Yes

*Misty turns back to Wyatt throwing him a look of pure fire something she dident do offten. She new what he was thinking. She new good and well what Carson MIGHT be doing. But she also had faith that he wasent doing that.*

"Wyatt, I...Am....Fine. Now let me go."

*The irratation grows in Misty's voice. She wasent messing around and she dident have time for Wyatt to be over protective. If something happend to Carson it would be on her head for not bothering him last night.*

*Katie smiles*

"Good Luck. Ya never know people can saprise you sometimes.*

*stoping for a moment Katie turns. A question entering her mind that was unspoken.*

"Its a nice day out and I dont have anything planed. So..yes, I wouldent mind going for a walk with you and Trooper. Just let me know when. I need some exersis anyways I am starting to put on some pudge."

Hang on

Wyatt steps aside, but reaches out to take Misty’s arm. “Now just hang on.” His voice goes stern. “I know you’re glued to him, but lets be reasonable, shall we? The rest of us have just as good of eyes as you do. And besides, if he’s…”

He bites his tongue. What he was thinking was that if Carson was somewhere he shouldn’t be, he really didn’t want Misty having to find him. “I mean…well you just shouldn’t be up out of bed!”


Jason gives a little sigh as Trooper returns to him, and gives the dog a pat on the head. Looking up, his mouth opens without him even thinking, ready to invite Katie along for a walk with him later to take Trooper out. But he catches himself, closing up again. No…that probably wouldn’t be a good idea.

Instead, he just waits a moment, then finally moves around to the other side of his desk to sit down. “Well, no pets in the apartment, so I guess I better start trying to convince Reese to let me keep Trooper here again.”

I'm glade

*Misty looks at her cousin in the eyes. Her look cold, and stern. She was going one way or another.*

"No Wyatt, I AM going. So you can eather come with me and Make sure I dont hurt myself or you can get out of my way before I hurt you and myself. If Carson just went to get Milk great, but what if he dident and he is in a ditch right now dieing. So are you coming to help me, or not."

*Still holding her stomach she pushes past Wyatt with a bit or force even though it hurt.*

*Katie scratches behind Troopers ears and smiles looking back up at Jason.*

"I hope so too. It was always nice to have his antics around here."

*Katie just watches Jason and Trooper for a moment. Jason might of changed and was slowly geting back to who he use to be but Trooper, Man's best friend new who Jason was no matter what. Slowly Katie stratens up again.*

"I'm glad he's back."

Trooper

Wyatt’s face reddens a bit, though the rolls his eyes and turns around as Misty tells him to. “Sorry, sorry…”

After she’s done and they finish conversing, Wyatt puts his arms out to stop her. “Whoa, whoa, just hang on there. You’re not going anywhere. You’re in no shape, and besides, this could be a little as he went to the store to buy some milk.” He pauses and shakes his head. “We’ll just wait a little longer and if he doesn’t come in, either me, or Nate or somebody will look for him, alright?”


Dennis sidles past Katie, giving her a slight nod before heading for Reese’s office.

Jason looks up a little surprised that Katie had come this way, but he grins a little as she interacts with Trooper.

Trooper turns around and looks at Katie a moment, cocking his head. He whines a little and looks back up at Jason.

Jason points to Katie. “Well go on.”

Trooper is hesitant to leave Jason’s side, but finally steps forward to sniff at Katie’s hand, then lick her fingers.

Jason chuckles a little and folds his arms across his chest, still leaning against his desk. “Reese didn’t tell me he was coming back. I hope we can keep him around this time.”

Knock, Wait, than Enter

*Misty looks up for a second pulling her shirt down as Wyatt walks into the room.*

"Ya know you should knock, wait, than enter."

*Misty cant help the cheese grin the cross her face as she laughs. She loved making her cousin embarssed she always had. Sticking her finger in the air she spins it in a circle signaling Wyatt to turn around with his back to her.*

"I need to finish cleaning and dressing this before it gets to much air so talk with your back to me."

* As Wyatt talks Misty continues to clean the bullit wound and than places another bandage over top of it. Once again pulling down her shit and siting with her legs dangling off the bed.*

"Ok you can turn around now."

*Finishing listing to Wyatt a bit of worry cross Misty's face.*

"I havent seen him all day yet. Last night he told me he would be in but...."

*Misty thinks back to the night before and how Carson had seemed distint. He told her not to worry and she had forgoten about it before, but...now the feeling came back.*

"...He seemed ok late night but distint."

*Sliding off the bed Misty puts a hand over her Stomach she takes a few slow steps twords the door.*

"I've got to go look for him Wyatt. I new something was wrong last night and I dident do anything. I have to find him now."

*Looks up at a dogs bark. Standing she see Trooper bolt for Jason's office and smiles. Moving out of her cubicle She follow the sound coming from Jason's office. As she nears the door she gives smiles seeing Jason's own smile. For a moment Katie can see the old Jason show through again. His best friend had returned.

Entering the office behind Dennis Katie cant help but give a laugh as Trooper sits on Jason's commend. For a moment and old memorie of when She met Wyatt and Trooper comes flooding back.

Bending down alittle Katie sticks her hand out to Trooper wondering if he rememberd her or not.*

"Hey there big guy. Long time no see."

Gone?

Wyatt smiles as he watches Aerith retreat to the house. He speaks, loud enough only for himself to hear. “Goodnight, Maid Marian.”

Giving a little sigh of content, he starts up his jeep again and pulls away from the curb, heading for home. If time allowed, he already wanted to stop by Mom and Pop’s sometime tomorrow…for the good food, of course.


Scott is just a little surprised that Katie shows up after the already-long evening, but her presence certainly doesn’t damper his spirits, and it’s not long before both are settled on his couch to watch a movie.

It gets late though, and after the movie, Scott bids Katie goodnight with a kiss to the cheek, and promises to see her tomorrow.

Watching her leave, he stands in the doorway for several minutes, Domino at his feet. He watches until the taillights disappear, but lingers in the cool night air. Finally he heads back inside to turn in for the night. Tomorrow foretold of a new adventure.


Jason ambles into TJY, glancing around to get his bearings. He’d slept so hard last night, that getting up this morning, he was still in a fog even after showering and walking to work. He was earlier than normal, but late compared to most anyone else. It looked as though almost everyone was at work already.

Tossing a few nods at people, he keeps up his routine of heading to his office and settling in for the day.


Wyatt looks up from his desk as he sees Jason walk by, and he glances at his watch. Sighing a little, he shakes his head and rises. He’d told Carson yesterday to meet with him early, but he hadn’t shown up yet.

Annoyed, Wyatt goes to Jason’s office and taps on his door.

“Yeah?”

Wyatt pokes his head in. “Sorry, but did you happen to see Carson before you came in?”

Jason raises an eyebrow. “What, he’s not here? He’s not at the apartment. He wasn’t around when I got up, and his bedroom door was open. I assumed he’d already come in.”

Wyatt furrows his brow. Carson had yet to get a car, so it wasn’t like he would have gone somewhere far. Something tells Wyatt that there was more to this than a forgotten meeting. “Did you bring your bike to work?”

“No, why?”

“Just thought you might want to go back and look around…you know…he didn’t leave a note or anything?”

Jason starts to wonder what’s going on. “Why the worry?”

“Oh, I’m not worried…just…curious.” Wyatt thinks for just a moment. “After all that went down…I don’t know… Carson’s got three weaknesses and they all start with “w.” I just want to make sure everything’s alright is all.”

Jason tosses him his apartment key. He hadn’t conversed much with his roommate the last few days to know or assume anything. “Have fun.”

Wyatt rolls his eyes. “Thanks.” Leaving Jason’s office, he checks by Carson’s cubicle once more, but still finding it empty, he heads out. Arriving at the apartment, he lets himself in and takes a quick look around. The only odd thing seemed to be Carson’s cell phone smashed in the living room. Wandering down to Carson’s bedroom, he glances around. Everything seemed to be in order… But something in his gut prompted him to look deeper.

Logic reminded him that this was ridiculous. Carson was a grown man with a life – so he was out somewhere. What was the big deal? But…it just didn’t feel right.

Wyatt takes a look in Carson’s closet, and checks out the dresser drawers. It seemed a little sparse maybe, but there was nothing missing. His sneakers and baseball cap were nowhere to be found, so he obviously really was out somewhere. But had he taken himself somewhere, or had he been on his way to work and something happened?

Not jumping to any conclusions, Wyatt goes back to TJY and heads for the one person who would know if Carson had other plans.

Knocking before he enters the infirmary, Wyatt opens the door slowly, smiling at Misty. “Hey, good morning.” He approaches slowly, still holding his smile. “You seen that boyfriend of yours yet this morning? He was supposed to meet with me, but hasn’t come in yet, though Jason says he’s not at home. Did Carson have plans to go anywhere today?”


The door to TJY opens again, and a man steps inside, or rather, is yanked inside. Muttering, he strains against the leash. “Heel! Heel!”

The Mastiff pays just as much heed to Dennis’ commands as he always had – he doesn’t.

Dennis gets pulled along down through the cubicles. “Dang mutt,” he grumbles.

Suddenly, Trooper stops and sniffs and the air. Giving a bark, he takes off.

Taken off guard, the leash slips from Dennis’ grip. “Trooper! Get back here!”

But the dog has only one destination in mind. Skidding around the corner and down the hall, he stops at Jason’s office door, jumping towards the doorknob, whining and scratching at the door.

Jason looks up from his desk at the strange noise at the door. What on earth? Rising quickly he goes and opens the door. Before he can even react, Trooper’s paws are on his shoulders, and he’s pushed back several steps before receiving wet kisses to his face.

“Trooper!”

For the first time since Jason’s return, a genuine smile escapes. He gives the dog a rambunctious rub behind the ears. “Hey, buddy!”

Trooper wiggles all over, causing Jason to stumble back until he’s leaning back against his desk for support. “Alright, alright, alright, get down.”

Trooper obediently goes back to all fours, though nuzzles Jason’s hand, still whining and wagging his tail.

“Oh, nice…”

Jason looks up at the negative remark and raises his eyebrow at Dennis. “What’s going on?”

“That mutt of yours…” Dennis points at Trooper. “He’s a right good dog, I’ll give him that. He helped us out a lot, but he doesn’t pay attention to anybody! I worked with him for a month straight and he still won’t even sit for me!”

Jason grins and looks down at Trooper. “You mean you never showed him how you can sit?”

Trooper immediately sits down, looking up at Jason for any more commands.

Jason looks to Dennis again. “What’s the problem?”

Dennis groans and throws up his hands. “He’s all yours. I’m going to report to Reese.”

...

*As Jason turns around and head back around to his bike Katie turns and watches him.*

"Jason wait..."

*Joging up along side him Katie gives alittle smile.*

"Thank you."

*Katie gives Jason's arm a small pat.*

"I'll see you at work tomarrow."

*Katie turns again and starts back to her car. Jumping inside and heads to Scotts. Katie's mind felt a suddin peace.The bridge still was being built but the first bored and nail had been set and only forward is what was left.*

*Aerith cant help but feel some color comes to her cheeks as she relizes Wyatt embaressed himself as well. Giving alittle chuckle Aerith opens the door to jeep. Going to get out Aerith gives Wyatt a sly smiles.*

"Well Robin Hood, I hope to see you again soon. Its time I retire for the night."

*Geting out Aerith look at her grandmothgers house and lets out a sigh. Than turning back leaning in the window alittle bit.*

"Thank you again. This ment alot to me."

*Aerith heads twords the house entering and shuting the door as her grandmothers shrill voice is sounds. As the door latches shut Aerith's happyness of this night is l;eft on the door step to return to once she went to bed.*

Hope

Words still escape Jason, so he says nothing as he begins to pack things away. Sometimes silence could better speak for itself, and right now, no audible conversation was needed. He knew that Katie had realized his intentions… He had opened up to her – the only way he knew how to show her that he truly did want that friendship back…that he still held her as the one who could draw him out of himself and who he could share with. He knew it would be different…but it was okay. They were both moving on. But this time…this time they were moving in the same direction.

After a few minutes, someone turns the overhead lights on, and the other guys and Jen emerge from behind the door, all talking amongst themselves and never once implying that anything was different or that they wondered what had gone on. They didn’t know, but they didn’t have to.

It takes a while for everything to be taken down, put away and loaded up again, and the group is kept lively with chatter, bantering and more laughter as always. Kyle and Phil go at it more than normal, remaining the center of attention most of the time, though in good humor.

Jason still stays on the outskirts of the conversations, though feeling a little more relaxed than he has been, joins in every once in a while, and even throwing in a wisecrack once.

“Jen, catch!” Phil tosses her the roll of duct tape.

Jen looks up just in time to see it coming her way, and catches it. Leaning down, she goes to put the roll in the box before closing it up. But the box is just a little farther away than she thought, and she leans too much. Losing her balance, Jen teeters out of her wheelchair, landing in a heap on the floor.

Mike is the closest one, and drops the cords he was rolling to immediately goes to slide down next to her, his arm going to her shoulders. “Hey, hey, you alright.”

“Yeah…” Jen rolls her eyes, disgusted with herself, and pulls herself into a sitting position. “Just being a clutz again.”

“Hey, Sis, you alright?” Kyle hollers.

“I’m fine, I’m fine!” Jen smirks at Mike. “Help me up, would you?”

Mike looks her in the eye for several moments before finally moving to pick her up. Instead of setting her down right away though, he lets her linger in his arms for just a few seconds.

Jen’s arm is around his neck and she waits expectantly to be set into her chair like he’s helped her with so many times before, but when he doesn’t move, she turns, her face only inches from his.

All of a sudden, the heat creeps back into her face. She’d known Mike for years…she interacted with him now almost as much as she did her own brothers, and she’d grown accustomed to him helping her like Kyle and Phil did since her accident.

But in this brief moment, something was different. Her eyes locking with his, she swallows hard as her heart beats faster. What was happening to her? Feeling silly, she looks away, and finally Mike moves to set her back down. “Thank you,” she says softly.

“Sure.” Mike leans down to finish what Jen had started with the box, and picks it up to take to the truck.

No one seems to notice anything strange, and the activities continue. After a while, everyone is back outside under the parking lot light.

“Alright, well, this was a good night,” Phil states decidedly. “When’s our next practice?”

“Tomorrow.”

Phil rolls his eyes at Kyle. “Don’t give us a break or anything.”

Kyle grins. “Never.”

Phil looks to Jason. “How about you? You sounded good tonight, how’d it feel?”

“Awkward,” Jason admits, shrugging. “But…I’m game to keep at it if you guys can put up with my mistakes until I get in the groove again.”

Kyle scoffs, waving him off. “Good grief. You were great and the crowd loved having you back. So when can you come out to Mike’s again?”

“Depends on work…we got that hearing coming up that I told you about, so…things are kinda in limbo right now.”

“That’s alright,” Mike intervenes. “Just give us a call when you can come. We don’t have another gig yet for a few weeks.”

“Sounds good.”

“Alrighty then!” Kyle claps his hands and points to the two trucks. “Move out!”

They all wave and say goodnight to Katie and Jason and soon they’re pulling away from the lot.

Jason watches them go, and sighs deeply. He was getting there…slowlyl…maybe… There was still something missing…he still wasn’t having the fun like he knew he wanted to. He still wasn’t sure how to interact with everyone yet…but he knew tonight had been a good step forward.

Hooking his thumbs in his beltloops, he glances over to Katie. “Hey, um…thanks.” For a moment, he cracks his barrier again, though lets out just the gratefulness he was feeling for her presence…for her forgiveness. “I’ll see you around.”

Turning, he heads slowly away, heading for his bike behind the building.


Scott flips channels on his television, looking for nothing in particular, and finally landing on a historical documentary. He wasn’t too tired yet, and knew that Katie would either show up or call him. It had been an interesting evening…he’d had fun. He’d never done much socially with anybody from TJY before, other than just Wyatt a few times, so it had been a new experience to be with them away from work. He didn’t have anybody he’d really call friends away from TJY either, so being around JetStream had been new as well. Though awkward, it hadn’t been too bad, especially since Katie had been there. He’d recognized her efforts to make him feel comfortable, and appreciated it.

Seeing Jason on stage had been interesting…Scott had never seen that side of him before, and had been surprised not only with his good voice, but his stage presence and the way he interacted with the crowd. People loved him. Scott still wasn’t so sure about how to interact with him again, and couldn’t help but have felt just a little bit of relief when Jason hadn’t gone to Mom and Pop’s with everyone else. He didn’t know what the future held, and his own nerves were a bit unsettled when thinking of eventually being forced to work with Jason again back at TJY.

But for tonight…Scott was relaxed and felt good about the evening.


Wyatt nods to Aerith with gratefulness. “All prayers would be appreciated, thank you. God’s the only one that knows what’s going to happen in this, so I’m just having to trust in Him on this one.”

At her comment about being Maid Marian, Wyatt chuckles. He grins and reaches out to give her chin a playful tweak. “If you want to be Maid Marian, it’s fine with me. As long as I get to be Robin Hood.”

Realizing he might have implied just a little too much, he breaks his gaze, and clears his throat. “I’m glad you trust me...and I’m glad you know about this now. Hopefully things will work out so I can still be around after all is said and done.”


Jason walks down the hall after climbing the two flights of steps to the apartment. Entering with his key, he finds it quiet and dark. Assuming Carson was already in bed, Jason simply heads to his own room.

Flopping down on the mattress just a short while later, Jason stares up into the dark. He hoped his dreams were better tonight…he knew things still weren’t right… He still didn’t understand himself and he still didn’t know where he belonged anymore… But something deep down told him it was finally going to be alright. He hadn’t lost everyone for good…

Robin Hood?

*Katie takes in Jason's emotions like so many times before. This time in a differnt light, in the light of friendship. Absorbing his feelings, his emotions one by one digesting them. Jason was leting her see him, was opening his feelings to her once again. As Jason's emotions start to build start to flow faster Katie can feel the pressure building become almost to much. But like air being released from a balloon the pressure starts to leave as Katie feels Jason close up again. This time knowing anymore and it could of hurt them both. For a moment Katie just sits on the edge of the stage catching her breath and strength. Slowly turns a small smiles is visable on Katies lips.*

"When your ready J...I'll be waiting."

*Slowly Kaite stands and walks over to where Jason is to help him starts to put some of the equipment away knowing the others would be coming back in soon. Katie felt good. This was the start to rebuilding something important to Jason and herself again. A friendship. Something they both wanted. Katie felt more at ease now beaing near Jason., the bridge was being rebuilt and it made it easyer knowing things were on the mend.*

*As Wyatt speaks and Aerith soaks up the information a sence of shock washes over her. This was the last thing she thought was going on with why Wyatt left all the time. Though looking into his eyes, and seeing the light of the sun and the sparkel of the stars Aerith new it was true. It dident make sence to her but she could feel that everything Wyatt was saying was real.*

"I have to say when you told me you were in lawenforcment this isent what I exspected. Though I give you alot of credit. You and everyone who works with you. You guys go into work every day risking your life for what your believe is right. Knowing freely you could die, go to jail get hurt and you all go in and hold your heads up."

*Aerith leans back in the car seat turning a bit to look at Wyatt and study his face. She was so nice and so sweet, He cared what she though, and what she though of him. Wyatt and is friends had shown so much kindness to her. And now she understoond why they seemed so close. Cuz they had to be.*

"Thank you Wyatt. For trusting me enough to tell me. It help because now I can also pray for you all. That God will have his hand in this hearing, and everything will work out ok. And I am sure it will. If there is anything I can do to help let me know."

*Aerith cant help but give alittle giggle.*

"Hey you guys are kind of like Robin Hood and his merry men. Ohh...does that mean I am maid Maryum?"

*Aerith's eyes beam with happyness and joy stairing back at Wyatt giving another soft laugh.*

"I do trust you Wyatt. Thank you again for Trusting me."

*Jamie cant help but laugh at Con's comment about her mom. It struck her funny bone for some reson. Her parents had always been care free nd not the normal parents but god had given them there gifts, and abilitys to fing good in anything. Jamie was blessed with two wonderful parents she loved to much and she was happy Con got along and understood them.*

"hah...thats probley why she is always asking me to bring you over you know that."

*As Con's hang touches Jamies face she couldent help but lean her head into it. She had come to love the feel of his hands no matter how rough they were. To Jamie they felt like silk on her skin bringing her love and comfort.*

"And thank you Con, for returning the love."

*Jamie brings her own hand to Con's face running her finger along his skin making every marking and bump till finally she draws her face close to his and gives him another goodnight kiss promising to see him tomarrow.*

Barrage

As Katie’s voice drifts through the darkness, Jason’s fingers suddenly stop on the strings. He can feel the heat in his face and is glad for the dark. He hadn’t intended for anyone to hear him.

But as he feels Katie draw nearer, his embarrassment begins to fade. Her words are soft and soothing. Though their meaning cuts him deep, they also provide a familiar comfort…one that Jason had missed.

He missed her too…he missed their friendship…he missed being able to talk to her about anything…he missed smiling just because she was.

Katie’s insightful message claws at Jason’s walls, her very presence again pulling at him so hard that it almost physically hurt. Her words drove the emotions to the back of his eyes in the form of tears, though he keeps them at bay.

Jason wanted that friendship back…he wanted it so badly, if just to end this horrid battle he had started. They couldn’t go back…they couldn’t fix what had been undone…they couldn’t start up where they had left off…and they could not be more than friends. But just to know there wasn’t a rift there…just to feel any kind of warmth again.

Jason’s guitar is set to the side as Katie speaks, the music forgotten, but the song still being sung through the darkness as the very essence of its meaning hangs in the air.

The arm around Jason’s shoulder drives him further down the path of despair as his soul relentlessly clings to his emotions. Katie’s touch automatically demanded that what he felt be drawn out. He could fight it…he could keep it in if he really wanted to. But that would require allowing his anger to take over. It would require showing hate instead of the sorrow. It would require hardening himself once again, when what he really wanted was to continue feeling this warmth.

Jason’s pulse quickens just a little as he knows what he is about to do. Logic screams at him not to – it will hurt too much. It will just complicate things. But his heart battles back with the yearning to be set free.

Slowly, Jason reaches up and takes Katie’s hand from his shoulder, bringing it back around in front of him. He just holds it…the silence deafening in the large empty room. He stares straight ahead, not daring to turn and look Katie in the eye. His fingers tighten their grip as his hand begins to shake slightly.

Just staring into nothingness, he whispers. “I want to be your friend again too.”

Taking a deep breath, he closes his eyes, slowly, agonizingly pulling away the layers. Like a dam breaking forth with force, so too does a burst of pain with enough pressure that it makes Jason wince, his grasp on Katie’s hand tightening even more.

Gritting his teeth, his heart begins to race, his breath going shallow. Hurt, anger, confusion, frustration…one by one, he painfully releases them. Memories hurl themselves in his direction, intensifying the emotions to a point unbearable. Like water under pressure, it has been building, and now released they have more power than he can easily handle.

For a moment, Jason is almost lost, the feeling so overwhelming, that he can feel himself start to black out. His body’s reflexes kick in, and in an instant his emotions are cut off, hurling him back into a mental realm without the pain.

Gasping, Jason’s eyes fly open and he can feel the bead of sweat run down the side of his face. The darkness of the room envelopes him, comforting him with the knowledge that he could not be seen.

He just sits for several moments, trying to regain his strength. Slowly, his grip on Katie’s hand loosens until he finally lets go. Unable to even think of what he could say, he slips forward off the stage to stands, picking up his guitar to start packing things away.


Carson exits the infirmary, spinning around one last time to throw Misty a wink. Only after the door is shut and he’s out of sight does he lose the mask he’s had on all evening. It takes him several moments to regain the energy to trudge down the hall.

Stopping by his desk he grabs his keys and cell phone before heading out. The evening walk should have been calming, but the cool night breeze seemed to go unfelt.

Reaching his apartment, the stairs seem to take forever to climb. As he enters in the dark, he doesn’t bother turning on the lights. He makes his way into the living room and flops down on the couch. Not really wanting to sleep, his mind creates things for him to do to stay occupied.

Absentmindedly, he flips his cell phone open, cleaning out old messages and cleaning up his contact list. Almost done, he listens to the last message that’s left. He didn’t remember it was there…he didn’t even know when it was from. But Ashlyn’s voice hits him like a kick to the gut. Acting purely on reflex, he flips the phone shut with force and hurls it across the room where it hits the corner of a bookcase, breaking it beyond repair.

Carson leans forward to put his face in his hands as his elbows rest on his knees. He couldn’t take this any longer. Over and over and over again his mind insisted on replaying the rooftop scene. The look in Ashlyn’s eyes…her grip to his hand…the blood… A life he’d loathed he had killed, yet the killing he loathed more. But even worse was the sense that he shouldn’t be feeling this way. He shouldn’t have cared that much. There hadn’t been anything there… he had someone in his life now that had filled the hole in his heart. He shouldn’t be pining over any past with someone who had never even known how to love anyone but herself. And yet…the battle was there.

He wasn’t used to this kind of battle…he wasn’t used to this kind of pressure…this different kind of sorrow. Carson didn’t even recognize it as anything like he’d felt before. It wasn’t just Ashlyn…it was seeing Misty at the brink of death as well. He hadn’t voiced his feelings on that to her, but he felt at fault. He’d told her to go down and stay in her position. He’d put her there, thinking she’d be out of harm’s way. Yet she was the one who had been shot. She would be okay…but she was in pain and Carson couldn’t stand knowing that it was a pain he could have prevented.

Standing up, Carson heads to his bedroom. He had made promises…he had been living a commitment… but sometimes… a man could only take so much.


The ride back to Aerith’s is fairly quiet, and before they know it, Wyatt is pulling his jeep up to the curb. Instead of juts temporarily waiting, he puts his vehicle in park and shuts the engine off. Thinking quietly for a few moments, he finally turns to face Aerith.

“I really had a good time tonight, Aerith…thank you.” Honesty shows in his eyes. “I…I’ve been thinking all evening…and seeing you having fun…seeing your heart through your personality… I’ve seen someone I can trust. And…as someone I can trust, I owe you more than just brush-offs and excuses.”

Wyatt looks away for a second or two, contemplating his next move. He liked Aerith…she was nice…sweet…fun… He couldn’t keep the truth from her any longer. If things went sour with the hearing for TJY, he would vanish off the face of the earth and be put into prison. He didn’t want Aerith to not know where he was, or find out and not have the right story.

He finally looks back over to her. “Aerith…I’m a part of an underground corporation of vigilantes who are at war with lawlessness that government and state law enforcement itself either can’t handle or ignores.” He pauses, letting that bit of information sink in.

“There are man of us…including Laura…Nate…Jamie…Jason...Scott…Katie… and Con only recently got out for personal reasons. That’s how we all know each other…that’s why we all interact the way we do.”

Wyatt looks Aerith in the eye, hoping she believed him…hoping she understood. “After some unfortunate events, our corporation was forced to reveal itself to local law. And as a consequence, there is going to be a hearing next week.” He swallows hard. “At that hearing, everyone who has ever been involved in our vigilante work will either be pardoned…or sent to prison because of what we’ve all done aside from the law.”

He pauses again. “Any action we’ve ever taken has been to help the innocent…to protect those who have been wrongly accused, or who have been attacked by criminals. But in the process, people have gotten hurt…people have died…and the law itself would not look kindly upon those acts.”

Wyatt’s not sure if he’s still holding Aerith’s understanding or not, but he continues. “I’m…I’m telling you this now because if things don’t turn out the way we want at this court hearing, then…well, I don’t even really want to think about it. But I couldn’t just leave you in the dark. I wanted you to know so you could understand and…and trust me.”


Laura isn’t surprised by Nate’s embrace or his kiss, but it still takes her breath away. As he hugs her close, she returns it, burying her face in his chest. He was so warm…so comforting…so protective. Had she finally found her place? She didn’t know…maybe she was afraid to even think about it. But for now…in this moment…she could find nothing but joy when realizing that Nate had chosen her to care for.


Con chuckles and nods. “Yeah, your mom especially keeps an eye on me. I think she’s hoping to steal another glance at us kissing.” He grins at Jamie, reaching over to cradle the side of her face in his hand. His palm is worn and rough from his work, but it still holds a warmth, conveying his feelings despite the calloused surface. “Thank you for loving me, Jamie…I couldn’t have asked for more.”

Ya I miss you, Ya I miss you

*Misty looks up at Carson and smiles. Leaning her head back into the pillow. Her stomich was killing her more than she wanted to addmit and was actully looking forward to sleep.*

"You will see me tomarrow. I dont plain on going anywhere. Well maybe a morning run...but..."

*A playing grin cross Katie's face.*

"Get some sleep. I'll catch you later."

*Misty reachs up to give Carson one last goodnight kiss.*

*Nate grins at Con. In His one simple statment it ment alot to Nate. Sometimes the smallest amount of words mean the most.*

*Jamie looks up at Con again receving his kiss and enjoying it.*

"mmm...maybe I dont after all."

*The Night draws on and the fun continues only to be broken up by the late hour when many know they need to go there own way and head to the world of sleep.

Jamie drives Con back to his place the laughter still ringing in there car as Jamie still jokes with Con and laughs over some things that happend that night. Finally pulling up to the curb Jamie puts the car in park and turns to Con.*

"Thank you Con. For coming along tonight even though you were probley exsausted from work. I had a blast. I am sure my parents were happy to see you again as well."

*It takes no time for Nate to get back to Laura's house. He knows like many times before Laura had said she dident need an escourt to the door. But tonight Nate wanted to. Geting out of the Car Nate goes to Laura's door and helps her out. Walking up the sidewalk and to the door. Stoping Laura as they reach it Nate looks down and smiles.*

"Thank you, for coming with me tonight Laura. I hope you had as much fun as I did."

*Taking Laura in a strong embrace Nate leans down. His lips softly brushing aganst Laura's than draw away for a moment as he looks deep into her eyes. Only to once again lean in this time pressing his lips to her more fermly. His eyes closes his mind filling with pure bliss till finally he breaks the kiss again and gives Laura a hug goodnight.

Aerith follows Wyatt back to his car and sinks into the seat. Her body was totally tired but she dident want to sleep yet. She had a blast and dident want to yet let alown go home where she dident know what awaited her.

Katie returns Scott's kiss leting him know if she wasent to tired she would be over. Eather way she would give him a call.

Entering the community building Katie cant help but continue the laughing and joking with the others till Mike tells them to hush. As the Music and words start to wash over her Katie takes a few steps forward infront of the rest of the group Katie fixes her eyes through the dark on Jason. As Jason's song plays on, a few tears roll down Katie cheek. Jason's heart was heavy, and was acking. Turning her head to Jen and the others Katie knows she needs not say anything her eyes tell the story. If only for a moment...she wanted to be alone with Jason in this moment. Slowly entering the dark room Katie makes her way to the stage as Jason strums on. Softly at first Katie starts to talk to Jason.*

"Time of the past might be gone Jason but we can still look to the future..."

*The light from outside lighting up Katie showing who it was in the room with him. Though knowing just hearing her voice he would be able to tell. A certin rythem in her voice as she speaks her words to the sound Jason was struming.*

"...I miss you..ya I miss you, I wish you would be my friend again.
We need to hold our memories close Jason, but dont dwell on the past. We cant change it now, even though we wish we could somehow. We can only change the future."

*Katie makes her way up the steps on the stang. Drawing closer to Jason and siting down next to him. Leting her own feel dangle over the edge of the stage swining back and forth.*

" You'll always be my friends to the very end...
and I miss you..ya I miss you, and I wish you to be my friend again.
Dont be scaired to love again Jason...if you learn anything from the past take with you to open your heart again. Dont let your second chanse at happyness slip you by.
Dont let it slip by, slip by its ok to cry my friend."

*Katie hesatats for a moment than puts her free arm around Jason's shoulders (IN A FRIENDLY MANNOR).*

"Its ok to cry, You dont have to hide, we all need to cry sometimes.
As I look back on all that's happened..growing up, growing together, changing you, changing me -- there were times when we dreamed together, when we laughed and cried together. As I look back on those days, I realize how much I truly miss you and how much I truly love you. The past may be gone forever..and the future holds new loves, our todays make the memories of tomorrow. So, my lifetime friend it is with all my heart that I send you my love, hoping that you'll always carry my smile with you, for all we have meant to each other and for whatever the future may hold I want to stay your friend. If you will let me. So we can help eachother on this path of life. Like best friend do."

"Katie's voice drifts off as she stairs out into the darkness.*

Silent Choice

Carson helps Misty back to the infirmary, ensuring that she gets back into bed alright. Giving he a light kiss, he smiles. "I'm going to head on home and try to get some sleep myself. I'll see you in the morning, alright?"


Jason stirs around the ice in his glass, the silence he had longed for becoming a prison of its own. As much as Camryn had irritated him, he couldn’t help but replay some of her words. “No wonder you’re bitter…you’ve been through heck, haven’t you?” For some reason, the statement had gotten to him. Yeah…he’d been through heck alright…but he didn’t like to think about it. “So who’s the real Jason? The one I saw onstage earlier, or the one that’s sitting across from me now?” Jason didn’t know…he simply didn’t know who he was anymore.

Camryn had been annoying….but she’d started him thinking again, once more, his melancholy taking over the anger to settle the steam. He looks up at the clock on the restaurant wall. He imagined if everyone had gone to Mom and Pop’s, that they were probably finishing up eating right about now. He could imagine their chatter…their laughter. He missed it…but he just couldn’t join in.

Sighing, Jason gets up and retrieves his wallet to pay for his drink. Withdrawing his wallet, he stops, running his hand over the words pressed into the leather. “Friendship is what binds us.” It had been…could it ever be again? It felt like a poor exchange for what else they’d shared, but that was the past…that was over…wouldn’t friendship be better nothing? Could he not bring himself to a point where he could stop hurting people in order to gain back at least a portion of any bonds he’d had?

Jason makes his way out of the café, mounting his bike once again. He needed to return to the community building and help the guys tear down the equipment and get it loaded up. He may have bailed on the group setting, but he at least owed it to the guys to help out afterward. There was more to being a part of the band than just standing on stage.

As he revs his motorcycle’s engine and starts down the street, words start filling his mind. They fly through his subconscious, followed by a soft melody that he can’t shake.


The band and Jen all wave at Scott as if on cue, even though they’ve been conversing with him all evening. Kyle swallows his last mouthful of pizza and grins. “Any boyfriend of Katie’s is a boy….” His grin widens as he rephrases. “Is a friend of ours.”

Phil sends half a breadstick across the table at him. “Kyle!”

“What?!”

Mike rolls his eyes and leans back in his chair, accidentally bumping his elbow into Jen. “Whoops, sorry.”

Jen laughs. “My fault. I’m too close.”

“Well I didn’t think so.”

Without warning, color rises to Jen’s face that few notice. She looks away quickly, returning her stare to Katie. “I’m glad you brought Scott along with you tonight. The more the merrier.”

Scott can’t stand the attention, but swallows his discomfort. He looks at Katie. “I think I’m glad too.”


Laura bursts out laughing at Jamie’s comment. “Oh my…please…if you want him taken to finishing school, YOU take him. I wouldn’t be caught dead taking him to a place like that, let alone claiming him as my brother.” She shakes her head, still laughing. “I don’t think they accept tanks into their program.”

Con swallows his food and smirks at his sister. He points at Nate. “Control your girlfriend, will you?”

Turning his attention back to Jamie, his eyes narrow, still holding her in a tight grip. Not caring about all the other eyes at the table, he plants a quick but passionate kiss on her lips before straightening again. “You sure you want me reformed?”


The laughter and talking continues until everyone is too full to eat anymore and too sore to laugh any more. But the time together has been priceless.

“Alright, guys…” Phil stands up from the table. “We better get back on over to get our gear.” He stretches tall, nodding to his siblings and Mike as they prepare to leave as well. It was a given that Katie was invited along as well.

Everyone else begins to stand as well, most heading back over to the building again just to split into their own cars to make it home. Parting in the parking lot, they bid each other farewell. Laura finds her way back to Nate’s car, and Wyatt ensures that Aerith is with him again. Con and Jamie head out, while Scott gives Katie a goodnight kiss on the cheek, inviting her over to his place later if she wants to watch a movie.

JetStreamn's laughter and bantering continues, echoing outside the vacant community building. The event was over, only a few lights were still on. No one notices the motorcycle parked out back.

As they enter the building and make their way to the main room, Mike is in the lead and suddenly stops. “Shh,” he directs, waving the others quiet.

“What?” Kyle asks.

“Shh!” Mike emphasizes. The double doors to the main floor were closed, but a soft music was drifting out. He cracks the door, noting that no lights were on…

Phil furrows his brow in confusion, but remains quiet.

As the small group pauses at the doors, they suddenly realize that Jason had returned before them. Though sitting on the edge of the stage in the dark, he was strumming soothing notes on his acoustic guitar, oblivious to the presence of the others.


Jason sits quietly, the words still haunting him. They were relentlessly nagging at his mind. He hadn’t written them down, but it didn’t matter. He knew what is heart was trying to say. Believing he was alone in the darkened building, he begins to sing softly:

I don’t know,
Where I went wrong.
I don’t know,
How to say what I feel.
And I don’t know,
How time has slipped away…
But it’s gone.
Mmm…it’s gone.

If I could find the words to say,
It doesn’t matter anyway…

I miss you,
I see you.
But all the time has gone away.
I miss you,
And I’m sorry…
If I could turn the time back,
Oh, if I could turn the time back…
But it’s gone.

I don’t know,
Why I was blind.
I don’t know,
When I lost track of myself.
And I don’t know,
How my chance slipped away…
But it’s gone.
Mmm…it’s gone.

If I could find the words today,
It wouldn’t matter anyway…

I miss you,
I see you.
But all the time has gone away.
I miss you,
And I’m sorry…
If I could turn the time back,
Oh, if I could turn the time back…
But it’s gone.

Time never has learned mercy,
It can’t ever be gained back.
I know what’s lost is gone for good,
But can something new be found?

I miss you,
I see you.
But all the time has gone away.
I miss you,
And I’m sorry…
If I could turn the time back,
Oh, if I could turn the time back…
But it’s gone.
Mmm…it’s gone…
Time is gone…

The guys and Jen in the hall grow silent as they listen. No one wants to break into the moment...they all know what's on Jason's heart...they all know what has spawned this heartfelt song. Jen is the only one who dares to look up at Katie. The band was respectful and sensitive...if Katie wanted to enter first alone, they would let her, but if she'd rather not be put in that position, they would continue as they were. But the silence leaves the unspoken choice up to her.

Close Knit

*Standing Misty interlocks her hand with Carson's slowlying making there way back to the infermary. For the moment the reason she had orginaly come to see Carson forgot. Clouded by the lingering feeling from kissing Carson.*

" Ah, you know me better than that. I want some of the blame too. Its more fun that way."

*Misty contiues to make her way back hand in hand with Carson. Her other hand on her stomach.*

*Katie just stairs at Scott for a momnet with the whip cream on her face a grin forming chasing away the sadness. Katie just gazes for a long moment into Scott's eyes. Finally breaking it and whiping the mess from her face and than his.

Katie turns her head back to Jen, Phil, Kyle, and Mike as if remembering something. A grin on her face.*

"Ya know I would forget my head if it wasent attached. Guys this is Scott and Scott there are the guys I have my side job with. I would tell you there names but....well I think you already know."

*Katie beams as she introduces Scott. Katie really was proude of him, and she was proud of JetStream as well.*

*As Jamie is drawn into Con lap, and offer some of his pizza she cant help but cring alittle bit.*

"Dident your mom ever tell you not to talk with your mouth full?"

*A grin breaking forth on her face Jamie wraps her arms around Con's neck as she turns her head to yell to Laura.*

"Hey Laura what do you think about sending your brother to finishing school?"

*Jamies turns back to con rubbing her nose aganst his.*

*Aerith scans all the faces that lite up the table. Taking the smile, the laughs in. Never had she seen such a close knit of friends before. It felt good to be included, to be apart of this and Aerith hoped this was the first step to being accepted into the group of friends as well. It helps her feel good about staying.*

Antics

Carson doesn’t care how long Misty remains kissing him, his fingers slowly running through her hair. As she draws away, a smile quirks the corner of his mouth. “I’d say it was worth it too.”

He gives a little sigh. “We’re just gonna have to get you better so you don’t have to quit so soon.”

Still grinning, he stands up, gently sliding Misty off his lap. “Come on…lets get you back to your bed before you rip something you’re not supposed to and I get blamed for it.”


Wyatt eats his pizza, keeping one eye on Aerith. “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.” And he really was…seeing Aerith smile made him smile too. The fun in her eyes was contagious.

He smiles at her comment of him having a crazy side, and he quirks a silly eyebrow. Catching her eye, he holds a sly stare for just a minute. “Even me, huh?” Looking at her, he hopes that he’ll be around to have a chance at breaking out of his own mold, if just to see her smile again. But he didn’t even know what the future held anymore.

Wyatt’s mind spins just a little as he replays how Aerith has acted around the group tonight…how honest she seemed. He knew now that he could trust her…perhaps he would talk to her when he took her home.


Scott manages to interact a little with the others around him, though ending up next to Kyle and across from Phil made it just a bit hard to keep up with the chatter and banter.

Appreciating Katie’s encouragement, he tries to act as though he’s not bothered by the crowd, when in reality, he was about ready to leave just to get away from people. He had been teasing earlier when he’d said he’d be too scared to come here without here…but truth be known, he really wouldn’t have come by himself.

As she gets him with her whipped cream, he turns to look at her quickly, smirking at her antics. Without even thinking, he reaches behind her head to pull her close, wiping the cream off onto her own face.

Drawing back, he throws her a grin. “Hey, you got something on your face.”


Jen looks around the table, enjoying everyone’s company, always quietly reveling in the happiness around her. Glancing up, she sees Katie’s eyes, and knows the question there. She offers a sorry little smile and shakes her head, signaling that Jason simply hadn’t come.


After the third attempt at trying to take a bit of his pizza, Con sets it down, turning his head to Jamie with mock annoyance. Grabbing hold of her, he pulls her out of her chair and onto his lap. Just one of his arms enough to wrap around her tightly to hold her still. With his free hand he stuffs the piece of pizza into his mouth, taking half of it with one bite.

Giving her a grin with his mouth full, he offers her a bite of his own piece. “I’ll share if you start behaving yourself.”

Pizza Fun

*Misty grins Carson was trying very to to revert the conversations off him that much was true.*

"No I will not stop worrying about you. Last time I did....I dont know but I wont so...meh."

*As Carson's comment hits Katie's ears she cant help but grin. Ok maybe fore now the conversation could break away from Carson. But she would come back to it later that much was for certin.*

"I dont know, being along with you could be dangerous. I'm not scaired or worryed though."

*After Misty's comment she gives Carson another strong kiss that lingers for quiet some time. Her one hand finding his back and the other the back of his head. The kiss stays in play till Misty pulls away as a sharp pain runs through her.*

"Oph...that hurt. But it was worth it."

*Jamie, Con, Aerith and Wyatt go in one car while the others split into the other cars. Finally at mom and pop's the fun starts everyone joking, laughing and having a great time.

Aerith smiles and nods. She was having a blast. Even if she was back at work again. It kind of made her feel proud and good on the inside. Not only was this her first job and she loved it, everyone loved going there proving it was a good place to eat and just have fun. Not many people could say they loved being at work. On or off the job.*

"I loved the bank Wyatt. I'm having a great time. Probley one of the best I've had in a long time. As for everyone being crazy thats ok. Its Fun to watch people be crazy. Not to mention we all have a crazy side, even you. Just some dont choose to show it."

*Aerith's grin grows.

Katie flashes Scott a smile as she takes a bite of her pizza. He was doing so well interacting with the other though it was hard for him. Katie new he was nervouse. He never was on to socilse with to many people, but it felt good that he was at least trying.

Slowly Katie reaches her arm around Scott giving it a gentil pat. Leting him know he was doing well and everying was good. Taking her other had Katie reaches for some whipcream thats in her milkshake. Bringing her hand around the back of Scott she daps some on his noise and lets out a laugh.

After a new more moments Katie finally is hit with the realization there was a voice missing among the joking and Chaos. Looking around Katie dosent see Jason. A fast wave of panick passing over her as her eyes finally fall to Jen. A look of question and a hint of sadness passes through her eyes.

As Jamie eats her pizza everyonce and a while she playfuly elbows Con's arm. A grin lighting up her face followed by a soft giggle every time.*

"Oh I am so sorry sir. I am so clumsy."

*Only to Elbow his arm again and laugh as she watches him try to take a bite of his pizza only yo miss from her bump.*

Invaded Space

Carson loves Misty’s spunk and lets that show through his grin. He reaches up to brush her cheek playfully. “Would you stop worrying about me?” His eyes narrow slyly and he leans in to kiss her lips softly, drawing back just a little, his voice lowering. “Life’s too short for you to spend your time worrying about what’s going through this rampant brain of mine.” He returns for another kiss. “How about we just forget about everything else and just enjoy the fact that we’re practically alone here?” A final kiss seals his desire to divert the conversation completely away from himself.


As everyone gathers backstage, Jason suddenly feels claustrophobic. He wasn’t used to this anymore, and it was just a bit overwhelming. He was utterly exhausted, and with each passing moment, he grew more weary just from the effort it took to be on stage tonight.

Taking a swig of water, he tries to clear his head, but it’s difficult. Hearing the plans to go out for pizza, he hesitates. He could feel himself crashing on the inside, and he really didn’t want to deal with any more people right now. He’d made it through the performance…he’d made it through some interaction with Katie…but to involve himself in a social event…tonight..?

Aerith catches him by surprise with her hug, and he gives her a tired smile and a shrug. “You never asked.”

His eyes dart from one person to the next, continuing to come back to Scott and Katie, watching their interaction and their laughter and teasing. He’d tried so hard all night…he was just plain tired now…completely worn out, physically and emotionally. After forcing himself through the motions of the evening, all he wanted to do was retreat.

Con chuckles and roughs up Jamie’s hair. “Yes, we can go have pizza. As long as you promise to behave yourself and don’t go dancing on any countertops again.”

Scott grins and slings an arm around Katie’s shoulder. “I’ll carry you if you’re that tired. But one way or the other, you’re coming, because I’m too scared to go by myself.”

“Yeehaw!” Kyle runs from the other end of the backstage area, sliding in through the middle of the group. “Let’s move out! I got someone to watch our stuff – us boys can come back later to clean up. I’m starving!”

“Here here!” Phil raises his hand. “Let’s go!”

The group starts to move, some splitting up from each other, others winding up riding together, and finally in the chaos everyone is off to Mom and Pop’s. Arriving, their entrance is loud and enthusiastic, the band waving to Herb and Mabel. “Hey, can we invade the back room?” Kyle calls. “We’re kinda rowdy tonight – wouldn’t want to scare away any of your other customers!”

For a few minutes, everything is chaos again as people find their seats and yell back and forth about what kind of pizza they should get. And somewhere in the middle of it all, Con manages to glance around and notice that someone was missing. He happens to catch Jen’s eye with question.

She gives him a knowing look and shakes her head. She was the only one Jason had spoken to before everyone had left the community building. Him slipping out the back had gone unnoticed as everyone else had celebrated the idea of pizza.

Wyatt looks over to Aerith. “So…this isn’t so bad is it? They get a little rowdy, but they mean well.”


Jason has no destination in mind. The fresh night air felt good, and his escape felt even better. He just needed to get away from it all. Wandering the streets for a while though, his misery slowly starts to return, as if pouncing on the chance to attack, once he was alone again, for…he was alone.

Finally deciding he didn’t want to go home either, Jason finds a little café that was open late. He didn’t know anyone who frequented this place…it would be nice just to sit down and be by himself for a while.

After parking, he goes inside and just orders a soda before sliding in to sit at a table. Sitting back in his seat, he can feel the irritation starting to return….slowly…but it was. He was more upset with himself than anything. He replays his encounter with Katie…she was finding happiness elsewhere and deserved it. He should be happy for her…but instead, he was left miserable. She wanted to have a friendship with him, and so did he…but he wasn’t even doing that right. Would he ever quit botching things up?

Jason’s physical tiredness was affecting his mood more than he realized, and things just looked more dismal than they should. His emotions were hitting a low on the rollercoaster ride, and it wasn't certain that he even realized the shift in his outlook or attitude.

He slouches in the booth and swirls his glass of coke absentmindedly, smearing a pattern of wet rings on the table. He knew he should be out with JetStream…he should be out with his friends… They would question him later… And he knew he was depriving himself of something he should enjoy. But he was tired of pasting on a smile like he had all evening. He was tired of pretending he felt good and happy when he didn’t.

“This seat taken?”

Jason looks up with disinterest at a young woman who looked to be around twenty-one. She was thinly built with extremely short bleached blonde hair and green eyes that sparkled with a love for life. Her tight jeans, spiked hair and makeup proved her uninhibited nature as she held herself with confidence. “It’s taken by me,” he responds flatly.

“Well it certainly doesn’t look like it.” The young woman moves to sit down, but Jason stretches out his long leg to set a foot up on the other booth. He was in no mood for an aggressive girl.

She sets her hands on her hips and gives a little sigh, staring at his boot. “You’re not going to make this easy, are you?”
Without hesitating, she reaches down to shove Jason’s foot back to the floor, and slides into the booth before he has time to block her again.

Smiling, she reaches her hand across the table. “Hi, I’m Camryn Lane.”

Jason ignores her with disgust. He’d come here to be alone, and though normally at least trying to be polite, Camryn’s presence rubbed him the wrong way tonight.

Camryn rolls her eyes and withdraws her hand. “That’s okay, I know your name anyway.”

Jason finally looks at her, his tone indicating his displeasure with her presence. “Am I supposed to know you?”

“Well why else would I have just introduced myself?”

“Look, you might find amusement in invading someone else’s privacy, but I don’t.” Jason shifts his weight to stand.

Camryn places a hand on his arm. “Please don’t go. I’m sorry if I cut into your ‘alone time,’ but come on – at least be a gentleman and enjoy my company. I won’t keep you forever and then you can go back to your sulking.”

For some reason, Jason relents, though sighs with irritation. “What do you want?”

“Do I need a reason to want to spend time with the hottest member of JetStream?”

Jason’s eyes shoot up and he can feel the heat creeping up the back of his neck.

“Oh, don’t go and be embarrassed,” Camryn chides. “You can’t help it.” She cocks her head. “Where have you been anyway? I’ve been watching JetStream all summer and they talked about you, but tonight was the first time I’d seen you.”

Jason jumps on the opportunity to scare her away. “I was in prison,” he replies without blinking. “For murder.”

Camryn quirks an eyebrow, but is undaunted by the news she deems as the truth. “Wow. Is that where you got that nice scar?” She nods to Jason’s eye.

“Nope.”

“Well how’d you get it then?”

Jason keeps trying to get rid of her. “Came from a knife after I’d been kidnapped by a mob of assassins and torturers.” He looks Camryn in the eye. “Any more poking into my private life you want to do?”

Camryn leans back in her seat, studying Jason. “One would have thought from your presence on stage that you were quite the enjoyable character. But my hunch proved to be right after all.”

“And what hunch was that?”

“The one that told me there was more to you than meets the eye… You’re a complicated character, Jason…yes…you are.” Camryn nods as she speaks. “But that just makes you all the more intriguing. So did you do it?”

“Do what?”

“Murder somebody.”

Jason looks at Camryn with disbelief. “Are you normally this nosey?”

“Are you normally this difficult?”

“Yes.”

“Well stop it. I asked a question.”

“I have a right to decline answering.”

“That just makes you look like you’re afraid of the answer.”

Jason bristles. “I am not afraid of the answer.”

“Then tell me what it is,” Camryn persists.

“Fine.” Jason holds up his hands, then lets them fall back to the table. “Yes, I killed a guy.”

“How’d you get out of prison so soon?”

Jason rolls his eyes. “Look, this is none of your business, and I suggest you stop.”

Camryn shrugs. “It was an innocent question.”

“I got out because I was acquitted.” Jason takes a swig of his coke. “Otherwise it would have been forty years.”

“Wow.” Camryn studies his face. “No wonder you’re bitter…you’ve been through heck, haven’t you?”

Jason grits his teeth, not knowing why Camryn’s bold statement should get to him like it did. She was a total stranger, and an annoying one to boot. He stares her in the eye. “I suggest you either quit with the interrogation or leave.”

“Alright.” Camryn holds up her hands. “Enough about you then. Fire away.”

Jason doesn’t even know why he stays. But something about this young woman, despite the annoyance, was intriguing. “What do you do?”

“I work at a museum.” Camryn grins. “I live in an apartment here at the edge of town with my roommate, Sandi, my parents live about two hours away, my older brother is in Minnesota with a wife and two kids, and…I love good music, so that’s why I listen to JetStream.”

“And what’s your point in coming here tonight, other than to be an irritation?”

Camryn doesn’t answer him. “So who’s the real Jason? The one I saw onstage earlier, or the one that’s sitting across from me now?”

“You tell me.”

“I don’t think it’s either.”

Jason narrows one eye, looking at Carmyn’s own penetrating stare. “If he’s not one of those two places, then where is he?”

Camryn cocks her head, thinking. “I don’t know…but you do.”

Silence reigns over the table for just a moment before she slides out of the booth to stand. “Well, Jason, I need to get going. Thanks for the chat.”

Jason looks up at her with an amount of bewilderment. “Oh yeah, sure…glad you…enjoyed yourself?”

Camryn laughs, her smile lighting up her face and making her eyes sparkle. “I’ll see you around. Tell Kyle I said hello.”

“Kyle?”

“He’ll know.” She throws Jason a wink. “Take care of yourself."

Replace Memories

*Misty leans her head aganst Carson forhead. She could tell something deeper was wrong with Carson. She could see in his his eyes and the way he talked.*

"Meh its only a bullet wound. This kind of thing happens every day ya know."

*Misty smiles alittle bit at Carson.*

"I can tell someone more is wrong than being tired Carson. Your just not yourself."

*Misty lets out a soft sigh wincing just alittle.*

"You know you can talk to me Carson. No matter what condition I am in. Its ubserd that you keep everything inside and let it fester inside of you when you have someone willing you listen."

*Misty's eyes show she was a bit irrotated but still showed the compation and comfort to Carson.*

*Jamie walks with Con feel wraped safe and sound in his strong arms and not having to worry about pushing and prying through the people. Some people stoped and watched as Con and Jamie walked by. Con's size drew alot of attachen to them sometimes but Jamie dident mind. She was proude to call Con her own. She felt safe in his arms, like nothing could hurt her and she never had to worry about someone messing with her eather.

As Jamie and Con take there seat Jamie leans into Con a smile on her face. She was so happy to be here with him. Jamie could never get tired of spending time with Con. He ment so much to her and always proved to be intresting.*

*Once parked Nate jumps out of the car going over to Laura's door. She was so much fun to hang out with Nate was happy to shair moment like this with her. Helping Laura out of the car she slings her arm around her waist and makes there way inside.

Nate puts his arms around Laura to protect her as they push through the crowd of people.*

"Excuse me, Pretty Lady coming though. Excuse me, need to find the pretty lady a seat."

*Finally finding a few open seats Nate lets Laura sit on the inside than sits next to her wraping his arm around her shoulder.*

*Aerith giggles and turns to look at Wyatt.*

"I am sure I will love them, but if I dont I'll tell you."

*As they finally park Aerith gets out and brushes out the wrinkles out of her dress reaching into her back and pulling out her vanilla body spray squirts herself than stands waiting for Wyatt to lead the way.*

*For a moment Katie takes in the words of Jason and watches as he walks away to find Kyle. This was a start. A start to there friendship being rebuilt. Katie turns and looks back out Accross the fence into the dessert land.

Katie heads back up the stags and behind the curiten taking one last look around making sure everything was ok. After staying behind for a while looking watching Katie heads down to the sound bored with Jen a smile once again resumed on her face.

As Scott sits down next to her Katie smiles down at him still resuming her standing postion her arms across as everyonce and a while she scans the crowd and the sides of the stage. After a quick check Katie bends down and gives Scott a small hug before resuming her position.

Hearing Jason's slip up in the music she knows no one alse can tell but after listing to them play for so long at practices and on stage Katie can tell its there. Trying to catch Jason's eye she gives aittle nod and a thumbs up trying to convay it was ok and he would be alright.

Jamie lets out a laugh at the display that was going on, onstage. Turning to Con she smiles and gives him a quick kiss.

As Kyle knocks over the glass of water Aerith lets out a laugh and than turn to Wyatt.*

"I dident know Jason was the lead singer. I met him the other day at Mom and Pop's. He's really good, not to mention these guy are funny."

*Jamie heads backstage with Con just in time to hear something about pizza. Lighting up she grabs Con's hand.*

"Ohh pizza I love Pizza. Can we go Con? Can we can we?"

*Aerith follows Wyatt to the back. Seeing the other she had met already she gievs a wave.*

"Hey guys!"

*Going over to Jason Aerith gives Jason a quick hug.*

"You sounded great Jason. I dident know you sang. You never told me that."

*Katie quirks an eyebrow to this new woman that seems to know Wyatt, Jason and everyone alse. She had never seen her before.

Katie stands with Scott and for a moment it a bit hesatent about going for pizza. *

"I'm not to sure..I feel up to Pizza."

*Nate makes his way over to Katie and gives her a friendly shove.*

"Ya right Katie your going for pizza and if you refuse again Scott and I will drag you. Right Scott?"

*Katie cant help but roll her eyes. Last time she had pizza with the band it held bad memories. But maybe it was time to replace thoug with some better ones.*

"Ok...I guess I will go. but can I refuse anyways just so you can drag me and I dont have to walk?"