Justin had just taken a bite of his food when Beth comments about naming a rabbit. Choking on a laugh, he has to control himself, lest he spit out his food. He coughs, his eyes watering, and he has to take a sip of his drink before he really does choke. Noticing right off how red Beth's cheeks were, along with the change in subjects, he doesn't let her get away with it.
Under his breath, a soft tune comes out. "Do you ears hang low, do they wobble to and fro..." Holding back another laugh and leaving the song unfinished, he waits for Beth to look at him before he scrunches up his nose and shows his top front teeth, mimicking a rabbit. He can't hold the expression for long though as another silly smile emerges. "I don't know, but if I were a bunny rabbit, I think I'd cause an awful mess in an apartment," he muses.
He manages to take another bite of food, though the humor remains in his eyes. "Though you might come up with the first rabbit ever who couldn't get enough of your cooking."
Alec's eyes roam Ryan's after he returned another kiss and listened to her words. "Mmm... Speed is your specialty," he answers. "I wouldn't want to be left in a cloud of dust."
His thumb traces around her eye and down her cheek, across her lips and back again. "As long as you're not planning on running away though, I'll just keep on enjoying this freedom." Shifting to kiss her lips again then her cheek, then her neck on one side then the other, he eventually moves back up again, grinning.
Shifting around on the couch, he turns and takes Ryan with him, winding up on his back with her between his legs so she could be more comfortable. His hand moves to cradle the side of her face and tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'll have you know that I never thought this heart of mine would ever feel anything ever again," he mentions quietly. "Thank you for teaching it how."
Chuck's question was not what Susanne had expected at all, but she had to admit that she liked it. Not only did he attend a familiar church regularly but he was bold enough to ask her to go with him, which meant it was probably pretty important to him.
The corner of her mouth is tugged upward though and her eyes narrow slightly. "You could have just asked me outright about my faith, you know." A grin finally emerges. "I'll think about it. But it has nothing to do with church itself - I don't like missing a Sunday away from it, and God is my life. Going with you though... sorta feels like an announcement that I'm yours." True or not, it's the way it felt to her, and she wasn't comfortable with that yet. Dinner was one thing... walking into church arm-in-arm was another - at least to her. Chuck was right and church was like family to her too. If she walked into her own church with a man, it was almost like bringing him home. At this point, she wasn't convinced this would last long enough for that ever to happen.
Placing an elbow on the table, she rests her chin on her hand. "What else?" She not only wanted him to ask more questions, but she wanted to move the conversation along in case he asked her to go with him again and she wasn't sure she could say no a second time.
11/19/10
11/18/10
Name him....
Ordering his food Chuck's smile continues to hold noting Susanne was a little nervous but not commenting on it. The most he would do was try and make her comfortable. So he wouldn't question it or bring his attachen to it and his smile holds.
"Well, I guess I can start with asking if you go to church on Sunday? It's the second date so I think its ok to ask that one now."
A smile slips across Chuck's lips. To him it was an important question and he might as well start out with it to see where it lead. Church was something he did every Sunday and knowing if maybe Susanne would join him one time really was important.
"I go to the Christ Church over on Apollo. I really like it, a wonderful Christian family. I've been going there for a really long time. Maybe sometime you could join me."
Getting all comfortable on the couch after eating Ryan side over on what she would now call her side of the couch and starts to watch the movie. She's always liked coming over to Alec's. It was different and just nice to have a change.
As Alec moves closer Ryan takes her eyes off the tv and looks to Alec giving a big smile. She couldn't help the small giggle that escaped her lips. Being pushed backwards and getting the kiss to her lips her arms slide up Alec's one finding his back and one finding the hair at the base of his neck.
Feeling the more tender kiss this time Ryan can't help the soft murmur that escaped her lips. It was a different kind of kiss for Alec to give her but Ryan liked it in a way. This softer side, it made her feel more like a woman than a tom boy and maybe this once she liked it.
Pulling away and hearing Alec's words Ryan couldn't help but be a little surprised. Did Alec really just say he was falling in love with her? That was something she hadn't expected. Finally after a few moments Ryan's expression softens a little as she smiled up at Alec. His eyes giving a twinkle in the dim light from the tv. Pulling him a little closer to her Ryan places a kiss on his lips again letting it linger before pulling away again.
"I think...I'd be turned on. How could I run from someone like you mmmm?"
Beth can't help but laugh as she sits down at the table. She'd never hurd of a pet rock but it sure did put a funny picture in her head.
"You sound like you've owned one of these pet rocks before."
Giving another laugh Beth starts to pass the food out not being able to help but take a deep in hail for a moment. Everything sure did smell good and look just as good too.
Looking across the table at Justin Beth's smile grows a little more. There was a twinkle of humor in his eyes and she could only hope she'd had helped some how to make him feel a little better tonight.
"I was thinking about maybe a bunny rabbit. They don't snuggle but they are mighty cute. Maybe I can name it after you."
Realizing how her comment might be table Beth can't help the but of color that comes to her cheeks. Justin was good looking but she didn't mean to just blurt that out. Looking down at her food quickly she twists her fork in the noodles and takes a bit.
"Mmmm...this did come out good."
"Well, I guess I can start with asking if you go to church on Sunday? It's the second date so I think its ok to ask that one now."
A smile slips across Chuck's lips. To him it was an important question and he might as well start out with it to see where it lead. Church was something he did every Sunday and knowing if maybe Susanne would join him one time really was important.
"I go to the Christ Church over on Apollo. I really like it, a wonderful Christian family. I've been going there for a really long time. Maybe sometime you could join me."
Getting all comfortable on the couch after eating Ryan side over on what she would now call her side of the couch and starts to watch the movie. She's always liked coming over to Alec's. It was different and just nice to have a change.
As Alec moves closer Ryan takes her eyes off the tv and looks to Alec giving a big smile. She couldn't help the small giggle that escaped her lips. Being pushed backwards and getting the kiss to her lips her arms slide up Alec's one finding his back and one finding the hair at the base of his neck.
Feeling the more tender kiss this time Ryan can't help the soft murmur that escaped her lips. It was a different kind of kiss for Alec to give her but Ryan liked it in a way. This softer side, it made her feel more like a woman than a tom boy and maybe this once she liked it.
Pulling away and hearing Alec's words Ryan couldn't help but be a little surprised. Did Alec really just say he was falling in love with her? That was something she hadn't expected. Finally after a few moments Ryan's expression softens a little as she smiled up at Alec. His eyes giving a twinkle in the dim light from the tv. Pulling him a little closer to her Ryan places a kiss on his lips again letting it linger before pulling away again.
"I think...I'd be turned on. How could I run from someone like you mmmm?"
Beth can't help but laugh as she sits down at the table. She'd never hurd of a pet rock but it sure did put a funny picture in her head.
"You sound like you've owned one of these pet rocks before."
Giving another laugh Beth starts to pass the food out not being able to help but take a deep in hail for a moment. Everything sure did smell good and look just as good too.
Looking across the table at Justin Beth's smile grows a little more. There was a twinkle of humor in his eyes and she could only hope she'd had helped some how to make him feel a little better tonight.
"I was thinking about maybe a bunny rabbit. They don't snuggle but they are mighty cute. Maybe I can name it after you."
Realizing how her comment might be table Beth can't help the but of color that comes to her cheeks. Justin was good looking but she didn't mean to just blurt that out. Looking down at her food quickly she twists her fork in the noodles and takes a bit.
"Mmmm...this did come out good."
What do you want to know?
Justin was glad to hear that Beth had gone through some more of the past on her own, and her comment about crying makes him smile just a little. Maybe he'd actually done some good after all. At least he could do more than fail his clients.
Taking her hint, he helps set the table, neatly placing the silverware and napkins on either sides of the plates as they should be. "Well, I doubt we'll be getting too cold of weather," he comments. "Though I suppose living down here, we get spoiled with the heat. Unless you're planning on going for walks at midnight. Then it might be a bit nippy." He tosses her a teasing wink.
Sitting down across from her, he folds his hands and just studies her face as she talks. "A pet sounds like a good idea," he encourages. "Maybe something without high maintenance, like a cat, since you're gone throughout the day. You could always go with a pet rock too, but I hear they're not so great at sharing affection."
He grins, his eyes sparkling just a little as his humor slowly seeps out. It wasn't too often that he would relax enough to be funny - most of his friends considered him rather dry. But it was only because his guard was constantly up.
Stopping with Ryan at her car, Alec scrunches his nose and grins as Ryan kisses it. "It would take a lot more than that to hold me over, but we don't have time for what it would really take." Returning a kiss to her nose too, he gives her a teasing look before turning to his bike to grab his helmet. "Pizza and wings sound great. We can call it in and have 'em deliver."
Mounting his bike and giving her a wave, he thumbs to the road to signal he'd see her at his place. It didn't take long to get to his apartment, or to settle in for the evening with their meal and some television.
After eating, and while the movie played, Alec looked over from his corner of the couch before crawling closer to Ryan and pushing her back until she was lying under him. He didn't really care about the movie anyway. With his arms around her now, he kisses her lips before resting his chin near her shoulder and sighing with content. "Ya know," he muses quietly, "I used to think it was all about high speed and action. But I think now, I'd take this over that most days."
Lifting his head and propping himself up on his elbows on either side of her, he stares down into her eyes as they reflected in the dark. He felt better tonight than he had since...well, perhaps ever. He had freedom, he had someone who cared about him, and for the first time in a long time, he actually liked himself and who he was - perhaps his little good deed earlier in the day had had more of an impact on him than he'd anticipated.
Leaning in to kiss Ryan's lips again, it was more tender this time, almost a rare type of affection for him. "If I said I thought I was falling in love with you, would that scare you away or turn you on?"
Susanne's arms stay wrapped around Chuck the entire ride, but this time it wasn't a death grip. And though she leaned her head down against him, her eyes did dare to open to see the city lights whiz by, making pretty patterns.
Once they get to the restaurant, she gets off the motorcycle a little shakily but not as bad as the evening before. Walking inside with Chuck was different this time too. There was no one to impress. No one to shock. No one else she knew at all. It was just him and her this time without any outside purpose.
Seated and scanning a menu, Susanne tips it so she can see over the top across the table at Chuck. "Aw now... I never said I'd let you foot the bill again." She quirks a stubborn eyebrow. "We'll see."
Swinging her ankles under the table to hide her nervousness, her eyes drift back to the menu until their waiter arrives to take their orders. Once left with nothing to fill the gap in time or silence, Susanne's fingers fidget with the placemat on the table. Her gaze lifts once to meet Chuck's eyes, but then lowers quickly again, her cheeks flushing slightly. She could handle business calls and meetings all day long, but when it came to a one-on-one conversation with a man who was not a relative, coworker or boss, she was left with very little notion as to what on earth she could possibly talk about. Awkward wasn't even the half of it.
Taking a deep breath, she bravely looks back at Chuck once more. "So, um... what... what do you want to know about me that you don't already?"
Taking her hint, he helps set the table, neatly placing the silverware and napkins on either sides of the plates as they should be. "Well, I doubt we'll be getting too cold of weather," he comments. "Though I suppose living down here, we get spoiled with the heat. Unless you're planning on going for walks at midnight. Then it might be a bit nippy." He tosses her a teasing wink.
Sitting down across from her, he folds his hands and just studies her face as she talks. "A pet sounds like a good idea," he encourages. "Maybe something without high maintenance, like a cat, since you're gone throughout the day. You could always go with a pet rock too, but I hear they're not so great at sharing affection."
He grins, his eyes sparkling just a little as his humor slowly seeps out. It wasn't too often that he would relax enough to be funny - most of his friends considered him rather dry. But it was only because his guard was constantly up.
Stopping with Ryan at her car, Alec scrunches his nose and grins as Ryan kisses it. "It would take a lot more than that to hold me over, but we don't have time for what it would really take." Returning a kiss to her nose too, he gives her a teasing look before turning to his bike to grab his helmet. "Pizza and wings sound great. We can call it in and have 'em deliver."
Mounting his bike and giving her a wave, he thumbs to the road to signal he'd see her at his place. It didn't take long to get to his apartment, or to settle in for the evening with their meal and some television.
After eating, and while the movie played, Alec looked over from his corner of the couch before crawling closer to Ryan and pushing her back until she was lying under him. He didn't really care about the movie anyway. With his arms around her now, he kisses her lips before resting his chin near her shoulder and sighing with content. "Ya know," he muses quietly, "I used to think it was all about high speed and action. But I think now, I'd take this over that most days."
Lifting his head and propping himself up on his elbows on either side of her, he stares down into her eyes as they reflected in the dark. He felt better tonight than he had since...well, perhaps ever. He had freedom, he had someone who cared about him, and for the first time in a long time, he actually liked himself and who he was - perhaps his little good deed earlier in the day had had more of an impact on him than he'd anticipated.
Leaning in to kiss Ryan's lips again, it was more tender this time, almost a rare type of affection for him. "If I said I thought I was falling in love with you, would that scare you away or turn you on?"
Susanne's arms stay wrapped around Chuck the entire ride, but this time it wasn't a death grip. And though she leaned her head down against him, her eyes did dare to open to see the city lights whiz by, making pretty patterns.
Once they get to the restaurant, she gets off the motorcycle a little shakily but not as bad as the evening before. Walking inside with Chuck was different this time too. There was no one to impress. No one to shock. No one else she knew at all. It was just him and her this time without any outside purpose.
Seated and scanning a menu, Susanne tips it so she can see over the top across the table at Chuck. "Aw now... I never said I'd let you foot the bill again." She quirks a stubborn eyebrow. "We'll see."
Swinging her ankles under the table to hide her nervousness, her eyes drift back to the menu until their waiter arrives to take their orders. Once left with nothing to fill the gap in time or silence, Susanne's fingers fidget with the placemat on the table. Her gaze lifts once to meet Chuck's eyes, but then lowers quickly again, her cheeks flushing slightly. She could handle business calls and meetings all day long, but when it came to a one-on-one conversation with a man who was not a relative, coworker or boss, she was left with very little notion as to what on earth she could possibly talk about. Awkward wasn't even the half of it.
Taking a deep breath, she bravely looks back at Chuck once more. "So, um... what... what do you want to know about me that you don't already?"
My Treat
Continuing to deal with the pasta Beth listens to Justin at the same time as he talks about his mom. A smile slips across Beth's lips holding a little longer than maybe the ones of the past. Hearing about Justin's mom was nice, it felt...good because she didn't have her own to talk about. Not to mention his mom seemed so very nice.
"Well thats good your mom has all her energy still. She sounds like an amazing woman to say the least. Very sweet just like her son."
As Justin's wackes Beth's arm she gives a small laugh and moves over a little more to try and give him some more room. Leaning over the stove she turns the pot with the noodles off. Going to the strainer in the sink Beth dumps the noddles into it before running some hot water over the top.
"Oh, I'm hanging in there. Been going through more pictures and trying to pic out a few I like and could buy frames for when I am ready. Cried more but someone pretty smart told me thats ok."
Turning the water off again and letting the noodles sit to try Beth moves to the cutting bored and starts to cut some bread before nodding to the plates on the counter in a gesture if Justin still wanted to help he could set the table.
"Other than that my days have been pretty good. Same old same old really. Trying to get some more walks in outside with Sarah before the really cold weather hits. She'd doing alright no change, but I guess no change is better than a bad change."
Getting stuff transported into other bowls and going to the table to set them down Beth is silent for a moment. Getting glasses and pouring drinks for them both before sitting.
"I was thinking about maybe getting a pet of my own to keep me company but I'm not sure. Don't know if I will really even get one but it was a nice thought."
You mean everything to me too J.
Just cuddling into him even closer Katie rests her head on his chest and closes her eyes. She felt so tired, and so drained just a little sleep would be all she needed and than she could go spend a little time with her dad.
Looking back at Alec Ryan just grins up at him. Her own eyes searching his and reaching into the depth of them. One could get lost if looking to close, but to Ryan she didn't mind it didn't scare her, She liked it.
"Figures I am in the, I'm not sure what I want mood and now you want me to choose. I guess I'll have time to think about it while I drive over huh?"
Ryan moves along side Alec and slips her arm in with his as they walked out together. Getting to her car and stopping Ryan turns to Alec again and leans in to give him a kiss on the nose. They would be driving septet since she had her car so an extra kiss was needed.
"That should hold you over, and I think I already deiced what I wanted. Pizza and chicken wings sounds mighty good to me."
Watching as Susanne puts the helmet on Chuck smiles with a satisfied grin. He had meant what he said about getting to know her better, and thinking she deserved to be treated like she was special because she was. His heart very much wanted to show her than and this...this was a good start.
"Ok, right off to the Mexican restraint it is with no delays."
Making sure Susanne was on the bike and secure Chuck couldn't help but like the feeling of Susanne's arms as they wrapped around him. Getting situated on the bike himself Chuck starts it bike up.
Pulling out of the parking lot and heading down the road Chuck does not bother taking the long way. Susanne was hungry and so was he. Getting to the the restraint and parking Chuck waits for Susanne to get off and than gets off himself locking there helmets to the bike.
Holding out his arm to walk inside with Susanne Chuck was proud and wore a big smile on his face to walk in with her. Picking a spot and sitting down Chuck grabs the menu and scans it over.
"You can pick anything you want. Its my treat tonight."
"Well thats good your mom has all her energy still. She sounds like an amazing woman to say the least. Very sweet just like her son."
As Justin's wackes Beth's arm she gives a small laugh and moves over a little more to try and give him some more room. Leaning over the stove she turns the pot with the noodles off. Going to the strainer in the sink Beth dumps the noddles into it before running some hot water over the top.
"Oh, I'm hanging in there. Been going through more pictures and trying to pic out a few I like and could buy frames for when I am ready. Cried more but someone pretty smart told me thats ok."
Turning the water off again and letting the noodles sit to try Beth moves to the cutting bored and starts to cut some bread before nodding to the plates on the counter in a gesture if Justin still wanted to help he could set the table.
"Other than that my days have been pretty good. Same old same old really. Trying to get some more walks in outside with Sarah before the really cold weather hits. She'd doing alright no change, but I guess no change is better than a bad change."
Getting stuff transported into other bowls and going to the table to set them down Beth is silent for a moment. Getting glasses and pouring drinks for them both before sitting.
"I was thinking about maybe getting a pet of my own to keep me company but I'm not sure. Don't know if I will really even get one but it was a nice thought."
You mean everything to me too J.
Just cuddling into him even closer Katie rests her head on his chest and closes her eyes. She felt so tired, and so drained just a little sleep would be all she needed and than she could go spend a little time with her dad.
Looking back at Alec Ryan just grins up at him. Her own eyes searching his and reaching into the depth of them. One could get lost if looking to close, but to Ryan she didn't mind it didn't scare her, She liked it.
"Figures I am in the, I'm not sure what I want mood and now you want me to choose. I guess I'll have time to think about it while I drive over huh?"
Ryan moves along side Alec and slips her arm in with his as they walked out together. Getting to her car and stopping Ryan turns to Alec again and leans in to give him a kiss on the nose. They would be driving septet since she had her car so an extra kiss was needed.
"That should hold you over, and I think I already deiced what I wanted. Pizza and chicken wings sounds mighty good to me."
Watching as Susanne puts the helmet on Chuck smiles with a satisfied grin. He had meant what he said about getting to know her better, and thinking she deserved to be treated like she was special because she was. His heart very much wanted to show her than and this...this was a good start.
"Ok, right off to the Mexican restraint it is with no delays."
Making sure Susanne was on the bike and secure Chuck couldn't help but like the feeling of Susanne's arms as they wrapped around him. Getting situated on the bike himself Chuck starts it bike up.
Pulling out of the parking lot and heading down the road Chuck does not bother taking the long way. Susanne was hungry and so was he. Getting to the the restraint and parking Chuck waits for Susanne to get off and than gets off himself locking there helmets to the bike.
Holding out his arm to walk inside with Susanne Chuck was proud and wore a big smile on his face to walk in with her. Picking a spot and sitting down Chuck grabs the menu and scans it over.
"You can pick anything you want. Its my treat tonight."
11/17/10
Illegal
Justin gets up from the table, glad for something to keep his hands busy for a few minutes. He always felt awkward just sitting back and watching someone else work, regardless of whether or not he was a guest.
Coming up beside Beth at the stove, he does as told, putting the meatballs into the sauce and stirring them without any question as to what he was doing - he'd helped his mother in her kitchen one too many times to be unfamiliar with cooking.
He chuckles at Beth's questions and shrugs. "Things are alright. Same old crazies, I guess. Ma's good. She was complaining about where her newspaper landed in the yard this morning, so that means she's feeling well." He grins a little. "She never does slow down. If she drove, I'd never be able to keep up with her."
Turning a little to glance over his shoulder at the dogs who were obediently staying out of the way, he nods again. "They're doing real well. I've been smelling a skunk around my place, so I'm just hoping they don't discover where he is. Danitza already found out the hard way a couple years ago that they're not fun critters to play with."
Justin shifts back around to the stove again, accidentally whacking Beth with his elbow on the way. "Oh, sorry." His hand goes to her shoulder to make sure he hadn't knocked her off balance. As soon as he did though, he was hit with the strange sensation that he shouldn't have, and he retreats quickly, his eyes going back to the meatballs and sauce. Why he felt awkward again all of a sudden, he didn't know. Nor did he know why he was suddenly aware of how closely together he and Beth were standing. It wasn't like him to not have a handle on his own thoughts and feelings, and it made him uncomfortable. He clears his throat and continues to focus on the stove. "So... how have you been?" If she took the question to mean how was she after the last time he'd been over, he would gladly listen. Or if she took it to mean how was she doing as in a casual question of her daily tasks, he wouldn't mind that either.
Jason wasn't so sure he agreed with Katie. Trey seemed like a jerk to him, bad circumstances or not. But really, that wasn't the point. And just because he'd found a brother didn't mean he'd have to interact with him.
Keeping Katie tucked close to him, Jason's body continued to tremble as the shock from his emotions began to wear off. Another tear escaped, though he ignored it. Giving the top of Katie's head a little kiss, it's the best he can offer right now.
Thanks, Katie... you mean the world to me.
"I was born ready." Alec returns Ryan's kiss, wrapping an arm around her to hold her tightly until she withdraws. Grinning, he just takes a moment to study her eyes. "It should be illegal to be as pretty as you," he teases.
Hopping down off the bench, he wanders to the door. "To my apartment we go. Be thinking about what you want for supper."
Susanne's heart skips a beat at Chuck's words. She was special? He really saw her that way? But why? How? It just didn't make any sense - none of this did. And yet...
She opens her mouth to argue, but the words seem to escape her completely. Unless she wanted to call him a liar right to his face, there was nothing she could say. She either had to believe that he actually did like her for some bizarre reason, or understand that he was just toying with her for kicks. She didn't like the second choice, but found the first still too hard to believe. Once again, she was stuck not knowing what to think, just like yesterday.
Clamping her mouth shut, she accepts the helmet dumbly and just looks at it for a moment before turning her eyes back up to Chuck. He wanted to make her feel special and he wanted to get to know her better... it just couldn't be the truth.
Deep down though, Susanne's heart longed for the tender care she'd never received from anyone else. Beyond her doubts and disbeliefs there was a woman that yearned for the attention Chuck was offering freely. Would it be so wrong to step back into the fairytale for a little while longer?
Biting her lip, she dons the helmet, tucking her hair up underneath. "Okay," she agrees. "How about that nice Mexican restaurant over on fifth? But don't take the long way there...."
She hands him her purse to put in the saddlebag and waits for him to get on the motorcycle before sliding on behind him. "...I'm way too hungry to enjoy the night scenery." Slipping her arms around him, she hangs on in anticipation of the ride that maybe she wouldn't want to admit she was looking forward to.
Coming up beside Beth at the stove, he does as told, putting the meatballs into the sauce and stirring them without any question as to what he was doing - he'd helped his mother in her kitchen one too many times to be unfamiliar with cooking.
He chuckles at Beth's questions and shrugs. "Things are alright. Same old crazies, I guess. Ma's good. She was complaining about where her newspaper landed in the yard this morning, so that means she's feeling well." He grins a little. "She never does slow down. If she drove, I'd never be able to keep up with her."
Turning a little to glance over his shoulder at the dogs who were obediently staying out of the way, he nods again. "They're doing real well. I've been smelling a skunk around my place, so I'm just hoping they don't discover where he is. Danitza already found out the hard way a couple years ago that they're not fun critters to play with."
Justin shifts back around to the stove again, accidentally whacking Beth with his elbow on the way. "Oh, sorry." His hand goes to her shoulder to make sure he hadn't knocked her off balance. As soon as he did though, he was hit with the strange sensation that he shouldn't have, and he retreats quickly, his eyes going back to the meatballs and sauce. Why he felt awkward again all of a sudden, he didn't know. Nor did he know why he was suddenly aware of how closely together he and Beth were standing. It wasn't like him to not have a handle on his own thoughts and feelings, and it made him uncomfortable. He clears his throat and continues to focus on the stove. "So... how have you been?" If she took the question to mean how was she after the last time he'd been over, he would gladly listen. Or if she took it to mean how was she doing as in a casual question of her daily tasks, he wouldn't mind that either.
Jason wasn't so sure he agreed with Katie. Trey seemed like a jerk to him, bad circumstances or not. But really, that wasn't the point. And just because he'd found a brother didn't mean he'd have to interact with him.
Keeping Katie tucked close to him, Jason's body continued to tremble as the shock from his emotions began to wear off. Another tear escaped, though he ignored it. Giving the top of Katie's head a little kiss, it's the best he can offer right now.
Thanks, Katie... you mean the world to me.
"I was born ready." Alec returns Ryan's kiss, wrapping an arm around her to hold her tightly until she withdraws. Grinning, he just takes a moment to study her eyes. "It should be illegal to be as pretty as you," he teases.
Hopping down off the bench, he wanders to the door. "To my apartment we go. Be thinking about what you want for supper."
Susanne's heart skips a beat at Chuck's words. She was special? He really saw her that way? But why? How? It just didn't make any sense - none of this did. And yet...
She opens her mouth to argue, but the words seem to escape her completely. Unless she wanted to call him a liar right to his face, there was nothing she could say. She either had to believe that he actually did like her for some bizarre reason, or understand that he was just toying with her for kicks. She didn't like the second choice, but found the first still too hard to believe. Once again, she was stuck not knowing what to think, just like yesterday.
Clamping her mouth shut, she accepts the helmet dumbly and just looks at it for a moment before turning her eyes back up to Chuck. He wanted to make her feel special and he wanted to get to know her better... it just couldn't be the truth.
Deep down though, Susanne's heart longed for the tender care she'd never received from anyone else. Beyond her doubts and disbeliefs there was a woman that yearned for the attention Chuck was offering freely. Would it be so wrong to step back into the fairytale for a little while longer?
Biting her lip, she dons the helmet, tucking her hair up underneath. "Okay," she agrees. "How about that nice Mexican restaurant over on fifth? But don't take the long way there...."
She hands him her purse to put in the saddlebag and waits for him to get on the motorcycle before sliding on behind him. "...I'm way too hungry to enjoy the night scenery." Slipping her arms around him, she hangs on in anticipation of the ride that maybe she wouldn't want to admit she was looking forward to.
Twisted Arm
Continuing to just move about the kitchen Beth had to back track a few times looking for her own pans and what not. Cooking was still new to her though she new how. So many nights meal were tv dinners or take out. So she was still getting use to where everything was.
"Well if you want to come over here and drop these meatballs into the sauce for me and give it a few stirs while I finish up this pasta that would be great. I've got to keep string this or it will stick."
Turning back and stiring the noodles Beth moves to the side a little making room so if Justin wanted to come over and help her out he could. There wasn't much room but there was enough and they wouldn't be standing there for two long.
"So, outside of work how is everything? You mom she is doing well? I can see both the kids are behaving for you."
Beth gives a glance over her shoulder at both the dogs and smiles. She liked the dogs they were pretty and she always liked dogs. Even if she was comfortable around Justin now having the dogs over too was really nice.
Giving his own grin again seeing Ariel's eyes narrow again he couldn't help but laugh a little on the inside. He was feeling her out seeing if she could take his jokes or comments or not.
"You can always call Pete and I am sure he will give me a message till I can get my own phone number switched to over here."
Taking a bit of his own food and than another sip of his drink Trey looks up to her again and narrows his eyes for a moment as he just study's her for a moment. She had spunk, she spoke her mind, and she had a bossy tone to her, but not one that was irritating. It was strange for Trey to feel as though he wanted to get to know her more.
"Well I guess since your twisting my arm and all we can go for a walk. I don't want you to beat me up or anything."
Just continuing to lay with Jason on the bed Katie lets his feeling flow into her as they boil off. It was a little on the painful side, and she was tired but she was not willing to give up yet till Jason would be ok.
I know you don't like him. But you have to remember Trey has not had the best of life himself. He's who he is because of his life, and he hasn't known the joys you have. Maybe he's not so bad?
Feeling Jason's emotions flex Jason trys to pull on his more comforting emotions to show she supported him, and well...she new how he felt, and no matter what she'd stand behind him.
I'm here Jason, I always will be. No matter what. We will figure this out and I am with you every step of the way.
Shifting just a little so it was more comfortable with Jason's arms around her Katie nuzzles her head into his chest. She could feel his emotions about there ability and new he still felt they were a curse sometimes. She always hated he felt this way but she couldn't stop it to him its just how it was she only wished there was some way they could meet both there needs.
Letting out a small sigh and just moving in closer to Jason Katie new they would figure this out. They would get through this, and be stronger in the end for it. For now Katie would considerate on Jason and helping him recover everything else would come in time.
Continuing to look back at Susanne Chuck's eyes just roam her face taking in everything, every feature, every line, the glitter he could see in her eyes even if no one else could. Since the first day he'd seen Susanne there was just something about her.
"The only way this will be over, is if you tell me its over. When those words come from your mouth than I will stop seeing you. Till than I will make you feel special because you are, and you deserve to be treated that way."
Giving a smile again and turning around Chuck goes to the bike and takes the helmet from the back before handing it to Susanne. He liked being able to share these times with her even if there was only one so far. Just knowing he got to spend it made his heart flutter.
"I was thinking tonight maybe we could do something nice, but quiet. That way we could talk a little more on the privet side and get to know each other. I'd like to know more about you and have you get to know me."
Watching as Alec goes over to her work bench and sits down Ryan didn't mind. She was almost done here and having someone to talk to while finishing up would be nice.
Turning back around to finish the car Ryan catches Alec's comment. Letting a sassy smile slip on her lips she looks over her shoulder and gives her bottom a little shake for Alec's own pleasure.
"As long as you like it thats all that matters to me. Than again you could just be trying to stay on my good side. Than again you did say this was my good side."
Shaking her head and getting back to work Ryan rolls her eyes. Within a few minutes like she said she would be she closed to the hood to the car and signed off on the paper work. It had been a good day today and getting done a head of time was always nice.
"Ok you sexy thing. I'm ready to go if you are."
Coming close to Alec Ryan press her lips to his and lets its linger for a long moment before pulling away her eyes giving there own twinkle.
"Well if you want to come over here and drop these meatballs into the sauce for me and give it a few stirs while I finish up this pasta that would be great. I've got to keep string this or it will stick."
Turning back and stiring the noodles Beth moves to the side a little making room so if Justin wanted to come over and help her out he could. There wasn't much room but there was enough and they wouldn't be standing there for two long.
"So, outside of work how is everything? You mom she is doing well? I can see both the kids are behaving for you."
Beth gives a glance over her shoulder at both the dogs and smiles. She liked the dogs they were pretty and she always liked dogs. Even if she was comfortable around Justin now having the dogs over too was really nice.
Giving his own grin again seeing Ariel's eyes narrow again he couldn't help but laugh a little on the inside. He was feeling her out seeing if she could take his jokes or comments or not.
"You can always call Pete and I am sure he will give me a message till I can get my own phone number switched to over here."
Taking a bit of his own food and than another sip of his drink Trey looks up to her again and narrows his eyes for a moment as he just study's her for a moment. She had spunk, she spoke her mind, and she had a bossy tone to her, but not one that was irritating. It was strange for Trey to feel as though he wanted to get to know her more.
"Well I guess since your twisting my arm and all we can go for a walk. I don't want you to beat me up or anything."
Just continuing to lay with Jason on the bed Katie lets his feeling flow into her as they boil off. It was a little on the painful side, and she was tired but she was not willing to give up yet till Jason would be ok.
I know you don't like him. But you have to remember Trey has not had the best of life himself. He's who he is because of his life, and he hasn't known the joys you have. Maybe he's not so bad?
Feeling Jason's emotions flex Jason trys to pull on his more comforting emotions to show she supported him, and well...she new how he felt, and no matter what she'd stand behind him.
I'm here Jason, I always will be. No matter what. We will figure this out and I am with you every step of the way.
Shifting just a little so it was more comfortable with Jason's arms around her Katie nuzzles her head into his chest. She could feel his emotions about there ability and new he still felt they were a curse sometimes. She always hated he felt this way but she couldn't stop it to him its just how it was she only wished there was some way they could meet both there needs.
Letting out a small sigh and just moving in closer to Jason Katie new they would figure this out. They would get through this, and be stronger in the end for it. For now Katie would considerate on Jason and helping him recover everything else would come in time.
Continuing to look back at Susanne Chuck's eyes just roam her face taking in everything, every feature, every line, the glitter he could see in her eyes even if no one else could. Since the first day he'd seen Susanne there was just something about her.
"The only way this will be over, is if you tell me its over. When those words come from your mouth than I will stop seeing you. Till than I will make you feel special because you are, and you deserve to be treated that way."
Giving a smile again and turning around Chuck goes to the bike and takes the helmet from the back before handing it to Susanne. He liked being able to share these times with her even if there was only one so far. Just knowing he got to spend it made his heart flutter.
"I was thinking tonight maybe we could do something nice, but quiet. That way we could talk a little more on the privet side and get to know each other. I'd like to know more about you and have you get to know me."
Watching as Alec goes over to her work bench and sits down Ryan didn't mind. She was almost done here and having someone to talk to while finishing up would be nice.
Turning back around to finish the car Ryan catches Alec's comment. Letting a sassy smile slip on her lips she looks over her shoulder and gives her bottom a little shake for Alec's own pleasure.
"As long as you like it thats all that matters to me. Than again you could just be trying to stay on my good side. Than again you did say this was my good side."
Shaking her head and getting back to work Ryan rolls her eyes. Within a few minutes like she said she would be she closed to the hood to the car and signed off on the paper work. It had been a good day today and getting done a head of time was always nice.
"Ok you sexy thing. I'm ready to go if you are."
Coming close to Alec Ryan press her lips to his and lets its linger for a long moment before pulling away her eyes giving there own twinkle.
11/16/10
Stop
"Yeah...yeah, I'm feeling alright." Justin forces another smile in case the last one hadn't been good enough to convince Beth he was happy. Accepting the water, he nods and thanks her, listening to her talk about finding her mother's cookbook. Without her saying so, he knew it must have been at least a little difficult for her.
"Good for you." He meant it, too. "I'm sure it's going to taste just as good as it smells."
Taking a sip of his water, he tries to fend off the headache that wanted to come. Wandering to the table, he sits, his mind trying to relive the day even though he was fighting it. He didn't want to think about Dalton or Scott or any of that. He didn't want to think about Rebecca either. Wait, what?
Justin realizes he's staring at the table so he takes another sip of water. It wasn't like him to feel so off his game, yet oddly enough, it didn't seem to matter in this setting. It was just too...comfortable? A red flag goes up and he pays it heed, getting his mind back on track. "Anything I can do to help you out with supper?"
Ariel catches Trey's sly little comment and her eyes narrow even though her lips continue to grin. She nods and continues to eat. "Good. You don't try to pull any stunts and I think we'll get along great."
She bites off a piece of chicken from her fork, pointing the utensil at Trey in a fair warning for him to continue behaving himself around her. "I'll get a hold of you one way or another about getting together again. For now though, we're gonna take a walk around the park when we're done eating."
I love you, too.
Jason didn't even have the energy to reply with his voice. Feeling Kate's palm slide into his, another dimension of emotions was opened and they poured forth again, funneled to the one source that could absorb them. His fingers curl around her hand, grateful for her willingness to endure this with him. He knew she had to be hurting, with as much pain that was surging through his own body right now.
I don't like Trey. How can he be my brother? How am I going to tell Mom? I'd take an Agency battle over this.
His grip tightens around her hand.
The emotions are killing me, Katie...I can't take them anymore. They've gotten too strong. I don't know how to control them like I was. If ever it felt like a curse...
He knew Katie loved their connection and he didn't want to upset her with his silent comment, but right now, it really did feel like a curse.
Have to calm down... have to control them...
Jason's eyes shut tightly against the strain. Slowly, slowly, the emotions begin to ease off. Though still present, their strength began to wane. Jason's grip loosens a little, though his body starts to tremble as he's hit with a wave of chills. And though fighting it, the tears do finally come. Unwanted, they escape his eyes to run down his face and fall silently into the pillow. Still shaking, his other hand finds Katie's and pulls her arm around him even more, feeling enveloped as if by a warm blanket.
Chuck's hand on her face makes Susanne's knees feel like jello. Though she refrained, every fiber in her wanted to lean into his touch and feel his warm palm caress her cheek one more time.
"What happens after three days?" she asks quietly.
Her eyes drop as her cheeks grow warm yet again. Her fingers still nestled in his other hand, she moves her thumb a little bit, feeling over one of his fingers, over his knuckles, then back again. That alone made her heart race in the most peculiar manner.
Her gaze remains on the ground, her words still so softly spoken as if she thought a louder tone might break the moment for good. "I want to believe you, Chuck. But my better sense keeps telling me that it's either a dream or your intentions can't be what you say."
She bites her lip, feeling almost cruel for having voiced that. Swallowing hard, she gains the courage to look back up at his eyes again. The lights from the parking lot reflected off of them, making them sparkle even more and Susanne wondered if she could just stand there and gaze at them for an eternity.
"I'll go to dinner with you," she finally answers. "But stop making me feel so special... it will only make it harder on me when this is over."
Alec returns Ryan's kiss, his one hand crawling up and down her arm as he keeps her in the embrace. Looking back at her as she withdraws, he grins. "Fifteen minutes? I'd wait a lifetime."
Finally letting her go, he gives her bottom a backhanded whack before ambling over to the work bench and jumping up to sit on it and wait. Watching Ryan, he cocks his head. "Ya know... with this view, I could watch you work on engines all day long."
"Good for you." He meant it, too. "I'm sure it's going to taste just as good as it smells."
Taking a sip of his water, he tries to fend off the headache that wanted to come. Wandering to the table, he sits, his mind trying to relive the day even though he was fighting it. He didn't want to think about Dalton or Scott or any of that. He didn't want to think about Rebecca either. Wait, what?
Justin realizes he's staring at the table so he takes another sip of water. It wasn't like him to feel so off his game, yet oddly enough, it didn't seem to matter in this setting. It was just too...comfortable? A red flag goes up and he pays it heed, getting his mind back on track. "Anything I can do to help you out with supper?"
Ariel catches Trey's sly little comment and her eyes narrow even though her lips continue to grin. She nods and continues to eat. "Good. You don't try to pull any stunts and I think we'll get along great."
She bites off a piece of chicken from her fork, pointing the utensil at Trey in a fair warning for him to continue behaving himself around her. "I'll get a hold of you one way or another about getting together again. For now though, we're gonna take a walk around the park when we're done eating."
I love you, too.
Jason didn't even have the energy to reply with his voice. Feeling Kate's palm slide into his, another dimension of emotions was opened and they poured forth again, funneled to the one source that could absorb them. His fingers curl around her hand, grateful for her willingness to endure this with him. He knew she had to be hurting, with as much pain that was surging through his own body right now.
I don't like Trey. How can he be my brother? How am I going to tell Mom? I'd take an Agency battle over this.
His grip tightens around her hand.
The emotions are killing me, Katie...I can't take them anymore. They've gotten too strong. I don't know how to control them like I was. If ever it felt like a curse...
He knew Katie loved their connection and he didn't want to upset her with his silent comment, but right now, it really did feel like a curse.
Have to calm down... have to control them...
Jason's eyes shut tightly against the strain. Slowly, slowly, the emotions begin to ease off. Though still present, their strength began to wane. Jason's grip loosens a little, though his body starts to tremble as he's hit with a wave of chills. And though fighting it, the tears do finally come. Unwanted, they escape his eyes to run down his face and fall silently into the pillow. Still shaking, his other hand finds Katie's and pulls her arm around him even more, feeling enveloped as if by a warm blanket.
Chuck's hand on her face makes Susanne's knees feel like jello. Though she refrained, every fiber in her wanted to lean into his touch and feel his warm palm caress her cheek one more time.
"What happens after three days?" she asks quietly.
Her eyes drop as her cheeks grow warm yet again. Her fingers still nestled in his other hand, she moves her thumb a little bit, feeling over one of his fingers, over his knuckles, then back again. That alone made her heart race in the most peculiar manner.
Her gaze remains on the ground, her words still so softly spoken as if she thought a louder tone might break the moment for good. "I want to believe you, Chuck. But my better sense keeps telling me that it's either a dream or your intentions can't be what you say."
She bites her lip, feeling almost cruel for having voiced that. Swallowing hard, she gains the courage to look back up at his eyes again. The lights from the parking lot reflected off of them, making them sparkle even more and Susanne wondered if she could just stand there and gaze at them for an eternity.
"I'll go to dinner with you," she finally answers. "But stop making me feel so special... it will only make it harder on me when this is over."
Alec returns Ryan's kiss, his one hand crawling up and down her arm as he keeps her in the embrace. Looking back at her as she withdraws, he grins. "Fifteen minutes? I'd wait a lifetime."
Finally letting her go, he gives her bottom a backhanded whack before ambling over to the work bench and jumping up to sit on it and wait. Watching Ryan, he cocks his head. "Ya know... with this view, I could watch you work on engines all day long."
11/7/10
Long awaited
Moving around he kitchen Beth just works quietly as she listens to Justin at the same time. Her insides felt a little nervous not because Justin was here, but because was was hoping everything really was ok with him. He looked a little more tired than normal, and his eyes just weren't as bright.
"You look pretty tired today. You feeling ok?"
Stopping at the stove and looking Justin over for a moment Beth couldn't help but feel like something was a little more wrong. Even if it was non of her never mind it made her worry a little anyways.
Going to the fridge and pulling out some water and than going for a glass she pours it and hands it to Justin giving a smile before turning back to the stove and shutting it off.
"Thanks, I've had sauce cooking all day, and I tried making the noddles myself. I just hope it tasts as good as it smells. It's my mom's recipe, I found her old cookbook."
Though her back was turned to Justin there was a small twinkle in her eye. She cried a little when she found the book, but she had been able to smile as well. Memories had to try and live on the good times, maybe this was one way of doing that.
Trey can't help but laugh a little and shake his head at Ariel's humor. She had spunk he would give her that and she had a life in her eyes that just seemed to make them even a little bit brighter.
"A free meal is always a nice thing. "
Taking a bit of his own food again he listens to Ariel and couldn't help but be a little surprised by what she said. He'd thought for sure after finding out about his past or even what still was she'd head for the hills.
"Haven't lived enough huh? You wanna help me live a little more?"
Trey couldn't help the little sly grin that slips on his lips before he shook his head again a sat back a little bit just in case Ariel deiced to throw something for his comment.
"Well, I'll be here for a while still so if you want to show me around thats find with me. It will give me something to do beside sit in the dungeon even though my outside times."
Following Jason into her room Katie didn't mind him being in there, or even him laying in her bed. She never had to worry about his intentions and she trusted him with her life. Though feeling tired Katie continues to pull on Jason's good emotions to help him, and taking his other emotions with them.
Sitting down on the bed with Jason and laying down next to him Katie's hand slips under the pillow her scar linking with his. She new there was still so much going on inside of him and it was all she could do to help besides just being there for him.
"I love you Jason."
Feeling Susanne run her fingers through her hair once again Chuck's eyes close for a moment before opening again not wanting to miss a moment of Susanne's pretty face. Looking into her eyes again his lips turn into a smile as he reaches out and takes her hand softly into his.
"Because, I don't want you to walk away, and I don't want you to say no. This is not just a fairy tail that will end, I want to spend time with you, today, tomorrow, three days from now."
Bring his free hand to the side of Susanne's face Chuck runs his thumb over her cheek bone and down her jaw before coming up the other side of her face. The way her skin flet under his fingers was just beyond words.
"I've got the extra helmet with me, and you look good the way you are. I'd really love to spend dinner with you Susanne!"
Feeling Alec put his arms around her, and place a kiss on her neck Ryan can't help but giggle a little happy she could smell his body wash or she might have clubbed him on the head not knowing who it was.
"Don't you know not to sneak up on a girl with a wrench? It's dangerous."
Standing up a little so she wasn't bend over anymore. Hearing the comment about his apartment Ryan couldn't help but laugh again. It seemed Alec was in a rather odd mood but in a way the softer side was kind of a nice change.
"Mmmm...I think pizza and wings sounds great. I think Eli said something about being with Scarlet tonight anyways so coming over to your place is no problem. As for leaving early I just need to finish a few things on this car and I will be done with all my work, So leaving early is ok too. You don't mind waiting about 15 min longer do you?"
Leaning her head back Ryan gives a kiss to Alec's lips and a grin moves across her own as she leaned into him a little bit. She'd been missing him today so having him show up and surprise her was nice.
"A little snuggle time sounds like it will hit the spot."
"You look pretty tired today. You feeling ok?"
Stopping at the stove and looking Justin over for a moment Beth couldn't help but feel like something was a little more wrong. Even if it was non of her never mind it made her worry a little anyways.
Going to the fridge and pulling out some water and than going for a glass she pours it and hands it to Justin giving a smile before turning back to the stove and shutting it off.
"Thanks, I've had sauce cooking all day, and I tried making the noddles myself. I just hope it tasts as good as it smells. It's my mom's recipe, I found her old cookbook."
Though her back was turned to Justin there was a small twinkle in her eye. She cried a little when she found the book, but she had been able to smile as well. Memories had to try and live on the good times, maybe this was one way of doing that.
Trey can't help but laugh a little and shake his head at Ariel's humor. She had spunk he would give her that and she had a life in her eyes that just seemed to make them even a little bit brighter.
"A free meal is always a nice thing. "
Taking a bit of his own food again he listens to Ariel and couldn't help but be a little surprised by what she said. He'd thought for sure after finding out about his past or even what still was she'd head for the hills.
"Haven't lived enough huh? You wanna help me live a little more?"
Trey couldn't help the little sly grin that slips on his lips before he shook his head again a sat back a little bit just in case Ariel deiced to throw something for his comment.
"Well, I'll be here for a while still so if you want to show me around thats find with me. It will give me something to do beside sit in the dungeon even though my outside times."
Following Jason into her room Katie didn't mind him being in there, or even him laying in her bed. She never had to worry about his intentions and she trusted him with her life. Though feeling tired Katie continues to pull on Jason's good emotions to help him, and taking his other emotions with them.
Sitting down on the bed with Jason and laying down next to him Katie's hand slips under the pillow her scar linking with his. She new there was still so much going on inside of him and it was all she could do to help besides just being there for him.
"I love you Jason."
Feeling Susanne run her fingers through her hair once again Chuck's eyes close for a moment before opening again not wanting to miss a moment of Susanne's pretty face. Looking into her eyes again his lips turn into a smile as he reaches out and takes her hand softly into his.
"Because, I don't want you to walk away, and I don't want you to say no. This is not just a fairy tail that will end, I want to spend time with you, today, tomorrow, three days from now."
Bring his free hand to the side of Susanne's face Chuck runs his thumb over her cheek bone and down her jaw before coming up the other side of her face. The way her skin flet under his fingers was just beyond words.
"I've got the extra helmet with me, and you look good the way you are. I'd really love to spend dinner with you Susanne!"
Feeling Alec put his arms around her, and place a kiss on her neck Ryan can't help but giggle a little happy she could smell his body wash or she might have clubbed him on the head not knowing who it was.
"Don't you know not to sneak up on a girl with a wrench? It's dangerous."
Standing up a little so she wasn't bend over anymore. Hearing the comment about his apartment Ryan couldn't help but laugh again. It seemed Alec was in a rather odd mood but in a way the softer side was kind of a nice change.
"Mmmm...I think pizza and wings sounds great. I think Eli said something about being with Scarlet tonight anyways so coming over to your place is no problem. As for leaving early I just need to finish a few things on this car and I will be done with all my work, So leaving early is ok too. You don't mind waiting about 15 min longer do you?"
Leaning her head back Ryan gives a kiss to Alec's lips and a grin moves across her own as she leaned into him a little bit. She'd been missing him today so having him show up and surprise her was nice.
"A little snuggle time sounds like it will hit the spot."
Why can't I?
Following Beth to the kitchen with the dogs on his heels, Justin's hands rest halfway in his jeans pockets. The smell of food in the air makes his stomach growl - if there was one thing he couldn't deny, it was that Beth was a good cook.
"Oh... I'm doing okay." Truth be told, he was pretty tired and didn't really feel all that great about the day, but he was still okay.
Leaning back against one of the countertops, his eyes watch Beth continuing to prepare supper. "Just another typical day in the life of not-so-typical me." He smiles a little to cover up his weariness. It was a strange feeling... being more comfortable here than he'd thought he'd be, along with wanting to be with Rebecca.
"Food smells awfully good..."
Ariel gives Trey a little smirk. "Yeah, like you coulda got your head blown off. I'd say this was the better option." She waves her fork around. "I wouldn't have gotten my meal paid for either."
Grinning, she takes another bite. "Okay, so you're kind of a prisoner of TJY, but really it's for your own protection. Your folks are in the drug business... sounds like you dabbled but they didn't want you in the thick of it. And it's all normal to you, huh?"
She cocks her head thoughtfully. "Some people might say you've done a lot of living. I'd say you haven't done enough." Pausing to take another sip of her drink, her eyes remain on Trey. "Stick around a while... you need to see the sights and I need someone to show them to."
Jeff returns Thirteen's hug warmly and smiles, kissing the top of her head. "You look great," he compliments. "And lunch for everybody sounds fantastic. Can I help you out?"
Ryder grins as he watches them all, feeling good that Thirteen was able to spend time with not only her dad but her uncle and cousin as well. "There's always room in the kitchen," he intervenes and hobbles in that direction. "Come on, Thirteen... let's make some of those sandwiches you know so well how to put together."
Jason tries to not let his weariness show too much and continues to keep part of it from Katie, though he does answer her. "Um... bed is good," he replies quietly. He didn't want to put anybody out, and would rather just keep this whole thing low-keyed. Seeing some of the others heading to the kitchen, he wanders towards the hall, nodding to Trent but not taking time to chat right now. Later... later after he'd rested.
Getting to Katie's room, Jason knows he doesn't need to be hesitant about entering her private space. He could ignore what he needed to, and right now, most everything was going ignored anyway. Easing face-down on the bed, he hides his face in a pillow. Katie's sweet shampoo scent was a comfort and a slight twist in his emotions prove it - almost as if he'd let the little secret slip.
Unfortunately, there were more intense emotions swirling around any good ones. They were those that told not only of the leftover damage that had been caused, but of the unsolved torment of finding out he had a brother. The emotions that were on the top were those that made him want to cry, though he held it all back. He was still confused, angry and hurt, and exhausted because of it all.
His scarred palm burned and he clenches his fist under the pillow, willing himself not to release any energy, lest he damage anything or anyone around him.
Receiving Chuck's hug and kiss to the cheek, Susanne stiffens, not having expecting it and too shocked to even return either one. A light whiff of cologne passes her nostrils and she couldn't help but close her eyes for a short moment, enjoying it.
Looking back at him though, she just blinks. "Answer for..." Her speech trails off as she begins to smile and she shakes her head. "I guess I figured your note meant your answer for more than lunch," she admits. Another little tingle runs down her spine and she reminds herself that she really did need to decline. She'd already come to terms with all of this today and had logically thought through it all, always concluding that it was best to walk away from the one fun evening.
Why then, was the word "no" simply not coming out?
Taking a little step closer to him again, she bites her lip and looks into those eyes that she was sure belonged in a fairytale somewhere, not her reality. Reaching up, she runs her fingers through his slightly matted hair before retreating again. "Why can't I say no to you?" she asks quietly. "Why do you have to make me feel so good just when I'm ready to walk away?"
Alec pokes his head around the corner and scans the garage. A few mechanics remained, but his eyes only wanted to find one. As he's spotted by Miles, he puts a finger to his lips for him to remain quiet. He was still in his khaki uniform and cap from driving all day, having come right here after work. Despite the hours on the job though, there seemed to be a new kind of spark in his eye.
Slipping back behind the cars, he comes up at Ryan's back while she is bent over an open engine. Grinning, he wraps his arms around her waist and leans in to kiss her neck, squeezing her tightly. "Mmm.... grease isn't my favorite perfume, but as long as it's you wrapped in my arms, I don't think I care."
Still grinning, he sets his chin on her shoulder. "What do you think about dumping this joint a little early?" he whispers. "I know this great apartment with a halfway-great couch and a hand-me-down table perfect for holding something exotic like..." He chuckles. "...Takeout Chinese? Or pizza and wings?"
He bites his lip before kissing her neck again. "It comes with a guy dying for some cuddle time in front of the tv and a cheesy movie." Another grin emerges. "Without big brother Eli's hawk eyes."
"Oh... I'm doing okay." Truth be told, he was pretty tired and didn't really feel all that great about the day, but he was still okay.
Leaning back against one of the countertops, his eyes watch Beth continuing to prepare supper. "Just another typical day in the life of not-so-typical me." He smiles a little to cover up his weariness. It was a strange feeling... being more comfortable here than he'd thought he'd be, along with wanting to be with Rebecca.
"Food smells awfully good..."
Ariel gives Trey a little smirk. "Yeah, like you coulda got your head blown off. I'd say this was the better option." She waves her fork around. "I wouldn't have gotten my meal paid for either."
Grinning, she takes another bite. "Okay, so you're kind of a prisoner of TJY, but really it's for your own protection. Your folks are in the drug business... sounds like you dabbled but they didn't want you in the thick of it. And it's all normal to you, huh?"
She cocks her head thoughtfully. "Some people might say you've done a lot of living. I'd say you haven't done enough." Pausing to take another sip of her drink, her eyes remain on Trey. "Stick around a while... you need to see the sights and I need someone to show them to."
Jeff returns Thirteen's hug warmly and smiles, kissing the top of her head. "You look great," he compliments. "And lunch for everybody sounds fantastic. Can I help you out?"
Ryder grins as he watches them all, feeling good that Thirteen was able to spend time with not only her dad but her uncle and cousin as well. "There's always room in the kitchen," he intervenes and hobbles in that direction. "Come on, Thirteen... let's make some of those sandwiches you know so well how to put together."
Jason tries to not let his weariness show too much and continues to keep part of it from Katie, though he does answer her. "Um... bed is good," he replies quietly. He didn't want to put anybody out, and would rather just keep this whole thing low-keyed. Seeing some of the others heading to the kitchen, he wanders towards the hall, nodding to Trent but not taking time to chat right now. Later... later after he'd rested.
Getting to Katie's room, Jason knows he doesn't need to be hesitant about entering her private space. He could ignore what he needed to, and right now, most everything was going ignored anyway. Easing face-down on the bed, he hides his face in a pillow. Katie's sweet shampoo scent was a comfort and a slight twist in his emotions prove it - almost as if he'd let the little secret slip.
Unfortunately, there were more intense emotions swirling around any good ones. They were those that told not only of the leftover damage that had been caused, but of the unsolved torment of finding out he had a brother. The emotions that were on the top were those that made him want to cry, though he held it all back. He was still confused, angry and hurt, and exhausted because of it all.
His scarred palm burned and he clenches his fist under the pillow, willing himself not to release any energy, lest he damage anything or anyone around him.
Receiving Chuck's hug and kiss to the cheek, Susanne stiffens, not having expecting it and too shocked to even return either one. A light whiff of cologne passes her nostrils and she couldn't help but close her eyes for a short moment, enjoying it.
Looking back at him though, she just blinks. "Answer for..." Her speech trails off as she begins to smile and she shakes her head. "I guess I figured your note meant your answer for more than lunch," she admits. Another little tingle runs down her spine and she reminds herself that she really did need to decline. She'd already come to terms with all of this today and had logically thought through it all, always concluding that it was best to walk away from the one fun evening.
Why then, was the word "no" simply not coming out?
Taking a little step closer to him again, she bites her lip and looks into those eyes that she was sure belonged in a fairytale somewhere, not her reality. Reaching up, she runs her fingers through his slightly matted hair before retreating again. "Why can't I say no to you?" she asks quietly. "Why do you have to make me feel so good just when I'm ready to walk away?"
Alec pokes his head around the corner and scans the garage. A few mechanics remained, but his eyes only wanted to find one. As he's spotted by Miles, he puts a finger to his lips for him to remain quiet. He was still in his khaki uniform and cap from driving all day, having come right here after work. Despite the hours on the job though, there seemed to be a new kind of spark in his eye.
Slipping back behind the cars, he comes up at Ryan's back while she is bent over an open engine. Grinning, he wraps his arms around her waist and leans in to kiss her neck, squeezing her tightly. "Mmm.... grease isn't my favorite perfume, but as long as it's you wrapped in my arms, I don't think I care."
Still grinning, he sets his chin on her shoulder. "What do you think about dumping this joint a little early?" he whispers. "I know this great apartment with a halfway-great couch and a hand-me-down table perfect for holding something exotic like..." He chuckles. "...Takeout Chinese? Or pizza and wings?"
He bites his lip before kissing her neck again. "It comes with a guy dying for some cuddle time in front of the tv and a cheesy movie." Another grin emerges. "Without big brother Eli's hawk eyes."
Day unfolds
Thirteen can't help but smile again. Having her dad here, with her and Ryder...it felt so nice. There were so many emotions that ran through her it was hard to really explain any of them. The idea of lunch makes her smile even more as she stands.
Giving a little jump as the door opens without expecting it Thirteen's eyes widen a little bit. Who would be coming in the house at this house. Shifting a little and moving a few steps closer to Ryder she waits to see what happens.
Seeing Jason, Katie and Jeff enter Thirteen relaxes a little bit knowing everything was ok. But still a worry passed in her eyes seeing Jason and Katie both looking a little waired down. Ryder had explained to her about Kaite and Jason's special ability but it was all hard to understand.
Looking up at Trent, Thirteen and Ryder as she entered with Jason and her dad Katie gave the best smile she could.
"Even if it was a short one, it was a long one too. Sorry if we bothered you guys."
Seeing Trent give a little wave to her Katie smiles and gives a wave with a nod back as she keeps walking though just trying to get Jason to lay down for now. She'd be able to talk to him a little more later.
"Bed or the couch J? Whatever is more comfortable for you just let me know."
Looking to her Uncle Jeff Thirteen smiles. It was nice to see him again, and to just know that her family was here. It felt good to know she had family, people who loved and cared for her too.
"Hi Uncle Jeff."
Moving around Ryder a little Thirteen goes over to him and puts her arms around him in a hug. Taking in a deep breath she could smell the ranch on him. Closing her eyes the smile grew just a little more. Some people wouldn't like the smell but she did, it was almost comforting.
Pulling away from the hug and just looking around at everyone who was in the room now Thirteen nodded a little in a matter of fact manor.
"I guess we will get lunch ready for everyone since you are all here. I'm sure everyone is hungry."
Trey gives a chuckle as his eyes still scan hers looking if it was sinking in what he told her, if the shock had not hit yet, or if she simply didn't care.
"Yeah well, I got times I have to be back in by, though Pete's helped me break those already and time I need to check in but...sooner or later that will end. As for my own wheels I'm work on the money for that."
Taking another peace of his food and chewing on it with through. It wouldn't take him to long to get the money together. With a care a little more freedom would come he was sure of it and that along made him feel a little better.
"Nah, not really rough...just normal. But my parents are over protective. I'd have to say the real tough part was being uprooted and treated like a prisoner. Guess it could of been work though right?"
Hearing the door open and seeing Susanne walks out finally a smiles. The day seemed to fly by. Keeping himself busy he tinkered with his bike a little, watched people and cars go by, and believe it or not even napped a little bit.
"Well there she is. I though maybe you didn't even come into work today."
Getting off his bike his smile just grows a little more Susanne's confustion tickling him a little but not minding or paying much attachen to it much. Going over to her and giving giving her a small hug with a kiss to the cheek he takes a few steps back.
"It was my answer for lunch. Now I want to ask you to come to dinner thats a whole other question I need an answer too. I hope you'll say yes because I have the whole night with nothing to do so the company would be nice."
In the dim light Chuck's dark eyes glittered his smile still on his face. Though his hair was matted down a little from his helmet, there was still a messy look to it that a good set of fingers could set right.
Hearing the knock on the door Beth hurrys to answer it. Opening it and seeing Justin along with the two dogs she couldn't help the smile that formed on her face. It was always nice to see her friend.
"Hey, come on in guys. Oh a mixture of movies that should be fun."
Leaning down and patting the dogs on the head Beth steps back and opens the door more. The house smelled of the sauce that had been cooking a day and it was a bit cleaner than times before.
"I'm doing pretty good today. Meant all day making the sauce for tonight, and...I cleaned a little bit too. I figured it was time to move some stuff around."
Making her way back into the kitchen Beth new Justin would follow as she cut some of the breath and put butter on it for the garlic bread.
"How are doing today considering everything?"
Looking over Sparky into the other room where the tv and couch were a smile crosses Faith's lips. Sparky was very level headed, and down to earth but even he had is moments when he just needed to have a little extra attchen and it was those moments that made Faith love him even more.
"I could use a little snuggle time and a nice movie to fall asleep too."
Standing Faith takes Sparky's empty bowl and brings it to the sink before coming back over to him and taking his hand in her and leading him into the other room. Going to one of the old oak cabinets that held extra blankets Faith pulls one out before sitting down on the couch.
"So what should we watch tonight?"
Pulling away from Kip finally Karla just looks him deep in the eyes for a long moment. Hearing someones voice break through her thought Karla was finally aware of where they were again and what she had just done.
"I...ummm.....I....sorry..."
Karla takes a few steps back from Kip her cheeks turning a bright red color as she could feel the heat that only increased as she looked at the other faces that were looking back at her. Had she really done that in front of them all? That was so unlike her.
"I guess..you guys need to keep practicing now...right? Want...me...me and Alice to run and get some food?"
Giving a little jump as the door opens without expecting it Thirteen's eyes widen a little bit. Who would be coming in the house at this house. Shifting a little and moving a few steps closer to Ryder she waits to see what happens.
Seeing Jason, Katie and Jeff enter Thirteen relaxes a little bit knowing everything was ok. But still a worry passed in her eyes seeing Jason and Katie both looking a little waired down. Ryder had explained to her about Kaite and Jason's special ability but it was all hard to understand.
Looking up at Trent, Thirteen and Ryder as she entered with Jason and her dad Katie gave the best smile she could.
"Even if it was a short one, it was a long one too. Sorry if we bothered you guys."
Seeing Trent give a little wave to her Katie smiles and gives a wave with a nod back as she keeps walking though just trying to get Jason to lay down for now. She'd be able to talk to him a little more later.
"Bed or the couch J? Whatever is more comfortable for you just let me know."
Looking to her Uncle Jeff Thirteen smiles. It was nice to see him again, and to just know that her family was here. It felt good to know she had family, people who loved and cared for her too.
"Hi Uncle Jeff."
Moving around Ryder a little Thirteen goes over to him and puts her arms around him in a hug. Taking in a deep breath she could smell the ranch on him. Closing her eyes the smile grew just a little more. Some people wouldn't like the smell but she did, it was almost comforting.
Pulling away from the hug and just looking around at everyone who was in the room now Thirteen nodded a little in a matter of fact manor.
"I guess we will get lunch ready for everyone since you are all here. I'm sure everyone is hungry."
Trey gives a chuckle as his eyes still scan hers looking if it was sinking in what he told her, if the shock had not hit yet, or if she simply didn't care.
"Yeah well, I got times I have to be back in by, though Pete's helped me break those already and time I need to check in but...sooner or later that will end. As for my own wheels I'm work on the money for that."
Taking another peace of his food and chewing on it with through. It wouldn't take him to long to get the money together. With a care a little more freedom would come he was sure of it and that along made him feel a little better.
"Nah, not really rough...just normal. But my parents are over protective. I'd have to say the real tough part was being uprooted and treated like a prisoner. Guess it could of been work though right?"
Hearing the door open and seeing Susanne walks out finally a smiles. The day seemed to fly by. Keeping himself busy he tinkered with his bike a little, watched people and cars go by, and believe it or not even napped a little bit.
"Well there she is. I though maybe you didn't even come into work today."
Getting off his bike his smile just grows a little more Susanne's confustion tickling him a little but not minding or paying much attachen to it much. Going over to her and giving giving her a small hug with a kiss to the cheek he takes a few steps back.
"It was my answer for lunch. Now I want to ask you to come to dinner thats a whole other question I need an answer too. I hope you'll say yes because I have the whole night with nothing to do so the company would be nice."
In the dim light Chuck's dark eyes glittered his smile still on his face. Though his hair was matted down a little from his helmet, there was still a messy look to it that a good set of fingers could set right.
Hearing the knock on the door Beth hurrys to answer it. Opening it and seeing Justin along with the two dogs she couldn't help the smile that formed on her face. It was always nice to see her friend.
"Hey, come on in guys. Oh a mixture of movies that should be fun."
Leaning down and patting the dogs on the head Beth steps back and opens the door more. The house smelled of the sauce that had been cooking a day and it was a bit cleaner than times before.
"I'm doing pretty good today. Meant all day making the sauce for tonight, and...I cleaned a little bit too. I figured it was time to move some stuff around."
Making her way back into the kitchen Beth new Justin would follow as she cut some of the breath and put butter on it for the garlic bread.
"How are doing today considering everything?"
Looking over Sparky into the other room where the tv and couch were a smile crosses Faith's lips. Sparky was very level headed, and down to earth but even he had is moments when he just needed to have a little extra attchen and it was those moments that made Faith love him even more.
"I could use a little snuggle time and a nice movie to fall asleep too."
Standing Faith takes Sparky's empty bowl and brings it to the sink before coming back over to him and taking his hand in her and leading him into the other room. Going to one of the old oak cabinets that held extra blankets Faith pulls one out before sitting down on the couch.
"So what should we watch tonight?"
Pulling away from Kip finally Karla just looks him deep in the eyes for a long moment. Hearing someones voice break through her thought Karla was finally aware of where they were again and what she had just done.
"I...ummm.....I....sorry..."
Karla takes a few steps back from Kip her cheeks turning a bright red color as she could feel the heat that only increased as she looked at the other faces that were looking back at her. Had she really done that in front of them all? That was so unlike her.
"I guess..you guys need to keep practicing now...right? Want...me...me and Alice to run and get some food?"
11/6/10
Don't understand
Managing to sit up a bit more, Jason tries to get his brain to function again. There was a strange, almost lethargic feeling though that seemed to make him purely exhausted. It was as if all of his energy had been completely sapped, and he could feel the same lingering affects like he'd felt the last time he'd had a bad episode over at the safe house. It was a feeling that created helplessness. It was a feeling that scared him.
Right or wrong, good idea or bad, regardless, Jason closes off that corner of his emotions, not allowing Katie to fully read or feel him. He didn't want her to worry any more than she already was.
Thanks, Hero... I love you too. Don't know what I'd do without you.
Rick stands back and sighs a little, shaking his head. Even if he wanted to, there was nothing more he could do for them. He purses his lips before speaking his mind. "Jason... why don't you go home with Katie?" He hadn't known Jeff was coming and even now had no idea why he was here, but he knew the family well enough to assume that Jeff would be staying with Katie. "That way, you two can stay together and recoup, and Jeff can be there in case anything else happens."
Jason thinks about it and shrugs. "I guess... Trooper will-"
"Stop by there on your way and I can have Wyatt go over again tonight."
"But-"
"Please..." Rick nods and looks to Katie. "I think it would be best if you were near him."
Jeff's arm slips around Katie's shoulders to give her an encouraging little squeeze. "I can drive," he offers...
Thirteen's enthusiastic hug again takes Trent by surprise, but this time he's a little quicker to recover and return an awkward hug. A small smile creases his lips though... perhaps he was finally finding the lost pleasure of making his daughter happy.
Ryder watches the scene, his own thoughtful smile on his face. A part of him was almost sad - there was another man coming into Thirteen's life, and one that would require some of her attention and time. He was in no way worried about losing her, but there was still a bit of melancholy there.
When she shows him the picture, his smile widens and he nods. "I see that. She looks like a right pretty horse too. Fitting, I'd say." He winks at her. "What say we get some lunch together, ay? I bet your dad is hungry from his trip."
"I..." Trent was about to decline, but remembering how Thirteen had seemed thrilled with the idea of feeding him, he changes his mind and smiles instead. "That would be great."
Ryder is just getting up when the front door opens, startling him. Seeing Katie and Jason, then Jeff, his surprise turns to confusion. "Well hello." He cocks his head at Katie. "Home early?"
Jason gives him a wry grin, though he's still pale and moving slowly. "Bad day."
Trent looks at the new arrivals, feeling even more awkward now, though he does manage to smile at Katie and give a little wave.
Jeff closes the door behind them, having driven as he'd offered and after stopping by Jason's to grab a few of his things for the night and taking care of Trooper, they'd come home. He sets Katie's keys aside and glances around, his eyes finally landing on Thirteen. Giving her a grin, he waves. "Hey, stranger."
Ariel cocks her head a bit to the side as she eats and listens to Trey, not breaking her gaze from him. She doesn't bat an eye as he tells her more about his family, or even when he explained about TJY.
Chewing slowly, she thinks a moment then shrugs, finally glancing at her plate to spear another piece of chicken before looking back up at him. "Well, you must not be too much of a prisoner or you wouldn't be here with me now. Though it does explain why Pete's been driving you around." She grins. "He's a good guy."
Studying Trey's eyes, she looks deeply into one, then the other as if trying to find something. "Must've been rough," she concludes. "Caught in that position in Mexico, I mean. I hope it all gets straightened out."
She takes a sip of her drink and glances around the park for a moment, taking a breath of the fresh air. "You landed in a good spot though and at least you're safe."
Susanne looks at the clock and stifles a yawn. She was beat. It was almost eight o'clock and she still had way too much to do, but if she didn't quit now, she'd be here all night. Even Reese had already left for the day. Though he'd planned on going to see Hope before actually going home.
Tying up just a few more loose ends, Susanne dons her jacket and grabs her purse, finally leaving the office. Her stomach growls and she remembers the sandwich that she'd never gotten to. She'd find something else to eat for supper and then maybe watch some television before bed. It seemed rather boring, especially after such an enchanted evening the day before, but it was the norm.
Up the elevator and outside, she fishes for her keys and starts across the parking lot in the dim light. It was almost dark, just a bit of a glow remaining in the sky.
Nearing the row of parking spaces, Susanne suddenly stops short, her eyes widening. Chuck? On his bike? What on earth was he doing here at this hour? Surely he'd left when...
Her heart picks up and though she was sure there was a logical explanation, she couldn't help the excited little feeling that started in the pit of her stomach. Were those butterflies she felt? How silly.
"Chuck, what..." She approaches him almost cautiously, her eyes still wide, keys still in hand. "What are you doing here?" She shakes her head in confusion. "I couldn't... lunch wasn't..." She stops again and blinks. "Your note... my answer... but you stayed? I don't understand why."
Justin knocks on Beth's door and waits, his two dogs by his side as he stands on the front step. He was right on time, this time, without having gotten lost, and he'd opted to bring Danitza and Zora with him. Rebecca had seemed a little disappointed that they weren't going to be going out tonight, but she'd understood why Justin would be coming here instead - at least she'd implied she did.
When Beth answers the door, Justin gives her his typical warm smile and holds up a plastic shopping bag. "I didn't know what movie to bring... so you'll have to pick from what I brought." He tosses her a wink. "How are ya doing tonight?"
Faith's hand on his makes Sparky smile and he moves his thumb to curl around hers. "Yeah... yeah, I'll be okay. It's more Mick I'm worried about. All I gotta do is sit back and watch, unfortunately." He shrugs before he takes another spoonful of soup then smiles again.
"My biggest concern right now is getting warmed up and getting some rest."
One of his eyebrows quirks a little, almost teasingly. "I hear the couch in the other room there is awfully comfortable for watching late night television."
"Thank you..." Mick's voice was quiet and he turns to kiss the top of Rosetta's head as she nuzzles into him. He didn't know what he'd do without her by his side.
Once he's finished eating, he goes to clean up then check in on BJ, just watching him sleep for a few minutes and making sure his blanket was pulled up to his chin. Later on as he lies in the dark, his body is exhausted but his mind still so full. Wrapping his arms around Rosetta a little tighter and sinking his head into his pillow, he tries to sleep, but it's not easy. Tomorrow he would have to make some decisions... make some plans...
Perhaps also, he did not want to dream tonight, for fear of the past infiltrating his mind as it had been all evening. His eyes remain wide open, defying exhaustion.
Karla's reaction makes Kip's smile widen, his eyes brightening just a little bit more. "I... thanks... I guess... it's-" His words are cut off as Karla pulls him into a kiss. His hand moves to her arm as he tilts his head to return the kiss, though as they retreat a few moments later, his face is beet red.
The others in the room all try to hide their smiles, Twila biting her lower lip and Eric's expression the most annoyed but more amused than not.
Kyle clears his throat loudly, forcing his eyes back to his music. "So um... now that we've accomplished that song... let's move on..."
Theo is still busy staring at Kip and Karla wit ha silly grin on his face. "I don't know, but I think we might have lost those two."
Right or wrong, good idea or bad, regardless, Jason closes off that corner of his emotions, not allowing Katie to fully read or feel him. He didn't want her to worry any more than she already was.
Thanks, Hero... I love you too. Don't know what I'd do without you.
Rick stands back and sighs a little, shaking his head. Even if he wanted to, there was nothing more he could do for them. He purses his lips before speaking his mind. "Jason... why don't you go home with Katie?" He hadn't known Jeff was coming and even now had no idea why he was here, but he knew the family well enough to assume that Jeff would be staying with Katie. "That way, you two can stay together and recoup, and Jeff can be there in case anything else happens."
Jason thinks about it and shrugs. "I guess... Trooper will-"
"Stop by there on your way and I can have Wyatt go over again tonight."
"But-"
"Please..." Rick nods and looks to Katie. "I think it would be best if you were near him."
Jeff's arm slips around Katie's shoulders to give her an encouraging little squeeze. "I can drive," he offers...
Thirteen's enthusiastic hug again takes Trent by surprise, but this time he's a little quicker to recover and return an awkward hug. A small smile creases his lips though... perhaps he was finally finding the lost pleasure of making his daughter happy.
Ryder watches the scene, his own thoughtful smile on his face. A part of him was almost sad - there was another man coming into Thirteen's life, and one that would require some of her attention and time. He was in no way worried about losing her, but there was still a bit of melancholy there.
When she shows him the picture, his smile widens and he nods. "I see that. She looks like a right pretty horse too. Fitting, I'd say." He winks at her. "What say we get some lunch together, ay? I bet your dad is hungry from his trip."
"I..." Trent was about to decline, but remembering how Thirteen had seemed thrilled with the idea of feeding him, he changes his mind and smiles instead. "That would be great."
Ryder is just getting up when the front door opens, startling him. Seeing Katie and Jason, then Jeff, his surprise turns to confusion. "Well hello." He cocks his head at Katie. "Home early?"
Jason gives him a wry grin, though he's still pale and moving slowly. "Bad day."
Trent looks at the new arrivals, feeling even more awkward now, though he does manage to smile at Katie and give a little wave.
Jeff closes the door behind them, having driven as he'd offered and after stopping by Jason's to grab a few of his things for the night and taking care of Trooper, they'd come home. He sets Katie's keys aside and glances around, his eyes finally landing on Thirteen. Giving her a grin, he waves. "Hey, stranger."
Ariel cocks her head a bit to the side as she eats and listens to Trey, not breaking her gaze from him. She doesn't bat an eye as he tells her more about his family, or even when he explained about TJY.
Chewing slowly, she thinks a moment then shrugs, finally glancing at her plate to spear another piece of chicken before looking back up at him. "Well, you must not be too much of a prisoner or you wouldn't be here with me now. Though it does explain why Pete's been driving you around." She grins. "He's a good guy."
Studying Trey's eyes, she looks deeply into one, then the other as if trying to find something. "Must've been rough," she concludes. "Caught in that position in Mexico, I mean. I hope it all gets straightened out."
She takes a sip of her drink and glances around the park for a moment, taking a breath of the fresh air. "You landed in a good spot though and at least you're safe."
Susanne looks at the clock and stifles a yawn. She was beat. It was almost eight o'clock and she still had way too much to do, but if she didn't quit now, she'd be here all night. Even Reese had already left for the day. Though he'd planned on going to see Hope before actually going home.
Tying up just a few more loose ends, Susanne dons her jacket and grabs her purse, finally leaving the office. Her stomach growls and she remembers the sandwich that she'd never gotten to. She'd find something else to eat for supper and then maybe watch some television before bed. It seemed rather boring, especially after such an enchanted evening the day before, but it was the norm.
Up the elevator and outside, she fishes for her keys and starts across the parking lot in the dim light. It was almost dark, just a bit of a glow remaining in the sky.
Nearing the row of parking spaces, Susanne suddenly stops short, her eyes widening. Chuck? On his bike? What on earth was he doing here at this hour? Surely he'd left when...
Her heart picks up and though she was sure there was a logical explanation, she couldn't help the excited little feeling that started in the pit of her stomach. Were those butterflies she felt? How silly.
"Chuck, what..." She approaches him almost cautiously, her eyes still wide, keys still in hand. "What are you doing here?" She shakes her head in confusion. "I couldn't... lunch wasn't..." She stops again and blinks. "Your note... my answer... but you stayed? I don't understand why."
Justin knocks on Beth's door and waits, his two dogs by his side as he stands on the front step. He was right on time, this time, without having gotten lost, and he'd opted to bring Danitza and Zora with him. Rebecca had seemed a little disappointed that they weren't going to be going out tonight, but she'd understood why Justin would be coming here instead - at least she'd implied she did.
When Beth answers the door, Justin gives her his typical warm smile and holds up a plastic shopping bag. "I didn't know what movie to bring... so you'll have to pick from what I brought." He tosses her a wink. "How are ya doing tonight?"
Faith's hand on his makes Sparky smile and he moves his thumb to curl around hers. "Yeah... yeah, I'll be okay. It's more Mick I'm worried about. All I gotta do is sit back and watch, unfortunately." He shrugs before he takes another spoonful of soup then smiles again.
"My biggest concern right now is getting warmed up and getting some rest."
One of his eyebrows quirks a little, almost teasingly. "I hear the couch in the other room there is awfully comfortable for watching late night television."
"Thank you..." Mick's voice was quiet and he turns to kiss the top of Rosetta's head as she nuzzles into him. He didn't know what he'd do without her by his side.
Once he's finished eating, he goes to clean up then check in on BJ, just watching him sleep for a few minutes and making sure his blanket was pulled up to his chin. Later on as he lies in the dark, his body is exhausted but his mind still so full. Wrapping his arms around Rosetta a little tighter and sinking his head into his pillow, he tries to sleep, but it's not easy. Tomorrow he would have to make some decisions... make some plans...
Perhaps also, he did not want to dream tonight, for fear of the past infiltrating his mind as it had been all evening. His eyes remain wide open, defying exhaustion.
Karla's reaction makes Kip's smile widen, his eyes brightening just a little bit more. "I... thanks... I guess... it's-" His words are cut off as Karla pulls him into a kiss. His hand moves to her arm as he tilts his head to return the kiss, though as they retreat a few moments later, his face is beet red.
The others in the room all try to hide their smiles, Twila biting her lower lip and Eric's expression the most annoyed but more amused than not.
Kyle clears his throat loudly, forcing his eyes back to his music. "So um... now that we've accomplished that song... let's move on..."
Theo is still busy staring at Kip and Karla wit ha silly grin on his face. "I don't know, but I think we might have lost those two."
Onward
You'll be ok J, I'm here with you, I'm always here with you and we will work through this all together.
Katie does her best to give a smile to Jason so at least he new she would be ok, and was ok. Closing her own eyes again as Jason sits up and Rick checks him over Katie just stays relaxed letting her own body rest and and energy come back to her.
Finally opening her eyes again and sitting up a little bit Katie looks to Rick as he turns to her. Giving a little nod to Rick she lets him check her over knowing this was just the normal motions for them.
"I'm holding. A little more tired than normal but nothing I can't handle."
She tried to give a reassuring smile to Rick and than to her dad who was not standing behind her but behind her eyes did lay some worry. Not for herself though but for Jason. She hoped he would be ok, and all the feelings he was feeling about his new found brother....his...twin.
I love you Jason with everything I am!
Pulling into the parking lot Chuck parked his bike. Taking off his helmet and sitting back a little now it was just time to wait. He'd hopped the flowers had gotten to Susanne this morning ok, and she liked them. He always had a hard time with flowers and picking them out but he thought this time he had done good.
Time slowly went by and Chuck continued to wait. Glancing down at his watch and seeing it was fifteen minutes after the time he had told Susanne to meet him outside his gives a small sigh. He's said if she didn't show that would be his answer, and it was she didn't want to have lunch. But maybe she was busy this time and really couldn't come. Maybe for dinner she would? But what time did she get out of work?
Pulling out his cell phone and hitting the speed dial for Anastasia's cell phone he waits for the familure voice to answer the other end.
"Hey Ana! I got a little held up and I'm not sure what time I will be back. I know you have something going on with that guy friend of yours tonight so go ahead and close the shop early. I'll make up the hours tomorrow ok."
Hanging up the phone after getting the ok from Ana Chuck smiles. He was so lucky to have Ana, she was so good to him and always understood. Sitting back on the bike a little more and getting comfortable Chuck was ready for the long wait not sure when Susanne would be out.
Watching as Justin turns to leave again Dalton lets out a low sigh as he sits down again looking at his computer screen. Knowing his friend was very upset with him hurt, and his brain just wouldn't focus on work again. He wanted to call and try to explain to Scott why he did what he did but Dalton know it wouldn't come to a happy end. So for now he's just let Scott cool down and be there when he needed him.
Leaning forward and taking another bit of his food Trey looks across the table at Ariel. He wondered if she new about him what would she really do? Maybe he could tell some of it but not the whole thing right?
"Back in Mexico my family is one of the leaders to the biggest drug ring there is. Import, export, buy, sell, but about anything you name they can do."
Taking a sip of his pop he continues to look across the table at Ariel studying her eyes. His own gaze was pearcing as he continued to go forward with his explanation.
"I guess my family upset the wrong people, or someone was just trying to get to them so the best way to do that it hit where it hurts the most another member of the family. There was a hit put out over my head. I was almost murdered three times. So my parents to keep me safe called my Aunt and shipped me here."
Looking down at his meal finally he moves some of the food around in the sauce before popping it in his mouth to eat. How did he feel saying the next part aloud...wrong? Defeated? Was he more worried what Ariel would think or what she would say?
"Anyways I am a prisoner of TJY until they think I am read to be on my own, and am on there side. As for going home, I don't know when the hits will be called off, so home is very far away right now."
Taking the picture from Trent Thirteen looks at it for a long moment. Listing to her father at the same time. Hearing him ask if she wanted the horse it was hers Thirteen's head snaps up as she looks at him searching his eyes. She could feel something hot welling up behind her own.
Looking down again at the picture and running her finger over the image of the horse she couldn't help but smile a little through the tears. She'd never been given a gift like this before. It was all hard to comprehend. She was being given a pet, something that was hers.
"She's so pretty. I'd like....I...I'd like to try riding her some time."
Giving a smile and glancing up at Trent again Thirteen leans over and wraps her arms around Trent in a big hug just letting it linger for a long moment. Finally letting go she turns to Ryder and holds out the picture to him.
"Look, I have my very own horse."
Giving a thoughtful nod as Sparky talked Faith did the best she could to understand. She didn't know everything about the family yet but she did pretty good at putting a lot of things together and just listing helped a lot.
"I guess that happens a lot with some of us. Kicking ourself from the past we lose sight of whats to come and the new opportunity that show themselves. But having family and love ones to continue to help us along the path is something good."
Reaching across the table Faith lays her hand on Sparky's for a moment her eyes giving a little sparkle. She'd almost lost sigh of what was to come until she met Sparky. He'd helped her see that there was a bright big world out there still, and that no matter what she was going through there were still people there.
"Are you going to be ok?"
Giving a nod to Mick she understood he would want to call Reese and she would not try to stop him. This was his son they were talking about and she couldn't stop that.
"I'll be behind you Mick. Anything you need just ask. I love you."
Tightening her hand around him just a little again in a hug Rosetta leans her head on his shoulder for a moment. She'd always stand beside him no matter what, even if it was just to offer a shoulder to him.
Going through the band practice Karla kept her fingers crossed everything would go well. She liked seeing Kip play and she couldn't imagine how it would be without the band. As the music starts and Kip slips up Karla can't help but feel her heart break a little. Not for herself but for him as she could see the look in his eyes.
About to stand and go to him she stops as Kyle beats her to it. Watching him and seeing him take the music away Karla cocks her head just waiting. Letting the song play once again and hearing the note Kip played it was like a soft whisper on the wind and it sounded amazing.
A warm bubbling feeling formed in her stomach he was doing amazing and she could see the smile of his face and the light in his eyes. Looking around at everyone else she could see the looks they had too and it made her feel so good for Kip.
"You did it Kip!!!"
Not being able to help the emotions that seemed to over flow anymore Karla went to him when the song was over and threw her arms around him pulling him into a hug. Just letting it linger for the longest moment she just soaked it up.
Finally pulling away a little bit Karla looks Kip in the eyes she smile so big her own joy for him reflecting back in the twinkle of her eye, a whisper on her lips.
"You did it Kip, I'm so proud of you."
Bringing her lips to his Karla press them fermaly to his own just letting her emotions show through at how happy she really was. Everyone around them seeming to fade, and not even really knowing how long she stayed lip locked with Kip.
Katie does her best to give a smile to Jason so at least he new she would be ok, and was ok. Closing her own eyes again as Jason sits up and Rick checks him over Katie just stays relaxed letting her own body rest and and energy come back to her.
Finally opening her eyes again and sitting up a little bit Katie looks to Rick as he turns to her. Giving a little nod to Rick she lets him check her over knowing this was just the normal motions for them.
"I'm holding. A little more tired than normal but nothing I can't handle."
She tried to give a reassuring smile to Rick and than to her dad who was not standing behind her but behind her eyes did lay some worry. Not for herself though but for Jason. She hoped he would be ok, and all the feelings he was feeling about his new found brother....his...twin.
I love you Jason with everything I am!
Pulling into the parking lot Chuck parked his bike. Taking off his helmet and sitting back a little now it was just time to wait. He'd hopped the flowers had gotten to Susanne this morning ok, and she liked them. He always had a hard time with flowers and picking them out but he thought this time he had done good.
Time slowly went by and Chuck continued to wait. Glancing down at his watch and seeing it was fifteen minutes after the time he had told Susanne to meet him outside his gives a small sigh. He's said if she didn't show that would be his answer, and it was she didn't want to have lunch. But maybe she was busy this time and really couldn't come. Maybe for dinner she would? But what time did she get out of work?
Pulling out his cell phone and hitting the speed dial for Anastasia's cell phone he waits for the familure voice to answer the other end.
"Hey Ana! I got a little held up and I'm not sure what time I will be back. I know you have something going on with that guy friend of yours tonight so go ahead and close the shop early. I'll make up the hours tomorrow ok."
Hanging up the phone after getting the ok from Ana Chuck smiles. He was so lucky to have Ana, she was so good to him and always understood. Sitting back on the bike a little more and getting comfortable Chuck was ready for the long wait not sure when Susanne would be out.
Watching as Justin turns to leave again Dalton lets out a low sigh as he sits down again looking at his computer screen. Knowing his friend was very upset with him hurt, and his brain just wouldn't focus on work again. He wanted to call and try to explain to Scott why he did what he did but Dalton know it wouldn't come to a happy end. So for now he's just let Scott cool down and be there when he needed him.
Leaning forward and taking another bit of his food Trey looks across the table at Ariel. He wondered if she new about him what would she really do? Maybe he could tell some of it but not the whole thing right?
"Back in Mexico my family is one of the leaders to the biggest drug ring there is. Import, export, buy, sell, but about anything you name they can do."
Taking a sip of his pop he continues to look across the table at Ariel studying her eyes. His own gaze was pearcing as he continued to go forward with his explanation.
"I guess my family upset the wrong people, or someone was just trying to get to them so the best way to do that it hit where it hurts the most another member of the family. There was a hit put out over my head. I was almost murdered three times. So my parents to keep me safe called my Aunt and shipped me here."
Looking down at his meal finally he moves some of the food around in the sauce before popping it in his mouth to eat. How did he feel saying the next part aloud...wrong? Defeated? Was he more worried what Ariel would think or what she would say?
"Anyways I am a prisoner of TJY until they think I am read to be on my own, and am on there side. As for going home, I don't know when the hits will be called off, so home is very far away right now."
Taking the picture from Trent Thirteen looks at it for a long moment. Listing to her father at the same time. Hearing him ask if she wanted the horse it was hers Thirteen's head snaps up as she looks at him searching his eyes. She could feel something hot welling up behind her own.
Looking down again at the picture and running her finger over the image of the horse she couldn't help but smile a little through the tears. She'd never been given a gift like this before. It was all hard to comprehend. She was being given a pet, something that was hers.
"She's so pretty. I'd like....I...I'd like to try riding her some time."
Giving a smile and glancing up at Trent again Thirteen leans over and wraps her arms around Trent in a big hug just letting it linger for a long moment. Finally letting go she turns to Ryder and holds out the picture to him.
"Look, I have my very own horse."
Giving a thoughtful nod as Sparky talked Faith did the best she could to understand. She didn't know everything about the family yet but she did pretty good at putting a lot of things together and just listing helped a lot.
"I guess that happens a lot with some of us. Kicking ourself from the past we lose sight of whats to come and the new opportunity that show themselves. But having family and love ones to continue to help us along the path is something good."
Reaching across the table Faith lays her hand on Sparky's for a moment her eyes giving a little sparkle. She'd almost lost sigh of what was to come until she met Sparky. He'd helped her see that there was a bright big world out there still, and that no matter what she was going through there were still people there.
"Are you going to be ok?"
Giving a nod to Mick she understood he would want to call Reese and she would not try to stop him. This was his son they were talking about and she couldn't stop that.
"I'll be behind you Mick. Anything you need just ask. I love you."
Tightening her hand around him just a little again in a hug Rosetta leans her head on his shoulder for a moment. She'd always stand beside him no matter what, even if it was just to offer a shoulder to him.
Going through the band practice Karla kept her fingers crossed everything would go well. She liked seeing Kip play and she couldn't imagine how it would be without the band. As the music starts and Kip slips up Karla can't help but feel her heart break a little. Not for herself but for him as she could see the look in his eyes.
About to stand and go to him she stops as Kyle beats her to it. Watching him and seeing him take the music away Karla cocks her head just waiting. Letting the song play once again and hearing the note Kip played it was like a soft whisper on the wind and it sounded amazing.
A warm bubbling feeling formed in her stomach he was doing amazing and she could see the smile of his face and the light in his eyes. Looking around at everyone else she could see the looks they had too and it made her feel so good for Kip.
"You did it Kip!!!"
Not being able to help the emotions that seemed to over flow anymore Karla went to him when the song was over and threw her arms around him pulling him into a hug. Just letting it linger for the longest moment she just soaked it up.
Finally pulling away a little bit Karla looks Kip in the eyes she smile so big her own joy for him reflecting back in the twinkle of her eye, a whisper on her lips.
"You did it Kip, I'm so proud of you."
Bringing her lips to his Karla press them fermaly to his own just letting her emotions show through at how happy she really was. Everyone around them seeming to fade, and not even really knowing how long she stayed lip locked with Kip.
11/1/10
The good guy
Jason's eyes remain closed as he tries to recover, though he knows it will take longer than just a few minutes. He'd experienced much worse, but every time, it just made him a little more tired. He wasn't sure if Katie's question was referring to his mental state or his physical state, but for either one, his answer was the same.
"I will be." He swallows hard as his hand drifts down to brush her cheek then rest on the bed, too tired to move.
I have to be. This is all unreal and I don't know how to feel... but I have to be okay.
"Jason..." Rick gently prompts him. "Can you sit up a little for me? I want you to drink this."
Jason manages to pry open his eyes and he does his best to pull himself up nearer the pillows and prop himself up on an elbow. Seeing a small paper cup held out to him, he accepts it and realizes it's orange juice. Downing it easily, he hands the cup back and lets his head fall into the pillow, trying not to convey any more of his own exhaustion to Katie.
Rick checks his vitals again, making sure the episode was over. "How do you feel?"
"Terrible," Jason mutters. "It's bad enough when I get a build up of negative emotions... now I can't even handle surprises. I really am a walking time bomb."
Rick gives his arm a reassuring pat. "Don't you worry."
"Oh, not worried," Jason retorts. "But now what? Nobody can tell me anything anymore that might upset me because I'll have an episode?"
It was a legitimate question, and unfortunately, Rick didn't have an answer. So instead of trying, he simply moves on to Katie. "How you holding up, Hero?" He checks her eyes and her pulse, making sure that she is doing okay.
Jeff is right there and combs his fingers through her hair in an attempt to soothe her. Though he didn't say so, the look in his eye proved that he was very much bothered by all of this. He knew that Katie and Jason had their tough times but it didn't make it any easier, seeing his daughter like this now. He cared about Jason too, and seeing that torture was just... hard. His eyes drift up to Misty in a look that perhaps asked, Isn't there anything you and Rick can do?
Jason's fingers give Katie's a little squeeze and he squints at her, trying to bring things back into focus. At least this hadn't lasted very long. But that was only because she'd been close by and because he'd received a bit of the antidote. He couldn't help the new frustration that was added to the emotional mix, but his thumb runs in Katie's palm, letting her know that he wasn't angry, let alone with her. At least now his emotions were at a tolerable level, skimmed off by the short eruption. The same feelings remained, just not as severely. Now, he was just worn out.
"I need you to get a hold of Brown for those reports, fax these over to the courthouse and get Gunner back here." Reese slaps a new stack of papers down on Susanne's desk.
She looks up at him bleakly, realizing all the new work he'd just given her. "Gunner was here, he-"
"Well he's not now," Reese retorts. "And I want you to call Wyatt in early and call Pete back too. This place is falling apart and everyone thinks they can just take their sweet time on breaks. It's going to stop." Spinning on his heel, he stalks back to his own office.
Susanne blinks and looks down at the stack of new work. She really didn't know all that was going on. She'd seen Jason taken to the infirmary then Katie come in not looking well, but Susanne knew nothing about what had happened. Apparently whatever it was, was enough to get Reese quite uptight, and that was never good - especially now. They really were low on manpower. They'd been losing agents every month for almost a year now - some had quit, some had been required in Arizona, and some were on indefinite medical leave. TJY was shrinking and there seemed to be nothing anybody could do. Half the cubicles on the main floor were now empty. The numbers Susanne saw reminded her of when she'd started here - the agents were few but fierce. Now, however, they had much more responsibility, so without larger numbers, their tasks were growing harder. And being watched by a board now, they needed to do a good job, lest they lose support and ultimately die.
Shaking her head, her eyes then drift to the clock. She'd just been ready to go outside and wait for Chuck. He would be here any minute. She glances back to her work, disappointment forming in her heart. Standing, she goes for the flowers that had made their home atop one of her filing cabinets. Breathing deeply the sweet scent again, she closes her eyes and remembers the evening before. A small smile forms on her lips. Maybe it was better to just save the memory, as lovely as it was, and not ruin it by prolonging the goodbye that was sure to come.
Opening her eyes, she sees the little paper with Chuck's number sticking out from the bottom of the vase. It was too late to call him now - he was surely on his way, if not here already. And when he arrived without her to meet him, he would leave and she would not see him again.
It was a strange sort of pain that seemed to form in her heart - one that was a longing clashing with logic. Pretending had been fun and Chuck had made her feel better than any man ever had. But who was she kidding? Better to end on a good note. Her heavy workload simply sealed the reasoning that she should not go.
Moving to her desk, Susanne picks up a stack of papers and moves to the fax machine. Her stomach growls and she thinks on the sandwich that was waiting in the breakroom refrigerator. She'd have to go eat it sometime, but right now, Reese was on the warpath and she wasn't going to be caught on break before she'd completed these new tasks.
Justin is turned to leave, but having Dalton speak, he turns back around again, surprised to see the big man rise. A little leery, he isn't so sure he likes this, but he stands still anyway, watchful and looking up at Dalton's eyes, trying to read his intentions. He didn't seem so threatening at the moment... a little softer... perhaps?
Even so, the outstretched hand is another surprise and Justin stares at it for a moment before looking back up at him. Not wanting to pass up the opportunity to maybe finally get past the strange rift, he accepts the gesture and clasps his hand in Dalton's.
"You're welcome. I just wish I could have done more."
Retreating, he nods. "If you ever need anything, or hear that Scott does... I'm in the phone book." Searching Dalton's eyes for several more moments, Justin finally turns back around again to leave.
Ariel grins coyly as she takes a bite of her food and listens to Trey. "Staying at TJY... you have a hit out on you... I really am growing curious as to just who I'm going out with."
She cocks her head and studies him. "What's your story, Trey?" She gestures to her food. "I can't run away at least until I'm finished eating," she teases.
Thirteen's enthusiasm and her bouncing between seemingly random thoughts, at first makes Trent a little more uneasy, but then all he can do is smile then chuckle. Finally leaning back in the couch and relaxing a bit he shakes his head. "There's never anything new going on with me," he muses wryly. "It used to be every day was something new - a grand adventure. Now..." He grins. "I guess I'm just getting old."
Seeming to remember something, he straightens. "Oh, I forgot..." Reaching in his jacket pocket, he pulls out a picture that's just a little tattered around the edges. "Here." He hands it to Thirteen, showing her a small brown and white pinto mare, saddled with him standing next to her. "This is Rosebud - on account of one of her spots looks like a rosebud. Anyhow, I broke her in myself and she's as gentle as a kitten. Next time you come visit... well... if you want to try riding, she's..." He shrugs, a little awkward again. "...well, she's yours if you want her."
Jade giggles and snuggles into Dan, sighing deeply with content. "Mmmm... you're a smooth talker, you know that?"
She grins and lets her head nuzzle into his chest as she turns to see the television again. "It's just some cheesy B movie I found." She laughs. "I haven't even figured out the plot. I think that guy there is a bad guy and then that other one there is the hero and most likely will end up with the girl."
Her arm slides around him to give him a little squeeze. "Kind of like you." She giggles again. "The good guy not the bad guy."
Sparky nods thoughtfully as he takes another spoonful of soup. "Yeah... yeah, I think it's going to be okay. Just..." He thinks for a moment, not wanting to talk about things he shouldn't, but already including Faith in on family matters. "Mick takes the world on his shoulders sometimes I guess. He's always been the leader and always feels responsible for everything, even when he shouldn't."
He pauses, taking a sip of hot chocolate and finally starting to get warm. "I guess some things that happened with Dylan a while back, Mick found out it wasn't Dylan's fault so now he blames himself for not being there or being able to prevent some stuff that happened." He purses his lips, a bit of sorrow flashing in his eyes. "That kid grew up way too fast, Faith. He went through awful, awful things and he's faced it like a man all this time, just forcing himself to move on. He's more like his dad than he thinks."
Sparky turns back to his soup, though it's obvious that much is going through his mind. "I know it'll all work out, but right now I think Mick is just kicking himself for the past."
Though not responding right away, Mick really was listening to Rosetta's words. She wasn't telling him anything he didn't already know, but sometimes it just helped to hear it again. And listening to Rosetta, her worlds always seemed to penetrate a little deeper than anyone else's.
As her arm slips around him, he finally turns to look at her, just gazing into the eyes that had always captured him. His stare was deep, filled with turmoil, yet strength that had always been there, and beyond a doubt, there was love there as well.
Turning a little, he reaches out and tugs Rosetta over to him until she's sitting sideways on his lap and he can wrap his arms around her, burying his face in her shoulder. It wasn't often he sought out comfort, but when he did, he knew right where to go.
"I know I'm not alone," he responds quietly. "Thank you."
Just sitting quietly for a few moments, he eventually raises his head and gives her another kiss on the lips. "I love you so much... you never do give up on me, do you?"
He reaches around her to take a sip of coffee then a bite of food, content with keeping her right there on his lap. "Tomorrow I'm going to call Reese... I think it was the Agency with Dylan and I can't just walk away from it."
Once the ball got rolling again, the band would be able to find a permanent place to practice, but until then, Mike had generously offered his basement where JetStream usually practiced as well. While he was at work, it provided the perfect time so it was mid-morning when Kyle and the others gathered. Almost everyone was there and going over their songs, chatting, drinking some coffee and warming up. It was important that they practice the songs that they knew they would perform in concert so that they would know them backward and forward without any glitches.
A mixture of conversation, music and laughter filled the basement. To anyone else, it would seem a wall of sound, but to them, not only was it normal, it was fun.
Kip parks outside along with the other vehicles and sighs deeply. He knew that everyone else was here, including Karla. Though not riding with her, he'd promised he would come. After a good breakfast from Gram, he attempted not to overload on sugar and caffeine, though he did have a slight headache at the moment. He felt a bit of energy trying to seep out, but his uneasiness about practice seemed to override it, making him a bit more calm than normal. It was probably best though - the others would probably appreciate him sitting still for once. Finally getting out of the car, he wanders inside and downstairs, pocketing his keys.
"Heeey, look who's here!" Kyle grins from behind the keyboard. "Kip! How ya feeling?"
Kip's eyebrows rise. How was he feeling? Oh yeah, he was supposed to have been sick. "Oh, um... better." He forces a smile.
"Still look a might pale," Twila teases, coming over to ruffle his hair. "We'll get the blood pumping again though, won't we?"
Kip gives a half-hearted laugh. "Yeah." His eyes wander around until he finds Karla where he ambles over to lean in and give her a light kiss on the cheek. "Good morning."
Theo bites his lip to keep himself from a cheesy grin. "Okay so now that we're all here, are we gonna get this show on the road or what?"
"Not until the albums are done," Russ quips.
"Ha...ha... very funny."
Kyle snickers and plays a few notes. "Alright, how about we start with Compromise?"
"Where's my music?" Erik scrounges around to find it, triumphant in the end. "Aha - thought you'd sneak away, did you?"
Twila leans over closer to Theo. "Do you remember him always talking to his music like that, or is that something new?"
Erik's head rises. "I heard that."
"Heard what?"
"You talking."
"Ahh... now you're hearing voices now, too."
Kip rolls his eyes but can't help his grin and he throws Karla another little look before wandering over to the stand where his bass was. Piece of cake, right? Practice would go well, he'd forget all about what he'd heard the others saying the other day and... who was he kidding? But he'd promised he'd try.
Practice starts up like usual with a few rough spots until they all got going. It was different than practicing with all the high-end equipment at the sound studio, but they were satisfied and did their best with what they had, anticipating something better later on.
About fifteen minutes into practice though, it's obvious that only one band member is struggling. Kip has wound up leaning back against the wall, trying so hard to follow the music on the stand in front of him, but it seemed every time they had to stop or start over, it was his fault. He missed a line, he skipped ahead, he didn't pause when he was supposed to, or he came in too early. Barely into their practice time at all and the frustration was already evident on his face. What he used to be able to ignore and let roll off his back now bothered him to no end. He knew now that he was holding up the others and just couldn't bring himself to laugh about his mistakes like he had before.
Eventually, Kyle is forced to halt the song. "Hold it, hold it..." He keeps himself from sighing. "Maybe we should try another song this morning." A wry grin surfaces. "Maybe it's too early to 'compromise.'"
Twila groans at the bad joke. "Very funny."
Kip could feel the heat on the back of his neck and his eyes find Karla. He knew it was his fault. He wasn't bouncing off the walls, and that helped, but he just wasn't with it. "Maybe you guys should just practice without me," he suggests, shifting his eyes back to the others.
Erik quirks an eyebrow. "That would seem just a tad counter-productive, wouldn't it?"
"Unless I'm the problem." Kip's serious tone causes silence in the basement. He swallows hard, regretting having said something, but it was too late now. "I take that back. I know I'm the problem."
Kyle sighs. "No you're not, Kip. Come on."
"Really? That's not what you thought the other day."
Kyle's heart sinks. Kip knew. That much was obvious, and it was also not good. Silence reigns again without anyone knowing what to say. If Kip had heard them, then they couldn't deny it or get around it. Kyle rests his hands on the keyboard, finding Alice as if asking for her encouragement before he spoke again. "You haven't been sick, have you?"
Kip looks down, gritting his teeth. He shakes his head. "I guess not."
Russ and Theo exchange looks as do Twila and Erik. Kyle glances over to Karla too, guessing that she knew Kip had heard the recent conversation. "I'm sorry, Kip."
Kip's eyes slowly rise, his stomach turning to knots. He was so sure Kyle was going to say he was right and that maybe he should focus on something other than the band.
Kyle moves around his keyboard to approach Kip. Taking the music stand, he moves it back into the corner so Kip had none to use anymore. "I'm sorry," he repeats, "that I didn't pay enough attention from the beginning."
Kip searches his eyes, confused. Pay enough attention to what? To the fact that he couldn't do this? That he wasn't good enough? His shoulders sink a little more and he moves to take the bass strap from his shoulder. Kyle reaches out and grabs his wrist to stop him. "I didn't pay enough attention to realize that you don't need what the rest of us do."
Now Kip was really confused. His eyes find Karla once again, trying to gain some kind of understanding before he's forced to look back at Kyle. "I... I don't understand. I know that I'm failing the rest of you, and I'll just-"
"Stop." Kyle lets him go to hold up his hand. "Now we're going to do this song again. And you're going to play with us."
"Kyle... you took my music away."
"I did."
"I can't do it with the chords right in front of my face, how am I supposed to-"
"Just do it, Kip."
The others exchange glances, confused as to what on earth Kyle was doing.
Kip shakes his head. "I don't understand what you want."
"It's all in here." Kyle taps Kip on the forehead, searching his younger friend's eyes. He was running on pure faith and could only pray he wasn't wrong.
Kip watches Kyle go back to the keyboard then throws a bewildered look at Karla. This was crazy. As the others start to play again though, he stares down at his bass. Closing his eyes, he moves his fingers to the strings and slowly begins to play, hesitantly at first but it gradually smooths out. He could hear it in his head... he knew this song... he knew his part.
Halfway through the song as the music plays and Kyle sings, Twila is the first to glance over to Kip. He wasn't playing what he was supposed to - it was better. He was playing by ear and doing a better job than reading the music that had been written. The notes he played weren't what they'd practiced, but they fit and sounded beautiful.
As the last few notes die away, Kip looks around at the others uneasily, biting his lower lip. Why were they all looking at him in... surprise or... was it that they were pleased, or... something?
Erik shakes his head. "Kip... why didn't you tell us, buddy?"
"Tell... tell you what?"
"That you could play by ear? Dude, that was fantastic."
"I..." Kip shrugs lamely. "Didn't... know?"
Kyle grins. "You've been working so hard at playing it "right" that you forgot how to play from here." He taps over his heart. "If anyone here has talent, Kip, it's you. We don't want to get rid of you, we don't want to tell you to quit and we don't want to leave anybody behind. You're a vital part of this band and all I want from you is your best and nothing more."
Kip can feel an odd mix of emotions bubbling up from below and his fingers fidget with his bass. He swallows hard, not really knowing why his eyes were suddenly stinging.
Twila smiles and looks to Karla, gesturing with her head to have her go to him. "Looks like you're stuck with us, Kip. Now all we have to do is get you to quit bouncing off the walls."
The others laugh and Kip manages a little smile of his own. "Yeah well..." He glances to Karla. "I guess I'm getting some help with that, too."
"I will be." He swallows hard as his hand drifts down to brush her cheek then rest on the bed, too tired to move.
I have to be. This is all unreal and I don't know how to feel... but I have to be okay.
"Jason..." Rick gently prompts him. "Can you sit up a little for me? I want you to drink this."
Jason manages to pry open his eyes and he does his best to pull himself up nearer the pillows and prop himself up on an elbow. Seeing a small paper cup held out to him, he accepts it and realizes it's orange juice. Downing it easily, he hands the cup back and lets his head fall into the pillow, trying not to convey any more of his own exhaustion to Katie.
Rick checks his vitals again, making sure the episode was over. "How do you feel?"
"Terrible," Jason mutters. "It's bad enough when I get a build up of negative emotions... now I can't even handle surprises. I really am a walking time bomb."
Rick gives his arm a reassuring pat. "Don't you worry."
"Oh, not worried," Jason retorts. "But now what? Nobody can tell me anything anymore that might upset me because I'll have an episode?"
It was a legitimate question, and unfortunately, Rick didn't have an answer. So instead of trying, he simply moves on to Katie. "How you holding up, Hero?" He checks her eyes and her pulse, making sure that she is doing okay.
Jeff is right there and combs his fingers through her hair in an attempt to soothe her. Though he didn't say so, the look in his eye proved that he was very much bothered by all of this. He knew that Katie and Jason had their tough times but it didn't make it any easier, seeing his daughter like this now. He cared about Jason too, and seeing that torture was just... hard. His eyes drift up to Misty in a look that perhaps asked, Isn't there anything you and Rick can do?
Jason's fingers give Katie's a little squeeze and he squints at her, trying to bring things back into focus. At least this hadn't lasted very long. But that was only because she'd been close by and because he'd received a bit of the antidote. He couldn't help the new frustration that was added to the emotional mix, but his thumb runs in Katie's palm, letting her know that he wasn't angry, let alone with her. At least now his emotions were at a tolerable level, skimmed off by the short eruption. The same feelings remained, just not as severely. Now, he was just worn out.
"I need you to get a hold of Brown for those reports, fax these over to the courthouse and get Gunner back here." Reese slaps a new stack of papers down on Susanne's desk.
She looks up at him bleakly, realizing all the new work he'd just given her. "Gunner was here, he-"
"Well he's not now," Reese retorts. "And I want you to call Wyatt in early and call Pete back too. This place is falling apart and everyone thinks they can just take their sweet time on breaks. It's going to stop." Spinning on his heel, he stalks back to his own office.
Susanne blinks and looks down at the stack of new work. She really didn't know all that was going on. She'd seen Jason taken to the infirmary then Katie come in not looking well, but Susanne knew nothing about what had happened. Apparently whatever it was, was enough to get Reese quite uptight, and that was never good - especially now. They really were low on manpower. They'd been losing agents every month for almost a year now - some had quit, some had been required in Arizona, and some were on indefinite medical leave. TJY was shrinking and there seemed to be nothing anybody could do. Half the cubicles on the main floor were now empty. The numbers Susanne saw reminded her of when she'd started here - the agents were few but fierce. Now, however, they had much more responsibility, so without larger numbers, their tasks were growing harder. And being watched by a board now, they needed to do a good job, lest they lose support and ultimately die.
Shaking her head, her eyes then drift to the clock. She'd just been ready to go outside and wait for Chuck. He would be here any minute. She glances back to her work, disappointment forming in her heart. Standing, she goes for the flowers that had made their home atop one of her filing cabinets. Breathing deeply the sweet scent again, she closes her eyes and remembers the evening before. A small smile forms on her lips. Maybe it was better to just save the memory, as lovely as it was, and not ruin it by prolonging the goodbye that was sure to come.
Opening her eyes, she sees the little paper with Chuck's number sticking out from the bottom of the vase. It was too late to call him now - he was surely on his way, if not here already. And when he arrived without her to meet him, he would leave and she would not see him again.
It was a strange sort of pain that seemed to form in her heart - one that was a longing clashing with logic. Pretending had been fun and Chuck had made her feel better than any man ever had. But who was she kidding? Better to end on a good note. Her heavy workload simply sealed the reasoning that she should not go.
Moving to her desk, Susanne picks up a stack of papers and moves to the fax machine. Her stomach growls and she thinks on the sandwich that was waiting in the breakroom refrigerator. She'd have to go eat it sometime, but right now, Reese was on the warpath and she wasn't going to be caught on break before she'd completed these new tasks.
Justin is turned to leave, but having Dalton speak, he turns back around again, surprised to see the big man rise. A little leery, he isn't so sure he likes this, but he stands still anyway, watchful and looking up at Dalton's eyes, trying to read his intentions. He didn't seem so threatening at the moment... a little softer... perhaps?
Even so, the outstretched hand is another surprise and Justin stares at it for a moment before looking back up at him. Not wanting to pass up the opportunity to maybe finally get past the strange rift, he accepts the gesture and clasps his hand in Dalton's.
"You're welcome. I just wish I could have done more."
Retreating, he nods. "If you ever need anything, or hear that Scott does... I'm in the phone book." Searching Dalton's eyes for several more moments, Justin finally turns back around again to leave.
Ariel grins coyly as she takes a bite of her food and listens to Trey. "Staying at TJY... you have a hit out on you... I really am growing curious as to just who I'm going out with."
She cocks her head and studies him. "What's your story, Trey?" She gestures to her food. "I can't run away at least until I'm finished eating," she teases.
Thirteen's enthusiasm and her bouncing between seemingly random thoughts, at first makes Trent a little more uneasy, but then all he can do is smile then chuckle. Finally leaning back in the couch and relaxing a bit he shakes his head. "There's never anything new going on with me," he muses wryly. "It used to be every day was something new - a grand adventure. Now..." He grins. "I guess I'm just getting old."
Seeming to remember something, he straightens. "Oh, I forgot..." Reaching in his jacket pocket, he pulls out a picture that's just a little tattered around the edges. "Here." He hands it to Thirteen, showing her a small brown and white pinto mare, saddled with him standing next to her. "This is Rosebud - on account of one of her spots looks like a rosebud. Anyhow, I broke her in myself and she's as gentle as a kitten. Next time you come visit... well... if you want to try riding, she's..." He shrugs, a little awkward again. "...well, she's yours if you want her."
Jade giggles and snuggles into Dan, sighing deeply with content. "Mmmm... you're a smooth talker, you know that?"
She grins and lets her head nuzzle into his chest as she turns to see the television again. "It's just some cheesy B movie I found." She laughs. "I haven't even figured out the plot. I think that guy there is a bad guy and then that other one there is the hero and most likely will end up with the girl."
Her arm slides around him to give him a little squeeze. "Kind of like you." She giggles again. "The good guy not the bad guy."
Sparky nods thoughtfully as he takes another spoonful of soup. "Yeah... yeah, I think it's going to be okay. Just..." He thinks for a moment, not wanting to talk about things he shouldn't, but already including Faith in on family matters. "Mick takes the world on his shoulders sometimes I guess. He's always been the leader and always feels responsible for everything, even when he shouldn't."
He pauses, taking a sip of hot chocolate and finally starting to get warm. "I guess some things that happened with Dylan a while back, Mick found out it wasn't Dylan's fault so now he blames himself for not being there or being able to prevent some stuff that happened." He purses his lips, a bit of sorrow flashing in his eyes. "That kid grew up way too fast, Faith. He went through awful, awful things and he's faced it like a man all this time, just forcing himself to move on. He's more like his dad than he thinks."
Sparky turns back to his soup, though it's obvious that much is going through his mind. "I know it'll all work out, but right now I think Mick is just kicking himself for the past."
Though not responding right away, Mick really was listening to Rosetta's words. She wasn't telling him anything he didn't already know, but sometimes it just helped to hear it again. And listening to Rosetta, her worlds always seemed to penetrate a little deeper than anyone else's.
As her arm slips around him, he finally turns to look at her, just gazing into the eyes that had always captured him. His stare was deep, filled with turmoil, yet strength that had always been there, and beyond a doubt, there was love there as well.
Turning a little, he reaches out and tugs Rosetta over to him until she's sitting sideways on his lap and he can wrap his arms around her, burying his face in her shoulder. It wasn't often he sought out comfort, but when he did, he knew right where to go.
"I know I'm not alone," he responds quietly. "Thank you."
Just sitting quietly for a few moments, he eventually raises his head and gives her another kiss on the lips. "I love you so much... you never do give up on me, do you?"
He reaches around her to take a sip of coffee then a bite of food, content with keeping her right there on his lap. "Tomorrow I'm going to call Reese... I think it was the Agency with Dylan and I can't just walk away from it."
Once the ball got rolling again, the band would be able to find a permanent place to practice, but until then, Mike had generously offered his basement where JetStream usually practiced as well. While he was at work, it provided the perfect time so it was mid-morning when Kyle and the others gathered. Almost everyone was there and going over their songs, chatting, drinking some coffee and warming up. It was important that they practice the songs that they knew they would perform in concert so that they would know them backward and forward without any glitches.
A mixture of conversation, music and laughter filled the basement. To anyone else, it would seem a wall of sound, but to them, not only was it normal, it was fun.
Kip parks outside along with the other vehicles and sighs deeply. He knew that everyone else was here, including Karla. Though not riding with her, he'd promised he would come. After a good breakfast from Gram, he attempted not to overload on sugar and caffeine, though he did have a slight headache at the moment. He felt a bit of energy trying to seep out, but his uneasiness about practice seemed to override it, making him a bit more calm than normal. It was probably best though - the others would probably appreciate him sitting still for once. Finally getting out of the car, he wanders inside and downstairs, pocketing his keys.
"Heeey, look who's here!" Kyle grins from behind the keyboard. "Kip! How ya feeling?"
Kip's eyebrows rise. How was he feeling? Oh yeah, he was supposed to have been sick. "Oh, um... better." He forces a smile.
"Still look a might pale," Twila teases, coming over to ruffle his hair. "We'll get the blood pumping again though, won't we?"
Kip gives a half-hearted laugh. "Yeah." His eyes wander around until he finds Karla where he ambles over to lean in and give her a light kiss on the cheek. "Good morning."
Theo bites his lip to keep himself from a cheesy grin. "Okay so now that we're all here, are we gonna get this show on the road or what?"
"Not until the albums are done," Russ quips.
"Ha...ha... very funny."
Kyle snickers and plays a few notes. "Alright, how about we start with Compromise?"
"Where's my music?" Erik scrounges around to find it, triumphant in the end. "Aha - thought you'd sneak away, did you?"
Twila leans over closer to Theo. "Do you remember him always talking to his music like that, or is that something new?"
Erik's head rises. "I heard that."
"Heard what?"
"You talking."
"Ahh... now you're hearing voices now, too."
Kip rolls his eyes but can't help his grin and he throws Karla another little look before wandering over to the stand where his bass was. Piece of cake, right? Practice would go well, he'd forget all about what he'd heard the others saying the other day and... who was he kidding? But he'd promised he'd try.
Practice starts up like usual with a few rough spots until they all got going. It was different than practicing with all the high-end equipment at the sound studio, but they were satisfied and did their best with what they had, anticipating something better later on.
About fifteen minutes into practice though, it's obvious that only one band member is struggling. Kip has wound up leaning back against the wall, trying so hard to follow the music on the stand in front of him, but it seemed every time they had to stop or start over, it was his fault. He missed a line, he skipped ahead, he didn't pause when he was supposed to, or he came in too early. Barely into their practice time at all and the frustration was already evident on his face. What he used to be able to ignore and let roll off his back now bothered him to no end. He knew now that he was holding up the others and just couldn't bring himself to laugh about his mistakes like he had before.
Eventually, Kyle is forced to halt the song. "Hold it, hold it..." He keeps himself from sighing. "Maybe we should try another song this morning." A wry grin surfaces. "Maybe it's too early to 'compromise.'"
Twila groans at the bad joke. "Very funny."
Kip could feel the heat on the back of his neck and his eyes find Karla. He knew it was his fault. He wasn't bouncing off the walls, and that helped, but he just wasn't with it. "Maybe you guys should just practice without me," he suggests, shifting his eyes back to the others.
Erik quirks an eyebrow. "That would seem just a tad counter-productive, wouldn't it?"
"Unless I'm the problem." Kip's serious tone causes silence in the basement. He swallows hard, regretting having said something, but it was too late now. "I take that back. I know I'm the problem."
Kyle sighs. "No you're not, Kip. Come on."
"Really? That's not what you thought the other day."
Kyle's heart sinks. Kip knew. That much was obvious, and it was also not good. Silence reigns again without anyone knowing what to say. If Kip had heard them, then they couldn't deny it or get around it. Kyle rests his hands on the keyboard, finding Alice as if asking for her encouragement before he spoke again. "You haven't been sick, have you?"
Kip looks down, gritting his teeth. He shakes his head. "I guess not."
Russ and Theo exchange looks as do Twila and Erik. Kyle glances over to Karla too, guessing that she knew Kip had heard the recent conversation. "I'm sorry, Kip."
Kip's eyes slowly rise, his stomach turning to knots. He was so sure Kyle was going to say he was right and that maybe he should focus on something other than the band.
Kyle moves around his keyboard to approach Kip. Taking the music stand, he moves it back into the corner so Kip had none to use anymore. "I'm sorry," he repeats, "that I didn't pay enough attention from the beginning."
Kip searches his eyes, confused. Pay enough attention to what? To the fact that he couldn't do this? That he wasn't good enough? His shoulders sink a little more and he moves to take the bass strap from his shoulder. Kyle reaches out and grabs his wrist to stop him. "I didn't pay enough attention to realize that you don't need what the rest of us do."
Now Kip was really confused. His eyes find Karla once again, trying to gain some kind of understanding before he's forced to look back at Kyle. "I... I don't understand. I know that I'm failing the rest of you, and I'll just-"
"Stop." Kyle lets him go to hold up his hand. "Now we're going to do this song again. And you're going to play with us."
"Kyle... you took my music away."
"I did."
"I can't do it with the chords right in front of my face, how am I supposed to-"
"Just do it, Kip."
The others exchange glances, confused as to what on earth Kyle was doing.
Kip shakes his head. "I don't understand what you want."
"It's all in here." Kyle taps Kip on the forehead, searching his younger friend's eyes. He was running on pure faith and could only pray he wasn't wrong.
Kip watches Kyle go back to the keyboard then throws a bewildered look at Karla. This was crazy. As the others start to play again though, he stares down at his bass. Closing his eyes, he moves his fingers to the strings and slowly begins to play, hesitantly at first but it gradually smooths out. He could hear it in his head... he knew this song... he knew his part.
Halfway through the song as the music plays and Kyle sings, Twila is the first to glance over to Kip. He wasn't playing what he was supposed to - it was better. He was playing by ear and doing a better job than reading the music that had been written. The notes he played weren't what they'd practiced, but they fit and sounded beautiful.
As the last few notes die away, Kip looks around at the others uneasily, biting his lower lip. Why were they all looking at him in... surprise or... was it that they were pleased, or... something?
Erik shakes his head. "Kip... why didn't you tell us, buddy?"
"Tell... tell you what?"
"That you could play by ear? Dude, that was fantastic."
"I..." Kip shrugs lamely. "Didn't... know?"
Kyle grins. "You've been working so hard at playing it "right" that you forgot how to play from here." He taps over his heart. "If anyone here has talent, Kip, it's you. We don't want to get rid of you, we don't want to tell you to quit and we don't want to leave anybody behind. You're a vital part of this band and all I want from you is your best and nothing more."
Kip can feel an odd mix of emotions bubbling up from below and his fingers fidget with his bass. He swallows hard, not really knowing why his eyes were suddenly stinging.
Twila smiles and looks to Karla, gesturing with her head to have her go to him. "Looks like you're stuck with us, Kip. Now all we have to do is get you to quit bouncing off the walls."
The others laugh and Kip manages a little smile of his own. "Yeah well..." He glances to Karla. "I guess I'm getting some help with that, too."
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