Inner storm

Scott’s foot automatically lets up a little on the accelerator as he listens to Hope. They were already close to the sub shop he’d been thinking about anyway, so he pulls up to the curb and kills the engine.

Turning his head, he studies Hope for a moment. Though he’d felt alone and shoved in a corner for almost two months, gunner had taught him a lot… and one thing he’d learned was listening for the way someone spoke… and there was something in Hope’s voice that said there was more to this than just some misunderstanding with a no-name client.

Scott swallows hard, and fidgets with the car keys. “It’s me, isn’t it…” The embarrassment had already seeped into his tone. “But… but why? Or how? I mean… you haven’t done anything wrong…”


Jason manages to pick himself partway up off the floor, but he sinks down again, this time with his head in Katie’s lap. Picking at the orange, he finally eats a small slice or two, waiting for it to take effect.

It’s not going to work out… not until something breaks. Ever sine the beginning, it’s just been… waiting to happen. Everybody winds up hurt… I’m always the one instigating the problems. If I could just learn to… to… I don’t know.

His eyes are closed and though he doesn’t want to rely on their connection, with his body so weak, the emotions take over, flowing steadily to Katie, soothing his inner storm.