Emergency Meeting

Just the thought of going to get his dog, Scott relaxes a little bit. He hadn't seen Domino for several days, and missed her something awful.

He directs Hope to Katie and Laura's house, finding that at least he had something to talk about that way. Once there, he just has Hope pull up to the curb, and he gets out himself to get Domino. Walking quickly up the short sidewalk, he heads to the porch, then fishes in his pocket. Laura had given him a key just for this reason.

He hears his dog barking on the other side of the door, and a small grin surfaces. "Just me, Domino," he greets.

Without even seeing him, Domino's bark shifts to an anxious yip as she waits.

Scott fools with the key for a moment before finally getting inside, and he's met with an excited furball, jumping up and down on his legs, begging for his attention. A smile curls his lips and he bends down to pick her up, burying his face in her soft warmth. Receiving lots of slobbery kisses, he sets her back down and looks around for her leash. "Come on," he croons. "We're going for a walk."

Domino races to the other end of the living room where she digs through her mess of toys to reveal her leash. Picking it up in her mouth, she trots back to Scott, tripping once as she accidentally steps on the leash as she goes.

Scott shakes his head in amusement. "Guess you're feeling cooped up too, aren't you?" Getting her clipped onto the leash, he jots a quick note to Laura in case she came back over lunch, then leaves again, locking the door behind him.

Domino trots obediently at her master's heel, her ears perked, alert to every sight and sound. Getting to the car, she hesitates, sniffing warily. Scott gets inside and sits, looking back out at his dog. "Well come on. I told Hope you liked car rides."

Domino cocks her head to look around Scott at the stranger. She comes closer slowly, then decides it must be safe if Scott is there. Hunkering down, she springs up to jump into Scott's lap for the ride.

Scott shuts the door and buckles himself in, already feeling better with the new company. "Domino, Hope... Hope, Domino."

The little dog sniffs in Hope's direction, giving a little woof.

Scott pats her on the back. "She's alright," he assures. "It's her car we're in after all. You should be nice to her."

Domino responds by cautiously stepping forward and stretching her neck out to sniff Hope's hand, then lick her fingers. Then, as if the introduction was over, she turns around, makes one circle, then sits in Scott's lap, facing the windshield. She was ready.

Scott rolls his eyes. "Are you quite ready?"

Domino woofs softly, paying great attention to the road ahead as if she were in control of the moving vehicle.

Though the ride is quiet, Scott's hand constantly stroke's his dog, not realizing just what an impact she had on his own demeanor. Arriving to the park, he's relieved to see it's fairly quiet today, and they had their pick of tables to finish their lunch at.

Getting out of the car, Domino strains against her leash, sniffing everywhere and proving her energy by wrapping her leash around Scott's legs several times. It was a miracle he didn't trip and fall, but he didn't reprimand her - he was too glad to be playing with her to care.

They find a nearby table, and Scott sits across from Hope, opening up the styrofoam take-out box. Domino proves she knows exactly what those kinds of boxes hold. Putting her front paws up on the bench, she begs her master with a sorrowful look.

"Uh-uh." Scott shakes his head. "I know Laura fed you this morning."

Sighing, Domino sits back down, but then gets a better idea. She goes around the other side of Scott, jumps up on the bench next to him, and rest her chin on the table. Her ears perked and her eyes shining big and bright, it would take a cold heart to ignore her.

Scott smirks, then looks to Hope. "Did I mention she knows how to get her way?" Shaking his head, he picks out a piece of chicken from his food, and hands it to her. Domino takes it ever so gently, chewing it in a very lady-like fashion.

Distracted from the way his stomach had felt earlier, Scott manages to take another bite himself.

Satisfied that she got a taste, Domino jumps back onto the ground, and suddenly shoots across the grass, dragging her leash along with her.

Scott looks up, raising his eyebrows. "Hey!" he calls after her. "Where do you think you're going?"

Domino had her eye on a stick that was just her size, and didn't stop until she had it between her teeth. Showing off her trophy, she comes bounding back to the table. Halfway there though, her foot lands on her leash. Coming to an abrupt halt, she rolls too summersaults, the stick flying.

Blinking, she rights herself, the leash now hanging over her ears as a head ornament. But retaining her dignity, she picks her stick back up and continues her route, this time keeping her speed to a trot.

A genuine smile surfaces on Scott's face, followed by a quiet laugh. Some might not think a thing of it. But anybody having spent time with him since his return would surely notice that this was indeed rare.

Domino comes back to the table, proudly bearing her stick, completely oblivious to the fact that she looked hilarious with her leash draped over her head. Aiming for Hope, she drops the stick near her feet and sits down, waiting. The leash slowly slides from her head and back onto the ground.

Scott fidgets with his fork, a small smile still faintly visible. "She doesn't ask just anybody to throw toys for her."


Rocky paces his apartment, undecided and uncomfortable. He had to tell the others. He had to. He couldn't just let this go. They would need an explanation, not to mention, they had to decide very quickly about tonight's concert. Axel... one of their own... had a past no one could have imagined. Whether he'd stayed clean during the last year or not, how could they trust him? How could they just ignore what had been discovered? Acting Christian about it was one thing. Forgiving was one thing. But for the sake of all involved, distrust was a given, and he wouldn't feel guilty about feeling that distrust. Friend or foe, a past like that couldn't just slide by unnoticed. Axel had been secretive at the very least, which only increased suspicion of his current intentions.

Finally, Rocky picks up the phone and dials Joel. "Joel, it's Rocky. Emergency Cryptic meeting. No, it can't wait. We need to meet now. My place is fine. Call Kyle too."


Ryder's eyes widen as Katie makes a dash to join the brawl. He makes a step back out of the way, and just watches, surprised that everybody was this loose when they had such and intense mission. Then again, what else were they supposed to do?

Getting knocked off of Carson, Jason lets out a yelp. "Hey! Whose side are you on?"

"Oh, Katie, you are my hero!" Carson laughs.

"Sure..." Jason wrestles Katie to the side. "He needs a girl to take me down."

"I almost had you," Carson defends as he lies on his back, still panting.

Jason struggles with Katie, finally pinning her on her back. "Aha! See what you get for interfering? Now you'll have to pay." He leans in close, ready to give her a kiss.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Carson shifts, quickly wrapping his legs around Jason's waist and throwing him backward. "No smooching on the job!"

Ryder quirks an eyebrow. Was it all fun and games between Jason and Katie, or had he missed something?

As Jason flies back, his head lands on a table leg and he groans. "You realize when you hurt me, you hurt her," he accuses.

"Only if you let it," Carson counters, pulling himself up in a sitting position.

Jason throws him a look. "Since when did you become so wise about this?"

"Well somebody has to keep you two in line."

"And you think you're capable of that?"

Carson shrugs. "With you, maybe. But not this sheila over here."

"Now that I believe."

Ryder shakes his head and moves to the refrigerator. Part of him was amused, and part of him wished he could join the fun, but he wasn't quite sure how to break into this group. They were different than others from TJY he'd met. Opening the fridge, he scans the contents and grimaces. Going for the freezer, he sees a few steaks. "Anybody up for beef for supper?"

Carson perks up and pulls himself up off the floor. "Only if I get to cook it."

Seeing the coast is clear, Jason crawls back over to Katie, stealing the kiss he'd attempted earlier.
Ha! Poor guy doesn't even know what's hit him with the two of us.

Carson keeps his back turned. "Cut it out you two, you're embarrassing the rest of us."

Ryder throws Carson a look of question, which is answered by a roll of the eyes. Ah, so Jason and Katie were together then. Ryder was even more embarrassed about the day before now, and was glad Katie hadn't told anyone of his little diversion.

Never Fear

As Rocky takes Jess hand she can feel the gentilness and the yurning to help take awau her hurt though he new there really was no way. Jess new he was trying to help but all she wanted to do was hide. Run away from her mind and run away from everything right now.

Looking down at Rocky's hand on her she slowly brings her other hand to his and for a moment lays it on top of it. A signal that had been ok. Hearing his offer that if she needed anything Jess tucks it into the back of her mind. Watching Rocky turn and start to walk away Jess gives a reply after him before turning and makeing her own way inside.

"Thank you and the same goes for you. I'll see ya in a few days."

Turning Jess makes her way inside and shuts the door locking it behind her. Now that she was alone the tears fall from her eyes. Going into her bed room Jess sinks down on the bed and burrys her face in the pillow just letting them come.

Getting the food togther and ready to go Hope starts in the direction of the park. Hearing Scott's request a smile spreads across Hopes face.

"It just so happens I do like dogs and I would love to meet Domino. Lead the way!"

If getting Domino would help Scott relax than by almeans Hope was not aganst it. She did like dogs herself after all.

Not being able to contain her laughter Katie just shakes her head giving her own cheers here and there. Turning to Ryder she shakes her head.

"Oh they are always like this...well we all are actully when we get bored and have to much energy and no where to direct it."

Giving another laugh Katie's face lights up as her eyes just sparkle. Carson and Jason sure did look like they were having fun. Not being able to handle it anymore a cruded grin forms on her face as her mind starts to whip up ideas.

"But you know what they say you cant beat them join em!"

Giving a running start Katie aims for Carson and Jason as Jason still had Carson pinned to the ground.

"Never fear Hero is here."

Leaping Katie catches Jason and tackles him off of Carson to the ground laughing hystaricly as she lays in a heap with them.

Oaf

Rocky watches Jess, wishing he could do more. He didn't know if he felt worse for himself or her.

"Yeah... I guess it is kinda hard on me too." He swallows hard, his eyes drifting down. "I'll have to tell the others too... I wouldn't feel right leaving them in the dark." He shakes his head, a sorry laugh surfacing. "And we have a concert tonight... Guess maybe we'll have to cancel for the first time in Cryptic's history."

Taking a deep breath, he turns and gets out of the car, coming around to Jess' side as she gets out too. "I'll call somebody to come pick me up, but I'll start walking in my car's direction."

He hesitates, looking at Jess with so much compassion that it almost hurt. He knew that he couldn't overstep any bounds with her - not only because of her own past, but today most certainly hadn't helped her uneasiness around men.

His eyes ask for permission before he reaches over to take her hand and give it a reassuring squeeze. "If you need anything... if anything happens... or even if you just want to talk... please call." He knew they didn't know each other all that well... and Jess might not even trust him any further than the few lunches they'd had together. But for some reason, he was drawn to trying to make her feel better, and as strange as it felt, he knew that if he lost her friendship through this whole thing, he'd miss her.

Rocky finally lets go of Jess' hand and backs up a step, ready to turn and head out to the street. "I'll see you soon."


Axel sat in his chair in the dim light that tried to break through the closed blinds over the window. He felt numb, yet in excruciating pain at the same time. Over and over and over again, he saw the look in Rocky's eye, and he saw the look on Jess' face. They thought he was a monster.

Bending forward, he puts his face in his hands. The embarrassment was immeasurable. The shame was off the charts. He grew hot in the face just thinking about it.

His stomach churned. He didn't know how Rocky had found out, but it must have been some horrid chain of events after Darrel had found out. Axel had known the word might spread, but he hadn't thought it would be that fast, and he'd hoped... he'd hoped Jess wouldn't ever know. Any woman, let alone one with a past like hers, would never want to speak to him again. This storm produced no joy... this storm emitted no light to form a glow after the rain.

Axel know that shortly, all of Cryptic would know. Rocky wouldn't keep it a secret. Axel was as good as off the band now. Cryptic was what had gotten him back on his feet... and he knew that now he would not be allowed back on that team. And why should they let him be? It could really hurt the band if the public knew... and eventually, they probably would.

He was facing the loss of his job, the loss of his apartment, and the loss of all his friends. He was facing the reality that he might as well not even be here anymore. With his past exposed, he wouldn't be able to live here... not and have to endure the looks in people's eyes... the fear... the wondering. No one would trust him again. Taylor would probably freak. The guys would all be upset like Rocky. Carson... well, Axel didn't know what he'd think. Then Jess... back to Jess... Oh, how much pain that thought caused, to try and comprehend what she must think of him, and what she must feel as a result.


Scott looks up at Hope, knowing good and well that she could see his discomfort. He wished he could be doing better... he wished he could have made more progress for her. He knew it made her happy when he made steps forward. But today... this atmosphere... it was just a little too much.

Finally, he gives a little nod. "Okay... the park is alright..." He forces an apologetic smile. "...not so many walls."

Once their food is put in take-out boxes and they're in Hope's car, heading for the park, Scott bites his lip, glancing ahead to a street that didn't lead to the park. "Um..." He felt a bit uneasy in the car with her, and even more so, making this request. But he wanted to. "If... if I show you how to get there, we can pick up Domino... and take her to the park with us? I'd... kinda like you to meet her." Then he hesitates. "I mean... if you don't mind dogs? Or mind them in your car?"

He grimaces a little at his own awkward sentences. "Or never mind... we can just go and eat."


Kyle flops down in a kitchen chair and peels a banana for breakfast. Sifting through some mail and papers on the table, he realizes that Phil and brought home the What's Up? magazing. Not having yet had time to read the whole article Alice had written, Kyle flips to it and leans his elbows on the table, settling in to read.

A small smile comes to his lips. He'd never been this important before... Maybe he'd balk at the attention, but a part of him did feel good. Someone had noticed him... someone had taken interest... someone thought he was worth the bother to write about.

Finishing his banana, Kyle gets up, and takes the magazine back to his bedroom where he put it in his drawer. It wouldn't be going in the trash.


Jason is at the kitchen window and lets a laugh slip at Katie's comment.

Carson glances up from the table and quirks an eyebrow at them, giving Katie an annoyed, but humorous look. "And what are you two laughing at?"

Jason intervenes. "Inside joke."

"Inside, my foot," Carson retorts. "On second thought, if you two have been talking behind my back, maybe I don't want to know what it was about."

Jason tosses Katie a wink, then chuckles, shaking his head. He walks behind Carson's chair, that was tipped back on its back legs. He gives a light kick at just the right angle to send the chair sliding off balance.

Carson's feet fly off the table, but instead of just falling like Jason wanted, he reaches back behind his head and grabs Jason. Both wind up on the floor instead of just Carson, and after a short struggle on the floorboards, Carson's got Jason pinned down on his stomach, one arm pressed to his back. "Though you could get away with that, did you, hmm?"

Jason laughs, despite his position. "Get off, ya big oaf."

"Oaf? Oaf?" Carson tightens his grip and the pressure to Jason's arm. "Who you calling an oaf?"

Out of breath, Jason struggles under Carson's weight. "Watch it or I'll bring the light down on your head."

Carson grins. "Can't beat me without that power of yours, eh?"

Somehow, Jason manages to wriggle out of Carson's grasp, flip around and reverse the hold, now pinning Carson down.

Ryder wanders in from the living room, casually watching the friendly wrestling match. He hooks his thumbs in his jeans pockets and leans on the doorway, then glances to Katie. "Those two always go at it, or is it this great Austrailan air getting to them?" He knew that it was just boredom, and though it was wasting energy, at least they weren't killing each other.

Bozo

Not even relizing they where back at her place Jess just stairs a head for a long moment. One would think her silence ment she hadnt hurd Rocky but she had...oh how she had. Her mind was just trying to process everything and it was doing it at a slow pace as she felt so stunned.

Turning to Rocky Jess takes her keys and just plays with them for a moment till she finally looks up and speaks.

"It probley could of been handled differntly but I guess I cant blame you for what you did. I cant say if I was you I would of done something differntly."

Letting out a sigh Jess just sits again she still hurt and all she wanted to do was cry but she wouldnt let herself she couldnt, she had to be strong.

"Thank you Rocky for wanting to protect me, that means alot."

And really it did. Jess never had somone say they wanted to protect her before and though in a side time it did kind of make Jess feel good, but still at a time like this it didnt help enough.

Laying a hand on her door handle Jess opens it and than turns back to Rocky again. She wanted a hug, she wanted to be comfort but to ask for it was hard not to mention it kind of scaired her just a little. Jess had been long for so long, that actully wanting someone alse was diffenrt.

"Thank you again Rocky. I'm...sorry this happend I know it must be hard on you as well."

Being able to sence Scott akwardness Hope offers him a smile and she leans in just a little bit to whisper.

"Scott, we can go if you like? We can take our food back to the office or maybe go to the park. We dont have to sit here with everyone if you dont like. It was a little bit busyer than normal here today."

Hope was happy Scott had come out with her today, but she felt bad she had picked this restront now. Normaly on the weekdays it was pretty slow and hardly any people but it was just there luck that today it was. She wanted to make Scott as comfortable as she could, and if that ment taking there food else where than Hope was happy with that.

Stairing into the fridge Katie looks for something that maybe she could cook for dinner tonight for herself and the guys but the fridge was almost bear. Giving a sigh she turns.

"Can we at least go into town and get some food or something?"

Shaking her head Katie looks to Jason and gives a smile.

I hear ya. I am worryed about Angel and not having word makes it worse. If anything happend and I didnt know I would...

Katie stops herself for a moment shaking her head again to try and not think about that.

...I wish we could go in guns blazing too. Boy do I ever. I feel so restless sitting here. At least I have you to keep me company and not just thoughs two bozos.

Katie cant help the laugh that slips from her lips.

Than again I dont think I would want to be alone with these town.