfortable her continues to watch the movie giving the top of her head a kiss.
Seeing Wyatt spit the water out on the table she moves her chair back a little bit and gives a shriek. Just looking at Wyatt and blinking for a long moment he wondered what on earth till it click what Reese has said.
Moving her chair back to the table she stops the waitress for more napkins before starting to clean up the water.
"Wyatt...breath breath...are you ok?"
Hearing Reese words Angelica's eyes sparkle as her mouth turns into a grin. Not even missing a beat as Wyatt spit out the water Angelica reaches across the table laying her hand on top of his.
"Mmmm...I could go for dessert. We should of had that first and than come here. That was if we ran out of time and had to get back to work we at least had something nice before the meal."
Angelica gives a wink to Reese, knowing how she meant it and how it sounded were to different things, but playing along was more fun.
Hearing Angelica's comment Aerith's eyes widen a little as she looks across the table at Wyatt. This was something she really didn't need to hear.
With dinner finished and the left overs left on the table for now Dalton leans back on the couch just shifting a little so his long legs could rest on the edge of the table without the food. Keeping his arm around Dani he pulls her a little closer to him so she was half between the couch and him and half on top of him. Completely comfortable her continues to watch the movie giving the top of her head a kiss.
Choking
Wyath throws Aerith a smirk for throwing all the blame on him, though there was still a smile in his eyes. Heading towards the tables, he turns to her and puts a finger to his lips to signal her not to announce their arrival. Instead, he pulls out a chair for her to sit at the next table over, not three feet from Reese and Angelica. Then he sits across from Aerith, absentmindedly pulling out a menu to glance over. "Let's see... ooh, they have a new steak sandwich."
Sitting across from Angelica, Reese had already decided what he wanted - knowing what his favorites were here. Movement catches his eye and he looks to the next table over, his expression going blank as he just stares and blinks. What on earth was Wyatt doing here... surely he'd seen them when he'd come in with Aerith.
He looks at Angelica then nods to the younger couple. He mouths the words to her, "on purpose?" Seeing Wyatt and Aerith, he knew is son too well to think that this was a coincidence. Wyatt didn't even like this place all that well. It had to be because Reese himself and Angelica were there.
Leaning back in his chair, he gives Angelica a little smirk. Speaking to her, he raises his tone just enough so Wyatt and Aerith could hear. "So maybe after we're done here, we can go back to your place for a little... dessert."
Now, Reese knew good and well that Angelica had some of his favorite ice cream bars in her freezer. Wyatt, however, did not know this, and the pause before "dessert" was too much for him not to hear.
Wyatt was just taking a sip of water the waitress had just brought, when he hears his dad. Choking on his drink, he manages to only spit half of it out onto the table as a coughing fit ensues.
"Okay." Dani smiles and walks lightly to the refrigerator, glad to get the topic of conversation off of herself. "Mmmm...." she looks around for all the things she needed for the salad and sets to work.
It isn't long before the food is set in the living room and Dani had chosen a good action flick to watch while they ate. The food was scrumptious and she made sure to tell Dalton so, even though her stomach couldn't handle a full portion tonight.
Eventually the meal is over, but the movie is far from it. Dani slips off her sneakers and sits back a little bit, pulling her knees up and wrapping her arms around them. Soon though, the position just isn't comfortable enough and she finds herself nuzzling into Dalton a little bit, hoping that he'd scoot back too and give her some cuddle time.
Sitting across from Angelica, Reese had already decided what he wanted - knowing what his favorites were here. Movement catches his eye and he looks to the next table over, his expression going blank as he just stares and blinks. What on earth was Wyatt doing here... surely he'd seen them when he'd come in with Aerith.
He looks at Angelica then nods to the younger couple. He mouths the words to her, "on purpose?" Seeing Wyatt and Aerith, he knew is son too well to think that this was a coincidence. Wyatt didn't even like this place all that well. It had to be because Reese himself and Angelica were there.
Leaning back in his chair, he gives Angelica a little smirk. Speaking to her, he raises his tone just enough so Wyatt and Aerith could hear. "So maybe after we're done here, we can go back to your place for a little... dessert."
Now, Reese knew good and well that Angelica had some of his favorite ice cream bars in her freezer. Wyatt, however, did not know this, and the pause before "dessert" was too much for him not to hear.
Wyatt was just taking a sip of water the waitress had just brought, when he hears his dad. Choking on his drink, he manages to only spit half of it out onto the table as a coughing fit ensues.
"Okay." Dani smiles and walks lightly to the refrigerator, glad to get the topic of conversation off of herself. "Mmmm...." she looks around for all the things she needed for the salad and sets to work.
It isn't long before the food is set in the living room and Dani had chosen a good action flick to watch while they ate. The food was scrumptious and she made sure to tell Dalton so, even though her stomach couldn't handle a full portion tonight.
Eventually the meal is over, but the movie is far from it. Dani slips off her sneakers and sits back a little bit, pulling her knees up and wrapping her arms around them. Soon though, the position just isn't comfortable enough and she finds herself nuzzling into Dalton a little bit, hoping that he'd scoot back too and give her some cuddle time.
G2G
Laughing again and shaking her head Aerith straightens a little more seeing the car pass. Waiting a little while before she pulls out Aerith finally does having Wyatt in her ear makes her laugh even more.
After the short while and they are sitting outside the diner Aerith still had a smile on her face as Wyatt seemed to be overly excited about this.
"If he gets mad, I'm just going to point at you and say it was your fault."
Laughing again she finally gets out of the car waiting for Wyatt to join her before heading inside. Once in she looks around for a moment till her eyes find who she was looking for. Seeing them the grin returns to her face as she points and than lets Wyatt go first as she is close behind.
Just holding Dani for the long moment Dalton listens to her again as he just continues to give her the comfort she needed even if it was just a woman thing. Just listening he understands how this could confuse her and he felt bad there really was nothing else he could do to help.
As Dani finally pulls away a little Dalton smiles down at her the love so strong in his eyes. If anyone ever tried to hurt Dani they probably would never be able to tell anyone because he would get to them first.
Giving her a light kiss on the lips once again before letting her go and going back to the stove to mix the pasta and pour it into the strainer calling over his shoulder to Dani.
"In the fridge there are all the fixing for the salad if you want to get that stuff and toss i together that would be a great help. Than pick out what movie u would like to watch and we will be good to go."
After the short while and they are sitting outside the diner Aerith still had a smile on her face as Wyatt seemed to be overly excited about this.
"If he gets mad, I'm just going to point at you and say it was your fault."
Laughing again she finally gets out of the car waiting for Wyatt to join her before heading inside. Once in she looks around for a moment till her eyes find who she was looking for. Seeing them the grin returns to her face as she points and than lets Wyatt go first as she is close behind.
Just holding Dani for the long moment Dalton listens to her again as he just continues to give her the comfort she needed even if it was just a woman thing. Just listening he understands how this could confuse her and he felt bad there really was nothing else he could do to help.
As Dani finally pulls away a little Dalton smiles down at her the love so strong in his eyes. If anyone ever tried to hurt Dani they probably would never be able to tell anyone because he would get to them first.
Giving her a light kiss on the lips once again before letting her go and going back to the stove to mix the pasta and pour it into the strainer calling over his shoulder to Dani.
"In the fridge there are all the fixing for the salad if you want to get that stuff and toss i together that would be a great help. Than pick out what movie u would like to watch and we will be good to go."
Worthy cause
Being drawn into Dalton's arms again, Dani melts like she almost always did. Nuzzling into his chest, she thanks him. "It's nice to know I got you to look out for me." Her voice was slightly muffled as she spoke against his embrace.
She sighs deeply, her arms sliding around his waste to be closer to him. "But I really think this is nothing... it has to be. I mean... I would know if it wasn't... right?" There wasn't as much confidence in her voice as she'd hoped for. "It's not like I have any tragedies that I would be remembering or anything... I've had a happy life." She really didn't understand what was happening in her subconscious. But she couldn't deny the fact that all of a sudden, she didn't want to dig any deeper into her own mind. In the amount of time it would take to snap her fingers, she had put up a blockade against whatever it was her mind wanted her to see that was trying to surface. It was an unfamiliar and scary feeling.
"It can't be anything to worry about. I'm... I'm sure I'll feel better after spending an evening with you. And then tomorrow it'll all be gone and I'll realize that it's just been a woman's weepy sort of day."
Nodding again, Dani pulls away a little bit. "So what can I do to help get the rest of supper ready?"
"Yes, Yoda, we are." Wyatt keeps a straight face as he looks out at the street, waiting for the familiar car to pass. "Ooh, oooh, there they go. They're in Dad's car. No, wait, don't pull out yet - he's got eyes in the back of his head."
Waiting until the other car was a fair distance away, Wyatt points. "Okay, now."
Fifteen minutes later, Reese and Angelica are spotted parking at a little diner downtown. "Aha.... nice quite atmosphere... bet they really wanna be alone, huh?" Wyatt grins and evil grin. "Let's park and go plop down next to them. Dad will kill me, but it's a worthy cause."
She sighs deeply, her arms sliding around his waste to be closer to him. "But I really think this is nothing... it has to be. I mean... I would know if it wasn't... right?" There wasn't as much confidence in her voice as she'd hoped for. "It's not like I have any tragedies that I would be remembering or anything... I've had a happy life." She really didn't understand what was happening in her subconscious. But she couldn't deny the fact that all of a sudden, she didn't want to dig any deeper into her own mind. In the amount of time it would take to snap her fingers, she had put up a blockade against whatever it was her mind wanted her to see that was trying to surface. It was an unfamiliar and scary feeling.
"It can't be anything to worry about. I'm... I'm sure I'll feel better after spending an evening with you. And then tomorrow it'll all be gone and I'll realize that it's just been a woman's weepy sort of day."
Nodding again, Dani pulls away a little bit. "So what can I do to help get the rest of supper ready?"
"Yes, Yoda, we are." Wyatt keeps a straight face as he looks out at the street, waiting for the familiar car to pass. "Ooh, oooh, there they go. They're in Dad's car. No, wait, don't pull out yet - he's got eyes in the back of his head."
Waiting until the other car was a fair distance away, Wyatt points. "Okay, now."
Fifteen minutes later, Reese and Angelica are spotted parking at a little diner downtown. "Aha.... nice quite atmosphere... bet they really wanna be alone, huh?" Wyatt grins and evil grin. "Let's park and go plop down next to them. Dad will kill me, but it's a worthy cause."
Not ready
Listing to Dani Dalton understand now the look he saw in he eyes. Suppressed memories was something he new well and it sounded like what Dani was dealing with. It hurt to see her hurt but there was nothing much he could do other than be there to support her.
Not turning back to the stove at the mention of the pasts Dalton steps closer to Dani but not with fast movement now understanding why she was jumpy.
"The pasta's not ready yet."
Reaching out Dalton wraps his arms around Dani as he bends down slightly. Just holding her for the longest moment he just wanted to comfort her the best he could. Keeping his on arm around her the other goes to her hair to gentile run though it being ever so soft.
"I promise Dani I'll always do the best I can to keep you safe and not let anyone hurt you."
Pulling over where Wyatt told her to Aerith can't help but laugh. She loved his reactions sometimes on things. Just his voice, and his expressions they were so cute!
"Its good to see you dad enjoying his time with Angelica. He's to sweet to be sitting alone not doing anything."
Aerith's own eye sparkle as Wyatt feels her own little side of causing good clean trouble. Sitting and waiting Aerith puts a little music on but keeps it low so if they wanted to talk still they could.
"Trouble makers we are you know."
Not turning back to the stove at the mention of the pasts Dalton steps closer to Dani but not with fast movement now understanding why she was jumpy.
"The pasta's not ready yet."
Reaching out Dalton wraps his arms around Dani as he bends down slightly. Just holding her for the longest moment he just wanted to comfort her the best he could. Keeping his on arm around her the other goes to her hair to gentile run though it being ever so soft.
"I promise Dani I'll always do the best I can to keep you safe and not let anyone hurt you."
Pulling over where Wyatt told her to Aerith can't help but laugh. She loved his reactions sometimes on things. Just his voice, and his expressions they were so cute!
"Its good to see you dad enjoying his time with Angelica. He's to sweet to be sitting alone not doing anything."
Aerith's own eye sparkle as Wyatt feels her own little side of causing good clean trouble. Sitting and waiting Aerith puts a little music on but keeps it low so if they wanted to talk still they could.
"Trouble makers we are you know."
No memories like that
Dani feels herself not wanting to look up at Dalton, but his gentle touch prompts her chin upward. Looking in his eyes, she saw the concern for her, and in a way it made her feel good. He cared.
"I... I don't know," she admits softly. "I just... I don't know."
Looking down again, she fiddles with the roses even though they were perfectly fine. "I just have this really weird... feeling." Pausing to think about it, she again felt like just bursting into tears for now apparent reason.
Biting her lip, she turns to look back up at Dalton again, her eyes glistening. "All day I've been so afraid... but... but I don't know of what. Ever since this morning... since-"
She stops, not wanting it to sound like anything was his fault or that she was afraid of him. It wasn't true as far as she was concerned. "Well, since I was at TJY." She swallows hard, not even sure how to voice what she was feeling. "You know when, like... you see or hear something and... and you know that a memory is connected to it, but it's blurry and you're not sure what the memory is, but you know that whatever it was did remind you of something?"
Dani fingers the soft rose petals as she glances downward again. "That's what it feels like. Except.... except I don't want to know what the memory is... and I don't even know why."
So confused about her own feelings and why she was even having a hard time at all, a tear finally surfaces. Maybe it was more frustration than anything for having these mixed emotions all day long. But part of it was again the feeling like she was just a little girl that wanted to cry.
"It's dark..." Her voice comes out almost a whisper. "...and frightening. But... but I don't even know what it is. It's like thinking there's a monster in the closet but being too scared to open the door and find out."
Wiping her eye quickly, she fiddles with the flower vase and pushes it aside, stepping back a little to admire it. "But I don't have any memories like that," she states with confidence. "I mean, the worst I ever had it was when I was told my family died and that doesn't frighten me. So... so whatever this is, I'm sure it's just a weird emotional day or something."
She nods as if trying to convince herself of that fact. Turning back to Dalton, she forces a smile to her face, now trying to convince him of the same. Her eyes could never lie though. "I think we better get that pasta off the stove, don't you?"
Wyatt's eyes widen a little bit and he looks to Aerith as a silly grin quirks on his lips. "Were you just gonna say girlfriend? You were gonna say girlfriend."
He tries not to laugh, but it comes out as a snicker anyway. "You know... it's kinda funny to think about... but I honestly haven't seen him this willing to break out and have fun once in a while since... well since I was a kid."
He points to a side street. "If we pull in here, we can see when those two pass by. I would love to crash their party... just to be ornery."
Grinning, his eyes twinkle with mischief. "But I promise if it really does look like we're interrupting something special, you and I will take off. It's just too much fun to pass up this opportunity."
"I... I don't know," she admits softly. "I just... I don't know."
Looking down again, she fiddles with the roses even though they were perfectly fine. "I just have this really weird... feeling." Pausing to think about it, she again felt like just bursting into tears for now apparent reason.
Biting her lip, she turns to look back up at Dalton again, her eyes glistening. "All day I've been so afraid... but... but I don't know of what. Ever since this morning... since-"
She stops, not wanting it to sound like anything was his fault or that she was afraid of him. It wasn't true as far as she was concerned. "Well, since I was at TJY." She swallows hard, not even sure how to voice what she was feeling. "You know when, like... you see or hear something and... and you know that a memory is connected to it, but it's blurry and you're not sure what the memory is, but you know that whatever it was did remind you of something?"
Dani fingers the soft rose petals as she glances downward again. "That's what it feels like. Except.... except I don't want to know what the memory is... and I don't even know why."
So confused about her own feelings and why she was even having a hard time at all, a tear finally surfaces. Maybe it was more frustration than anything for having these mixed emotions all day long. But part of it was again the feeling like she was just a little girl that wanted to cry.
"It's dark..." Her voice comes out almost a whisper. "...and frightening. But... but I don't even know what it is. It's like thinking there's a monster in the closet but being too scared to open the door and find out."
Wiping her eye quickly, she fiddles with the flower vase and pushes it aside, stepping back a little to admire it. "But I don't have any memories like that," she states with confidence. "I mean, the worst I ever had it was when I was told my family died and that doesn't frighten me. So... so whatever this is, I'm sure it's just a weird emotional day or something."
She nods as if trying to convince herself of that fact. Turning back to Dalton, she forces a smile to her face, now trying to convince him of the same. Her eyes could never lie though. "I think we better get that pasta off the stove, don't you?"
Wyatt's eyes widen a little bit and he looks to Aerith as a silly grin quirks on his lips. "Were you just gonna say girlfriend? You were gonna say girlfriend."
He tries not to laugh, but it comes out as a snicker anyway. "You know... it's kinda funny to think about... but I honestly haven't seen him this willing to break out and have fun once in a while since... well since I was a kid."
He points to a side street. "If we pull in here, we can see when those two pass by. I would love to crash their party... just to be ornery."
Grinning, his eyes twinkle with mischief. "But I promise if it really does look like we're interrupting something special, you and I will take off. It's just too much fun to pass up this opportunity."
5/26/10
..and his...
Giving a smile at Dani Dalton was please to see the smile on her face as she puts the flowers in the vase. Going back to the stove again Dalton check on the dinner turning just in time to see Dani drop the flower and her hand shaking.
Coming over to her Dalton looks down at her concern in his eyes he really was worried.
"Sure, we can eat and watch a movie I have no problem with that."
Continuing to look at Dani Dalton takes a few steps closer. Reaching out and putting his hand on her chin he tilts it upwards to look her in the eyes.
"What bothering you today Dani? I can tell somethings not right your not normal this jumpy even when it is a bad day! What happened?"
Smiling as Wyatt leans over and gives her a kiss Aerith was so happy he liked it. She'd looked for hours on a gift for him and finally had liked that wallet and the personalization made it even better.
"I'm happy you liked it. I new you needed a new one and only hopping you weren't attached to much to the old one."
Griving a smile Aerith's eyes glittered as Wyatt gave her a kiss on the cheek. It was the simple moments she loved the most and was happy for everyone!
"Now about about grub. Chinese, or bother you dad and his...and...Angelica!"
Coming over to her Dalton looks down at her concern in his eyes he really was worried.
"Sure, we can eat and watch a movie I have no problem with that."
Continuing to look at Dani Dalton takes a few steps closer. Reaching out and putting his hand on her chin he tilts it upwards to look her in the eyes.
"What bothering you today Dani? I can tell somethings not right your not normal this jumpy even when it is a bad day! What happened?"
Smiling as Wyatt leans over and gives her a kiss Aerith was so happy he liked it. She'd looked for hours on a gift for him and finally had liked that wallet and the personalization made it even better.
"I'm happy you liked it. I new you needed a new one and only hopping you weren't attached to much to the old one."
Griving a smile Aerith's eyes glittered as Wyatt gave her a kiss on the cheek. It was the simple moments she loved the most and was happy for everyone!
"Now about about grub. Chinese, or bother you dad and his...and...Angelica!"
Love it
"Mmm." Dani's cheeks gain a little rosy color as she sees Dalton had prepared things just for her tonight, even remembering the way she liked her sauce.
She giggles a little as he retrieves the vase. "I'm impressed you have a vase at all. A few months ago when Carson was still with me, I asked him if we had a vase and he grabbed an empty beer bottle. Said the green matched the flower stems." She rolls her eyes and sets about taking care of the flowers, having to stop once or twice to smell them again.
Taking one and just holding the soft petals to her cheek, she feels Dalton's gaze and looks over to see him studying her. Her eyes lock with his, and for an instant, it felt like someone was pulling something from her inner soul... something that made a chill run down her spine.
Looking away quickly, she swallows hard and concentrates on arranging the roses. "I'm sorry," she apologizes. "I guess I'm not the most fantastic company tonight. Just... one of those days... or something." She stares at the flowers as the same strange feeling of dread settles over her and she again fights to keep unknown images from entering her mind. Images that were dark... frightening. Yet without seeing them, how could she feel them... it was as if she already knew what they were, but her heart would not admit it.
The sound of a car horn down the street makes her jump violently enough that she drops one of the flowers on the table, her hands shaking. "Crap... everything's got me jumping tonight." Wrapping her arms around herself, she suddenly felt a little cold. "Can we eat in the living room while we watch a movie?" She needed a distraction... a comfy seat and something to keep her mind occupied.
Quirking an eyebrows, Wyatt opens the glove box hesitantly. Pulling out the little package, a new grin emerges. "Aww... you remembered."
Carefully unwrapping the gift and finding the leather wallet, his smile grows even more. "You are amazing, you know that?"
Even though Aerith was driving, Wyatt leans over and gives her cheek a kiss. "Thank you, Aerith... I love it."
She giggles a little as he retrieves the vase. "I'm impressed you have a vase at all. A few months ago when Carson was still with me, I asked him if we had a vase and he grabbed an empty beer bottle. Said the green matched the flower stems." She rolls her eyes and sets about taking care of the flowers, having to stop once or twice to smell them again.
Taking one and just holding the soft petals to her cheek, she feels Dalton's gaze and looks over to see him studying her. Her eyes lock with his, and for an instant, it felt like someone was pulling something from her inner soul... something that made a chill run down her spine.
Looking away quickly, she swallows hard and concentrates on arranging the roses. "I'm sorry," she apologizes. "I guess I'm not the most fantastic company tonight. Just... one of those days... or something." She stares at the flowers as the same strange feeling of dread settles over her and she again fights to keep unknown images from entering her mind. Images that were dark... frightening. Yet without seeing them, how could she feel them... it was as if she already knew what they were, but her heart would not admit it.
The sound of a car horn down the street makes her jump violently enough that she drops one of the flowers on the table, her hands shaking. "Crap... everything's got me jumping tonight." Wrapping her arms around herself, she suddenly felt a little cold. "Can we eat in the living room while we watch a movie?" She needed a distraction... a comfy seat and something to keep her mind occupied.
Quirking an eyebrows, Wyatt opens the glove box hesitantly. Pulling out the little package, a new grin emerges. "Aww... you remembered."
Carefully unwrapping the gift and finding the leather wallet, his smile grows even more. "You are amazing, you know that?"
Even though Aerith was driving, Wyatt leans over and gives her cheek a kiss. "Thank you, Aerith... I love it."
For you!
Continuing to study Dani Dalton can still see the look in her eye. Something really was wrong and it was a bit odd she didn't want to talk about it but he wouldnt push her to much. If she really wanted to talk about it she would right?
Going back to the stove Dalton lifts the top on the pot that had the spaghetti cooking. Giving a strong wif before turning to Dani and smiling again.
"Chicken parmesan, Salad, and garlic bread, and I made sure to make the sauce the way you like it."
Taking a towel and whipping his hands off Dalton goes over to another cabinet and grabs down a vase.
"Here, lets put those flowers in some water so they don't wither on you. You can just bring be back the vase whenever, I dont buy myself flowers."
Dalton gives a litttle laugh before turning to Dani again with the vace. Cocking his head her gives a smile but continues to study her.
Being bounced around a little Ryan puts more oomph into it bouncing a more than normal, but hearing her brother mention pink paint. Blinking for a moment she just stairs at him before shaking her head.
"Nooo.....way am I wearing pink paint. I think I'll pass after all."
Her eyes follow after her brother as he lists off the other colors. Raising her eyebrow her mouth almost dropped untill it turned into a grain as she can't help but wonder what Eli was up to.
"Whatever your planning I have a feeling its going to be a blast watching the look on Roth's face."
"Chinese sounds good, but than again having lunch with you Dad and Angelica sounds like fun too."
Pulling out of the parking light Aerith gives a laugh shaking her head a little. Looking at Wyatt out of the corner of her eye. Nodding to the glove box and smiles.
"There is something in the glove box for you. Just a little something."
Inside was a package wrapped in a small box with a red bow on top. Inside leather wallet a Wolf engraved on the outside and in the inside were the words love, cherish and the other side was both there names. Attached to it was a small chain for his pocket with a little note that said Happy Birthday.
Going back to the stove Dalton lifts the top on the pot that had the spaghetti cooking. Giving a strong wif before turning to Dani and smiling again.
"Chicken parmesan, Salad, and garlic bread, and I made sure to make the sauce the way you like it."
Taking a towel and whipping his hands off Dalton goes over to another cabinet and grabs down a vase.
"Here, lets put those flowers in some water so they don't wither on you. You can just bring be back the vase whenever, I dont buy myself flowers."
Dalton gives a litttle laugh before turning to Dani again with the vace. Cocking his head her gives a smile but continues to study her.
Being bounced around a little Ryan puts more oomph into it bouncing a more than normal, but hearing her brother mention pink paint. Blinking for a moment she just stairs at him before shaking her head.
"Nooo.....way am I wearing pink paint. I think I'll pass after all."
Her eyes follow after her brother as he lists off the other colors. Raising her eyebrow her mouth almost dropped untill it turned into a grain as she can't help but wonder what Eli was up to.
"Whatever your planning I have a feeling its going to be a blast watching the look on Roth's face."
"Chinese sounds good, but than again having lunch with you Dad and Angelica sounds like fun too."
Pulling out of the parking light Aerith gives a laugh shaking her head a little. Looking at Wyatt out of the corner of her eye. Nodding to the glove box and smiles.
"There is something in the glove box for you. Just a little something."
Inside was a package wrapped in a small box with a red bow on top. Inside leather wallet a Wolf engraved on the outside and in the inside were the words love, cherish and the other side was both there names. Attached to it was a small chain for his pocket with a little note that said Happy Birthday.
Pink
"Reminds me too much of myself... right." Carson rolls his eyes as he starts out of the TJY parking lot.
Misty's comment of a Banks being tamed brings a grin to his face. "I don't know... looks like you've done a pretty good job of that." Glancing at her out of the corner of his eye, he reaches over to ruffle her hair lovingly. "But I guess it's not so bad."
Wyatt can't help but laugh at Aerith's chiding as he goes around to the passenger side and gets in. "If I didn't tease you, you'd think I was neglecting you."
Buckling up, he takes a deep breath. "I'm thinking... Chinese. Either that or we can wait a few minutes and follow my dad and Angelica and show up at the next table over just to be ornery."
Alec bounces Ryan on his lap a little to tease her. "You think I wanna go up against your brother? I don't know - I've heard some pretty interesting stories. I might be too scared."
"Uh-huh." Eli's eyes are narrowed with sarcasm. "Sorry I don't have any camo paint, Speedy. All I got is pink."
Alec's eyebrows rise, again wondering at this secret paint job. "Pink. You have... pink paint."
"Well that and some white... and maybe some yellow... purple...." Eli grins and stands up to take his empty beer bottle to the counter.
"So um..." Alec cocks his head. "How are you planning to not get caught anyway? I mean after the fact. Roth's gonna know it was you or us."
"Ah, but will he be able to prove it?"
"Pink paint... come on. Eli McKade with pink paint in his possession?"
Eli's grin widens. "Don't you worry about a thing."
Seeing Dalton, Dani smiles and enters his apartment, following towards the kitchen were it smelled awfully good. Having the roses presented to her, her smile widens and she accepts them a little shyly. "Oh, Dalton, these are beautiful.... thank you."
She smells of their sweet fragrance before feeling Dalton's hand on her cheek and receiving his gentle kiss. Looking up at him, she puts a hand over his, keeping his palm on her face. It felt so warm and strong and safe.
At the same time though, his question revealed to her that the inner turmoil she was feeling was apparently evident in her eyes. She hadn't meant it to be. Whatever was bothering her must be something silly if she couldn't even think of what it was.
"Yeah... yeah, I'm okay." She nods and forces another smile, though her eyes lack the shine that should go along with it.
Dropping her gaze, she looks at the roses again, admiring them. "These smell good... but whatever is cooking smells really good too. What's the hulk got cooking tonight?"
Misty's comment of a Banks being tamed brings a grin to his face. "I don't know... looks like you've done a pretty good job of that." Glancing at her out of the corner of his eye, he reaches over to ruffle her hair lovingly. "But I guess it's not so bad."
Wyatt can't help but laugh at Aerith's chiding as he goes around to the passenger side and gets in. "If I didn't tease you, you'd think I was neglecting you."
Buckling up, he takes a deep breath. "I'm thinking... Chinese. Either that or we can wait a few minutes and follow my dad and Angelica and show up at the next table over just to be ornery."
Alec bounces Ryan on his lap a little to tease her. "You think I wanna go up against your brother? I don't know - I've heard some pretty interesting stories. I might be too scared."
"Uh-huh." Eli's eyes are narrowed with sarcasm. "Sorry I don't have any camo paint, Speedy. All I got is pink."
Alec's eyebrows rise, again wondering at this secret paint job. "Pink. You have... pink paint."
"Well that and some white... and maybe some yellow... purple...." Eli grins and stands up to take his empty beer bottle to the counter.
"So um..." Alec cocks his head. "How are you planning to not get caught anyway? I mean after the fact. Roth's gonna know it was you or us."
"Ah, but will he be able to prove it?"
"Pink paint... come on. Eli McKade with pink paint in his possession?"
Eli's grin widens. "Don't you worry about a thing."
Seeing Dalton, Dani smiles and enters his apartment, following towards the kitchen were it smelled awfully good. Having the roses presented to her, her smile widens and she accepts them a little shyly. "Oh, Dalton, these are beautiful.... thank you."
She smells of their sweet fragrance before feeling Dalton's hand on her cheek and receiving his gentle kiss. Looking up at him, she puts a hand over his, keeping his palm on her face. It felt so warm and strong and safe.
At the same time though, his question revealed to her that the inner turmoil she was feeling was apparently evident in her eyes. She hadn't meant it to be. Whatever was bothering her must be something silly if she couldn't even think of what it was.
"Yeah... yeah, I'm okay." She nods and forces another smile, though her eyes lack the shine that should go along with it.
Dropping her gaze, she looks at the roses again, admiring them. "These smell good... but whatever is cooking smells really good too. What's the hulk got cooking tonight?"
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