trouble

During the heated argument, Jason’s emotions are already too far out of control for him to realize what he’s doing to Katie. Until he hears her cry out.

Snapping back to attention, he reaches over to her, but it’s almost like an electrical shock – a warning not to strengthen the connection right now.

Withdrawing quickly, he grits his teeth, trying to focus. Trying to calm himself. A severe headache forms, and he can feel his sugar starting to drop.

The voices around him start to muddle together, but when Misty moves to leave, his eyes follow her. Her words hit him like a knife to the gut. Yes… he’d kept a very similar secret once… joining JetStream had all been a secret, and exposed just like tonight. By accident.

"Jason... Jase..."

He blinks and looks down at Jen who had been trying to get his attention. Worry surged through her eyes. "You okay?" She could see his bloodshot eyes and the bead of sweat that trickled down the side of his face, and she knew the dangers.

Jason can feel his hands starting to tremble, and he knew this wasn't good. He manages to shake his head. He had to hang on... just a few more minutes... he had to...

"Phil, help him," Jen directs quietly but firmly.

Phil takes Jason's arm. "What do you need?"

"Nothing." Jason shrugs off Phil's hand. "I need to get out of here." He looks to Katie, his eyes full of apology. But it was too late. He couldn't hang on any longer. His little bout with his own temper had tipped the scales just enough.

Turning around, he heads down the back hall. There was the exit, or a few empty rooms. Anything to get him away from people. He could feel the wave coming. But it was just sitting at the edge and he didn't know why. It felt like he was in a head-on car collision, but everything had paused right before the crash. Something was wrong. Something was missing. He didn't want to force out his emotions on his own, why weren't they affecting him like normal? Why hadn't he broke down yet?

Stopping near the exit, he leans against the wall, feeling weak. But suddenly he realizes what it is. Nothing had triggered a flashback. Flashbacks were what his emotions fed on to cause an eruption, and it hadn't happened. And for the first time, Jason wished it had. He hated living through the living nightmares, but the pain that was starting to surge through his body was worse. For the first time, he had to let his emotions out by himself. But he didn't know how.

Before he realizes it, Jason is on the floor. The lights in the ceiling above him start to flicker, and the door begins to rattle. Curling up into a tight ball, he shakes violently, thrown into a state of almost unconsciousness, his eyes rolling back in his head. The world around him was lost, and he didn't know how to pull himself back out again.


The group from Cryptic, stand confused and concerned, none knowing anything about Jason and Katie, a bit shocked by what was happening around them. They didn't know who to worry about more - Kyle, Katie or Jason.

Axel can feel Jess' uneasiness growing, and doesn't like it. Grabbing an extension cord to roll up, he ignores the episode inside, and ignores his own reasons for not wanting to go back outside either. He gives Jess' shoulder a gentle pat with his hand. "Come on. I need help out with the pickup."

Rocky is close enough to hear, and quirks an eyebrow, but knows what his friend is doing, and is grateful. He felt badly for Jess too. Hopefully it would only take a few minutes for everything to die back down.

JetStream stands stunned and helpless, seeing Jason go down, and Katie on her way down as well. No one knew what to do, and it certainly couldn't be easily explained to their friends who were clueless.


Kyle sits behind his steering wheel, his keys still in his hands as he fidgets with them. Misty opening the passenger door doesn't seem to startle him as he doesn't move.

For a long moment, he doesn't even answer her. His jaw muscles tighten and relax, tighten and relax, proving the tension he was feeling despite his still form. Swallowing hard, he finally turns his head to look at her. His eyes are red, holding back tears he would never dare to let fall in front of anybody. It was apparent that what he was feeling right now ran much deeper than this single incident.

"Not really," he eventually answers quietly. He turns his head to lay his eyes elsewhere. "There's not a whole lot more to say."

Discomfort

Jess starts to help everyone clean up, feeling a little tired she trys to push it away. Everyone seemed like they were having fun and it had been oh so long since the last time she herself had, had fun. Catching the ball of tape as it was thrown to her Jess cant help but throw a sly smerk at Rocky and than back to Max as he bows. Giving her own little dip she cant help but give a small laugh that had been hidden away for so long.

"Why thank you for accepting me into the duck tape community."

Holding the tape up for Axel to see Jess states.

"The storm cloud has some tape incase is breaks again. Maybe I can use it on my car?"

Jess tuns back to helping just letting the comment linger knowing only Axel would know what she was talking about.

Following Jason up to the stage Katie stays close. Feeling Jason's emotions pool she only hopes he can hold on. As she reverts her own attachen to Kyle. Trying her best to make her own peace.

"Kyle you sounded so good. You should of told someone, that way we could of enjoyed it more than keep shock."

As Jason's emotions continue to build Katie can feel herself grow week.

Calm Jason...calm not here...

Knowing his anger and confustion was strong her words were probley going unhurd. As her knees start to buckle Katie reaches out to steady herself on Jason but touching him only intensifies the emotions that were being felt. Trying to keep herself up Katie brings a hand to her head. A small grunting scream comes from her lips as the emotions just become to much to bear.

Standing in the middle of this mess Jess suddanly feels very uneasy again. Trying to consintrat on the little bit she could she takes the tape from Rocky her hand brushing his once or twice before he stands. Just holding the ball of tape Jess trys to block everything out though the small scream from Katie is hurd Jess jumps her eyes were wide now not sure what to think. As Axel comes up next to her Jess jumps again her nerves were now a reck. Listing to his invatation Jess gives a small nod as a whisper escapes her lips.

"I...yeah I will"

Misty stands to the side just watching all that was going on. She wasnt sure to think and it hurt to see her friends fighting. Just listing a funny feeling comes over her. Why was Jason acting like this? Had he forgotten himself already and how it was so long ago. Seeing Kyle leave and how upset he was Misty makes her way up the steps. She needed to talk to Kyle...she had to make sure he was ok. Before leaving out the door Misty turns to Jason. Her eyes show no anger only a plead for him to understand and lighten up a little.

"Hotshot, try to remember a time when your first started with Jetstream you did that same thing. For differnt reasons but for the same purpis."

Leaving out the door Misty makes her way over to Kyle's truck. Opening the door she bends down and peeks inside. Silent for a moment Misty finally speaks.

"You sounded amazing Kyle. Want someone to talk to?"

Exposed

Axel is a little startled as Jess’ hands slip over to his own. His eyes glance to her for just a second before looking back at the stage again. He doesn't let his attention divert from his job, keeping his focus forward, though he does not withdraw from Jess' touch. He could only be grateful she was here tonight - otherwise he'd have a painful ride until he had the time to get his hand working again by himself.

Allowing her to massage the muscles and relax the nerves, finally the pain starts to lessen, the tense shaking beginning to cease as well. Jess had a warm touch... one that Axel found to be more soothing than perhaps he would admit to anyone else.

Feeling better after several minutes, Axel gives Jess' hand a gentle squeeze to let her know before withdrawing to rest his hand on the sound board again.

As the evening continues some people start to filter out while others stay, the last song finally bringing the event to a close. JetStream had long-since found seats in the back, pizza having been forgotten for now.

“Hidden behind the doors of time,
Underneath the shadows.
Lying in wait for the signs,
Mysteries unspoken.

It’s cryptic,
Messages we try to see.
Cryptic.
We try to understand the words.
Buried deep from eyes.
Crying to be heard.
Desperate to be understood.

Whispered beyond a wall unseen,
Secrets kept from dying.
Sheltered from the eyes of greed,
Puzzling words to open.

It’s cryptic,
Messages we try to see.
Cryptic.
We try to understand the words.
Buried deep from eyes.
Crying to be heard.
Desperate to be understood.

Ciphers come in shapes of faith,
Keys in forms of truth.
Maps take on the shapes of hearts,
Willing to be new.

It’s cryptic,
Messages we try to see.
Cryptic.
We try to understand the words.
Buried deep from eyes.
Crying to be heart.
Desperate to be understood.
It’s cryptic.”

Despite the cheers for an encore, the band lets the last notes die away, and with waves of farewell, they make their way offstage. Some of the audience lingers for a few minutes, but volunteers for the fundraiser quickly clear the floor, ushering everyone into another room where there were final opportunities to give to the charities.

Axel leans back in his chair, stretching out from having sat too long. Bringing his arms back down, he accidentally bumps Jess in the head with his elbow. "Oops, sorry." He grins and nudges her on purpose, the tiredness behind his eyes covered up with a rare teasing glint. "You gonna stick around while we pack up? A crippled rainbow like me could use a hand."

Not giving her an opportunity to say no, Axel stands, giving Jess a hand up as well. "Come on. Fun's just starting."

Taylor sets her bass guitar back on its stand and wanders offstage with the others. Her eyes coincidentally browse the scene at the soundboard. For a moment, she just stands and watches. One might be able to see the wheels in her mind turning before she shakes her head and joins her friends.

“Hey, hey, hey!” Max gives Kyle a high-five. “You were awesome, man!”

Kyle gives him a wry grin, not wanting to admit how tired he was. “I was alright.”

“No,” Rocky joins in with emphasis. “You were awesome. How many times do we have to tell you that before you’ll believe it?”

“At least once more,” Taylor teases. She comes up alongside Kyle slinging an arm around his shoulders. “We’ve been trying to convince him for ages to be the one behind the mic on stage.”

Kyle rolls his eyes and heads for one of the boxes to start loading things up. “Yeah, yeah, just keep talking. Poor Logan will feel left out if you keep on saying things like that.”

“He’ll get over it,” Max teases.

“Yeah,” Taylor nods. “He’s the one that’s been talking about pulling out anyway.”

“Logan?” Kyle lifts his eyebrows in surprise as he starts to pack up. “Why?”

“Says he’s tired.”

“Aren’t you all?”

“Yeah, but the rest of us are looking to keep going anyway, even if it’s at a slower pace. Logan’s thinking about pulling out altogether.”

“Wow.”

“Yeah, wow.” Rocky pulls on an extension cord to coil it up. His tone says enough. No one will verbalize it, but everyone is thinking it.

Switching gears, they all jump in to clean up and pack, moving on from the subject. Rocky grabs an already-started ball of duct tape that would grow as tape was pulled up from the floor. “Hey Jess, think fast!” Getting her attention, he hurls the ball in her direction.

“Ooooh.” Max hails Jess with several teasing bows. “Only those in a place of honor may add to the sacred duct tape ball.”

Axel rolls his eyes and wanders from the sound table. “You guys realize you’re nuts, right?”

Rocky grins and tosses Jess a wink. “Yes, Axel. We all know this. But what I don’t know is why a stick-in-the-mud like you continues to hang out with us.”

“Somebody’s got to keep you under control.”

Kyle grins as he works. “Too bad you haven’t accomplished that.”

“Heeey,” Axel growls, though humor is in his tone. “Max, keep this newbie in line.”

“Not me!” Max laughs. “You just said that was your job.”

No one seems to notice the small group still in the back of the room, as the banter continues. Phil looks around to Jason, Mike, Katie and Jen. He didn't want to just up and leave now, but what were they supposed to say? Taking a deep breath, he nods to the stage and starts forward.

Jason is quick to follow, making sure Katie is still with them.
This should be... interesting.

Glancing over his shoulder he spots Misty. He’s seen her from a distance earlier, but hadn’t known that she’d stuck around. He catches her eye for just as moment, suddenly wondering what must be going through her mind as well.

The band approaches Cryptic quietly, observing the laughing and teasing for a couple minutes until Phil speaks. “Well, Kyle…”

Kyle looks up from packing a box, just pulling on his jacket. His smile quickly fades, his face turning to white then red. He’d thought everyone had gone. He’d thought he’d been in the clear. But from the tone of his brother’s voice, he’d been mistaken. JetStream must never have actually left. Kyle searches his brother’s face, unable to recognize the strange tone. “Hi.”

Phil crosses his arms and cocks his head. “You, uh… sounded good.”

Kyle adjusts his jacket collar, clearing his throat. Maybe just staying casual about the whole thing was the best approach. Maybe they could talk more about it later when not everyone was around. “Thanks,” he manages. His eyes glance past Misty, realizing that she was still there as well. The redness in his face increases.

Wanting to avoid any confrontation, Taylor gestures with her head to the door, getting Axel’s attention. “Help me out with this box, will you?”

Unaware of any other intentions, Axel nods and gives Jess a quick look that lets her know he'll be right back. There really wasn't need for her come out just to go back in again. The two exit, leaving the others as they continue to talk.

Phil takes a couple steps closer to Kyle, both JetStream and Cryptic growing quiet. “You just…planned on never letting us in on this or what?”

Rocky keeps low, trying to keep working, despite the tension. He pulls a bit of duct tape up from the floor and passes it to Jess to add to the ball, giving her a slight look of apology. He hoped this little conversation would end quickly.

Kyle can sense the hurt and irritation in his brother, and a guilt forms, even though he’d decided his decision was best. “I…I don’t know. It… wasn’t that big of a deal.”

“Not a big deal?” Phil’s eyes widen. “Singing lead for Cryptic? An even bigger band than JetStream?” He shakes his head, bewildered. “I don’t get it, Kyle. I never even knew you could sing like that, let alone would want to.”

“Maybe you never listened.” Kyle’s tone is quiet, though a million and one emotions flood his eyes. There was only one other person outside of Cryptic who knew his reasons for secrecy. And now… everything would change. He could feel it. One could hear a pin drop. This time, he couldn't even look at Misty.

Jason’s own mind begins to look at this situation, routes and consequences coming left and right. But one thought strikes him hard. JetStream hadn’t ever really needed him.

The guys from Cryptic exchange glances. They knew Kyle had wanted them to keep quiet, but apparently it was a bigger deal than they'd thought.

Rocky steps forward, pushing forth a smile. “Well, I’d say this was one great evening. The audience loved us all, so I say we go celebrate.”

Unfortunately, his enthusiasm isn’t absorbed. Phil and Kyle still lock eyes, neither willing to say what’s on their mind.


Taylor struggles with a heavy tote, trying to lift it into the back of the pickup truck, giving a grunt as it slips, and she barely keeps it from falling to the ground.

Axel steps in quickly to help, at just the angle to reach around her with both arms to catch the tote and add his strength to push it up all the way into the bed.

Taylor grins a little and turns around, face to face with Axel with no space in between. “Thank you.”

“Sure.” Axel turns to go, but Taylor’s hand on his arms stops him and he looks back at her, lifting an eyebrow in question.

“The others can wait,” she comments softly. “Why do you always have to be in a hurry?”

A bit confused, Axel eyes her cautiously, not quite sure what she was getting at.

Seeing that he wasn’t taking the hint, Taylor straightens, bringing herself even closer to him. “Oh come on, Axel…you’re not blind. You've always needed your elbow space. You never let anyone into your zone. But why not? Can't you let me in? Just once?”

Axel can feel the heat creeping up the back of his neck. He'd known that Taylor had liked him, but hadn't expected her to ever be this bold about it, especially since he'd thought he'd given her a strong enough hint that he himself wasn't interested. “Taylor, I…”

She reaches up to put a finger over his mouth. “Don’t say it.” A hope flickers in her eyes that maybe there was something there she could grasp, wishing perhaps the look of rejection in his eye was deceiving... wishing perhaps that if she just had once chance, he would return her feelings.

Axel places a hand on her shoulder to move away, but instead of backing up, Taylor shifts through the opening he’d provided, and reaches her arms around his neck, bringing her lips to his before the opportunity was gone.

Despite her advances, Axel is still taken completely off guard, his eyes widening in shock. As quickly as she’d embraced him, he backs up, removing her hands with a firm grip. His heart racing, he stares at her, stunned.

Reading displeasure on his face, Taylor’s cheeks become red and she swallows hard. He hadn't returned anything at all. He hadn't even faltered for a moment. He hadn't even tried to enjoy her attention “Oh, Axel, I’m…" Her words stick in her mouth. "I just... I thought..." She wasn't even sure what she'd thought. It had been a rash move, and one she now regretted. "I’m so sorry.”

But the damage had been done. Axel slowly lets go of her arms and backs up several more steps, his mind whirling. Not even knowing what to say, he spins on his heel and walks quickly back to the building.

Taylor turns around to rest her hands on the open back end of the pickup. She bites her lip as finally a tear escapes… a tear that signaled the foolishness, embarrassment, and disappointment that she felt. She'd had feelings for Axel for a long time, and somewhere there had been a hope. But she had been wrong. So wrong. And way too impulsive.


Getting back inside, Axel sees the standoff still going on, but would rather be a part of a fight, than remain outside. Trying not to let any emotions show, he moves to pack more boxes. Knowing that his face is flushed, he keeps it hidden, turned away from the others. He would have to somehow deal with this later. He didn't know how, but he'd have to. For now, he doesn't even meet Jess' eyes. He couldn't, until his embarrassment had passed.

Phil and Kyle continue to stare at each other. Jen finally moves forward slowly, trying her best to smooth things over. “You sounded really good, Kyle. But… why didn’t you tell us? Did you think we’d be upset?”

“No, of course not. I just…” Kyle rolls his eyes to the ceiling, letting out a long sigh. “It’s complicated, alright? It was just easier if you guys didn’t know.”

“Thanks,” Jason retorts. “How long you been holding out on everybody?”

“A while.”

Rocky finally comes forward, setting a hand on Kyle’s shoulder, trying to reassure him. They’d been friends for many years, and as the oldest, Rocky had always been the one to look out for the gang. “It’s been a while,” he confirms.

Jen, Phil and Mike exchange glances, all completely confused. “But…” Phil shakes his head. “Why, Kyle?”

“’Cause he knew what y’all would do,” Jason states flatly. His mind had worked quickly, and a conclusion had been drawn. His emotions reflected a strange mixture of irritation, hurt and skewed appreciation.

Phil turns his attention to Jason. “What are you talking about?”

“Me.” Jason cocks his head. “He didn’t want to take the spotlight.” His tone of disapproval overlaps one of realization. “’Cause he’s that good.”

Kyle’s shoulders droop, his eyes finally falling to the floor. Yes… he’d avoided telling anybody his desire to sing… yes, he’d avoided displaying his capabilities… and yes, it was because he had not wanted to take the spotlight in any capacity. He had his place in JetStream, and it was simply not behind the lead microphone. And now… tonight… when he’d had the time of his life, he couldn’t even enjoy it. And it was all his fault.

“I’m sorry,” he apologizes quietly. “I shouldn’t have done this tonight. I shouldn’t have said yes.”

“Don’t say that,” Rocky chides. “We appreciated you, and you were great.”

Phil looks quickly to Rocky, not really upset, but not really liking the affirmation he was dishing out either. “He should have told us though. Even you can’t deny that.”

Rocky shrugs. “Who am I to judge? All I know is that Logan is sick, and we asked Kyle to fill in. End of story.”

“You said it had been a while though. How long is a while?”

Rocky hesitates. “A few years.”

“What?”

Though sworn to secrecy at one point, now wasn’t the time for any more hidden truths. “Last time we were out here… we did a recording with Kyle.” Rocky remains steady, even though his stomach had started to churn. “But he wouldn’t do anything else with it. You guys had a lead singer at the time, and he said his place was behind the keyboard, and writing music. So we didn’t push him.”

“A recording?” Phil’s eyes widen even more. He didn’t need to know every detail of his brother’s life, but this was big stuff, and he was a bit offended that he didn’t know about any of this.

“Yeah, we put it on a CD.”

Kyle’s face grows even hotter. He still had it, and Misty had the only copy. “Look, can we just forget about this?” He raises his head again. “So I sang for a night. It’s over. Cryptic moves on. JetStream moves on.”

“Kinda hard to forget, Kyle,” Jason comments. Though not carrying on any silent conversation with Katie, his emotions were there, and they were going in a direction he didn’t want them to, but he felt unable to stop the negativity. “Maybe you should be singing more for JetStream if it’s what you’re really wanting.”

“No one said it’s what I’m wanting!” Kyle raises his voice a little, throwing his arms in the air. He couldn’t even begin to tell how good it had felt on stage tonight. But he wouldn’t try. He couldn’t. Not to JetStream. It felt too disloyal. “Just forget about it, alright?”

“No!” Jason frowns, his eyes narrowing. “You’ve been holding out on us. And why? Because you think you’re good enough to be the lead singer? Because you think if we thought that, you’d be in the spotlight?” He didn’t want to feel this way. He was sorry as soon as the words were out of his mouth. But his emotions had worked quickly and were now to a point somewhere in the vicinity of self-pride. “So what then? Apparently if you think your position would have changed, you think that I don’t belong where I am.”

“I didn’t say that!” Kyle’s humor and easy-going nature disperses, leaving his raw feelings. “You do belong where you’re at. I just didn’t want to interfere!” Emotions start to pool hot behind his eyes. “I’m sorry, okay?!”

Cryptic stands close, all eyes lower than normal. Even Axel, who didn’t have as long a history here, was now standing nearby, feeling low and not knowing what would happen. He glances in Jess’ direction with a look that said he was sorry for the scene. He had his own little episode with Taylor to be worrying about, but at the moment, this took priority. He felt badly though, that he'd invited Jess, and she had to witness this.

Rocky shakes his head slowly. Kyle was apologizing for finally having been able to live his passion. It wasn’t right. “Look guys, let’s all just cool it, alright? We gotta clean up here, then we all can go relax and think about something else for a while.”

“I want to get this straightened out!” Phil exclaims. “I don’t want to go sit around not talking about something like this.”

Jen looks to her brother, her eyes full of compassion. She didn’t know what to think, but she could see the passion in Kyle’s own eyes, and knew that he was hurt. What he needed right now was a pat on the back, not to be yelled at. He’d done nothing wrong. “It’s okay, Kyle,” she says quietly. “You did good.”

Kyle scoffs and shakes his head. “No, I didn’t. Does this look good to you?” He looks around at all the others… all the eyes that were aimed in his direction. “No… no, I didn’t do a good job. Y’all pack up and go celebrate the good night, okay?” His tone has dropped back down to a more mellow voice, full of sorrow, not anger. “I’m tired, so I’m just gonna go home early.” Turning around, he trudges for the exit. Making it outside, he gets to his truck, and just leans against it for a moment, trying to gain control of his emotions.

Inside, Jason has a hard time communicating with Katie, all his mixed feelings getting in the way. Part of him knew he'd been wrong to get so upset, while part of him couldn't get past it. He shifts his weight uneasily, his eyes roving every which-way.

Phil and Jen look to each other but stay quiet, Mike standing near as well, not knowing how to respond either.

The men from Cryptic start moving slowly back to their work. Despite this argument, they still needed to clear out of the building. Axel is finally able to move past his own little experience, enough to approach Jess again. "Um... we'll be going out for pizza after we're loaded up. You're welcome to join us." He hoped the invitation would serve as the apology it was meant to be.

Confustion

As Jetstream makes it way on stand Katie moves into her own position giving a wave and smile as she see Misty. Tonight the sound box was a tad bit crowded so she would take stance at the left side of the stage.

The night rolls on and the hour of Jetstream is good like always. Katie enjoys it and only wish that it would not end but the night could not last forever.

As Misty stands in the crowd though she was alone tonight she enjoyed herself. It was always fun and out of the norm to come to a consert and tonight she got an added bonus of hearing something new.

As the hour ends Katie helps Jetstream pack up she heads outside. It had been a long night already and Katie was starting to get tired. Though through her drowsyness Katie can sence something odd with Kyle.

I've kind of beeing getting that vibe myself. I dont know whats been up with him latly.

Rolling her eyes she gets into the car with Jason and waits.

Misty sits in the crowd and waits. The music of Cryptic starting slowly. Than as the deep voice it hurd a smile spreads across Misty's face. What a nice saprise this was. There was no doubt that it was the same voice on the tape she had to Kyle. Over joyed to see him live and not to mention seeing him dressed differntly Misty keeps her eyes locked on him staying hyped with the crowd.

At one of the short breaks Jess leans over to Axel and smiles.

"This is a blast. I didnt know your friend from Cryptic sang like this as well. Thats some real talent to go from one thing to the next."

Continuing the listen Jess gets lost almost in the music forgetting around the crowded room she was in and just enjoying the time.

As the soft music starts and Axel's own voice can be hurd mixed with Kyle's on a song Jess slowly turns her head and looks at Axel. Almost stunned that it was him singing.

As the next song starts a little slower than the others Misty's eyes never leave Kyles as a strange feeling stirs deep in her stomach. Continuing to listen the song seems to hit home as a small tear rolls down Misty's cheek.

Katie automaticly follows Jason back into the buidling. Hearing the loud music inside Katie dosnt even relize it is Kyles voice singing at first. Making it through the next set of doors where everyone alse was standing. Looking at the stage and seeing Kyle Katie's mouth almost hand open. This was something this...this was....Kyle?

Wow....

Misty continues to listen maybe even more intently than the others. To her this song had a differnt meaning. It wasnt just a song, this hit cords inside of her that made the silent tears fall. As the ending of the song comes Misty finally brings a hand to her face and flicks the tears away.
Kyle had loved her? Why had he never said anything?

As Katie stands in the back with the other she wasnt sure what to think. Kyle sounded good, but the mixed emotions were stranged. Feeling Jason's emotions as well Katie wants to say something but she can feel Jason dosnt want to talk about it. What did this mean now?

The night moves on Jess become more and more impressed enjoying Rocky's voice along with the others she cant help but throw him a smile here and there.

At one point Jess sifts just a little and gives a glance noticing that Axel had his one hand in his lap. Just watching for a moment she can tell it was starting to bother him. If he was going to finish out the night he needed to stop and uncramp it but Jess new he couldnt. Slowly not skipping a beat or drawing attachen to them Jess slowly slips her hand into Axel's as she feels it tremble. Bringing her other hand over to it she gently starts to rub. She would do her best to try and uncramp it for Axel so he could continue. It was the least she could do for him.

The night rolls on

Scott hears Misty come up beside him, so for once, he isn't startled. He gives her a grateful nod. "Thanks. I'll try to eat something... if I don't, I'll just hear it from Rick later." A bit of dry humor seeps into his tone, a rarity for him as of late.

"Have fun and... tell everyone I'm listening, okay?"

Watching Misty leave, Scott's eyes stay on her for several moments. With her back to him, her hair waved gently in the breeze, the setting sun to her back, casting a long shadow in front of her.

Click.


Jason grins as Katie walks away, and takes a bite of his sandwich.

Mm... I'll have to keep my eye out for those monsters. I don't want them hogging the spotlight.

"Jase, you got that music I gave you?"

Jason's thoughts are halted and he stands up to rummage through one of JetStream's boxes for Mike. "Yeah...um... give me a sec."


Rocky looks up quickly as the door opens and a warm smile spreads on his face. "Hey, she made it!" He straightens from his work and nods. "Yep. Glad you came in this way. If you hadn't, we woulda had to rescue you from the overenthusiastic charity volunteers up front."

Axel offers a wry grin and waves Jess over. "You got here just in time. I need a storm cloud over here to help me with the sound check."

Once she's joined him, Axel points out the others in the room, giving her a brief rundown of who was who and what was happening.

One might miss the look that crosses Taylor's face as she sees Axel inviting Jess to be with him at the table. It was hard to determine whether Axel himself didn't see it, or if he consciously ignored it. Either way, Taylor wasn't the only one who found the situation out of the ordinary. Axel had always made it a point that the sound table was his space, not to be invaded. Seeing him allow anyone back there, let alone a woman, was more than rare. Nothing is said though, and the set up and sound check goes as normal for both JetStream and Cryptic.

It's not long before the crowd is allowed into the room and seats are being filled up. JetStream prepares backstage, changing clothes and running over their routine one more time as Jen remains beside the sound table to help run the sound with Axel.

The concert is a blast. Jason envelopes himself in his role on stage, pushing everything else aside, if only for an hour. The audience loves the band as always, and the guys get everyone involved, clapping and laughing at their routine of silly antics in between songs. Kyle banters with Phil and Jason well, keeping up on the keyboard and a few backup vocals. Jason stays in the spotlight though, loving every minute, and doing better on guitar than any other concert. Every once in a while he communicates with Katie, no one knowing why he was smiling.

By the time there's a short break before Cryptic, JetStream is half exhausted and half hyped up. Clearing their own equipment offstage is easy and doesn't take long at all, leaving Cryptic's own setup ready to go.

Axel stretches back in his seat and yawns, ready for the next round. He gives Jess a sidelong glance with a small grin. "Having fun yet?"


Backstage, JetStream finishes up their own work for the night.

“Sticking around?” Kyle questions.

“Thought we would.” Phil nods. “Might as well. I wanna see Cryptic play too.”

Kyle helps pack up some of the guitars, glancing over his shoulder as his nerves rise. “Well we’ve heard them a million times. How about we go to Mom and Pop’s or something?”

Phil looks at him with confusion. “What? Why? You don’t want to stay?”

Kyle shrugs. “Figured we would go out afterward anyway, we could meet them there or something.”

“Well it’ll be at least forty-five minutes until they’re done, then they gotta pack everything up too.”

Jason coils up a cord and cocks his head. “What up, Kyle?”

Kyle won’t look him in the eye. “Just tired I guess.” He shrugs. “I know Jen’s tired too, so I just figured we’d stick together.”

Jen joins in from where she sat nearby. “I am pooped, though I did want to hear Cryptic. But if the rest of you want to go, that’s fine. I know the other guys won’t care if we go or stay.”

Jason shrugs. “I guess I don’t care one way or the other. I’ve heard ‘em practice… not like we never hear them. Might be nice for them if we stay in the crowd or help ‘em pack up later, but…whatever.”

Strange. Kyle usually isn’t a party pooper.

Mike shrugs too. “Well if nobody really cares, we might as well go get pizza or something. No sense in sticking around if we’re that enthusiastic about it.”

Kyle closes up the last box and heads to take it to the trucks. Within minutes, everything is loaded up. Without the sound system to load, the band had made quick their wrap-up work as planned.

“Looks like we’re ready to roll.” Kyle sets his hands on his hips and glances around the room.

“Looks like it,” Phil agrees. “Alright… let’s move out. Pizza?”

“Pizza.” Jason nods.

As the group heads to the door, Kyle suddenly stops. “Oh, guys… I forgot something. Go on ahead, alright? I’ll catch up.”

Jen lifts her eyebrows in surprise. “Need help?”

“No… no, I’m good.”

Jason’s eyes narrow slightly at the odd tone in Kyle’s voice.

I feel like something is going on… I don’t know… I'm not used to feeling this way about Kyle. Maybe he’s just in some kind of funk or something.

The others shrug it off and head out, Kyle watching as they go. As soon as the door is shut, he spins around and sprints to the backstage rooms.

“Man, where you been?”

Kyle rolls his eyes at Max. “Long story.”

Rocky sticks his head in the door. “Three minutes, guys. This may just be a fundraiser, but we got ancy hosts out there. Let’s roll.”

In less time than that, Kyle has changed into a pair of jeans with holes in the knees, a black tee and black lace-up boots instead of his sneakers. Giving a quick look to the mirror, he grabs a bit of gel and messes up his hair, letting it fall where it would. Slapping on his leather wrist band, he’s the last to leave the room, but it’s according to plan anyway.

“Oh, shoot.” Phil snaps his fingers and turns around, just as JetStream gets to the vehicles. “Kyle’s absentmindedness must be contagious. I need to go talk to the hosts – they wanted to go ahead and mark their calendars for next year already. Wait for me?”

“Yeah, sure.” Jason waves him off. “We’ll wait.”

The room goes dark. Those who have stayed are ones that have looked forward to a bit harder style of music, some already fans of Cryptic. A few whistles ring out as they wait for the last part of the show to start.

Axel’s fingers move along the control board, knowing just when to time things, having memorized where every switch was.

A fog machine sends a mist up around the stage and a strobe light is set off. In a moment of apparent confusion, suddenly the red and white lights over the stage switch on, the same moment Joel starts in with the bass drum. Next, Taylor comes in on the bass, joined by Max on guitar and finally Rocky’s keyboard. For several measures, the front of the stage remains bare, the audience waiting in anticipation.

Timed to perfection, all instruments stop on the same beat, leaving a deafening silence. Kyle hits the stage running, sliding to his place behind the microphone, dead center in the spotlight.

“Break out!”

As soon as the words are out of his mouth, the music starts again, the rock beat driving the heavy rhythm of the song.

“Of the things you do.
Break out!
Oh yeah, I’m telling you.
Break out!
No plan is fool proof.
Don’t get caught up in this world,
Don’t get caught without a clue.
Don’t be silenced by the rules.
Break out!”

The audience erupts to sing and clap along, the music shaking the room. Kyle’s one hand remains on his microphone stand, the other encouraging the audience to keep up their energetic clapping.

“We’re trapped alone tonight.
We know it in our souls.
What we seek we cannot find,
‘Cause our hearts have turned to stone.
Forget about that weakness.
Forget about those lies.
Forget the patterns taught to us.
It’s time to stand and fight.

Break out!”

Half-blinded by the bright lights, Kyle’s eyes roam the shadowy audience until finally finding Misty. Needing a point to focus on, he chooses her to stay in his sights as the chorus is repeated, swinging into the second verse. The stunned form at the back of the room goes unseen.

“We’re in a war without a will,
To stand for what we know.
What we want we cannot feel,
‘Cause our hearts have turned to stone.
Forget about that sorrow.
Forget about those fears.
Forget the triumphs never won.
It’s time to stand and fight.

Break out!
Of the things you do.
Break out!
Oh yeah, I’m telling you.
Break out!
No plan is fool proof.
Don’t get caught up in this world,
Don’t get caught without a clue.
Don’t be silenced by the rules.
Break out!

Plans. They all unfold tonight.
Crimes. They plague our hometown streets.
War. It’s what we’re living for.
Peace. It’s what we’re dying for.

Break out!
Of the things you do.
Break out!
Oh yeah, I’m telling you.
Break out!
No plan is fool proof.
Don’t get caught up in this world.
Don’t get caught without a clue.
Don’t be silenced by the rules…

Break out!”

All notes end on the same beat, leaving the stage silence to be overcome by the audience’s loud enthusiasm. Without a rest though, Joel hits off the next song with a steady beat.

Kyle puts his hands over his head and claps to the drums, furthering interaction with the audience.

“Come on, let me see those hands up. Come on. Yeah, that’s right.” He nods, then sends his hands back to the microphone, listening for the right time to come in.

“Silence. Like a fog drifting in.
Raindrops. Like tears fall to earth.
Whispers. Like fire burning hearts.
Storm clouds. Like lighting from our eyes.

Oh it’s a sad day, sad day.
Why have you not listened?
Oh it’s so painful, painful.
What more could I have said?”

Kyle’s voice is joined by Rocky’s, blending together to put an edge to the lyrics amidst the instrumental sounds. Rocky's eyes drift over the small audience, every once in a while making eye contact with Axel, or landing on Jess, a hint of a grin cracking his mouth as he sings.

“Terror. Like a river flooding fields.
Thunder. Like grief to make one cry.
Secrets. Like words chained to stone.
Sunshine. Like an eclipse born of greed.

Oh it’s a sad day, sad day.
Why have you not listened?
Oh it’s so painful, painful.
What more could I have said?

You decided not to listen.
You opted not to hear.
I tried to tell you,
Tried to warn you.
But you listened to the world.

Oh it’s a sad day, sad day.
Why did you not head my words?
Oh it’s so painful, painful.
To see you lose this game.
Oh it’s a sad day, sad day.
Why have you not listened?

Listen to me.
There’s still time.”

As the second song ends, Phil continues to stand, his eyes wide, his mouth almost hanging open. Staring at the stage, he can’t believe what he sees. He can’t believe what his ears are hearing. No way. Kyle??!

“Phil, what’s taking you?” Mike nudges his arm. “Are you…” His voice trails off as he follows Phil’s gaze. Expecting to see Rocky leading the songs, his eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “What…”

Max’s fingers strum the strings of his guitar, beginning a slower song, the eerie tones drifting through the room, almost hypnotizing the audience. The room settles down to listen.

This time, Kyle’s voice isn’t joined by Rocky, but by someone else. Only those paying attention would realize that Axel has donned a cordless mic while continuing to run the sound. His eyes bounce from Kyle to the switches, while his tenor voice blends in harmony behind Kyle’s.

“It seems just like yesterday,
We went our separate ways.
The tears we shed.
The words we said,
They didn’t change a thing.
But my heart still beats within my chest.
A rhythm driving me.
It beats to love that still remains,
True to only you.

How could we have left that way?
How did we give up?
How did we let freedom lose?
When did the curtain fall?"

Kyle's eyes automatically find other targets within the audience. Perhaps it was deliberate. Perhaps it was unconscious. But Misty wasn't focused on for this one.

"It seems a million years away,
The price we both did pay.
We said goodbye.
We told our lies,
That we no longer cared.
But my heart still beats within my chest,
A pulse that’s driving me.
It lives for love that still remains,
True to only you."


Jason ambles back towards the building, throwing a glance over his shoulder at Katie.

I don't know what's taking so long, but let's go see. At this rate, we might as well stay for the whole thing and forget about pizza for now.

It doesn't take long for the rest of JetStream to be at the back of the room, eyes wide, all listening.

Jason stares at the front of the stage, his ears picking up on the strong tones of Kyle's voice he'd never heard before. Surprise courses through him, along with a bit of irritation for not knowing.

What on earth... how come he didn't tell anybody? Why have we never seen him sing like this before?!


"Why did we just leave that way?
Why did we give up?
Why did we let freedom lose?
How did our pride just win?

I want to travel back in time.
To change that lonely day.
I want to travel back in time.
To change the words I said.

‘Cause I can’t just leave that way.
I can’t give up on us.
I can’t let freedom lose this way.
I can’t just say goodbye.

No I can’t just say goodbye.
My heart lives for love that still remains.
Baby, I love you.”

As the audience erupts again, a small grin curls Axel’s mouth as he takes off his mic and readjusts the sound once more. A smile is on Kyle’s face too, though no time is there for enjoying the moment. Cryptic’s routine was faster paced than JetStream’s, leaving fewer pauses between songs, and more time for hyping up the audience.

“Rising high above the rest,
My soul combats with my flesh.
I want to be, I want to win.
Want to lose myself within.

Towers all around me,
Mountains to be climbed.
All the while I’m living lies,
Running from the truth.

I need to fall deeper.
Deeper into your arms.
I need to fly further.
Further into your grace.
I need more devotion.
Completely devoted to you.
I need to fall.
Deeper into you.

Running faster than the rest,
My soul combats with my flesh.
I want to see, I want to rise.
Want to win myself the prize.

Cheering all around me.
Races to be won.
All the while I’m a dying man,
Restless beyond the hope.

I need to fall deeper.
Deeper into your arms.
I need to fly further.
Further into your grace.
I need more devotion.
Completely devoted to you.
I need to fall.
Deeper into you.

Deeper.
Why can’t I ever find my way?
Further.
Why can’t I ever seem to be?

I need to fall deeper.
Deeper into your arms.
I need to fly further.
Further into your grace.
I need more devotion.
Completely devoted to you.
I need to fall.
Deeper into you.
Yeah…
Deeper into you.”

Kyle grabs a swing from a water bottle, nodding to the others to keep it rolling. They normally would have had some sort of pause, but tonight it was getting late, and the fundraiser couldn't last all night. Starting into the next song, Kyle's voice is strong.

Jason leans back against the wall, folding his arms across his chest. He glances to Mike, Phil and Jen to see the expressions on their faces. They were surprised… confused… a little hurt… but also pleased so see Kyle like this. Jason tries to dissect is own feelings. He was surprised too… and confused… and yeah, a little hurt… Was he also pleased to see Kyle like this? He wanted to be. But all of a sudden, a new emotion had risen. He wasn’t even sure what to label it as. It was something he didn’t like… something that didn’t make him feel good… something that almost made him wonder about his own significance within the band from here on out.

Keeping his eyes forward, he doesn’t look to Katie. He knew she’d be feeling what he was, but at the moment, he really didn’t want a communication over it.

The night rolls on with more songs, Taylor taking over the chorus of one, though most lead is continued to be sung by Kyle. The audience keeps up with Cryptic’s energy, while the band hid their weariness well.

During one song though, few would realize that Axel now only had one hand on the sound board. Hiding in the darkness of his location, his other hand lay in his lap, surging with pain as it trembled uncontrollably. Gritting his teeth, he keeps going, unable to stop and tend to it.