Always

As Misty works on Carson's finger she used the utmost care as not to prick wrong ore make any slips. Even though at one point in time he was ever so made at Carson the thought of causing him pain only made her feel sick.

Everyonce and a while Misty's eyes would gaze up at Carson as she tryed to sapress a smile on her face. She couldnt help the butterflys that still fluttered in her stomach and the racing of her heart it was just something that happend.

Finally after Carson was all sticked up Misty moves away and washes up her hands and the few tools she used placing the needle in a bag to bring back to the infermary to dispose of. Going back to the counter she stands to put her stuff away untill she feels Carson warm hand on top of hers. Turning a little Misty looks up at Carson stairing deep into his blue eyes. Misty mind races as she almost gets lost in the deepths of Carson's eyes. They seemed to go on forever as the mystory still layed in them even after Misty new almost everything about him.

As Carson's hand brushes Misty's face lightly and pushes the strang of hair behind her ear, Carson's words meet her ears pulls her out of the transe she had fall into. Finally giving a shiver the old sassy grin plays on Misty's lips. Something not seem for some time.

Bringing her own hand to the side of Carson's face Misty runs a finger over his cheek and down the side of his face for a moment before replying.

"I'll always come back to mend the wounds. Because I care that much."

Tried that once

Scott would rather argue about whose office this was, but decides not to. Dalton was just trying to be nice, so he'd let him.

Thinking about not letting Austin be right, Scott grits his teeth, remembering the interrogation. But what if Austin really was right? Scott certainly didn't feel capable of doing anything right at the moment, and therefore it was better for TJY if he wasn't there. It was a terrifying thought... losing his job... but what if it really was for the best? Dalton didn't seem to think it was though.

"I don't know how to win," he finally responds numbly. Setting the half-empty can down, he stands up, leaving the program as it was for Dalton to fix himself. But as he steps away from the desk, he pauses. It felt like a game between who was trying to make who feel better. Maybe today he'd give in.

Turning back around, he reaches down and hits just two key combinations. The program automatically restarts, scanning for bugs and fixing glitches before it resets itself.

Hesitating, he turns again, aiming for the door. "I... guess I'll see you around."

Taking Domino's leash, he heads out of the office, closing the door behind him. Slowly, he goes to Sapphire's cubicle, his eyes constantly shifting to make sure Austin wasn't near. Reaching his sister's space, he knocks lightly. "I, um..." He hated asking favors of her... she looked busy. "If... if you still don't mind, I... guess I'd like that ride right about now."


As Misty appears in the kitchen, Carson looks up, his pulse quickening. Not saying anything, he just stands at the sink, letting Misty take over. He doesn't react to the pain. The only thing he really feels is her hands on his, and how warm they felt.

As she preps the needle, he tenses just a little, knowing what was to come. Cringing just a little, he’s surprised when Misty finally looks him in the eye, advising him about looking away.

Just staring into her eyes for a moment, he swallows hard. “I tried that once,” he responds quietly. “But it only made the pain worse.”

Though it hurt, his fingers wrap around Misty’s for a moment before he finally breaks his gaze to look up at the ceiling. He winces as he feels the needle, but knows better than to flinch. Not particularly wanting to watch her sew up his finger either, he just braces himself against the sink, letting her work.

Once the stitches are in place and a bandage is around his first finger, he grabs a towel to wipe up the mess on the counter. Stopping though, he looks to Misty again, seeing her putting her things back into her bag.

On impulse, he reaches out to lay a hand on hers, stopping her work for a moment. Looking down into her eyes once more, he tries to see what she is thinking… what she is feeling.

A bit of heat crawls up the back of his neck as a million and one thoughts fly through his mind. Everything about yesterday comes back… all the feelings… all the confusion. And yet, right now, it didn’t seem to matter.

Moving his hand, he reaches out to tuck Misty’s hair behind her ear so he can fully see her face. His voice is quiet and low. “Thank you…” He pauses again. “If I cut another finger tomorrow, would you come back?”

Fear

Giving the can to Scott and than sitting down again Dalton was happy to see Scott at least taking sips of the drink. It wasnt the best thing for him but it was better than nothing.

"If you look close Scott you can tell I didnt change much in the office from how you have it. So really it is yours still because I didnt make it my own. As for being cut out for this job, I do believe you still are. "

Dalton takes a sip of his own pop before continuing. Working the words he wanted to say through his own mind to make sure they would come out ok.

"Don't let Austin be right Scott. I know it hurts, and I know you feel so lost, trust me I have been there. but dont let them win."

Looking up at Rick Misty quirks an eyebrow. She had been there moments before and everything seemed find. What had changed now? Could it have to do with the package she left and if it did was was going to happen?

"Ok, I'll grab myself. Was anything alse said?"

With in a few minutes Misty is pulling into Mom and Pop's and entering the restront. Throwing a smile to Areith she questions.

"Where is the person in need of a dr?"

Aerith can't help but giggle and point to the back room. He's in the kitchen.

Making her way to the back Misty wasnt sure what to exspect. Seeing Herb next to Carson and the blood over Carson's shirt and hand Misty instincs quickly kick in.

"Ok Herb get back to cooking before you customers start to complain."

Giving Misty a grin and a nod he heads back to cooking.

Opening her bag Misty takes out a few things to clean Carson's cut. Taking his hand in her she gets to work cleaning the wound and absintmindly talking to him.

Can't seem not to cut yourself at work huh?

Once the cut is clean Misty takes a close look at it seeing how deep it was and that the blood was non stop. Telling Carson to put more pressure on it Misty goes back to her bag and pulls out a saring filled with novacain.

"Your gonna need a few stiches."

Continuing to prep the needle Misty walks back over to Carson taking his hand in one and holding the needle in the other. Remember Carson's fear of needles Misty finally looks up locking eyes with him.

"If you look away it wont hurt as much."

Medical Situation

Scott listens to Dalton, unsure what to think. He just sits for a moment, staring at the computer screen until he turns to see the Mountain Dew offered.

Contemplating, he shrugs and accepts. Leaning back in the chair, he flips the top, but only takes a small sip, unsure if his stomach would really appreciate the concentrated dose of sugar and caffeine.

Looking back at the computer, he stares at the program. “Dalton… my mind may not be functioning… but you can’t tell me that you don’t know how to fix this.”

He glances down, running his thumb along the pop can rim. “I…know you’re just trying to be nice… I don’t understand why… though I guess I appreciate it." He shrugs. "When I had this job, I always wanted an extra set of hands, so I know that even though you're smart enough to figure all this stuff out that it wouldn't be hard to fill two jobs. But..."

He concentrates on fiddling with the pop can tab. "...I don't think I'd be much help to you. Even... even if Austin would let me back, which would be a miracle. I just... I don't know if I can handle it anymore." He swallows hard, feeling a bit of heat come to his face as he recalls how stupid he's felt lately. "Things are different and... this is your office. Not mine... not ours... yours. And..."

Scott hesitates, the emotions suddenly back again. "This was the only place I ever fit in, ya know? It was my life. But... maybe I'm just not cut out for it any more. Maybe Austin's right. I just... I can't handle anything anymore, let alone this job." He takes another sip of pop, his hand shaking slightly.


Carson winces as Herb comes to help with his hand, doing as he's told. "Yeah, yeah... I don't know what I did. Guess I just wasn't watching it."

Hearing Mabel's statement, he rolls his eyes. "I seem to be in Neverland a lot lately."

Waiting for Herb to get the bandage out, Carson puts pressure on his wound, but the bleeding continues. "Doesn't want to stop," he mutters. It was a lot deeper cut than he'd like to admit, and it was already throbbing.

He lets Herb take over, too clumsy with one hand to do it himself. Hearing the question, he sighs. "Oh, I don't know, Herb..." Carson had gotten used to being able to talk to Herb... if there was anybody he trusted, it was him. It had taken him a while to get to that point, but now Herb was one of the few that Carson would talk to.

"I broke up with Jess last night," he finally admits quietly. "That's complicated in itself. I don't know what to do, I don't know where I fit... I don't know what my purpose is... I just..."

He's cut off as Mabel enters the kitchen with the bag. Still holding his bleeding hand over the sink, he peers inside, confused. Then realizing what it was, his eyes widen. He looks up quickly to Mabel again, trying to say something, but the words get stuck in his mouth.

Swallowing hard, he withdraws his hand from Herb, ignoring the pain and blood for a moment, in order to remove the sandwich from the bag. Staring at it, he can feel his insides melt. Misty. But…why? His mind reels. What was she doing? Why had she done this? He didn’t… he hadn’t… he…

His favorite meal… she knew… she remembered.

As if Herb and Mabel didn’t even exist, Carson suddenly exits the kitchen. Holding his hurt hand against his shirt, he ignores the blood stain it creates. Taking a few steps down the back hall, he goes for the phone and dials the number he somehow still remembered.

Hearing Rick’s voice on the other end of the direct line to the TJY infirmary, Carson clears his throat and asks for what he called for. Though not giving much information and knowing Rick was totally confused, Carson leaves it that way and hangs up. Leaning up against the wall, he closes his eyes for a moment, trying to regroup before finally going back to the kitchen.

Grimacing, he puts his bloody hand back under the sink’s running water. “I don’t think this is gonna hold with a bandage,” he mutters.


Rick hangs up the phone, his eyebrows lifted. He blinks, then furrows his brow, confused. He’d gotten back into the infirmary from Austin’s office just in time to grab the phone. Turning around, he calls across the room to Misty. “Uh… Misty? You’re needed for a medical situation down at Mom and Pop’s. I suggest taking a first aid kit.”

Penny

Sitting in the other chair that was close to where Scott was Dalton lets out a small sigh. Just eyeing Scott for a moment Dalton finaly speaks. His tone is the normal gruff but there is a certin softness to it that even saprises the Hulk himself.

"We all need help sometimes. Even the Hulks and the Tanks. There is a lot of stuff I don't know about these programs that you do. I'd like to work with you not inplace of you. So you might want to but don't give up yet. Now, I still could use some help if you are willing to offer it or you can go. It your choise I wont hold you here, but you welcome for this to be your safe haven whenever. Its your office to after all. It always will be."

Standing Datlon streaches a little and goes to the tiny fridge that was in the far courner pulling out a can of Moutain dew. Taking out another he holds it up to Scott asking if he wanted one as well.

Hearing the knife hit the ground Herb turn fast as he quickly makes his way over to Carson at the sink.

"Make sure you clean that out good and pure pressure on it so it stops bleeding. You might need stiches for it."

Leaving the kitchen for a moment Herb comes back with a first aid kit. Digging through it for some ointment and bandages.

Hearing the noise in the Back Mable peeks her head through the window.

"You know if you didnt stair off into never never land you wouldnt try to take a finger off."

Looking up at his wife momentarily Herb shakes his head.

"Would you go back to work and let us take care of them please?"

Rolling her eyes Mable goes back to take orders.

Taking Carson hand and looking at it Herb speaks again.

"Penny for you throughts?"

A few minutes pass and Mable enters the kitchen again a brown paper bag in hand. Going over to Carson she holds it out for him.

"I'm not sure who left this Carson but it has your name on it. I would guess it would of been Jess but than again I would think she would of asked for you. The funny thing is the person must of come in and out because I didnt see anyone."

Inside the paper bag was a grilled cheese sandwatch and a few chips. Only a few people would know who this lunch was from.

Two of us

All the way in Susanne's office, she can hear the arguing and raised voices, her own anger remaining. Austin was being unreasonable, and no one could tell him otherwise unless they wanted to risk their job.

Her fingers hit her computer keys harder as she pulls up the files that Austin wanted. Never before had she ever contemplated quitting her job. But today she was coming close.

As Austin stalks by to go to his own office, Susanne looks up, her eyes following him. What had gotten into him? What had changed him? He used to be a friend to everyone here, and now all he was doing was making enemies.

Sighing, Susanne listens, but can't hear any more voices out on the main floor. Craning her neck, she can just make out a few agents near the spot where Scott was. Knowing he had help, she tries to get back to work, but her mind just wouldn't let her. She felt so sorry for Scott... she'd always given him such a bad time before when he'd be so clumsy, but the current situation just went to prove how much she really cared about him. She was old enough to be his mother, and though maybe she never let it show, she had always tried to look out for him one way or another. These recent events bothered her to no end, and Austin's behavior was like salt to a wound.

Pausing her work to think a moment, Susanne recalls how Scott looked. He was so thin... so very thin and pale. The dark circles under his eyes proved he wasn't getting any good sleep, and his lack of weight gain proved he hasn't been eating well either. His spirit had been broken, that much was evident.

Susanne cocks her head to make sure she can't hear Austin's voice in Reese's office, ensuring he wasn't coming back out right away. Picking up her phone, she dials quickly, then gives the person on the other end some quick instructions before hanging up and getting back to work.


Scott hears Dalton’s voice and slowly lifts his head, glancing up to see the tall man for just a second before dropping his eyes again. He felt so stupid. Sitting here on the floor… how much lower could he get? How much more could he embarrass himself? He’d just felt so… trapped.

Swallowing hard, he contemplates Dalton’s offer. Fidgeting with a thread on his jeans, he can’t seem to make up his mind. What was the point in helping? He didn’t have a job here anymore, and he knew it, no matter how the others tried to hide it from him. He catches the word “our” and wonders about it, though doesn’t ask. Surely it was just a slip of the tongue on Dalton’s part.

Before he can answer whether or not he’ll help, Sapphire comes with her offer to take him home. Finally looking up, he eyes her for a moment, sensing the old feeling once again that somewhere deep down he missed his sister. His eyes roam to Dalton, then Nate, then back again. He felt like such a child sitting here looking up at them. They weren’t judging him… they weren’t putting him down, or trying to make him feel foolish… but he did.

Once more, he sees Dalton’s outstretched hand. And slowly… slowly, he reaches up with his own to take it to help him stand. Emotions threaten to spill out of his eyes, but he holds them back, keeping his gaze to the floor. “I’ll help,” he mumbles.

Then he gives Sapphire a quick glance. “And when I’m done… you can take me home.”

Domino looks up at Nate, still in his cubicle, and hangs around his legs for several minutes before daring to look around the corner again. Seeing her master up, she wanders toward him, dragging her leash along behind her.

Scott bends down to pick up the leash, clutching it tightly as if afraid if he let go, he’d lose his little friend for good. “Okay….” He aims his speech to Dalton once more. “I’ll come look at the program.”

Following along numbly behind Dalton, he goes back to the office, standing to the side a moment until the door is shut, and he goes to the extra chair as he had the last time. Domino sits down by the door, quietly waiting.

Scott eases down in the chair and blinks, his eyes stinging just a bit. Embarrassment for his display hung on, even though Dalton didn’t seem to be the type to talk about it.

He studies the computer screen for several moments, furrowing his brow. And finally, his shoulders drop just a little, and he sighs, leaning back in his chair. He eyes the floor at his feet. “This is easy stuff, Dalton,” he comments softly. “If you didn’t know how to fix this, you wouldn’t have had a position in Arizona. You need me like you need a kick to the head.”

Finally he musters up enough courage to look up to see Dalton’s eyes. His own reflect discouragement and sadness, his tone remaining quiet. “I don’t know why you’re doing this… TJY doesn’t need two of us. Austin’s right. And… you’re the one with a stable mind. I’m beginning to think I’ve got a screw loose. So… why don’t I just go have my sister take me home and… I’ll leave you at it?”


Carson moves about the kitchen, trying to keep up with the group that had come in late morning, all hungry. Even between him and Herb, sometimes it was hard.

His hands were busy, though his mind wasn't where it should be this morning. All he could think about was last night with Jess, and his recent encounter with Misty. Thinking about it over and over and over, still he couldn't feel at peace about any of it. He knew he'd made the right decision about Jess, but that didn't make him feel any better. And he knew that it just couldn't work between him and Misty anymore, but that didn't make him feel any more decisive about it. He was just...

Carson's thoughts are brought to a screeching halt, his knife clattering to the floor. Blood trickles down his hand from the deep cut on his finger and a curse slips out under his breath. Leaving his place, he moves to the sink to wash out the wound, disgusted with himself. He couldn't let his mind wander... not here when he was supposed to be working.

Help

Over hearing the camotion as he came down the hall Dalton raises an eyebrow. Staying in the distince he just watches as Austin and Rick go back an forth untill his eyes fall to Scott. He couldnt help but feel sorry for him. It seemed like so long ago Dalton had felt so scaired of life and people, not for the same reasons as Scott but the feeling was still there.

Keeping his distince untill Austin was gone Dalton slowly make his way over to Scott giving Nate a nod that he was not going to cause any harm.

Not standing quite as tall as normal Dalton holds the papers he had in one hand while he held the other out in friendship to help Scott up.

"I had another problem with one of the programs I was trying to work on. I was hoping I would catch you before you left to try and fix it for me again. I tryed working on it all day and I am just not sure what I am doing wrong.'

Dalton dosnt smile as Scott but that was ok just something about his face showed there was a smile. He new once again he was telling a fib but he had over hurd Rick wanting to have Scott stay and if this ment he would than Dalton was happy to help. Though he still couldnt put his finger on what it was about Scott that drew him in Dalton new there was just something about him.

"We can even take Domino into our office. Austin can keep her from the building but that office is our right? So that means we have a say in who is in it."

The words "Our" slip so easy from Dalton's lips that he dosnt even skip a beat saying them. They seemed the right words to say and he new they were.

Sapphire looks up fast from her desk as Rick starts to talk to her. She had overhurd part of what went on but tryed to lose herself before she could consintrate to much on it. She hated fight and tryed not to get into the middle.

Hearing Rick's request Sapphire gives a nod and stands from her desk.

"Yeah I will see what I can do."

She didnt get along to well with her brother anymore but that didnt mean she was just going to feed in to the wolfs. Weather she said it alot or not she cared alot for her brother still.

Walking over to where Nate and Dalton already where Sapphire gives Nate a small smile and than looks to Scott taking her keys from her pocket.

"Hey you ready to go home little brother?"

Sapphires eyes question him as she bends down to try and help completly unawair of Dalton's question.

Seeing that Sapphire didnt know Nate stands.

"Dalton was just asking for his help actully with some computer stuff. That was if Scott wanted too."

Looking at Nate than Dalton and back at her brother Sapphire gives a small shrug.

"Its up to him. Whatever he wants to do it fine with me."

Struggle

Jason leans back in the kitchen chair, taking another swig of orange juice. A grin spreads on his face.

You're welcome.

He lazily glances to the clock, not having worried about getting up at any certain time. One hand absentmindedly strokes Trooper, who was sitting next to him, his head resting in his lap.

Yeah... I doubt I'll hear anything from Brown today. I'm not expecting any more news until after the meeting in a few days. You're right though... we might hear about it from Austin first.

He rolls his eyes and stands to finish his juice and put the glass in the sink.

Mm... lunch sounds good. I gotta take Clint's bike down to the shop and.... oh... I didn't tell you about that, did I. Long story. Anyway, want to meet at Mom and Pop's around noon? Maybe I can get Wyatt to come along... not that he needs an excuse to see Aerith. I'd like to find out what's up at work today without showing my face there if I can.


Bret's eyes start to dance before his lips begin to smile. He shifts his hand to curl his fingers around Charlotte's. "First off, I'm always careful. And second..." He locks eyes with her. "I would expect nothing less than to see you there whenever you can make it."

His smile remains as excitement starts to build. "I'll call Kirk back today and go from there."


Axel lifts his eyebrows at Jess' stuttering, unable to get a word in before she's already hung up. Blinking, he can't help a little chuckle, and shakes his head as he hangs up the phone. In the back of his mind, something warned him to tread lightly, but he knew he'd be skipping lunch today, just in case Jess had been serious.


Rick sits at his desk working, when he receives Misty's reply. Heaving a weary sigh, he knows that she is right. Scott had to want to go... They could all force him all they wanted to, but unless he wanted to be there, it wouldn't do any good anyway. He needed it, no doubt... but how would he see it for himself?

Scott sets his breakfast plate aside, having eaten only half, and hoping that Rick wouldn't bother him about it this morning. Domino perks up at his movements and hops off the bed, skittering to the door where she stops, turns around and looks back at him. She gives a little whine.

Scott bites his lip. The last couple days, other people had been available to help take care of Domino and take her outside for him. But he was getting tired of asking, and he knew that even though the others didn't mind, he also knew it was an inconvenience for them, and he hated asking.

Looking around, he sees both Rick and Misty busy with work. Domino whines again. Scott knows he's torturing the poor dog, and finally swings his feet over the side of the bed. Not really thinking about the fact that he's in his bare feet, he heads to the door. The tiles are cold, but he doesn't notice. He was all too used to that feeling.

Rick looks up from his desk. "Scott?"

"What?"

"Heading out?"

"Domino."

"Okay." Rick nods. He wanted to offer to help, but he knew that every time he did, it made Scott feel less and less capable, and that wasn't good either.

Scott hesitates at the door, but finally opens it, letting Domino out into the hall, then slipping out behind her.

Down the hall and to the main floor, he keeps his eyes down, not wanting to see all the people that were there this morning. He'd just as soon go unnoticed. He spots Susanne out of the corner of his eye, then Laura, but keeps on walking. If he stopped, he knew he'd want to turn right around and go back to the safe confines of the infirmary.

Once to the exit, he hesitates again, but he doesn't have much of a choice. Stepping outside with his dog, he stuffs his hands in his hoodie pockets, waiting impatiently. As he stands, the sound of a car catches his attention, and he looks up in time to see a vehicle park and Austin emerge. A fear immediately comes over Scott, and he backs up a step to the door. His heart racing, he looks around for Domino, almost frantic for her to be finished so he could go back inside. The outdoors were overwhelming enough without this too.

Not seeing the dog anywhere, but suddenly feeling paws on the back of his legs, he jumps in surprise. Not waiting though, he quickly scoots back inside the building to make his way back across the floor, this time faster than on his way out.

Just as he's reaching the corner near Nate's cubicle, he meets Susanne. Unfortunately, neither were paying attention. The collision is over in a matter of seconds, but the results make several other people cringe. Papers go flying, coffee splatters onto the floor, and Domino yelps as she's tripped over. Scott somehow winds up on the floor after trying to catch several papers and then avoiding stepping on his dog, while Susanne frantically tries to clean up.

"Ohhh, Scott, I'm so sorry," she apologizes.

"It was my fault," he mumbles. Sitting on the floor for a moment, he grabs some of her papers, noting that several are now stained with coffee. "I'm sorry."

"Nothing a copy machine won't fix." Susanne tries to make light of it, even though she now had to redo a whole stack of work.

"What is going on?!" Austin's voice makes everyone look up.

Scott slowly rises to his feet, backing up against the cubicle wall.

Susanne looks at Austin and shakes her head with a laugh. "We just ran into each other is all. No problems."

Austin's eyes widen slightly as a frown forms. "It hardly looks like no problem," he retorts. Spying Domino, he points at her. "I want that dog out of here. She does not belong in this building."

Scott blinks, putting another step of room between him and Austin. "She was just..."

"Look, I know she keeps you company," Austin retorts. "But get her out of here before she causes any more trouble."

"It wasn't her, it was.."

"I mean it!" Austin's voice is raised sternly. "Either you take her out, or I will."

Scott can't even bring himself to look Austin in the eye. Anger, frustration and hurt boil up inside of him, and he lowers hie head to quickly leave the scene, heading back down the hall.

Susanne frowns at her boss. "That was a little harsh," she mentions quietly.

"If harshness is what it takes to get the job done, so be it." Austin shoulders past her, on his way to his office. "See me in ten minutes for a list of records I need to see."

Only when his back is turned does Susanne throw up her hands and roll her eyes, muttering under her breath. Squatting down, she picks up the rest of her mess, then goes to get something to sop up the coffee too.

Scott pads down the hallway, the hot tears returning to his eyes. Entering the infirmary, he heads straight to the bed where he sits down, putting on his shoes and socks.

Rick looks up and eyes him with confusion. "Everything okay?" No answer. "Scott?"

Scott still doesn't answer him, and finishes tying his sneakers. Grabbing Domino's leash, he snaps it to her collar then heads to the door again.

Rick stands up. "Scott? Where are you going?"

"Home."

"But Scott! I said I'd take you tonight. What..." The door falls shut against his words. He looks to Misty with wide eyes, clueless about what had happened and now not knowing what to do. Desperate, he spins around and follows after Scott. He only catches up to him out on the main floor, in the same spot the accident had happened. "Scott, wait." He reaches out and puts a hand on Scott's shoulder.

Scott skids to a stop and sidesteps out from under Rick's hand. "Just leave me alone," he begs.

"I don't want to leave you alone. I want to help you."

"You can't." Scott winces as a salty tear forms in his blind eye, making it sting. "Just let me go."

"But I wanted you here for one more day. Just stay. Tell me what happened." Rick's desperation is evident in his voice as he tries to convince his younger friend to stay. But it did no good.

Scott turns back around, aiming once more for the exit. The outdoors were terrifying, but staying here was worse.

As a last resort, Rick steps forward and takes Scott's arm in a firm hold. "Don't go yet."

It was the wrong move. As Scott is physically held back, a wave of panic hits him. "No!" Ripping his arm loose, he trips and almost falls again. Rick reaches out to help him, but the more restraint he puts on Scott, the more Scott fights, and the more he fights, the more restraint Rick applies to try and stop him.

Seeing her master in what she considered danger, Domino starts to whine and bark, bringing even more unwanted attention to the scene.

Rick tries to hold Scott still, but to no avail. In an attempt to restrain him so he doesn't hurt anybody or himself, Rick tightens his hold and steps forward. But in doing so, he accidentally hooks Scott's foot.

Struggling blindly, Scott loses his balance and falls to the floor once more.

Rick is on his knees instantly. "Scott... calm down... please... I'm sorry, are you alright?"

Scott tries to get his bearings, his shoulder hurting from the fall. Backed up against the cubicle, he rights himself, bringing his knees up to his chest to wrap his arms around his legs and bury his face. He felt stupid, embarrassed and frustrated. Rocking slightly, he wills the tears not to come, and tries to banish the insistent fear.

"Scott," Rick repeats. "Are you alright?"

"Now what?!"

Rick looks up to see Austin with his hands on his hips. Rising to his feet again, Rick's face turns to one of irritation. "It's nothing. I'm taking care of it."

Austin sighs in disgust at seeing Domino again. "I said to get that dog out of here. She's caused enough damage!"

Seeing absolutely no mercy, and now wondering if that was what had set Scott off in the first place, Rick straightens, looking boldly up at Austin. "As Scott's physician, I authorized Domino's presence as therapy." He hadn't really, but he could have, and Austin was being ridiculous. "She's caused no trouble, nor has Scott."

"You call this no trouble?" Austin gestures to all the people who had stopped working to see what was going on. "You get your patient under control and get rid of his dog. I've said it for the last time!"

"So help me, Austin!" Rick's voice raises with a righteous anger. "This 'patient' is your agent! He's a human being! Stop treating him like a burden and try to understand! You're the one that has caused the damage around here. You are the one responsible for the well-being of those in this building, or have you forgotten that?"

Trembling at all the shouting, Domino tries to find comfort in Scott, but she can't get his attention, and finally she scoots around the corner into Nate's cubicle, searching for a place to hide.

Austin's eyes narrow, his jaw tightening. "How dare you," he hisses to Rick. "Stand down, or Scott won't be the only one here without a job."

Rick's fingers curl to form fists at his sides. There were so many things he'd like to say right now. So many things Austin deserved to hear. But now he couldn't. He had been warned... he had been threatened. For his own sake, and others, he could argue no more. Rick takes a deep breath. "I will handle this situation," he response coolly.

"Good." Austin points to the end of the main floor. "I want to see you in my office about some policy changes. Now."

Rick's eyes widen and he gestures to Scott. "I'm trying to..."

"Now! He'll have to pick himself up. He's a grown man, not a little kid."

"But I..."

"One more time, Rick!" Austin glares at the physician. "Follow me now, or you won't have a reason to come back tomorrow."

A curse is on the tip of Rick's tongue, but he resists. "I'm right behind you," he mutters. "Let me at least grab a notepad."

"Fine. You have one minute." Austin spins on his heel and stalks back towards his office.

Rick is seething, with no way to express it. He was angry at Austin, and he was desperate to help Scott. Nothing was going right. Nothing was turning out for the best. Was he doing a bad job? Was he doing something wrong? If he just would have been paying closer attention this morning...

Groaning, he tries one more time to get Scott up. He kneels next to him, speaking gently. "Scott... please... come back to the infirmary, okay?"

Scott keeps his face buried, his words muffled. "I wanna go home."

"I know you do. But I can't take you right now." Rick waits for a response, but receives none. Sighing, he stands back up at a total loss. He didn't have any choice but to go see Austin and leave Scott here.

Looking in to Nate's cubicle, Rick's eyes show he's at his wit's end. "I'm sorry," he apologizes quietly. "Stay here a minute with Scott, would you?"

Trusting Nate, Rick turns around and takes a detour before heading to Austin's office. Stopping at another cubicle, he leans over the wall, tapping on it lightly. "Sapphire?" He looks at her with seriousness, knowing she'd probably heard half of the ruckus already. "I need your help. We have to get your brother out of here before Austin can cause any more damage. I didn't want Scott going to an empty house, but there's not much of a choice left. I'm asking you... would you see if you can get him up and take him home? I'll deal with the fallout from Austin if he finds out."

Scott remains on the floor, tightening his grip around himself. All of this was his fault. People were risking there jobs, all because of him. Why did he have to keep making mistakes? Why did he have to feel so stupid and continue to embarrass himself? He wanted to get up... he wanted to do what Rick asked... but something inside had such a strong hold on his will, that he couldn't. He was so emotionally drained, that the effort of simply getting up and walking to the infirmary was too big of a battle to face. He rocks a little more as if hoping if he could just stay here a little longer that soon all of this would just go away on its own. He just wanted it to go away... he just wanted to stop the pain... stop the fear.