8/3/10

Handicap

Carol sits at the end of the table with Nikki and Pete. She was rather tired today but wanted to spend time with her daughter and her boyfriend. She wanted to enjoy all the time she could with the ones she loved it was important.

"This is extra good Nikki."

Nikki can feel the color come to her face. She always cooked for her mom and she was sure it tasted the same as always but the complements made her feel good and know she did do it right.

"Learned from the best cook around my Mom. Before I left she made sure to give me her recipe book since I couldn't cook a lick before that. So it was just trial and error from there and many calls to mom and how to do things."

Carol gives a laugh as she takes a sip of her water and pats her lips with her napkin. Here tired eyes giving a sparkle.

"All hours of the day she would call to and I am sure she could of figured it out herself, but I didn't mind it really was nice to hear her."

"Ma, you give me to much credit. She really does Pete...because of her I learn to cook so well."

Watching Alec as he throws the ball at the wall again Trey takes in his words remembering them for when he needed them. Also keeping in mind if he talked to Trey ever to mention Alec.

"Thanks for the info Alec, never know when it just might come in handy."

Leaning against the wall his arms still cross Trey continues to watch Alec as he throws the ball and tells him about Katie and Jason. Digging through his own brain he trys to remember if he had seen them. Ahhh...they much have been the two he saw on his first day on the way in.

"Ah, I did notice them the first day. She sure does have killer looks. And the tall guy was her guy was her boyfriend huh....mm....She didn't look like she'd hurt a fly, as for him He's not that intimating since I am almost as tall as him, but I'll remember not to step on there toes to much."

Straightening again Trey lets out a long sigh he was really feening for a smoke and if he couldn't go outside than he'd just go back to his room with a glass of water and take a few puffs.

"I guess I'll leave you back to whatever you were doing now. You don't seem to bad Alec, if you get bored I'm in the room next to the infirmary. Maybe you could tell me more about that fiery readhead."

Turning and making his way slowly down the hall again Trey shoves his hands into his pockets. At least he got to talk to someone tonight that seemed to be a little more interesting than Hal, or anyone else that tried lecturing him. Maybe he and Alec would get along better than anyone thought, though he'd still have to feel him out. Trust didn't come easily specially here.

Letting the laughter roll once again Ryan can't help it, the memories, and now having Eli reinact it...it was all just to much that sent Ryan over the top as her sides started to hurt. Whiping the tears from her eyes Ryan leans her had back against the couch for a moment.

Even if they hurt a little bit memories were good, and Ryan was happy they had them, and she was happy she had Eli back in her life again. She had missed him so much only to realize it now that she had him back.

"They sure were good times. I'm hoping to make some more with you too. Maybe one day when we arnt busy we could all go camping or something."

Closing her eyes for a moment Ryan remebers the fun they use to have camping. Everyone always though pop was off his rocker to take Ryan up there when she was so little but she loved it.

Opening her eyes again Ryan gives another laugh to being called Homeless Gary before lifting the remote and turning the movie on. Poping another fry into her mouth and savoring the taste.

"Your wish is my command wallriss."

Stepping back again Sapphire watchs as Gage takes aim and the ball goes right into the cup. Giving a little jump and a clap a smile forms on her face before she see the grin on Gage's face. Finally it clicks though and she puts her hands on her hips going over to him and giving a little push to get him out of the way. Though her eyes still sparkled with humor.

"No fair, you have an unfair advantage, I should get a handicap for that."

Taking her own time Sapphire lines her ball up and takes aim. Getting it over the little bridge it stops before before making it to the windmill. Looking up at Gage and raising her eyebrow as a warning not to even laugh Sapphire goes to the ball and putts again this time getting it into the hole before turning back to Gage once more.

"Maybe you should be the one with your arms around me, and teaching me how to do it."

Knockout redhead

Alec gives a little smirk along with a slight shake of his head while listening to Trey. Anyone who actually liked getting into trouble had something wrong in the head - he spoke like someone with a chip on their shoulder who was too big for his britches. The thrill of the chase was one thing, but actually being in trouble? Alec would have to be careful around this guy - he might like pulling a few fast ones himself, but he wasn't in a position to get into any more trouble than he already was.

"Yeah, I'm Alec," he answers a bit tersely. He still thought he'd seen Trey somewhere, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Maybe even though this wasn't Agency stuff, they'd had their eye on him for some reason and maybe Alec had seen a file or something.

About the trade of entertainment, he shrugs. "Sounds alright to me. And as for Ty - just watch your step with him. If he doesn't think he can trust you, he won't buy into anything. He and I got more of a... working relationship. You want something, you might wanna pass it along through me, least until he gets the idea whether you're okay or not."

Turning to throw his tennis ball at the wall, then catch it as it flies back to him, he stops and looks at Trey again, once more sizing him up. Maybe it was something about his eyes that was familiar. "Unfortunately, around here, you draw more flies with honey than vinegar." That wasn't to say that Alec didn't put up a fight all the time, but once stuck in a position like this, he was catching on pretty quickly now what it took to actually get on Reese's good side and get out of here.

He might as well give the new guy some pointers - there was nothing else to do. "Watch your mouth and they won't watch you as closely. And while you're at it, avoid Katie - she's the knockout redhead - and Jason - tall guy, dark hair. They can make life miserable, worse than Reese if you get too close."


Eli snickers and grabs two fries, wedging them up under his upper lip so they hung down like fangs. "You mean like this?"

His speech along makes them start to slide, and as they do, his laughter makes it all the harder to keep the fries in place. Letting them drop back to his plate, he shakes his head and wipes his eyes with the back of his hand as tears of laughter form. "Yeah, those were good times."

He laughs again then takes another bite of steak before it got cold. They did have good family memories, even if things had later fallen apart. With their dad gone and John in prison, it did tend to put a damper on things. But at least Eli and Ryan had each other... for the moment.

Eli stops chewing, seeming to grow very quiet for a moment before finally gesturing to the television again and picking the pace back up. "C'mon, Homeless Gary, get 'er rolling."


Gage's grin goes from ear to ear as Sapphire helps him at the next hole. Checking the distance, his smile goes from silly to sly, his eyes narrowing slightly. Waiting several moments, he putts softly, watching the ball as it makes a beeline for the hole, across the little bridge and straight to the windmill where it falls right into the hiding cup.

There was a definite advantage to Agency training when it came to aim, even if Gage hadn't used that skill behind a golf club before.

Glancing over his shoulder at Sapphire, he looks away quickly, trying to hide his silly smile.

8/1/10

Homeless Gary

"I'd have to kick your butt you know if you wanted someone else arms around you."

Sapphire points her club at him and gives a laugh before returning her eyes to watch him hit his ball into the whole. As he makes it in Sapphire gives a clap and goes over to her own. Giving the ball a very light tap it goes into the hole with a bounce.

"I'm happy you would rather stick with me. I happen to like having you around a lot myself."

Going over the the whole and pulling the golf balls out Sapphire hands Gage his and moving to the next area. This time set up with a wind mill and a little bridge. Positioning herself behind Gage once again Sapphire helps him.

"You don't want to get the ball in the water, and you want it to go through the windmill. Sounds easy but even I have a hard time on this one."

Ryan can't help but laugh at the thought of a memorie long forgotten till now. It was always nice to remember even if it did make her a little sad. Remember those days was nice and did put a smile on her face.

"I had forgotten about that till now. I wanted to be like my brothers and Pop. He never laughed so hard in his life. I think watching me pick that steak up and gnawing on it was the best thing to him. I'll never forget the smile on his face."

Looking down at her plate for a moment and moving the steak around Ryan gives another chuckle as she takes a fry and holds it up.

"How about the time we were at burger king and John put his frys on the bottom of his mouth to make him look like a wallris, and you put them on the top to say you were a vampire, and I stuck them up my noise saying I was homeless Gery who came into the shop looking for scraps all the time. I think Pop rolled laughing at us that time too."

"Ha..."

Trey gives a laugh of not getting in trouble. For him to stay out of trouble would be to tie him to a chair, or take him to a place where everything he did was league, so that would be...home.

"If trouble doesn't find me, I find it, and thats the way I like it."

Eying Alec again he continues to listen taking in everything he was told and remembering it. Maybe this Ty guy could come in handy if he ever needed something.

"I'm going to have to remember about Ty, never know when you might get the late night munchies, and as for car magazines maybe you can let me read some if I let you use my PS3, Sounds like a fair trade to me."

Even if Alec had been willing to just let Trey look through his magazines he would of offered something anyways. Its just how it worked for him, give something get something there really was no other way.

"I'm not sure I am no one you know. Lived in Mexico all my life. You're Alec right?"

Trey keeps his arms crossed over his chest as he cocks his head and just looking back at Alec. Cocking his head a little and still eyeing Alec. He didn't know him, nor did he know if he could trust him but there was only one way to find out really.

Fantastic

Gage watches Sapphire's golf ball, then grins. "What? You think I'd want someone else putting their arms around me and showing me how it's done?"

He scoffs and saunters up to his own golf ball. Taking aim and giving it a light tap, it rolls right into the hole. "Nah... I think I'll stick with you."

Smiling, he puts his club up over his shoulder to wait for Sapphire, his eyes twinkling in the lights. By the time he got home, there would be no time for sleep tonight, but he didn't care. Every moment with Sapphire was a moment of living life to the fullest and he wouldn't trade it for anything.


Eli smiles and takes a bite of steak too, savoring the flavor. "Mmm... I think you're right, if I do say so myself. Cooked to perfection."

Settling back with his plate on his lap, he puts his feet up on the table instead, and squeezes some ketchup over his fries. "Now this... this is really living."

Quiet for a moment, he suddenly starts to chuckle. "I remember one time, I don't know where we were, some restaurant or something, and that poor waitress asked you if you wanted the kiddie meal with chicken fingers. When you told her you wanted a steak, she 'bout flipped." He laughs at the memory he hadn't thought of for years. "You wanted to be like the rest of us I guess, and if I remember right, you certainly did get a steak and ate it too."


Alec continues to eye the other young man, taking his tennis ball back and twirling it in his palm. The newcomer had attitude... but nothing Alec minded too much. Besides, it looked like they already had something in common - neither wanted to be here.

"Plenty of interesting stuff that can be done, but nothing that won't get you into trouble. If you hadn't noticed, we're in a basement, so good luck finding a window that's low enough to open and escape detection. And... Hal's not on nights anymore, but there's a janitor about our age that knows just about everything - not much escapes him, but for the right deal, he's usually pretty likable."

A slow grin curls the corner of his mouth. "A nice tip will get you some fast food at midnight and if Ty's in a good mood, he might even be persuaded to bring in some magazines. Though I do have a stash of some car racing mags if you want to look at 'em."

Rocking back on his heels a little, Alec wasn't a hundred percent sure about this guy, but... it was better than talking to the bare walls. "Your name's Trey, right? You look familiar."


"Man..." Pete takes a bite of meat and potatoes, savoring the flavor as he sat at the dinner table with Nikki and Carol. "Nikki, when did you learn how to cook?" He shakes his head. "This is fantastic."

After a long day at work with no break even for lunch, an invitation for supper was not easily passed up. He'd had just enough time to go home and clean up before coming over here, and he'd been having fun since the moment he'd stepped through the door. He and Nikki had said something about another movie later, and though that was yet to be decided, Pete hoped he'd be able to stick around for a while.

Best of it

Sapphire gives a laugh as Gage looks over his shoulder and gives her a kiss. His affection was soft, and she liked it that way.

"If I stayed here and kept teaching you I think they would kick us out so others could play."

Moving out of the way a little so she wasn't in Gage's way as he putts Sapphire just watchs. For his first time that really wasn't that bad. Though she can't help but laugh again at his mention to shooting it. Just the mental image on that one was funny.

"Now if you just shot it than that would make it way to easy. Here watch me again."

Setting her ball down on the tee Sapphire takes a moment to line the ball up with the hole and giving it a little wake. Watching it bounce off one wall, and than another it bumps into Gage's ball before stopping right in front of the hold. Looking up at the ball and than Gage she grins.

"Are you sure you want me to be your teacher?"

Giving a nod Ryan grabs some plates and puts them down along with getting some silverware and napkins down and taking her seat. Getting the movie and than just waiting for Eli.

Moving over Ryan gives a laugh as she takes the beer and than clears off the table a little more. Hearing Eli's stomach she laughs even harder thinking it was rather funny.

"Feed that thing quick my goodness."

Taking a sip of the beer and using the remote to turn the movie on Ryan leans back a little. Taking a bit of the steak she makes a pleasant sound before looking at Eli.

"You out did youself this time Bro. This is the best steak ever."

Still holding the ball Trey looks back at Alec as he steps closer to him just taking him in not backing off or intimidated at all, eying him up curious about this person.

"And I'm hardly a boy. As for the baby sitters, they will learn sooner or later they'll be trained alright."

Taking the ball and putting it a little rough into Alec's hand but doesn't let go right away before finally doing so. Letting out a grunt and puts his arms over his chest.

"Know of anything interesting around here that can be done? or where an open window is so I can smoke or where Hal hides when not in the camera room? You seemed to be the resident inmate that gets to run around free here so I figure you probably know."

Shifting a little Trey thinks about some of the stuff he has back in his room. A deck of cards, some books, a playstation 3 maybe having someone around might be better than having no one.

"I got some stuff for entertainment back in my room I guess you could call it if you get to bored. If your stuck here like me I might as well make the best of it."

Just shoot it

Alec stops short as he exits his room, startled by the other young man. Straightening in defense, he lifts his chin. “I’m hardly a prisoner,” he retorts. He really was… but he wasn’t… but he was. For now, he’d just pretend he wasn’t, despite the anklet hiding under the cuff of his jeans.

Giving Trey a once-over, he lifts one eyebrow. He’d heard the scuttlebutt about Angelica’s nephew, even if he wasn’t supposed to know about it. “And you must be the kid with a new set of babysitters to train.”

Not caring that he looked like he’d been through a meat grinder, he steps up to Trey, holding out his hand for the ball. “That happens to be the only source of entertainment I’ve got around here.”


“Uh – yeah, sure. Plates.” Eli gestures to the living room. “Set ‘em up in front of the television and we can watch while we eat.”

It wasn’t long before the food was done and ready, and Eli was bringing it to the living room. He dishes out Ryan’s steak first, setting it on her plate. “And here we go… just like you like it. French fries to come.”

Dishing out his own steak, he goes back into the kitchen, returning with two beers in one hand and the French fries in the other. “Alright… move over, Speedy.”

Flopping down next to her on the couch, his stomach gives a loud growl. “Uh-oh… better feed the hungry monster before something bad happens.” He tosses Ryan the television remote. “You’re the master tonight.”


Getting to the miniature golf course, Gage is a little hesitant, but eager to learn a new game. Wide awake and energetic, he follows Sapphire closely, paying attention to her directions.

With her arms around him, showing him how to putt, he grins and doesn’t try yet. “Hmm… I think it might be more fun to have you keep teaching me.”

Turning his head to look over his shoulder, he leans back to give her a quick kiss before turning back to the club and ball. Giving it a little putt, the ball goes rolling across the green, bouncing along the side and rolling right around the first hole.

Gage straightens and cocks his head, staring at it for a moment. “Can I just shoot it instead?”

Throwing Sapphire a glance, he grins, then starts to laugh. “I think I need you to teach me again.”

Weakness

Wondering the halls again like he new he shouldn't Trey didn't much care. Almost everyone was gone now and he was bored. Being cages was driving him crazy, not being able to smoke when he wanted was driving him crazy, and all the other stuff he enjoyed and couldn't do was driving him crazy.

Walking a little more he gives a quick jump back at the sound of something hitting a wall and bouncing into the hall he wasn't sure what he'd find. Catching sight of the ball that was bouncing down the hall. Going over to it and picking it up Trey looks at it and than looks up seeing Alec.

"You must be the other prisoner I was told about down here. Looks like you lost something!"

Trey holds up the ball moving it in his hand a little bit. Continuing to just keep looking back at Alec. Sizing him up and taking note to the cuts and bruises on his face. Maybe this guy could make the place fun.

Ryan gives a laugh at Leo's last comment Ryan shakes her head a little bit. It felt good Leo still wanted to be her friend, or at least be social with her.

"Alright, thank again Leo. See you tomorrow."

Hanging up the phone Ryan slips it back in her pocket leaning on the counter for a long moment. Looking over to her brother she blinks.

"That was....surprising for sure. Oh well...ok so...dinner...it sure smells good and I picked one of these thrillers to watch too. So now what would you like me to help with? Plates and what not?"

Jackie gives a nod and smiles. She did like the band being active and wanting to hear everything too. It was good they cared enough and had the ambition to want to hear it and help.

"I'll definitely keep that in mind and ask him once we have it together. Thanks for the impute Erik."

Turning back to the sound bored and fiddling with a few things again Jackie messes around till Wayne came back so they could start again.

Watching Kip and giving a laugh Karla trys to muffle it the best she can. It was funny watching Kip and she couldn't help her eyes wading a little bit. Looking back around the room and giving a nod to Twila Karla heads out the door and follows along behind him giving another laugh.

"Off to ice cream we go, hi ho hi ho."

Coming closer to Kip Karla slips her arm into his and walks with him a little excited about the ice cream. If she had one weakness it defiantly was her love for ice cream.

Seeing Gage's eye go wide Sapphire couldn't help but laugh she loved seeing him like a kid and trying new things. It was so much fun for her.

"I think that sounds like a great plan and as long as its with you I'm happy."

Pulling out of the parking lot Sapphire makes her way to the Martin's mini golf. It doesn't take to long to get there and before they new it they were out on the course.

"Ok...so this is how you hold the club."

Sapphire positions herself behind Gage and shows him how to hold the club and swinging his arm a little.

"You wanna hit the ball hard enough to get it into the cup but when you get closer you want to hit it lighter. Its a lot of fun once you get the hang of it. Go a head and try."

007

Leo was a little surprised Ryan had called him back so quickly, but he was kind of glad too. It would make work tomorrow less awkward.

Driving across town, he keeps one hand on the steering wheel, the other on his phone. "Yeah, well... I guess we all could have expressed ourselves a little better," he muses. "I just wanted to clear things up before tomorrow, ya know? I guess..." He pauses for a red light, letting his mind try and process the words he wanted to say. "I don't know... I guess you were right - it's time I moved on so... maybe I just want to let you know that I'll be trying to be less of a jerk at the shop from now on." He still had pain... he still felt anger for what all had happened, but... it was time he started letting it go.

"Next time though, yell at me before I swing... your boyfriend has a fist that could knock out an elephant."


Alec tosses his tennis ball to the other side of the room, letting it bounce and come back to him where he caught it again. Back and forth, his eyes followed the ball, trying to pass the time. People were leaving for the day... his task with Dalton was done until tomorrow... and he had nothing to do tonight. Nothing. He'd already found out the hard way that his ankle bracelet triggered an override to the security system, not even allowing him to use a code to get out of the building. Needless to say, Reese hadn't been happy, though he'd been just a little smug. Alec would have walloped him, had he not known his future was on the line.

How about Ryan coming here? Alec's hand catches the ball one last time and he ceases his play. She didn't know he was stuck here, so how was he supposed to think she'd come? It was strange not getting any calls or texts from her today though... he knew she was waiting on him this time, but it didn't make him any less stubborn. He'd been defending himself - Leo had thrown the first punch. And besides, what business was it of hers if he had a brawl with someone else? Why should she care?

The tennis ball flies again. Because Leo was her friend too, probably. Alec didn't really get it, but that seemed to be the reason. Well, if Ryan wanted to play it this way, then fine. Alec wasn't sorry. He missed her, and he was mad that he didn't get to see her today, but he wasn't sorry for the fight. A little sheepish maybe, and he'd underestimated Leo for sure, but he wasn't sorry for having it out with him. If Ryan wanted to keep him on a leash, she should have stuck it out with Leo.

Catching the ball once more, Alec flops back on his cot. This whole thing was just stupid. He'd paid attention to Misty earlier, sure, but... even if he did know Ryan cared about him, he wasn't just gonna cave and go crawling back and apologize for something he wasn't sorry about. It's not the way he did things, even if he did care about her too.

Throwing the ball too hard, it ricochets off the back wall and zings back over his head and out the open door. Groaning, Alec rolls over and gets up to go find out where it had landed.


Erik chuckles and shakes his head at Jackie. "I'm sure you know what you're doing, seeing as though this place has produced some success."

He fingers the headphones and looks out at the others for a moment. "Yeah, I think we do alright. Even the best bands can improve though."

Sighing a little, he finally puts the headphones back where Wayne had set them. "Kyle's got a good ear... so whatever you and Wayne come up with... be sure to have Kyle listen too. I know he might be seen as a rookie like any one of us here, but... he's got something special and sometimes he hears things nobody else does."


"Mmmm.... ice cream for everybody..." Kip reaches in his pocket and pulls out his keys, giving them a little jingle. His voice drops to a whisper. "Stealth is key."

Getting to his feet, he jumps behind Twila, peeking over her shoulder - as if she would even be able to hide him. Then turning, he slinks along the wall, jumping into a "shadow" until he was by the door. Then looking both ways, he shoots out into the hall, leaving behind laughter from Twila.

She gestures to Karla. "You better go catch up with 007 before he disappears."


"Oooh." Gage hadn't thought about all those choices before. "I've... never played mini golf before," he admits. "Always looked fun though. Maybe.... that after... pizza?"

His eyes are like those of a little kid. Having been deprived for so long, just pizza was enough to make him happy, and if there was lemonade in the mix, he was even happier.

One down one to go...

Letting Erik take a listen Jackie puts her own headset back on. Letting it play once more and shifting some buttons to add and take away things. Make some stuff sound stronger, and backing some off a little so everything would be in balance together.

Once the part she was working on was done playing a few times through she takes her headset off only to be met with Erik's observation. A grin forms on her face and she gives a little shake of her head. It was stuff she already new, but she was happy Erik noticed it to so in a way before they even saw what had been done, at least one person had comfermed what she was doing was ok.

"I don't know if I want you listing anymore, you make me feel like I don't know what I am doing here."

Jackie gives a laugh and smiles her eyes giving a little twinkle a sure sign she was joking and not offended by Erik's forwardness at all. Ambition was good, and it was something everyone needed.

"Once we are gone, it's going to sound perfect or pretty darn close. I think you all do well, and in some areas need to improve but all in all, you guys are all doing well."

Karla gives a laugh and looks to Kip before looking back to Twila and than back around the room. She wondered if maybe everyone was to busy to notice. Wayne was gone, Jackie and Erik seemed to be talking about something. Kyle and Alice were wrapped up in themselves and she was sure Twila could keep Theo busy.

"Maybe if we got some for everyone they wouldn't be to upset in noticing we were missing."

Karla gives a little elbow to Kip maybe getting out and walking around would wake both of them up a little bit. It had been a long day already and from the sound of it not even half over.

"I bet if we go now we would be in the clear. Not to mention it would be a little fun being a little dangerous."

Sapphire laughs again as Gage gets into the car. It was nice to see him awake thats for sure, but odd at the same time. It had become normal for him to be half asleep when they were together.

Leaning into the kiss Sapphire returns to continue once Gage pulls away just letting the moment linger even longer. She loved showing affection to Gage and getting it from her to it really made her feel good.

"Mmm...well we can grab something to eat than we can go see a movie, play mini golf, or lazer tag, or we can just have a nice dinner. What sounds like something fun to you? I am kind a up for all four ideas."

Watching Eli turn back to the stove Ryan wondered if he really had forgotten or not. But she didn't bother pushing it. If Eli didn't talk about it anymore than he wouldn't, maybe a little later they could start the conversation again.

"Alright I'll go see what the movies are, and maybe call Leo at the same time. I'll be back to help set the table."

Wondering into the other room Ryan pulls out her cell and dials Leo's number as she looks through the movies her brother had picked up. Hearing Leo's voice answer on the other line Ryan gives a little smile.

"Hey Leo, Sorry I missed your call before. I just wanted to call back and say thanks. I'm sorry I yelled at you yesterday too. I should of found a better way to express myself. Thanks for calling though."

Picking one of the thrillers Eli had rented Ryan starts back into the other room holding up the movie. The conversation shouldn't last long with Leo and than she's help get the plates, and whatever else they needed.

Ryan was happy Leo had called and it made everything half ok. Now she only needed Alec to call, but it had taken this long already maybe...he wasn't going to? Ryan didn't know and that made her a little sad still.

Rip roaring

Erik smiles at Jackie and grabs the headphones. "My lips are sealed."

Listening and watching her fiddle with the controls, Erik's eyes stare off at nothing - an obvious sign that he really was listening and picking apart what he heard. Once through the song, he nods briefly. "Not bad... we need a lot of work though. Onstage people can't tell as much but here... yeah."

He grimaces a little and takes off the headphones. "Kyle's the only one that sounds amazing. We need to boost Kip though so we can hear him more - he does well when he's paying attention and the harmony sounds good."

Stopping for a moment, he quirks another grin. That's what Jackie and Wayne were for and he might have just stepped on a toe or two. "But I'm sure you guys have all that under control."


"Hmmm...." Kyle thinks for a moment at Alice's question. "I think it's been several hours at least since you said that, so we're good." His smile returns and he gives Alice's hand a squeeze. "Thanks."


Kip lifts an eyebrow, his head rising a little more as he glances around the room. "I dunno... think anyone would notice we were gone?"

"Who's gone?"

Kip looks up quickly to see Twila standing over him, arms folded. "I thought you were in the little girl's room."

Twila smirks. "And you expect me to be in there all day or what?"

"Ah, no... just... part of it?"

Twila slaps the back of his head. "What are you scheming anyway? I know that look in your eye."

Kip grins at Karla, then looks back up at Twila. "Does the word 'ice cream' mean anything to you?"

"Mmm, yeah, that would hit the spot."

"Well, we were just wondering if anyone would miss us if we just sorta..." Kip motions with his hand towards the door. "...slipped out."

Twila looks at Karla, then back to Kip. "I won't tell anybody if you bring me back something, too."


"Hi!" Gage trots over to Sapphire's car, leaning on the opposite side and grinning over at her. "Of course I'm really looking forward to our date - I'm rip roaring and ready to go."

Pausing, he ducks down to get in, waiting for Sapphire, too. "So... where we going? For once, I have some extra cash and I'm awake, so... let's do something special. Forget we have more work to do and just... yeah." He grins and leans over to give Sapphire a tender kiss on the lips. "You're a sight for sore eyes after a night at work, you know that?"


Eli's eyebrows are raised after hearing it was Leo who had called. Interesting he'd called before Alec, but not surprising. Eli just hoped Ryan really had chosen the right man - Leo seemed to be more on the ball than Alec... or at least not afraid to apologize.

"Uh..." Eli turns back to the stove, seeming to be trying to remember what he'd been about to say. He laughs. "I'll think of it." Had he really forgotten, or was he just trying to move on since the mood had shifted?

He poks around the stakes and adjusts the heat. "These are almost done... I got a couple movies for us to watch - you can pick which one for while we eat, or call Leo first or whatever. I got the movies I thought you would like."

7/31/10

Even better

Karla can't help the smile that spreads across her face at Kip's comment. He always had a way of being silly, but cute at the same time and making her feel good.

"Mmm...ice cream does sound good. Think there is any way for us to sneak out of here and get some?"

Karla grins. She still was pretty shy but she had before a little more bold with Kip and some of the others. Bring out and seeing new things, living with Alice and Twila it was a new experience that was helping her to open her up.

Just leaning into the hug and giving a small giggle at the kiss Alice didn't mind Kyle didn't show a lot of affection in public. She was the same way and would rather show that in privet and not made a scene. The little but of affection was nice, and it just made the bigger stuff better.

"As long as you keep saying than I'll keep believing it, not that I really would even thing different. But it still feels good to hear it."

Tilting her head a little to see up into Kyle's eyes Alice smiles at him again. A happy feeling ran though her, and she new he missed his friends, maybe when things calmed down a little they could have a cook out at her house and get everyone together.

"Did I tell you how proud of you I am?"

Looking up from the sound table at the sound of Wayne's phone Jackie gives a nod. She had already started rechecking everything and mixing it together seeing how it sounded, and maybe what could be tweaked.

"Yeah yeah take your call."

Moving the head phones back in her head again Jackie listens to the music moving a few buttons on the bored, backing the table up and listing again. Glancing to Wayne's seat as Erik sits down Jackie stays quiet for a moment as she reaches to pause the tape. Not letting Erik know she was watching him out of the corner of her eye she says nothing waiting to see if he said anything.

Seeing he didn't say anything but continues to look at the bored Jackie finally turned her chair to him and gave a friendly smile.

"If you want to throw that headset on and listen while I mix a few things your more then welcome to since Wayne is not here. Just don't think him I let you, he might get jealous."

As her brother comes and takes the case of beer from her Ryan gives a small laugh following him into the kitchen and putting the bag down on the table. Taking in a wiff of the dinner it smelled so good.

"Mmm...I have no problem with that since it smells so amazing. I picked up a few things from the store to have with dinner, nothing amazing but it gives us a little something else to eat."

Going through the bag and taking out some of the items to put in the fridge for now Ryan stops be her brother looking up at him. He wanted to ask her something...she couldnt help but wonder what it was and thats why when the phone ran she had no problem letting it.

"Ok sure...whats up?"

Waiting for Eli to continue Ryan can't help but straighten a little hearing Leo's voice. She was a littel shocked and surpised he was calling...but...he was. Looking to Eli she would of went to the phone but he hung it up to fast for her to get to it.

"Wow...that was....unexpected. Maybe I should call him back or talk to him him tomorrow at work. Either or, I wanna you to finish what you were asking first."

Pulling into the drive way Sapphire gives a smile with a bit of surprised seeing Gage waiting for her. She though for sure she'd have to wake him up today like she normally did. Not that she minded but it was nice to see him a little less tired for his own health.

Stopping the car and getting out a little Sapphire leans on the top of the car and looks across at Gage with a smile.

"Well good morning to you bright eyes. You look extra perky today. Really were looking forward to our date?"

Sapphire continues to smile as she waits for Gage. It was good to see him that was for sure. After a few days of going without because he was just to tired, it made this even better!

Pacing

"Aw man... Thanks a lot. Now I totally lost count." Kip stares up at Karla, a silly grin spreading on his face. "Hi there."

Remaining on his back, his eyes shift from her right eye to her left and back again. "You're very cute at the moment, but you're still blocking my view." Still grinning, he sits up too quickly and puts a hand to his head as he experiences a wave of dizziness. "Ugh. I want ice cream."


Kyle chuckles and slips an arm around Alice, pulling her in for a hug and a kiss to the top of her head. That was about as public as he got, but no one questioned them being a couple anymore. "Mmm... you're all I need to keep going. Who needs as crowd?"

Smiling at her he sighs deeply, tired but happy. Sometimes he did wish Phil or Jen or Mike or even Jason and Katie were here though... He was looking forward to his future and what was in store with this band, but some days he did miss the old group and the fun they'd had.


Wayne's ringing phone causes him to smirk in annoyance, but checking who it is, he sighs in surrender. "I'll be right back," he mentions to Jackie. "Run that back through and see how everything sounds so far."

Watching Wayne leave, Erik eyes the control panel and takes the liberty of sitting down in the desk chair, swiveling a little bit and taking in all the buttons and switches. He had a pretty good idea of what most things were, but was anxious to hear how the final mix would turn out.


"Hey, Speedy!" Eli comes from the kitchen, wiping his hands on his jeans. "I'm here, I-" He stops mid sentence and steps forward to help her with her armful, relieving her of the case of beer. "I take it you didn't want to take two trips."

He laughs and shakes his head, going back into the kitchen, from which the mouthwatering steak aroma was wafting. "I decided to cook the steaks on the stove in some new spices," he informs. "I think they're going to turn out pretty good. Oh, and I got some french fries in the oven."

He'd begged off work early tonight... though he wouldn't tell Ryan that. He'd wanted to get home early to have supper ready by the time she showed up so she wouldn't have to do anything. "And by the way-"

Eli is cut off as the apartment phone rings and he sighs. "Let the answering machine get it. I was gonna ask you your opinion on something. I've been thinking about..." His voice trails off once again, this time as another male voice comes through the answering machine - one he hadn't expected.

"Hey, Ryan, it's Leo, um..." He was just getting ready to go pick up Cassy but had needed to make this call first before his conscience bugged him any more. "...Just wanted to apologize for last night. I was a jerk and... I'm sorry. I'll be in to work tomorrow... so.... yeah... later."


Gage bops his head to the rock music playing on the radio as he slips a clean shirt over his head. Going to the fridge, he grabs the bottle of water and drinks straight from it before going back to the living room to sort through his pile of laundry. A few pieces of clothing fly in this direction and that until he finds the clean pair of socks he was looking for.

Flopping down on his mattress, he pulls the socks on his feet and just sits for a moment, his fingers strumming his legs as he looks around, then glances at the clock for the tenth time. Change of plans. Supper instead of lunch. He was ready early... right? Shower, clean clothes... yep, he was ready.

Standing again, he paces by the window a couple times, then finally slips on his sneakers and leaves his apartment, deciding to go down and wait for Sapphire outside instead. Trotting down the first flight of stairs, then sliding down the railing of the second, he reaches ground level and gets outside into the warm evening air. Hooking his thumbs in his pockets he paces up and down the sidewalk, waiting.

86...59...308

Alice clasps her hands together bring them to her mouth as she listens to Kyle. She always loved the way he sung, how he sounded to her it so lulling, and pretty. Knowing he'd come this far, and not was standing and shinning it was so wonderful to know he was doing what he loved and not holding back anymore.

Seeing Kyle's grin as he starts to open his eyes and look at her Alice gives a nod of her head moving her hands so her own smile could shine. Moving to the little couch that Kyle sat down on that was beside her Alice leans into Kyle a little her eyes drifting to his face and taking him in.

"You don't have the energy of the crowd to keep you going here thats why. You just have to deal with us."

Alice gives a small laugh slipping her hand into Kyles and giving it a squeeze. Everyone was doing great, and even if it was long, and they were all tired they were doing good, and sticking to it.

Shifting a little on the floor Karla looks over to Kip who was now laying on he back. While everything was going on today she'd stayed very quiet not wanting to interrupt anyone or making any noises to mess anything up.

Seeing Kyle come out of the sound room though Karla takes the opportunity to scoot a little closer to Kip and lean her head over his giving a little smile.

"86....59....308..."

Stoping for a moment and cocking her head her smile still formed. Shaking her head a little bit She whispers.

"Hi there."

Shaking her head Ryan heads to clock out pulling out her phone and holding it for a long moment. Contemplating in her head if maybe she should just call Alec or not. Shaking her head and stuffing the phone back into her pocket Ryan decieds not to and gets into her car.

Stopping at the store and getting stuff for dinner along with another case of beer Ryan finally heads for home. Not taking to long to get home Ryan juggles everything in her arms

"Eli...I'm home, I got the beer. Are you home yet?"

Dalton raises his can of pop and gives a shake of his head before looking back at his computer. Going to type something again Dalton gives Alec a sidelong glace, a little humor in his voice but his face strays motionless.

"Don't spill anything on that computer...."

Ceiling Tiles

Though his sights are on the computer screen, Alec's eyes widen slightly at the thought of Dalton sitting on him. "Dude... I think you might have just come up with something scarier than the Agency."

He lifts his can of pop towards Dalton in a toast. "Might get brownie points from the big boss on that one."

Grinning a little, he tries to settle down to work, though it's hard for him to concentrate. There were too many things going through his mind. At least now with what Misty had given him, he wasn't feeling quite as sore at the moment. "Alright... I'll let you know when I hit something fishy."


"Naw... it's okay." Axel didn't need to be thanked for checking up on a friend. He would have said more about war and stubbornness, but he refrains. If Ryan wanted to make the men make the first move, that was her business, not his.

"Take it easy tonight. And if you need anything..." He pauses, keeping a straight face as he continues to tinker in the engine. "...as your brother."

Glancing to the side, he throws Ryan a wink. He'd work here a while longer, then call it a day too. He had his own date tonight with Jess and wasn't going to miss out on that. Afterward he had band practice, but having Jess along for that too made things just a little more enjoyable than they already were.


"Standing on the curbside with,
The people you call friends.
You play their game and listen to,
Judgmental criticism.
You swallow all the lines they feed,
Just hoping that you'll win,
A few more looks passed down your way,
But love's become so thin."

Kyle's eyes are closed as he sings, his voice ringing crisp and true. Standing in the sound booth, the glass blocked the outside sounds from him, helping him concentrate. He knew this song so well... it was his own pen that wrote it... it were the words that had formed from himself.

Jackie and Wayne had suggested it as the first song on their test run. They would put together a demo album, feel out how people liked it, then tweak it and find out where they needed the most work.

"Lies! It's all about the lies.
Hairstyles, makeup, chains and dye.
Brand of shoes and price of jeans,
Whether you wear large or small,
Convince them that you're cool.
Blonde or red or streaked with black,
What's your weight or favorite drink?
Take the drugs - who cares, it's fun,
Rob the store, a hit and run.
Lies!

Sitting on the park bench with,
The people you call friends.
You think they care and love you so,
You stick it out with them.
Believing all they say to you,
It's like a dream gone wrong.
Things don't seem the way they should,
But you're stuck and still hang on.

Lies! It's all about the lies.
Hairstyles, makeup, chains and dye.
Brand of shoes and price of jeans,
Whether you wear large or small,
Convince them that you're cool.
Blonde or red or streaked with black,
What's your weight or favorite drink?
Take the drugs - who cares, it's fun,
Rob the store, a hit and run.
Lies!"

Wayne leans back, putting his feet up on another chair in the recording room. His pen taps his clipboard and he makes a few notes as he listens to Kyle. "That guy's got quite a voice," he comments to Jackie, or whoever was listening.

Erik was standing behind him, watching through the glass and he nods. "That's why we picked him. He was holding back in JetStream, but I'm glad he waited to show the world what he had - otherwise he might have gotten this far without us finding him first."

Wayne chuckles. "Maybe. But it sounds like it's your whole team that got you this far - without you, he might not have gotten anywhere either."

"You've been running all your life,
On the lies that you've believed.
You think that you're not good enough,
Unless you fit the mold.
Stop swallowing the lies of men,
Stop trusting in the false.
Nothing on the outside counts,
It's what's down deep in you.
What's down deep in you?
What's down deep in you?

Child of beauty, what do you see?
Child so innocent, what have you become?
Look with your heart, don't give in,
Be the one God made you to be.
Child of beauty...
What do you see?

Hairstyles, makeup, chains and dye.
Brand of shoes and price of jeans,
Whether you wear large or small,
Convince them that you're cool.
Blonde or red or streaked with black,
What's your weight or favorite drink?
Take the drugs - who cares, it's fun,
Rob the store, a hit and run...
Don't believe the lies!"

Kyle's eyes open to see some of the others and Alice watching, and a grin spreads on his face.

Wayne presses the intercom. "Alright, sounds good."

Kyle quirks an eyebrow. "First time through?" Twila had had to have several takes with her violin and on the backup vocals, Kip had struggled with the harmony, taking at least five tries to get it right.

"Yep," Wayne confirms. "Pat yourself on your back - probably won't ever happen again."

Kyle's grin returns and he takes off the headphones, exiting the booth and flopping down in a chair next to Alice, grabbing his water bottle. "How did I ever do whole concerts? I'm exhausted and we've only done one song." Over and over and over.... but at least his vocals and keyboard parts were over for now. They were planning to do at least one more song today... or see how far they could get. Eventually they'd end with eight and go from there.

Off to the side, Theo was playing an imaginary set of drums with a couple of wrapped granola bars, while Russ was pacing back and forth, silently practicing on the guitar strung over his shoulders. Twila had left the room to use the restroom and Kip was lying flat on his back off in the corner, having already completed the bass and vocals he needed to do for the first song, and apparently counting ceiling tiles.

7/30/10

Clear

Dalton gives a small grunt that almost resembles a laugh. Alec seemed to have a good sense of humor on him and that was good. Dalton didn't think he was all that bad after all.

"If you start bouncing off the walls it will give me some entertainment and if you get to out of hand I'll just sit on you."

Giving another sidelong glance to Alec Dalton's lips curl a little bit as he gives a shake of his head. It was nice having someone working along side of him. It would of been better if it was Scott, but Alec was good too and they seemed to get along as long as he didn't rub him the wrong way.

Leaning over to the fridge and opening it Dalton takes out his own can and pops the top taking a sip and sitting back in his chair for a moment. Before setting the can down and giving a crack of his knuckles. Turning a little classical music that also had a tiny bit of a more upbeat to it.

"Alright, lets start this show up. Find anything at all let me know so I can log it, and take a look myself."

Sticking her hands in her pocket Ryan fiddles with the little bit of change her had as she listened to Axel. He always full of insight more than other people, and sometimes it was just nice to listing to him talk, but every work he said did not fall on deaf ears. She was listing and taking it in.

"Yeah, I know tomorrow is a new day, and sooner or later this will all work out it just sucks right now ya know?"

Pushing off the car and passing for a moment Ryan stops again at Axel's question about calling Alec. She wanted to, she really did but if he wanted to talk to her wouldn't he have called already?

"I made it pretty clear I wasn't going to call either of them this time around. They needed to be the one to call me. If I end up calling Alec, he might not understand how serous I was last night."

Ryan lets out a sigh and shakes her head a little bit. Giving Axel's arm a little pat Ryan was thankful she talked with him.

"I better get going, Can't let Eli get home before me and think I stood him up on dinner tonight. Than Axel for taking the time to make sure I was ok."

Cassy gives a laugh as a little color comes to her face. Leo really did make her feel good and she loved it. It was a nice feeling, a good feeling and she could never tire of it.

"Mmmm...I'm happy you can't forget me. It would make an awkward relationship if you did."

Standing Cassy smiles brightly at Leo as she holds out her hand to him. Showing her affection to Leo finally was nice, and knowing she didn't have to hide it was even better. She was happy Leo finally was returning it.

Knucklehead

Maybe Dalton's response was what Alec had really wanted, but it still came as a bit of a surprise. The giant really didn't like many people - Alec had witness that himself. It seemed around here, Dalton had a soft spot for some of the women, and he was buds with Scott. But otherwise...

A small, sheepish grin forms on Alec's face. If someone was willing to believe in him, then he really shouldn't say no. "Yeah, okay."

Opening the little fridge, Alec spies a stash of Mountain Dew. He shrugs. "Nothing like sugar and caffeine to make it through the day I guess." Grabbing a can, he flips the top and takes a long swig, nodding with satisfaction, followed by a belch. "If I start bouncing off the wall, it's your fault."


Axel tinkers in the open engine, listening to Ryan as she explained just a little bit. He didn't know why she'd yelled at Alec or Leo, but he did know there had been tension between those two men and one logical theory was that she'd finally gotten fed up. That would explain the no call and no show at least. Axel wasn't going to ask for details though.

Hearing about her dad, he nods thoughtfully. "I'm sorry... that's rough."

Pausing his work, he looks over to her for a quiet moment. "I guess I don't know what it's like to have a parent die... but having no idea where mine are or if they're even alive... I suppose it's as close to death to me as it can get. Not fun."

Returning to the engine, his thoughts come out as quiet musings. "Somehow the sun always manages to rise the next day anyway. The clouds break eventually... and on really clear days, I can look back and see how far I've come and I can look ahead to something better... something more."

Changing the subject, he shakes his head. "Why don't you call that knucklehead boyfriend of yours? Maybe he's waiting for your call too."


Leo gives a short laugh. "Yeah, I know... I wasn't gonna leave you here. I just meant afterward." He grins. "As if I could forget about you." He shakes his head. "That's becoming more and more impossible."


"Man, he's riding us hard this week. I miss my eight-hour job."

Gage gives a little nod, but he was too tired to react to much else. His eleven-hour days had turned into twelve and he was not gaining back his energy. Each day he seemed just a little more sore and a little more tired. He'd hardly spent any time with Sapphire at all and he hated it. But it was a job... right?

Standing up from the break room table, Gage sighs and looks down at Lonny. They'd taken a short breather to clean up after work before heading home for the day. "Yeah... Not sure I could find something better than this though. I'm just so tired I don't know what to do. My girl says she doesn't mind but..." He shrugs. "I do."

Lonny nods and stands up as well. "Here." He reaches in his pocket and pulls out a little bottle. Taking Gage's hand, he deposits a couple little pills into his palm. "Take those. They'll get you going again."

Gage looks at them for a moment before looking back up at his coworker with suspicion. He'd had days where he'd wanted the drugs he'd been on at the Agency, but since that wasn't available, he'd been doing alright. "What are these?"

"Oh, they're just to get your energy going," Lonny explains. "I get a couple hours of sleep in the afternoon and I can go all day again."

Gage still hesitates. The bottle had been orange. "They're prescription, aren't they?"

Lonny shrugs. "So? They just do that so they get more money anyway. They're cool - just try 'em. Trust me."

Gage thinks for a moment, then shrugs too. Why not? If he could actually get a date in with Sapphire without falling asleep, it would be worth it. Popping the pills in his mouth, he takes a swig from the water fountain to wash them down.

"See you tonight, Gage."

"Yeah." Gage wanders out the back door and heads around the perimeter of the lumber mill to make his way back home. His feet felt like lead weights, but if he took a couple allies on his way, it didn't seem to take quite as long.

7/29/10

Let me decied

Getting right to work Dalton just lets the silence linger for a long moment not minding it at all. For a little bit the quiet was nice and helped him think but as he got down deeper he new he would need a little music to help her considerate more.

Hearing Alec's assumption Dalton doesn't say anything right away but finally gives him a sidelong glance and a little grunt before saying anything.

"How about...you stop being so down on yourself and let everyone decide for themselves if they like haning out with you. I think your an ok guy, and hanging out with you and your girl sounds like it might be fun. And I don't like many people so you must be something for me to like you."

Dalton's mouth turns up in a little grin before he turns all the way to Alec and shakes his head a little bit. Giving a nod to the little fridge that was between them.

"If you want to grab yourself something to eat and drink help yourself. It's gonna be a long day."

Walking behind Axel to where he was working Ryan just follows him for a moment. He was always so easy to talk to why was she clamming up to him now? Maybe it was one of those problems she needed to work out alone? If Axel had heard her saying that he would of wracked her.

"Alec and Leo got into a fist fight and I just had enough of walking around Eggshells with them and I just flipped out and yelled at them both telling them I didn't want to talk to them anymore until they grew up."

Ryan lets out a long sigh before leaning her back against the car Axel was working on digging her toe into the dirt.

"Now Alec hasn't called me, and Leo isn't at work. I guess I feel bad now that I yelled at them a little when really this is my own fault. To top it all off...my pops anniversary of his death is in a few days and it's always hard for me this time of year. So in a nutshell...thats pretty much it."

Aerith gives a giggle as another kiss was stolen. She could never be happier with Wyatt. He always made her feel good, and she liked the worm fuzzy feels she got from him.

"Mmmm...the house to ourself, that sounds even better to me. I'll call you when I get out of work. I shouldn't be to late night."

Giving a slight nod to Leo it sounded good to her. Spending more time with him would be great and it had to be a start to there growing relationship.

"Ok, I will call you a little later than, but your going to have to deal with me a little longer...you drove me here."

Cassy gives a big smile not sure if Leo remembered or not. She didn't want to make him feel bad if her forgot so she put just a little bit of humor in it.

"Not that I mind spending a few more minutes with you."

Isn't the most appeaing thing...

"Oooh... you know how to torture too, you know that?" Wyatt takes his drink, his lips curled in a grin. "Now I gotta wait all day for that backrub."

Leaning across the counter, he gives Aerith one last kiss before he has to go. "Maybe a movie back at my place... Libby's living with Dani now and Ty has to work tonight."


"Um... ok." Leo nods. He had nothing going on tonight and spending it with Cassy sounded like fun. "Sure." They had to start somewhere, right? "If you wanna call me or something when you're done for the day we can figure out what we're doing then. I'm just gonna be back at my place the rest of the day."


Axel shrugs off Ryan's thanks. "You're welcome." He fiddles with a wrench before moving back towards the car he was working on.

"If you ever need to talk or anything, or yell at somebody who won't yell back, I'm here."


"Yeah... alright." Alec starts in on what Dalton suggested, giving a little sigh. After all his up and walking around, he was downright sore, and for once, his cot sounded nice. But Reese wanted him in here, so he'd stay. He had to clear his name... and this had to be connected - it just had to be. It was too big of a coincidence that there were killings going on at the same time they were being hacked.

As he works, the silence becomes too much for him. He hated the quite sometimes. "So Misty mentioned supper sometime... triple date sorta thing at her and Carson's." He keeps his focus on the computer screen, not knowing what Dalton would say. "I suppose the thought of socializing with me and my girl isn't the most appealing thing in the world."

Plans

Looking up as Reese comes into his office he eyes him and than eyes Alec too before going back at Reese. Hearing what he said about stopping everything and finding out who was doing the hacking

"Ok Boss, I had been looking into it a little bit already but I'll put all my energy twords that right now."

Giving a nod to Reese and than one to Alec Dalton cringes a little bit at the mention to not letting Alec leave. Watching as Reese leaves Dalton turns his chair and looks at Alec for a moment giving a little shrug.

"Well...ok than...ummm...get on that computer there and there is a few files open already. I want you to look through and see what stuff has been tampered with. Each file should have a check mark by it and ones that were touched by someone other than who is not authorized will have a little red X. I want to see if there is a pattern with them."

Turning back to his own computer Dalton goes to work on his own stuff to pin point where the hacks were coming from, and how long they had been going on.

Hearing Axel's voice Ryan look up after finishing the last bit of paper work. Shifting it all together and getting it in a pile Ryan trys to give a little smile though she looked a little tired.

"Ron does worry to much, but yes I'm ok. Just a little tired, a little stressed out, but I am ok. Just dealing with Boyfriend, friend drama...nothing to pressing."

Ryan smiles to Axel again thankful for his friendship to at least ask her if she was ok. It made her feel good to know he was always looking out for her and makes sure she was ok on her quiet days.

"Thank you for asking Axel it means a lot."

Giving a thoughtful smile Cassy really didnt want them lunch to end. It was nice sitting and talking with Leo, and knowing there relationship was growing was even more of a good reason to want to stay.

"Yeah I do have to be heading back. I have three more class this afternoon."

Taking a sip of her water and giving a throughful sigh. She wanted to spend more time with Leo and she wondered if many he wanted to a little later.

"Maybe later we can get together again and watch a movie or something?"

"Mmmm...maybe dinner and a movie tonight sounds good to me! Maybe I could give you a nice back rub tonight too."

Aerith gives a small laugh as she turns a little and grabs a to go cup putting the drink in it that Wyatt wanted before handing it to him and the straw.

"Here you go love, and its even on the house today. I got it for ya. You better get back to work before the chef wonders if you ran off."

Aerith's eyes twinkles she loved when Wyatt came to see her and it was always sad when he had to go, but it made seeing him the next time even better.


Kinda worried

"Mmm..." Wyatt returns Aerith's kiss and smiles back at her. "I torture you because then you're all the more glad to see me after work."

Straightening at the counter, he shakes his head. "I could use a coke to go - but I'm on duty and gotta get back to work asap. I just had to stop in here to find somebody, now I gotta report on it."

Sighing a little, his eyes prove he's somewhat weary. Things at TJY had been stressful lately. Unsolved cases gnawed at him and everyone else, and the threat of an Agency hacker was not to be taken lightly.


Leo grins a bit, but sighs. "Yeah... I guess." He gives Cassy's hand a little squeeze. "Thanks. I just wanna forget last night ever happened. Alec can be a jerk but I was the one who swung first so he shouldn't get in any trouble."

Falling silent, his eyes move from her hand to her face, his thumb running over her knuckles. "You have to get back to the studio, don't you?" It wasn't that he wanted to leave - on the contrary, he wished he could just sit here with her for much longer, but he knew she had a class today and not only would he never take that away from her, but he knew the reality of the day too and they had to go sometime.


"Hey." Axel comes up beside Ryan and leans on the work table, looking over her shoulder for a moment. "Clocking out?"

He already knew the answer - it was obvious that she'd gotten her work done and he was the only one left now. He cocks his head a little more. She'd been awfully quiet today. "Everything alright? Ron said he was kinda worried about you, but he worries a lot about everything."


"Dalton?" Reese opens the office door without knocking, bringing Alec in with him. "I hear we've had a hacker. I want you to stop whatever you're working on and find out who it is or where the hack's been coming from. Alec is to help you, but don't let him out of your sight." His eyes narrow, though he's not upset - perhaps just annoyed. "And don't help him out of the building, okay?"

Alec's eyes widen. "I didn't-"

"No, but it doesn't take a genius. Have fun."

Alec watches as Reese leaves, then slowly turns around to Dalton. The big guy probably wondered what meat grinder he'd been through. Sighing, he comes around and sits in the empty chair, staring at the blank computer screen. "Um... yeah."

Long day

Finishing up her last car Ryan lets out a long sigh. It had been a long day that seemed even longer. No Leo today at work made Ryan wonder if it was because of the battle wounds of fighting or if it was because of her, and to top it off not hearing anything from Alec all day made things worse.

Pulling out her phone and check it once again only to see no new messages Ryan sighs before putting it back in her pocket and going to the drive side of the car to test it. Hearing the purring sounded as she started it up she lets out another sigh. At least that went right today and she got her whole line up done.

Closing the hood and taking her clip bored Ryan makes her way to her work bench to sit down at her work bench and filling out the days work onto paper. After that she'd be home bounded after making a quick stop at the store for something to go with the dinner, and some more beer for Eli.

Chatting with Leo and giving a laugh at something he had said Cassy looks up quickly hearing Leo's whole name used. Not sure who this was she looks to Leo and gives a question look but remains quiet as there conversation starts.

From what was said it seemed to be about the fight Leo had been in and she was very proud of him for talking as smooth as he could about it. It was the right thing to do and it seemed to have cleared someones name from something.

Once the conversation was over Cassy gives a nod to Wyatt watching him as he leaves before looking back to Leo again and giving a smile. Sliding her hand across the table and taking Leo's in her own her eyes twinkle.

"You did good Leo. I am proud of you."

Hearing Carson call to her Aerith didn't even have to turn around to know who it was and with out saying anything a smile comes to her lips. Putting the last few plates away and whips her hands on her aprin walking over to Wyatt where her smile grows even more.

"Mmmm...You know I love when you pull your hair back. Why do you have to torcher me like that on the job huh?"

Looking in the direction to where Carson was Aerith wanted to see if he was looking or not. Leaning into Wyatt a little bit she gives him a quick kiss and than leans her forehead against his for a moment before retreating.

"Did you want something to eat or drink Love or was this just a hi how are you? Because either way I am happy to see ya!"

Letting her smile grow a little as Phil said he did want to meet her Chinchilla it made Rayne feel good. She new it was just a pet but it was the only family she had and knowing Phil cared enough to meet her felt really good.

Just letting the silence continue it didn't feel awkward yet comforting knowing she could share a conversation and a silence with Phil the same. Hearing him talk again though and his words hit her ears she can feel a little warmth creep up her neck and form on her cheeks.

Turning to Phil again Rayne's eyes just sparkle a little more. It felt good someone said that and it made her stomach glittery but in a good way.

"Thank you Phil, it was nice to hear that. Your pretty handsome yourself."

Guy with a ponytail

"So you got in a fight with someone nameless at an unknown location." Reese leans back in his chair, staring up at Alec, who had come into his office only a few minutes prior. "Alec, you're a smart man. You know that doesn't help things any. I need a name. I need a place. Otherwise, you have no alibi."

"Look, I don't even know what this is about." Alec throws up his arms, forgetting that it would hurt. "You think I killed some guy, but you're wrong."

"It's not just some guy," Reese corrects. He tosses a file towards Alec. "Take a look at the names in there. Go ahead."

Alec hesitates, but does open the file, flipping through the pages. "I recognize some of these names. Agency connections I think. Some I don't know though. Who are they?"

"They're all the people who have been killed lately, right when we're getting ready to bring them in for questioning." Reese is very stern, not treating this like a game. "It also appears that these killings have taken place when you're unaccounted for. It's not just one night, Alec - it's a whole batch of them."

Alec blinks and looks back to Reese. Surprise was evident in his eyes. "I swear I had nothing to do with these. Why would I?"

"We figure it's the Agency killing off those that are at risk for security breaches. But you're the only one with Agency ties who has been in this building to know where we're going to be next and who we're going after."

"So you think I'm still with the Agency."

"Are you?"

Alec grits his teeth. "No. But it doesn't matter what I say, does it? If I look guilty, it just gives you an excuse to lock me up."

"Give me a reason not to!" Reese leans forward on his desk, folding his hands. "Give me a reason, Alec. If you weren't killing someone last night, where were you and why are you so beat up?"

It wasn't fair - being backed into a corner like this. "I don't want to get the others in trouble." Alec still resists. "The police will just blow it way out of proportion and I won't do that to them."

Reese cocks his head. "You forget - we're not the police. We're the Elite." He stares at Alec, waiting. "Trust me, Alec. For once in your life, trust me. If no one deserves to be arrested, then I won't. If they do, then you shouldn't be protecting them."

"They don't deserve jail."

"Then tell me where you were, Alec.... come on. If you're innocent, prove it to me."

Alec swallows hard, his mind racing.



"Leonard Barnsworth?"

Leo almost cringes at his full name being used. Right in the middle of a conversation with Cassy while still at Mom and Pop's, he lets it trail off as he looks up at the man who was interrupting them. "Yeah?"

Wyatt shows his badge. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to ask a few questions."

Leo's eyes widen and he gives an uneasy glance in Cassy's direction. "Oh... okay. Did I do something wrong?"

Wyatt smiles. "Not that I know of. I just want to confirm where you were last night."

Leo bristles slightly. "I was with some friends."

"Where?"

Leo hesitates.

Wyatt shakes his head. "Nobody else is going down if you just tell the truth."

Leo hoped this officer was being truthful about that. "I was outside town at the street race."

"Is that where you got those shiners?"

Leo sinks down a little. "Yeah."

"And who was it that you fought with?" Wyatt cocks his head, waiting, but not receiving a response. "It's okay... if you tell me who, they're going to be in a whole lot less trouble than they are now."

Leo wonders what kind of trouble Alec was in now, but he finally relents. "Alec... Alec Banks. He was at the races when I got there and he didn't leave until someone took him back to TJY a few hours later."

"Okay. That's all I needed to know." He nods to Leo, then to Cassy too. "Sorry to interrupt you guys. Eat in peace." Leaving the table, he wanders up to the counter and looks around for Aerith.

Carson sees him from the kitchen and he nods to Aerith who he had putting some dishes away for him. "Some guy with a ponytail is out there looking a little lost. You might go see what he needs."


Phil's eyes roam Ryan's face, taking in everything about her fine features and he grins. "I'd like to meet your chinchilla."

A silence comes over the peaceful scene, but he doesn't mind. The words slip right out of his mouth without him even thinking. "Has anyone ever told you that you're beautiful?"

Dosnt talk a lot

Katie shakes her head and rolls her eyes at Pete. It was always nice teasing people at work and breaking up the day. Now that some of her energy had been depleted as well maybe she could sit and do something.

"Yeah yeah yeah...don't worry like I said when you least expect it."

Shaking her head and turning to sit at her desk again and opening a file she had. Thinking for a long moment than feeling Jason's warm fuzzy feelings Katie gives a little giggle. It tingled but she liked it. Sending back her own warm feelings to him she nods even though no one can see her.

Oh alright, I guess I can do that. If you not getting kisses that means I'm not either and that would be a tragedy.

Continuing to watch the water Rayne finally turns to look at Phil while he talked about his family. You could see in his eyes how much he loved them all and missed the time they once spent so much together.

"Your family sounds wonderful. I think would be nice to be able to meet them sometime."

Rayne liked meeting people, and getting to know Phil's family would be fun. And if they were anything like him she new it was be a great time for sure.

"I have a chinchilla at home, thats my family and maybe you can meet her sometime. Though she dosnt talk a lot."

Letting her eyes search Phil's for a long moment her smile grew a little bit. The breeze moving her hair just a little bit till she tucks the strand behind her ear.