Apologies come anyway

Axel turns a little bit, one elbow still on the counter. “Mm…there are plenty of observant people…they just don’t take the time to figure out what they’re seeing. Someone could look at a rose all day long and still see just a flower. Whereas someone else can see the beautiful intricacy, smell the sweet scent, and enjoy it for the delicate treasure that it is.”

“Yo, Grease, you coming?!”

Axel ignores Max’s call as he continues to study Jess’ face, allowing her to see into his eyes. “Someone can observe a smile and simply say it’s a smile…” He pauses, a soft smile returning. “And someone else might say it reveals the mystery of one’s inner thoughts.” He gives a short nod. “One shouldn’t ever hide themselves from the world. It just makes it a lonelier place to be.”

“Axel!”

He finally turns, but not to his friends – to Mabel instead. “Thanks for the service, Mabel. Nice to meet you, and I’ll see you in the morning for a nice hot cup of coffee around nine o’clock.”

He gives as little wave, and pushes off the counter to rejoin his friends. He hadn’t asked or invited…but anyone who wondered would know when he’d be back.


Jason knows that he’s hurt Katie…again. And he could kick himself…again. No matter what choice he made…no matter the decision, no matter what he did…he always hurt her.

Heaving a sigh, he waits for her to return, thankful for the orange juice, letting the gratefulness out for her to feel. He didn’t know if he could have gotten through this one without her here or not…but he didn’t want to find out.

Jason gives a little nod, and after a few minutes, finally has the energy to pull himself up off the floor. The aftermath of these attacks was never any easier, but he was learning how to function once they were over, and though hard, he could at least get himself going again until he could rest.

Still soaked in sweat, he opts to head for his bedroom, leaving Katie in the hall so he can change into a dry t-shirt and more comfortable jeans. Coming back out, he leans on his bedroom doorway for just a moment, glancing down the hall to Katie. She would do just about anything for him…no matter what he said…no matter how angry or upset she was. Was it their connection that made her so loyal, or would she be that way, even if stripped of this bond?

Shaking his head a little, Jason approaches her slowly and without asking, pulls her into a hug. He was utterly exhausted and knew he needed to rest. “Thanks, Hero…for everything… and…I’m sorry I yelled at you. I didn’t really mean those things I said.”

Giving the top of her head a light kiss, he lets Katie go, turning to the living room. On nights like this, he would prefer to be closer to the front door. If anything happened, his bedroom was far enough away that he’d be clueless if he were asleep.

Easing down into a corner of the couch, he leans back, closing his eyes. “I’ll probably have nightmares tonight,” he tells Katie quietly. “So just shut me out so you can get a good night’s sleep. Take my truck…I’ll walk to work in the morning.’