Alone Tonight

Rosetta looks up at Sparky and gives a small nod. It was nice having him there to talk to. Rosetta felt so alone and just having someone else right there was nice.

"Yes, your never to far away. I will let you know if I need you."

Her voice seemed so quiet compared to the normal one that held so much cheer, and gave smiles to anyone face. But it was hard to smile right now herself. Things would get better, and be ok right? But for the moment it was all a mess.

Thinking for a long moment Rosetta takes another sip of her coffee. She wish there was a way she could thank Sparky for all he had done. For her and the ranch but what? Maybe something simple would be a good way to say thanks.

"Hey Sparky? I was wondering maybe tonight would you like to have dinner with me? Just a think you I guess for everything you have done. I know you like my cooking alot so I figured its the least I could do."

Standing Rosetta holds her cup in both hands looking down into it for a long moment before looking back up at Sparky.

"It...would be nice not to be alone tonight too."

Looking back to Wyatt Aerith's heart broke with the look that was apparent in his eye. He's seen his friends hurt more than anything else before, latterly torchered in front of his eyes and he could do nothing but watch.

Sliding out of the booth across from Wyatt Aerith moves into the same one. Putting her arm over his shoulders and pulling him into her just a little bit.

"I couldn't imagen how it must of felt Wyatt. Half the time I dont even know how you can stand what you do daily at work. But this, just the simple fact you were there for your friends was probably a great help."

Moving her hand back to Wyatt's back Aerith rubbed it a little. She wish she new what to say to Wyatt to help, but she seemed lost not really know how to hand it all. But if she didnt know what to say there was one thing she was good at, and that was listing.

"If you wanna talk about it more, that might help. You know I will always listen and I can get you something to drink if you like too."

Sapphire's smile grew as she entered Gage's apartment. She always liked coming to see him, just over the last few days had been crazy at work and she had little time. But today she got up extra early so she could make it over here.

"Well...I wasn't sure if you would like it but I picked up some bacon, egg and cheese on a crassont, with hash browns, some cinnamon stix, and OJ."

Sitting the bag down at the small table Sapphire pulls the chair out and sits down making herself comfortable.

"So, I know I havent seen you in a few days, sorry about that work has been pretty crazy."

Pulling a few things from the bag she had Sapphire set them at her, and Gage's seats. Being here felt normal to her. Like it was home, she didn't feel awkward about him as strange as that might have sounded.

"I was thinking I wanted to try and get out of work early today maybe we could take a trip to the store and see about getting you a few more things for around here, and even a Christmas tree as well."

Giving a smile to Gunner Bree couldnt help the small bit of color that came to her face. It was nice to know Gunner would protect her if she needed it. Knowing someone cared that much just made her feel special. Her Uncle cared, and would always protect her as well just with Gunner, it was a different feeling before they had a differnt relationship.

"I'll call you if anything happens. I don't have to work today so I'll probably have my normal non ice cream float in the afternoon and than just head back here. So if your lucky you might see me here, unless I make myself invisible. Than I can see you all I want, but you cant see me."

A slight grin formed on Bree's face coming a little closer to Gunner Bree puts her glass down on the counter and takes Gunner's hand in her own. Standing on her tip toes just a little she leans into him and gives him a quick kiss on the lips before pulling away.

"If you need anything today, you...can call me too."

Smells good

JT is a little surprised to see Bree up, and he gives her a wave just as he's leaving the kitchen. "Good morning, sunshine. Goodnight moonlight." He walks groggily down the hall, totally wiped out from the long night and barely awake. "Behave yourself today."

Gunner is downing his glass of orange juice, and he gives Bree a crooked grin. "Yeah..." He cocks his head, making sure JT is out of earshot. "Best I've slept in a long time actually."

Growing a little sheepish, he chuckles. "I gotta get to work. But if you run into anybody today or you don't feel safe, call me, alright? I'll come over here to spend the night again."


Gage jolts awake to the sound of the knock at the door. It didn't matter how long it had been... fifty percent of the time, he still awoke believing he was in his little room, or cell, rather, back with the Agency. And when the wakeup call came, you were either on your feet within ten seconds, or they got you to your feet for you.

Rolling off the air mattress, he stumbles to his feet, still half asleep and tripping over his blanket. He'd accumulated one hand-me-down overstuffed chair, and he had a small television now, sitting on top of the same table that served as his eating table. The living room was his bedroom too, so one corner held a two laundry baskets - one for clean and one for dirty for when he could walk down to the laundromat.

Blinking in the light coming in through a dingy window, Gage makes it to the door, trying to shake the cobwebs from his mind. All day yesterday had been a trek along the highway with his assigned police officer, picking up trash. All... day. He didn't even known how many miles he'd walked, but he was sore and tired.

Other than going out to fulfill his required service, Gage usually just hibernated in his tiny apartment. He got to spend a little time with Sapphire on good days. Sometimes they went to the park and sometimes Gage got a lemonade as an extra treat. But most days he sat alone, trying to get something to come in on his television, or reverting to the small collection of books.

Unlocking the chain lock, deadbolt, then lock on the handle, Gage opens the door slowly, cautiously. He lived in daily fear of someone from the Agency finding him. But he wouldn't expect them to knock to politely.

Catching sight of Sapphire, a little smile comes to his face and he opens the door wider. He was just in baggy jeans an wrinkled t-shirt, but he didn't care. "Hey, Sapphire. Come on in." He eyes the bag in her hand, not really wanting to hope for a better breakfast than the frozen waffles he had in the freezer. "Something smells good."


Wyatt manages a weary smile at Aerith's original comment. "Why do you think I pull it back?"

Having her hand placed on his own, he curls his fingers around hers, looking back down at the table. A deep sigh follows. "It was a rough night. I guess.... it's just taking me a while to recoup."

Giving her hand a squeeze, he lets her go, then leans back in his booth. It wasn't public knowledge yet, but he knew he could trust Aerith not to tell the wrong people. "Coming back from Texas... me and Hotshot and Katie. We got ambushed." He rubs a sore place on his arm from where he'd landed on the pavement before killing one of the attackers. "I... killed to men... one shot himself, and the other one..." He shakes his head. He wasn't going to describe the exploding gun to Aerith. It was gruesome enough without saying it out loud. "Jason got shot with something that just made him freak.... his emotions, I mean. You know about all that. He just... lost all control. Katie had to help him, and they both... both of them..."

Wyatt stops and swallows, unwanted tears filling behind his eyes as he looks back up to Aerith. "I just had to watch them suffer. It's like seeing a dying animal that you just want to put out of its misery, but they're your friends instead. You just watch them in pain... so much pain..."

Taking a deep breath, he leans forward to fold his arms on the table and rests his forehead down, his face hidden. "I'll be okay," he mumbles. He was always okay. He'd been through worse... right? It had just been so unexpected.


"You're welcome." Sparky gives Rosetta a small smile and a nod.

Just sitting a moment, he bites his lip, then stands up again. "Everybody else is on their way in for breakfast. I saw BJ hanging out with Jeff - he looked like he'd had a good sleepover with Jim and Becky. I think Clint was giving him a little extra attention too."

Pausing, he stands, shifting his weight, feeling like something else should be said, but not knowing what. He wanted to ask if Rosetta was alright, but he thought he pretty well knew the answer. "Um... guess I already said this yesterday but if you need anything else just let me know. Even if you just need to talk or whatever." He shrugs. "You know where to find me."

Another day

Having the small of coffee hit her nose Rosetta shifts on the couch just a little. Sleep was hard to come by lastnight and sometime in the wee hours of the morning she had finally feel asleep. But now it was time to wake, and it wasnt as easy as normal. BJ wasnt around to bother her into getting up and Mick wasnt there to greet her. Than the thought strikes her. Who had made the coffee?

Feeling the couch shift just a little and than hearing Sparky's voice Rosetta opens her eyes slowly. They were red and bloodshot along with puffy just the mark of someone who had cryed themself to sleep the night before.

Sitting up and pushing the little blanket to the side Rosetta takes the warm drink and holds it in her hands for a moment not saying anything. Looking up at Sparky Rosetta gives a soft smile. She was thankful he had come, if he hadnt she might not have gotten up at all.

"Thank you Sparky. It means alot that you took the time to come over here. You've always been there when I needed you. So...thanks."

Taking a sip of the warm liqued Rosetta lets it slide down her throat. Closing her eyes for a moment as her mind wonders to places she wished it wouldn't. Mick's message from last night still fresh in her mind.

Looking up from her work at Rick Misty gives a nod. She was still working on breaking down whatever was on the dark It felt like she was getting closer to finding something that helped know what had happened.

"I'll keep an eye on them. If anything changes you will be the first to know."

Looking up from drying some glasses Thirteen looks out into the crowds of people. It made her nervous having this many people around but this was her job now. She would just have to try and be strong.

"Ohh....ok."

Setting the glass down and taking her note pad and pen Thirteen make her way over to the table. Her hand a little shaky but trying to do her best anyways.

Walking over to the booth where Wyatt was Aerith takes her name tag off so no one thinks she was working while talking with Wyatt. Slipping into the booth across from him she just studys him for a long moment. The look in his eye was one that was almost sad though she wasnt sure why.

"Mmmm...I always like it when you tie your hair back."

Giving a soft smile Aerith reaches her hand across the table and rests it on top of Wyatt's. It did worry her a little bit to see Wyatt like this. It wasn't often she saw him down and out.

"Penny for your thoughts Hun? I got the time."

Giving a stretch as the sunlight shone through the crack in the curtains right into her eyes it takes a moment for Bree to remember why she was on the couch. But than the night before comes back to her and just for a second she lays there a smile on her lips. Hearing voices in the kitchen Bree stands and makes her way in there.

"Morning Good Uncle JT, Vamp."

Walking over to the frige Bree gaves on of the small bottles of OJ and drinks it in almost a few gulps before looking at Gunner again and cocking her head just a little.

"I am guessing you slept good last night? I know I did."

A light tap at the door sounds as Sapphire stands on the other side with a bag of burger kind breakfast food. She had no idea if Gage would be up yet but she just wanted some company before heading into work.

Long night turns into morning

Jade grins and nods, slipping away to get the movie going. She hadn't even noticed the music playing on the DVD menu until now. No wonder Sparky had been drawn to the living room. Shaking her head at herself and putting a hand to her warm face, she flops down on the couch and waits for Dan to return. It would be a nice quiet evening and would help her unwind before heading to bed.


Miles away, Mick lies in bed, staring up at the dark ceiling. It was quiet here... way too quiet. Rolling over, his arm flops down to the empty half of the mattress. A wave of loneliness washes over him as his fingers play with the sheets. His arms felt empty and cold. There was no one to hold close. There was no beating heart to lull him to sleep. Rolling back over, he turns his eyes to the wall. Tonight hadn't been too rough. Tomorrow would be worse and he knew it. But he had to stay... he had to.


Sparky sits down in the comfortable chair near his bed and sips from the bottle of water he'd retrieved from the kitchen. A small grin toys at his lips as he recalls Dan and Jade, and he shakes his head.

Leaning his head back, he listens to the soft music of the CD he'd put in to help him relax so he could get to sleep. It had been a long day. There were a lot of things off kilter right now, and he just hoped that tomorrow would be better.


JT slips into the house, yawning big as he shuts the door behind himself. He'd been surprised to see Bree's car outside - he hadn't thought she'd spend the night, but it was just as well. He liked knowing she was safe and sound.

Yawning again, he hangs up his jacket then trudges through the living room, pausing to see Gunner on the couch. Quirking an eyebrow, he cocks his head and wanders a little closer, finding the body way too big. Then seeing tufts of blonde hair, he realizes that Bree is with him. A soft smile emerges and he turns to leave.

Gunner is roused by the quiet sounds of the door and clanking in the kitchen, trying to pry his eyes open. He had no idea what time it was, but it was getting a little lighter in the living room. Stretching a little, he stops, realizing if he kept going, he was going to shove Bree right off onto the floor. He'd forgotten she was there. He was so warm and cozy though, he didn't want to move. The corner of his eye catches movement and he realizes that JT was home.

"What time is it?" he mumbles

JT turns back around and chuckles. "Seven-thirty."

"Mmm... I gotta get to work." Gunner yawns and props himself on an elbow, trying to figure out how to get up without disturbing Bree.

JT grins. "Don't worry - you could drop her on the floor and she wouldn't wake up. Trust me. I thought she was dead a couple times."

Gunner lifts his eyebrows and gives a sleepy laugh. Managing to get himself untangled and up and over Bree, he leaves her on the couch, pulling the blanket up to her chin. JT was right, thought he was still amazed Bree hadn't woken up.

"Late night?" JT inquires.

Gunner can feel a bit of heat in his face as he reaches for his bag. "Not really."

JT eyes him as he straightens, catching his gaze. "Don't hurt her, Gunner... she's had enough of that in her life."

Gunner purses his lips and nods. "I won't."

"Good. I'm going to bed now."

Gunner watches him leave, then heads to the bathroom to shower and dress, winding up in the kitchen to down a glass of orange juice for breakfast before he left for the day.


Carson moves about the kitchen, pots and pans clanging and rattling. They'd only been open half and hour, and already they were busy. It seemed everyone in town wanted breakfast that morning. Many times, Carson had considered not opening until lunchtime - there were few Italian restaurants that served traditional American breakfasts... it didn't seem to fit at all. But every morning, the business was too good for him to think about delaying the opening until lunch. Mom and Pop's was a unique restaurant for sure... Italian... American... a combination of the two... but it seemed to work.

"Hey, Thirteen, you can go ahead and take the orders at table five," he directs gently. It was only her second day there. Ryder dropped her off early on his way to the zoo, and Carson kept a close ey on her, trying not to overwhelm her.

The front bell rings again and he glances out. Watching the visitor slowly sink into his favorite booth, Carson frowns. Something wasn't right. Towel in hand, he goes to Aerith and points to Wyatt's sullen form. "You got a break. Looks like somebody needs something more than food this morning."

Wyatt sits in the booth, his hair pulled back, and his leather jacket still on. He was cleaned up and recovering from the horrible night before, but he was still tired. The cleanup crew had called in and confirmed that the ambush had been Agency. Men were buried. Everything was cleaned up. But the mental images remained.

He stares down at the table and spins a saltshaker in his hand absentmindedly.


Rick rubs a tired hand over his face as he checks on Katie once again. She was still sleeping. He'd periodically given her pain medication, though was easing off the doses, now not knowing if she was still in pain or not. He had changed the bandage on her hand once, and had started her on a slow iv to give her nutrients. It was all he could think to do, when the symptoms were so foreign. Jason was no exception.

He moves to his second patient, checking Jason's pulse and taking his temperature again. He still had a fever, but it had gone down a little. His pulse was stronger. But he too lay in sleep. Neither had woken since they'd been brought in last night. Rick changes Jason's iv too, then wanders to Misty's desk. "I'm going home for about two hours, then I'll be back and you can take a rest too. If anything happens though, call me at home."


Morning at the ranch moved about as normal. Everyone knew their tasks, but chores did take a little longer. One might not think that losing one set of hands would make that much difference, but Micks' absence only proved how much work he did on a daily basis.

Sparky directs some of them men to fill in the gaps, also pitching in a few places he didn't normally work. Once breakfast is being prepared though, he had yet to see the one person he was wondering about this morning...

...The smell of coffee fills the kitchen as a small cup of the steaming drink is poured. It's carefully carried into the living room as Sparky eases down to sit on the edge of the couch. He lays a hand on Rosetta's shoulder, his other cradling the cup of coffee. "Rise and shine," he prompts gently.

Embarssed

As the cain of events unfolded, the fridge door, Jade jumping, and Sparky's voice Dan pulls away and turns around leaning on the table. Dan couldn't help a small wave on nerves run over him, after what happened with Mick he just was a little on edge.

But calming as Sparky words come Dan can only shake his head and laugh. He could tell his own cheeks were red now as Sparky indeed had seen them. Dan didnt mind holding hands in public and giving quick kiss to let everyone know a woman was his. But something about a more intamit kiss Dan just felt was better left for when they were alone.

Once left standing there again Dan looks down at Jade and gives a soft smile. His hand coming to her face and just brushing a lose peace of hair behind her ear.

"I guess Mr. Jones is waiting. Why dont you pop in the movie, I'll got get are drinks and than we can sit and watch it."

Going into the kitchen before getting some glasses Dan leans aganst the counter top his eyes closed for a moment as his arms are crossed over his chest. Taking in a few deeps breaths before opening his eyes again and moving to get the drinks once more.

Indiana Jones

Jade loves being in Dan's arms. Not just because he offered a warm shelter, but because she knew that he was enjoying her too. Moving over to the table, her giggle is muffled as she refuses to stop the kiss, even though she was jostled around a little bit.

Sitting on the table, she cocks her head the other way, having completely forgotten about the popcorn or the movie. Realizing that Dan liked her fingers in his hair, she runs her fingertips above his ears then down to his neck, just letting the embrace keep on.

All of a sudden, the refrigerator door closing echos in the kitchen. Jade gives a little jump and her eyes fly open, freezing right where she was, still involved in the kiss. Before anything else can be done, a man's calm voice interrupts the dim setting.

"Don't let Indiana Jones keep you up too late, you two. Lots to do tomorrow."

Jade eases away from Dan and slides off the table beside him, straightening out her shirt a little and running a hand through her own hair. She calls back into the kitchen. "Thanks, Sparky. Goodnight." Her eyes look back to Dan, giving him a silly look that proved she was glad her uncle had not caught them. She flinches though, when Sparky's voice comes again, this time much closer as he pokes his head in through the other door on his way out of the dining hall.

"And uh, careful. That's one of Rosetta's favorite tables." Letting just the corner of his mouth upturn, Sparky throws them a wink before disappearing again.

Jade's eyes widen as she stares at the empty doorway. He had seen them. Her cheeks automatically grow crimson before she puts a hand to her mouth to muffle her giggle. Turning back to Dan, she tries to keep from laughing. "I guess Indiana Jones is waiting."

Continue....

As Jade wraps her legs around Dan's wast he couldn't help the small smile that formed on his face but didn't break the kiss. Dan couldn't help wanting to be this close to Jade, she fit so perfectly in his arms.

Everything around the seemed to melt away as Dan continued the emotion and passion in the kiss. Nothing else mattered but this moment and this woman that was in his arms. As Jade runs her fingers through Dan's hair a murmur escapes his lips proving how much he liked when she did that.

As Jade pulls away Dan figured the kiss was done, even though he really didnt want to. Looking into those eyes that had captured him from the day he met Jade, Dan was suprised when Jade came in for another kiss and openly welcomed it. Kissing was just another thing Jade was good at.

Bringing his free hand up an through Jade's hair, and to the side of her face to cradle it gently Dan pulls away only to turn his head and come back once again still not ready to let this moment end. Slowly walking over to a table the kiss still in progress to set her down on top of it.

Erm...

Jade's heart started to race as Dan leaned closer. The last time they'd really kissed, they'd been interrupted by her irate father. Being alone with Dan now sent a shiver down her spine.

Her eyes still closed, she takes in Dan's kiss, returning it softly. Feeling herself being picked up, a surprised laugh is muffled by their kiss, but she doesn't resist. His strong arms around her were too warm... too comforting to not let him pick her up.

Wrapping her legs around his waist so she didn't slide back down, her arms drape around his neck until her hands find his hair. The passion of her kiss increases as she rakes her fingers through his hair, totally caught up in the moment. Pausing to catch her breath, Jade looks into Dan's eyes, a grin spreading on her face before she returns to his lips once more.

Tango

It made Dan's heart falutter knowing he was the first ever to say that to Jade. Not sure why it made his heart jump, but it just felt good.

Bringing his hand underneath Jade's chin Dan pushes just a little to tilt Jade's head up so he could look her in the eyes. Studying them for a long moment Dan could get lost in them. They were so dark, yet bright at the same time. Feeling his heart thump Dan leans into Jade, the pounding in his easy but oh to taste her lips again was something he would ignore all else for.

Coming with in inches of Jade's face Dan stops feeling Jade's breath on his skin takes his own away causing his words to come out in a whisper.

"The popcorn can wait for now, this seems to be more important."

Pressing his lips to Jade's Dan can feel all the emotions that washed over him come back once again. Starting out slowly with the kiss than giving it more feeling His arms hold Jade close as the one cradles her head. Picking her up once again put this time just holding her.

No one

Jade can feel heat rising to her face as she stares up into Dan's eyes. Her hands had been clenched as she'd been caught, but slowly her fingers spread so her palms rest against his chest.

The mischief fades from her eyes, replaced by something gentler. Her voice comes out soft, almost like she's afraid to speak. "No one has... has ever said something like that to me before."

She closes her eyes leans her head a little into Dan's hand, liking the way it felt against her cheek. "I have to... go pick up the popcorn," she muses quietly, but doesn't want to move.