Tell me all your problems!

Giving a laugh at Rick and a wave she mouths thank you before sliding her arm around Carson's wast and walking out of the infirmary with him. Giving a small laugh even though Rick always acted like he hated there affection she could see the glimmer behind his eye.

Stopping before getting into the passanger side of the car Misty looks over at Carson for a moment thinking. He must be talking about Justin.

"Oh, thats Justin...He's trying to help Scott. He's a councilor but not really. He only takes certain jobs when other options dont work. He seems like a nice guy and if he's trying to help Scott than thats a plus."

Looking up from her desk Angelica gives a smile as Reese enters and sits down. She always liked when he came to see her even if it was just for a little peace and quiet it was still nice to think he found that with her.

"Well I guess that would be simple to answer because you have so many different kinds of people who work here that not everyone is going to mesh well. Not that its a bad thing we just have to learn how to give a little with everyone because they are all so different."

Leaning forward on her desk a little Angelica watchs Reese as he sits in the chair across from her. She could see the stress on his face and she felt bad for him.

"How about we get out of here for an hour and have some lunch? It might do us both some good! What do you say? Than you call tell me all your problems!"

Go

Rick turns to look over his shoulder, one eyebrow quirked at a peculiar angle. "Please... please go," he begs. "Before I throw you two out."

Carson stifles a laugh and kisses the top of Misty's head before pulling her towards the door. "We can't go against doctor's orders."

"You always do when you're injured," Rick mutters.

"What was that?"

"Nothing, nothing. Go on. Get out of here."

Still grinning, Carson aims down the hall with Misty until they've made their way outside and into the parking lot. Pausing before getting into his car though, he looks at her with question. "Who was that guy talking to Sapphire?"


"Oh, sure." Justin nods readily. Looking around, he spies a notepad and pen in Sapphire's cubicle. "Ah. Here." Taking the pad, he makes a quick job of the directions which were really quite simple. "Here you go. When you get there, they'll stop you at the gate and take your name and ask what your business is. Just tell them you're visiting a patient and they'll let you in."

Handing her the paper, he smiles. "I'll see you tomorrow then."


"Knock knock." Reese lets himself into Angelica's office after he hears her voice. Sinking down in an extra chair, he sighs deeply. "This is still the quietest spot in the building," he muses.

Rubbing a hand over his face, he lets out a little groan. "Can I not have just one day where someone is out to kill somebody else? I mean really... is that too much to ask?"

Map

Stairing up at Carson Misty smiles before looking over at Rick for a moment and than back at Carson.

"As long as Rick doesn't need me I have some over time I need to cut so I could. So going to the last sounds great."

Turning and going over to Rick Misty smiles at him sweetly already knowing more than likely he would say its ok with out her looking extra cute.

"Rick do you mind if I extend my lunch a little so Carson and I can go up to the lake? If not thats ok we will just smooch here in the corner."

Sapphire gives a nod to Justen happy she had asked if she wanted to see Scott. If he hadn't she probably wouldn't have gone on her own to nervous.

"Ten o'clock I can do that, with mountain dew in hand."

Giving a nod and starting to turn Sapphire stops before remembering she really didn't know where this place was.

"Just you wouldn't happen to be able to draw me a map would you? I'm not sure where I am going."

No substitute

Carson grins and puts his keys in his pocket, waiting patiently for Misty to finish. He nods to Rick but doesn't interrupt the work he's doing either.

Leaning back against Misty's desk, he waits until she's done. As she comes to give him a kiss, he automatically draws her close, smiling as he kisses her back. "Mm... amazing how much I can miss you in one morning."

Straightening up, he slings an arm over her shoulders. "If you can get away long enough today without getting fired, I say we go up to the lake. I'm so sick of Italian food I gotta have something else."


Justin shakes his head slightly. "Scott and food aren't on speaking terms just yet." He smiles and is quick to follow up with positivity. "But morning would be great. And... if you want to bring something... go for his favorite. I have yet to see him turn down a can of Mountain Dew."

Looking towards the door, he gives Sapphire a little nod. "How about ten o'clock? I'll meet you in the parking lot and we can go to Scott together, alright?"

He cocks his head a little again to see her eyes. "We'll do it together, okay? And I promise... no matter how tough it might get... good will come of tomorrow. There's no substitute for love."

Trying

Looking up from her desk as Carson enters Misty smiles. He was right on time like she new he would be. Today the restront was closed so when it was like that he was rarely later.

"Your on time, and this time I'm not ready. Give me like five seconds here."

Misty gives a little chuckle looking down at her paper work Misty writes a few more things down, before glancing over in a book, some photos and than writing a few more things down again before closing the file.

"Ok, I think I am ready now."

Standing Misty comes around her desk to Carson and wraps her arms around his neck planting a kiss on his lips.

Giving a nod Sapphire shifts a little and things for a moment. Tomorrow that was sooner than she though but she really didn't have much going on.

"I have off tomorrow and am not doing anything till later in the evening so I could meet you there in the morning."

Thinking again for a moment Sapphire cross her one arm over her chest and holds onto her other arm. Looking away for a second and than back to Justin she gives a small smile.

"Should I bring anything? Maybe some breakfast or something?"

She was trying really hard here she wanted to be close with her brother because she did love him, so many if she brought something he would see she cared.

Collision

Dani manages a smile and she nods again. "Six sounds good." She chuckles. "Pick up some ice cream too."

Letting him go and heading for the door, she turns around one more time, just studying him for another moment. "See you later, Dalton."

Exiting his office, shes only walked a few strides before bumping someone's shoulder. "Oh, I'm sorry, I-" Her eyes fall on her brother and she backs up, now even more startled. "Carson, I... I... oh."

Carson's eyebrows rise as he reaches out to steady his sister. "Whoa. What's your hurry?"

"No... no hurry. I just..." She puts a hand to her head as a terrible feeling comes over her. "I have to go. I was just here seeing Dalton."

Carson grins. "Well I assumed that much." He cocks his head. "You alright?"

"Yeah." Dani smiles "Yeah, I'm fine." Her whole brief plan to go see him later vanished. "Still want me early in the morning at the restaurant?"

"If you can make it."

Dani nods. "I'll be there with bells on."

Carson laughs. "Alright. I'll see you then." Watching his sister walk away, he got an odd feeling that something was just... peculiar about her. But shaking it off, he continues his route to the infirmary to pick Misty up for lunch.


Justin nods with confidence. "I think it would be okay. There's still gonna be pain on both your parts - I won't tell you it's gonna be an easy visit. But the ice has got to break sometime and... I think he's ready to see you. Nothing much but... he's been alone quite a bit and I think it would do him some good."

He's quite for another moment, taking this whole thing nice and slow. "Do you want to meet us up there tomorrow, or is that too soon?"

One of those days

Cocking his head a little and feeling his cheeks turn slightly warm from the kiss Dalton gives another smile to Dani. He could tell something was different today though not sure what he figured it was just one of those days, though it did put a little confusion in him, he let it pass.

"I think I'm starting to be in a better mood alright because you here."

Bringing his hand to the side of her face and gentile running her find along her cheek Dalton thinks for a long moment on her question.

"Well after work I'll stop by the store and see what I can pick up for dinner, so how about six? I don't think that will be to late."

Sapphire gives a short nervous laugh. She was happy Justin didn't think it would do any harm for her to go see him felt good, but Sapphire still had the little bit of doubt.

"Well what if he dosnt want to see me? It'd hurt more having him send me away? He wasn't all that happy with me the last time we talked."

Stopping and thinking again Sapphire did miss Scott very much and she would like to see him again. She'd be nervous but maybe it would do them both some good.

"If you think it would be ok...maybe I would like to come and see him. I'll just get over my nerves."

Confused

"Okay..." Dani nods. If Dalton still felt up to spending time with her after whatever it was had happened, then she wouldn't deny him that time. Since Carson wasn't around anymore, the evenings were quite lonely if she wasn't with Dalton.

Being drawn into his arms though, Dani stiffens for the first time. Her own tension confused her and she forces herself to wrap his arms around him anyway and rest her head on his chest like she always did. "Maybe by the time we part tonight you won't be a bear anymore."

Backing away a little, she stands on her tiptoes to give him a peck on the cheek. But looking up into his eyes after she'd come back down, she just stares into them for the longest moment as if something just wasn't right. "Um, I... I think I'm gonna go stop by and see Carson sometime later... so... what time you want me at your place?"


Justin puts his hands behind his back and cocks his head at Sapphire, sorting through all the things he saw on her face... in her eyes... and what he heard in her voice.

His own voice comes out slow and non-threatening. "How about... you let me take the responsibility for deciding if it would be wise? I wouldn't ask you to come if I thought it would do harm. You yourself are not a visual trigger, so I have strong doubts that seeing you would do anything more than help Scott see that his sister still cares."

He pauses, letting her process what he was saying. "I won't let you do it alone, ya know. I'll be there. But it's entirely up to you."

Big Bear

Hearing the tap on the door Dalton lets out a sigh wondering who it was no coming to bother him. But as the door opens and he sees Dani a small smile forms on his lips. This was one person right now he didn't mind seeing.

"I am happy you did stop by, seeing your face is always nice."

Standing from his desk Dalton comes around to the other side stepping over the bits of the stapler, he'd pick them up in a little bit. Reaching out to Dani he pulls her to him as gently as he always did. Nothing could bother him enough that he would ever hurt Dani.

"As long as your don't mind spending time with a big old bear I'd like to still have dinner with you. I think some cuddle time might do me good."

Hearing her brother was doing ok made Sapphire smile a little more, though she caught the look in Justin's eye that things were going as well as he hoped. Any good news was important though and it was better than reporting bad news. At least now she had a little something of hope to report to her parents.

Coming back around in a full circle on Justin's comment about her going to see Scott she things for a long moment. It would be great but, would it be a good idea?

"Oh Justin it would be wonderful if I could see Scott but...I don't think it would help his recovery at all. I think I should wait till he's better. The last thing I want is for him to see me, and think about Gage and throw him into a fit or something."

Never would Sapphire do anything to harm her brother and the though of many showing up and seeing him but a little damper on things. The last thing she wanted to do was make Scott worse, and seeing her...well that could defiantly do it.

Strange sensation

Justin is a little surprised when Sapphire stops him. He'd figured nobody would want to talk to him today, but maybe he was just feeling sorry for himself. Overcoming his personal feelings, he halts his route to talk with her.

"Hi there." He smiles gently. "Your brother is doing as well as can be expected." Searching Sapphire's eyes, he finds the same sorrow he had the last time he'd been here. He had to give her something positive... he just had to.

"He's responding to me well and we've talked a lot. We're also starting to touch on the Agency data." Talk had been less than productive and they'd barely even tried with the data, but it's all Justin had.

Continuing to look in Sapphire's eyes, he wonders if his next suggestion was even wise. "Would you like to come see him sometime?"


Chance scoffs at Destiny's implication. "You kidding me? A princess is a title earned, not a ticket to be a brat." A grin remains on his face. "Unless of course, you're going to buy enough things that we'll need to call in another officer to help carry everything. In which case, I would gladly watch and see how they do it while I hold doors for them."


Dani fumbles with one hand inside her purse as she tries to drive and find her ringing phone at the same time. It didn't work very well, so by the time she finally retrieved it, she sees she's missed a call from Dalton. Grumbling to herself, she's just about to call him back when the voicemail tone rings. She might as well listen to the message. Hearing his voice, she smiles, but his message made her wonder what had happened.

Stopping at an intersection, she finishes listening to his message. Odd. What was with the stapler? Had it been an accident or on purpose? If it had been on purpose, what had been the cause?

Her thumb hovers over her phone's buttons, but as she glances down the street, another thought comes. She'd been out running errands and had been on her way home. But TJY was right close, and if she turned left here instead of right, she could just go see what was up instead of relying on another phone call. Besides, any excuse to see Dalton was a good one.

Flipping her phone shut, she continues driving until she'd reached TJY. Making her way inside, she passes Sapphire and a man she didn't know, but she nods politely before heading for the hallway. Stopping in front of the office door, she finds it a little strange that it's closed all the way - Dalton usually kept it partway open.

"Dalton?" She taps on the door and opens it a little ways to peek inside. Seeing he was alone, she smiles and lets herself all the way in, leaving the door slightly ajar.

"I was out and about when I got your message a few minutes ago so I decided just to drop by and..." Her voice trails off as her eyes drift to the floor to see bits and pieces of metal, plastic and staples. Her expression shifts and she looks back to Dalton quickly. It had been on purpose, and apparently with quite a bit of force to have broken the stapler that severely.

"Um..." Her thoughts seem to have completely left her and she falters for a moment, not really even sure why, but quite suddenly, she could feel herself suppressing something in her mind that she didn't want to see. It caused a little lurch in her stomach and she clears her throat, trying to shake whatever the strange sensation was.

"If... if you want to have supper back at your place, that's fine with me." She nods. It wasn't about where they went anyway - it was just about spending time together. "Or..." Her eyes drift to the mess again, then back to Dalton, a strange new timidity in her voice that she didn't even realize was there. "If you don't feel like supper at all, that's okay. We can do it later this week."

Helpless

As the door is closed Dalton's refelxs kicking as he takes it out on a stapler that was next to him. Flinging it across the room with his own short yell it hits the wall with a loud tump shattering into many peaces.

Going back to his work Dalton tried to concentrate but it just didn't work. Thinking for a long moment and weighing the options. Picking up the phone he dials Dani's number waiting for her to answer but only getting the voice mail.

"Hey Dani, I was wondering if you'd like to do dinner at my place tonight instead of going out. I know you were looking forward to it but I already busted up a defenseless stapler I'd hate to break anything else. Just let me know and we can figure out something to make. Thanks, talk to you soon."

Destiny lets out a playful gasp as Chance turns down carrying her bags. Giving him a side long glace.

"But...You said so yourself I'm the princess doesn't that mean you do have to carry them?"

She wasn't sure why but it was fun teasing Chance maybe because he teased a little back too, but whatever it was it did help her smile even if she was terrified on the inside of doing anything. She was just good at covering it up and making the best of it.

Looking up from her desk and seeing Justin Sapphire gives a small smile and a wave. Standing and exiting her cubicle she makes her way over to Justin not wanting to make him coming back over to her side when he had just passed.

"Hey Justin."

It was good to see him, and Sapphire was happy to see that he was still hard at work to help her brother and hadn't given up yet.

"It's nice to see you again. Hows my brother doing?"

Overheard

Reese's eyes narrow at Dalton, his own nerves growing on edge. Just watching him go back to his work, Reese stands in the doorway for several moments, fingering the nameplate. "You know, Dalton... I guess maybe I expected you to be more willing to work with someone who is actually trying to help your friend. But if you want to make Justin's job harder, then I guess there's not much I can do about it. I'll keep him away from you from now on. But heaven forbid he need any information from you that could help Scott and can't get it because you're unwilling to work with him."

Spinning on his heel, Reese exits the office, closing the door behind him, forcing himself not to slam it. He knew Dalton was upset, but he felt like he was having to fight his own man on this and he didn't like it.

Walking only a couple feet, he has to come to a dead halt to keep himself from running into Justin. He'd thought the younger man had waited in his office. Looking him in the eye, he can tell by the disappointed look on his face that he'd heard. "I'm sorry-"

"Don't be." Justin shakes his head. "It's not me he's mad at."

Reese holds out the nameplate. "It's not?"

"Nah. He's just upset about his friend and I'm an easy target. From some of the things he's said, I bet he's had some bad experiences with counselors too, so that's another strike against me. I'll stay out of his way from now on though - I don't want to stir up any more trouble."

"You haven't." Reese sighs deeply. "We're all on edge lately. Just... a lot going on." He starts walking again, Justin at his side.

"Well, if I can get somewhere with Scott, maybe that will be one less thing on everybody's minds."

Reese stops before they get to the main floor and he turns to Justin with seriousness. "Do you really think you can?"

"Only if Scott wants me to. And right now... he just isn't trying hard enough. But I think he will. It's just gonna take time."

"But we don't have time with him because of the Agency influence."

"Then we better pray that something will help him turn himself around before it's too late." Jason nods and holds up the nameplate. "Thank you. I'll continue to be in touch."

"Yeah..." Reese watches him walk away before sigh deeply. He wanted to go home. But the day was only half over.

Justin heads across the main floor, his eyes scanning the cubicles. Walking past Sapphire's area, he catches her eye and gives her a little nod and the best small smile he could. Unless she beckoned him, he would not stop. He had invaded enough today... done enough damage. This was a hard group... and maybe he had misjudged them. Maybe it was time he came here on invitation only and found other ways to deal with Scott. Even if Justin understood and didn't take Dalton's words too personally, they did leave him questioning himself. He'd get over it, but for the moment, this whole thing had just become very frustrating.


Chance laughs as he buckles up. "If you can handle linking arms with great Chance O'Mally, feel free. But if you're going into any clothing stores, I beg of you... let me guard the entrance."

Slipping on a pair of sunglasses, he grins. Destiny seemed to be doing pretty well today... almost seeming to enjoy herself. There was a lot of serious things happening... her safety... arrangements for her parents' burials... yet there was still some sunshine there and that was a good sign.

"And no... I'm not carrying your bags for you," he teases.

Keep him out

Dalton stays sitting looking across the desk at Reese his own face firm. He has his own emotions running around right now that he didn't even know how to deal with them.

"I wont bother seeing you later and so far the only person I see who had a problem with the name on the door was that guy that's helping Scott."

It was clear Dalton didn't like Justin without saying it even if he really wanted to. Still keeping his own tone calm he continues to look at Reese.

"And on that mention you can tell Justen to stay out of my office before I get irritated with him and something happens. I have no questions he can ask me that need to be answered, and I don't need him giving me peptalks. Other than that I have nothing more to say."

Going back to his work Dalton calms up a little bit sinking in his seat a little and looking at his computer screen intently.

Destiny gives a nod as she takes the keys and makes her way out the door. Stopping at the steps as Chance locks the door behind her. Waiting for him to come up next to her she waits for him knowing not to go father.

"You know...in a way I feel like I'm the dog waiting for my master."

Destiny gives a chuckle showing she was joking. Getting to the car she gets in waiting for Chance.

"Alright...here we go. Stay close to you, I think I can do that. Hope you dont mind if I link arms with you when we get there."

Destiny's eyes twinkle as she pulls out of the driveway and she heads down the street to there destination.

Creative suggestions

"Alright. The mall it is." Chance tosses Destiny the keys. "Just remember to stick close while we're there... a heavily populated area can be the best place for someone to be picked off unnoticed."

Opening the front door, he takes a glance around before letting Destiny out and then locking the door behind them. "Wherever else you need to go is fine. I just need to go to TJY sometime before the end of the day."


Reese was not surprised to see the anger flash in Dalton's eyes, nor was he surprised at the verbal response. It hadn't taken long for the two tech guys to become friends and Dalton would always be a vicious protector of Scott.

"I appreciate your intentions, Dalton." Reese reaches up and removes the nameplate. "But having a name on a door does not portray importance any more than it does saying he'll be back." He keeps his town quiet but firm. "Yes, Scott put in years here and he saw us through many hard times with his efforts and his work. He's lost more than a lot of people here just because he was dedicated to his job."

Never would Reese face a day he didn't blame himself for all that had happened to Scott. "But he has resigned this force. He is no longer an Elite agent. Keeping his name on the door will only be a sorry reminder to the other agents who pass, and salt on their wounds. I'm sorry... but it's time his name was removed. And I must ask that you respect my orders." His tone was still very calm, but it was obvious that he meant business. "If you'd like to take up this matter further, I will be working late and you are free to see me after hours. I've already considered ways in which we might honor Scott as a former officer and I'm open to creative suggestions."

Another

Turning from Justin as he leaves Dalton goes back to his work to continue what he was doing. Weather he would see Justin again or not he didn't know but he really didn't care ether. He didn't like the guy and he wasn't sure if it was because he was a councilor or make it was just him in general.

Getting back to work Dalton looks up again seeing Reese. Giving a nod and a slight wave to him Dalton watches him for a moment.

"I'm alright."

Hearing he was here to take Scott's name plate from the door Dalton gets a little stiff. He new this had to be Justin's doing and a little more anger twords the man grows. Keeping his voice calms he looks at Reese.

"You can take it down Reese but I will put another one up. Even if Scott dosnt work here anymore, this is not just my office. He put as much heart into this as I have, and for that his name should stay. Its not a statement for me to think he is coming back, its saying he is just important in this place as I am."

Giving a smile to Chance and turning around to make it a little easier for him to clip the necklace Destiny breaths a little slowly so she doesn't move around to much for Chance. Giving a soft chuckle at Chance's comment Destiny turns around to look at him again smile.

"I'll make sure not to fly unless you come with me. Thank you."

Taking a few steps back Destiny can't stop smile as she looks back at Chance.

"I sure do want to drive still. I love driving. Figured we could head to the mall for a little bit before I go to set up a few things for my parents funeral. Than if we need to go to TJY we can."

Right thing

Chance turns around and it takes him an odd moment to respond to Destiny before he blinks. "Uh... yeah... yeah, sure."

Setting the keys down, he walks over to Destiny and takes the necklace, twirling a finger for her to turn around. Reaching around her, he lightly moves aside her hair so as not to get it caught in the clasp. He grins. "Just don't let this sucker fly away with you... I'd be in a lot of trouble."

His hand brushes her neck before he takes her shoulders to turn her back around. "There you are. Pretty as a picture." He chuckles, just a little color coming to his face. "Still wanna drive?"


Receiving no for an answer, Justin opens his mouth to say more, but then changes his mind. He holds up his hands just a little in surrender. Realizing there was another nameplate, his eyebrows rise slightly. He hadn't noticed there were two.

He was surprised when Dalton at least offer him that one, and he goes ahead and takes it. "Thank you... Dalton." A sarcastic remark wanted to come so badly, but he holds his tongue. "I'm sure I'll see you again."

Backing away, he fiddles with the nameplate in his hand before heading down the hall once more. But he wasn't ready to leave quite yet.

Ten minutes later, it's Reese at Dalton's office, knocking then entering. "Dalton... hi. I hope your day is going well." Wandering in only a short ways, he turns and looks at the door. "I've been asked to take this nameplate of Scott's off the door, and... I believe it's the right thing to do."

Looking up at the knock on the door Dalton eyes Justin. He'd said next time he stopped by he would call, and he never got a call so now Dalton was a little less happy to see him once again. Giving a nod though he was at least polite to him. Thinking about his question for a moment though Dalton shook his head.

"No, you may not take the name plate from the door."

Falling silent again Dalton lets out a long sigh. Looking around the room for a moment he gives a nod to the desk next to him.

"You can take the one from the desk though as long as you bring it back."

Looking down at his work again for a few moments Dalton clicks a few buttons to finish up the one thing he has been working on and finally figured up. Finished and looking up at Justin again Dalton cocks his head before standing.

Moving around his desk and over to Scott's Dalton picks up the name plate running his finger over it for a moment. Turning to Justin he holds it out to him.

Heading into TJY Hope was feeling ok today. She could feel better and she could feel worse. In about two hours she had a dr appointment to get some more tests done she might as well work a little before than to keep her mind off it all.

Walking across the floor she gives the best smile she can to the people she had called friends. Going to the breakroom first she wanted to get some water before heading to the interrogation room and start some work.

"Princess...? I think I'm far from a princess."

Exiting the bathroom Destiny's hair is wet still hanging down and over her shoulders. A light blue sun dress was her attire along with a pare of platform sandles. Coming into the living room she holds her necklace out to Chance.

"Can you clip this for me? I'll be ready to go after."

Nameplate

"Doesn't bother me to have you drive." Chance shrugs. Grinning as she walks into the kitchen, he hollers after her. "You're prolly right. If there's one thing I wouldn't be able to keep up with, it would be a woman's indecision and change of mind."

Doing a bit more work Chance eventually shuts his laptop and starts to get ready to go, putting on his boots and tucks in his black t-shirt. Opening up his gun case, he dons one of his holsters, checking his handgun before securing it on his left side. Fishing for his Elite badge, he pulls it out and grabs the chain to wear around his neck. If he was gonna be walking around with an unconcealed weapon, it might save some headaches to show his badge loud and clear. Lifting up his pantleg, he fixes his small sheath around his ankle and tucks away his knife out of sight. On the other ankle goes his derringer. That should be sufficient for today. Wallet. Cell phone. He was ready to head out. It was warm enough today that a jacket wouldn't be needed.

Wandering towards the door, he checks out the windows before jingling the keys. "Alright, Princess," he calls. "Ready when you are."


"A matching game... genius." Rick shakes his head as he hears about Justin's idea for Scott.

Justin shrugs and leans against the infirmary counter. "Yeah, well... I figured it's gotta be on his own terms. And the only way to do that without being here, is for him to do the unveiling of those faces himself. Alec figured Scott should know most if not all of them."

"But he hasn't wanted to try it yet."

"Uh-uh." Justin shakes his head. "Do we know how much time we really have with him?"

"No." Rick sighs. "Alec says it all depends on Scott. But what we do know is the longer it takes, the less chance Scott has of gaining control. Alec thinks probably one more episode and we might lose him."

"And any trigger could cause an attack." Justin purses his lips grimly. He didn't like the risks involved here, but there really was no other way. Scott would either conquer or lose everything. But it all depended on him and whether he would try to overcome this. Justin could only pray that Scott would choose to turn over those cards and begin the road to recovery. "Well... I just wanted to see if there was anything I'd missed. Thank you, Rick."

"No... thank you."

"Alec here today?"

Rick rolls his eyes. "He was. He's been slipping out under our radar lately though, so good luck finding him."

Justin chuckles. "Alright. Thanks." He wanders from the infirmary, a bit tired from the day, but at least he was in better shape than the last time he was here. Walking past an open office, he looks up at the door, seeing Dalton's name again, but noticing that Scott's name was still there as well. As far as Justin knew, Scott had resigned before being admitted to Brookshire. Whose hopeful thinking kept the name on the door?

Tapping lightly, he looks in on the giant behind the desk. "Dalton?" He offers a smile, though was cautious, remembering his last visit and how Dalton hadn't been very receptive. "Hi. Don't wanna take up your time here, but, I was wondering...." He thumbs to the door. "Can I borrow Scott's nameplate?"

Never

Destiny laughs a little at the though of Chance barking. It was an odd mental picture to say the least but she was happy that Chance didn't bark or it would break her whole image of him.

"Ok, Well I know I wanna do something today but I am not sure what. So if I can drive it will safe you the hassle or trying to figure it out. I promise I am a good driver."

Giving a chuckle Destiny finish her milk before standing again and heading back into the kitchen. What she would do today she wasn't sure. Maybe go to the book store, she had to buy a new dress for her parents funeral, and she still needed to see all that up.

Offering a nod to Justin Beth takes a few steps around him continuing her rout inside. Coming to the doors she stops and looks back once at Justin before continuing on her way.

Coming to her sisters room Beth knocks and than enters a smile forming on her face seeing her sister seated by the window. Beth was always happy to come and see Sarah yet sad at the same time. But Beth would always come and never would she utter a complaint.

Not lonely

"Mm, it's a pretty quiet day as far as I'm concerned." Chance turns back to his computer and types a few things. "I gotta go to TJY at some point and get some info... otherwise though, you're calling the shots. I'm just the watchdog."

He grins a little. "The only thing I don't do is bark."


Seeing the look that passes on Beth's face as she falters, Justin cringes on the inside, thought he doesn't let it show. "Well, I wouldn't want you stuffed too full after having already eaten," he teases, totally bypassing her comment about her mother for her sake.

Lowering the bag of sandwiches, he offers a warm smile. "I don't wanna make you late. Take care, Beth."

Giving her a little farewell nod, he backs off, aiming for a nearby bench. Sitting down, he sighs a little before opening the bag and taking out one of the sandwiches. Beth seemed to be the type of person who was hurting, yet held everyone at arm's length. Not that she should trust Justin - they were practically strangers. But she'd seemed to want to accept his offer, yet had refused. The sorrow behind her gaze hadn't gone unnoticed.

Justin takes a bit of his sandwich, not paying much attention to how much he enjoyed the taste. Beth came here every day to see her sister, who didn't even talk. This was a mental facility. Her sister must have gone through some pretty severe trauma at some point. Beth had said she had no other family, and had just now mentioned the passing of her mother. She was sad her mother was gone though, indicating that had been a good relationship. Where was their father? Dead also? Was there a connection between those deaths and the current situation? Or were they simply distanced from their father, not including him when speaking of family ties?

Realizing how far his mind was taking him, Justin shakes his head, trying to stop. He had a few pieces, but not all of them, so there really was no point in trying to fit them together. Not to mention, it really was none of his business.

But he'd seen pain in Beth and if there was one thing Justin sought after in life, it was soothing others' pain. Sometimes it led to him pushing people when he shouldn't. Sometimes it led to his own heartache when people refused to let him in. Sometimes it led to him getting himself in trouble when he saw pain that a person refused to let go of and move on even though they knew how - which was why he was practically jobless now. But despite all the negative factors, he couldn't remove that God-given passion. It was his strength, which in turn made it his weakness.

Justin digs in his backpack for his can of fruit juice to accompany his sandwich. He'd sit here for a while and let his stomach settle, then head to town to pick up some groceries. Glancing around the grounds, he studies the buildings and the trees, diverting his mind to things of nature so he didn't contemplate issues to which he had no answers.

Several hours later...

"You look tired. You want to stay and rest a while?"

"Naw, I gotta go. I just wanted to drop off these groceries."

"Did you eat your lunch?"

"Mm-hmm."

"Justin...?"

"Yeah, Ma! I ate. Sandwiches were good."

"You're so skinny. You need to eat more."

"Ma... I try to look this way, ya know? Healthy."

Justin's mother eyes him suspiciously before moving about the kitchen to put things away. "I talked to Ranee today."

Justin's head shoots up from the magazine he was reading at the counter. "What did she want?"

"I don't know. Does she need to want something to call the woman who was almost her mother-in-law?"

Justin's eyes narrow. "Hardly."

"She's so sweet." She continues talking while her head is bent into the refrigerator. "I don't understand why you let her go."

"Ma, we've been over this a hundred times. Let it go." Justin closes the magazine and wanders to the fruit basket to grab an apple. "She was suffocating me."

His mother sighs and comes up to him, her eyes full of pity. "I know." She puts a hand to his face, looking up at him. "I just feel so bad you are lonely. You need a good woman in your life."

Justin humors her with a grin and a pat to the arm. "I'm not lonely. I like my life. I'm happy."

"With two dogs for company?"

"They're good dogs."

"But do they talk back? Support you? Travel with you and share their lives with you?"

Justin sighs and bites into his apple. "I gotta go."

"So soon?"

"Work."

"Oh, did that job come through?"

"No, I never called them."

"Well, how can you expect to get a job if you don't even call them?"

"I don't want to work for the city. They don't like me and I don't like them."

"But what about all the people that-"

"I got a temporary job at Brookshire and that's enough."

"But you were so good at being a counselor and-"

"Ma." Justin sets his hands on his mother's shoulders and bends to look her in the eye. "I'm not going back into that system. I can't take the policies and politics. I like helping people but it's just gonna have to be some other way. I don't have the money or gumption to get back into school so for now I'll take the tidbits from Brookshire. It's enough. Really... I'm fine."

Worry shines in her eyes but she gives up for now. "What about money? Are you doing okay?"

Justin smiles. "I'm fine. Now... you gonna let me go?"

His mother chuckles softly. "I suppose so. Call me about Sunday - don't forget."

"I won't forget." Justin gives a short wave as he heads for the door.

"Aunt Gracie will be disappointed if you don't come!" she hollers after him.

"I won't forget!"

My Mother

Wrapping her own arms around Kyle Alice just seemed to melt into him. These moments, the two of them showing the love for each other, it was special, it was nice and every moment was wonderful.

"Mmmm...I guess we should eat even though I am content right here."

The smile on her face light and genuine, the twinkle in her eyes bright. Lunch had been forgot for a moment for her, and no reminded her tummy made a growl. Alice's cheeks turn a slight red color as she chuckles.

"I think my tummy just yelled at me."

Destiny gives a small nod as she listened to Chance. Things had been good last night that was great new, but if it stayed like that even better. It would take the Agency a few days to figure out where she was, but even than she hoped nothing happened.

Taking another sip of her milk Destiny thinks for a moment on Chance's question before answering. She really wasn't sure how she'd slept.

"I think I slept alright, the best I could considering anyways."

Moving away from the question Destiny changes the subject completely for now.

"So whats on our ta do list today?"

Understanding a little better why Justin looked so confused Beth can't hide the small smile. She thought it was kind of smooth of him for the way he worded, the time is set himself there, and his efforts it was defiantly a good try but Beth she...just....She couldn't.

"That is very sweet of your mother, I bet she does cook good. I had a bagel on my way over here or I would offer to help you. Chicken Salad is my favor. My mother she makes good chicken salad..."

Stopping for a moment Beth cringes.

"..She did...I mean."

Shifting her weight a little and wrapping her arm around herself Beth looks down at the ground for a long moment before up at Justin again.

"Sorry, I...I should get going inside. It was good to see you Justin like always."

Go figure

Kyle's smile widens. He hadn't thought that Alice would back off, but knowing for sure that she wanted to stick with him and share these times gave him a confidence for the future.

Pulling her closer, his hand comes up to cradle her face. "I do want you that close to me," he almost whispers. Cocking his head, his lips brush hers for an ever-so-light kiss before returning for a more passionate gesture as his arms slip around her.

Eventually drawing back, a smile is still on his face, his eyes sparkling with energy being held at bay so as not to ruin the moment. "I guess we better eat before the food spoils."


"Hey, good morning." Chance swivels a little in his seat, glancing back to see Destiny. "Things are looking quiet... a very good sign."

Stifling a yawn, he runs a hand through his damp hair, making it even more unruly than it already was. "Far as I know, everything stayed clear last night, so for one day into it, things are looking good."

Taking another swig of tea, he eyes her with question. "Sleep alright?"


Justin had been turned around and hadn't even realized Beth was coming towards him when she almost runs into him. He backs up a step as well, his eyes going a little wide. "Beth, hey." A sheepish grin tugs at the corners of his mouth. "Um, yes, well you see..."

He clears his throat and holds up the bag. "I'm in a bit of a pickle here. My dear mother, bless her, she sometimes gets the impression I don't eat right, so when I go see her, she generally gives me a lunch. I can't complain. Her cooking is great. Well, see..."

He looks around again, once more seeming to search for something before concentrating back on Beth again. "Today she fixed two chicken salad sandwiches and honestly they're fantastic but I can't eat more than one. I'm desperate to find somebody who will share my lunch with me so I can honestly tell my mother that they got eaten. I even have two cans of juice in my backpack. Go figure."

Justin's gaze roams the area and building then lands on the two sandwiches before bouncing back to Beth. "You don't know of anybody, do you?"

Warm feeling

Hearing up the sidewalk Beth's stride was a little slower than normal making her late on her visit. It had been a rough night for her with little sleep, but prying herself out of bed she was here again today like always. Never would she miss a day because of her own problems when her sister needed her more.

Walking with her head down and not paying to much attachen to where she was going Beth gives a glance up finally coming to a screeching halt as she almost runs right into Justin. Taking a few steps back she recovers giving just a few blinks.

"Oh Justin, Hi...I'm sorry I didn't mean to just almost blow you over. You seem to be in a normal mood other than a little lost."

Looking up at him and studying his face for a long moment she wondered if he had lost something. He certainty did look like he did, balls, paint, what could it be now?

"Mmmm...I missed you too. It's hard being a shadow without someone to follow."

Leaning over to Kyle and giving him a kiss Alice smiles it felt good to be with Kyle again. The night had been long and lonely her apartment feeling to quiet but she had made it through non the less.

Cuddling just a little bit with Kyle they were finally off again. Though they talked a little here and there on there way for the most part it was quiet. Knowing they were going to the beach for a picnic Alice wasn't sure where on the beach so not pulling into the normal area she didnt worry knowing Kyle new right where he was going.

Finally stopping and seeing Kyle get out Alice gets out and follows. Taking in a breath of the air it felt nice to be here. Being on the water front Alice loves it, the smell, the sound it was really great. Finding Kyle's hand with her own Alice holds on to it her fingers locked with his as she listens to him tell her about this place.

Just staying quiet her eyes search his taking in what he said and listing. A warm new feeling building inside knowing he took her here before anyone else. That this special place was theirs, and only there to share. It made her feel so warm and fuzzy.

Smiling as Kyle fills her in and lets her know he wanted her to know the parts of him and the people no one else new made her feel very good inside, it was nice to know she meant that much to Kyle.

"Ok Crazy..."

Alice's smile grows even more at her little bit of humor of calling Kyle crazy like he asked.

"....I'd love to get to see these places, and your family. Getting to know the deeper you is a wonderful thing and something I look forward to very much. I don't think it will be scare ether, not as long as your next to me. We are strong together."

Looking out at the water again for a moment Alice's hair blows in the soft wind, the rays from the sun warming her face as the water sang there song against the rocks.

"This is such a lovely place, I can't wait to see more with you. Thank you Kyle for sharing this with me, for sharing you with me. It's an amazing feeling to know you want me to be that close to you."

Exiting her room with a pare of blue PJ shorts on and a pale blue tank top Destiny gives a yawn her feet making a soft patter on the floor. Going into the kitchen Destiny pours herself a glass of milk before coming back into the living room where Chance was.

She'd slept ok that night, a bit of tossing and turning, some bad dreams did come and she sure sure she had been whimpering in her sleep but maybe she hadn't. She could only hope tonight would be a little better.

"Good Morning!"

Giving a smile and taking a sip of the milk Destiny smacks her lips together making her way over to the couch and sitting down on it. Pulling her legs up and under her.

"Hows everything looking this morning?"

Confused?

Chance grins and heads to the kitchen with Destiny, scouring the cupboards to find a couple mugs. It doesn't take long to have the hot tea ready, and the kitchen table seems the best place to sit for a while. Conversation is pretty quiet, though Chance does talk a bit, filling in the awkward gaps.

"I got used to drinking tea over in England. It's not the same, of course, but the tea over here serves its purpose alright." He chuckles. "My dad was a coffee man though. Never did take to the tea, so I was always the one to make sure we had some."

Taking another sip, he straightens, thinking he hears something, but he realizes it's just the wind. "And alas..." He finishes his tea. "The last drop signals the end of the day." Sighing deeply, he gets up from the table and puts the mug in the sink before stretching and yawning. "I got work to do for a while yet and gotta keep an eye on things 'til I know the perimeter is quiet so... I shall bid thee goodnight."

Giving a little bow, he demonstrates a formal wave before backing from the kitchen and disappearing into the corner of the living room once again. "Holler if you need anything in the night," he calls over his shoulder. He didn't think anything would happen. It would take a day or two for the Agency to find out where they were, and even then, they'd be leery about invading.

He was right. The night was very quiet and Chance was woken up from his light sleep only once by a car honking down the street. Rising early, he takes advantage of the quiet to take a quick shower, then settle down in the corner of the living room again to sip his morning tea and see if he had any TJY messages while keeping an eye on the cameras. He would have checked on Destiny, but he'd heard her up as well, so he let her be.


Kyle scrunches his nose and chuckles as Alice kisses it after he'd returned her kiss to the lips. "I love you too... but if you think this adventure is over, I got news for you."

Grinning, he brushes her cheek with his hand before finally drawing away and getting out of her jeep. "I'll call ya in the morning. Goodnight, Alice." Closing the door, he backs away and waves, blowing her a quick kiss before heading to the house. Before he reaches the porch though, Kip comes barreling outside, having been looking for him, and now taking advantage of the moment. A friendly wrestling match ensues as both release whatever was left of their energy, and Kyle winds up staggering onto the porch with Kip clinging to his back. Turning around, he gives one last wave to Alice before both disappear into the house.

The night is all too short. Everybody was so exhausted that the morning seems to come earlier than normal, even though most actually sleep late. Gram is sure to make everyone breakfast though, giving her two cents worth on how the group could spend their day if they wanted to take a look around town. Kyle had already mentioned he'd be gone part of the day and no one minded - the newcomers were enthusiastic about having an exploring adventure to get their bearings before they had to buckle down and get some work done anyway.

After a quick call to Alice, Kyle begged a ride off Erik to Phil's where he found his pickup still in fine shape. Glad to be back behind his own wheel again, he stops for some gas then heads for Alice's to pick her up.

Waiting for her to get into the truck, he grins and leans over to give her a kiss. "Mmm... I missed you this morning. I got up and looked around and my shadow had left." His eyes twinkle with enthusiasm for seeing her today. It really had been odd to get up and eat breakfast without her there with the rest of the gang, and Kyle had had to restrain himself from calling her as soon as he'd woken up.

Pulling back out into the street, Kyle first heads into town, making a quick stop at the Sandwich Basket for some lunch to go. Then he aims out of town. Conversation resumes as normal, just like he and Alice had been doing every day since they'd left Nevada. It was a strange sensation, being just the two of them, knowing that at the end of the day, they'd say goodbye again and go their separate ways until the next day. It was back to "normal" everyday life, but it didn't feel so normal.

Finally they reach the lake, but Kyle doesn't go to the normal beach where everyone usually went for picnics and fun. Instead, he turned off a side road and travels quite a ways, clear around the other side, then off into a little nook that few people even knew about. It took a while to get there and there was a small clearing to park, but no parking lot. It looked a good place for someone to go camping for a weekend, but it was obvious that few people came. Surrounded by trees, there was a little dock down by the water, old with several holes, making it seem a bit more precarious than it really was.

Kyle parks the truck and just sits for a quiet moment before turning to smile at Alice. "Come on." Getting out, he leaves the lunch for now, coming around to open her door and take her hand. Walking down towards the water, he's quieter than normal, keeping Alice's hand nestled securely in his own.

"You know..." He takes a deep breath of the calm warm breeze and looks out over the lake. "There's a quiet spot back around the other side on the beach... up in the rocks where I used to go and think. I only shared it with a couple other people. It was kinda my hideaway... a spot no one else knew about so I could go and sit for hours and be alone."

Kyle remembered he'd taken Misty there before. They'd sat... shared... learned to care for each other. It had been a special place. But this... this place was different.

Having paused, Kyle clears his throat, still looking out at the water. "This place here holds something different for me though. I've... I've never brought anyone here, not even Jen or Phil." It was true. He'd shared his rock hideaway with a trusted few, but this little cove was truly a secret. "I... I know I've told you that my dad drown when I was a kid. You might have figured out the rest but... I don't know if I ever told you I was there when it happened. I was... fifteen I think. I don't remember whole lot about that year. I, um.. blamed myself for not being able to save him. I was haunted by nightmares for months."

Even now, it was a little hard to talk about. "But there was one place that I would go and hide and just think and... sometimes shout at God and... and sometimes cry where no one could see me." He turns to look at Alice. There was sadness in his eyes, but also a strong life that had overcome some pretty high hurdles. "I used to disappear for hours up here. Mom used to worry I'd gone off and done something stupid because I withdrew so much. But this place... this little spot... I always had this little notion that God put it here, knowing I'd need it."

Knowing that Alice was probably totally confused as to why on earth he was sharing all this with her, he smiles a little and pulls her down closer to the dock, stepping onto it carefully and leaning against one of the posts. He turns his back to the water to look Alice straight in the face. "I... brought you here because this is a part of me that nobody else owns." He takes her other hand, giving them both a little squeeze. "And... there are other places... other things that I want to start sharing with you because I want you to know the real me. I want you to know where I come from and... and what makes me who I am. People don't always understand me or why I do the things I do. But I want you to know. So... today... welcome to a little piece of Kyle."

He searches Alice's eyes, a little smile forming. "I don't know where we're headed after this... But as long as we're here in this area... there are places I want to take you. Places that I want to share with you. Some might be kind of silly, and some are more important like having you meet more of my family."

He lifts one of her hands to kiss it softly. "Call me crazy, but I want you to know all of me... if you want to, that is." A laugh slips out. "It might be kinda scary."


"Well, Scott... good to see you up and about."

Scott looks up from the bench at Justin without much humor. "I didn't feel like getting manhandled today."

Justin grins. "I didn't feel like doing the manhandling." He nods to the picnic table nearby in the grassy lot. "Come on."

Scott grudgingly stands and follows him. "What today? Tennis?"

Justin chuckles. "No. Just a little memory game."

Memory game? Scott sits down hesitantly. "I don't know if I like the sounds of that."

"You probably don't." Justin sits down too and produces a deck of cards. But they weren't normal cards. He'd spent half the night modifying this deck from files Alec had shared with him. "Have anything for breakfast?"

"Yeah. Kind of."

"Kind of?" Justin starts to lay out the cards face-down on the table, glad that there was no wind today.

"Last night's supper all came up again so I didn't exactly feel like eating this morning."

"Why do you think you got sick?"

"I dunno. Stress." Scott slouches. "Being here."

"Aw now... you know better than to blame stress. Stress is what you make it, Scott."

"You're saying that being here is a piece of cake?"

Justin sighs and looks up at him. "No. I'm saying that stress is your own state of mind."

Scott frowns. "I don't get what you're aiming at."

Justin pauses laying out the cards. "You just blamed stress on the fact that you can't keep your food down. All I'm saying is that you're only under as much stress as you allow yourself to be."

"Oh, like playing these stupid games help."

"The situation has nothing to do with it," Justin insists. "Stress is not a person's circumstances - it's how the person reacts to them. I can walk into a barroom brawl and either get upset or let it go. A 'stressful situation' only means that people involved aren't handling things well enough."

Scott's eyes narrow. "Think I'm not handling things well enough?"

"Did I say that?" Justin shakes his head and raises his hands. "I'm just carrying on a casual conversation, Scott. I'm not blaming you for anything. Did you know that someone can lower their blood pressure just by taking some slow deep breaths and calming down? If the rest of the world would just realize that stress is completely self-inflicted, there would be fewer heart attacks, fewer ulcers and fewer temper tantrums resulting in physical abuse." He looks back at the cards and continues to spread them out. "People can blame others and circumstances all they want for stress, but in the end, its up to each individual to control how they handle it."

Scott sits back a little, unable to help but wonder if many he was doing more harm to himself than anything else.

Justin finishes with the cards and rests his elbows on the table, folding his hands. "Okay, Scott. You know how a memory game works."

"Yeah. Find matches. You really expect me to play this kiddie game?"

"I expect you to make that choice yourself." Justin looks him in the eye. "I'm not going to trick you, Scott. These aren't ordinary playing cards. Each one has a photograph of a face on it... faces you will recognize and that will probably trigger an assimilation response."

Scott's face pales and he can barely find his voice. "What?"

"You need to learn to control your brain's reflexes. I'm not here just to occupy your time during the days with soccer games and paintball. Time is not your friend, Scott. And each day that passes that you don't work on controlling the information inside your brain, it's one more day closer to a total breakdown and I don't want to see that happen to you." Justin gestures to the cards. "This is a mental exercise and I'm here to make sure that nothing bad is going to happen when you see the faces on the other side of these cards. It's safe. But it's up to you. I can't turn the cards over for you. You have to want to do it."

Scott's heart thumps in his chest and he stares at the overturned cards. No. No he couldn't. He wasn't ready. He was scared of what might happen. What if he was thrown into shock again? What if it was too much? He shakes his head. "No... no, I won't do it."

Justin could push. He could ask how Scott thought he'd get over his problems if he wouldn't face them and try. But he didn't. Instead, he says nothing, but collects all the cards he had just laid out and puts them back in the box. "How about we try some target practice?"

"Target... practice?"

Justin draws out a slingshot from his backpack. "Yeah. Ever used one of these."

Scott can't help it that his lips curl up a little bit. "Not since I was about ten and I shot a rock through the living room window."

Justin laughs. "Well we'll shoot in the other direction today." He stands up and heads into the grass. "Come on. Let's see what you got."

A little confused, Scott stands up to follow him. Justin had just dropped that whole other matter... just like that? Why? Was he really letting Scott choose when to see those pictures? Nobody else seemed to want to work with him like that. Was it just a tactic? Whatever the case, playing with a slingshot sounded better than putting himself through further trauma today.

...About an hour later, Justin is headed back down the familiar sidewalk towards the parking lot. Scott had gotten some exercise... he'd been able to concentrate on a sport for a while... so it had been a successful day. He'd look at the cards... eventually. Justin was confident of that. Tomorrow he would bring the deck back and try again. But what he'd told Scott was true... time was of the essence. He knew from Alec and Rick and the files he'd read that eventually, Scott's brain was going to shut down again... unless he could learn to control this thing before then.

Justin stops, glances at his watch then pulls a ziploc bag out of his backpack. Turning a bit aimlessly, one might think he was completely lost, or looking for something he'd missed, the look on his face one of confusion.

Showing Emotion

Giving a smile at Kyle Alice was happy for his offer to stay another night. Why was she having such a problem with this? Kyle and herself has spend a year of there life together seeing each other day in and day out every moment together. Some people might be thankful for the time apart finally from someone, but Alice new she was going to miss it and get kinda lonely not having someone there to talk to now and be there.

"Mmmm...Thank you for the offer, I wouldn't mind on bit ether staying another night with you. But I've got to do this sooner or later right. I might as well do it sooner rather than later so I can adjust."

Leaning into Kyle a little Alice places a soft kiss on his lips and lets it linger for a few moments. Now that they were alone, she didn't mind showing her love to Kyle stronger than normal. Pulling away and smiling Alice gives his nose a small kiss next.

"Give me a call in the morning when you wake so I know your up, than I'll head over. I love you Kyle Mitts and thanks for the adventure over the last year. Its been a blast with more to come!"

Just leaning into Carson and soaking up all of his attachen Misty loved the quiet moments with her husband. Just sitting with him, talking showing there love and affection, it was such a nice feeling to know you could share these feelings with someone for the rest of your life.

"I'll help you bring everything into the kitchen. I don't mind sticking around a little while longer to help you. Than we can head home together."

Continuing to just sit on Carson's lap and not move for a long moment Misty didn't want to really. She wanted to help but tonight was just one of those nights she didn't want to let go. Finally shifting though knowing she had to Misty stands her hand still in Carson.

Sitting up on the couch again the smirk still on her lips she holds up her hands in a surrender stance.

"I will dry for a week while you wash I promise. However, just so you don't think your alone my mouth was starting to get full it was getting to be to much."

Standing from the couch and giving a stretch reaching her arms up into the air for a moment Destiny thinks for a moment on Chance's offer. Giving a grin and a small nod she takes a few steps forward.

"I think a cup of tea would be nice. Come on I'll sit with you while you make it."

Another night

Chance smirks at the new information about Destiny. "Oh, sure... now you tell me. You're right. You definitely need to help dry dishes at least for that one."

A laugh escapes though and he shakes his head before sitting up. "And I definitely need something to get that sour out of my mouth before I go to bed. I'm thinking a cup of hot tea."

Managing to stand up, he glances to Destiny. "Want one too?"


"Mmm, yes, it was a lot of fun." Carson slips an arm around Misty to help hold her on his lap, though her frame was small enough that it wasn't hard. "Thanks for helping out."

His free hand reaches up and gently rakes through her soft hair as he gives her a light kiss. "Couldn't ask for more from a group of friends, I tell you that. Just about any one of them I could call for help and they'd drop everything to come."

Sighing deeply, he rests his head against Misty's, tired from the very long day. "I think I'm gonna take all the dishes back to the kitchen, but worry about cleaning tomorrow." He didn't usually do that, but tonight was an exception. "You can go home if you want... it won't take me long."


Kyle's lips spread into a little smile and his head leans into Alice's hand before he covers her fingers with his palm then gives her hand a kiss. Her pride in him made him feel so good. "I couldn't have done it without you."

Keeping hold of her hand, he studies her eyes for several moments as they reflect in the moonlight shining through the windows. "You can stay here another night," he mentions softy. He hadn't really thought about the fact that Alice going back to her apartment and he going back with Phil meant that they would see each other less. And now that he realized it, it brought a strange little pang to his own heart. "I know we got your stuff there already but... we still got room here if you wanna spend one more night. I... certainly wouldn't mind."

Strange

Laying back on the couch herself chewing the mouth full of candy's once Chance spit most of his out. Her own eyes seemed to water now slightly as her tong acked but she refused to spit the candy out.

Just listing to Chance talk Destiny is quiet as she continues to chew turning her head a little to look at Chance on the floor she half expected him to start twitching. Finally though finished chewing Destiny sits up on the couch on her elbows looking at Chance.

"I guess you can say I kind of do have a mouth of iron."

Grinning a little she shakes her head still looking at Chance.

"I guess it really wasn't fair for you. Remember how I said I eat so many of these I made my tong bleed? Well on that side of my touch the taste buds never grew back, so if I stuff that whole side full first, its not to sour. So...I will help you wish the dishes by drying them since I am nice and all."

Once the the room was empty Misty leans back in her chair. It wasn't still now she realized how tired she really was. Moving her head a little and looking over at Carson she gives a smile hearing his request. She was never to tired for a little more snuggling with her husband.

Standing and coming over to him Misty sits in his lap sideways bringing her arm around his neck and giving a smile. It was nice to see he had friends, and when they were gone him miss them. IT really did mean they were important to him.

"Hey there...was a busy night tonight huh? Was fun though, its always nice to see everyone!"

Sitting out in the jeep with Kyle Alice doesn't mind he doesn't get out right away. There was a strange feeling hanging about her now, once she didn't really like. This was the first time in a year she would say goodnight to Kyle and drive away.

"I think a picnic lunch tomorrow just the two of us would be great. Though I have to admit I am not looking forward to going back to my empty apartment tonight."

Letting out a small sigh Alice looks over to Kyle trying to muster a smile. She didn't know why it felt so hard. It was her home, and yet, it was going to feel so empty now.

"It sure it going to be lonely. Than again spending a year non stop with you and now having to be alone again...I can see its going to take some getting use to."

Bringing her hand to Kyle's face Alice runs her finger down his cheek just mapping the path for a long moment before speaking again.

"I'm so proud of what you did today Kyle. You've grown so much!"

Tomorrow...

"You're pretty confident, aren't you?" Chance goes for another piece of candy, this time his eyes watering as he puts it in his mouth. He can feel his lips contracting into a pucker even though he fights it, and he cringes. "Your turn, smarty pants."

Going back and forth for a little while, Chance gets slower and slower. Not only was his mouth getting full, but it was starting to hurt and the sour candies were overwhelmingly so. At some point, he stands up and paces, stomping his feet as he desperately tries to keep going. Unfortunately, it doesn't take long after that before half his mouthful is swallowed and the other half winds up in the trash.

Sprawling on the floor, arms and legs spread out, he groans. Raising one hand, he shakes his finger. "I'm warning you... this goes no further than this house." He smacks his lips again and cringes. "Crap those things are sour. You must have a mouth made out of iron." Staring up at the ceiling, he quirks an eyebrow. "And I must be doing the dishes for the next week... I vote for paper plates."


Jason chuckles and gives Katie and extra squeeze before letting her stand on her own again. "Okay, good."

You're one person I will never mind being stuck with... even on the tough days.

Bending to give her a last kiss on the forehead, he pulls her back to their table so he can finish his pizza that was only half-eaten.


Going back over to Jess, Axel slips down next to her again, his arm going back around her chair once more. "Well... that was satisfying." He takes a sip from his glass, and only she might notice that it was mostly to hide his smile.

His arm slides up to rub her shoulders, his fingers finding the chain of the dogtags he'd given her so long ago now it seemed. Knowing they were that close made his insides smile too. He and Jess were still taking things oh so slowly... but they liked it that way, and both were content. Jess was filling a hole in Axel's life and it felt too good to let go.


Eventually, the gang settles down enough to at least eat their fill of pizza, joined up by Carson for a while before the dishes needed to be done. Kyle makes sure that everybody is introduced to his friends, just briefly explaining they were a band but not going into details. The new group is welcomed warmly, if it wasn't obvious already by them having already been pulled into the evening's shenanigans.

Once the hour starts getting late though, people begin filtering out, bidding their farewells for the night. Cryptic's group leaves, along with JetStream, eventually leaving Kyle's band and Carson and Misty. Completely exhausted, they all felt so good but so tired.

Kip crunches on some ice and waves to Carson. "Want help cleaning up?"

"Naw." Carson shakes his head. "I'm closed tomorrow anyway so I'll just take my time with it. Thanks, though."

Kyle gives a deep sigh and looks around the table at the others. "Well..."

"Back to Gram and Gramp's?" Erik asks.

"That's what I'm thinking." They had Alice's stuff together so she could go back to her waiting apartment tonight, and Phil had said that Kyle's room was still empty, though he wouldn't pack and go there until tomorrow. For the others, one or two guys might be able to join Kyle and Phil, but they'd find places for everyone and in the meantime, the grandparents were more than willing to house anybody who needed a bed.

Soon, Mom and Pop's was left in a strange quiet, such a contrast to only an hour before when it was filled with laughter and roughhousing.

Carson glances around from his relaxed seat at the table. "If this place has accomplished one thing... it's providing a place for good clean fun and a time for friendship." He nods and finishes off his glass of pop.

His eyes find Misty, and he grins, patting his leg for her to join him. "Come here... I feel lonely with everybody gone."


Getting back to Gram and Gramp's, the gang heads inside the house, trying hard to be quiet as all the lights were out, signaling the older couple was in bed. Outside in the jeep though, Kyle doesn't go in right away. Instead, he leans back in the dark quiet and takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "I feel... dead."

He grins and turns his head to Alice. "I'm gonna sleep like a log. But tomorrow... I was wondering if..." He shrugs. "If you and I could take a little trip and go have a picnic for lunch? Just you and me? The others will be alright for a few hours on their own. There's a little place on the lake I want to take you. If... if you want to."

No one

"Ohhh....dishes for a week huh?"

Destiny thinks on that one as she pops a few more of her own candy's into her mouth her face totally puckering as the sour takes over though it doesn't last long as she adjusts to the taste.

"I think I can handle that seeing as I am going to win."

The smile on Destiny's face grows even more as her eyes sparkle with life...she was having fun again, the laughs were chasing away the dark shadows. She needed this and was happy for it.

Smiling back at Kyle Alice leans her for head against his. Her own breath was on the heavy sigh from all the struggling and laughing she was doing.

"I think thats a work out I could get use to. Though if I lose my voice from laughing to much you might be a little happy."

Giving a large grin Alice kiss the tip of Kyle's nose only joking around him him as she draped her arms over his shoulder. It felt good to be home, to be with the bands and to see the look in Kyle's eye that had been gone for so long.

Being taking by Con's strong arms Katie laughs more as she puts her arms around his neck and give him a big kiss on the cheek.

"Your my hero Big Brother!!!"

Giggling and batting her eyes Katie leans her head on his bawd shoulder. Turning her head a little to look back at Jason she grins and just laughs. It was always so much fun to get a rise out of everyone and get them involved in the fun.

About to say something else Katie doesn't even have time as once again she goes from Con's arms back to Jason's and Con started moving around like a lunatic. Just blinking and watching him for a long moment her face void of almost all emotions she finally realizes what happened and the grin forms.

"Hey...its been a while."

Receiving Jason's kiss Katie's arms slip around him as she returns the moment. Hearing the from Mike she just holds the kiss before not being able to help a laugh making her break the kiss but her head still rested against Jason's as she whispers.

"No one could steal me away, your stuck with me."

Hotshot vs. Tank

Chance grins and shakes his head, following suit with popping a couple more candies into his mouth and cringing as if someone had just hit him upside the head. Once he can open his eyes again, he tries not to laugh. There wasn't much he could think of for the winner.

"Loser has to clean the dishes for a week," he concludes. Clearing his throat, he tucks the candies into his cheek, motioning Destiny to continue.


Kyle laughs and doesn't let Alice go, continuing his little march around the room. He does heed her warning though as a sheepish grin escapes, even though from her angle, she couldn't see it. Shifting his hands around to a more "suitable" position, he finally stops and cranes his neck to see back behind him where Alice's head was still hanging. "Oh alright... I guess I can let you down."

Pulling her back down in front of him so they were face to face, his hands were around her waist, his eyes twinkling with energy-pumped humor. Breathing heavily from his own antics, another laugh escapes. "With you fighting to get down, that's quite a workout. We should do this more often."


Hearing Karla's belch, Joel and Kip both come to a screeching halt and stare at her. Kip's eyes are wide until finally a smile comes and he offers a high-five. "Yeah!"

Joel laughs and immediately guzzles another several mouthfuls of pop.


Most of the noise around Con is hard for him to distinguish, but his good ear does pick up the sound of Katie's teasing calls for help. Leaning back in his chair, he tries to see what was going on. Throwing Jamie a grin, he stands up. "Be right back."

Coming up behind Jason, he puts a finger to his lips for Katie not to tell him. Though Jason is moving around a lot, Con manages to get a hold of Katie and slip her right off of Jason's shoulder. His own laughter joins in with the others as he easily holds Katie. "Hey there, little sister, looks like you need some help."

Jason whirls around and sets his hands on his hips, though he can't even pretend to be mad - it was way too funny. "Tell me you did not just steal my girl."

Rocky cups his hands over his mouth, mimicking a loudspeaker. "And tonight, ladies and gentlemen, Hotshot and Tank go head to head in a match of all matches!"

Having moved so smoothly behind the tables, no one seemed to have notice Axel had gotten up and was now standing behind Con. Peeking around the big man at Jason, he winks. Moving back into position, he reveals a handful of ice. And without hesitating, the ice is deposited down the back of Con's shirt.

Con's eyes go wide as the cold hits his back and he lets out something close to a wail, though later, Jason would describe it as the sound of a dying water buffalo. Doing his own little spin around to try and get the ice out of his shirt, Con's armful of Katie moves with him. Jason takes advantage of Con's precarious position, before anyone knew what was happening, Katie had been tossed back into Jason's arms.

Holding onto her tightly, Jason was grinning ear to ear. "Long time no see." Leaning in, he presses his lips to hers, not waiting for permission.

"Wooee!" Mike calls. "I think Hotshot just won, Con!"

Con is still fighting with the ice and manages to get all the pieces out of his shirt, but by that time, Jason is too far gone to even try going after. Laughter sparkles in his eyes as he watches two of his best friends. This was a good night... a fun night... a much-needed getaway from the daily grind.