Luck

Exiting the kitchen and heading into the livingroom again Thirteen is a bit surprised to see Ryder grab the blanket and for a moment she just cocks her head and looks at him. He was going to stay after all.

Sitting down on the ground Thirteen continues to watch Ryder as he closes his eyes. A small chuckle coming out at his comment.

"I guess I dont know if I snore or not. You will have to ask Trooper on that one."

Playing with the fray on the blanket as Ryder's eyes drift shut again Thirteen is silent. Ryder was staying for her and it made her feel good inside.

Stretching her neck a little Thirteen looks up into Ryder's lap. It looked so comfortable and inviting, sleep, sleep would come easy there.

Slowly moving across the floor on all fours Thirteen inches closer o Ryan till she is right next to him. Standing and every so gently Thirteen puts her hands on Ryder's legs, than his check than wraps her one arm around the back of him.

Leaning her head on his chest for a long moment her eyes stay open as she listens to Ryders heart beat. The sound rythmatic, almost hypnotising. With in moments Thirteen's eyes close as she difts in and out of sleep. Feeling safe and comfortable.

Giving a laugh again and shaking her head Ryan cant help but just hold Leo's arm for a moment before jerking him twords her for a moment to move him out of some rough looking people's way. But as Leo is close to her now she cant help herself as she gives him a flashy smile.

"Maybe next time it will be a date and I wont make you wair the gold cloths."

Letting go of Leo Ryan gives him a little bop on the nose with her finder before looking back to Mile's as her eyes twinkle and her lips move up in a grin.

"Hey, I think this is Ron's first race. I hope I win."

Looking around the crowd again Ryan turns to her two friends grabbing her gloves from her pocket and putting them on.

"Well I guess I will see you guys at the finish line. Wish me luck."

Throwing a wink to them again Ryan turns and is off.

Letters

Ryder hated making Thirteen disappointed and though he could tell she tried to contain it, he still spotted it on her face. The inner battle grew stronger. Reese must be preoccupied, not to have noticed Thirteen's absence, but Ryder knew a rebuke would be coming his way. How much worse would it be if he gave in one step further?

But the innocent, sweet look in Thirteen's eyes push him over the edge.

Sighing, Ryder turns and locks the door. Wandering to the living room, he points at Trooper. "Watch the house."

Trooper trots to a spot where he could keep an eye on the front door, living room, hallway and kitchen. Turning once, he flops down with a yawn, but keeps his head up, seeming to know his duty.

Ryder makes sure the big dog stays put, then aims for the corner of the living room for the overstuffed chair. Grabbing a blanket, he kicks off his shoes, then eases into the chair, pulling the handle so he can have a footrest.

Getting comfortable, he shuts his eyes, then cracks one open to look at Thirteen. "Don't snore," he mumbles teasingly. Settling his head back, he closes his eyes, making it quite obvious that he'd decided to stay in the house.


Leo gives Miles a scoff. "Yeah, don't worry. Ryan's tastes are in tact. Getting a date with her is like trying to rob Fort Knox. She just felt sorry for me so she let me tag along." He holds up his hand to show off his bandage.

Miles' eyes widen a little. "What happened?"

"Just a little trouble at the shop. Tell you tomorrow."

"Sounds like you've got a whole lot more to tell," Mike muses. "What's this about women's clothing?"

Leo shrugs. "Guess it had to come out sooner or later." He shakes his head, faking humility. "The secret has been revealed. I have a thing for gold shorts and tiny tops."

"Oh, stop." Miles whacks him over the head, knowing good and well that Leo was kidding. He gave up trying to figure out how the bizarre topic had come up. He hollers after Ryan as she heads away. "Yeah! Ron is here somewhere."


Scott lets his head sink into his pillow, but he doesn't close his eyes right away. He hurt all over. But each night it got just a little better. He understood the tactics and he was trying to learn, but it was hard not to let the words get to him, let alone the brute force. Every strike he received, a flashback tried to surface. But he tried not to let it bother him.

Domino crawls up beside him on the bed and softly licks around the bruise on his face. He knew she was trying to help, but he pushes her back gently, then scratches her head. "Not now," he mumbles. It was still too tender.


Gunner paces the living room, still fully dressed with his handgun holstered. His eyes kept falling to the stack of letters on the corner of Scott's desk. He knew who they were for and he knew that Scott wasn't allowed to send them. It made him mad though. He knew good and well that Scott wouldn't have divulged anything to Hope. But no one would trust the man.

Gunner glances at his watch before making up his mind. Grabbing the stack of letters, he puts a rubberband around them, then goes for his keys. Hesitating at the door, he knows he's not even supposed to leave Scott alone. But he also knew Scott wouldn't go anywhere - he might not even have time to realize he's alone.

It doesnt' take Gunner but a few minutes to be driving down the road in his red pickup. He checked the address on the envelopes to make sure he was headed in the right direction, and confirmed that he was. Grumbles were muttered under his breath for this whole thing. It was silly, law or not. He could get in a lot of trouble for this, but he didn't care.

Finally finding the right house, he shuts off the headlights and pulls up to the curb, leaving the motor running. Sliding out of the truck, he takes a glance around before jogging up to the porch. It would be a federal offense to use the mailbox, so instead, he drops the letters in between the doors. Sprinting back to his truck, within seconds he's out of sight. Mission accomplished. One more to go. But that one he didn't know how long it would take. That would depend on Scott, and so far things were moving slowly.


Letter #1

Hope,

I wanted to take a minute to thank you. Not just for everything you've done for me all along - thanking you for that would take a lifetime. More specifically for helping me just the other day. I was scared and ready to quit... but you believed in me. I've known all along that my family and friends would back me and that they were all pulling for me. But I'm not sure it really sank in until you looked me in the eye and I saw it... I saw that it was true.

I know I've still got a ways to go. My nightmares are sticking around and I froze up on the field during the rescue mission. But without you, I wouldn't have been there at all. So for what it's worth... thank you. You've been my hope through it all.

-Scott



Letter #2

Hope,

It's only been a few days, but I think this classifies as loneliness. Quiet time like this leaves a man too much time to think, and my mind is wandering circles. My dreams have been taking odd twists and turns as if my mind is trying to remember what really happened back at the Agency, so I can finally be released. But so far it's still a blank. All I can rely on is Carson's investigation, though I know he's not even at TJY full-time.

Gunner and Domino have been keeping me company, though I wish I could at least go for a walk in the park. My boredom is actually overcoming my fear at this point. Maybe that's a good thing. Domino has tried to cure me with multiple games of fetch with her rubber ball, but with only one good arm at the moment, she's wearing me out.

I hope you're well. Maybe I'll see you soon.

-Scott



Letter #3

Hope,

It's storming out. We lost power, so I'm writing by candlelight. Gunner says I'm crazy, but I didn't have much else to do. Domino runs under the table every time it thunders. For once, the storm isn't bothering me. I finally realized the thunder is nothing compared to gunfire. I think I'm actually going to be able to enjoy it again.

I had a checkup today. I guess my arm is healing slowly, but it's healing nonetheless. Still pretty sore. I got to visit Katie while I was at the hospital. Hurts to see her like that. Gunner says he'll at least escort me to visits though. He's a good guy.

Just don't know what's going to happen in my future. I can't stay in my house forever. Will they let me back to the Elite? Will they simply let me go? Will I have to spend time behind bars? I just don't know. But I suppose whatever decision they make will be the right one.

-Scott



Letter #4

Hope,

I got out my camera today. Not many things to shoot around my house. Domino's a ham though so once again I have a roll filled up of just her.

It's felt good to dive into my hobby again, even if I couldn't go anywhere. I guess it's still therapy to me.

No nightmares last night. It was a relief. Maybe they're finally over.

I smell something burning. I better check on Gunner in the kitchen. Not so sure he's the best chef, even though he prides himself on his hamburgers.

-Scott



Letter #5

Hope,

Trying to forget is never easy, is it? I know, you would tell me that I shouldn't forget... that I need to work through the memories instead. Hard sometimes though. Guess it's just been a rough day, mentally. I'm tired for no reason, and my mind has had too much time to think about things that I don't want to think about.

Gunner said Carson has been at TJY in the evenings. Guess that means he's still working. I'm beginning to think he's not going to find anything though. I'd rather have my future decided without it, just so I wouldn't have to be in limbo any more. Guess house arrest isn't supposed to be fun though.

-Scott



Letter #6

Hope,

Having ups and downs. Maybe I'm depressed. I want to go to work. I want something to do instead of just sitting around with Agency scenes lurking in the corners. They always seem to take me by surprise. But maybe I'm really not fit to work with the Elite any more. Maybe with as many problems as I have, I really shouldn't be there any more. Dalton can surely handle the workload. I know everyone says they want me back and all... and I think I can restore my abilities... but I wonder if it's really in the cards.

I wonder how you're doing as well. I'm sure you've had plenty to keep you busy.

-Scott



Letter #7

Hope,

I looked in the mirror today and saw ten years had passed within just a few months. It doesn't seem possible, but I see myself and I see the time that has taken its toll on me. A few months ago, I was thought to be dead. A few months before that, life was normal. All in less than a year, I've become a different man with a whole lifetime behind tired eyes.

I saw an old friend while visiting the hospital today. They didn't recognize me. I smiled politely and moved on. Have I changed that much? I see myself and realize the truth. Yes, I have. And to what benefit? Is there a benefit to aging so quickly? I once wondered how someone could grow older faster than time itself. I didn't expect to learn through experience.

-Scott



Letter #8

Hope,

I found a bunch of old pictures today in some boxes of things that were returned to me. I was glad to get some of my family pictures back. After my house was cleaned out, I thought I had lost everything. I saw myself as a kid. I was such a nerd. Maybe I still am! I was so stuck in that box... in that mindset. I never realized that I was only conforming to others' perceptions of me. I thought it's what I was supposed to be. Then someone showed me how to be myself again. Katie was more than a friend... she really changed the way I thought of myself. Maybe it was my eagerness to be the way she liked. Regardless, I realized I'd been stuck in a box someone else had made for me and I wanted out. It felt good to get out... even when I got into trouble for it. Then everything was destroyed. Something inside me was crushed. I didn't have the younger me to cling to, and the newer me wasn't their either. I was just... empty.

Then you came along. I wouldn't have made it without you - of that, I'm certain. And somewhere along the way, I realized that I couldn't change back to any of my old selves. The younger one wasn't real. The me that Katie brought out had been shattered. I had to find a new strength to build upon. I started and got beat down again.

I'm afraid to start again. I'm afraid that once more I might simply be torn to pieces, leaving me void of myself all over again. I feel something deep down, as if wanting to get out. I feel myself wanting something more from me. I just don't know if I can.

-Scott



Letter #9

Hope,

Have you ever seen a one-armed man trying to fix a roof? If you haven't, I should have called someone to film Gunner and me today. Why he wasn't the one with the hammer, I don't know. I should have been the one on the ladder, but for some reason, I was the one on the roof.

After falling off once (I'm okay), bashing my thumb with the hammer (it's got some nice colors at the moment), and dropping the hammer multiple times (it only hit Gunner on the head once), the hole did indeed get patched. Mind you, Domino stood nearby and laughed the whole time. I'm pretty sure she was laughing anyway, by the grin she was wearing later.

I hope your day was less eventful than this. And if not, be sure to take care of your black and blue thumb.

-Scott



Letter #10

Hope,

A tv documentary on mountains made me want to go drive out to the foothills. Then I remembered that I didn't have a car. Not to mention, even if I did, I wouldn't be able to go anywhere anyway.

Days are routine now. I'm getting too used to sleeping late though. If ever I can work again, I'm gonna have a tough time dragging myself out of bed in the mornings.

The mirror was still there today... still reminding me of change... still reminding me that my eyes look ten years older now. Well... one of my eyes anyway. The other one doesn't show anything at all. Interesting color though. Not too many people can say they have an eye that looks like mine. ...ya know, that's the first time I've been able to joke about that. Maybe there's hope for me yet.

-Scott



Letter #11

Hope,

No word from Carson. Gunner questioned Reese, and I'm still in limbo. Now they're trying to decide what will happen if Carson really can't find anything. I decided that if the worst happens, I'll go to jail for a while. Lose a few years. But then once I'm out, maybe I'll find some computer work somewhere. I might do well somewhere other than TJY, ya know?

Anyway... this is my eleventh letter that has yet to be sent. When they said no communication, they meant it. I can't even get Gunner to go to the Post Office for me.

-Scott



Letter #12

Hope,

It's been another quiet day and I am growing tired. I see a few of my friends sometimes when I go to see Katie. But I can never stay. I can never chat. I want to invite you to lunch or see if you want to hang out at the park with Domino and me. But I can't. I don't even know if your in town.

My depression has lifted. I'm seeing things a little differently now. Perhaps being stuck alone has forced me to be introspective when I didn't want to be. Perhaps it has forced me to look to God for direction because there has been no one else around. If ever I felt ready to stand up again, it's now. A brave statement for someone who has not had to face work since Katie's rescue. But I believe it's true. I'm not sure when or how this change happened. Maybe it's the dream-filled sleep last night that led me on a journey through the past and present. Maybe looking in the mirror today, I saw something different... a beginning instead of an end.

You taught me how to believe. I miss you.

-Scott



Letter #13

Hope,

Gunner told me that Carson may have found something. He admitted that Carson's been hacking into Agency files - ones that I apparently gave him a lead to during my interrogation. But I know no results yet, or if it is good or bad.

If it is bad, will I still see you again? I gained so much more than a friend in you, I wouldn't know what to do without the hope of seeing you again.

-Scott

Couldn't ask for more

Ryan's own eyes widen a little as she sits in the car. Had Leo just said this was a date? This was certainly not a date to Ryan, but did Leo really think so? Maybe it was?!

Seeing Miles Ryan gets out of the car a grin on her face. Leo thought he would have the last word and drop it, but this was only the start to a war.

Walking over to the Leo and Miles Ryan gives a nod a short chuckle as she shrugs a little.

"I don't know what I was thinking ether but I think we need to get Leo some help though because he just admitted he dressed in drag."

Giving Leo a slap to the arm Ryan turns to him sticking out her toung as her eyes danced with laughter.

"No really, I figured he was going to come anyways so I thought I would let him tag along. Anyone else from the shop here or just you?"

Ryan gives a quick scan of the crowd to see if she new anyone else, and to check out her compilation before hand.

Getting set upright again Thirteen just watches Ryder. He seemed nervous or flustered all of sudden. Thirteen wasnt sure why but she wonderd if it was something to do with her.

Wanting to help out at least a little bit Thirteen goes to the sink and rinses out the glass putting it in the strainer to dry.

Turning from the sink Thirteen took a few steps forwards but stops as Ryder lets her know he will be in the car again. She cant help the sudden sinking feeling in her heart.

"Oh, ok."

It was nice having someone around, someone to talk to, it was kind of sad to see him go again when she new sleep would probably not come easy tonight. But she couldn't tell Ryder not to go. He's already done so much for her, and helped her a great deal she couldn't be selfish and ask for more.

"I'll try to get some sleep, you too ok?"

Any sleep

Leo swings his head around to look at Ryan, his eyes full of mischief like always. "I never dress in drag on a first date."

He quickly gets out of the car, hoping to have the last word to that conversation, and points to one end of the crowd. "Hey, there's Miles."

Miles had just seen them pull in and he waves at them, ambling over to say hi. "Well hi there, you two." He quirks an eyebrow at Leo. "Don't tell me your car broke down and you needed a ride... you being a mechanic and all."

"Very funny." Leo smirks at him. "I got an invitation, thank you very much."

Miles' eyes widen and he looks at Ryan. "You actually asked this guy to come with you? And I thought you had better taste than that."

"Hey!" Leo gives Miles a backhanded slap to the gut.


Looking down into Thirteen's eyes, Ryder clears his throat. "Sure... no problem."

It seems for a moment that they're just going to stand there like that forever until Ryder finally sets Thirteen up to gain her own balance. He drops his gaze from her face and grabs the towel to clean up the small mess, making sure the floor is dry. "Alright... there we are."

He gives a little nod, then aims for the door, turning before he leaves. "I'll... be out in the car again." He pauses, knowing good and well that he would most likely get very little if any sleep at all tonight. "You try to get some sleep too, okay?"

Two Words

Zooming along the road Ryan cant help the whoop of her own that is let out. It was one thing to race, it was another to do it in fun with someone alone. Knowing Leo wasn't freaked out or scared ether was nice.

As if almost ta ken to a new place while driving the smile on Ryan's face was different from most that she wore. Here she was free, letting her talent and light for racing show.

Up ahead many lights shone off the road a little ways along with loud music playing. It was easy to see something was going on out here, but not many people travailed this road and most people would have had to been invited by another.

Slowing her speed Ryan looks to Leo again and gives a wink bring back his earlier comment.

"I guess there is a first for everything huh?"

Getting closer to the sight Ryan slows the car even more almost bring it to a crawl. Making a few stops here and there to talk to people or find out where he car was going to be parked, race order and what the steaks where.

Feeling Ryder's around her as she is about to go down Thirteen new she was safe. She hadn't meant to slip but Ryder was right there to catch her anyways.

"I'm ok. I was just trying to help clean the mess up I helped make."

Her arms now around Ryder's too Thirteen runs her hand along his upper arm for a moment before looking up at him again and giving a small smile.

"Thank you!"

Catch

Getting in the car with Ryan, Leo wears a crooked grin that won't leave. At her comment about the clothes in the back, he quirks an eyebrow and looks in her direction, then to the back seat. "Hmm... well... I suppose if that gets you to say yes to letting me tag along then that would be worth it... But it would have to be our secret."

Laughing, he settles in his seat for a fast ride, having known it was coming. Letting a whoop out the open window, he proves he is thoroughly enjoying himself, despite the crazies back at the shop.


Seeing Thirteen start to fall, Ryder's reflexes kick in. His glass goes to the counter, and both arms go out, catching her before she hits the floor.

"Whoa, you alright?" With his arms around her, he grins a little. "Um... sorry. I'll get that mopped up."