Invisible attack

You were kissing some girl...?

Pete reads his IM, his eyes narrowing slightly. But before he can type back to Jason, he's beaned in the head with the paper wad. Lifting his face, he slowly turns to see nothing, but he knows good and well that it had been Katie. Her muffled giggle proves it.

He still doesn't respond though, and still the only sound is the quiet clicking of computer keys.

It wasn't until several minutes later that Jason experiences sharp pricks, feeling almost like bug bites. The physical sensations take a ride on the emotional stream to the only one who would feel exactly what he did it. A sharp prick to the arm... then a leg... then a shoulder... then the back of the neck.. then the arm again. A person would think they were being attacked by invisible mosquitoes.


Alec cocks his head a little, studying Misty as if trying to figure out if she meant what she was saying. Did she really like having him around? That seemed a little far-fetched. But her eyes weren't lying. And was she really right about Ryan caring?

Dropping his gaze, he suddenly feels something strange. He'd known Ryan liked him at all but... but to maybe realize that people cared about him... wanted him around... it was different. It was... uncomfortable for some reason. It made him feel vulnerable.

He shifts his weight a little, mulling over his choices before he looks back up at Misty. Maybe he really could talk to Reese... and maybe he could call Ryan too and try to figure out how bad the damage was.

Instead of arguing further, a little grin upturns just the very corner of his mouth. "You're all right."

It was the opportune time to leave now. He was fixed up, Misty had work to do, and he should go talk to Reese. But for some reason he stays seated on the table. Heat crept up the back of his neck and he could feel an odd squeamish feeling in his stomach. But he wanted to ask. "Carson and Dani... they don't think much of me, do they?"


"Mmm, me too." Phil nods. "I like rainy weather... but not when I'm going to the lake." He grins and turns on the radio to find some good music for the rest of the ride.

Eventually getting to the lake, Phil parks near a spot where a tree was closeby on the grass, near where the beach started. Getting out first, he comes around to help Rayne and carry the food so she didn't have to worry about struggling with one arm.

Having brought an old blanket, its spread on the ground and soon they're seated in a nice shady place, far from anyone else who was around. It was a lovely view out onto the lake.

"Perfect spot," Phil muses, leaning back against the tree. He really did feel comfortable. For as short a time he'd known Rayne, he was enjoying her company immensely.

Trouble

Katie lets out a laugh at she gets Jason's message. She thought it was completely hilarious that Pete had IMed Jason.

Awww...he's bent out of shape because I was picking on him for kissing some girl.

Ripping a peace of paper from her notebook that she didn't need Katie crumples up and stands a little taking aim into the other cubicle and launching the paper. Watching it as it hits Pete right in the side of the head Katie's eyes widen a little bit before she turns around quickly again and gets close to her computer like she had been working this whole time.

Not being able to help it though a chuckle comes from Katie's lips. She felt so hyper today, like she had so much pent up energy and just no way to release it.

Misty just watchs Alec as her goes off into a rant. A small chuckle coming from her lips. She couldn't help it, and didn't mean to let it stip out but for a moment there Alec had the same look in his eye Carson had.

"The say was just a saying Alec, and yes it means inside too. I guess since your not willing to tell Reese the truth all you can do is wait to see what happened and hope they catch the right guy. I'd hate to see you get shipped out of here for something you didn't do Alec. I like havin you around."

Hearing about his girl maybe deserving someone better Misty bends forward and give his leg a little wack before cocking her head and looking at Alec.

"Your right...maybe she does. But she choose you for a reason and why deprive her of that when it clear she knows what she wants right? I think if she didn't care at all she wouldn't bother being mad. Seems kinda senseless to be made at someone you didn't care about right?"

Sitting in the passenger seat Rayne turns her head to look at Phil and gives a smile. Today had been a really good day and she never felt so comfortable around someone before.

"I had a really nice time Phil, thank you for having me. Maybe next week I can go with you again."

Watching as the scenery pass Rayne just enjoys how everything looks. It was so pretty and well worth the ride.

"This is a nice ride. Its so pretty out this way. I think a picnic was a great idea and am happy the weather is in our favor."

Small speck

Silence. No response from Pete comes. Not even a paper ball. The only sound is the clicking of his keyboard as he's assumed to have returned to work, leaving the bantering battle where it was.


Katie?

Jason cocks his head and looks at his computer screen for a moment, blinking.

Why did I just get an IM from Pete that warned me not to be romantic anymore because you think it's girlie? What on earth is he talking about?


Even though Alec was internalizing some of Misty's words, there were other parts that he couldn't swallow. "Reese hates my guts," he mutters. "All he does is bully me around. If he really did think I was innocent, he wouldn't have done this to me."

Alec raises his leg and pulls up his jeans to reveal the tracking device on his ankle. "I've seen him break the rules before. If he thought I was innocent, he'd do something about it."

Scowling at the floor, he shakes his head. "I can't tell him what really happened. If I do, I could have a whole angry lot on my back." Not to mention, he really didn't want to snitch on anyone - if the cops found out about fighting, they might finally crack down on the racing. He wasn't willing to do that to Ryan.

Scoffing a little, he looks back up at Misty. "The truth will set me free, huh? I thought that had to do with in here." He taps his chest. "Well I know the truth and I'm not a prisoner in myself. And if you're trying to use the phrase literally, unfortunately around here, the truth can put a guy behind bars, not out on the street." He waves his arm in the air.

"And as far as my girl goes..." He was just ready to say that he wasn't sorry about the fight but... was it the truth? He bites his tongue. "Maybe the other guy's right," he mumbles. "Maybe she deserves something more than me."

He could have left, but for some reason he stays seated. Maybe, just maybe, way down deep somewhere hidden in the darkness was a small speck of longing... such a small speck that maybe he didn't even know it existed... but perhaps it was a longing to stay... to talk... to get to know his sister-in-law when no other family existed anymore.


Phil sighs deeply with contentment, enjoying the passing scenery. Picking up Rayne for church had been fun, church itself had been great, and once they'd picked up the picnic food, the drive to the lake was most pleasurable. It was a sunny day, things were going right and Phil was... happy.

Glancing over to Rayne, he smiles. "It's not too bad of a jaunt up to the lake - some people don't like to drive it but it's never seemed too far to me."

He watches his mirrors as a car passes them. "Thanks for joining me in church today... it was fun."

Are you sure?

"Well...did you explain to him why you look like this? I am sure if you don't say anything at all he's doing to think thats because you did something wrong. Reese is a hard person, but he's not against listing if you just talk to him and I'm not just saying that because he's my Uncle either."

Misty backs up a few steps and leans against the counter behind her. Maybe it was good Rick was out today if she could help Alec at all that made her feel good. It seemed so long ago Carson was here, and she was saying the same thing. It felt funny to think back that far.

"If he didn't like you and really though you had been doing this he would of had someone from Brown's office down here already. He's just waiting on you now, because he can't ignore the similarity two you and whatever is going on with this case but at the same time deep down he knows you didn't do it but can't say anything. The truth will set you free Alec."

Letting out a small sigh as she thinks about the other part Alec had been talking about with his girl made her a laugh a little when she though about it. Shaking her head she trys to clear the memories of her own times being made at Carson.

"Do you know how many times I was made at your brother? A lot, and despite what everyone told me I always gave him another chance. Getting mad at someone is a natural thing, and it happens to the best of us. Sometimes its a good though though because getting mad is expressing yourself and giving someone else a kick to the butt is better than holding it in, letting it fester till there is no healing the wound because its to far gone. If your girl is mad at you I'm sure its for a good reason, not its your turn to make it up to her and show her you still care, and your sorry."

Misty had no idea where all she said came from but now that it was said there was no taking it back and she only hoped it helped Alec some how. She could see he was a good kid, and he was trying to get his life together she just...needed a push in the right direction like they all did sometimes.

Leaning on the wall as Pete's voice changes Katie hangs on his every word. Listing, picturing, her mouth twitching into a smile, hanging open just a little. She can feel her own heart start to race from the scene. How romantic, how perfect...it was....

Being putting out of her thought though as Pete confirms that was not how it happened and giving her a little wack to the face Katie can feel her heart stop as she gives a blink feeling totally sillt now.

"HEyyyyyy....thats not funny...."

Pushing away from the wall and sticking her toung out at him Katie goes back to her computer. Shaking her head to clear her mind she calls over her shoulder one last time before getting back to her own work.

"It would of been perfect if it had worked like that, and its unusual for a guy to come up with a romantic scene like that. Are you sure you like girls?"

Letting her own eyes go wide totally shocked she said that Katie looks over her shoulder a little bracing herself in case something was thrown her way. Maybe he hadn't heard her.

Promises of love

Alec's shoulders drop a little more. He had figured Misty would know what he meant, and sure enough, she did. Maybe she wasn't so bad after all. He shrugs lamely again. "I don't know... I feel like... like there's freedom out there just waiting for me, ready to be conquered. I could do whatever I wanted and be whoever I wanted." He throws his arms out wide, even though it hurt. "The world his huge. And here's me..."

Measuring with his first finger and thumb, he quotes the Genie from Aladdin. "Itty bitty living space."

He sighs. "Reese thinks I killed somebody and I don't even have a clue what that's about... my girl's mad at me... I just... thought I was getting somewhere. And now I'm right back here having to get patched up again."


Quirking an eyebrow, Pete smirks a little. Rolling his chair closer to the wall, he gets closer to Katie, lowering his voice. "Picture this...." He stares into some imagined scene, gesturing at the landscape.

"The lake... the sun setting, reflecting off the water in soft glows of orange and pink. I stare at Nikki... she stares at me... her face so radiant in the setting sun. She puts a hand to my face, her palm like velvet. She's trembling. I smile and take her into my arms. The breeze toys with her hair, creating little wisps across the deep pools of her eyes. Sweet nothings tumble gently from our lips as we express our long-forgotten love. I bend closer, feeling her breath on my skin. Whispered promises of love are carried off in the breeze. And just as the sunlight touches the horizon, the bliss of a sweet kiss transforms everything around us so we're completely alone, just the two of us."

Dropping his hand, Pete looks up over his shoulder at Katie, ruining the mood. "Actually it wasn't like that at all." He smirks a little and reaches up to give the side of Katie's head a teasing whack. "Get back to work."

Can't help the questions...

Listing to Pete and hearing that she might tell the whole world Katie stands up straghter and puts her hands on her hips, her voice a little louder now.

"HEY...I would not."

Realizing she was talking a little louder Katie looks both ways before bending down a little again leaning on the wall and looking at Pete.

"I would not. The only person that might know is Jason...and thats because he knows everything I know. So you kissed your friend who you haven't seen in ten years? Was it like....a Hi long time no see....or....a I missed you so much lets run away?"

Katie couldn't help the questions. She was bursting with energy and could never pass up a good romance triangle, or circle, or...whatever. Hearing about that stuff made her tingle and since she didn't have time to read any romance novels this was the next best thing.

As Leo takes her hand Cassy can feel the warm tingles form inside of her as her own cheeks turn yet. She would have to get use to taking complements because she had a feeling there would be a lot of them. Not that she minded she was just not use to it.

"Mmmm...I guess I am one lucky girl too than."

Curling her fingers with Leo's Cassy holds onto his hand not scared of the feeling she felt but welcome them. It was a whole new experience, and she was just soaking it up hoping it was as good for Leo as her.

Going back to the counter Misty grabs a few stairel things to take care of the cut and stitch it up for Alec so it would stop breaking open and heal. Coming back over and putting some antistatic on it Misty gives a little shake of her head as she starts to sew it up. It was strange to see Alec calm, but it was a look she had seen before in others and knows its one of defeat.

"Many people have sat right there and asked me that same question. One being your brother, another was Jason, I even sat there once and asked that question myself. The answer sadly is always the same though, there is nothing to cure that feeling in your stomach other than setting right that wrong you have done. Witch might be the biggest "

It doesn't take Misty long and the cut only takes four stitches but it was closed and should heal a little better now and leave a little less of a scar. Taking the gauze and placing it over the stitch job Misty takes it there a little before stepping back to look at Alec.

"I've got all the time in the world, and have a good ear for listing. So if you want to get whatever off your chest, your more than welcome to talk to me."

Gnawing feeling

Pete ignores Katie, though out of the corner of his eye he could see her head peeking up above the wall again. Her barrage of questions makes the corner of his mouth twitch, but he just keeps on typing, focusing on his computer screen.

"Of course I like girls - what do you think I am?" He stops mid-type. "Don't answer that, and no, you probably don't know her, thank goodness, or the entire world would know by now."

Finally giving Katie a sidelong glance, he stops typing and leans back in his chair. "She's just an old friend. Until yesterday we hadn't seen each other for about ten years. So there... that's all there is to know."


After ordering a supreme pizza and being left with Cassy again, Leo can feel a little heat in his face from her comment. He chuckles, lowering his gaze, almost embarrassed. His good looks were not something he was normally complimented on. "Yeah well... you're not too bad yourself."

Looking up again, he slides his hands across the table, taking Cassy's hands. "No, I take that back. You're beautiful. And I'm one lucky guy."


Alec obeys and eases back to sit on the table. "Long story."

Taking the pills, he swallows them easily. For once, he doesn't swat Misty away, just letting her check out some of his cuts and bruises. He doesn't even flinch when it hurts.

"Nah... I don't think I've got anything broken unless it's a cracked rib or two but I've had worse." He shrugs at her suggestion to stitches for the one cut. "You want to have at it, be my guest."

Looking down again, he knows it's probably strange for him to be his dejected, but this time he doesn't care of anyone notices. He was miserable and this time there was no way out. He was confined, not trusted, beat up and Ryan was mad at him to boot.

"You don't have anything to take away the gnawing feeling in my gut, do you?"

Who?

As Pete pushes her head back down in the cubicle Katie swats his hand with her own to stop him from touching her. A smile was on her face as she did think it was kind of funny.

"I wasn't ease dropping, but when someone says Holy Crap in the manor you did I can't help but be no alert that something is wrong."

Turning back to her computer Katie gives a little shake of her head before looking turning to look at the opposite wall. This time she new Pete was talking to her. Standing a little and slowly letting her head pop over the wall again so only the top of hear head, and her eyes were showing Katie raises and eyebrow.

"Who's Nikkie? Do I know her? I didn't even know you liked girls."

Though her mouth couldn't be seen a person could tell by her raised cheeks she was smile big. She couldnt help it. It was boring here today and paper work just didn't seem as exciting as always.

Getting to Mom and Pop's Cassy takes the menu and scans over it for a moment to look at there toppings. This was one of the best places to get pizza, and she new the menu almost by heart, but she like looking anyways. Each day there was something new on it and she just liked seeing what it was. Looking across the table at Leo she smiles.

"I like everything except little fish, and olives."

Cassy gave a little laugh not taking her eyes off Leo till Carson came over with the water. Having it set down in front of her Cassy takes a sip as both men talk for a moment not getting in the middle of the conversation. Looking up at Carson though she takes him in a little getting an idea of what Alec might look like since this was her brother. She didn't know why he was all that, she though Leo was a lot cuter.

"Mmmm...can I have a diet Pepsi please! And we are going to order a pizza I think, but I'm not sure what we are gonna have on it. Leo you can choose if you like I'm not picky."

Waiting for Leo to choose what he wanted on the pizza and than for Carson to leave again Cassy's eyes follow him before she looks back to Leo a smile forming on her face.

"If Alec looks anything like his brother I'd defiantly say I got the better prize in this whole thing. Your much more handsome Leo."

Looking up from her desk as Alec coming in Misty was a little surprised. It had been a little while since she had seen him here, or that he has even gotten into trouble but seeing that he looked like a truck hit him she was surprised even more.

"Alec...what happened to you? Come sit down."

She new Alec only asked for pain killers but she couldn't help the Dr side of her kick in along with the sister in law side on what had happened, and making sure he was ok. Getting a few things together to clean his wounds though they were dried up and cleaned around them anyways.

Taking a few meds from the cabinet and putting them in a little paper cup along with getting some water she hands them to him before giving him a once over again. He looked like crap and she wondered where else he might be hurting from whatever happened and if there was something more serous wrong.

"Are you hurt anywhere else? Broken bones? That cut above you eye looked like it could use a few stitches so it heals right."

Poking his head out of the room and checking to make sure no one was look Trey exits seeing it was clear for the most part. Walking like he was going to the break room he takes a detour down another hall just wanting to explore.

He was tired of being locked up in the room having no one to talk to. His cell phone didn't even seem to work down here to call anyone. So though he was instructed not to explore he did anyways. He'd stay out of trouble...for the most part and if no one new, he couldn't get in trouble. No on even ever came to check on him so they probably wouldn't know he was gone.

Subdued

You're telling me.

Jason shoots a rubber band at the far wall, watching it bounce and fall down behind some filing boxes.

Reese has me doing paperwork too... me... paperwork... we're worse enemies than me and the Agency. I'm dying to get out and go take down a badguy. Unfortunately, someone else has been doing it for us.

He sighs and turns back to his work. It was even more boring here without Trooper.


Pete's eyes widen, his head shooting up as he hears Katie. Had he really said that out loud?

Rising out of his chair, he reaches over the cubicle wall to set his hand on Katie's head. "Shut up, nosy." He pushes her back down so she disappears again. "I can't help it that I think out loud. Quit eavesdropping."

Sitting down again, a sheepish grin appears on his face. Thinking out loud got him in trouble more often than not, but it was a habit he'd had since childhood. Though his hands return to his computer's keyboard, his mind was still preoccupied.

"Her name's Nikki," he finally answers quietly so no one else but Katie would hear him. "Tell anyone and you're dead meat."


Leo starts the car, then pauses as Cassy kisses him on the cheek. A grin emerges. Not that he'd ever tell anyone but... at the time, he'd liked Ryan's rough and tumble nature, but now... Cassy's soft and light personality made him feel so good.

"Alright. Pizza it is, then."

Making it to Mom and Pop's didn't take very long, and soon Leo is sitting across from Cassy in one of the booths. "Hmm... I don't think I remember what you like on your pizza," he muses, scanning the menu.

"Hey, guys." Carson sets down some water for them, playing waiter while he waited for Dani to arrive and while Thirteen was in the kitchen. Aerith was off, and on days when any one of them was off, Carson wound up out here, but he didn't mind. He rather liked getting out from the kitchen sometimes. "What can I get for..." His voice trails off as he looks down at Leo, an eyebrow quirking. He'd seen Leo before, though didn't know him personally. Sometimes he saw him on his own or with Axel. "Who won?"

Leo smirks a little. "That's still under debate." Looking up at Carson, he suddenly sees the resemblance that he had completely overlooked before. But right now at this angle, in this light and after Carson had gotten a haircut... Leo is almost startled.

Seeing the look in his eye, Carson's eyebrow rises even higher.

Leo squints. Nah... he was just imagining things, right? This guy had an Australian accent and was nothing like Alec... right? "Your name wouldn't happen to be Banks, would it?"

Now it's Carson's turn to be surprised. "Yeah, why?" Then it dawns on him. "Alec."

"Relative of yours?"

Carson's eyes narrow. "Unfortunately, he's my brother. He did that to you, ay?"

"I threw the first punch," Leo admits, touching his jaw gingerly.

"He giving you trouble?"

"Not... anymore." Leo shrugs. "Long story. Two guys, a girl... you get the picture."

Carson wasn't sure he did, but if this guy wasn't going to be up in arms about Alec, then Carson wasn't going to stick his nose in. Whatever his brother was getting into, he could handle himself. "Fountain drinks are on the house today," he mentions, pulling out his order pad. He wouldn't tell them that no one else would be offered free drinks. "Know what you guys want to drink and eat?"


Alec carefully pushes open the infirmary door, his whole body aching with every move. He'd never want to admit that Leo had done as good a job on him as he had, but the pain in his face and his headache were getting to be too much.

"Misty?" He looks around, finding her at her desk. Rick wasn't here at the moment, and Alec didn't mind that a bit.

Wandering closer to Misty's desk, he knows she probably hadn't heard about his condition but he tries to just keep it casual. His cuts and bruises would heal on their own, though the cut above his eye seemed to be swelling a bit.

"You, uh... got any painkillers I can have?"

Without realizing it, Alec seemed more subdued today. He had a war going on inside of him, but he was pretty defeated at the moment and it was unusual for him to not be walking tall.

Wait...

Sitting at her own desk Katie gives a yawn hearing someone hurry down the cubicles she looks up. Seeing Pete in a rush and noting the time it was odd for him to be late. She kind of felt like razing him but for now she'd let it go. If he really was running late she didn't want to put him in a bad mood.

So continuing on her work Katie opens a file and starts to sort through a few things. She was working on straightening a lot of the stuff Destiny had brought in to make it easier to look through. Typing up a few things, and researching a few others her fingers typing fill the quiet air.

Click, Click, Click

It's quiet.....to quiet today.

Giving a smile passing her message to Jason and pulling on a few of his different emotions this morning Katie couldn't help it. She was in a good mood after there date yesterday and she just couldn't seem to sit still let along work.

As the room falls quiet again Katie's ears perk up as she hears Pete in the next cubicle. Not sure what was going on by his Holy Cow she strains to hear a little more in case something was wrong. Hearing his question to himself though Katie raises an eyebrow and without warning pops up from her cubicle and looks over the wall at Pete a little shocked.

"Wait who did you kiss now?"

Exiting the studio Cassy locks the door behind them before heading to Leo's car. Hearing his comment about what she used in her hair a bigger smile forms on Cassy's lips. She never gotten a complement like that before. It made her feel good to know Leo was pleased and liked it.

"Thank you. I would guess its my leave in softener for my hair. There is no distinct small to tell you what it is. To me I think it smells like blue berry muffins. My nose is always off though."

Getting into the car Cassy continues to smile as her stomach gave a little growl. She must be hungrier than she thought. Looking over to Leo as he gets into the car next to her. Leaning over Cassy gives him a kiss to the cheek.

"I think Pizza at Mom and Pop's sounds perfect today."

Did I really?

"Mmmm. Coffee." Pete grins, grateful for the extra boost he needed this morning. "Thanks, Nikki." Returning the quick kiss and hug, he's out the door, walking quickly, but carefully to the car with his coffee. Sliding in over the door, he starts on his coffee before even pulling out...

An hour later, Pete is skidding through the door at TJY onto the main floor. He didn't know how he'd made such quick work of going home, showering, dressing then getting over here. He'd had to skip breakfast but he did that about half the time anyway.

Wandering down the line of cubicles, he enters his own that was beside Katie's. He usually kept to himself, so it wasn't strange for him to be fairly quiet as he got started. Turning on his computer and trying to get his bearings, he sifts through some paperwork and tries to figure out if he was supposed to be out on the street today or back here again. Lately, things seemed to be shifting around again, from Hal moving to full-time security, to Con doing more of the in-custody watchdog tasks, to Gunner doing more investigative work. Oh, well. Pete didn't always like being on the street anyway. Sometimes it was nice to just spend some time back in the office.

As his computer boots up, he leans back in his chair, putting his hands behind his head. He might go and check on Trey in a bit... see how he was doing. If he got enough work done, maybe over lunch, he could...

Pete's mind snaps back to the subject of Nikki. If she called, they might do lunch, depending. His eyes stare at his computer screen that was awaiting his password, but suddenly, it was as if his brain had gone completely blank. He'd been in such a rush to get here that he hadn't stopped once to think about yesterday or last night.

"Holy crap..." The words slip out without him realizing it. One evening... just one evening with an old friend and all of a sudden, they were an item. Just like that. Boom. No getting to know each other again... no spending time together first... no nothing. Just totally and utterly spontaneous.

He blinks, talking aloud to himself as the new wave of shock hits him. "Did I really kiss Nikki Keller?"


Leo manages to smile the best he can, letting himself see the humor Cassy did. "Yeah... always wanted to play the part of a raccoon. I just didn't know how painful it would be."

Aiming for the door, he walks slowly. "I don't know... anything is alright with me, really. We could go to Mom and Pop's for a pizza if you want."

Holding the door for Cassy, he eyes her as she passes him to exit onto the sidewalk. Another little grin quirks the corner of his mouth. "And by the way..." He'd been wanting to say something for a long time and now he could. "Whatever you always use on your hair smells amazing."

Coffee

Being woken up softly but abruptly at the same time Nikki sits up and gives a blink for a moment completely forgetting where she was and that she had even fallen asleep on the couch. Keeping Pete talk though Nikki gives a jump standing quickly though looking at him. Slowly thought everything comes back to here and the smile spreads on her face. She must have been so comfortable she didn't even know she fell sleep.

"Oh yes, yes...hurry before you late Hun. Sorry...I didn't even know I was that tired."

As Pete gets ready to leave Nikki hurrys into the kitchen and grabs one of the throw away coffee cups pouring a cup for Pete and adding a little sugar and milk. Meeting Pete in the hallway she hands him the cup.

"Here your going to need this. Its an automates coffee pot my mom always sets before bed. I'll call you a little later. Have a good day."

Leaning into Pete Nikki gives him a kiss and a hug before closing the door behind him. Leaning against the door the smile stays on Nikki's face as her heart thumps before she moves again ready to start her day.

Hearing Leo in the outer area Cassy opens the bathroom door her hair still damp and the small of soap following her out. A nice tshirt and jean that were clean was her attire.

"Hey there. I'm ready as long as you are, you came at just the right time."

Coming closer Cassy gives Leo a once over, before doing it again and than leaning in for a gentile kiss.

"You look amazing, even with two black eyes."

Cassy gives another smile showing she was just teasing Leo a little bit but not to be hurtful. She was just trying to make him feel better, but she did mean it he did look a lot better than he had this morning.

"So where would you like to go to lunch today?"

Babe

Pete grins and grabs the remote. "Sounds good to me. I wanna know what happens, too."

Settling back while keeping Nikki in his lap, no more is said regarding their affections, but it's okay. Maybe there were some questions, but as far as Pete was concerned, he would learn as he went and not worry so much about the whys of it all...

...Pete's eyes crack open and roam the room that seemed to be familiar, but it didn't feel like where he was supposed to be. There was light coming in through a window... sort of a warm glowing light, resembling that of the morning sun.

Pete's eyes fly all the way open. Morning. "Oh crap."

Throwing off the blanket that he didn't even remember being there, he realizes that Nikki had been snuggled up with him, apparently all night. He didn't really remember the end of the movie - they'd watched the ending again but he'd been so weary and comfortable, that things after that got a bit foggy. Why hadn't Nikki woken him to go home?

Sitting up, he gently rouses Nikki as well, trying not to jostle her around too much, but knowing he needed to be quick about getting home. It was almost seven and he was going to be late for work.

"Nikki..." He pushes her hair from her face. "C'mon, Babe, wake up. Sorry."

Getting her to sit up on her own, he bends down to locate his sneakers before slipping them on, still half asleep and hardly able to tie his laces. Yawning, he tries to wake up. "I'm gonna be late..." Turning around, he givers Nikki's lips a quick kiss. "Call me later."


As promised, Leo arrives at the little studio right on time. He's just as glad no one else is around at the moment... He looked better than he had earlier in the day - a little more alert and his eyes a little brighter - but he still looked like a truck ran over him. At least he'd changed into his everyday jeans and a better t-shirt.

Getting inside, he glance around, walking slowly with one arm tucked around his sore ribs. "Cass?" he calls, "You ready for lunch?"

Again

Being swing around in Pete's lap Nikki found it a little funny though she had no idea why. Maybe it was because Pete was strong enough to lift her without much struggle and did it in one swift movement. Leaning her head on his shoulder Nikkie turns her face to see the credits. Not being able to help it she breaks out in a laugh that last for a few moment before remembering her mom might be asleep.

Pulling away from Pete a little she smiles and gives a shake of her head the laughter still in her eyes easy to see.

"How about we rewind the movie and watch from where we left off. I never saw this one before and I am dieing to know the ending."

Giving another smile and standing walking to the door with Leo Cassy was happy everything worked out. The worst fear today was not what Leo did, but that he would of walked away today and than it would of been over. She was happy it didn't work out that way.

"You were just yourself Leo..thats what you did to deserve me. And thats all I ever want you to be is yourself."

Giving him another light kiss Cassy waits for him to get to his own car before closing the door behind her. She had to finish getting ready for work along with bringing an extra bag of cloths to change into for lunch.

Scratch that

Had they always had some kind of feelings for each other? Pete wondered. He'd always liked Nikki... but in the little sister way. Though he couldn't deny that he did remember while she was in high school that she'd been turning into a very pretty young woman. They'd been just far apart enough in age though that he'd stopped any thoughts before they even had a chance to form. Her, on the other hand... he had no idea if she'd actually liked him more or not. Perhaps she had and he hadn't known.

Chuckling again, his movement jostles Nikki just a little bit as she lays on him. "Okay. I haven't had any better offers lately."

Grinning, he taps her nose with his finger. Rolling over, he would have dumped her right onto the floor, had he not had a firm hold around her. Sitting up, he pulls her sideways onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her. "Shh..." he whispers. "We're missing the end of the movie."

Quirking an eyebrow, he stares at the credits that were rolling. "Scratch that. We already did miss the end of the movie."


"Okay." Leo smiles the best he can under the circumstances. He still hurt all over and he still felt like a loser but... Cassy had a way of helping wipe away those bad feelings.

"I'll pick you up at the studio," he agrees. "I don't work but... I got some stuff to clean up... including myself, I guess."

Once finished with his lip and the bleeding has stopped again, Leo finds himself at the front door again, ready to leave. "Thanks, Cass... for... for everything. I don't know what I did to deserve you but... I'm glad you put up with me."

Run together

Nikkie can't help the smile that broke out on her face, and the lines she new formed at the corner of her eyes from smile as well. Hearing Pete's comment about breathing just seemed to tickle her inside.

"Breathing is so over rated you know."

Leaning on him just a little more she rests her hand one of her arms that was on the back of the couch. Just looking down at Pete studying his eyes and his face. He's changed so much over the years and became even more handsome, yet still the younger boy she once new was still there only matured now.

He's always been there as there protection, and when having a problem they just needed to call on him. Pete had life and new where he was going never looking back, unless it was to make sure they were still following. It was a feeling now that Nikki new if this was really true he'd never leave her in the dust.

"I am pretty sure a feeling like that couldn't be made up in a dream, and this really is us. And tomorrow...I believe the feeling will still be there. I think the feeling really always has been there, but we were so young, and...I think we just didn't see it, least of all understand what it was."

Leaning down again and giving the tip of Pete's nose a kiss before drawing away and smiling she gives a little chuckle.

"I'm willing to try and see what happens, if you are."

A shadowy figure in the door way movies. The smile on Carol's face could light up the dark. Tired but satisfied now she headed to her room. Her mind was at rest, her daughter had found her friend, and maybe more. One thing was for sure though She didn't have to worry about her daughter being along anymore. When her time was up, and God was ready to take her home, she didn't need to hold one.

Cassy gives a chuckle as she continues to clean Leo's lip. Maybe he was right and it was best if he didn't come this once. The last thing she needed was the parents thinking she beat people when they did something wrong. THough she really didn't think she had to worry about it she did understand if Leo didn't want to come this time around.

"Mmmm...Lunch sounds perfect than, and if you wanna pick me right up from the studio that would be great. The other bathroom has a shower in it, so I can just change and wash up there."

Giving a smile to Leo, and leaning in for the soft kiss she makes sure she didn't press to hard. The softness was perfect and it made Cassy feel so good. It was a different kind of good, one she hadn't felt before and she liked it.

"Next time you feel like running just let me know. We can run together because well...you wont have to do it alone."

Gentlest

Without any time to respond before Nikki returns for another kiss, Pete lets her as his arms slide around her gently. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he remembers telling someone something once about not kissing on first dates, and this hadn't even been a date... not really anyway. So where on earth had this even come from and why on earth was he enjoying it so?

He grips Nikki a little tighter as the kiss grows with passion. All the memories from the past were flooding Pete's mind, yet at the same time, all he could see was who Nikki was today... a beautiful young woman with a heart just as warm and bright as it had been when she'd been younger. He could remember her love for life and the way her faith shone through everything she always did, all through school and beyond. And she still had that quality about here. There was still that joy... that peace. Despite any hard times she'd gone through or was going through now, it still shone.

And in this moment, Pete felt the most privileged man alive - to be holding that light in his arms right now, receiving the affection from her, when it was she who shone the brightest.

"Mmm," he murmurs, pulling back a little and finally breaking the kiss. Breathing heavily, he can't help the silly grin. "I gotta breathe."

Chuckling softly, he pushes aside Nikki's hair from her face before his thumb trails down her cheek. "Am I dreaming? Or is this really us? And if it's really us... will this feeling be here tomorrow?"


Standing with Cassy, Leo winces a little as the cold cloth touches his lip, but he lets her clean it and try to stop the slow bleeding.

"I'd... I'd come today but... I probably shouldn't when I look like this. They might think you're one tough teacher."

He laughs at his own joke but winds up cringing at the pain, which made him feel even sillier, making him laugh all the more and then hurt all the more.

Holding his sore ribs, he gives Cassy a wry grin. "I'll do lunch though. I can pick you up if you want."

Searching her eyes, he takes her hand with the cloth for a moment, lowering it from his face and just holding her hand tenderly. He didn't care if his lip hurt. "Thank you... for believing in me when even I don't."

Bending sightly and cocking his head, Leo ignores the pain he's in for just a moment as his lips lightly brush hers for the gentlest kiss, meant only for someone as important as she'd become in his life. "I won't walk away again," he promises quietly.

Always nice

Nikki grins at the comment of not surprising a guy like she had. Giving a small chuckle she was going to say more but stops as he wraps his arms around her wast and pulls her on top of him. All she can do is give a little giggle as she looks down into his eyes.

Feeling his lips against hers again so soft, and much different Nikki's eyes drift shut wrapping her arms underneath him pulling him close to her, and just soaking in this moment. She certainly had not intended this to happen, but how she felt she could not look past it. He made, her heart race, and warm and tingly, it was a feeling she'd been searching for but never found till now.

As the kiss ends the smile spread on Nikki's lips again as she searches Pete's face. Was this to fast? She'd known Pete for a long time, but this was different now, this was more than a friendship, what was this and would something really come out of it?

"Wow...that was....amazing."

Not really sure what else to say Nikki comes back to Pete's lips and brushes them softly before moving her head and turning it the other way and returning for another kiss. Letting it start slow and soft, but with all the feeling she could. She didn't know what Pete though or if he even felt the same. She thought he did, but it just seemed words right now wouldn't come and the only expression was the kissing.

"Mmmm...grilled steak that sounds great."

Giving a smile a little wave Ryan was thankful for her brother and his willingness to be there for her. She was happy they had been rekindled it was like they never left, and to know he was there, it was a good feeling.

"I'll pick up some more beer on my way home, and something to go with the steak."

Cassy smile grows leading Leo into the kitchen again. Going to the one of the draws she pulls out a soft cloth and runs it under some water. Bringing it to Leo's lip she press it there gently knowing it probably hurt, but would stop the bleeding.

"Yeah I do have to go to the studio for a few hours and work on some stuff. I have one afternoon class too at eleven too. Your more than welcome to come with me, and if not than we can meet for lunch at noon."

Cassy did want to spend some more time with Leo, and she hoped he would agree to lunch. This was the start to something new, something she had been waiting for. They were going to walk through this together, no matter how slow of fast they wanted but the good news was...they were together now.

"I'm happy you did come to see me Leo, and I don't think your a bother at all. Your always more than welcome to come along with me. I know you like dancing just as much as I do and an extra pare of strong hands is nice."

...like kissing a sister

The butterfly kisses send a smile to Leo's face, though he winces and then laughs a little at the fact that he can't even smile right now without it hurting. "You're not an idiot," he replies quietly. "You just know how to make me feel good."

His fingers wrap around Cassy's as she takes his hands and he looks down into her eyes, knowing she was telling the truth and knowing that deep down, this is what he wanted too.

Almost chuckling again, he nods. Though embarrassed, it was turning into sheepishness that would eventually dissolve. He'd been stupid this weekend, but Cassy was forgiving and still wanted him. "Yeah...I better take care of this lip. Eli did a good job of it last night, but he's no nurse."

Giving her a rueful look, he glances at a nearby clock. "Well, we can do lunch, but for the next few hours I better leave you alone and not be a bother. I know you got things to do, I just... I wanted to make sure that I came to see you."


"Yeah, okay." Eli knew well enough when his sister was finished talking, and now was one of those times. He lets her go and returns to his coffee to down the last few swallows. He needed to get to work too.

"Maybe I'll grill those steaks we got in the freezer," he suggests. "I'm not going out tonight or anything so... maybe we can just have a good ol' time with just the two of us."


Being drawn closer to Nikki, Pete was surprised, but he lets it happen, unsure exactly what her intentions were. Without warning, her lips are pressing against his and his eyes widen in shock. Blinking as she pulls away, he just stares at her for several long moments.

His voice comes out almost a whisper. "Holy cow..." He may never have had any feelings towards Nikki before, but tonight he could not deny the chemistry that had been there ever since earlier tonight. And now...

Still quite shocked his hand rests still on her head, his hand having stopped moving as he looks at her. This was happening way too fast... right? Sure, they'd known each other for years but... but that was a long time ago. And they'd only spent one, count them - one, evening together. And she was kissing him already?

Pete's heart pounds. If it was so crazy, why did he like it?

"Don't you know you're not supposed to surprise a guy like that?" His voice is quiet so as not to alert her mother down the hall. A grin finally resurfaces as a mischievous spark enters his eyes.

Not giving Nikki any time to think or react, Pete sits up straight, takes her around the waist and slides down on the couch, easily pulling Nikkie back down with him so she's resting on his chest. His hands slide up to cradle the sides of her face and he searches her eyes. There was only one way to tell if there was something more here than the brother/sister relationship they'd had as kids.

Bringing her face closer, he cocks his head, returning to her lips. His kiss was soft and he lets it linger for just a moment longer than the last before drawing away, his head leaned back on the armrest. Nope, it was definitely not like kissing a sister. His gaze fills with question. Did she feel the same way?

Butterfly Kiss

Closing her eyes for a moment and leaning her head into Leo's hand she just soaks up the moment. They were rough proving he worked hard, but they were soft showing he had a gentile side and a lot of love to give someone. Opening her eyes again Cassy gives a smile to Leo at his last statement. See could see his lips was split open again and she felt bad to have made him talk and do that.

"You don't have to use your lips to kiss."

Bringing her hands gently to Leo's face she places one on either side doing her best now to hurt the sore stops. Bringing her face really close to his Cassy tilts her head and lets her eye lashes brush against Leo's cheek softly for a few moment.

"It's called a butterfly kiss, because it feels like the gentile beating of wings."

Pulling away Cassy gently with great care takes Leo's hand in her own as a little bit of color comes to her face feeling completely silly.

"Now you don't have to be an idiot alone, because I think I did a find job of just making myself look like one."

Looking down for a moment at Leo's hand Cassy runs her finger over the cuts and bruses on his hand before looking up at him again.

"You don't have to be scared alone anymore, or hurt alone, we can do it together, and heal our wounds together too. I wanna be there for you Leo, and makes mistakes together and fix them together. When I feel like giving up I want you to kick me in the butt, and when you feel down on yourself I wanna shake you.n I want you to be the other half I've been missing."

Searching Leo's eyes Cassy gives a small smile as her eyes give a twinkle. Despite her pain so much life still lived in them. Life she wanted to share with Leo.

"How about we get a cloth for that lip huh and maybe a little lunch?!"

Leaning back into her brother Ryan can feel another tear coming. His strong arms wrapped around her, a shelter offering her strength. This is where she felt the safest was in her brothers arms.

"Ha, you know who your talking to right? I'm always ok."

Though her voice was a little shaky still Ryan flicks the tears from her eyes. Just some days were harder than others and simply moving through the day became difficult. It was mostly when she was alone, or on her own everything seemed to sink in.

"Thanks Bro for everything, I mean it. If I don't get to work, Its just gonna add another reason for me to cry because I am gonna be jobless. I really have to go. See you at dinner tonight and we can talk more...ok?"

Giving a laugh that makes her eyes sparkle even more Nikki continues to run Pete's arms gently thinking for a moment a hmmm...sound coming from her mouth.

"I...do believe we are. I...kinda like it though, It kinda gives me a fuzzy feeling."

Stopping rubbing his arm for a moment Nikki looks up into his eyes and brings her hand to the side of his face just mapping his cheek for a moment. Before slipping her hand behind his head and bringing him closer to her face.

Biting her lip for a moment she's not sure whats come over her but in the next moment as her heart races her lips press against his lingering for a moment before letting him go. She she be sorry? She wasn't sure how he'd react.

Hurts too much

Eli's heart hurt just a little bit as he listened to Ryan. There was a lot more going on inside of her than just the whole Alec and Leo thing.

Moving closer to her, he wraps his arms around her from behind and kisses the top of her head. "I miss them too." Swaying a little, he tries to help her feel better but he wasn't sure how. She was always so strong... often times he just stayed out of her way and let her figure things out on her own because she preferred that. But this morning, it was apparent that she needed a little extra boost.

"You gonna be okay, hmm?"


Pete searches Nikki's gaze, wondering what was going on in her mind. But having permission, his fingers continue to comb slowly through her hair. A softer touch? "Maybe I just hadn't had any reason to be soft before."

Quite suddenly, a laugh surfaces and he shakes his head. "Nikki Keller... are we flirting?"


Though Leo continued to listen to Cassy, his eyes are closed as he leans against the closed door. He just felt... stupid.

Hearing Cassy's words... her sweet, kind, genuine words, Leo's hand slides from the wall. She meant it... she really meant it... every word. His stomach gives a little lurch and he wonders if it's because of this mess or because he hadn't eaten anything in over twenty-four hours.

As the silence signals she has said all she can, finally, finally Leo looks at her. He knew his face was as mess and his eyes were tired and red... He felt even more stupid.

Leaning a shoulder on the door, he reaches out with a bruised hand to run a rough finger down the side of Cassy's face. "All I can do when I'm by myself is make a mess of things. All I can do at the shop is break things. All I can do at the studio is be a clumsy oaf. And all I can do around you is be a bumbling idiot."

He tucks aside a strand of her hair, his eyes meeting hers. "You're the only one who would still want me."

Licking his lower lip, he realizes it's split again. "I don't... want to be afraid of the future anymore. I don't want to be afraid of getting hurt again anymore. I just..."

His hand moves so his palm cradles her cheek. "I just don't know how an I always get it so messed up. I try and try and I just..."

Sighing, he feels even more stupid. "I want to kiss you but my lip hurts too much."

My own bed...

Sitting there still and taking a sip of her tea Cassy gives a slight jump as Leo gets up with out warning. It causes her to get up from the table as well, and seeing Leo go to the door she only became more confused. His behavior was odd and she didnt understand it. Hearing his reason though that he was falling for her Cassy could feel her heart beat faster. She new it already but to have him admit it, that was a step forward right?

"Leo its nothing to be...scaird...of..."

Cassy's voice train off though as Leo pushed off the doorway and made his way to the front door this Cassy close behind him. If she hadnt known Leo she would of thought him a mad man. Following him once more Cassy was quiet till he was done apologizing.

"I don't know why on earth your saying sorry Leo, other than beating up my poor door frame."

Drawing a little closer to him Cassy lets out a sigh for a moment thinking before saying anything. It was an up and down roller coaster with Leo and Cassy didn't know how long she could keep doing this.

"Leo, I like you a lot, and if we could be more than friends that would be great. I'm not like Ryan, I don't cheat on people, or throw them away like a used up peace of cloth. I can't say I'd never hurt you because than I would be lieing, because getting hurt is part of growing, but getting past that hurt with someone you can about is what is important. What I can promise though is I'll be your still something happens, I'll be kind to you and take care of you. I'll laugh when you laugh, cry when you cry and set you straight when you walk out of line. I'm only me, and no one else."

Cassy leans against the window next to Leo turning her head a little to look at him. She didn't know what was gonna happen, or how Leo was going to take her words but she had to know. It had been long enough now and she thought they had grown close as friends she couldn't second guess everything anymore.

"I need to know Leo before you leave though if we are going to stay friends and only friends, and your going to be miserable and if I should move on. Or if we are gonna try this whole thing out and be happy again. I can't hold onto a hope that might not be there Leo, I like you a lot, maybe more than I should and thats why I need to know today what to do."

Stopping in the doorway and giving her brother a nod, she than shakes her head a little too. He shouldn't be saying sorry for anything, it wasn't his fault.

"I made my own bed Eli, now I gotta lay in it. Maybe I deserve this for the designations I made."

Letting a small sigh out Ryan leans against the door frame for a moment. Maybe it was getting to be that time of the month and thats why she was so emotional, or maybe it was because in a few days it would mark there dad's death. She never did take that day well even if she never said anything about it.

"You ever wonder if Dad's looking down from heaven at us with Mom by his side and wonder if they are proud of us and what our life has become? Some days I wonder it more than others. Some days I miss him more than others too. But thats why I love having your around Eli...you look just like him, and you smell like him too. Your my best friend and I always know you got my back no matter what just like Dad would of wanted it. You defiantly make him proud. I was always the little rebel, even when I was small. I love having you here even if I don't show it."

Pushing off of the door frame Ryan gives it a soft whack with her hand as a little tear rolled down her face. She hated feeling like this, and it wasn't often she did. Maybe after yesterday she was scared Eli though she didn't want him around and maybe it was just everything mixed together at once. And maybe it was just her own way of saying sorry.

Feeling Pete run his fingers through her hair Nikki closes her eyes for a moment just enjoying the feel. A soft content sigh coming from her lips to show she did indeed like it. Reaching over her head Nikki finds Pete's other hand and for a moment she just holds it before running her fingers up and down his arm in a soothing manor before opening her eyes again to look up at him.

"I think your touch has become softer than it use to be..."

Nikki gives another smile cocking her head a little and blinking her eyes delicately. Looking up into Pete's eyes again she felt like no matter how many times she looked into them she always found something new to get lost in, and they just seemed to go on forever.

"...defiantly like it though."

Embarrassed

"Yeah... yeah, I should be around." Eli sits back and watches Ryan for a moment. It was obvious that she was not really okay. She was still upset and... rightly so.

"Ryan..." He stands up and nears her, but doesn't want to stop her if she'd rather just go. "I'm... I'm sorry. Right, wrong, indifferent... I'm sorry you got in the middle of all this." He never had really approved of Alec, though he wouldn't say so. But no matter, he really was sorry that Ryan was suffering right now.


Pete laughs and retracts his hand, leaning on his other arm to look at Nikki as she stared up at him. "Well... as long as I'm comfortable."

The pause that followed felt awkward. At least to Pete it did. He couldn't remember having awkward silences with Nikki before. But they'd just been kids. Maybe it was just because even though it felt like they'd never parted, it still had been ten years. Not everything was the same. Last they'd seen each other, he'd been twenty-three and she'd only been eighteen. She'd just been a teenager and now she was... a woman.

Pete blinks.

Shifting a little, he lowers his hand again and this time instead of ruffling her hair, his fingers run gently through it. He didn't know if it bothered her or not... but her hair was softer than he remembered.


Leo's eyes move up a little as he's brought into the kitchen to sit. His gaze goes to the table instead of the floor, but no higher. Cassy's question resonates in his head.

Without warning, he stands up, the chair scraping on the floor. Heading out of the kitchen, he stops, leaning on the doorway, his back to Cassy. Fighting the urge to walk out, he plants his feet, remaining stubborn this time.

"Afraid that if I spent any more time with you that I'd have to admit that I was falling for you."

There. He'd said it. And he also felt more stupid than he ever had before. Completely and utterly embarrassed, Leo leaves the kitchen and goes to the front door, but stops again. His hand smacks the wall and he growls in frustration. "I'm sorry..." He'd totally just made an idiot of himself. "I just... I'm sorry."

Did I do something?

Feeling Pete ruffle her hair Nikki gives a laugh before snuggling her head into his leg a little more before looking up at him again. From this angle his eyes glittered with the light from the tv and it made her smile grow even more.

"Mmm...I think your just as comfortable."

Rolling to her back so she could look back up at him again and just studing his face for a moment the movie forgotten. This was the same, but it was different too. There was something new she felt even if she wondered about it. It was a different kind of warmth.

Bringing Leo into the kitchen she lets him sit down and going to the sink she gets a glass and some water and bringing him back to Leo. Sitting down at the table and listing to what Leo was talking about inside it felt like a punch to the gut but she did her best not to let it show. She didn't want Leo to feel anymore crapper than he was.

"Why on earth were you scared Leo? Did I...do something wrong?"

She wasnt upset, only confused. She was doing her best to just be friends with Leo. Did she push to hard or something. Waiting for Leo's response she tried to rack her brain figuring what it is.

Ryan gives a nod. If they worked things out that would be great but she wasn't making the first movie this time. She was tired of having to say sorry for something she should be sorry about.

"That would be good if they did."

Once finished with her coffee Ryan stands putting her coffee cup in sink before standing there for a moment and looking out the window. Turning again she lets out a sigh and shakes her head a little before starting out of the kitchen once more.

"I'm off to work. See you for dinner tonight?"

Ryan felt miserable, but what was done needed to be done weather she liked it or not and she just needed to move on with her day.

Afraid

"Mm-hmm." Eli sips his own coffee and nods, unsure if Ryan wanted any more details than that.

Finally glancing up, he studies her for a moment. He knew she had been hurt. He knew she had disapproved of the fight - all the fights - and that she was tired of it all. If she was talking now though, it must bean she wasn't too mad at him though, right?

"Yeah, they're okay. Beat to a pulp, but they'll live." He shrugs. "I had Alec taken back to TJY since all I had was my bike with Scarlet and Leo drove himself home." He pauses. "For what it's worth, I think things will be a little easier now."


Leo wasn't surprised at Cassy's reaction, but his face still reddened under the mess it was already in. Being ushered inside, he didn't have much of a choice. Just standing their lamely, he stares at the floor. "I'm fine," he manages to assure. He looked horrible, but he didn't need a doctor.

Still eying the floor, his hands are safely tucked into his pockets and his shoulders are drooped. "It was my own fault," he mumbles. "I threw the first punch."

He swallows and still refuses to look up at Cassy. "It was Alec... my ex's boyfriend, ya know."

Stopping again, he now regretted coming at all. He felt like a fool. He could have just not said anything... he didn't have to tell Cassy all of this... he could have stayed away a couple more days and she would have been none the wiser. But... that's not what friends were supposed to do.

"I spent my weekend getting drunk," he blurts, "sleeping off the mother of all hangovers, then getting into a brawl at the races..." He stops, finding the words painful, inside and out. "...instead of coming to see you instead. Because... because I was afraid to."


Engrossed in the movie, Pete is almost startled as Nikki comes closer, leaning on his leg. She used to do that too... it had been more like a big brother, little sister thing, and when there were three or four on the couch, they naturally had to get cozy. Was this... the same thing? There was plenty of room so... so she was just getting comfortable... like... a brother/sister thing... right?

Turning to see her smiling, his own grin slips onto his face. She looked pretty cute looking up at him like that... even he had to admit it.

Shaking his head, he moves his arm and ruffles her hair teasingly. "Sorry, I'm a little bonier pillow now than I used to be."

Intro

Holding on tight to Chance with her good arm Destiny looks up at him. Her eyes still held the bit of sadness in them, but she hoped after being able to say goodbye to her parents the right way would help her to heal as well. Chance had been nice enough to alone her to come let along be the one to suggest it.

"Yeah, I'm as best can I can be right now...considering."

Coming closer to the graves Destiny stands still holding onto Chance till they were in front of them. Looking down at the graves her knees felt week but she let go of Chance and sinking to the ground. Tears rolled down her cheeks but it wasn't as bad at the first time. Just crying she let it out as she talked softly under her breath saying her goodbyes. It was hard, but it was something that had to be done.

Finally after a few moments go by and finally Destiny rocks on her heels for a moment before turning to Chance. Taking his hand she pulls him a little closer leaning into him.

"Chance, these are my parents. They would of loved you because your so kind, and your keeping me safe. Thats all they ever wanted and why they wanted out. "

Leaning her head on his arm Destiny lets a few more tears out and than a long sniff so nothing got on Chance. Letting out a sigh next to follow the sobs. Standing up again she looks up at Chance and gives a small smile the best she can anyways.

"I think I'm ready to go now. Thank you Chance!"

Hearing a knock at the door Cassy holds the cup of her tea in her hand her feel scuffing on the floor. It was early still and only an hour before she needed to be to work though she wondered who would be at the door.

Opening it and seeing Leo Cassy instintly takes note to his swollen face, and cuts and bruises. Feeling her heart race Cassy opens the door even more.

"Leo...come in. Good heavens what happened? Are you ok? Do you need to see a Dr or anything?"

Ushing Leo inside Cassy was worried something was really wrong since she hadn't seen him all weekend and now he showed up all busted up.

Exiting her room Ryan's work shirt was still unbuttoned her tank showing under neath showing her just started getting ready for work. Heading into the kitchen to get some coffee she new her brother started making. Seeing she was right and grabbing a cup she pours it before coming over to the table and sitting down. Taking a sip of her hot drink and letting the warm liquid slide down before looking to her brother.

"Did they both make it home ok? No one died?"

Ryan was still upset about yesterday but not at her brother anymore. That anger had faded quickly. Now she just wanted to know they were ok. The rest if they ever talked to her again would come.

Enjoying the meal together Nikki felt like time had never passed and they were kids again. It felt so good to just sit here and enjoy the movie and eat with her friend. Getting so comfortable she new the movie was coming to an end even if she didn't want to.

Scooting closer to Pete Nikki lens on his legs like she had so many times before while watching movies in the past. It just seemed to fit now and it was comfortable even if the movie ended soon.Looking up at Pete she smiles and just holds it taking ni that he was really back.

Confinement

Pete laughs and shakes his head. "I forgot all about my sandwich. I'll just eat it cold, thanks."

Going and getting it, he returns and this time sits down on the couch. Eating and chatting a little while watching the movie, it feels like old times. A few times as they laugh at the movie, he almost feels like a kid again. It seemed too long since he'd just broken out and had fun like this. Sometimes being on the job with the Elite tended to put a damper on things.

Eventually, Pete claims one corner of the couch, tucking his feet up behind him and leaning an elbow on the armrest. With the movie three quarters over, he almost wished it would last a little longer.


Justin smiles and nods to Beth. If she was that thankful that he would come over and be with her to face her memories, then he'd made the right choice.

They continue to fish for a while longer, each catching a few more. Tonight, Justin didn't keep any either. He had plenty of food in the house and didn't want to keep them and just have them spoil. Only once does he have to call the dogs back after they'd gone racing through the brush after a rabbit.

As the afternoon wears on though, he knows Beth needs to go. He would stay a little longer though. He didn't say so, but the pond water was waiting for him and he planned on taking a dip before heading home himself.


Leo stares himself in the mirror, taking note of every bruise, cut and swelling. he was lucky he hadn't received a broken nose, but they base of his nose and around his eyes were black and blue enough that it looked like he could have. His lower lip was obviously split, bit it had dried enough that it wasn't bleeding anymore. Overall, he looked like he'd been run over by a herd of horses. Alec had a fist like iron.

Sighing, Leo finishes drying his hair with a towel but doesn't bother combing or gelling. It was just an old white t-shirt and his light blue, paint-spattered jeans today... maybe it matched his depressed state.

Lst night after things had cooled down, Eli had distributed the ice. Leo and Alec had somehow come to a truce... maybe because both finally realized that their fighting was useless. Leo agreed to stop harassing, and Alec had agreed to quit being so possessive. Both were a bit sheepish, especially when Eli reminded them that Ryan had obviously had enough. Maybe Alec had also seen more stamina and strength in Leo than he though he had. And maybe Leo had seen that Alec really was determined to hang on to Ryan as his own. In the end, perhaps some mutual respect had been formed. And perhaps there was even some home for a possible future friendship.

Leo wanders into the living room where he finds his socks and shoes. He'd snubbed a good friend this weekend - all for a drunken night at the bar and a desert brawl. This morning he was miserable and had called in sick to work - but what continued to nag at his gut was his lack of respect for Cassy. He didn't want her to see him like this today but... maybe it was time he admitted why he'd been doing all these stupid things.

Hesitating again, he finally gets up. It was early enough yet that he would probably catch Cassy at home still.

...Getting to Cassy's apartment door, Leo rings the doorbell. But his eyes stay on the ground. He wasn't so sure he'd be able to look her in the eye. He runs his tongue over his sore lip and swallows hard, waiting.


Eli eases down at the kitchen table after making coffee and pouring himself a cup. He'd only slept a few hours, but he had work today and knew if he didn't get up now, he'd have a harder time later.

He hadn't seen his sister yet, and part of him wondered if she was okay. he wasn't used to her being upset with him, but her look last night proved that she wasn't too amused, to say the least. He didn't know now exactly what to do, so he'd decided just to wait and if she wanted to talk, she would... he hoped she would... right? If she knew Alec and Leo had come to an understanding, would she feel differently?


Alec tosses and turns on the cot, having been uncomfortable all night. Ever since Eli found him a ride back here last night, he'd wrestled with some pretty unsettling feelings. For one, it was weird having a truce with Leo. He couldn't really explain it, other than they had reached mutual respect for each other. Alec was used to winning though, so being satisfied with a truce felt strange. And then there was being yelled at by Ryan. Any other time, if a woman dared chew him out, he would have left her so fast her head would have spun. But this time, he was angry and still wanted Ryan at the same time. It was confusing to say the least.

Grabbing his phone, he starts a text message to Ryan for a second time. And again, he stops and sets the phone down again. Before he can do anything else, a shadow forms in the doorway and he looks up to meet Reese's stare... and Con's too. "Good morning guys. What's up?"

"Alec, what happened to you?" Reese asks sternly.

Alec lifts an eyebrow, knowing he looked like crap. "I got hit. What of it?"

"Who did you fight with?"

Alec bites his tongue. He didn't want to cause trouble for anyone at the races, lest he get jumped for involving the law. "I can't say."

Reese nods to Con, who moves forward with a device in his hand. "Then I'm sorry, but you are officially in confinement until it's proven that you've been involved with these recent killings."

Too shocked to even react, Alec doesn't move as Con adorns his ankle with a bracelet tracking device. Staring up at Reese, he blinks. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

But Reese did. Last night there had been another killing of someone loosely connected to the Agency, that the Elite had been closing in on.The state in which the body was, made it obvious that there had been quite a fight before he'd been stabbed. "You'll be hearing more from me," Reese responds coolly. "For now, I advise not leaving unless you want to be put in jail."

Con rises slowly and follows Reese back out of the room and upstairs.


Chance shuts the passenger side door of the SUV and takes Destiny's arm, giving her an encouraging look. It was a peaceful day and the cemetery was quiet. But there was still sadness that lingered here. The two new grave sites were just a short walk away, and though Chance was keeping his eye out for the Agency, there was more that his mind was on now.

"You okay?"

tears

Ryan's destination had been the lake and sitting on the hood of her car looking at the stars was what she choose to cool herself down. Tonight had started out so well and than ended so bad. She hadn't meant to get so angry but she'd just had enough. Dealing with this day in and day out it had gotten tiring.

Thinking more a tear ran down Ryan's cheek her mind wondering, Her frustration just taking over and coming out in sobs. Would Leo still want to be her friend, was Alec upset she exploded? Ryan didn't know but she wouldn't be the first to call this time.

The minutes turn into hours and Ryan was soon on her way home after calming down. Entering the house and knowing it was empty in a way she was happy her face still having trails of tears. Going to her room and than the bathroom Ryan cleans up before heading in her room again turning her little tv on.

Hearing a noise Ryan turns down the volume for a moment knowing it was Eli coming inside. Waiting to see if he knocked or not Ryan waited but hearing nothing Ryan turns the tv up again.

A few moments later she exits her room heading to the kitchen. It had been a long night and her throat was now dry. Maybe a little water would help. Stopping by Eli's door for a moment Ryan wondered if he was now sleeping or not. Not bothering to knock she just heads to the kitchen.

Giving a smile to Justin Beth gives a nod. It made her feel good he said yes. She always wondered what was in those boxes but having someone else to help would be nice.

"Thats great. Thank...thank you Justin."

Continuing to look through the movies Nikki finally finds one she new they would both like and pops it into the DVD player before going to the couch and sitting down. Looking over at Pete she smiles.

"Make yourself comfortable. Did you want me to warm up your meal for you?"

Or stupidity

Pete grins as he returns Carol's hug, though just a little awkwardly. Watching her and Nikki interact, it was obvious they loved each other just as much as he remembered.

Left to themselves, Pete follows Nikki into the living room, taking up a seat on the armrest of the couch. "Um..." He thinks then shrugs. "I really don't care. How about something funny?"


Casting again, a million and one rules fly through Justin's mind, though his body language does not change. Common sense... logic... rules of thumb... He inwardly sighs. He'd already broken the rules anyway.

"If you'd like me to come sometime, I can," he acknowledges. "I know sometimes certain things are easier if there's someone else around so... if you want me to be there, I can."


As the two men receive the tongue-lashing from Ryan, both stare up at her, unable to get a word in, but not trying anyway. Their own glares meet hers, still angry with each other and now both bothered that she was chewing them out.

Watching as Ryan stalks away then speeds off, Alec looks down at the ground, then over to Leo, his expression one of irritation. Leo meets his gaze with the same look. And for a moment, it feels as though something might erupt again.

But slowly, slowly, fists are relaxed. Leo rocks back to sit on his bottom while Alec stays on his knees. Looking at each other again, they both shake their heads.

"I'm too tired to fight anymore," Leo mumbles. "I guess that means you win."

"I'm too tired too," Alec admits. "You put up quite a fight."

Leo touches his lip gingerly with his tongue. "I feel kinda silly sitting here."

"Yeah, me too."

Eli sighs as he watches everything happen, then his sister take off. Maybe encouraging this whole thing hadn't been the best idea in the world, but he didn't think he'd deserved that last glare. Glancing to Scarlet, he gives her a look of apology for having the night be turned around on them.

Looking back to the two enemies, he rolls his eyes and wanders over to them. "Are you two quite finished?"

"After that?" Alec thumbs down the dusty road. "She might come back and run us over with the car if we keep this up."

Eli smirks. "Probably."

Gingerly, Alec stands up, brushing off his pants and wincing a little. He hurt in more places than he'd like to admit.

Eli approaches Leo and gives him a hand up as well. "You alright?"

"Mm-hmm." Leo nods, though he wasn't all that sure. "I guess I just need to go."

"Looking like that?" Eli shakes his head. Standing between the two, he looks at them both. "Is this thing over, or what?"

Leo looks over to Alec, and Alec over to him. Both stare at each other for a moment, almost like two gradschool boys who had fought on the playground. Leo finally shrugs. "You want me gone, I'll be gone, alright? It's stupid for me to keep fighting."

Alec's eyebrows rise. "You walk away now, she won't ever forgive me."

Leo thinks for a moment, confused. "So you'd call a truce just so Ryan doesn't leave you?"

Alec shrugs lamely. "I guess so."

"Well...maybe you're more worth her effort than I thought."

"You're the one with the guts."

"Or stupidity."

Both stare at each other again. Afterward, no one would know who snickered first, but even though it was painful, the laughter did somehow surface...


...Entering the apartment quietly, Eli shuts and locks the door behind him. He was home much later than planned, but somehow he'd managed to get both men cleaned up, iced and bandaged, gotten Alec back to TJY, Leo on his way and still spend some time with Scarlet. Or was it all the other way around? He felt like he'd been drinking, when in reality, he'd never even gotten that beer he wanted.

Ambling down the hall, he sees the light under Ryan's door and stops, ready to knock. But before his knuckles tap the door, he lowers his hand. She'd been pretty hot earlier... he better not bother her now. So instead, he goes to his own bedroom, leaving the door just partway open.