Defend

Katie gives a little nod, she understood what Jason was saying and respected that. She wished he didn't feel like he had to walk on pins though. Nothing he said or did would upset her, it just wasn't her right to be upset about that anymore. 

Friends...could they be? At least that would try and thats what was importance to Katie. She new for her like for Jason it would be hard but she was willing to work twords it and do the best she could.

   "So, how is Misty? I kind saw her the other day but really didn't talk much to her."

It was a lame attempt at keeping a conversation going and Katie new it but they had to start somewhere right? She really did want to know how Misty was holding up too. She'd made a promise and she was going to keep it. Not to mention she was her friend and she did care.

Sitting at the marina Chad's feet just dangled above the water as he held Rosalyn's letter in his hand. He was on lunch and alone able to read the letter and even start a reply. It seemed most of his time was spent alone so he could read, write or think about Rosalyn. Questions had come up on why and if he was getting depressed but he'd left everyone wondering only smile and reassuring them he was in face not depressed. How could he be with someone so special writing to him.

Rosalyn,
   
   You fill my days with joy when I get one of your letters and when I can quietly slip away to to have some free time to read and even reply it is truly peace I feel. Today I write to you while I am on my lunch. Sitting in the marina in Oregon. Most mornings here are cloudy and filled with rain but by noon the sun comes out. I find it funny that at that very same time is when a letter from you comes. I can't help but smile and think it's you that brings the sunshine.

   Our apple tree......Mmmm.....I like the sound of that. To think we have our own spot, a place to look forward to seeing again, a place where memories to be placed. Its our first and I can hope there will be more spots too.

Going back to her letter and going over again what she wrote about her family and about this Agency he wanted to make sure he understood what he was ready. He did know a little from Katie about the stuff that went on with the family and people had been after them for as long as they remembered. Though he didn't completely understand it it did not push him away from giving Rosalyn the happiness she deserved and the happiness he wanted.

   You might be marked but I'd hate to be the person who would try and bring any harm to you. Does this news frighten me away from you? No my dear it does not, not even in the slightest, I would defend you with my life till I couldn't anymore. Oh Rosalyn...How special you are, and though I may not understand everything I would not take something lightly when you have told me. Maybe on day when we are face to face again you can explain a little more to me about the Agency so I am prepared to keep you safe. You have over looked my past, I over look yours but keep myself ready to defend when I need too.

Looking out across the water Chad gives a large smile. To think about Rosalyn it just did that to him, made him smile, made him feel all warm and fuzzy. It was just a nice feeling, one he'd missed, and he wasn't backing down not yet. It was comforting to know she was looking at the same sky too.

   Well as much as I would like to continue this letter to you, I must get back to work. I look forward to getting another letter from you soon, and being able to reply as soon as I can. Tonight I will look at the moon too. 

     Forever and Always,
          Chad

  

Eventually

Another sigh surfaces and Jason sets his sub aside. Friends? Could they really even get back to that point again? 

"I don't hate you Katie," he answers quietly. "I never did. I'm just... hurt. And I'm trying really hard not to be bitter. Having you back is harder than I thought it would be. I don't know what to say or how to act anymore. It's like walking on pins and needles and... I just don't know if that's gonna change or not." 

He knew that's not what she wanted to hear, but what else could he say? He couldn't lie and tell her it would all be just fine. He didn't know if it would be or not. 

"We... shared something special... something more than friends, and more than being boyfriend and girlfriend. We shared... each other's souls. Our thoughts. Our emotions. We were intimate in ways that no one else could ever understand. And after all that... to have it wiped out and torn to pieces... to say 'hey, lets be friends' is... well it feels a little harder than that to me."

Searching Katie's eyes, he sees her tears, and his heart hurts a little bit more. "But... it would seem a worthy goal," he relents. "I don't want our jobs to be a nightmare because of the tension between us. We were just friends once a long time ago... I'm sure we can pull it off again eventually." 

Dear Chad,

Your letter, as usual, brought a smile to my lips. I never knew a man who could write such nice words, let alone legibly - you have mastered both skills quite well. 

As I write, I'm sitting under our apple tree. It was too nice of a day to stay cooped up inside, and I was able to find the quiet privacy I wanted here. If I close my eyes and try very hard, I can imagine I am sitting here with you. But I miss the warmth of your arms around me. 

Leaning her head back against the bark, Rosalyn sighs and closes her eyes. Chad's most recent letter had more than confirmed that he wanted to continue writing, and that his intentions were for more than that too, if it would somehow work. The thought created a strange new sense of fear, yet it also filled Rosalyn's stomach with butterflies. While good sense told her that perhaps she shouldn't avidly pursue this, she couldn't help but write him back. He had come out of nowhere, swept her off her feet, and made her feel so very good... how could she ignore that?

Looking back down at the paper her pen hovers over the next line. In all reality though... she needed to be fair. There was more than one reason a man might not want to actually get involved with her.

You flatter me with your intentions. I wonder what it would be like if we were not separated by miles. Perhaps it would be sweeter. Or perhaps you would quickly grow bored of me and realize the ocean was still your first love. 

If, though, you do indeed intent to pursue me, then there are some things you must know. I am sure you have put a few pieces together - perhaps you have gleaned a little bit of information from Katie as well. In the end though, the bottom line is that my family is not a safe family to get involved with. You see, for many years, we have been hunted. I'm sure this will sound like a fantastically fabricated tale, but you must believe me. There is an illegal organization that has tried to control both the Henson and Pent families since the older generation were mere children. This organization is called the Agency and it has harmed us in many ways for a very long time. They are the reason I grew up without knowing my father - he feared for my family's safety and therefore he and my mother remained separated until they felt it safe once again. The Agency is also the reason that my parents gave up my younger brother, Ty, for adoption when he was a baby - for his safety. Clint and I grew up under the impression that Ty had died, and only recently did we find out the truth. 

Most others in our two families have been affected in one way or another by the Agency - and none of it is good. We are always watching the horizon. We trust no strangers. We wait - living not in fear, but in constant caution. Even while you were here, security cameras held you in their sights most of the time. Many have died going up against the Agency. It is nothing to be joked about or taken lightly. 

You may or may not believe the severity of this issue. Were I to have enough paper I would write you page after page of stories of how the Agency had almost ruined my family time and time again. How they have almost destroyed most everyone here at the ranch. There is so much that I could tell you - want to tell you - but one letter is hardly enough. I have been sheltered from direct danger, but that does not remove the fact that I am a marked woman by my name alone. I am James Henson's daughter - that is enough for me to be the Agency's prey. 

If you can still desire to have my heart after knowing this, then I will have no choice but to accept your letters and beloved poems, for it will prove to me the purity of your heart. But if you choose to step aside now to avoid any undo misfortunes, I will not blame you nor think badly of you. I will simply cherish what we've had, and rest assured that you are somewhere out of harm's way. 

I do not want to end this letter on a sad note though, for fear of this special place under our tree becoming something less than happy. So I will close now. And tonight, my eyes will be on the moon once more.

Rosalyn

All I want

   "If you want to hate me Jason, thats completely up to you and I wont hold it against you. For me, I'd like to try and be friends. Be able to stand each other at work so we can work, so there wont be an awkwardness."

Katie searches his face for a long moment. Thinking about all this stuff was hard, and talking about it even harder. To think someone she held so dear to her at once was now so far away and it was her own doing it was rough.

   "I know its going to take times and I'm not asking for answered prayers over night...but if we can at least try. I can't do it alone I need you to try as well. That's all I want from this is for at least be friends."

At this point thats all Katie did want. Even if it took a little while to be friends with Jason again was her goal. They had been close, they had gotten along and Katie just wanted a little bit of that back. Jason had always been a good friend that she couldn't deny.

Why?

Once again, words evaded Jason. He didn't agree about their connection - to him, it was pretty plain that that's all they'd had. True love? It didn't seem so any more. But he wouldn't say so. It would only start an argument, or cause more pain at least. And neither he nor she needed any more of that.

Eating in silence for a few more minutes, Jason finally speaks again. "So... where do we go from here?"

He searches Katie's face once more. "I mean... why are we here? Just so we can tolerate each other at work? To prove we don't hate each other?"

Not Sure

Katie could feel a pain in her heart return as Jason talks about he was going to come the morning of and try and works things out. Her own pigheadedness had lead to the not happening, if she had only opened her eyes and tried a little harder, things could of been so different and this pain of loss would be less.

Another pain seemed to follow hearing that Jason really believed that she had wanted someone else besides him. She'd thought for sure he'd known her better than than but than again actions speak louder than words and without there connection that little extra that said I'm yours and your mine was not there and know what one thought or felt had been a great deal harder.

   "Yeah, I...I can't blame you for that Jason. If I'd been in your shoes I can't say I would feel any differently. I should have let you explain, and if not at that moment because I was so upset I should have at least talked to you later in the night when I cooled down."

Looking out the window for a very long moment Katie hated how she felt. Being here, saying she was sorry to Jason she wondered if it was doing any good or just putting them through more pain. That was the last thing she wanted to do to him. He seemed happy, and Misty was a good woman, Katie new she'd take care of him since it was no longer her job. She'd still worry though because at one point Jason had meant everything to her, and she did still want to be his friend.

Sighing and looking back to Jason Katie couldn't help the small tears that had formed in her eye. The truth hurt, the past hurt, words hurt...but she new it was how Jason felt and there was no way she could fault him for that. She had her feelings and he had his even if she didn't agree.

   "I'm not sure I believe it was only the connection that was holding us together, but I do know it was the connection that tore us apart."

Finally picking up her own sub Katie takes a nibble of the edge of it. She wasn't really hungry but she wanted to try and at least eat a little bit. She could bring the rest of it home and eat it later. Maybe it could be here dinner tonight too. Than she wouldn't have to worry about cooking or bothering Thirteen and Ryder.

   "I'm happy you and Misty have grown close. You both deserve this after going through so much."

Would they ever be friends again? Katie didn't know but she hoped this was the right path. Her and Jason might never be involved again but that friendship was important to her. So she'd take it slow and just see how things would go.

Meant to Be

Seeing Katie finally arrive, Jason sets aside the sugar packet and offers her a partial smile. And all of a sudden, he regretted agreeing to come. But he had, and he wouldn't go back on his word now. 

Once ordering food and getting settled in the booth, Jason leaves his sub untouched as he listens. Her initial apology comes as a bit of a surprise, and he finds himself just studying her face as she continues to talk. He felt as though he should interrupt and say something, but he didn't know what, so he lets her finish whatever else she felt she needed to. 

As she explains and apologizes more, the dull ache in Jason's heart seems to cause him more pain. Not because he didn't like her apology... but because this whole thing just proved that it was all so stupid and never should have happened at all. But then... maybe a lot of things shouldn't have happened. 

Silence takes over the table as he tries to process her words and accept them. There was a part of him that was still angry, and it's that which he tries to set aside. He knew it was wrong to be bitter - especially after she'd said she was sorry. Staring down at his sub he toys with a couple stray pieces of lettuce trying to collect his own thoughts now. 

Eventually he looks back up again, heaving a weary sigh. His shoulders slouch slightly and he purses his lips, still thinking. "Thank you... for telling me all that." 

What else was he supposed to say? He had no idea. He'd thought up a whole lot of things he'd wanted to say to her over the last month or two, but at the moment, none seemed appropriate. 

His eyes lock with hers searching for something that made sense in all of this madness. "I'm sorry that you had such a hard time, losing our connection. I'm sure that even though it wasn't easy for me either, that it was probably worse for you. More than likely, I didn't do a very good job of recognizing that at the time, so... for that, I guess I'm sorry too." He shrugs lamely. "I could have handled some things differently - like with me and my friends. I never meant to neglect you and..." He gives a slight scoff. "That morning I came looking for you, I'd... made up my mind that I was gonna work harder and try to rekindle what we'd lost. But... I guess the effort was just a few hours too late."

He finally drops his gaze again to stare down at his sub as his mind replays that morning... going to Hunter's... finding Katie there. His appetite now seemed to have fled. 

"It's... interesting to hear you say that all you ever wanted was me. After all that happened, and seeing you with Hunter, I guess I came to the conclusion that you didn't want me anymore and were just waiting for an out. And when you saw Sandy kiss me, it just gave you the excuse you needed to dump me for someone else you wanted more." His fingers strum the table with an erratic tempo. "Hearing you say now that it's not how it was... I guess I want to believe you but it'll take a little while." 

He couldn't help it that that was the truth. She sounded sincere, but after how everything had happened, it still hurt a little too much to just take her word for it now. He'd have to mull it over a while longer and let it sink in before that hurt would go away. 

"Ya know..." A slight rueful grin tugs at his mouth. "Finding you at Hunter's wasn't the worst part. What hurt the most was you not believing me about Sandy." He shakes his head. "I never had any feelings for her, and until she kissed me that night, I never knew she had feelings for me either. Call it being a dumb guy, I don't know. I guess I was just blind. But having the person closest to me not even let me explain... it still hurts."

It did, too. Even now. He could still see the taillights of her car fading as she'd driven away from the concert, leaving him standing helpless to do anything. 

After another short pause, he catches her eye once more. "But I guess none of that really matters now, does it? You got Hunter, and Misty and I have connected." He shrugs again. "Maybe you and I never were meant to be in the first place. Obviously it was the connection that held us together. Without it, we fell apart. So maybe all of this is for the best anyway."

Finally, he forces himself to pick up his sub and take a bite, even though his stomach was in knots. He might just throw it up later, but he might as well attempt eating - at the very least, it gave his hands something to do. 

Just wanted to say

Stepping inside the sub shop Katie was running a little late but the paperwork she had been doing was almost done and she had wanted to at least try to finish it. Scanning the room she hoped Jason would still be here and hadn't given up waiting on her. Seeing him she gives a small smile walking over him but not to big. He's kept his word not that she even though he would.

   "Hey, Sorry I'm late."

Ordering there food and finally settling down Katie looks down at her glass of ice the was floating in her water and slowly melting. She'd known what she wanted to say and now...now all her words seemed a million miles away.  Katie had explained to Hunter before leaving for lunch that she was going to be talking with Jason. He didn't seem happy but he's said he trusted her, and she told him it was for the sake of her job. The thickness in the air couldn't really continue. But now...she had no idea what to say.

    "I new everything I wanted to say coming into this and now...it seems words are lost. While this whole thing comes down to though is I wanted to say I am sorry. Sorry for the way I acted, sorry for the way I treated you, and sorry for not trusting you."

Unwrapping her sub finally Katie looks down at the lettuces that falls to the paper before looking up at Jason again and searching his face for a long moment again. She wanted to make things right, she wanted to be at least friends again but she had no idea how. So many emotions ran though her and she had to try and find the right way to express them.

   "There was many things I could have done better, maybe things I should have done differently and I see what now. When our connection was broken I became lost, I didn't know how to express myself, tell you I was upset, I was hurting I just...I didn't know how and the more I tried the more I failed. I should have taken into consideration how you would feel I didn't and for that I am sorry. My friendship with Hunter I never meant for it to get in our way and it did."

Pain was riddles on Katie's face as she talked. Remember Jason's looks, his pleas, his willingness to try and work things out. Katie had ignored it though, her own thick hardheadedness got in the way and destroyed everything. She saw that now and she new Jason had done nothing wrong.

   "I also wanted to say I was sorry for what happened when I saw Sandy kiss you..."

Kate lets out a long sigh. It still stung a little thinking about it.

   "...I should of talked to you, not walked away like I had...I just...I don't have an excuse other than I was hurting so much already from feeling ignored that I didn't know what else to do. So I am sorry for that, sorry for turning out back on us and putting you through heck. All I ever wanted was you, and only you that I became so wrapped up in what I had lost with our emotions, and what else I could lost, that I actually did lost it. So I...just wanted to say I was sorry to you."

That Simple

Mr. Sub. Jason could handle that. It was close to work and the atmosphere was alright. He gives Katie a slight nod. "Yeah, okay. That'll work."

Her request for him to clear it with Misty brings a rather sarcastic expression to his face before he can stop it. "Of course. If I didn't, that would be pretty hypocritical of me, don't you think?" It may have been a couple months now, but he remembered all too well what it felt like when Katie would do things alone with Hunter. He hadn't changed his stance on the subject, and would certainly run this past Misty before going. And if she had a problem with it he'd take her along or not go at all. It was that simple to him.

Turning around, he talks over his shoulder as he leaves. "I'll let you know if there's a problem."

As suspected, there wasn't - especially with the way things were between him and Katie right now. Jason wasn't doing this for the fun of it. He was only going because Katie had requested it. And as far as he knew, there was no intention of making a habit out of this.

...When one o'clock finally rolled around, Jason was already seated in a booth at Mr. Subs. He hadn't ordered yet - out of respect - but sitting here waiting was making him rather nervous. He hated it, but there wasn't much he could do about it. He couldn't remember a time ever being nervous around Katie. It was awkward and felt unnatural. His feelings were all mixed up, and he still didn't know if he was still angry with her, or missed her. Could he be both? It felt like it.

Playing with a packet of sugar, he waits to get this over with.


Justin laughs, enjoying Misty's humor. "Six tomorrow night sounds good, and I'm not allergic to anything, so don't worry about killing me. And I'll eat just about anything, so you should be safe."

He jots a note down on his desk as a reminder. "I will see you guys tomorrow then. Thanks, Misty. Really appreciate this."

Make sure

Looking down at the calendar on her desk Misty checks what time she is working tomorrow and if she had anything else planned. Jason had to work late tomorrow so if he did come over it wouldn't be till much later and she worked the early shift. She hoped Alec would be around tomorrow but if she wasn't she could always tell him what was going on and was sure he would change it to be home.

   "How does dinner at 6 should. We could have a nice relaxing meal and talk about whatever we need too. Not to early and not to late that we would have to rush things."

Misty leans back in her chair for a second stretching her back a little bit. This morning had not been the best morning as she woke up with a lot of back pain. She didn't complain to much though other than to Alec. She new it was just going to get worse before it got better.

   "Is there anything you don't like to eat or are allergic to? I'd rather not kill you on your first time over."

Seeing the look in Jason's eyes Katie backs away just a little bit not meaning to sound to eager, or crowd him. She new she didn't deserve any kind of explanation, or reasoning she just hoped Jason would let her. She didn't want to do this for herself she wanted to do it for him, for there friendship. If nothing else she wanted to at least be friends with him again even if she new it was not deserved.

   "Mmmm...how about one o'clock at Mr. Sub down the street?"

Katie was thankful Jason would let her talk. She wanted to say they could ride together to save gas but she stopped herself from being friendly to fast. Slow steps, they could drive apart, she new the way Jason new the way and the last thing she wanted to do was step on anyone's toes.

   "Ummm...thanks Jason. Just make sure its ok with Misty alright? I don't want to cause any problems with you guys."

Surrender

Accepting the papers from Katie, Jason's eyes drift over her face for just a moment. "Thanks." 

He's about to turn and leave when Katie speaks, so he stops. Her idea for lunch catches him off guard, and for a moment or two, he just stands quietly, his eyes staring into hers as if searching for her motives. What could she possibly want to talk about? They were over - that much was obvious. What was done was done, and that was it. Why did she want to speak with him now? 

Sighing, he leans an arm on the top of the cubicle wall, feeling rather torn. Part of him wanted to roll his eyes and walk away with a snide comment, while part of him wanted to hear whatever it was Katie wanted to say - he did miss her friendship.

"I don't know, Katie..." He fiddles with his papers, looking down to shuffle them together in his hands. "One minute we were close, and the next you were walking away. Now all of a sudden you want to do lunch?"

Shaking his head, he turns and exits her cubicle only to stop again. Setting his hands on his hips, he wishes that his conscience would hush. If he was to deny her this now, what did that say about him? Did that not make him just as bad as she? 

Slowly turning back around he gives her a little smirk of surrender. "Where and when?" 

Justin is relieved to hear Misty's answer and he scoots his chair closer to the wall to look at his calendar. "Tomorrow evening... sounds.... perfect. Yeah, that would be great." He and Beth hadn't made plans for tomorrow yet, and he knew she'd understand anyway - she supported his work, and he truly did appreciate that. 

"What time would you like me there?" 

Talk

Hearing the noise outside her cubicle Katie had looked up just in time to see papers go flying everywhere. Blinking and realizing it was Gunner and Jason Katie doesn't say anything. She'd seen Jason in the hall a few times today but neither said anything to each other. It was just one of those things and it still felt strange.

Seeing some of the papers floated into her cubicle Katie looks down at them for a second before looking up as Jason knocked on the wall. Hearing him say sorry something twisted inside her. He shouldn't be sorry...he hadn't dont anything wrong.

    "No, No, don't be sorry accident's happen. I..."

Closing her mouth and not finishing what she was going to say. Bending down and grabbing some of the papers that had gone farther in Katie looks down at them for a second remembering what she'd talked about with her dad. She did need to talk to Jason. Maybe they wouldn't ever date again since he was with Misty now and she had Hunter but there friendship alone at least deserved it.

   "Here you go."

Looking up at his for a second Katie searches his face. He really did look like he was doing well and for that she was happy. Not to mention Misty was probley making sure he was taking better care of himself too. Giving a little smile she sits back up and lets out a small sigh.

   "I was wondering if maybe you'd like to go to lunch today with me....Just as friend...I don't expect anything more and if you feel better you can bring Misty along too. I just...I'd like to talk to you about a few things. If you feel more comfortable eating here too...thats...thats alright as well."

Picking up the phone and hearing it was Justin Misty was a bit surprised but excited and nervous too. She didn't think he'd be calling again so soon, and she hoped nothing was wrong but on the other hand she wondered if it had to do with seeing Mackenzie more too.

   "Hey Justin!"

Hearing that her family wanted to put Mackenzie into t troubled girls home Misty would have argued. She wasn't a troubled girl, she was just confused and having a hard time dealing with the changed in her life. A place like that was not for her. Hearing Justin had argued the point she was thankful. At least the girl had someone who was sticking up for her.

   "Yes we would love to still see her more. If you want to come over tomorrow for dinner we can swing that."

Giving a few hacking coughs Victoria puts her hand over her mouth before sniffing as well to follow it up. Looking at Garret her eyes give a small twinkle again.

   "Man, I do feel like I am coming down with something. Just out of no where I am feeling a little crappy."

A small chuckle follows as she stands up again she new that staying here much longer than she already had could be a bad thing and she shouldn't linger. But it was hard not too. Being able to talk to Garret in the light of day, seeing his face as the sun shone on it, it was something she enjoyed and wish she could more.

   "Mmmm..and I love you more and more every moment.  One day...one day we will go on a mission together and we will know whats its like to be free...even if its only for a few hours."

Sorry

Garret bites his lip to keep from grinning too much. Victoria had gotten her way - like she usually did. And even though he didn't like breaks, part of him really was glad that he'd be able to rest for a while. Maybe he could get his head back on straight and quit dwelling on his desire to flee. He'd been more foolish than ever during this past mission, whether it was drug-induced depression or not. He still shouldn't have acted on what he felt, like he had.

"I... think I'll probably stick around here." For more reasons that one. First, he liked it here. Second, Victoria was here. And third, he'd be nearer Medridge and the doctor who were still using him as a guinea pig. Not that he liked that - he hated it. But he was hooked, whether he wanted to admit it or not, and if anything went wrong, he'd be here. 

"I wouldn't mind a few extra nights in our spot," he muses. "You'll just have to come down sick or something so you don't get assigned to too much." He'd like to suggest that he go to the beachfront property and they come up with some scheme to get Victoria there too... but he knew it would never work. If they were anywhere near alone, they'd be bound to slip up and get caught. 

Sighing, he nods. "I'll talk to Medridge - apparently he's not going to have me executed." Cocking his head, he gives Victoria a once over, letting his gaze come to rest on her face once again. "Thanks..." His tone lowers to a whisper as he refrains from standing and wrapping his arms around her. "I love you more every day." 

"Hi, Misty, this is Justin Hawks." Sitting in his office at home the next day, he leans back in his chair amidst a clutter of papers, a dying plant, his lunch, and who knows what else underneath the organized chaos. Rick had answered the infirmary phone, but he'd only had to wait a minute or two for Misty. 

"Listen, um... I've been talking to Ken - Mackenzie's adopted father. I've been trying my best to keep the family from putting Mackenzie in a facility for troubled kids - I still think she just needs a little more time. That said, I'm taking the risk of opposing other counselors and hoping that you and Alec would still like to see Mackenzie more often. If you do, I'd like to sit down with both of you and discuss some of the issues and ways to handle Mackenzie, should any trouble arise. I've been given permission by Ken to tell you both all you need to know." 

"Gunner, look ou-" Susanne cringes, knowing she'd spoken too late. Having just exited her office, she'd been just in time to see Gunner and Jason on a collision course - neither one paying attention to where they were going, both with their noses stuck in open files they were reading. 

The two men round the corner from opposite sides and smack right into each other. With a cry of surprise, papers go flying.

"Oh crap." Gunner blinks and looks down at the mess. "Whoopsies."

"Aw, I'm sorry." Jason kneels to pick up the papers - apparently Gunner had latched onto his own, so it was only Jason's that were now spread all over the floor.

Gunner bends as well. "Here, let me help."

"No, it's okay, really. If I pick them up in order, it'll be easier."

"Alrighty. Suit yourself."

Jason gives him a wry grin. "Thanks. Get back to work before you blame me for this."

Gunner smirks, but takes up his route again. "Yeah, yeah." 

As Jason continues to retrieve his papers on hands and knees, he realizes that they'd crashed just outside Katie's cubicle, and some of his papers had slid into her space. Standing up, he gives the wall a quick knock before bending to pick up his work. "Sorry," he apologizes quickly. 

Slack

Giving Garret an almost sly smile Victoria leans on the railing of the porch a little bit. How well that had gotten at this game. Playing like they merely worked together, maybe a little lust but nothing they would act one. They had mastered the art of throwing people off and in a way it was sicking not being able to really express themselves to one another.

   "I just told my grandfather how awful it would be if one of his best agents got warn to thin and wasn't on his A-game witch might lead to something even worse happening."

Though Victoria pulled off the look of just talking her eyes gave a twinkle though to Garret something she new only he would see. She was happy he was getting time off she thought he needed it even if he didn't want to admit it. Every one got worn thing once and a while.

   "You're gonna have to owe me though because I'm gonna have to pick up your slack I think."

Giving Garret a wink Victoria didn't know if she really would have to pick up his slack or not. Maybe a little week because four weeks was a long time to go without one of the major agents. If Garret choose to take his break here at the estate though she'd be able to see him more and than pleased her.

    "Just make sure you let Medridge know if you wanna stay here, or go else where to relax."

How?

Seeing Victoria coming near, Garret was a little surprised. It wasn't often that she ventured to the guard house, simply to avoid arousal of suspicion. Sitting up a little straighter, he gives her a little nod as a greeting, even though he'd rather grab her by the waist and pull her into his lap. 

"Yeah... I think I'm feeling a little better, thanks." He gives her a rueful grin. "Things just got the best of me there, I guess. You shouldn't worry though... worry kills people." As if there was nothing else around here that took lives. 

"Four weeks, huh? I'll be right as rain in one, let alone four. I might even get bored." He quirks an eyebrow. "How'd you pull it off anyway? Getting me time off, I mean." 

Worried

Continuing to stand Victoria felt like jumping for joy inside, excited that Garret would be given the time off he ended, But on the outside everything remained the same. Her facial expression, and her stature never moved from how it was. To show joy over thing would surly give it away that they were involved more than working together.

   "I think four week should be more than enough for him to recover, and get himself together again."

Giving a nod Victoria waits till she is sure her grandfather is done talking to her and dismiss her before she turns to leave. Making her way out of the office she wasn't sure where Garret was right now but she'd find him. She was good, but she could track him.

...It wasn't to much later that Victoria was making her way across the yard and to the small house where she new now Garret was. Looking out one of the windows she'd spotted him on the porch. Getting closer she gives a small smile but not to much noting some people might be inside.

   "Medridge gave you four weeks off to recover and regroup. He said you could stay here or be moved to one of the other properties, the choose is yours."

Moving a little Victoria looks around for a moment making sure no one was close before leaning a little closer to Garret. Anyone from a distance would just think the were talking about work or his time away but it would take someone closer to know anything else.

   "Feeling any better today? You look like you got a little more sleep. I was really worried about you Garret, I never want anything bad to you."

You May

Garret sits in a chair on the porch of the small house, looking out across the sprawling yard and up to the main house. A light rain had been coming down since early that morning and had not let up. He was thankful that he'd been giving a day of medical leave for his shoulder, even though his wound wasn't all that bad.

Leaning back, he sighs deeply, breathing in the cool damp air. He'd tried to figure out their location by weather patterns, but so far hadn't had much luck. Not that he researched it often - if anybody found out that he was trying to figure out where they were, that would just be one more reason for him to be shot in the head.

Glancing down, he flexes his arm, looking at the fresh needle mark. He was going to have to talk to Medridge about changing his dosage - it was doing nothing for his moods, and probably making them worse. Medridge would probably be thrilled to discover something negative about their latest serum. Garret hoped that it was the drug that had caused him to get down so low the last couple days - if not, he had a bigger problem.

Rolling down his sleeve, he buttons the cuff before looking back up to the main house. And his mind wanders to Victoria, like it usually did.


Medridge sits behind his desk and looks up at Victoria thoughtfully. He trusted his granddaughter. She had a good head on her shoulders and was one of his best agents. He never sent her out on mindless jobs or meaningless assignments - those were kept for the brainless peons. No, Victoria was special, and he'd made sure she had the training to stay alive.

Now about Garret...

Medridge rises from his chair and slowly walks to the window, clasping his hands behind his back as he thinks. "I'm glad to see that you are keeping an eye on him. We've had our differences, but if there's one man I don't want to lose, it's him. I know sometimes my judgment becomes clouded by personal feelings."

Turning, he studies Victoria for several moments. "He's like a son to me. Or, grandson, as it were. He's learning fast the way we operate and has made some very wise observations that have saved us many resources. I've often toyed with the idea of removing him from the field, but he's too good there as well."

He sighs deeply. "But...if I cannot protect those I hold most dear, then I can protect no one." He smiles. "You're probably right. I have been pushing him very hard lately. Although, it is also good to know a man's limits. I would hate to think he has already reached his."

Turning around again, he stares back out at the rain. "However... I will not be around forever to make these kinds of decisions. Therefore, you may inform him that he has four weeks of rest. He may spend it here or at one of our other properties."

You think

Continuing to study Garret Victoria shakes her head. She had no answers to his questions, and there would be even more questions if she could. This wasn't always fare this they had but it was there life and its just how it was. 

   "We can say I wish and what if still we are blue in the face Garret but the truth is out there...it's death for us. We will be hunter till we around and killed. Being out there and living a normal life sounds nice but...its not what we were born into."

Leaning her head into Garret's hand a little Victoria closes her eyes for a second before opening them again and just searching his face. She could see how tired his eyes were, and she could hear it in his voice. If she had all the answers would that be better?

   "As long as you have me your heart will never turn to stone. Tomorrow I'm going to talk to my grandfather about getting you some time off. I don't like how your acting right now its scaring me."

Sure they talked about getting out before, what life would be like on the outside together. But just something about how Garret was talking today she didn't like it.

   "You've got to snap out of it because the next time we meet your in a pine box."

...And when the next day comes she did go to her grandfather. Giving a knock on the door and waiting for his voice Victoria enters. She stood tall and elegant in front of her grandfather like she often did. 

   "It's my job to know everything that goes on. It's how I can serve better and the last thing I heard was about the slip up Garret made. It's very unlike him for something like that to happen and I was thinking maybe he needs a little time off."

Victoria wanted to shift out of being uncomfortable, scared she might say the wrong thing and give herself away. Her words were chosen wisely, she'd thought about it all night and now she just had to exacute it. 

   "He's out best, top of the rank and dang good at his job. The last thing we need is our best getting burned out. Don't you agree?"

Circles

Jason chuckles and sinks a little lower in the couch, putting his feet up on the coffee table. Misty might have some kind of motherly glow, but she was beautiful whether she was pregnant or not. He'd always thought so.

Yawning, he watches the movie with tired interest as his eyes begin to grow heavy. It had been a long day and it was finally catching up to him. He knew if he was alone, he'd be lying in bed tossing and turning. But with Misty here... she was so warm and comfortable under his arm... so relaxed...

It didn't take long for his breathing to slow, signaling he'd fallen asleep.


"Cory just... got in the way," Garret responds lamely. "He just... got in the way." It was the truth. But only partially. They'd staked out that warehouse for two days and on day three, they'd finally been able to move in. And when they did, Garret had found himself alone with a clear route... to freedom. He'd never taken advantage before. Never. But something inside of him had seemed to snap. Slipping away from his position, he'd aimed for that door... the door that would lead out to the bay where he would disappear. But Cory had seen him. Stopped him. Questioned him. Suspected him. And Garret, fearing his slip in judgment to be exposed, had shot him. And that shot had started a mini war, throwing the whole mission into upheaval. He had dared, for one moment to grasp the tattered edge of a dream, only to discover his foolishness.

Blinking, Garret pushes the images from his mind to bring Victoria's face back into focus. It takes a few seconds for her words to register, as if he'd been in a momentary daze.

"I don't know if it's even possible to relax anymore," he counters wearily. This was a life of wealth and frills. Anything anybody wanted right at their fingertips. But somehow it had all lost its appeal... ever since Cassandra.

His eyes fall shut once more, his fingers gently running back and forth through Victoria's hand. "I'm just so tired... in here." He taps his chest. "I never thought I could tire of this life. But I have... and I don't know if I can recover or not. Suddenly nothing makes sense. Like discovering all along, I've just been a rat in a formulated maze, prompted to the end over and over and over, and like a robot, I have obeyed. One wrong move is certain death. Yet there is a sick side to it all that lures people in - that keeps them addicted to the glamor and power. As much as I am sickened by this prison, I wonder if I ever really could walk away." He'd started to today, but would he really have followed through? He'd never know. "Maybe this isn't the nightmare at all - maybe it's the outside world that truly is, and we're better off here than anywhere else." It was a pitiful conclusion, but the safest.

Letting go of her hand, he opens his eyes before lifting his palm to her face, his thumb running slowly down her cheek, over he lips, then back to her cheek again. "You and I are cursed. Cursed with a forbidden love. When does a man finally break under the agony?"

He was talking in circles, but whether he realized it or not wasn't clear. Was he finally losing his mind?

"Sometimes I feel I am losing my heart. That it is slowly turning to stone, allowing me to continue each assignment of insanity. But how long can a man live with a stone in his chest? Perhaps longer than I think - your grandfather has no heart. But why would a man even want to live without a heart?"

He stares into Victoria's eyes, desperately searching for something real to grasp. "Without a heart... can I still love?"

Relax

No Victoria didn't blame him for his mind being far away. Sometimes to get through the days and the missions she didn't want to do the most she would put herself somewhere else. Take herself far away where she was with Garret and only him. Where his hands that were the only ones that ever touched her skip. Far away...she'd like to leave and forget about this place sometimes.

   "No I don't blame you at all. Sometimes...I dream of that place too and wonder if it's really out there."

Letting out a small sigh and still holding Garret's hand Victoria cocks her head unable to help the surprise on the news of Cory. He was annoying and Victoria didn't much care for him. She didn't like the way he talked to her, or looked at her. It was better if he was gone but to hear Garret was the one who killed him...it was a bit surprising. He was usually good with his temper. What had gone wrong?

   "Cory had it coming for a long time. What happened though? Did he try to throw a plan or something I mean..."

Silent again Victoria's face coursed with even more worry. If Garret was starting to slip up it was only a matter of time before he wouldn't be able to cover it and than...cretin death would come. And if that were to happen, Victoria would surly die of a broken heart.

    "Maybe you should see about a few days off or something. Relax here, regroup, be pampered...I could talk to my grandfather and maybe get you some time to get it together again."

Looking up at Jason Misty smiles and nods her head. She didn't mind how many times he told her..she still liked hearing it. It was nice, and just having him speak it freely was wonderful.

   "You did but you can tell me again I don't mind. I think I have a motherly glow about me or something."

Giving a laugh and turning her head to lean it on Jason's chest again. Her hand finding his as she runs her thumb over his fingers. She was feeling tired but not ready to say goodnight. She was tired of being home alone so maybe she'd just stay here a little longer where she felt safe, and loved.

Losing It

Jason looks down into Misty's eyes, a little surprised to hear she hadn't been going to church. It made sense - if he were her, he probably wouldn't have wanted to go either, for several reasons. He felt badly now though, having never even thought to bring up the subject. He should have.

"Well... I know that Carson hasn't been going." He'd heard that from a couple different people. "But regardless, I'd love to go with you." Only now had he even thought about the fact that Katie would be back at their own church on Sunday - and he wasn't quite sure how to handle that one either. Going with Misty would kill more than two birds with one stone.

Squeezing Misty tightly, Jason plants another kiss on top of her head before smiling again. "Have I told you tonight that you look beautiful?"


Though hearing and seeing Victoria approach, Garret doesn't move. One might think he was asleep... or worse. But as she kneels in front of him, his eyes finally lower from the sky, coming to rest on her own gaze. She was worried. Even in the dark he could see it. He couldn't blame her either - not after his outburst earlier today, then his senseless ramblings.

Searching her moonlit face, his focus drifts over her delicate features, memorizing the way she looked right now. Soft. Elegant. Concerned.

Reaching out, he takes her hand, lifting it to his lips to kiss before he responds to her in a quiet voice. "I'm here in body, but my mind wants to remain in a faraway place where there are no walls... no violence... no dictators. A place where you and I are free to live and love the way we want, without hiding in the shadows. That's where my mind is. Can you blame it for being so far away?"

Keeping her hand in his, he leans back against the tree and closes his eyes, sighing deeply. "Do you remember Cory Ryerson?" He knew she would. He'd been a hired thug who liked to come here whenever he could and play bigshot. Always a pain, but, unfortunately, good at his job, which was why Medridge had kept him around. "I killed him this morning. Medridge thinks it was the other side that did it. I just... snapped."

His eyes open once more, looking back up at the moon. "I think I'm losing it, Victoria."

Back to me

To: Hunter
From: Katie

I might not be there but you can still lean on me.
I'm supporting your 100% and will keep cheering
you on. Keep up the good work I want to see you 
again soon.

Smiling back up at Jason Misty was happy that at least something good had come from both there situations. She wasn't sure if this was how it was meant to be or not but at the moment it was what they both needed and it was perfect. Being able to just love each other like they had always wanted to instead of letting it stay tucked away in silence was nice.

   "I have to admit I am kind of happy too. Everything happens for a reason right? I guess we found ours."

Leaning up a little Misty leans into Jason and press her lips to his. At least the both could find a little bit of comfort in there bad situations. They had each other to lean on and to love, and grow with. It was just a nice feeling.

   "Would you like to go to church with me Sunday? I haven't gone since Carson left and I kind of miss it. I just...dont want to be alone if he's there too and I'd love for you to come with me."

Leaving her grandfather's office Victoria new even less now than when she'd gone in. He was still pretty heated and her intention and excuse was to comfort him by trying to set up another ball, or a dinner having all his business associates gather. Really though she was trying to peace together what had happened today and had failed. Maybe she'd never know what happened but as long as Garret would be ok thats what mattered to her.

Quielty slipping out into the night it was easy to get by anyone. She'd changed before dinner into one of her darker dress. Slipping past the camers, and past the guards Victoria finally makes it to her safe haven. It wasn't that anyone would think it was odd she was there but if Garret had shown up before her than they would have found it strange.

The moon lite up the area enough so Victoria could see though her eyes sight at night had become better over the years so she didn't need much. Seeing Garret sitting by the tree she slowly walks over before kneeling on the ground in front of him.

   "You're here tonight but you seem so many miles away. Will you come back to me?"

Lost

Although the rose garden was not private, Garret wasn't too surprised when Victoria shows up. He knew half the property had probably heard the fight. Sitting up straight, his eyes remain downcast, focusing on the stones that made up the path through the garden. Feeling Victoria's hand in his, he curls his fingers around hers as a silent gesture of affection.

"My shoulder will be okay," he responds softly, his voice strained with mixed emotions. "It's not too bad. I'll go get it taken care of, soon as I cool down."

Letting his jaw muscles work out some of his tension, he's quiet again for several moments. "Yeah... heated is a good word. He won't execute me yet though - at least I don't think so. If he does, he'll at least be rid of one more thorn in his side." He shakes his head. "Five men dead - two were ours. Three men wounded, including me. And for what? A little more money? A little more power?" Its takes restraint to keep his tone quiet so as not to alert anyone to their presence here. What he'd just said wasn't the half of it though. There was more. A lot more.

"I blamed Medridge's plan... but it wasn't him. It was me. I told him there was a flaw - that things went wrong. But it was me that was the flaw." But it hadn't just been an innocent mistake. It hadn't been a misinterpretation of plans. That's what Medridge and the others would be told, and what they would believe. But Garret knew the truth. And it was too dangerous to even tell Victoria.

Finally turning his head to look at her, his eyes catch hers, falling into her gaze and wishing beyond hope that one day they'd awake from this terrible nightmare to find a life of peace and freedom. "If you ever get word that I'm a traitor, you deny ever having known me more than an acquaintance. I'll not have you hang with me." Though he whispered, his tone indicated how serious he was. But why he might be accused of such a thing, he would not say.

Without warning, his hand moves behind Victoria's head, pulling her closer to him while he also leans in to close the gap. His kiss was quick, but it was deep... passionate... rough. It wasn't the same gentle affection he usually showed.

Letting her go abruptly, he stands up and heads down the path to exit the garden...

...It would be many hours later, after the moon had risen, that Garret would be seen again. Tucked away in the safety of their hiding place, he waits, not knowing if Victoria would come or not. He didn't sit on the swing tonight though... seated on the ground beneath the tree, fallen leaves and pine needles created a soft bed. Leaned back against the rough bark, his eyes were lifted to the sky, searching the moon for anything that was beyond these walls. Though now cleaned up and having gained an hour or two of sleep, there was a new weariness about him. A new kind of despair. He had tempted fate today and had lost.


To: Katie
From: Hunter
Feeling pretty good. Ive been putting a
little weight on my leg and it hurts but
not quite as bad as I expected. Only
prob is I dont have u to lean on! Idk
yet when Ill actually be able to get on
my bike but hoping soon.


Looking to the side at Misty, Jason purses his lips in thought. "Yeah... maybe. I just don't even know what to say to her. I mean, who's to say anything has changed? Last I knew, she thought I was a liar and not worth sticking around for. If that's still the case, I'm not so sure I really can work with her. If she doesn't trust me, we'd make a poor team anyway."

Sighing deeply, Jason wished he could figure out what he was feeling. It had been so much easier lately to tell what his emotions were, that he'd been feeling as normal as he had in a very long time. But right now, what he was feeling was too mixed up to try and decipher. Then again... no matter how normal he was, if his emotions were this messed up, maybe anybody would have a hard time figuring it out.

Leaning down and cocking his head, Jason gives Misty's lips a long tender kiss before pulling back again. "Whether it's been a rocky road or not though, at least one good thing has come out of all this." He gives her a smile. Finally being able to allow their natural fondness grow was what was keeping him sane.

Try Talking?

Leaning into Jason Misty wasn't paying much attachen to the movie. Listening to Jason talk about his day and how strange it was, was far more important to her at the moment. She new he'd had a rough day with Katie being back and it made him feel odd she wondered though if deep down it was because he still had feelings for her. If he did Misty wouldn't blame him.

   "Sorry the day was so rough on you. I saw her a little bit this morning and she'd said hi and congrats but that was really it. Even that was a bit strange."

Shifting a little bit Misty repositions herself so she could look up at Jason and see his face better. She love to snuggle with him the only bad thing she couldn't look at him and he was way to handsome to not do that once in a while.

   "Maybe if it gets two awkward you can try sitting down and talking to Katie? It might take some of the tension away?"

Laying in her room and just looking out the window and at the sky Katie lets out a small sigh. The day had been long and strange but she had survived. What she'd really like to do it watch a movie or something with Hunter to calm down, but she guess that would have to wait.

To: Hunter
From Katie:

I did make it through the day. I think I got caught
up on all the paper work too. Sapphire did a 
good job while I was gone. Maybe tomorrow I can
do something a little more exciting.

To: Hunter
From: Katie

Yeah Mick is pretty great. He's been though lots
and I think its really helped him before a little more
softer.

To: Hunter
From: Katie

I miss him too. On your way back pack him in your
bag ok? Ohhh your knee is healing...very nice. That
means you can come home soon! How are you
feeling about it?

Hearing the shouting, the argument, tempers flaring Victoria cringed at every noise, and shout she heard. It was not normal for something like this to happen, for there to be a shouting match in this house. It broke many rules, and for most it would mean the end of everything. There employment, this fantasy, of life. Hearing the bang of the door she hurrys to her window and watches as Garret makes his way to the garden. It wasn't there normal place to meet, and it would be slightly dangerous but she had to see what was going on. She'd just have to use a little craft.

Gathering a vase, and a part of flower snipers Victoria head's out to the garden letting one of the guards know she was going to be cutting some flowers if anyone was looking for her. It was something simple but it would do the trick, and believable.

Wandering around the flowers and picking some here and some there placing them in the vase Victoria finally comes to where Garret is sitting and picks a few roses before sitting down next to him and arranging them in the vase just not able to get them right.

   "Sounds like things got a little heated in there. Something must have really gone wrong to have you headed enough to lose your head and yell at my grandfather like that."

Softening a little Victoria's hand slips over to Garret's as she holds it for a moment giving it a tiny squeeze. As the days when by it seemed to get harder and harder to keep her feelings locked away, to not want to run to him no matter the time, and to tell him how she felt with anyone around. It just didn't seem fare and she wondered would it even be different?

   "Is your shoulder ok? You should probley get it looked at just to make sure no infection starts....I'm happy your back too...I missed you more this time than the last."
  

Darkness of Insanity

Jason sighs and leans back a little more in the couch, keeping his arm tucked around Misty. He'd suggested his place tonight - mainly because he wanted her all to himself for a while. The day had been insane, and they hadn't even been able to grab lunch together. Finally alone at his place, his body was exhausted while his mind was still racing. 

They'd picked a movie they'd both seen, so talking during it didn't bother either one of them. A big bowl of popcorn sat almost empty on the coffee table, Trooper keeping his eye on hit, but resisting the urge to beg. 

"It was really weird seeing Katie today," he admits quietly. "I know I shouldn't be upset anymore, but all of a sudden it was like I was getting the knife in my heart again and it just made me mad. I know Reese is gonna end up putting us together on cases again though and I'm just not sure how to handle it." 

Hunter lies on his back in bed, holding up his phone to type a text. It was late - later than planned, getting to bed. But he'd thoroughly enjoyed his evening. Hanging out with Mick and Rosetta and BJ had been so much fun and so relaxing. Then later it had ended up just being him and Mick sitting and talking for a very long time at the kitchen table. They had discussed everything from the ranch's history, the Henson-Pent clan, to Hunter's own past, to racing, to God. It had felt... good... to talk to someone like Mick about some of those things. Some of those tough subjects. He was easy to talk to and never seemed to hold any judgment against Hunter either. Even when Hunter had admitted being fearful that he'd become dependent on alcohol, Mick had been encouraging, not judgmental.

To: Katie

From: Hunter

Hey Babe. Did u survive the day? I had

a good evening tonight. One of the best.

The only thing missing here is u. 

Otherwise, it would be perfect. 

To: Katie

From: Hunter

Micks the greatest - just sayin. 

To: Katie

From: Hunter

Ur dad misses u but seems to be doing 

well. I saw him riding today. Oh & 

Angel says my knee is healing well. Get 

to start weaning off crutches. Go me.

Not all words could be clearly understood as they came from behind the closed door, but anyone on the first three floors of the house could hear the heated argument as the two men's voices were raised an anger. 

"If you ever... I will... and you... ever again!"

"...stupid! ...endangered... I will not..."

"...my authority! ....dare you... service... don't care if... will be enforced!"

"I don't care! ...you ...deceit... it'll all go down... blame me..."

It was such a rare occurrence to hear such an argument, that some of the servants had paused their work to glance at each other with concern. That such a high ranking agent would dare engage in such a confrontation was appalling. No one ever dared such a tactic - it would be his life, for sure. No one got away with questioning the commander, let alone entering into an argument. 

As the office opens, those nearby quickly resumed their tasks as to not be caught trying to listen. The slamming of the door echoes through the halls like a cannon shot, followed by Garret's deliberate footsteps. Dressed in his full black combat gear, he had not yet changed since returning from his latest assignment, and the display of more than one sidearm and other weapons was enough to make anyone steer clear of his path, if his glare alone didn't do it. One might feel his eyes could pierce through steel. 

Quickly stalking through the house and outdoors, Garret aims for the gardens as his blood boils. He was tired, hungry and in dire need of a shower. Three days and nights without sleep, food or soap and water had seen to that. And one botched mission had brought him to this point now. Or was it really the fact of a botched mission that had led up to his temper exploding? Blaming Medridge was gutsy. Yelling accusations at him was more than gutsy - it was stupid. But Garret felt as though he'd reached his limit. It had been more than a botched mission out there. It had been a failed attempt that he could speak of to no one. And making a scene about what had gone wrong was the only way to cover up the truth.

Finding a cement bench, secluded in amongst the rose bushes, he sits down, resting his elbows on his knees to put his face in his hands. He was lucky and he knew it. Anyone else would have received a death sentence for the stunt he'd just pulled. And he still might. But he doubted it. He was too important to Medridge at this point. Too valuable. Like a prized possession. 

Feeling the sting return to his shoulder, Garret lifts his face to glance at his arm where the bullet wound had started to bleed again, despite the bandanna tied around it. It was just a scratch - he'd only been grazed. But he knew he needed to go have the medic clean it out and put a proper bandage on it anyway.

Returning his face to his hands, he fights his churning emotions. Was he going mad? Was he going to be pushed until he simply lost his mind? It felt as though if he simply let go, he'd fall into the darkness of insanity. And for what? What was the point? Where was the reason in all of this?

Horizon

Giving a laugh Grace was happy to see Jared decided to take his shoes and socks off and at least try to put his feet in the sand. As she gets the little shove to the shoulder she makes it a little more dramatic than it really was going one way and than coming back the other way to bump back into Jared. 

   "I'm going to hold you to that you know."

Grace gives him a smile before looking back out at the water. It was just clear enough that on the horizon you could make out little buildings. They were small dots but you could still see them more than normal and it was strange to think there was this vast space and yet you could make them out but try to get there alone and you'd probley never make it.

   "It's the little things sometimes we take for granted like feeling the sand between our toes. Sometimes we just have to slow down and try things we have before again and this time really try to enjoy it. It's funny how the little things can bring the most joy."

To: Hunter
From: Katie

Ok...lol. I should get back to work too.
I'll talk to ya again soon.

 ....Several days later Chad was back in Nevada and seeing Rosalyn's letter made him smile a little more each time. He was happy they were not writing back and forth and reading he could hear her voice in his head. Hey voice was way to pretty to forget.

Rosalyn,

  Oh the agony of not being able to sew the buttons back on my shirt. Maybe I should just send you a box with a bunch of them in it to give you something to do? Ok ok I wouldn't do that to you really. I'd just make sure to wair those shirts if I came to see you again.

   So I have some down time now that I am back in Nevada.  No work again right away and while I love my job its nice to just sit at home without anyone around have have some peace. One thing I though of though was I hadn't answered your question about how I get my mail. Sorry about that. Before we leave for our next destination we get emails about where we will be staying and how long. So that gives us time to go to the post office and set up a forwarding address. That way we all can make sure we take care of what we need to while away. You know that whole being responsible thing.

   It does feel in a way like we have known each other for a long time. I just feel so comfortable talking to you, and I feel like I can be so open, really it is nice. It's also nice to know you don't mind about my past. It's a black mark and alone with my tattoos most people like to judge me by it before even knowing me. So it makes me feel really good that to you its not even there.

   What do our letters mean, what do our kiss mean, I'm not sure myself. I'd like to say I want to court you, get to know you even more, and form a relationship but with how my work goes I wouldn't be around much and thats a big restriction to put on a new relationship, and I'd never ask you to wait around for me like that. So for now if you'd like we can continue how we are and see how it goes. All I know is I like you a lot Rosalyn as strange as it sounds I really do. In such a short time, you've become very special to me.

   I really feel like I could keep this letting going, finding new things to write about, to tell you about. About new things I'd like to show you one day, and promises of taking you places with me. But I guess I should end this letter so you can stop reading and continue one with your day.

   I'm looking at the moon right now, and I think I saw your reflection in it. Think I'll sit on the porch a while and just enjoy the warm breeze and continue to think about you.

     Forever and Always,
         Chad

I gaze up at the sky each night
and find the brightest star.
It's always waiting there for me
so close, but yet so far.
The star winks in the evening sky
and reaches out to me.
It magically appears each night
for all the world to see.
I've wished upon this special star
my whole life through, it seems.
I've closed my eyes and made my wish
of hopes, and plans, and dreams.
And then, one day I got my wish
for I finally met you.
You are that someone special
who's made all my dreams come true.
So now whenever we're apart
I find that same bright star.
It makes me feel so close to you
no matter where you are. 

For the Record

Jared opens his eyes and props himself up on his elbows to see what on earth Grace was talking about. Seeing her with her bare feet stuck in the sand, a little wry grin emerges but he shakes his head. "It's hard enough getting my shoes on without purposely taking them off." 

What he'd really like to do was take his shoes sand socks off, take Grace's hand and walk with her the length of the beach and back... at least once. Returning to his back, he chews the inside of his bottom lip. If it was anybody else, he'd just ignore them and be fine with it. But for some reason, he just couldn't ignore Grace. 

Sighing, he sits up again without saying anything and bends to reach his feet. Not being able to move his legs very well, it was a bit difficult, but he manages until his feet are bare. Scooting to the edge of the blanket, he pulls his knees up a little and lets his toes sink into the sand. Wriggling his toes, a new faint smile creases his lips and he gives Grace a sidelong glance. "It does feel kinda funny... I don't remember ever noticing before." 

Smirking, he reaches over and gives her shoulder a shove before looking back out at the water. "I'm gonna get you back, ya know. For this whole not letting me mope thing. It's just not fair."

To: Katie

From: Hunter

Paperwork sucks. Hang in there.

I'd offer to help but... I dont like it

either. :-p 

I better start getting ready for 

supper. Gonna take me a while 

since I gotta wash off all this...

paint. lol

I'll text ya goodnight later ;)

Her age didn't matter. Chad truly wasn't bothered by it at all. Rosalyn supposed she hadn't really thought it would bother him - she deemed him intelligent enough to have guessed she was younger than he. But seeing it in his letter confirmed it. Did... this mean he really did want to keep writing her? Truly? 

Sitting cross-legged on her bed, Rosalyn's tummy does a little flip. She'd been surprised today, when Mick had again passed along a letter to her. Not as shocked as the first time, but she hadn't really been sure if Chad was going to keep writing or not. It... seemed he wanted to... right? Was she really that special? That no only would he shower her with affection while here, but that he'd also want to keep in touch over the miles? 

Continuing to read in the safety of her room, a smile spreads on her face. Even without a poem, his words were poetic. She would never want to hurt his heart either... did... did that mean they had each other's hearts? 

Looking at the pictures and reading about them, her smile only grows. 

"Rosalyn?" 

She jumps and stuffs everything under her pillow. "Yes, Mom?" she calls back. 

"I'm heading to the dining hall," Becky hollers up the stairs. 

"Yeah, okay." Rosalyn lets out her breath and retrieves the letter to scan it one more time before folding it carefully and gently returning it to its envelope. She would answer it later tonight... 

Dear Chad,

You're still a flirt... but I'm getting used to it. No, that's a lie. I don't ever want to get used to it, because I don't ever want to feel less than what I feel right now. I thought once you left, that would be it, and I would easily put you from my mind. Not so. I shouldn't admit that - it might give you a bigger head than you already have. But I guess I'm a sucker for romantic gestures and I can't pretend hearing from you again didn't put a smile on my face. No one knows why I suddenly like to hide away in my bedroom - I let them wonder. They don't need to know that I read and reread your letters or write and rewrite my responses. 

I loved the pictures - thank you so much. I feel as though I am there. It looks absolutely beautiful, and from the sounds of it, I'm sure Rocco is appreciative of your kind efforts. It would be fascinating to see you at work. I'd send you pictures of my work, but... you already know everything I do. And no - it hasn't changed since you left. Except I haven't had to sew anybody's buttons lately. Talk about a thrill I've been missing... 

I'm not completely sure what our correspondence means, but... for the record... our age difference doesn't matter to me either. I like you, and strange or not, there's a part of me that feels as though I've known you forever. Knowing you're a little older than me just doesn't make a difference. And for the record - neither does your past.

I need to close for now. It's getting late. But as I walk this letter to the mailbox, I'll pause and look up at the moon. Look at it for me too. And I'll smile. 

Rosalyn

Sealing the envelope, Rosalyn gives it a kiss before sliding off her bed and quietly padding through the house to make her way out into the dark.

Tickle

Taking a bit of her sub and chewing it Grace was enjoying her meal. There was just something about a picnic lunch she really enjoyed. Eating being outside, and just enjoying herself with nice company even if he was depressed.

   "I love food, I am surprised I am not fat by now.

Giving a laugh and taking a bite of her watermelon Grace looks out at the water letting the silence linger for a short time while they eat. Once finished with her food Grace slips her shoes off and stretched her legs out making sure her dress was flat and digging her toes into the sand. Giving a soft giggle she liked the way it felt.

   "This tickles, you should try it. It's warm yet cool, and the sad just...feel funny."

Shaking her head Katie gives a laugh at Hunter's text. Leave it to him to get in a painting battle, war, to make a mess. She did think it was funny though.

To: Hunter
From: Katie

If anyone asks I don't know...I'm not there -.-
though if you had a battle I wish I was there...
sounds fun.

Sending the message Katie lets out a sigh before going back to her work. Looking at the computer screen and than down at the paper she continues to input information from one place to another. It was a boring job but at least she gave Sapphire a break, and it was what she'd been original highered for so she couldn't bock. 

To: Hunter
From: Katie

Whoever though typing information form paper to computer
is crazy.