"Huh?" Wayne swings his head around, bringing Jackie into focus. "Oh, just, um... observing."
Erik laughs, his smile making his eyes sparkle. "Earth to Wayne."
"Mm-hmm." Wayne grins and focuses on the table for a moment, wishing Jackie hadn't noticed his quietness. "I'm from a faraway planet to begin with - forgive me when my mind wanders from Earth."
Erik still smiles and gives Jackie a glance. "He doesn't ever take you off-planet with him, does he?"
"You kidding?" Wayne smirks. "This chick wouldn't let me take her across the street let alone off the planet."
Erik quirks an eyebrow, not having yet figured out the relationship between these two. "Aw - I think she trusts you more than that."
"Oh, it has nothing to do with trust. I'm just a pain in her patooty."
"Patooty." Erik swallows another laugh. "Careful. Someone might think you were being inappropriate."
Wayne coughs, his face turning red. "Sorry. Neck. We'll stick with neck."
"She has a nice neck too."
Wayne blinks, seeing Erik remaining completely cool while implying that... Wayne's mouth hangs open.
Erik's laugh slips out and he pours a glass of water, pushing it over to Wayne. "You look like you need this."
Wayne blinks again and takes the glass, throwing Jackie a look. "You... you were saying?"
Hearing Jess' words, Axel believed her... she never had thought he'd committed the crime, and for that, he would be forever grateful. As she hugs him, he still feels a little numb from everything, but starting to recover, he slips his arms around her too.
Burying his face into her shoulder, he isn't sure whether his emotions would continue to hold up or not. He straightens a little and grabs the tv remote to play the movie again, but only so there's some noise. Then turning, he pulls Jess sideways into his lap. Holding her close, he rests his head on her shoulder, not allowing her to see his face as he kisses her cheek softly.
"Thank you for believing in me." His voice wavers as he gropes for control. He was so relieved, but it was such an emotional topic to begin with that it felt as though his heart just didn't know how to handle it.
His arms stay locked around her and he sighs deeply before giving her neck a gentle kiss, then another before moving up to her cheek again. "You're special, Jess... you always will be."
Pete shakes his head. "Naw... Nikki's busy tonight - party life isn't quite her thing anyway."
Grinning, he rolls his eyes. "Yeah... I might be able to set you up with a girl. Depends on who's there." He winks and moves towards the door. "Come on. Get back to your room and behave for a few more hours then I'll be back to get you. Don't do anything to tip off Reese and..." He pauses, his grin growing sly. "...we'll slip out of here under the radar."
Carson smiles as he talks on the phone with Misty, moving about the kitchen and reaching over Dani's shoulder to add more cheese to the pizza she was making. "I'm not so sure you really are kidding," he teases. "I'll be extra careful tonight if I dare ask again what you were doing."
He glances back out to the tables and gestures for Aerith to take out some more pitchers of soda while still talking to Misty, his smile softening. "Love you too. Call me when you get out of work... if I'm still here you can come here instead."
9/4/10
Own Mind
Giving a small chuckle she realized how silly she must have sounded asking him what he did in his pass time seeing as he just moved here. It was a conversation starter though and the only thing she could think of. She had friends but not many she saw on a regular bases so building conversation that was not around work was not her strong point.
"Ohh..hiking...being out in nature is defiantly a nice pass time for sure."
Little time was left for herself to really do anything but work. Wayne and Music was pretty much her life, but when the free time did come it seemed even better. Knowing she earned it and got to hold onto it.
Giving a nod and turning a little to see Wayne Jackie cocks her head a little bit. Wayne was always quiet but he seemed extra quiet today. Her really never seemed like he stayed in a shell before.
"How about you? What do you think about this all? Your so quiet over there."
Getting lost in the moment with Axel and the movie it seemed like everything else was gone. The movie was getting to the intense point that when Axel sits up it startles Jess a little. The movie going into pause she was about to ask Axel what was wrong but his words come out.
Raising and eyebrow at his comment she wondered for a moment what on earth he was talking about. For a moment it just all seemed like babble. Finally understanding what he was getting at the smile on Jess face grew slightly as she takes his hand.
"Oh Axel, if for anything else it puts you own mind at rest, and thats a good thing. I new you didn't do it."
Wrapping her arms around Axel and pulling him into a hug Jess gives a squeeze. She wanted to cry for him out of happiness. This was good news that he remembered and it would put his mind to rest so he wouldn't second guess himself anymore.
Shifting a little at the mention of a party Trey lifts an eyebrow. Pete was cool, but Trey wouldn't have pegged him for a party guy but since he was offering he wasn't going to turn it around. Getting out of here, having some beer now that sounded like a great time.
"A lift there tonight would be great. You sure your girl wont mind? I figured you two would be hanging out."
Pete seemed cool, Party sounded fun, maybe this would be a lot of fun. Who knows what else might happen and who he might meet. This could turn out to be an interesting night after all.
"Maybe you can introduce me into the cuties too."
"Yeah, Rick has me doing some extra work, so you don't have to feel bad being late at work because I am not there either."
Labeling two vials and transpiring a little of blood from each Misty sits at on of the computers and prepares to run some tests. It would take a few days to do, and get everything back so she might as well start now. Chatting with Carson on the other phone she holds it between her ear and shoulder.
"No I can't tell you, If I did I'd have to kill you and that would be a shame."
Giving a laugh and putting the vials into the mixer Misty than takes the phone and stands.
"I'm kidding. Just doing some blood samples for Rick since he was going out of town. I love you babe."
"Ohh..hiking...being out in nature is defiantly a nice pass time for sure."
Little time was left for herself to really do anything but work. Wayne and Music was pretty much her life, but when the free time did come it seemed even better. Knowing she earned it and got to hold onto it.
Giving a nod and turning a little to see Wayne Jackie cocks her head a little bit. Wayne was always quiet but he seemed extra quiet today. Her really never seemed like he stayed in a shell before.
"How about you? What do you think about this all? Your so quiet over there."
Getting lost in the moment with Axel and the movie it seemed like everything else was gone. The movie was getting to the intense point that when Axel sits up it startles Jess a little. The movie going into pause she was about to ask Axel what was wrong but his words come out.
Raising and eyebrow at his comment she wondered for a moment what on earth he was talking about. For a moment it just all seemed like babble. Finally understanding what he was getting at the smile on Jess face grew slightly as she takes his hand.
"Oh Axel, if for anything else it puts you own mind at rest, and thats a good thing. I new you didn't do it."
Wrapping her arms around Axel and pulling him into a hug Jess gives a squeeze. She wanted to cry for him out of happiness. This was good news that he remembered and it would put his mind to rest so he wouldn't second guess himself anymore.
Shifting a little at the mention of a party Trey lifts an eyebrow. Pete was cool, but Trey wouldn't have pegged him for a party guy but since he was offering he wasn't going to turn it around. Getting out of here, having some beer now that sounded like a great time.
"A lift there tonight would be great. You sure your girl wont mind? I figured you two would be hanging out."
Pete seemed cool, Party sounded fun, maybe this would be a lot of fun. Who knows what else might happen and who he might meet. This could turn out to be an interesting night after all.
"Maybe you can introduce me into the cuties too."
"Yeah, Rick has me doing some extra work, so you don't have to feel bad being late at work because I am not there either."
Labeling two vials and transpiring a little of blood from each Misty sits at on of the computers and prepares to run some tests. It would take a few days to do, and get everything back so she might as well start now. Chatting with Carson on the other phone she holds it between her ear and shoulder.
"No I can't tell you, If I did I'd have to kill you and that would be a shame."
Giving a laugh and putting the vials into the mixer Misty than takes the phone and stands.
"I'm kidding. Just doing some blood samples for Rick since he was going out of town. I love you babe."
Don't worry...
Erik chuckles at Jackie. "When am I not in band mode?" His grin remains and he shakes his head. "Haven't really picked up too many other interests around here yet. Still getting settled I guess."
Truth be known, Erik had always thrown himself fully into whatever he did, leaving room for little else besides his dedication.
"Everyone in the band - those are my friends, so when we hang out, it's band time." He shrugs. "Just works out that way. I guess if I didn't have them twenty-four/seven..." He thinks for a moment. "Not sure what I'd do," he admits ruefully. "Maybe find a nice hiking trail or something."
"Yeah... a movie sounds good." Axel tries to keep his head in the game for Jess' sake, helping with the pie, then heading back to the living room with her. Getting settled once more on the couch, he's not quite as cuddly but does sit next to her and leans back to eat dessert while the movie they chose plays. He's quiet... seeming to be totally focused on the movie, even if his mind is a million miles away.
Eventually, empty plates are stacked on the coffee table along with Axel's feet and his arm is around Jess as the movie plays on. At some point in the plot, someone sets a trap for a bad guy and winds up with a homemade alarm from a string of bells. Sure enough when the bad guy comes around the corner, the whole world knows he's there from the racket.
Axel's eyes focus on the screen as he watches, but as that scene plays, his whole body tenses and he's suddenly no longer caring about the plot. "Alarm," he whispers. "The alarm went off. How could I have not..."
Grabbing the remote, he stops the movie without warning and looks down to Jess, shock in his eyes. "Why didn't I remember it before?" Everything had been a blur... he'd been so worked up and scared at the time, that thinking straight had been hard to come by anyway. And ever since then, he'd tried not to think about it at all. But the one forgotten piece was the one that could have provided him peace all these years.
Still staring at Jess, he blinks. "I set my alarm that night." He didn't even think about the fact that she might not have a clue what he was talking about. "I had an electronic alarm set up so if I opened the door in the middle of the night, it would go off. Sometimes I forgot to set it, so it wasn't consistent, but when I did, not once did I ever disarm it while sleepwalking - I always set it off."
His eyes search Jess' as his mind processes what felt like a thousand and one bits and pieces. "When the police came, they set it off. The alarm went off when they came in which means it was still set, which means... I never left."
He blinks again, the shock remaining in his gaze. How could he have not remembered that? It didn't prove a thing to anyone else, but to him... to him, this was a freedom. He was innocent... and now he knew it for sure. "I never left," he whispers. "It really wasn't me."
Pete shrugs and keeps the gun, fiddling with it a little more before wandering over to the gun cabinet to put it away. "Somewhere to hang out, huh?"
He thinks for a couple moments before finishing and turning around, hooking his hands in his pockets. "Guess that depends on what you like. We got bars, we got clubs, we got fights but technically I'm not supposed to know about those, there's desert races on some nights but Alec would know that schedule."
Pete studies Trey for a moment, cocking his head. "There's a party tonight up at the lake. Hamburgers, hotdogs, good beer... I'm going for a couple hours if you wanna grab a ride with me." He grins a little. "And don't worry about curfew... I'll have you covered."
Truth be known, Erik had always thrown himself fully into whatever he did, leaving room for little else besides his dedication.
"Everyone in the band - those are my friends, so when we hang out, it's band time." He shrugs. "Just works out that way. I guess if I didn't have them twenty-four/seven..." He thinks for a moment. "Not sure what I'd do," he admits ruefully. "Maybe find a nice hiking trail or something."
"Yeah... a movie sounds good." Axel tries to keep his head in the game for Jess' sake, helping with the pie, then heading back to the living room with her. Getting settled once more on the couch, he's not quite as cuddly but does sit next to her and leans back to eat dessert while the movie they chose plays. He's quiet... seeming to be totally focused on the movie, even if his mind is a million miles away.
Eventually, empty plates are stacked on the coffee table along with Axel's feet and his arm is around Jess as the movie plays on. At some point in the plot, someone sets a trap for a bad guy and winds up with a homemade alarm from a string of bells. Sure enough when the bad guy comes around the corner, the whole world knows he's there from the racket.
Axel's eyes focus on the screen as he watches, but as that scene plays, his whole body tenses and he's suddenly no longer caring about the plot. "Alarm," he whispers. "The alarm went off. How could I have not..."
Grabbing the remote, he stops the movie without warning and looks down to Jess, shock in his eyes. "Why didn't I remember it before?" Everything had been a blur... he'd been so worked up and scared at the time, that thinking straight had been hard to come by anyway. And ever since then, he'd tried not to think about it at all. But the one forgotten piece was the one that could have provided him peace all these years.
Still staring at Jess, he blinks. "I set my alarm that night." He didn't even think about the fact that she might not have a clue what he was talking about. "I had an electronic alarm set up so if I opened the door in the middle of the night, it would go off. Sometimes I forgot to set it, so it wasn't consistent, but when I did, not once did I ever disarm it while sleepwalking - I always set it off."
His eyes search Jess' as his mind processes what felt like a thousand and one bits and pieces. "When the police came, they set it off. The alarm went off when they came in which means it was still set, which means... I never left."
He blinks again, the shock remaining in his gaze. How could he have not remembered that? It didn't prove a thing to anyone else, but to him... to him, this was a freedom. He was innocent... and now he knew it for sure. "I never left," he whispers. "It really wasn't me."
Pete shrugs and keeps the gun, fiddling with it a little more before wandering over to the gun cabinet to put it away. "Somewhere to hang out, huh?"
He thinks for a couple moments before finishing and turning around, hooking his hands in his pockets. "Guess that depends on what you like. We got bars, we got clubs, we got fights but technically I'm not supposed to know about those, there's desert races on some nights but Alec would know that schedule."
Pete studies Trey for a moment, cocking his head. "There's a party tonight up at the lake. Hamburgers, hotdogs, good beer... I'm going for a couple hours if you wanna grab a ride with me." He grins a little. "And don't worry about curfew... I'll have you covered."
9/3/10
Band Mode
Wondering closer Trey gives a small nod to Pete. He wasn't sure why he got along with him when he was just like the others part of the Elite. There was just something about him that Trey wasn't threatened by.
"Things wouldn't be bad around here if there was more to do and Reese wasn't so up tight."
Shaking his head a little a grin from on his face. Reese wasn't so bad to deal with Trey just liked making it out to be more than it was. Though he did think he needed to loosen up a little bit and try to have a little fun.
Hearing Pete's offer about shooting the gun Trey looks down at it for a moment. He's been around guns all his life they were nothing new and they didn't scare him, but guns just weren't his thing. His own fists or a knife were his life line in a fight. Maybe not the best option when it came aganst a gun but it was his preference.
"Nah thats ok. Gun's have never been my style. Thanks for the offer though. Oh Hey I was going to ask, if I am able to go out tomorrow you know any good places to hang around at?"
Trey felt stupid and like a little kid asking a feeling he hated but he asked anyways. He wasn't from around here so how would he know. He was sure he could figure it out on his own but asking Pete wasn't to bad.
Heading back to the kitchen with Axel Jess new he was avoiding the topic once again and all she can do it sigh. She wished sometimes he would talk more to her about things, or at least try. She was there with a listing ear but he never took her up on it and she never pushed it.
"Mmmmm...Pie is always good."
As Axel pulls out the plates Jess cuts the pie and puts them both on the plates. She new Axel would talk to her in his own time she she shouldn't get so frustrated it was just hard sometimes to know how he was feeling when he didn't talk about it. She'd just have to be pashent once again because she loved him she would be pashent.
"Want to watch another movie?"
Giving a smile back to Erik and just listing Jackie gives a nod here and there to let him know she was listing to him. Some might think what he was saying was boring but Jackie enjoyed listing. It helped her learn a little more about them witch she thought was important.
"I think its great you guys look at each other as a family, and as for holding Kyle back...I don't see that happening at all. You all have a lot of talent, and are equal. I am sure thats how Kyle see it too."
Giving a smile Jackie looks around again she is quite continuing to take everything in for a moment. It was nice to be out and doing something different. Just watching the other have fun seemed to satisfie her.
Turning back to Erik at his question Jackie gives him a soft smile thinking for a moment. In this setting she was a little more relaxed and her eyes twinkled a little.
"I like to sit at home and paint. Reading is a nice pass time I like as well. And to top it all off...I like to mix music at home but not like I do at work for you guys. I find my own sounds and put them together to create a song with my own words. It's just something fun I like doing nothing really searous though. Spending outside is a good pastime for me too."
Giving a smile and a sip of her drink Jackie is quiet for a moment before nodding to Erik.
"How about you when your not in band mode?"
"Things wouldn't be bad around here if there was more to do and Reese wasn't so up tight."
Shaking his head a little a grin from on his face. Reese wasn't so bad to deal with Trey just liked making it out to be more than it was. Though he did think he needed to loosen up a little bit and try to have a little fun.
Hearing Pete's offer about shooting the gun Trey looks down at it for a moment. He's been around guns all his life they were nothing new and they didn't scare him, but guns just weren't his thing. His own fists or a knife were his life line in a fight. Maybe not the best option when it came aganst a gun but it was his preference.
"Nah thats ok. Gun's have never been my style. Thanks for the offer though. Oh Hey I was going to ask, if I am able to go out tomorrow you know any good places to hang around at?"
Trey felt stupid and like a little kid asking a feeling he hated but he asked anyways. He wasn't from around here so how would he know. He was sure he could figure it out on his own but asking Pete wasn't to bad.
Heading back to the kitchen with Axel Jess new he was avoiding the topic once again and all she can do it sigh. She wished sometimes he would talk more to her about things, or at least try. She was there with a listing ear but he never took her up on it and she never pushed it.
"Mmmmm...Pie is always good."
As Axel pulls out the plates Jess cuts the pie and puts them both on the plates. She new Axel would talk to her in his own time she she shouldn't get so frustrated it was just hard sometimes to know how he was feeling when he didn't talk about it. She'd just have to be pashent once again because she loved him she would be pashent.
"Want to watch another movie?"
Giving a smile back to Erik and just listing Jackie gives a nod here and there to let him know she was listing to him. Some might think what he was saying was boring but Jackie enjoyed listing. It helped her learn a little more about them witch she thought was important.
"I think its great you guys look at each other as a family, and as for holding Kyle back...I don't see that happening at all. You all have a lot of talent, and are equal. I am sure thats how Kyle see it too."
Giving a smile Jackie looks around again she is quite continuing to take everything in for a moment. It was nice to be out and doing something different. Just watching the other have fun seemed to satisfie her.
Turning back to Erik at his question Jackie gives him a soft smile thinking for a moment. In this setting she was a little more relaxed and her eyes twinkled a little.
"I like to sit at home and paint. Reading is a nice pass time I like as well. And to top it all off...I like to mix music at home but not like I do at work for you guys. I find my own sounds and put them together to create a song with my own words. It's just something fun I like doing nothing really searous though. Spending outside is a good pastime for me too."
Giving a smile and a sip of her drink Jackie is quiet for a moment before nodding to Erik.
"How about you when your not in band mode?"
9/2/10
What about you?
Hearing someone come into the room and speak, Pete looks over his shoulder, a grin forming. It grows just a little more and he shakes his head. "I haven't run away. You just haven't looked in the right spots. As for the girl, well... that's what time away from here is for, right?"
Hanging up the earmuffs and wiping off the gun, making sure everything was back where it was supposed to be, Pete still listens. "Good." He was answering for both the fact of Trey being clean, and for him being given a little more freedom. "Things around here aren't so bad if there are a few compromises."
Concentrating on the handgun, Pete finally turns around to face Trey, studying him for a moment. Glancing back to the targets, his eyes then return to Trey. Turning the gun around in his hand so he's holding the barrel, he offers it to him. "Wanna try a few rounds?"
Though Axel hears Jess, he doesn't respond to her presence. He didn't want her to see him like this. As a matter of fact, he hated it. But he didn't have the strength this time to fight it.
Being pulled into a hug, the tears still come as he hides his face in Jess' shoulder. His arms slide around her and hold her tightly as the only thing he had right now to keep him going. This whole thing was just a mess and he didn't understand why he was being forced to live through it. It was bad enough the first time around - why did he have to relive it now, digging up all those memories and everything that had happened? Prison was the nightmare of his life, and something he had successfully shoved into a back closet. Abandonment from his family was a close second, and he'd also pushed that one far enough back that he didn't have to think about it anymore... until now. He just didn't understand.
Unsure how long he stood with Jess, he tries to slow the tears enough he can at least attempt to compose himself again. He knew she didn't care about seeing him in this state - he knew she didn't love him less or think any less of him. But he still didn't like it. He felt weak... vulnerable.
Drawing in a shaky breath, he finally lets Jess go, turning back to the sink to splash some cold water on his face. His eye burned and felt sore. Drying with a towel, he just stops and looks in the mirror at both himself and Jess for several long moments. Sniffing and throwing the towel back on the rack, he puts his arms around Jess again in a new hug, kissing the top of her head. It was the only way he knew how to say thank you.
Sighing deeply, he retreats, feeling at least somewhat composed now. "I hear dessert calling us," he suggests quietly. He was totally avoiding talk of what had just happened, but right now, he didn't even know what he could say about it. Moving on was the most comfortable thing to do.
Leading back through the short hallway, his arm stays around Jess' shoulder until they reach the kitchen and he finds a couple small plates for the pie. He really didn't feel like eating, but he would anyway - it wouldn't be fair to Jess to have the evening end on a rotten note.
Erik grins and nods, turning a little to see Jackie better. "Yeah... we have fun. We're all pretty close, and even Kyle by now - it's all kinda like family, ya know?"
Fingering a napkin his eyes roam the room for a few minutes, watching everyone else interacting in some way, shape or form. No one was being left out, and that's the way it should be.
"I'm sure we look a bit strange." He chuckles. "Us having picked up Kyle to give him a band instead of the other way around... then we all sorta share the workload. I know Kyle sometimes doesn't like thinking of us as "his" band, but... I think it fits and we like following him. It just seemed the right thing to do." He remembered when his brother had left the band to begin with and they'd been without a leader and lead singer. Erik had already been familiar with Kyle and JetStream, then he'd been right there at the same time things ended with Break Out. It had just seemed to fit. None of them wanted to be leaders - they all liked being support and backup - they all felt that's where their talents were. They probably would have chosen someone to be their lead eventually, but with Kyle they didn't need to. Giving the band his name seemed natural - Kyle was much better than he thought he was, and it only seemed fair that he finally get his chance.
Bringing his mind back on target, Erik smiles again at Jackie. "Kinda like voting on a president I guess." He chuckles. "Everybody needs a leader and even if Kyle doesn't think he's the right material, we all think he's perfect. He doesn't look down on us, he lets us decide things as a group, and he's never arrogant. I just hope the rest of us don't hold him back now, because he could really go far with his talents."
This all was probably boring, and he shakes his head, setting the now-frayed napkin aside. "What about you? What do you do when you're not at the recording studio?"
Hanging up the earmuffs and wiping off the gun, making sure everything was back where it was supposed to be, Pete still listens. "Good." He was answering for both the fact of Trey being clean, and for him being given a little more freedom. "Things around here aren't so bad if there are a few compromises."
Concentrating on the handgun, Pete finally turns around to face Trey, studying him for a moment. Glancing back to the targets, his eyes then return to Trey. Turning the gun around in his hand so he's holding the barrel, he offers it to him. "Wanna try a few rounds?"
Though Axel hears Jess, he doesn't respond to her presence. He didn't want her to see him like this. As a matter of fact, he hated it. But he didn't have the strength this time to fight it.
Being pulled into a hug, the tears still come as he hides his face in Jess' shoulder. His arms slide around her and hold her tightly as the only thing he had right now to keep him going. This whole thing was just a mess and he didn't understand why he was being forced to live through it. It was bad enough the first time around - why did he have to relive it now, digging up all those memories and everything that had happened? Prison was the nightmare of his life, and something he had successfully shoved into a back closet. Abandonment from his family was a close second, and he'd also pushed that one far enough back that he didn't have to think about it anymore... until now. He just didn't understand.
Unsure how long he stood with Jess, he tries to slow the tears enough he can at least attempt to compose himself again. He knew she didn't care about seeing him in this state - he knew she didn't love him less or think any less of him. But he still didn't like it. He felt weak... vulnerable.
Drawing in a shaky breath, he finally lets Jess go, turning back to the sink to splash some cold water on his face. His eye burned and felt sore. Drying with a towel, he just stops and looks in the mirror at both himself and Jess for several long moments. Sniffing and throwing the towel back on the rack, he puts his arms around Jess again in a new hug, kissing the top of her head. It was the only way he knew how to say thank you.
Sighing deeply, he retreats, feeling at least somewhat composed now. "I hear dessert calling us," he suggests quietly. He was totally avoiding talk of what had just happened, but right now, he didn't even know what he could say about it. Moving on was the most comfortable thing to do.
Leading back through the short hallway, his arm stays around Jess' shoulder until they reach the kitchen and he finds a couple small plates for the pie. He really didn't feel like eating, but he would anyway - it wouldn't be fair to Jess to have the evening end on a rotten note.
Erik grins and nods, turning a little to see Jackie better. "Yeah... we have fun. We're all pretty close, and even Kyle by now - it's all kinda like family, ya know?"
Fingering a napkin his eyes roam the room for a few minutes, watching everyone else interacting in some way, shape or form. No one was being left out, and that's the way it should be.
"I'm sure we look a bit strange." He chuckles. "Us having picked up Kyle to give him a band instead of the other way around... then we all sorta share the workload. I know Kyle sometimes doesn't like thinking of us as "his" band, but... I think it fits and we like following him. It just seemed the right thing to do." He remembered when his brother had left the band to begin with and they'd been without a leader and lead singer. Erik had already been familiar with Kyle and JetStream, then he'd been right there at the same time things ended with Break Out. It had just seemed to fit. None of them wanted to be leaders - they all liked being support and backup - they all felt that's where their talents were. They probably would have chosen someone to be their lead eventually, but with Kyle they didn't need to. Giving the band his name seemed natural - Kyle was much better than he thought he was, and it only seemed fair that he finally get his chance.
Bringing his mind back on target, Erik smiles again at Jackie. "Kinda like voting on a president I guess." He chuckles. "Everybody needs a leader and even if Kyle doesn't think he's the right material, we all think he's perfect. He doesn't look down on us, he lets us decide things as a group, and he's never arrogant. I just hope the rest of us don't hold him back now, because he could really go far with his talents."
This all was probably boring, and he shakes his head, setting the now-frayed napkin aside. "What about you? What do you do when you're not at the recording studio?"
Energy
Entering the diner with Wayne and seeing the band Jackie smiles giving a little wave. Not sure who the other people were she could only guess they were friends of Kyle and the others. Standing there for a moment with Wayne by her side Jackie's eyes roam the area and all the people. Taking them all in and remembering what they saw here today.
Finally though as Kyle calls to them Jackie gives a wave and makes her way over to the table. Finding to seats together with Wayne and opts to sit closer to where Erik was. They'd been the ones that really talked the most so if she felt comfortable talking to anyone else here it would be him.
"Wayne I think I can see where most of Kip's energy gets burned away."
Giving a little chuckle and a shake of her head Jackie's eyes roam the table once again watching all the others interacting and getting along. It was different seeing them in there own zones totally relaxed.
Looking over at Erik and giving a soft smile she gives a little nod before leaning a little closer to the table so she didn't have to yell across it.
"This is a different atmosphere from when you guys are in the studio. Its nice to see ya all layed back. It's good to see that."
Going into the kitchen to get some dessert Jess could see all the emotion in Axel's eyes as she leaves. Standing in the kitchen as Axel calls Jess slowly turns around letting the silence linger. Her heart broke a little more. He was trying to be so strong but maybe all he really needed to do was let it out.
Jess new Axel likes to keep to himself but still maybe he just needed those arms, her arms around him right now even if he didn't ask. Should she dare going for it? Leaving everything on the counter for now Slowly walking to the bathroom Jess gives a little knock on the door as to not startle Axel.
"Axel..."
Opening the door a little more she heart just seemed to break even more for him. Seeing him like this was so different she new everything inside of his must have been breaking too. Entering the bathroom she reaches her arm out and wraps them around him. Pulling Axel close to her she rubs his back gently and rests her head on top oh his.
"...Shhhhh..."
No more words were spoke as Jess just held Axel. Just being there holding him would say all the words that needed to be. She didn't mind seeing Axel cry everyone had a bubbling point.
Looking up at Rick and taking the two vials Misty raises an eyebrow for a moment wondering about both samples and what was written on them. Hearing Rick's reason though she looks up quickly at him again. Was he really saying what she thought?
"Yeah, ok I can do that. Carson is busy tonight so I can work on a bunch of it than though I wont get it all done for a few days and than I'll call you."
Looking down at the samples in her hand again Misty twists them around for a moment just thinking. What would happen with Jason and Trey if they were related?
"Yeah, no one will know till I tell you first on this one."
Wondering bored down the hall Trey was bored and wondered how long it would take for Rick to do what he was doing. He was bored and....stopping in his tracks and lifting his head up he thought he herd a gun shot...there was another.
Moving twords what looked like an elevator he pushes the button and steps in. Hitting the button and going down. As it opens and he steps out into a whole new area Trey's eyes widen a little. There was a reck room a place to spent time and no one old him. That figures.
Hearing some moving around in the other area Trey moves forward and looking in the small window he see Pete. So thats where he was hiding out. Opening the door and stepping in Trey sticks his hands in his pockets.
"So there was a secret area and no one told me. I thought for sure you ran away or something with the pretty looking girl you got now."
Coming in a little closer Trey was serous to look at what Pete had been doing and how good he was. If he had to pick one person he didn't mind here he would say Pete. Just something about him didn't push Trey.
"I might be free soon. Well between cretin times I might be free. Reese wanted Rick to check my blood first to make sure I'm not on anything. It will come up clean."
Finally though as Kyle calls to them Jackie gives a wave and makes her way over to the table. Finding to seats together with Wayne and opts to sit closer to where Erik was. They'd been the ones that really talked the most so if she felt comfortable talking to anyone else here it would be him.
"Wayne I think I can see where most of Kip's energy gets burned away."
Giving a little chuckle and a shake of her head Jackie's eyes roam the table once again watching all the others interacting and getting along. It was different seeing them in there own zones totally relaxed.
Looking over at Erik and giving a soft smile she gives a little nod before leaning a little closer to the table so she didn't have to yell across it.
"This is a different atmosphere from when you guys are in the studio. Its nice to see ya all layed back. It's good to see that."
Going into the kitchen to get some dessert Jess could see all the emotion in Axel's eyes as she leaves. Standing in the kitchen as Axel calls Jess slowly turns around letting the silence linger. Her heart broke a little more. He was trying to be so strong but maybe all he really needed to do was let it out.
Jess new Axel likes to keep to himself but still maybe he just needed those arms, her arms around him right now even if he didn't ask. Should she dare going for it? Leaving everything on the counter for now Slowly walking to the bathroom Jess gives a little knock on the door as to not startle Axel.
"Axel..."
Opening the door a little more she heart just seemed to break even more for him. Seeing him like this was so different she new everything inside of his must have been breaking too. Entering the bathroom she reaches her arm out and wraps them around him. Pulling Axel close to her she rubs his back gently and rests her head on top oh his.
"...Shhhhh..."
No more words were spoke as Jess just held Axel. Just being there holding him would say all the words that needed to be. She didn't mind seeing Axel cry everyone had a bubbling point.
Looking up at Rick and taking the two vials Misty raises an eyebrow for a moment wondering about both samples and what was written on them. Hearing Rick's reason though she looks up quickly at him again. Was he really saying what she thought?
"Yeah, ok I can do that. Carson is busy tonight so I can work on a bunch of it than though I wont get it all done for a few days and than I'll call you."
Looking down at the samples in her hand again Misty twists them around for a moment just thinking. What would happen with Jason and Trey if they were related?
"Yeah, no one will know till I tell you first on this one."
Wondering bored down the hall Trey was bored and wondered how long it would take for Rick to do what he was doing. He was bored and....stopping in his tracks and lifting his head up he thought he herd a gun shot...there was another.
Moving twords what looked like an elevator he pushes the button and steps in. Hitting the button and going down. As it opens and he steps out into a whole new area Trey's eyes widen a little. There was a reck room a place to spent time and no one old him. That figures.
Hearing some moving around in the other area Trey moves forward and looking in the small window he see Pete. So thats where he was hiding out. Opening the door and stepping in Trey sticks his hands in his pockets.
"So there was a secret area and no one told me. I thought for sure you ran away or something with the pretty looking girl you got now."
Coming in a little closer Trey was serous to look at what Pete had been doing and how good he was. If he had to pick one person he didn't mind here he would say Pete. Just something about him didn't push Trey.
"I might be free soon. Well between cretin times I might be free. Reese wanted Rick to check my blood first to make sure I'm not on anything. It will come up clean."
Too much
Rick's eyebrows rise as Trey comments to Misty, bristling at the cockiness in the young man. He keeps his mouth shut though and waits until Trey is gone to speak to Misty. "If you ask me, letting him loose around here is just asking for trouble."
Going to one of the small computer stations, he sits on a stool and begins to process the blood sample. He almost wished he'd find something so they could keep a leash on Trey, but he had a feeling that the bloodwork would come back clean.
While Rick waits, his mind wanders to where he would be tomorrow. He, Ty and Libby would be driving to Las Vegas tonight to check into their hotel. Tomorrow they would go to their appointment at the Irlen test center at St. Catherine's hospital complex. They were scheduled to stay several days, and hopefully within that time, they would be able to find a solution for Ty. Rick just hoped and prayed that it was indeed what was wrong so that Ty would be able to get help - the young man was too intelligent to let this difficulty get in the way of his future.
Still halfway lost in thought, Rick looks back at the computer analysis, scanning the data. They had some new software that was really helping in the area of bloodwork and he knew they'd only tapped in to a small portion of the capabilities. He and Misty were both having fun learning and analyzing data, even on small cases.
Still scanning, Rick furrows his brow. Some of this information... seemed familiar. But that couldn't be - he'd never analyzed Trey's blood before. Maybe just some patters were similar to someone else's. Shrugging it off, he leaves the analysis be, and goes back over to the other computer where he'd been working on Jason's report. Then it dawns on him.
Straightening, Rick stares off at the wall for a moment, the wheels in his mind turning. No... that was a silly notion. He recalls Trey's face, body structure, personality and date of birth. Surely not... that idea was so far out there that he felt crazy for even thinking it. It was impossible.
Returning to his work, the thought continues to nag at his conscience. Sighing, he glances over to the other monitor, then back at the one he was at. It only takes a few minutes for him to glance through some data and come up with enough information to increase the nagging in the back of his mind. This really was crazy though. But... he looks at two printouts in his hands. Stranger things had happened, right?
He looks at the clock. He had to go soon and had no more time to spare, but he'd be thinking about this the entire time he was gone now. Glancing down to the vials on the counter, he picks two up - one was Jason's blood and one was Trey's. Considering his options, he finally takes both vials to Misty's desk.
"Misty... do me a favor while I'm out of town?" He sets the vials down in front of her so she could see whose they were. "Would you run a DNA analysis on these and have the computer run a comparison?" He knew that if at least fifty percent of the data was the same, there would be a lot of unanswered questions. He hoped he was way off base, but there was only one way to find out. It would probably take Misty a couple days, but she should have the results before Rick got back.
Looking her in the eye, he remains serious. "Don't advertise it," he warns. He wanted no one to know about this - one, in case there was nothing and he really was crazy, and two, in case there was a connection between Trey and Jason, which would need some very careful handling.
Rick knew that Misty would realize what he was implying, so he lets it go unsaid. "Call me if you find anything before I get back okay?"
Pete fires off another round at the target, checking to see that he'd hit the bullseye once more. It was a mandatory routine and he had to turn in the paperwork that proved he'd been keeping up with his training, or else Reese would force him to have schooling again.
Checking his ammunition, he sets the gun aside and takes off the earmuffs, prepping to be done for the day. He'd been making himself scarce around the office this past week or so, ensuring he could get out of here on time in the evenings and not have to work late. He didn't used to care... but now that he'd been hanging out with Nikki, there was a reason to have evenings free. Tonight was free though - she was busy, so he didn't mind getting some of this work done before calling it a day.
Wayne quirks one eyebrow at the invite. "Pizza, huh? Well, you know me." He pats his stomach. He wasn't fat, but he certainly wasn't skinny either. He liked to call himself "hefty" though if pressured, he'd admit he was somewhat overweight.
Looking Jackie in the eye for a moment, he knew there was more than one reason he should go, so he nods. He'd never be more than a brother to her, at the most, but that didn't mean he'd leave her high and dry. "Sure, I'll come. My night is free tonight."
As promised, come evening, he was joining Jackie outside Mom and Pop's to walk with her inside where the band already was.
Carson had his hands full tonight, but he didn't mind. He'd convinced Dani and Aerith to stay late and help him - he'd let Thirteen off early already so she could go be with Ryder at the hospital, but with the three of them, it wasn't hard to handle the group that was there. It was more than Kyle's band - JetStream had come too... except for Jason and Katie, and Rocky and Logan had joined in as well. And apparently... Carson looks out from the kitchen... two more had just come that he didn't recognize, but it looked like they belonged with the group.
"Hey, they made it!" Kyle waves Jackie and Wayne over to one of the sets of tables that had been pushed together. "C'mon and have a seat. We were just deciding what kind of pizzas to have."
Some of the others were still on their feet, mingling, chatting and laughing. Theo was chasing Kip around the tables for some reason - it might have been since Kip had swiped Theo's wallet, but no one could quite tell. Logan and Mike were cracking jokes right and left, and someone had already started the first straw wrapper war of the evening.
As Carson is coming back to the table to see if they were ready to order, Kip skirts by in front of Theo, barely missing Carson. Carson skids to a stop, his eyes wide, but he was on his game. Reacting quickly, he grabs Kip around the waist to give him an abrupt stop, then pins both arms behind his back.
Kip wails, having no skills to get out of this one. He'd only met Carson a couple times, so he wasn't quite sure if he was being reprimanded or if Carson was playing along, so he just stands for a moment, feeling dumb.
Carson has a grin on his face though as he pushes Kip back towards the table. Seeing a wallet sticking out of Kip's back pocket, he takes it out and tosses it to Theo. "No pickpockets in my restaurant," he muses.
Kip realizes he's playing along, and he laughs, being directed to an empty chair next to Karla and set down. "Right... I'll remember that."
Carson smiles and shakes his head at the rowdy but not out-of-hand bunch. "Who wants pizza?" he calls loudly.
With all the likable chaos going on, seats are found for Jackie and Wayne, and all the others eventually try to find their own chairs and settle down so they can focus on food. Erik winds up at the end of one table, catty-corner from Jackie, and he offers her a smile, hoping she and Wayne didn't feel too out of place.
Jess' hug comes as a little bit of a surprise - enough so that Axel could feel his wall cracking. As she takes the plates into the kitchen, he barely hears what's for dessert. It really had been a long day, and he was emotionally drained... exhausted. Knowing Jess was here and receiving her kind affection just seemed to increase Axel's inner battle. He wanted to just let it all out, yet he didn't want her to see him like this either.
Rising from the couch, he calls into the kitchen. "I'll be back." He heads down the hall to the bathroom, though the door remains half open. Setting his hands on the counter, he leans over the sink, trying to regain control. But the same tears that had started earlier were back. It was later in the day, he'd seen Quinn again, he was tired... everything combined seemed to make it impossible for him to remain composed.
The first few tears trickle down his face even though he continues to fight. He just needed to breathe... needed to focus. The drain in the sink becomes a blur as his shoulders shake and he silently cries. There was just so much wrapped up in this whole thing... he'd held back these emotions for years, simply battling through, pushing it to the side and trying to forget. And today... today it had finally been too much.
Going to one of the small computer stations, he sits on a stool and begins to process the blood sample. He almost wished he'd find something so they could keep a leash on Trey, but he had a feeling that the bloodwork would come back clean.
While Rick waits, his mind wanders to where he would be tomorrow. He, Ty and Libby would be driving to Las Vegas tonight to check into their hotel. Tomorrow they would go to their appointment at the Irlen test center at St. Catherine's hospital complex. They were scheduled to stay several days, and hopefully within that time, they would be able to find a solution for Ty. Rick just hoped and prayed that it was indeed what was wrong so that Ty would be able to get help - the young man was too intelligent to let this difficulty get in the way of his future.
Still halfway lost in thought, Rick looks back at the computer analysis, scanning the data. They had some new software that was really helping in the area of bloodwork and he knew they'd only tapped in to a small portion of the capabilities. He and Misty were both having fun learning and analyzing data, even on small cases.
Still scanning, Rick furrows his brow. Some of this information... seemed familiar. But that couldn't be - he'd never analyzed Trey's blood before. Maybe just some patters were similar to someone else's. Shrugging it off, he leaves the analysis be, and goes back over to the other computer where he'd been working on Jason's report. Then it dawns on him.
Straightening, Rick stares off at the wall for a moment, the wheels in his mind turning. No... that was a silly notion. He recalls Trey's face, body structure, personality and date of birth. Surely not... that idea was so far out there that he felt crazy for even thinking it. It was impossible.
Returning to his work, the thought continues to nag at his conscience. Sighing, he glances over to the other monitor, then back at the one he was at. It only takes a few minutes for him to glance through some data and come up with enough information to increase the nagging in the back of his mind. This really was crazy though. But... he looks at two printouts in his hands. Stranger things had happened, right?
He looks at the clock. He had to go soon and had no more time to spare, but he'd be thinking about this the entire time he was gone now. Glancing down to the vials on the counter, he picks two up - one was Jason's blood and one was Trey's. Considering his options, he finally takes both vials to Misty's desk.
"Misty... do me a favor while I'm out of town?" He sets the vials down in front of her so she could see whose they were. "Would you run a DNA analysis on these and have the computer run a comparison?" He knew that if at least fifty percent of the data was the same, there would be a lot of unanswered questions. He hoped he was way off base, but there was only one way to find out. It would probably take Misty a couple days, but she should have the results before Rick got back.
Looking her in the eye, he remains serious. "Don't advertise it," he warns. He wanted no one to know about this - one, in case there was nothing and he really was crazy, and two, in case there was a connection between Trey and Jason, which would need some very careful handling.
Rick knew that Misty would realize what he was implying, so he lets it go unsaid. "Call me if you find anything before I get back okay?"
Pete fires off another round at the target, checking to see that he'd hit the bullseye once more. It was a mandatory routine and he had to turn in the paperwork that proved he'd been keeping up with his training, or else Reese would force him to have schooling again.
Checking his ammunition, he sets the gun aside and takes off the earmuffs, prepping to be done for the day. He'd been making himself scarce around the office this past week or so, ensuring he could get out of here on time in the evenings and not have to work late. He didn't used to care... but now that he'd been hanging out with Nikki, there was a reason to have evenings free. Tonight was free though - she was busy, so he didn't mind getting some of this work done before calling it a day.
Wayne quirks one eyebrow at the invite. "Pizza, huh? Well, you know me." He pats his stomach. He wasn't fat, but he certainly wasn't skinny either. He liked to call himself "hefty" though if pressured, he'd admit he was somewhat overweight.
Looking Jackie in the eye for a moment, he knew there was more than one reason he should go, so he nods. He'd never be more than a brother to her, at the most, but that didn't mean he'd leave her high and dry. "Sure, I'll come. My night is free tonight."
As promised, come evening, he was joining Jackie outside Mom and Pop's to walk with her inside where the band already was.
Carson had his hands full tonight, but he didn't mind. He'd convinced Dani and Aerith to stay late and help him - he'd let Thirteen off early already so she could go be with Ryder at the hospital, but with the three of them, it wasn't hard to handle the group that was there. It was more than Kyle's band - JetStream had come too... except for Jason and Katie, and Rocky and Logan had joined in as well. And apparently... Carson looks out from the kitchen... two more had just come that he didn't recognize, but it looked like they belonged with the group.
"Hey, they made it!" Kyle waves Jackie and Wayne over to one of the sets of tables that had been pushed together. "C'mon and have a seat. We were just deciding what kind of pizzas to have."
Some of the others were still on their feet, mingling, chatting and laughing. Theo was chasing Kip around the tables for some reason - it might have been since Kip had swiped Theo's wallet, but no one could quite tell. Logan and Mike were cracking jokes right and left, and someone had already started the first straw wrapper war of the evening.
As Carson is coming back to the table to see if they were ready to order, Kip skirts by in front of Theo, barely missing Carson. Carson skids to a stop, his eyes wide, but he was on his game. Reacting quickly, he grabs Kip around the waist to give him an abrupt stop, then pins both arms behind his back.
Kip wails, having no skills to get out of this one. He'd only met Carson a couple times, so he wasn't quite sure if he was being reprimanded or if Carson was playing along, so he just stands for a moment, feeling dumb.
Carson has a grin on his face though as he pushes Kip back towards the table. Seeing a wallet sticking out of Kip's back pocket, he takes it out and tosses it to Theo. "No pickpockets in my restaurant," he muses.
Kip realizes he's playing along, and he laughs, being directed to an empty chair next to Karla and set down. "Right... I'll remember that."
Carson smiles and shakes his head at the rowdy but not out-of-hand bunch. "Who wants pizza?" he calls loudly.
With all the likable chaos going on, seats are found for Jackie and Wayne, and all the others eventually try to find their own chairs and settle down so they can focus on food. Erik winds up at the end of one table, catty-corner from Jackie, and he offers her a smile, hoping she and Wayne didn't feel too out of place.
Jess' hug comes as a little bit of a surprise - enough so that Axel could feel his wall cracking. As she takes the plates into the kitchen, he barely hears what's for dessert. It really had been a long day, and he was emotionally drained... exhausted. Knowing Jess was here and receiving her kind affection just seemed to increase Axel's inner battle. He wanted to just let it all out, yet he didn't want her to see him like this either.
Rising from the couch, he calls into the kitchen. "I'll be back." He heads down the hall to the bathroom, though the door remains half open. Setting his hands on the counter, he leans over the sink, trying to regain control. But the same tears that had started earlier were back. It was later in the day, he'd seen Quinn again, he was tired... everything combined seemed to make it impossible for him to remain composed.
The first few tears trickle down his face even though he continues to fight. He just needed to breathe... needed to focus. The drain in the sink becomes a blur as his shoulders shake and he silently cries. There was just so much wrapped up in this whole thing... he'd held back these emotions for years, simply battling through, pushing it to the side and trying to forget. And today... today it had finally been too much.
9/1/10
Doll
Going to where Rick had told him to Trey sits up on the little bed and holds out his arm. Needles had never been his strong suit but as long as he didn't look at them he would be ok. Turning his head a little and looking across the room to where Misty was sitting Trey just let his eyes rest there.
Once Rick was done he looks down at his arm as the bandage is put over the small pin hole. Sliding off the counter he looks back at Rick for a long moment before rolling his eyes at the comment of thank.
"Yeah yeah whatever...its what I had to do to get a little freedom. When you find out I'm clean let me know, I'll be in the dungain."
Giving a nod to Rick Trey turns and heads back to the door. Stopping at Misty's desk before he left. Giving it a little tap with his fingers.
"Hey Doll...You're looking good today."
Looking up from her paper work Misty gives a smile though was a bit surprised Trey talked to her at all. Her cheeks getting a little red from his comment.
"Thanks, your looking...pretty good too."
Looking past him for a moment at Rick and than down again at her paper work Misty goes back to work.
Continuing along his way and out the door Trey takes a short deture to see if Pete was in today. It had been a few days since he saw him last and wondered what he was up too.
Giving another nod Jackie turns to leave the band once more after letting them when to come back tomorrow. Getting back to the sound booth she sits down next to Wayne again.
"They invited us both for pizza tonight. I figured it would be good for us to see them on a more personal level, and I told them you never turn food down so we would be there."
Jackie secretly hoped Wayne would come anyways so she didn't feel to odd. She didn't really hand out with many people not that she new many to start with. So if Wayne went to at least she would have someone to chat with when awkward moments came up.
Being able to pick up on the conversation shift from Axel Jess felt bad for him knowing this all was so much. She only wished sometimes he'd talk a little more about how he felt.
Putting her plate down on the table Jess turns back to him and reaches out to wrap her arms around him in a big hug. No words spoken because non had to be but it was an extra hug for the long day he had, had.
Pulling away she gives a smile before taking both there plates and standing turning twords the kitchen.
"I think dessert sounds great. I could never turn down peanut butter pie."
Once Rick was done he looks down at his arm as the bandage is put over the small pin hole. Sliding off the counter he looks back at Rick for a long moment before rolling his eyes at the comment of thank.
"Yeah yeah whatever...its what I had to do to get a little freedom. When you find out I'm clean let me know, I'll be in the dungain."
Giving a nod to Rick Trey turns and heads back to the door. Stopping at Misty's desk before he left. Giving it a little tap with his fingers.
"Hey Doll...You're looking good today."
Looking up from her paper work Misty gives a smile though was a bit surprised Trey talked to her at all. Her cheeks getting a little red from his comment.
"Thanks, your looking...pretty good too."
Looking past him for a moment at Rick and than down again at her paper work Misty goes back to work.
Continuing along his way and out the door Trey takes a short deture to see if Pete was in today. It had been a few days since he saw him last and wondered what he was up too.
Giving another nod Jackie turns to leave the band once more after letting them when to come back tomorrow. Getting back to the sound booth she sits down next to Wayne again.
"They invited us both for pizza tonight. I figured it would be good for us to see them on a more personal level, and I told them you never turn food down so we would be there."
Jackie secretly hoped Wayne would come anyways so she didn't feel to odd. She didn't really hand out with many people not that she new many to start with. So if Wayne went to at least she would have someone to chat with when awkward moments came up.
Being able to pick up on the conversation shift from Axel Jess felt bad for him knowing this all was so much. She only wished sometimes he'd talk a little more about how he felt.
Putting her plate down on the table Jess turns back to him and reaches out to wrap her arms around him in a big hug. No words spoken because non had to be but it was an extra hug for the long day he had, had.
Pulling away she gives a smile before taking both there plates and standing turning twords the kitchen.
"I think dessert sounds great. I could never turn down peanut butter pie."
Room
Axel pauses his chewing and a corner of his mouth smiles. It was good to hear Jess talk about God like that, whether he agreed with the reasoning or not. "Maybe." He shrugs. He'd thought of that, but didn't particularly want to admit it... if this was a God thing, then he'd have an awfully hard time turning his back.
Looking down at his food, he tries to hold in a sigh. He knew he had needed to tell Jess about today, but now that he had, the emotions were back in full force. Swallowing hard, he tries not to let it show in his eyes, but when they begin to burn, he quickly takes another bite of food, trying to hide it.
"I don't know about you, but I'm getting full - I want room for dessert though."
"Great." Kyle still smiles and nods. "It'll be fun."
Erik glances over to them, one eyebrow quirked just a little but he says nothing.
Wayne looks out from the other room, wondering what the chatter was about, but he chooses to stay behind the sound booth and work. He usually did... the social crowd wasn't one that often accepted him and that's the way he liked it - or at least he said so. He let Jackie do most of the talking and mingling.
"Hmm?" Rick is busy looking at his computer as he studies Jason's blood, trying to find anything that caught his attention from this time around. So far he'd found nothing.
Turning to see Trey, he nods, but with little interest. "Oh... yeah."
Standing up, he grabs the instruments needed to draw blood. "Come over here, please. Quick and easy." Performing the task as quickly as promised, he sets everything aside. "There you go. Results won't take too long." Looking up, he studies Trey for a moment, sensing something a little odd, but he couldn't put his finger on it. "Thank you for your cooperation."
Looking down at his food, he tries to hold in a sigh. He knew he had needed to tell Jess about today, but now that he had, the emotions were back in full force. Swallowing hard, he tries not to let it show in his eyes, but when they begin to burn, he quickly takes another bite of food, trying to hide it.
"I don't know about you, but I'm getting full - I want room for dessert though."
"Great." Kyle still smiles and nods. "It'll be fun."
Erik glances over to them, one eyebrow quirked just a little but he says nothing.
Wayne looks out from the other room, wondering what the chatter was about, but he chooses to stay behind the sound booth and work. He usually did... the social crowd wasn't one that often accepted him and that's the way he liked it - or at least he said so. He let Jackie do most of the talking and mingling.
"Hmm?" Rick is busy looking at his computer as he studies Jason's blood, trying to find anything that caught his attention from this time around. So far he'd found nothing.
Turning to see Trey, he nods, but with little interest. "Oh... yeah."
Standing up, he grabs the instruments needed to draw blood. "Come over here, please. Quick and easy." Performing the task as quickly as promised, he sets everything aside. "There you go. Results won't take too long." Looking up, he studies Trey for a moment, sensing something a little odd, but he couldn't put his finger on it. "Thank you for your cooperation."
Maybe
Ready to turn and leave Trey stops at Reese comment about Misty. It was his niece, well that was a little surprising. As for her husband that wouldn't have bothered him but hearing he was an retired assassin and torture expert that made him have second thoughts.
"I'll...just stick with Rick than. Thanks."
Turning and heading out of Reese office Trey makes his way over to Ricks. Knocking on the door and entering Trey looks around the office before heading over to Ricks desk.
"Hey Rick, Reese said you need a blood sample from me. I am sure he's called you to let you know why."
Giving another smile and crossing her one arm across her middle Jackie gives a nod. She hadn't been in the area for all that long but she had found her way around pretty well. Having bands and needing to set up meetings sometimes she new it would come in handy.
"Oh yeah I've been there once or twice. I am sure I can get there again."
Sitting eating with Axel Jess lover just hanging out with him. It was never an odd moment, and she always had fun. Taking bit of her food Jess turns her head to look at him while he talks. Taking a sip of her water Jess just listens as her eyes search his face.
"I'm sorry it didn't go that well Axel."
She really was sorry that things didn't go well and it pained her to know so. She wanted so bad for it to go well for him. Though he never said anything sometimes it was easy to see he did miss his brother.
Taking another bit of her food and thinking for a moment and letting the silence continue. Thinking for a long moment on what to say. Swallowing the food she finally looks to Axel again.
"Maybe...God has a reason Quinn's car break down and it was because he doesn't want you both to walk away again. It's just a thought but a good one."
"I'll...just stick with Rick than. Thanks."
Turning and heading out of Reese office Trey makes his way over to Ricks. Knocking on the door and entering Trey looks around the office before heading over to Ricks desk.
"Hey Rick, Reese said you need a blood sample from me. I am sure he's called you to let you know why."
Giving another smile and crossing her one arm across her middle Jackie gives a nod. She hadn't been in the area for all that long but she had found her way around pretty well. Having bands and needing to set up meetings sometimes she new it would come in handy.
"Oh yeah I've been there once or twice. I am sure I can get there again."
Sitting eating with Axel Jess lover just hanging out with him. It was never an odd moment, and she always had fun. Taking bit of her food Jess turns her head to look at him while he talks. Taking a sip of her water Jess just listens as her eyes search his face.
"I'm sorry it didn't go that well Axel."
She really was sorry that things didn't go well and it pained her to know so. She wanted so bad for it to go well for him. Though he never said anything sometimes it was easy to see he did miss his brother.
Taking another bit of her food and thinking for a moment and letting the silence continue. Thinking for a long moment on what to say. Swallowing the food she finally looks to Axel again.
"Maybe...God has a reason Quinn's car break down and it was because he doesn't want you both to walk away again. It's just a thought but a good one."
Assassin
Axel chuckles a little at Jess' enthusiasm and willingness, no matter what he suggested they do. "Dessert sounds great. You know what I like." And he knew what she liked, which made it easy to order their Chinese food after he'd hung up with her.
Even though he felt like moping, he does manage to clean up his apartment a little bit and shower before Jess comes. He made an effort anyway, despite the feelings he was battling with on the inside.
The hour goes by quickly and soon Axel is joined by Jess and he opts to eat in the living room while they find some kind of movie to watch. It's not until they've already started eating that he finally admits what kind of day he's had.
"It didn't go well with Quinn this morning," he mentions just loud enough to be heard over the television. He tries to be casual about the whole thing though. "Not much has changed." He decides not to mention Ryan coming over. "Now, against all odds, his car is in the shop and I had to see him again. Supposedly he's gonna leave down as soon as he can, and I'll work my tail off to fix his car just to make it possible." Well, it was an awfully small nutshell, but that was the gist of everything.
Kyle smiles as Jackie accepts the invitation to join them all for pizza. He hadn't missed the surprise on her face, and it made him feel good to know that they were different than others... that's how they wanted it.
"Good - you can go convince Wayne to come. We figure we'll meet about seven?" He still didn't know where she or Wayne lived - if they resided in this town, or nearer to home. "Are you familiar with Mom and Pop's?"
Reese smirks a little at Trey's humor. He would have smiled had it not been annoying, but he had to admit that he hadn't expected any humor at all.
Just ready to dismiss him, Reese's comes to full attention again when Misty is mentioned. His eyes narrow in a warning glance. "You go right ahead and see her instead," he offers. "Don't mind me when I take advantage of an uncle's privileges and decide to not let you loose. Oh, and when her husband shows up, don't worry - he's just a retired assassin and torture expert. I'm sure he wouldn't mind you hitting on his wife."
Not batting an eye, he shrugs. "Or you can settle for Rick. Up to you though."
Even though he felt like moping, he does manage to clean up his apartment a little bit and shower before Jess comes. He made an effort anyway, despite the feelings he was battling with on the inside.
The hour goes by quickly and soon Axel is joined by Jess and he opts to eat in the living room while they find some kind of movie to watch. It's not until they've already started eating that he finally admits what kind of day he's had.
"It didn't go well with Quinn this morning," he mentions just loud enough to be heard over the television. He tries to be casual about the whole thing though. "Not much has changed." He decides not to mention Ryan coming over. "Now, against all odds, his car is in the shop and I had to see him again. Supposedly he's gonna leave down as soon as he can, and I'll work my tail off to fix his car just to make it possible." Well, it was an awfully small nutshell, but that was the gist of everything.
Kyle smiles as Jackie accepts the invitation to join them all for pizza. He hadn't missed the surprise on her face, and it made him feel good to know that they were different than others... that's how they wanted it.
"Good - you can go convince Wayne to come. We figure we'll meet about seven?" He still didn't know where she or Wayne lived - if they resided in this town, or nearer to home. "Are you familiar with Mom and Pop's?"
Reese smirks a little at Trey's humor. He would have smiled had it not been annoying, but he had to admit that he hadn't expected any humor at all.
Just ready to dismiss him, Reese's comes to full attention again when Misty is mentioned. His eyes narrow in a warning glance. "You go right ahead and see her instead," he offers. "Don't mind me when I take advantage of an uncle's privileges and decide to not let you loose. Oh, and when her husband shows up, don't worry - he's just a retired assassin and torture expert. I'm sure he wouldn't mind you hitting on his wife."
Not batting an eye, he shrugs. "Or you can settle for Rick. Up to you though."
Hot
"Oh that's good with me. I don't mind spending time at your place at all."
Getting into her car Jess taps the steering wheel for a moment thinking about what she might like for dinner. As her stomach gives a rumble it was apparent it didn't matter what it was as long as it was food.
"I don't mind what we have to eat so I will let you pick that, and I should be over in about a hour. That way I can run home and take a shower. On my way back I'll pick up some juice from the store."
There were days when Jess talked to Axel it felt like they were so much more than just dating. Sometimes it felt like they were married though she would never tell Axel that. She liked it though and didn't mind one bit.
"Want me to grab anything for dessert too?"
As Kip links hands with her Karla smiles even more. It was such an honor to be here, to be able to see this, to travel eventually and see the world with Kip. When she was around him it seemed however shy she was just seemed to dissolve because how could she stay quiet with his energy. Her smile said it all when words could not!
Hearing Kyle's invitation Jackie was taken back for a moment just standing there almost dumb founded. That had just spend several grueling hours with her and Wayne as they corrected and fixed flaws with a few things, and still they wanted to spend more time with them? Never have they had a band invite them some where before.
Recovering quickly Jackie's eyes scan the rest of the band the smile on her face growing. Letting her eyes stop on Erik for a moment before she looked back to Kyle she gave a little nod.
"You found my weakness, how can a person turn down pizza? And if I know Wayne at all he wont turn down food. Not to mention it would be nice to see you guys in your own zone. Might help us a little bit to get to know you personaltys outside of the studio."
This would be interesting to see how it turned out. Maybe getting to know there personalty would be good. It might help them in the long run doing different things for the band.
Continuing to stand in front of Reese desk Trey lists to him quietly. Taking a few mental notes of his own. He hated the idea of having only certain times he could come in and out but at least is was a start and better than nothing. But could he let Reese get away that easy on it?
"Awww...but dad can't I stay out till one? All my other friends get too."
Crossing his arms over his chest a spark breaks through Trey's cold steel eyes giving them a soft look for a moment before it was gone. Humor without being degrading about it...it felt...different to Trey.
"I think I can handle the whole going to see Rick thing. Least I'll get to see that hot brunette again. If you just wanna have me see her instead of Rick I might like that better. Might not mind needles as much if she's the one touching me."
Getting into her car Jess taps the steering wheel for a moment thinking about what she might like for dinner. As her stomach gives a rumble it was apparent it didn't matter what it was as long as it was food.
"I don't mind what we have to eat so I will let you pick that, and I should be over in about a hour. That way I can run home and take a shower. On my way back I'll pick up some juice from the store."
There were days when Jess talked to Axel it felt like they were so much more than just dating. Sometimes it felt like they were married though she would never tell Axel that. She liked it though and didn't mind one bit.
"Want me to grab anything for dessert too?"
As Kip links hands with her Karla smiles even more. It was such an honor to be here, to be able to see this, to travel eventually and see the world with Kip. When she was around him it seemed however shy she was just seemed to dissolve because how could she stay quiet with his energy. Her smile said it all when words could not!
Hearing Kyle's invitation Jackie was taken back for a moment just standing there almost dumb founded. That had just spend several grueling hours with her and Wayne as they corrected and fixed flaws with a few things, and still they wanted to spend more time with them? Never have they had a band invite them some where before.
Recovering quickly Jackie's eyes scan the rest of the band the smile on her face growing. Letting her eyes stop on Erik for a moment before she looked back to Kyle she gave a little nod.
"You found my weakness, how can a person turn down pizza? And if I know Wayne at all he wont turn down food. Not to mention it would be nice to see you guys in your own zone. Might help us a little bit to get to know you personaltys outside of the studio."
This would be interesting to see how it turned out. Maybe getting to know there personalty would be good. It might help them in the long run doing different things for the band.
Continuing to stand in front of Reese desk Trey lists to him quietly. Taking a few mental notes of his own. He hated the idea of having only certain times he could come in and out but at least is was a start and better than nothing. But could he let Reese get away that easy on it?
"Awww...but dad can't I stay out till one? All my other friends get too."
Crossing his arms over his chest a spark breaks through Trey's cold steel eyes giving them a soft look for a moment before it was gone. Humor without being degrading about it...it felt...different to Trey.
"I think I can handle the whole going to see Rick thing. Least I'll get to see that hot brunette again. If you just wanna have me see her instead of Rick I might like that better. Might not mind needles as much if she's the one touching me."
Deal
"Um..." Axel stops and thinks about what he really wanted to do tonight. He really didn't want to go out. Being around people was just... not what he wanted. But at the same time, he didn't want to keep Jess from having fun either. Though he knew that she was being honest when she said she didn't care either way.
"I had fun last night... you can come over here if you want," he suggests. "I just, um..." His mind drifts to that morning with Quinn, then his emotional conversation with Ryan, then this afternoon's adventure. "...It's been a long day," he concludes rather lamely. "We can order out... Chinese or something? Just let me know when you'll be here and I can call in the food... or whatever." He felt like his brain was mush and his words were coming out just as jumbled.
"Because it's my nature!" Wayne calls after Jackie as she leaves. Grinning, he shakes his head and goes back to work, though he keeps an eye out the window at what was going on in the other room. This was a very unique band, no doubt. But even if he brought out the negative, he did think they could make it.
Seeing Karla's thumbs up, Kip's smile seems to stretch from ear to ear. To have someone proud of him... it was a good feeling.
Coming out to her, he takes her hands in his and swings them around a little. "Fresh air and exercise is good," he concludes. "Add you in the mix, and apparently it's even better."
Noticing that Jackie was coming out to join them, Erik quirks an eyebrow. They were getting to know her and Wayne for sure, but so far it was still mostly on a professional level. They kidded around and chatted, but most talk was business and music. Any interaction on top of that was different, but nice.
"Hey, Jackie..." Kyle grabbed her attention before Erik could. "We're all gonna get together for pizza tonight." Still seated on the couch with Alice, he shrugs. "It's an hour away from here and I don't know where you or Wayne live but... if either or both of you want to join us, you're more than welcome."
Leaning back in his chair, Reese sighs deeply. He had to admit that Trey hadn't caused as much trouble as he thought he might. He'd been relatively quiet, and Hal's only complaint was frequent smoke breaks. Would giving Trey more freedom be a bad decision? There was only one way to find out. And besides, the young man was being more respectful today than when he'd first arrived.
Studying Trey for several quiet moments, Reese finally speaks. "Tell you what... I'll give you free time between eight o'clock in the morning and noon, then between five o'clock in the evening and ten. Curfew is mandatory so don't even think about trying to get me to sway on that one."
He searches Trey's eyes as he offers the deal he hadn't to anyone else before. But then, this situation was unique, and Reese always wanted to keep an open mind about dealing with individuals - no one was the same.
"There is a lot do do within walking distance. Or, there may be people around here willing to give you rides. I've noticed you and Pete getting along - you might ask him. Before this goes into effect however, you'll be required to go to the infirmary for Rick to do a drug test on you. I don't think you're on anything right now, but if we can't prove it and we let you go, then this place could be in a lot of trouble. So after that, you're free to start in on your new blocks of free time. What do you think?"
"I had fun last night... you can come over here if you want," he suggests. "I just, um..." His mind drifts to that morning with Quinn, then his emotional conversation with Ryan, then this afternoon's adventure. "...It's been a long day," he concludes rather lamely. "We can order out... Chinese or something? Just let me know when you'll be here and I can call in the food... or whatever." He felt like his brain was mush and his words were coming out just as jumbled.
"Because it's my nature!" Wayne calls after Jackie as she leaves. Grinning, he shakes his head and goes back to work, though he keeps an eye out the window at what was going on in the other room. This was a very unique band, no doubt. But even if he brought out the negative, he did think they could make it.
Seeing Karla's thumbs up, Kip's smile seems to stretch from ear to ear. To have someone proud of him... it was a good feeling.
Coming out to her, he takes her hands in his and swings them around a little. "Fresh air and exercise is good," he concludes. "Add you in the mix, and apparently it's even better."
Noticing that Jackie was coming out to join them, Erik quirks an eyebrow. They were getting to know her and Wayne for sure, but so far it was still mostly on a professional level. They kidded around and chatted, but most talk was business and music. Any interaction on top of that was different, but nice.
"Hey, Jackie..." Kyle grabbed her attention before Erik could. "We're all gonna get together for pizza tonight." Still seated on the couch with Alice, he shrugs. "It's an hour away from here and I don't know where you or Wayne live but... if either or both of you want to join us, you're more than welcome."
Leaning back in his chair, Reese sighs deeply. He had to admit that Trey hadn't caused as much trouble as he thought he might. He'd been relatively quiet, and Hal's only complaint was frequent smoke breaks. Would giving Trey more freedom be a bad decision? There was only one way to find out. And besides, the young man was being more respectful today than when he'd first arrived.
Studying Trey for several quiet moments, Reese finally speaks. "Tell you what... I'll give you free time between eight o'clock in the morning and noon, then between five o'clock in the evening and ten. Curfew is mandatory so don't even think about trying to get me to sway on that one."
He searches Trey's eyes as he offers the deal he hadn't to anyone else before. But then, this situation was unique, and Reese always wanted to keep an open mind about dealing with individuals - no one was the same.
"There is a lot do do within walking distance. Or, there may be people around here willing to give you rides. I've noticed you and Pete getting along - you might ask him. Before this goes into effect however, you'll be required to go to the infirmary for Rick to do a drug test on you. I don't think you're on anything right now, but if we can't prove it and we let you go, then this place could be in a lot of trouble. So after that, you're free to start in on your new blocks of free time. What do you think?"
Free Space
Jackie smiles big and nods her thank you to Erik, before looking back to where Kip was again. Giving him a thumbs up she was happy it all worked out well this time around. Not only for there sake, but for his as well.
Looking back to Wayne and giving a shake of her head Jakie rolls her eyes a little. Now if only Wayne have her a little credit once and a while on the things she said.
"I told you he just needed time. How come you never trust what I say?"
Jackie gives a laugh before standing and giving a stretch and than leaving the room to join the other band members for a moment.
Just getting out of work Jess pulls her phone from her pocket giving a smile when she see Axel's number pop up. He couldn't have better timing, she was going to call him, but now he saved her the trouble.
"Hey there, how you get your timing just right amazes me. I just got out of work. Whats up?"
Hearing Axel needed the detraction Jess heart sank a little. That must man his meeting with his brother had not gone well. Jess hoped that since he hadn't called while she was at work that was good new. but now...she could tell it was not.
"We can go out tonight or stay in. I don't mind either as long as its spent with you."
Every moment Jess spent with Axel was so nice. Her heart beat in her chest for him, and the love they shared was so special. Over the last year things had changed so much thanks to Axel. She had found her place, with God, and fitting in and Axel had given her the courage for both.
Watching Kip start to sing again the smile forms on her lips. Seeing he took her advise made her feel even better. And he sounded great. Moving her head to the music a little bit Karla was so proud of him.
Once his eyes were open again Karla gave him a big thumbs up showing she thought he did great too.
"So, I was wonder when you'd let me go out on my own? You see I am here, and I haven't tried to escape. A little free space would be nice."
Standing in Reese's office Trey keeps his arms at his side. Looking across the desk at Reese he cleans his throat. His eyes still held there strong willed look but his tone was a little different maybe he was taking Alec's advice and trying his hand at the honey!
Anything to get a little free space would be nice thats for sure. Trey had been bother Hal more lately about going out. He felt like a caged in animal and like he was going crazy.
Looking back to Wayne and giving a shake of her head Jakie rolls her eyes a little. Now if only Wayne have her a little credit once and a while on the things she said.
"I told you he just needed time. How come you never trust what I say?"
Jackie gives a laugh before standing and giving a stretch and than leaving the room to join the other band members for a moment.
Just getting out of work Jess pulls her phone from her pocket giving a smile when she see Axel's number pop up. He couldn't have better timing, she was going to call him, but now he saved her the trouble.
"Hey there, how you get your timing just right amazes me. I just got out of work. Whats up?"
Hearing Axel needed the detraction Jess heart sank a little. That must man his meeting with his brother had not gone well. Jess hoped that since he hadn't called while she was at work that was good new. but now...she could tell it was not.
"We can go out tonight or stay in. I don't mind either as long as its spent with you."
Every moment Jess spent with Axel was so nice. Her heart beat in her chest for him, and the love they shared was so special. Over the last year things had changed so much thanks to Axel. She had found her place, with God, and fitting in and Axel had given her the courage for both.
Watching Kip start to sing again the smile forms on her lips. Seeing he took her advise made her feel even better. And he sounded great. Moving her head to the music a little bit Karla was so proud of him.
Once his eyes were open again Karla gave him a big thumbs up showing she thought he did great too.
"So, I was wonder when you'd let me go out on my own? You see I am here, and I haven't tried to escape. A little free space would be nice."
Standing in Reese's office Trey keeps his arms at his side. Looking across the desk at Reese he cleans his throat. His eyes still held there strong willed look but his tone was a little different maybe he was taking Alec's advice and trying his hand at the honey!
Anything to get a little free space would be nice thats for sure. Trey had been bother Hal more lately about going out. He felt like a caged in animal and like he was going crazy.
Distraction
"Nope. The rest of my day belongs to you." Alec searches Ryan's eyes before Leaning in for one last long kiss as he grips her tightly. Then drawing back, he gets to his feet, pulling her up with him.
"I'm thinking the lake." Grinning, he hands Ryan her helmet. "And then we can ride off into the sunset to some far off place where no one will ever find us."
Kip's grin turns into a full smile and he gives Karla's hand a squeeze. Opening his mouth to respond, the door suddenly flies open and Russ skids to a halt, almost running into them.
"Oops, sorry. Kip, Erik thought you mighta died or something."
Kip smirks and rolls his eyes. "No, I'm coming. When he says five minutes, he means just five, doesn't he?"
Russ grins. "Of course."
Kip watches him disappear back inside and sighs before looking to Karla again. "I guess that's my cue. Let's see if I can actually get this right." He'd wanted to stay out here a little longer and say something to conclude their short conversation, but Russ had shattered the moment, so Kip gives up. Opening the door for Karla, he ushers her in first.
Getting inside, Kip wanders back through the band, catching Erik's eye and nodding. He was read. He felt better now.
Erik nods back then looks over to the control room and gives Jackie and Wayne a little wave to let them know they can get rolling again. He just hoped Kip would pull it off this time.
Kip dons his headphones and waits for his cue. This time though, he took Karla's advice and his eyes close, forgetting what was around him. It was just him and the music he loved so much.
"Ow!" Wayne complains as he's whacked. "I am focusing on work... Trust me, getting along with you takes a lot of work."
Anticipating another slap, he scoots his chair away and glances out to the others. "Oh hey look, Kip's back. Sorry we can't continue this conversation."
Tossing Jackie a sidelong glance, he can't help his grin as he presses the intercom. "Alright, Kip, let's give 'er another shot."
The next few minutes go beautifully. Kip not only nails the lyrics, but his voice is even stronger than his last attempt, singing with passion. Erik can hear him in the other room and a smile creases his lips. Looking up to the other window, he quirks an eyebrow at Jackie and Wayne as if to say, "See?"
Wayne sits back and shakes his head, smiling as they complete their current task. "Give yourself a pat on the back, Kip. It's a keeper." Looking over to Jackie again, his eyebrows are lifted slightly. "That went better than I thought it would."
Axel leans back against his apartment door and sighs deeply. He'd worked for another hour and still could not find the problem with Quinn's car. He just wanted to be done with this whole thing. If they could get the car fixed, Quinn would be gone and he could forget about all of this. Yet still, a part of him, somewhere deep down, wished for resolve.
Wandering to the kitchen, he picks up his phone and glances at the clock. Dialing, he waits, going to wash his hands as he cradles the phone between his chin and shoulder. "Jess... it's me. Wondered if we were doing something for supper. I could... use the distraction."
"I'm thinking the lake." Grinning, he hands Ryan her helmet. "And then we can ride off into the sunset to some far off place where no one will ever find us."
Kip's grin turns into a full smile and he gives Karla's hand a squeeze. Opening his mouth to respond, the door suddenly flies open and Russ skids to a halt, almost running into them.
"Oops, sorry. Kip, Erik thought you mighta died or something."
Kip smirks and rolls his eyes. "No, I'm coming. When he says five minutes, he means just five, doesn't he?"
Russ grins. "Of course."
Kip watches him disappear back inside and sighs before looking to Karla again. "I guess that's my cue. Let's see if I can actually get this right." He'd wanted to stay out here a little longer and say something to conclude their short conversation, but Russ had shattered the moment, so Kip gives up. Opening the door for Karla, he ushers her in first.
Getting inside, Kip wanders back through the band, catching Erik's eye and nodding. He was read. He felt better now.
Erik nods back then looks over to the control room and gives Jackie and Wayne a little wave to let them know they can get rolling again. He just hoped Kip would pull it off this time.
Kip dons his headphones and waits for his cue. This time though, he took Karla's advice and his eyes close, forgetting what was around him. It was just him and the music he loved so much.
"Ow!" Wayne complains as he's whacked. "I am focusing on work... Trust me, getting along with you takes a lot of work."
Anticipating another slap, he scoots his chair away and glances out to the others. "Oh hey look, Kip's back. Sorry we can't continue this conversation."
Tossing Jackie a sidelong glance, he can't help his grin as he presses the intercom. "Alright, Kip, let's give 'er another shot."
The next few minutes go beautifully. Kip not only nails the lyrics, but his voice is even stronger than his last attempt, singing with passion. Erik can hear him in the other room and a smile creases his lips. Looking up to the other window, he quirks an eyebrow at Jackie and Wayne as if to say, "See?"
Wayne sits back and shakes his head, smiling as they complete their current task. "Give yourself a pat on the back, Kip. It's a keeper." Looking over to Jackie again, his eyebrows are lifted slightly. "That went better than I thought it would."
Axel leans back against his apartment door and sighs deeply. He'd worked for another hour and still could not find the problem with Quinn's car. He just wanted to be done with this whole thing. If they could get the car fixed, Quinn would be gone and he could forget about all of this. Yet still, a part of him, somewhere deep down, wished for resolve.
Wandering to the kitchen, he picks up his phone and glances at the clock. Dialing, he waits, going to wash his hands as he cradles the phone between his chin and shoulder. "Jess... it's me. Wondered if we were doing something for supper. I could... use the distraction."
Hooky
Letting Alec rest with her Ryan moves her arms around him. Keeping him close Ryan didn't mind. She loves when Alec was so closer she really did feel safe. To think they had gotten this close with each other Ryan herself was amazed.
"Mmmm...All my work is done at the shop so...playing hooky sounds good to me."
Giving a content sigh Ryan cocks her head a little bit to look at Alec in the eyes. With Alec everything seemed so much more exciting. A little thrill just seemed to be a bigger jump.
"You don't have anything else to do today? Or can we ride into the sunset on the bike?"
Still holding his other hand and feeling his other on her face Karla looks up at Kip and gives a little bit of her lip. Before coming here Karla and Kip had it rough but now they seemed to grow again and become close. Where they both really changing?
"Kip I...."
Karla stops for a moment just thinking. Was she willing to try again and maybe be hurt in the process? Would the risk be good?
"I...I'd like that Kip. To be your girl."
Hearing Wayne's comment Jackie gives him a loud whack to the leg and rolls her eyes. He was a thorn in her side but she wouldn't want it any other way.
"Lets just focus on work ok?"
Looking back out into the other room Jackie's eyes fall on Erik thinking for a long moment. A smile forms on her lips. Quickly looking away she looks at Wayne and than back down at her paper.
"Mmmm...All my work is done at the shop so...playing hooky sounds good to me."
Giving a content sigh Ryan cocks her head a little bit to look at Alec in the eyes. With Alec everything seemed so much more exciting. A little thrill just seemed to be a bigger jump.
"You don't have anything else to do today? Or can we ride into the sunset on the bike?"
Still holding his other hand and feeling his other on her face Karla looks up at Kip and gives a little bit of her lip. Before coming here Karla and Kip had it rough but now they seemed to grow again and become close. Where they both really changing?
"Kip I...."
Karla stops for a moment just thinking. Was she willing to try again and maybe be hurt in the process? Would the risk be good?
"I...I'd like that Kip. To be your girl."
Hearing Wayne's comment Jackie gives him a loud whack to the leg and rolls her eyes. He was a thorn in her side but she wouldn't want it any other way.
"Lets just focus on work ok?"
Looking back out into the other room Jackie's eyes fall on Erik thinking for a long moment. A smile forms on her lips. Quickly looking away she looks at Wayne and than back down at her paper.
Officially?
Alec chuckles and returns to kissing Ryan a little rougher until he withdraws again, heaving a deep, contented sigh. With his arms on either side of her, he cocks his head and lets it rest near her shoulder. He could hear her heartbeat and it makes him smile. Lately he'd been staying at his own place, getting settled in and trying to get used to it. But he missed the nights spent with Ryan on the couch at her and Eli's place.
A soft breeze blew through the warm air, making the moment almost too perfect. Maybe there was something to this kind of life after all.
"I need to get you back to work," he mumbles before moving his head just a little so his lips could reach her neck again. "Unless you wanna play hooky."
Quinn paces the hotel room, agitated and unsettled. One of the mechanics from J&J had given him a ride here and he'd decided that if when they found the problem with his car, if it would take more than a few days, he would go ahead and leave town and work it all out later. He should be on the road right now and it irked him that he wasn't.
Still pacing, he winds up near the window and his thoughts drift to Anastasia. She thought he was gone. He wanted to go see her. He wanted to find her number and call her to tell her he was still here. But he didn't.
Moving back to the bed, he flops down and stares up at the ceiling. No, there was no point in drawing out the agony. If he went to see her, they'd just have to say goodbye all over again, and he couldn't take seeing her cry again. It wouldn't be fair to her for him to show up just to leave in another day. No...he just needed to wait this one out.
As for Axel... Quinn still wasn't sure how all of that was going to come out. Today might have been their last meeting, though something told him it wouldn't be. Axel had seemed so... defeated this afternoon. Not so much angry as he had looked sad. Quinn couldn't help it that it created just a little pang in his heart, and again the question arose... was his brother really innocent?
He sighs and rolls over, closing his eyes. Maybe a nap would help clear his mind.
Feeling Karla move closer, then receiving her kiss, Kip's eyebrows lift in surprise. It takes him a moment to respond, but he does, returning the ever-so-soft gesture as his hand still cradles her face.
Pulling back, an almost-sheepish grin surfaces, his cheeks a little flushed. It wasn't like kissing was new to him, but it still was with her, and having unique feelings for her... well, it made it different.
His grin widens and he looks down for a moment, then back up again. Did this mean they were finally back to where they'd been before he'd messed things up? "You wouldn't want to, like, um..." He stumbles over his words, then shrugs. "You know..." His hand swings with hers as he feels just a bit stupid. "Be my girl... like... officially?"
"Jealous? Me?" Wayne laughs. "Why would I be jealous? I know I'm nothing more than a thorn in your side." He cocks his head and looks her over. "A very nice side, I might add, but I'm still just a thorn, nonetheless."
He grins, knowing Jackie could take his teasing. "Yeah, Erik's pretty observant. I'm just not convinced our operations are the only thing he's interested in." His grin remains as he turns back to the sound board to fiddle until Kip returned.
A soft breeze blew through the warm air, making the moment almost too perfect. Maybe there was something to this kind of life after all.
"I need to get you back to work," he mumbles before moving his head just a little so his lips could reach her neck again. "Unless you wanna play hooky."
Quinn paces the hotel room, agitated and unsettled. One of the mechanics from J&J had given him a ride here and he'd decided that if when they found the problem with his car, if it would take more than a few days, he would go ahead and leave town and work it all out later. He should be on the road right now and it irked him that he wasn't.
Still pacing, he winds up near the window and his thoughts drift to Anastasia. She thought he was gone. He wanted to go see her. He wanted to find her number and call her to tell her he was still here. But he didn't.
Moving back to the bed, he flops down and stares up at the ceiling. No, there was no point in drawing out the agony. If he went to see her, they'd just have to say goodbye all over again, and he couldn't take seeing her cry again. It wouldn't be fair to her for him to show up just to leave in another day. No...he just needed to wait this one out.
As for Axel... Quinn still wasn't sure how all of that was going to come out. Today might have been their last meeting, though something told him it wouldn't be. Axel had seemed so... defeated this afternoon. Not so much angry as he had looked sad. Quinn couldn't help it that it created just a little pang in his heart, and again the question arose... was his brother really innocent?
He sighs and rolls over, closing his eyes. Maybe a nap would help clear his mind.
Feeling Karla move closer, then receiving her kiss, Kip's eyebrows lift in surprise. It takes him a moment to respond, but he does, returning the ever-so-soft gesture as his hand still cradles her face.
Pulling back, an almost-sheepish grin surfaces, his cheeks a little flushed. It wasn't like kissing was new to him, but it still was with her, and having unique feelings for her... well, it made it different.
His grin widens and he looks down for a moment, then back up again. Did this mean they were finally back to where they'd been before he'd messed things up? "You wouldn't want to, like, um..." He stumbles over his words, then shrugs. "You know..." His hand swings with hers as he feels just a bit stupid. "Be my girl... like... officially?"
"Jealous? Me?" Wayne laughs. "Why would I be jealous? I know I'm nothing more than a thorn in your side." He cocks his head and looks her over. "A very nice side, I might add, but I'm still just a thorn, nonetheless."
He grins, knowing Jackie could take his teasing. "Yeah, Erik's pretty observant. I'm just not convinced our operations are the only thing he's interested in." His grin remains as he turns back to the sound board to fiddle until Kip returned.
8/31/10
GoodBye Forever!
Anastasia gives a long sigh and sucks in a few of the tears that had found there way down to her mouth Quinn's words cutting a little deeper. She new he had to go, she new he couldn't stay yet it was still so hard to say goodbye to something almost perfect.
"Bye Quinn."
Cocking her head a little bit to look at Quinn's face one last time it was like taking a picture in her mind. His face was one she did not want to forget. Letting her eyes fallow him till he was finally inside Anastasia just sits there in the parking lot for a long moment.
She could feel she wanted to cry more as her heart seemed to break just a little more. It had been a long time since she felt like this, and it was a bit strange to think they hardly even new each other. Finally letting her tears out Anastasia just sits there and lets her tears flow. It felt like her heart was breaking. Some people might think she was strange or a little crazy for feeling so bad about someone she had just met, but after just a few there was something there, she new it, she could feel it and to let it go felt like the worst mistake ever.
Laying on her back now and looking up at Alec Ryan gives a small chuckle as he puts the small flower behind her ear. If anyone at the shop saw her act like this or let him put the flower in her hair that would razz her, but Alec she didn't mind at all and she left that softness show to him.
Bringing her hand up to his face Ryan cocks her head a little bit more so it was easier to give him the soft kiss. Hearing his comment about her being his freedom Ryan's lips curl into a smile as she leans up to kiss him again.
"You know your more charming than you like to let on."
As Alec goes and starts to kiss her neck Ryan gives a laugh not minding to much that he ruined the moment the kiss made up for it along with the feelings that came with it. Moving her hands so they find his hair Ryan runs her fingers through it giving a little tug her own voice a little whisper.
"Mmm...I don't mind if you misbehave just a little."
Hearing Kips words it made Karla feel good inside. A warm feeling ran though her and made her feel a little less alone. Though since she had met Kip that feeling had become less and less. Though her loyal friend was gone and she missed him terribly she had a new friend now too.
Was there more with them? Karla wasn't sure but she let it be what it was and didn't want to rush anything. Kip meant to much to her to let that happen.
"You're welcome Kip, thank you for having me tag along and make me feel special."
Leaning her head into Kip's hand Karla moves her head a little to feel his skin against hers. Coming a little closer to him Karla leans up and press her own lips to Kip's for a moment giving him a kiss her feelings coming though when words could not.
Jackie rolls her eyes again giving a small chuckle shaking her head. Holding her pen in her hand she looks over at Wayne again.
"Just sitting next to you makes me a partner in crime, and if one day it catches up with us, its your butt I am gonna kick."
Looking back at the paper she had been jotting some notes down on Jackie was content in keeping the silence here. But hearing Wayen's comment she looks over at him and raises and eyebrow.
"He has been...are you jealous?"
Letting the silence linger for a long moment Jackie laughs again and shakes her head. The thought of Wayne having a crush on her was a funny on. Why she wasn't sure but it was.
"He has been in here a lot. He likes asking questions about how we do things. I think he's just interested in how we do things."
"Bye Quinn."
Cocking her head a little bit to look at Quinn's face one last time it was like taking a picture in her mind. His face was one she did not want to forget. Letting her eyes fallow him till he was finally inside Anastasia just sits there in the parking lot for a long moment.
She could feel she wanted to cry more as her heart seemed to break just a little more. It had been a long time since she felt like this, and it was a bit strange to think they hardly even new each other. Finally letting her tears out Anastasia just sits there and lets her tears flow. It felt like her heart was breaking. Some people might think she was strange or a little crazy for feeling so bad about someone she had just met, but after just a few there was something there, she new it, she could feel it and to let it go felt like the worst mistake ever.
Laying on her back now and looking up at Alec Ryan gives a small chuckle as he puts the small flower behind her ear. If anyone at the shop saw her act like this or let him put the flower in her hair that would razz her, but Alec she didn't mind at all and she left that softness show to him.
Bringing her hand up to his face Ryan cocks her head a little bit more so it was easier to give him the soft kiss. Hearing his comment about her being his freedom Ryan's lips curl into a smile as she leans up to kiss him again.
"You know your more charming than you like to let on."
As Alec goes and starts to kiss her neck Ryan gives a laugh not minding to much that he ruined the moment the kiss made up for it along with the feelings that came with it. Moving her hands so they find his hair Ryan runs her fingers through it giving a little tug her own voice a little whisper.
"Mmm...I don't mind if you misbehave just a little."
Hearing Kips words it made Karla feel good inside. A warm feeling ran though her and made her feel a little less alone. Though since she had met Kip that feeling had become less and less. Though her loyal friend was gone and she missed him terribly she had a new friend now too.
Was there more with them? Karla wasn't sure but she let it be what it was and didn't want to rush anything. Kip meant to much to her to let that happen.
"You're welcome Kip, thank you for having me tag along and make me feel special."
Leaning her head into Kip's hand Karla moves her head a little to feel his skin against hers. Coming a little closer to him Karla leans up and press her own lips to Kip's for a moment giving him a kiss her feelings coming though when words could not.
Jackie rolls her eyes again giving a small chuckle shaking her head. Holding her pen in her hand she looks over at Wayne again.
"Just sitting next to you makes me a partner in crime, and if one day it catches up with us, its your butt I am gonna kick."
Looking back at the paper she had been jotting some notes down on Jackie was content in keeping the silence here. But hearing Wayen's comment she looks over at him and raises and eyebrow.
"He has been...are you jealous?"
Letting the silence linger for a long moment Jackie laughs again and shakes her head. The thought of Wayne having a crush on her was a funny on. Why she wasn't sure but it was.
"He has been in here a lot. He likes asking questions about how we do things. I think he's just interested in how we do things."
I'll stay
Quinn hadn't wanted to kiss Anastasia, lest it make the whole parting harder, but as she nears, he doesn't have the strength to pull away. Returning the warm gesture of emotions, when she withdraws, his eyes meet hers as if for the first time all over again. Her whispered words create a crack in Quinn's heart, as do the tears he sees trickling down the side of her cheek. But he couldn't stay. He was a wanderer... and he didn't belong in this town.
His hand comes up to slowly wipe away her tears. He couldn't stand to see her cry. How they felt so strongly about each other in such a short amount of time would always be a mystery. "I have to," he returns in his own whisper.
If he stayed any longer, he'd never be able to get out of the car. Though it felt as if he were carrying lead weights on his shoulders, he withdraws and steps out of the car. Shutting the door he looks through the window at her one last time, his hand resting against the glass where he saw her face. Then turning, he walks away. Heading into the auto shop, his teeth are gritted together, his eyes ablaze with conflicting emotions. But he doesn't look back. And within moments, the only sight left is the closing door of the shop, and he is gone.
"...So I know you called in sick and all, but I'm in a major jam and I just saw the guy come back and Darrel will have my hide, and we can't give the guy a rental because he's just passing through and..."
Axel lies on his back on the couch, listening to Leo rant on the answering machine. Ryan must still be out at lunch - otherwise he wouldn't be needed. Was it really something Leo couldn't handle? Axel sighs. He didn't feel like going down and working - there was a reason he'd called in. But he didn't want to leave Leo in a lurch either.
Groaning, he pries himself from the couch and picks up the phone just as Leo is ready to hang up. "You owe me."
"Oh thank you, thank you, thank you. Yes, I owe you! Anything! Just come help me figure this out."
"Yeah, I'll be right down." Hanging up, Axel shakes his head and goes for his shoes, then grabs his work shirt to throw over his t-shirt, buttoning it up and tucking it in. Being in a bad mood wasn't something normal for him, but it was awfully hard to be chipper at the moment. He just needed to push everything aside for a little while to help out. He wasn't going to be mean and say "tough luck."
Outside and down the stairs, Axel heads right into the garage area, scanning the cars. Aiming for Leo, he stops halfway. That car was familiar. Where had he seen it? Earlier today? He bristles. Coming closer, he looks at the license plate and his stomach gives a little lurch. It was the same one he'd seen earlier. Surely it was someone else's. "Who's car, Leo?"
"Huh?" Leo pops up from under the hood. "I am so glad you're here. I've had this thing on the computer three times, I have been in and out and all around for the last couple hours and I can't find out what's going on."
"Who's car?" Axel repeats.
"Oh." Leo stops and thinks. "Oh, yeah. Some guy with the same last name as you. Funny huh?"
Axel doesn't laugh. "Quinn?"
"Hey, yeah." Leo grins, remembering the unusual name. "Relative?"
"Just show me what the problem is." Axel moves to the car, leaving the question unanswered. This was utterly amazing and ridiculous. What were the odds - one that Quinn would find him at all, two that his car would break down while in town, and three that the chosen shop would be J&J?
After twenty more minutes, Axel is just as baffled as Leo. The car simply wouldn't start. As of now, there was no logical explanation. Everything that could be checked had been checked and rechecked. They were going to have to start taking things apart, but that probably meant several days worth of work.
"I can't tell him." Leo looks at Axel pleadingly. "I told him we'd have it done right up and, and, and I can't do it!"
"Leo, get your hind end into the office and tell him like you would any other customer. For Pete's sake."
"But-"
"Go!" Axel points to the office where he knew Quinn was waiting. "See if he can stay in town a couple days. And if not, ask Darrel about giving him a rental for an extended amount of time until he can come back and pick this up again or we take it to him."
Leo gives Axel another look of desperation. He hated telling customers bad news, especially when he'd been so confident earlier. He blamed himself but there wasn't a whole lot that could be done, and no matter what happened now, he'd be in trouble with Darrel - for making promises, then for not being able to follow through.
Axel stares at him, then finally groans and throws up his arms. "Fine. I'll tell him myself." He could do this... Quinn was just another customer - that was all. Axel could ignore his personal feelings, just go in there, tell him the facts and that would be all.
Taking a deep breath, he pushes open the door while wiping his hands on a rag. Quinn was the only customer waiting so Axel doesn't bother with any kind of greeting. "We can't find the problem," he states flatly. "It's going to take several days to locate it."
Quinn stands up, having been prepared to see Axel, but hoping he wouldn't have to. Now seeing the stern look in his brother's eye and the businesslike tone, it was apparent that they were not brothers right now. "I don't have several days."
"I'm sorry." Axel looks him in the eye with little emotion. Apparently Quinn had found out he worked here - otherwise there would have been at least some remote surprise but there was none. "We can arrange a rental car for you, then once this is fixed, we can have it driven to your location and traded with the rental. Otherwise, you'll have to stay or have it towed somewhere else. It's up to you," he offers as he would to any passing customer. "We want to make sure you get where you're going."
"I bet you do." Quinn smirks a little. He was already in a sour mood from having to say goodbye to Anastasia, so this was just the type of afternoon he could expect.
"Look... I just gave you the facts. There's nothing more we can do here. The decision of what to do now is up to you."
Quinn was almost amused at that phrase. "We're still talking cars, right?"
Axel searches Quinn's eyes, quiet for a moment. Despite anger from this morning, deep down there still was a longing to rebuild any small portion of what they'd once had. He doesn't answer the question, but instead, gestures towards his brother. "Your dogtags are showing," he mentions quietly.
Quinn glances down to see they'd slipped out from under his shirt. Fingering them for a moment, he hides them again before returning to Axel's gaze.
Though Axel's stomach turns, the question won't be withheld. "Why do you still wear them?"
Quinn swallows hard. "In memory of a fallen brother."
Axel finally drops his gaze. Maybe this really was impossible. "Maybe he didn't fall but was simply left behind."
"He was declared dead."
"Many prisoners of war are."
Quinn chews on the inside of his lip. What were the odds that he would have his car brought to this particular shop on this particular day and have Axel be one of the mechanics working on it? He didn't want to acknowledge that it was God, but it was hard to get around that one. "Most prisoners of war don't resurface."
Axel blinks once before looking back up again. "Who said I wasn't still held captive?"
"By guilt?"
"By accusations." Axel's tone was calm this time... he was too tired from earlier to become angry. Searching his brother's eyes, he speaks again, quietly. "What happened, Quinn? Why did you throw me to the wolves?"
Quinn's discomfort rises and he folds his arms. "I'll stay in town until you find the problem with my car," he states flatly, swinging the conversation back around. "The other mechanic has my phone number. Just let me grab some stuff from my car and I'll call a taxi to take me to a hotel."
Alec murmurs his pleasure received from Ryan's attention and he holds her closely, his arms rubbing her back or his hands running through her hair. How long ago was it that he would have scoffed at such a little romance? He couldn't remember... nor did he care. This was different... different than a one night fling... different than the shallow relationships he'd had with other women - if they could even be called relationships. This was more... even though he and Ryan didn't cross the line, there was still more and Alec couldn't get enough.
Drawing back to catch his breath, he grins up at Ryan, giving her an extra kiss on the nose. Shifting in the grass, he turns on his side, depositing Ryan onto her back beside him and he props himself up on an elbow, his other arm draped across her. A little yellow wildflower was just within reach, so he plucks it and tucks it in her hair above her ear. Still smiling, he gives her another kiss, a little more tender this time.
"Ya know... I think I figured something out. That freedom I've been chasing..." He searches her eyes, his own gaze holding so many thoughts and feelings that had yet to see the light of day. "It's you."
Feeling just a little silly after saying it, his face reddens and he laughs then dives to kiss up her neck until he's reached her lips again, though he's still grinning. "You better swat me," he warns. "I might misbehave."
Kip manages a little smile and lets their hands stay connected as they walk back to the building entrance again. Once there, he sets his hand on the handle to open the door, but pauses instead and turns to look down at Karla.
"I... sometimes have a hard time with... you know... other people encouraging me and stuff but, um..." He shrugs, his gaze falling to the sidewalk. "I guess... well, thanks. I might act like I ignore what you say but... but you do make me feel really good."
Glancing back up again, he nods. He'd sort of messed things up between them before they'd come to Nevada, so he was extra careful now, not sure if Karla wanted more than friendship or not, or if he would even not mess things up again. Either way, he liked having her around... she was a good friend and sometimes Kip would rather spend time with her than the others.
A little hesitantly, he lifts his hand to cradle her cheek with his palm. "I'm... I'm glad that you're here."
Wayne grins as Jackie takes a cookie and he nods. "Uh-huh. Now you're a partner in crime."
Looking back out through the big window, he watches in thought for several minutes. "Yeah... yeah, I think we'll make the deadline. If they can focus just a little more. I'm not knocking them, ya know? They're really good and I think they'll make a go of it. They're just still fresh so it'll take a while to get routines down and stuff."
He shrugs and finishes off his cookie, leaning back in his chair. "Erik seems to like hanging out in here..." He lets the statement linger, not daring to look over at Jackie.
His hand comes up to slowly wipe away her tears. He couldn't stand to see her cry. How they felt so strongly about each other in such a short amount of time would always be a mystery. "I have to," he returns in his own whisper.
If he stayed any longer, he'd never be able to get out of the car. Though it felt as if he were carrying lead weights on his shoulders, he withdraws and steps out of the car. Shutting the door he looks through the window at her one last time, his hand resting against the glass where he saw her face. Then turning, he walks away. Heading into the auto shop, his teeth are gritted together, his eyes ablaze with conflicting emotions. But he doesn't look back. And within moments, the only sight left is the closing door of the shop, and he is gone.
"...So I know you called in sick and all, but I'm in a major jam and I just saw the guy come back and Darrel will have my hide, and we can't give the guy a rental because he's just passing through and..."
Axel lies on his back on the couch, listening to Leo rant on the answering machine. Ryan must still be out at lunch - otherwise he wouldn't be needed. Was it really something Leo couldn't handle? Axel sighs. He didn't feel like going down and working - there was a reason he'd called in. But he didn't want to leave Leo in a lurch either.
Groaning, he pries himself from the couch and picks up the phone just as Leo is ready to hang up. "You owe me."
"Oh thank you, thank you, thank you. Yes, I owe you! Anything! Just come help me figure this out."
"Yeah, I'll be right down." Hanging up, Axel shakes his head and goes for his shoes, then grabs his work shirt to throw over his t-shirt, buttoning it up and tucking it in. Being in a bad mood wasn't something normal for him, but it was awfully hard to be chipper at the moment. He just needed to push everything aside for a little while to help out. He wasn't going to be mean and say "tough luck."
Outside and down the stairs, Axel heads right into the garage area, scanning the cars. Aiming for Leo, he stops halfway. That car was familiar. Where had he seen it? Earlier today? He bristles. Coming closer, he looks at the license plate and his stomach gives a little lurch. It was the same one he'd seen earlier. Surely it was someone else's. "Who's car, Leo?"
"Huh?" Leo pops up from under the hood. "I am so glad you're here. I've had this thing on the computer three times, I have been in and out and all around for the last couple hours and I can't find out what's going on."
"Who's car?" Axel repeats.
"Oh." Leo stops and thinks. "Oh, yeah. Some guy with the same last name as you. Funny huh?"
Axel doesn't laugh. "Quinn?"
"Hey, yeah." Leo grins, remembering the unusual name. "Relative?"
"Just show me what the problem is." Axel moves to the car, leaving the question unanswered. This was utterly amazing and ridiculous. What were the odds - one that Quinn would find him at all, two that his car would break down while in town, and three that the chosen shop would be J&J?
After twenty more minutes, Axel is just as baffled as Leo. The car simply wouldn't start. As of now, there was no logical explanation. Everything that could be checked had been checked and rechecked. They were going to have to start taking things apart, but that probably meant several days worth of work.
"I can't tell him." Leo looks at Axel pleadingly. "I told him we'd have it done right up and, and, and I can't do it!"
"Leo, get your hind end into the office and tell him like you would any other customer. For Pete's sake."
"But-"
"Go!" Axel points to the office where he knew Quinn was waiting. "See if he can stay in town a couple days. And if not, ask Darrel about giving him a rental for an extended amount of time until he can come back and pick this up again or we take it to him."
Leo gives Axel another look of desperation. He hated telling customers bad news, especially when he'd been so confident earlier. He blamed himself but there wasn't a whole lot that could be done, and no matter what happened now, he'd be in trouble with Darrel - for making promises, then for not being able to follow through.
Axel stares at him, then finally groans and throws up his arms. "Fine. I'll tell him myself." He could do this... Quinn was just another customer - that was all. Axel could ignore his personal feelings, just go in there, tell him the facts and that would be all.
Taking a deep breath, he pushes open the door while wiping his hands on a rag. Quinn was the only customer waiting so Axel doesn't bother with any kind of greeting. "We can't find the problem," he states flatly. "It's going to take several days to locate it."
Quinn stands up, having been prepared to see Axel, but hoping he wouldn't have to. Now seeing the stern look in his brother's eye and the businesslike tone, it was apparent that they were not brothers right now. "I don't have several days."
"I'm sorry." Axel looks him in the eye with little emotion. Apparently Quinn had found out he worked here - otherwise there would have been at least some remote surprise but there was none. "We can arrange a rental car for you, then once this is fixed, we can have it driven to your location and traded with the rental. Otherwise, you'll have to stay or have it towed somewhere else. It's up to you," he offers as he would to any passing customer. "We want to make sure you get where you're going."
"I bet you do." Quinn smirks a little. He was already in a sour mood from having to say goodbye to Anastasia, so this was just the type of afternoon he could expect.
"Look... I just gave you the facts. There's nothing more we can do here. The decision of what to do now is up to you."
Quinn was almost amused at that phrase. "We're still talking cars, right?"
Axel searches Quinn's eyes, quiet for a moment. Despite anger from this morning, deep down there still was a longing to rebuild any small portion of what they'd once had. He doesn't answer the question, but instead, gestures towards his brother. "Your dogtags are showing," he mentions quietly.
Quinn glances down to see they'd slipped out from under his shirt. Fingering them for a moment, he hides them again before returning to Axel's gaze.
Though Axel's stomach turns, the question won't be withheld. "Why do you still wear them?"
Quinn swallows hard. "In memory of a fallen brother."
Axel finally drops his gaze. Maybe this really was impossible. "Maybe he didn't fall but was simply left behind."
"He was declared dead."
"Many prisoners of war are."
Quinn chews on the inside of his lip. What were the odds that he would have his car brought to this particular shop on this particular day and have Axel be one of the mechanics working on it? He didn't want to acknowledge that it was God, but it was hard to get around that one. "Most prisoners of war don't resurface."
Axel blinks once before looking back up again. "Who said I wasn't still held captive?"
"By guilt?"
"By accusations." Axel's tone was calm this time... he was too tired from earlier to become angry. Searching his brother's eyes, he speaks again, quietly. "What happened, Quinn? Why did you throw me to the wolves?"
Quinn's discomfort rises and he folds his arms. "I'll stay in town until you find the problem with my car," he states flatly, swinging the conversation back around. "The other mechanic has my phone number. Just let me grab some stuff from my car and I'll call a taxi to take me to a hotel."
Alec murmurs his pleasure received from Ryan's attention and he holds her closely, his arms rubbing her back or his hands running through her hair. How long ago was it that he would have scoffed at such a little romance? He couldn't remember... nor did he care. This was different... different than a one night fling... different than the shallow relationships he'd had with other women - if they could even be called relationships. This was more... even though he and Ryan didn't cross the line, there was still more and Alec couldn't get enough.
Drawing back to catch his breath, he grins up at Ryan, giving her an extra kiss on the nose. Shifting in the grass, he turns on his side, depositing Ryan onto her back beside him and he props himself up on an elbow, his other arm draped across her. A little yellow wildflower was just within reach, so he plucks it and tucks it in her hair above her ear. Still smiling, he gives her another kiss, a little more tender this time.
"Ya know... I think I figured something out. That freedom I've been chasing..." He searches her eyes, his own gaze holding so many thoughts and feelings that had yet to see the light of day. "It's you."
Feeling just a little silly after saying it, his face reddens and he laughs then dives to kiss up her neck until he's reached her lips again, though he's still grinning. "You better swat me," he warns. "I might misbehave."
Kip manages a little smile and lets their hands stay connected as they walk back to the building entrance again. Once there, he sets his hand on the handle to open the door, but pauses instead and turns to look down at Karla.
"I... sometimes have a hard time with... you know... other people encouraging me and stuff but, um..." He shrugs, his gaze falling to the sidewalk. "I guess... well, thanks. I might act like I ignore what you say but... but you do make me feel really good."
Glancing back up again, he nods. He'd sort of messed things up between them before they'd come to Nevada, so he was extra careful now, not sure if Karla wanted more than friendship or not, or if he would even not mess things up again. Either way, he liked having her around... she was a good friend and sometimes Kip would rather spend time with her than the others.
A little hesitantly, he lifts his hand to cradle her cheek with his palm. "I'm... I'm glad that you're here."
Wayne grins as Jackie takes a cookie and he nods. "Uh-huh. Now you're a partner in crime."
Looking back out through the big window, he watches in thought for several minutes. "Yeah... yeah, I think we'll make the deadline. If they can focus just a little more. I'm not knocking them, ya know? They're really good and I think they'll make a go of it. They're just still fresh so it'll take a while to get routines down and stuff."
He shrugs and finishes off his cookie, leaning back in his chair. "Erik seems to like hanging out in here..." He lets the statement linger, not daring to look over at Jackie.
8/30/10
To important.
Hearing Quinn's words and feeling his hand in her own Anastasia's heart started to race. The quiet little pain hitting her heart as she tried to swallow the thump that was in her throat. She new even if they promised to see each other again, after today when Quinn drove off into the sunset and she was not with him it would be the end.
Just letting her eyes continue to search his own she reads all his emotions, and all the worlds left unsaid yet still listing to works that were spoken. Clearing her throat Anastasia could feel a single tear roll down her cheek. Saying goodbye was never easy, and today it seemed even harder with this someone she hardly new.
"I'll always remember this tail, and princes do exists."
Not really wanting to leave the restraint or let the drive back to the auto shop happen Anastasia new she could not stop it, and the time had come. Exiting the restraint, and getting into the care a quiet hush seemed to fall over them, speaking without saying words, letting each other know how they felt.
Feeling Quinn's hand slip into her again on the way back Anastasia's own fingers curled around his. Holding on just a little be longer. But the drive is all to short, and soon they are at the auto shop. Pulling in and cutting the engine for the moment she shifts a little to see Quinn better.
As Quinn's hand went to her face Anastasia leaned her head into it feeling the warmth, taking it in, remembering it. A few tears escaped her eyes that she had been trying to hold back. But even for the strongest person, sooner or later there was a breaking point.
Continuing to look back at Quinn she didn't want him to go, she wanted him to stay. This feeling....she didn't want it to end. But it had to...and something told her after this nothing would feel the same again. This was special, she was something not everyone got to experience.
Bringing her own hand to Quinn's face her fingers run over his skin. He had to say good bye, she had to let him go. Leaning in to him she presses her lips to his letting her emotions out. Her good bye coming without words for a moment. Pulling away and leaning her forehead against his own she whispers.
"Do you really have to go? This doesn't have to be goodbye you know. It can be your home too."
Once lunch was over and there time was up Ryan really didn't feel like going back to work. This time with Alec had been nice, and the weather seemed just as good. This was the perfect day to be outside.
Going for her helmet only to have Alec set them down on the bike again Ryan looked to him with question but there was no time for words she he picked her up in his arms. Letting her arms slip around his neck Ryan gave a little laugh as a smile spreads across her face, her eyes still dancing with the fire they held.
Getting to the shaded tree and being pulled down on top of Alec Ryan braces herself with her arms one on each side of him. Looking down into his eyes, she grins as she can feel her own pulse race. It always did when she was with Alec, like every moment was new, and nothing had been done before.
Being pulled to him her pulse quickens even more as and she lets her own passion break free, gentile at first, only to grow and become more passionate as it continues. Slipping her one arm under him, and keeping herself braced with her other she leans on her elbow closing the gap between them.
As Alec pulls away and Ryan feels the bump to her bottom she grins and squints a little at Alec. Now answering him right away she leans close bringing her lips to his to brush over them slightly before retreating her own voice a whisper, still close enough that her breath brushed over his skin.
"Mmm...convincing huh?"
Moving sideways a little Ryan kiss Alec's cheek and than moves down to his neck giving it a few light kiss, and than a gentile nibble. Her words coming out between the kiss.
"Convincing...I think...is something...I can handle."
Making her way up his neck again she stopping at his ear to nibble it a little as well Ryan moves away a little to look Alec in the eye her own glinting with humor. Coming to his lips again Ryan presses her lips to his, letting the kiss be quite deep this time only to pull away again for a moment to turn her head the other way and continue the kiss.
Hearing Kyle's comment about finding a way to never let Alice go, the smile on her face seems to grow a little more as a warmth ran through her veins. It was a quiet secret, and something that didn't need attachen brought to. So leaning back with Kyle she makes no comment on it other than to give his hand a little squeeze.
Karla felt bad that kind seemed to feel so bad about messing up. She wouldn't have been able to tell without him saying something but she really didn't know there songs all that well yet either. In time she would but for now, she still though Kip had done great.
"Maybe if when your int here you close your eyes and just think your somewhere else it might help. I couldn't imagine being in there myself under that kind of pressure of doing well. But if you lose yourself like your else were it could help."
Giving an encouraging smile Karla did what she could to try and keep Kip's spirits up. She new he was trying and it wasn't his fault he seemed to freeze in there, it was just something that happened. Lots of people were like that in crowds and under pressure.
Taking Kip's hand as he helped her up Karla gave another smile just keeping his hand in hers. Things were moving slowly with both of them, but she didn't mind at all. They were taking there time and really there was no need to rush.
"Alright lets head back, I doubt they voted you out though. You really at to important to the band just like everyone else."
"So we let them try some more, and than we are done for the day. Tomorrow they can come back and finish. I know we are on a time frame and all but some things can't be rushed."
Sitting back in her own chair Jackie turns a little bit to look at the others. They all seemed to get along so well it really was amazing, she'd never seen a happier bunch.
Erik did seem to take charge on some things but he'd been with the people in the band longer so he new them better Kyle, she had seen him take action but in different ways. Maybe thats what made the band so special, they new how to share the lead. Looking back to Wayne and his Oreo Jackie just rolls her eyes.
"One of these days Wayne, one of these days. No thank you, I'd rather stay out of trouble."
Jackie gives a laugh as she kicks Wayne's foot for a moment knowing better than to eat in the room where they were. Looking down at the cookie again though Jackie can feel her own mouth wanted from the treat knowing she hadn't eaten in a while.
"Ok, maybe just one."
Taking the cookie from him and poping it quickly in her mouth as to now get crumbs everywhere she munches away.
Just letting her eyes continue to search his own she reads all his emotions, and all the worlds left unsaid yet still listing to works that were spoken. Clearing her throat Anastasia could feel a single tear roll down her cheek. Saying goodbye was never easy, and today it seemed even harder with this someone she hardly new.
"I'll always remember this tail, and princes do exists."
Not really wanting to leave the restraint or let the drive back to the auto shop happen Anastasia new she could not stop it, and the time had come. Exiting the restraint, and getting into the care a quiet hush seemed to fall over them, speaking without saying words, letting each other know how they felt.
Feeling Quinn's hand slip into her again on the way back Anastasia's own fingers curled around his. Holding on just a little be longer. But the drive is all to short, and soon they are at the auto shop. Pulling in and cutting the engine for the moment she shifts a little to see Quinn better.
As Quinn's hand went to her face Anastasia leaned her head into it feeling the warmth, taking it in, remembering it. A few tears escaped her eyes that she had been trying to hold back. But even for the strongest person, sooner or later there was a breaking point.
Continuing to look back at Quinn she didn't want him to go, she wanted him to stay. This feeling....she didn't want it to end. But it had to...and something told her after this nothing would feel the same again. This was special, she was something not everyone got to experience.
Bringing her own hand to Quinn's face her fingers run over his skin. He had to say good bye, she had to let him go. Leaning in to him she presses her lips to his letting her emotions out. Her good bye coming without words for a moment. Pulling away and leaning her forehead against his own she whispers.
"Do you really have to go? This doesn't have to be goodbye you know. It can be your home too."
Once lunch was over and there time was up Ryan really didn't feel like going back to work. This time with Alec had been nice, and the weather seemed just as good. This was the perfect day to be outside.
Going for her helmet only to have Alec set them down on the bike again Ryan looked to him with question but there was no time for words she he picked her up in his arms. Letting her arms slip around his neck Ryan gave a little laugh as a smile spreads across her face, her eyes still dancing with the fire they held.
Getting to the shaded tree and being pulled down on top of Alec Ryan braces herself with her arms one on each side of him. Looking down into his eyes, she grins as she can feel her own pulse race. It always did when she was with Alec, like every moment was new, and nothing had been done before.
Being pulled to him her pulse quickens even more as and she lets her own passion break free, gentile at first, only to grow and become more passionate as it continues. Slipping her one arm under him, and keeping herself braced with her other she leans on her elbow closing the gap between them.
As Alec pulls away and Ryan feels the bump to her bottom she grins and squints a little at Alec. Now answering him right away she leans close bringing her lips to his to brush over them slightly before retreating her own voice a whisper, still close enough that her breath brushed over his skin.
"Mmm...convincing huh?"
Moving sideways a little Ryan kiss Alec's cheek and than moves down to his neck giving it a few light kiss, and than a gentile nibble. Her words coming out between the kiss.
"Convincing...I think...is something...I can handle."
Making her way up his neck again she stopping at his ear to nibble it a little as well Ryan moves away a little to look Alec in the eye her own glinting with humor. Coming to his lips again Ryan presses her lips to his, letting the kiss be quite deep this time only to pull away again for a moment to turn her head the other way and continue the kiss.
Hearing Kyle's comment about finding a way to never let Alice go, the smile on her face seems to grow a little more as a warmth ran through her veins. It was a quiet secret, and something that didn't need attachen brought to. So leaning back with Kyle she makes no comment on it other than to give his hand a little squeeze.
Karla felt bad that kind seemed to feel so bad about messing up. She wouldn't have been able to tell without him saying something but she really didn't know there songs all that well yet either. In time she would but for now, she still though Kip had done great.
"Maybe if when your int here you close your eyes and just think your somewhere else it might help. I couldn't imagine being in there myself under that kind of pressure of doing well. But if you lose yourself like your else were it could help."
Giving an encouraging smile Karla did what she could to try and keep Kip's spirits up. She new he was trying and it wasn't his fault he seemed to freeze in there, it was just something that happened. Lots of people were like that in crowds and under pressure.
Taking Kip's hand as he helped her up Karla gave another smile just keeping his hand in hers. Things were moving slowly with both of them, but she didn't mind at all. They were taking there time and really there was no need to rush.
"Alright lets head back, I doubt they voted you out though. You really at to important to the band just like everyone else."
"So we let them try some more, and than we are done for the day. Tomorrow they can come back and finish. I know we are on a time frame and all but some things can't be rushed."
Sitting back in her own chair Jackie turns a little bit to look at the others. They all seemed to get along so well it really was amazing, she'd never seen a happier bunch.
Erik did seem to take charge on some things but he'd been with the people in the band longer so he new them better Kyle, she had seen him take action but in different ways. Maybe thats what made the band so special, they new how to share the lead. Looking back to Wayne and his Oreo Jackie just rolls her eyes.
"One of these days Wayne, one of these days. No thank you, I'd rather stay out of trouble."
Jackie gives a laugh as she kicks Wayne's foot for a moment knowing better than to eat in the room where they were. Looking down at the cookie again though Jackie can feel her own mouth wanted from the treat knowing she hadn't eaten in a while.
"Ok, maybe just one."
Taking the cookie from him and poping it quickly in her mouth as to now get crumbs everywhere she munches away.
In the shade
Feeling Ryan's foot and hearing her comment, Alec's eyebrows rise and he pauses mid-chew. His grin returns, his eyes glinting coyly in the sun. "Walk... dessert... walk... dessert. Hmm." He shakes his head and takes another bite of his sandwich. "I dunno... it's a tossup."
He chews thoughtfully. "You might have to, uh..." His foot sneaks over and runs slowly up to her knee. "...help me decide."
Still grinning, he returns concentration to his lunch, throwing Ryan a look every now and again as they continue eating.
Getting through lunch didn't take long, and soon the garbage and leftover water was back in the bike saddlebags and time was running short. Standing near the bike and looking at Ryan for a moment, Alec cocks his head. Helmets in hand, he looks to them then back at her. Seeming to change his mind, he puts the helmets down again. Taking a long stride towards Ryan, he doesn't hesitate before grabbing her and swinging her up into his arms. Spinning her around, his feet take them to the nearby tree where he flops down on the soft ground, letting Ryan land on top of him. Looking up at her, his hands brush her hair back from her face, tucking it behind her ears. The smile that was once thought to be lost forever resurfaces again.
With his head resting in the grass, he searches Ryan's eyes before pulling her close for a gentle kiss which deepens, turning into a passionate embrace. Releasing her for a moment, his grin returns and he brings one leg up to bump her teasingly with his knee. "I think I like dessert in the shade. But you'll have to convince me before I'm absolutely sure."
Hearing Anastasia's words, Quinn's eyes never leave hers. His face seems to remain expressionless, but his gaze tells of matching emotions... the need to leave, but the longing to remain... the need to say goodbye, but the want to stay.
Silence takes over the table as Quinn's gaze expresses his thoughts for him... so deep... so true. Finally though, he speaks, but not before his hand has slid across the table to wrap his fingers around hers. "I'm glad I met you too," he replies softly.
It was strange... he'd known Anastasia for one day. Yet he could, in all honesty, say he'd never felt like this about a woman before. She was different. She was special. And he recognized that.
"If I'm ever in the area again... the music store will be my first stop."
He knew if he left, he wouldn't be back. He knew that he would turn and head down the road, never to look back. By the time he ever returned, she would have set this fairytale on the shelf where it would collect dust, once in a while to be gazed at and smiled over. But he would not find her the same. This had been a once in a lifetime meeting... a once in a lifetime chance.
Quinn's thumb slowly rubs over the top of her hand, a strange lump rising in his throat. He almost felt silly. One day should not be enough for him to not wish to leave her. Yet he couldn't deny how he felt.
"Thank you... Anastasia. I'll cherish this fairytale always." Bringing her hand closer, he raises it to his lips to give it a soft kiss.
But even though he could linger forever, the clock still ticked on. And amidst the blur, they're back in her car, heading to the auto shop. The ride was extra quiet, but not awkward. Halfway there, Quinn's hand slips down to find hers again, saying all the words he couldn't.
The shop's parking lot was like a giant finish line, signaling the end of a short journey, and as they park, Quinn finally has to let go of Anastasia's hand. His finger rises to run down the side of her face, and he wants to kiss her, but he doesn't want to make it harder either. "Goodbye," he whispers.
Kyle chuckles softly and squeezes Alice a little tighter. "You kidding me?" he asks quietly. "I could never tire of having you around. As a matter of fact, if I could find a way to have you around more often, I might just do that."
Shifting his head so he can see her eyes, his grin makes his gaze shine. The implication was there and he knew it. But careful not to draw too much attention to themselves, he simply gives her forehead another light kiss and settles back to rest a while before he was up again.
Out of the corner of his eye, Kip sees Karla sit down next to him and hand him the water. Accepting it, he props himself up on his elbows and takes a long swig. "Thank you."
Sighing, he shakes his head, despite her compliment. "Glad you like it, but it's not the sound I keep messing up. I keep missing words and they're right in front of me. It's like this one line my brain just won't recognize and I just go off and sing the wrong thing with the right notes even though I know the words by heart."
Grimacing, he looks up at Karla in a sidelong glance. "I was fine 'til they put me in the booth. It's like now that I have to do it well, I can't. But I can jam all day long and do it perfectly. Go figure."
Looking back down, he sips some more water then sits up, folding his legs. "Oh well. I guess if I can't get it right, they'll just cut me from the song. At least I got my bass part right."
Taking another deep breath of fresh air and wiping a bit of sweat from his forehead, he nods decidedly then stands up. "Okay, I feel better now." He offers her his hand to help her up. "Let's go see if they voted me off the island."
Wayne swivels in his chair and tosses Jackie a glance and a little grin. He was harsher on the outside than on the inside and she knew it too. "Yeah, we'll give him more time. But we do have to get these guys out of here before the next band slot - you know how hairy it gets if we overlap schedules."
He shrugs. "I was pleased with Erik's response, though I kinda wished I would have seen it from Kyle. Sometimes I can't decide who's the leader but maybe it's just their personality differences."
Rocking back and yawning, he turns again and reaches in the drawer to retrieve a couple oreo cookies. "Want one?"
He chews thoughtfully. "You might have to, uh..." His foot sneaks over and runs slowly up to her knee. "...help me decide."
Still grinning, he returns concentration to his lunch, throwing Ryan a look every now and again as they continue eating.
Getting through lunch didn't take long, and soon the garbage and leftover water was back in the bike saddlebags and time was running short. Standing near the bike and looking at Ryan for a moment, Alec cocks his head. Helmets in hand, he looks to them then back at her. Seeming to change his mind, he puts the helmets down again. Taking a long stride towards Ryan, he doesn't hesitate before grabbing her and swinging her up into his arms. Spinning her around, his feet take them to the nearby tree where he flops down on the soft ground, letting Ryan land on top of him. Looking up at her, his hands brush her hair back from her face, tucking it behind her ears. The smile that was once thought to be lost forever resurfaces again.
With his head resting in the grass, he searches Ryan's eyes before pulling her close for a gentle kiss which deepens, turning into a passionate embrace. Releasing her for a moment, his grin returns and he brings one leg up to bump her teasingly with his knee. "I think I like dessert in the shade. But you'll have to convince me before I'm absolutely sure."
Hearing Anastasia's words, Quinn's eyes never leave hers. His face seems to remain expressionless, but his gaze tells of matching emotions... the need to leave, but the longing to remain... the need to say goodbye, but the want to stay.
Silence takes over the table as Quinn's gaze expresses his thoughts for him... so deep... so true. Finally though, he speaks, but not before his hand has slid across the table to wrap his fingers around hers. "I'm glad I met you too," he replies softly.
It was strange... he'd known Anastasia for one day. Yet he could, in all honesty, say he'd never felt like this about a woman before. She was different. She was special. And he recognized that.
"If I'm ever in the area again... the music store will be my first stop."
He knew if he left, he wouldn't be back. He knew that he would turn and head down the road, never to look back. By the time he ever returned, she would have set this fairytale on the shelf where it would collect dust, once in a while to be gazed at and smiled over. But he would not find her the same. This had been a once in a lifetime meeting... a once in a lifetime chance.
Quinn's thumb slowly rubs over the top of her hand, a strange lump rising in his throat. He almost felt silly. One day should not be enough for him to not wish to leave her. Yet he couldn't deny how he felt.
"Thank you... Anastasia. I'll cherish this fairytale always." Bringing her hand closer, he raises it to his lips to give it a soft kiss.
But even though he could linger forever, the clock still ticked on. And amidst the blur, they're back in her car, heading to the auto shop. The ride was extra quiet, but not awkward. Halfway there, Quinn's hand slips down to find hers again, saying all the words he couldn't.
The shop's parking lot was like a giant finish line, signaling the end of a short journey, and as they park, Quinn finally has to let go of Anastasia's hand. His finger rises to run down the side of her face, and he wants to kiss her, but he doesn't want to make it harder either. "Goodbye," he whispers.
Kyle chuckles softly and squeezes Alice a little tighter. "You kidding me?" he asks quietly. "I could never tire of having you around. As a matter of fact, if I could find a way to have you around more often, I might just do that."
Shifting his head so he can see her eyes, his grin makes his gaze shine. The implication was there and he knew it. But careful not to draw too much attention to themselves, he simply gives her forehead another light kiss and settles back to rest a while before he was up again.
Out of the corner of his eye, Kip sees Karla sit down next to him and hand him the water. Accepting it, he props himself up on his elbows and takes a long swig. "Thank you."
Sighing, he shakes his head, despite her compliment. "Glad you like it, but it's not the sound I keep messing up. I keep missing words and they're right in front of me. It's like this one line my brain just won't recognize and I just go off and sing the wrong thing with the right notes even though I know the words by heart."
Grimacing, he looks up at Karla in a sidelong glance. "I was fine 'til they put me in the booth. It's like now that I have to do it well, I can't. But I can jam all day long and do it perfectly. Go figure."
Looking back down, he sips some more water then sits up, folding his legs. "Oh well. I guess if I can't get it right, they'll just cut me from the song. At least I got my bass part right."
Taking another deep breath of fresh air and wiping a bit of sweat from his forehead, he nods decidedly then stands up. "Okay, I feel better now." He offers her his hand to help her up. "Let's go see if they voted me off the island."
Wayne swivels in his chair and tosses Jackie a glance and a little grin. He was harsher on the outside than on the inside and she knew it too. "Yeah, we'll give him more time. But we do have to get these guys out of here before the next band slot - you know how hairy it gets if we overlap schedules."
He shrugs. "I was pleased with Erik's response, though I kinda wished I would have seen it from Kyle. Sometimes I can't decide who's the leader but maybe it's just their personality differences."
Rocking back and yawning, he turns again and reaches in the drawer to retrieve a couple oreo cookies. "Want one?"
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