Time to go

*As Aerith looks out her bedroom window and see Wyatt siting outside. Cralwing down the steps Aerith gets to the front door and opens it. She was dressed in a white tea and hoody with blue jeans. As she is about to step out her grandmoter can be hurd.*

"Aerith...where are you doing at this time of night girl?"

"I'm going out with a friend grandmother."

"You found a friend? When did you have time you work to much and hardly have time to take care of me."

"Thats not true grandmother I only work till 5."

"And thats five hours that I dont have your help."

"You know my number when if you need me. I am leaving now."

"Aerith...AERITH."

*Aerith shuts the door behind her feeling bad for leaving her grandmother now but she had promised Wyatt and she needed her own time too. Opening the door on the she gets inside and smiles at Wyatt.*

"Hey there handsome. You made me."

*Aerith cant help but brawden her smile.*

*Katie quirks a smile as she cheeks get red. She could tell he remembered what was said and hadent forgoten. She wasnted sure if that was a good thing or bad.*

"Ok...let me go do some work and start dinner and I will be back maybe I can wheel a tv in here or something."

*Katie looks down at Domino and smiles.*

"Dont let him get to crazy now."

*Katie exits the room and makes her way to er cubicle to get atleast some work done.*

*Nate pulls up to the curb and honks the horn Opening his door.*

"I'm your prince in shinning armour and am gonna steal you away."

*Giving a heartly laugh Nate gets back in the car with Laura and makes his way to the ice cream shop.*

*Flinning the door open Jamie steps out in a hunter green shirt and her black pants throwing a glair at Con thoug a smile was on her lips leting him know she dident mind to much. Geting into the car she looks at him.*

"Conrad Gibbs what in blue blazes are you doing?"

*Another smile cross Jamie's lips as she leans into him planting a kiss on his lips than draws away.*

"I've missed you."

*Rosetta exits the mess hall after leting BJ run free out to play in the yard for alittle bit. Watching him she sits down next to Trent than turns her head to him. Studying him for a long moment.*

"I'm...I'm really glad your here Trent. I've missed you."

*Rosetta puts an arm around her brother knowing he probley felt out of place.*

Waiting

Wyatt smiles as Aerith walks away, satisfied that this little event had been salvaged. He takes a few minutes to satisfy his appetite with the good food but finally decides he has to get back to work.

He stops by the counter first, throwing a grin to Herb and Mabel that shows humor mixed in with disapproval. “You two…just better be glad this turned out like it did. I wouldn’t recommend trying this with too many people.” He throws Mabel a wink. “But since it wasn’t a disaster…thank you.”

Leaving payment and a tip, he heads on out, giving Aerith a short wave on his way. Getting back to work, he pours over paperwork, emails and records, coming up as empty handed as ever, looking for leads on Mick.

Finally just before seven, he tells Reese he’s leaving. Not bothering to go home first, he heads straight for Aerith’s and parks by the curb to wait. He resists honking the horn…he’d figured out enough on his own to know that the less attention drawn to the fact that she was leaving with a man, the better. She didn’t speak a whole lot about her grandmother, but Wyatt had seen the look in her eye too many times not to know more than he’d been told.

So Wyatt just sits and waits, knowing Aerith will be out when she notices he’s there.


Scott looks up quickly as Katie’s voice trails off. He’s pretty sure he knows what she was going to say, or at least the context. He felt badly for her…there was a part of him that wanted to just outright ask if there was now any hope for anything between himself and her, but he knew good and well that it was totally out of line for him to even think about that right now. Katie was hurting…and all she needed was a friend and a friend only. Besides…he knew how to wait.

He gives Katie a grin as she mentions supper. “Oooh, gonna cook for the invalid, huh? I think I can handle that.” Scott squints a little as he begins to feel the effects of his recent shot. “Mm…you get to pick what it is…I don’t think I better do much thinking at all tonight, or I’m liable to embarrass myself….” He quirks an eyebrow at her, hinting that he hadn’t forgotten everything. “…more than I already did.”


Laura turns around in surprise at Nate, pleasure showing in her eyes. Calling after him, she teases. “What if I had other plans?” Laughing, she shakes her head. “Seven o’clock. Don’t keep me waiting.”

Arriving home, she showers and changes clothes, having just a little more trouble than she should, picking out what to wear. She settles for her lavender blouse and blue jeans, opting for nice casual.

Ready just a few minutes before seven, Laura exits the house and locks it behind her, knowing Katie wasn’t planning to come back, at least not for a while. Settling down on the porch swing, she waits for Nate.


Con hurries to get himself ready to go, vowing not to be late this time no matter what. He already felt like an idiot and didn’t want to twice in one day.

After showering and getting some clean clothes on, he’s even a little early, and sets out for Jamie’s. Arriving at her house, he honks the horn, knowing it’ll annoy her just a little that he was pushing her, even though he’d been the one who’d been so late before.


Trent sits down on the porch of the bunk house, watching the ranch get closed up for the night. It had been an awkward evening. Eating with everyone had been so much like old times, and so much not at the same time. He had seen Luke once across the room, but he was the only one Trent hadn't spoken to yet. Everyone else seemed to be okay with him being there, even though they were leery....and rightly so. It just felt odd...would it get better? Trent didn't know. But no matter what, for the first time in nineteen years he felt a small amount of peace.

Everyone

*Aerith searchs Wyatt's eyes for the truth in what he said. She had been hurt so many times in the past yet something about Wyatt said there really was truth in his statment. Aerith hadent known Wyatt for very long but she felt she could trust him always. Aerith gives a nod.*

"Ok..I'll try to understand for now. I dont plain on going anywhere yet so you have time to convince me to stay."

*Aerith grins and takes another bit of her food. She felt relaxed now and at ease.*

"How about ice cream at 7? That will give me time to take care of my grandmother and hopfuly slip out. I love ice cream, its my weakness."

*Puting her napkin on the plate she stands.*

"Well I better finish up my shift so I can leave alittle bit earlyer today. Thank you Wyatt. You've helped me settle in here just seeing you alittle bit. Its nice to know you have someone who goes out of here way to see you."

*Aerith throws Wyatt a silly smile and turns walking to the backroom.*

*Katie smiles at Scott as he plays and talks to Domino. It was funny watching the. Like a child with there father. It was cute how they interacted. How Domino seemed to understand Scott. Taking her attachen away from the small dog and back to Scott.*

" I'll probley hang around tonight. Keep an eye on ya and try to get alittle work done. I think I'd like the company anyways. Being along just makes me....."

*Katies words trail off as she relizes what she was going to say. Reverting her words once again. To many ears were listing now and Katie dident want her, Jason, and Scott all over the place. Katie lets out a long drawn breath.*

"So...what should I make for dinner tonight to us?"

*Nate breaks away from Jason as he see Laura get up to leave. Chasing her down to the door.*

"Laura...Laura wait."

*Nate jogs up next to her catching his breath.*

"Hey....you...walk to...fast."

*Nate continues to paint for air finally catching his breath.*

"You...Me...ice cream...7 o'clock I'll pick you up be ready."

*Nate gives Laura a tight hug and than turns around heading back to his desk not leting Laura say no.*

*Jamie giggles.*

"Yes please a show would be nice. That will give me a chanse to show and change myself. I'll be waiting. DONT be late Con."

*Jamie giggles again with a playful tone in her voice leting Con know she was joking. Hanging up Jamie heads to take a shower and get dressed again than wait for Con.*

Ice Cream

Wyatt can't help it that Aerith's comment about the flowers makes him feel good. He starts to relax a little more, taking a few more bites of food.

"Mmm, ice cream and a movie, huh?" He gives her a slight grin. "Can't commit to a movie, but I can do ice cream and I promise not to run away... unless work calls." His eyes twinkle with mischief, signaling that he's teasing.

"Look, Aerith, I wasn't going to say anything, but I'm afraid if I don't, you're going to disown me before I have a chance to make it up to you." He sighs, thinking how to word it. "Current protocol doesn't allow me to say a word a the moment because of a pretty sticky situation, but...I don't want you to think I'm in an illegal racket or gang or something, especially after I wandered in here the other day with a bullet in my shoulder."

He pauses, wanting to give her enough, but not too much that she'd get into trouble if things at TJY went sour. "All I can say is that I'm in a form of law enforcement. Here in just a couple weeks, I'll either be free to tell you all about it, or... well, let's just not go to the latter option. But that's why when my phone rings I run. Sometimes it's life or death."

Wyatt searches Aerith's face, hoping she understood. "But ice cream I can definitely do, and I'll even pick you up if you give me a time."


Scott wants to talk to Katie more about what had happened, but sees that she'd rather not talk about it right now, so he moves on to the discussion of Domino. He gives a short laugh. "Sorry...she's a smart one, but can be kind of a pain." He glances down to his dog. "Can't you?"

Domino wiggles all over and puts her front paws on the bed, licking Scott's hand as he gives her attention.

"Yeah, you're a spoiled pooch, aren't you? Well don't worry, we'll go home soon... as soon as I can get out of this place without Rick or Misty killing me." He leans a little closer to his dog. "'Course once I leave here, I leave all the great pampering behind too."

Scott glances back up to Katie. "You...sticking around this evening, or getting your hind end on home to your own bed where it belongs instead of worrying about somebody like me?"


Laura looks up from her desk, seeing someone entering the main floor. She notices it's Nate and Jason, realizing they'd been gone for quite a while. Squinting, she sees Jason's face from a distance, and can't help but wonder if something was wrong...he hadn't been acting himself anyway, but tonight he seemed...far away.

Shrugging it off, Laura goes back to preparing to leave for the evening. Turning off her computer and grabbing her purse, she heads for the exit.


Con jumps on the chance to do something with Jamie in an attempt to make up for at least a little bit of his failings. "Give me half an hour instead, and I'll be there." He grimaces. "I don't think you want to do anything with me until I've had a chance to shower."

Scars

*Aerith smiles at Wyatt and feeling a bit of sarrow that he felt bad.*

"I love the flowers Wyatt this just dosent seem as impotant since it wasent from you. The flower are what I care about cuz they were."

*Aerith picks up the flowers again and smells them.*

" I...I never got flowers from a guy before. Sometimes its the small things that matter."

*Aerith puts the flowers down and takes a few bits of her food thinking about Wyatt had said for a moment.*

"Well....how about we get some ice cream tonight after work and than see a movie. Cept this time you dont run away from me? That should make up for it"

*Aerith smiles.*

When you are in love and you get hurt, it’s like a cut... it will heal, but there will always be a scar.

*Katie draws closer and musters up the best smile she can.*

"Oh, I'm doing ok. Alittle down and out but in no time I'll bounce back I am sure. Just have to keep my head held high and keep moving right."

*Katie trys to turn the conversation from herself as she looks down at Domino with a smile.*

"She was keeping me from my work all afternoon. Had me playing chase and than tag. She's a good pooch. I think she really miss you though."

*Pausing her movie as the phone rings Jamie looks at her phone seeing it was Con. Decieding if she should answer it or not she finally does. She had been disapointed and felt stupid siting there alone for almost an hour and a half. As soon as she hears Con's voice her disapointment vanishes. She understood Con dident mean to forget about her, and he just dident hear the alarm.*

"Hey Hun, ya let me get dressed in my Pjs at the moment. Swing by my house in 15 minutes ok and maybe we can go get some ice cream.*

Jerk

Wyatt withdraws a little bit, now completely unsure how to proceed. He didn't want Aerith to be disappointed that this whole thing hadn't been his doing, but he hadn't wanted her to think it was, if she'd felt uncomfortable with it either. "Um, work is going...okay I guess."

He picks at several bites as his food before letting out a long sigh and looking back up at Aerith. "I'm sorry," he apologizes. "Herb and Mabel have good intentions...maybe they had a better idea than I did." He glances to the flowers that seem awfully small now, compared to all this.

He gives a slight chuckle, his face still warm. "And now...I have absolutely no idea how to save this evening without you hating me, and me walking away to look for a ladder to get myself out of this ridiculous hole I just dug."


A smile spreads across Scott's face. Color is returning to his cheeks, and the bruises are starting to fade. "Hey, Katie." He gives her a silly look. "Better watch it, Misty just gave me another shot. I'm liable to fall off the sanity wagon at any given moment. ...Otherwise though...I'm feeling better than I was, I think. Sore, but what else is new."

He cocks his head, studying Katie's face for a moment. Yes..he remembered as much as he needed to about earlier that day. He could see it in her eyes now that he had recalled bits and pieces correctly. "What about you? How are you doing?"


Con opens one of his eyes drowsily and shifts his weight, rolling over onto his back. Rubbing his hands over his face, he wonders what time it was...he felt like he'd been sleeping for more than an hour. Maybe... his eyes drift to the clock. Oh, no.

Sitting up straight, he grabs his phone, seeing there's a message. "Aw, shoot," he mutters. What had he done...again.

Dialing Jamie quickly, he waits for an answer. She had to have been waiting for him for over an hour by now...most likely she'd give up on him. He doesn't even bother with a greeting as he hears her voice. "Jamie, I am so sorry..." He could kick himself for messing up yet another date, and didn't even know how to apologize enough. "I feel like a jerk. I fell asleep when I got home and..." He heaves a weary sigh. "Name the place and I'm there."

Message

"Oh.."

*Aerith looks to the side for a moment as her face drops a bit, but her smile remains.*

"I dont want you to feel uncomfortable to anything thats not really my idea for a first date."

*Aerith lets out alittle laugh taking some of the food and puting it on her plate keeping her eyes down for fear of looking at Wyatt and cracking. Her own face red.*

"I guess we can at least enjoy the food right. So how was your day at work going?"

*Mable peeks her head out of the kitchen as Herb stands behind her.*

Herb: "Hows it going out there?"

Mable: "Not so good."

Herb: "Think we over did it?"

Mable: "No way."

*After Scott is finished Misty takes his tray off food. Puting it down on the counter Misty takes the saringe and gives Scott another shot. Grabing the plates again Misty exits the room right as Domino comes bounding in Katie not to far behind. Smiling at seeing Scott Katie looks out of breath herself from playing with Domino. Giving a wave.*

"Hey you. How ya feeling?"

*As Con's voice mail picks up Jamie leaves a message.*

"Hey Con, its Jamie. I'm just waiting at the steakhouse for you. I dont know if I got the time wrong or not but I've been waiting for about a half hour now so I am guess I did. But I'll keep waiting for you. Give me a call when you get this message. Love ya"

No answer

Wyatt's eyes widen and he blinks at Mabel as she brings the candles. Her comment about not letting life slip by causes his mouth to open, but his mind is a total blank.

As the actions continue with both Herb and Mabel, Wyatt's almost afraid to look at Aerith, his face turning two shades of red. "I...um...." Relieved that she doesn't appear to be upset, but now having no idea how to proceed, he just sits staring at her for a moment, his eyes still wide. "I...had nothing to do with this..." He stops, realizing that he doesn't want to seem like he dislikes it...of course he likes it to a certain degree. "I mean...it wasn't my idea or intention. It was..." He glances towards the kitchen. "I guess...um...some people know how to apologize better than I do apparently."

Turning back to Aerith, he gives her a look that displays his embarrassment, though slight humor mixed with a bit of pleasure. "This...isn't usually my style for a first date, just so you know...but I'm game to enjoy it if you are."


"Mm." Scott pulls himself up so he's sitting as Misty brings him something to eat. "I'm glad you didn't let me starve. I'd never forgive you."

Taking as spoonful of soup, he handles it carefully in his mouth, avoiding where his tooth had been as much as he could. He grins a little. "Aww, I was enjoying not having a clue what was going on around here." Pausing, he thinks for a moment...he didn't remember a whole lot...but he sensed he'd talked an awful lot...to...was it Katie? The memory of earlier that day was pretty foggy, but the longer he thought, the clearer some instances became.

Thinking better of saying too much more about it, he finishes eating in silence.


Jason raises an eyebrow at Nate's ending statement. Talk to Katie? Right. Like that was going to happen. She was upset, he was upset...it was going to be awkward enough working around each other every day without having to talk to each other, let alone sitting down and having an actual conversation again.

Sighing, and deciding not to reply, Jason stands up to follow Nate. "I'm right behind you."


A buzzing noise comes from the living room coffee table. Con's phone vibrates on the top of unopened mail. Con's head remains buried in his pillow, dead to the world.

An unexspected date

*Aerith smiles as she takes the flowers. Pressing her noes into one and smells it. Slowly Aerith lifts her eyes to Wyatt the flowers still covering her face just a bit her smile in place.*

"Thank you Wyatt. They are very pertty."

*Mable makes her way over to Wyatt and Aerith's table. One would think she was bring the food but insted Mable takes out 2 candle stix as Herb makes his way to the restront door and flips the sign around than goes back to the back room. Mable lights the candles and smile.*

"Work can wait for alittle bit. Now you both are having a date. Life is to short to let it slip by Wyatt remember that."

*Mable heads back into the back and after drawing the shades and diming the lights puting on some soft music.

Aerith's face turns bright red the the intentions of a romanic date. She had been angry with him but it all seemed to disapear now.*

"Ok I liked he flowers and than this, was this was a good idea of an apolige Wyatt."

* Aittle times pass and Mable brings out the drinks. Then within moments she brings out a mixture of differnt things for the meal.*

"I know this isent to fancy but we did our best with what we have. So for your eating pleasure we have, steak pinwheels. They have cheese, and spinage in them. We have the triditonal Pizza slices you like Wyatt. There are some chicken fingers, stuffed chicken, Patoto skins, and grean beans. Enjoy."

*Once again Mable walks away from the table and disapreas into the back room.

Aerith smile is still on her face. How for the short time she had been here already she had grow to love Herb and Mable. They were so nice and kind to people it was wonderful to see.*

*Katie sits down on the floor and cross her legs her back to the door. Pulling Domino into her lap she gently runs her hand down the small dogs hear and back.*

"Dont worry Scott will be better soon and than he can spend more time with you. Bet you miss him dont you. I guess we get use to have someone around all the time that when they cant be its hard and we feel lost huh."

*Katie keeps peting Domino gently and scritching her ears.*

"Its hard when you really cant talk to anyone about it eather. Its gonna be ok Domino. We all survive someone how right?"

*A small tear trickles down Katie face as she leans her head down to bury it in the small dogs fur wanting to just hide from the world.*

*Misty turns around from preping another needle and sets it down on the counter for now. Going over to Scott she shakes her head grining*

"I think I liked you better when you were doped up Mr. Smarty pants. As for the food, I think I'll let you starve."

*Misty exits the room with a smile on her face only to reapear moments later with some soup and crackers. With a glass of ginger ale.*

"Here ya go. I figured I wouldent starve you. Rick, and Reese let Carson and I get away with alot. But I dont think he would let me get away with that one."

*Misty hands the tray to Scott and than walks back to the counter.*

"Go on and eat that up before I give you some more painkillers. From here on out you will be loopy but not as bad."

*Nate lets out a sigh and stands paying the bills.*

"Maybe this is just a sugestion when your ready you should sit down with Katie and talk. I think it would help but thats what I think. Alright lets blow this popicle stand."

*Nate gets up and makes his way to the door.*

*Angel smiles at Luke as she heads to the tack room helping him. Once siting down each with there own sattles Angel giggles.*

"You'd find another way to survive, but I think two is better than one and I like spending my time with you no matter what we are doing."

*Angel gets a soft brush and starts to rub some oil on one of the saddles.*

*Wes smiles down in Cindy giving her a kiss in the cheek.*

"Ok, I'll stay with you."

*Wes walks about the other side of the bed and kicks off his shoes. Climbing into the bed Wes snuggles up next to Cindy wraping his arm around her and drawing her close to him as he lays on his back. Resting his head on her gently running his hand through her hair.*

*As a half hour pass Jamie sits at the table still waiting for Con. She was dressed today in a baby blue tanktop with a shear white button up top over top of it only the bottom few buttons done up. and a pare of Black dress pants. A waiter comes up to her table.*

"Are you ready to order ma'am?"

"Oh no thank you. I'm waiting for someone. Could I get some water please though?"

"Certinly."

*The waiting leaves and Jamie lets out alittle sigh. She felt kind of silly waiting alone in the booth. Con usaly ran late but this is the latest he ever was. Pulling out her phone she dials Con's number and waits.*

Unheard

Wyatt looks up at Aerith and grins at her question. "It is now." He gestures for her to sit down, then presents her with the small bouquet of flowers. "Don't take this the wrong way or anything - I know we just met - but I couldn't figure out any other way to tell you I was sorry for ditching you the other night."


Domino scurries back and forth, running to her heart's content, finally able to release her pent-up energy with Katie. Eventually, she does slow down though, panting from the exercise. Dropping her toy back at Katie's feet, she sits down and glances around the room as if still waiting for someone else to show up. But he never did. Heaving a sigh she looks up at Katie, seeming to ask when things were going to go back to normal.


Scott blinks in the light, coming out of a deep sleep. A dull pain signals that much of the drugs have worn off throughout the day, and for the moment, his mind is clear. Turning his head, he spies Misty. "So are patients starved to save on the cost of food?" he teases. "Or can a guy get at least a bite of supper around here?"


Jason listens quietly to Nate, every once in a while looking in his eye to see the unmistakable pain from the past. He'd moved on, but it was evident that there was still hurt there...Jason could relate.

His eyes drift to the table as he receives the end of Nate's story. His own hurt and anger provided a resistance against comparing himself to Nate...he was living off the pain right now and he wasn't ready yet to let go. But questions seeped through the cracks. Would he and Katie ever be friends again? Could he ever move on like Nate had? If he didn't stop bottling up his emotions, would he ruin even more chances in life? Was what he'd done with Katie the starting of a pattern he would repeat if something didn't change?

Nate's warning to not allow his experience in prison to rule over him resounds in Jason's mind. But how could he not? He didn't know how to get past it. It was as if someone had erased bits and pieces of his mind to leave him ill-prepared for life, and without remembering how to live without this burden...how to live without the pain...how to live at all.

Like a light being switched off, Jason resumes his attention elsewhere, glancing at his watch. "Guess we should get back before Reese thinks we disappeared too."


Luke gives a little laugh at Angel. "Well I'm not going to sit back and watch you do all the work, so cleaning stalls is out of the question. However, Mick was complaining last week about some of the saddles needing to be oiled and I can do that while sitting down, so I think the tack room is the best option." He gives her shoulders a squeeze. "What would I do without you, hmm?"


Though drowsy, Cindy puts her arms around Wes' neck as he lifts her up, feeling so protected. Once lying in bed, she shakes her head. "I'll be alright...I just got tired is all...but if you want to stay with me for a while I wouldn't complain."


Con's watch beeps from the end table, signaling he had less than an hour to rise, get cleaned up and head out. But his sleeping form on the couch doesn't move. Nothing is heard but the sound of his dreams.

Past

*As Katie types away at her computer she hears the soft clicking of claws on the tiles. As a small bark rings in Katie cubicle a grins makes its way to Katie's face as she looks down at Domino.*

"Between you and your master I am never going to get any work dont you know that?!"

*Bending down Katie takes the squeeky toy and stands.*

"Come on."

*Katie makes her way to the recroom Domino closely following behind her. Making sure no one is using the room Katie goes in a shuts the door. Taking the chew toy Katie throws it across the long room. Watching little Domino's leg try to find traction as she scurrys across the room. Running back to her only to have the toy be thrown again.*

*Mable smiles as Wyatt and waves and noding alittle turning her head to the back room.*

"Aerith I just sat someone in your sections."

*Aerith comes out from the back tieing her aprin and see Wyatt. Looking back at Mabel.

Mable gives a small smile and nods.*

"Take your break."

"But I just got back from break!"

"So take another one."

*Aerith cant help but grin at Mable as she walks over to Wyatt and nods to the booth.*

"Hey this seat taken?"

*Angel smiles at Luke and helps him up again. Slowly making there way to the barn.*

"So...what would you like to do? We can brush horses, rub down some sattles, watch me much out stalls. You name it and I will make it possable."

*Rosetta stands and disapears into the kitchen. A few minutes later she reapears with plates , sandwhitches and salad. Smiling at everyone she stays standing.*

"Dig in everyone. I am going to go grab Wendy and BJ. I'll be back."

*Rosetta disapears out of the messhall.*

*Wes makes his way through the house seeing the food still left on the table. Picking up the bowl he takes it into the kitchen and puts it on the counter. Grabing a glass and geting some water Wes makes his ways into the living room. Seeing Cindy curled up in the chair Wes is hit with a suddin wave of worry. Going over to her Wes squots down next to Cindy and feels her head. She was a bit warm. Standing again Wes scoops Cindy up in his arms and gently takes her to the bed room. With his free arm he pulls the blankets down and lays Cindy on the bed resting her head softly on the pillow.*

"Hun, do you want me to go get Angel? I'm alittle worryed about you."

*Nate sits back down and orders another coffee. Taking a sop Nate is silent for several minutes just refelcting on the past. Alot of stuff had happend befoe Nate came to TJY. But everything made him who he was today.*

"Along time ago I had what alot of my friends called a perfect family, and I would addmit my family was a good one. My mother was an actress and my father was her agent. We lifed pretty good than and traviled alittle. When Maggie was first came along everyhing was good. They found out she had downsyndrom and were upset about it but Mom sai she loved her anyways and dident want her in a special home."

*Nate takes another sip of his coffee. Replaying events in his mind were painful, but if it helped Jason feel like he wasent alone it was worth it.*

" So things were good, life was good. When I turned 25 I fell in love with a wonderful woman Her name was Lynn. She had hair of raven black and the biggest brown eyes I had even seen. She was an amazing woman. we dated for a year, and grew very serouse. We were almost insepratable. Than it all fell apart. My mom got a big movie gig and there was no room for kids. She really changed always promised she would come back to Maggie but months went by and she dident. I worked 3 jobs, spent time with my sister and Lynn. I was young, I was growing tired and finally my mental stability suffered from it. I ended up snaping and had to spend a year in a hospetal. I hated it and couldent wait to leave. While I was there Lynn watched out for Maggie. God truly blessed his with a kind and loving heart."

*Nate lets out a long sigh.*

"When I was in the hospetal I learned how to shut out my feelings, lock them up. It was the only way I could get out of the hospetal let them know I wasent unstable anymore was to hide it. finally I was let out. I went back home to Lynn and Maggie and I tryed to open up again. It worked alittle but I wasent the same anymore. I dident want to feel for I new if I did I would feel te hurt as well. Finally I pushed Lynn away. the love of my life I pushed out the door. For the longest time I tryed to blame Maggie. I sent her off to a group home I also abandend my sister. A few months passed Lynn started showing up again to see how I was doing but when she found out that Maggie wasent with me anymore that was the last straw and I havent seen her since. My wonderful Lynn was good. Several months later Maggie almost died. My own anger got in the way of my sister and I never checked out where I sent Maggie. Come to find out they had alot of cases niglect for there pasents. Someone wasent paying attachen to Maggie while she was trying to take a bath. She made the water to hott and burned herself that sent her into shock so she couldent get out of the tub, and almsot ended up drownding."

*Nate runs his finger along the lip of his coffee mud remembering the past and how he felt. It braught a tear to his eye.*

"When I found out I was devastated. Like a hammer to a glass window everything inside shattered my walls and I let it out again. From that point on I promised my emotions would never cause me to push anyone away again. Since that time Maggie has been with him and I love her so much. She is my sun now. I never found someone since Lynn I cared about untill recently."

*A smile makes its way to Nate's face at the thought of Laura.*

"So Jason, I have locked myself away, lost, had a broken hear, healed slowly and moved on. If two people are ment to be together they will find there way back to one another. Lynn and I never did. I'll always hold a peace of her in my heart to remember. She made such an impact I dont know how I could ever gorget. We just wernt ment to be. But my sister was ment to be with him, cuz she is still here. Every good relationship has to have its break ups so you can grow. I Know you feel lost and alone Jason but your not. Not at all. Dont let what happend in prison rule over you."

*Nate grows silent trying to keep his own tears away. It had been a long time since he looked at the past and it still hurt.*

Play with me?

Rick grins a little at Katie and nods. "Alright. I'll get him taken care of."

After Katie leaves, Rick is able to help Scott, then get him settled again. Without anything to keep him occupied, it's not long before Scott is asleep.

Domino watches everything around her, keeping a close eye on her master. Finding him asleep once again though, her boredom takes over. Picking up her chew toy, she goes to the door and finding it open a crack, nudges it open some more and slips out. Looking both ways down the hall, she sniffs a little, then aims toward the main floor.

Her small size helps her go unnoticed by anyone who is sitting at their desks, and she slips by a whole row of cubicles without being seen. Stopping once to look around and sniff again, she aims for the end cubicle.

Turning the corner into Katie's cubicle, she drops her toy on the floor and looks up at her, giving a quiet little bark.


Con trudges into his apartment, throwing his keys onto the table. He was sweaty and dirty from being on the site all day and was exhausted. He glances at the clock. He had two hours before he was supposed to meet Jamie at the steakhouse downtown for supper. If he could just slip in an hour of sleep he might be worth something tonight.

Aiming for the living room, he kicks off his work boots and flops down on the couch. He sets the alarm on his watch and within minutes is sound asleep. Once sleeping though, he doesn't realize when he rolls over onto his right side. The alarm was set but would go unheard.


Wyatt pulls up in front of Mom and Pop's and parks. His arm now out of the sling he moves more easily, though walks with some hesitance. He was going to grab an early supper before heading back for some evening work at TJY. He could have chosen a different place to get his food, but for some reason he'd been drawn back here. Maybe it was Aerith...he still felt like a jerk for ditching her twice, and couldn't even make up for it now since he had to go back to work, but maybe the fact that he was still around and being sociable would be enough to help her stick around until he had another chance.

Stopping at the door, he looks to his right at a nearby shop. Thinking for a moment, he opts for the apologetic route. It's several minutes before he's back at the restaurant again, this time entering and going for the counter. A dainty bouquet of flowers is in his hand, tied with a little purple ribbon.

Wyatt throws a smile in Mabel's direction. "Hey, Mabel. I'm needing some supper and a piece of humble pie. Aerith around this afternoon?"


Angel's hand through Luke's hair is like a soothing breeze to calm the harshest storm. He looks her in the eye for a moment before leaning over and kissing her lips. "I know," he says softly. "This is kinda weird for me, but I know nothing is going to change...and my love certainly isn't."

He takes a deep breath, his gaze wandering to the mess hall again. Part of him wanted to go see Trent for himself, but he resists for now. That was one thing that could wait. He had some things to think through first before seeing him again...he needed to sort through what he was feeling first.

Instead, he takes Angel's hand. "You gonna help your cripple of a fiancé in the barn to find something he's capable of doing so he can earn his keep around here?"


Trent watches Wes leave, feeling more out of place here than he ever had in his life. He remembers the first time he'd been to this ranch...a rueful memory existed of him stealing his sister's jeep. How things had changed...

The afternoon is spent with awkward small talk, and conversations about the Agency with speculations as to where Mick might be and why. There are still things unknown about Trent, and there are still things he doesn't know about the gang...but peace is kept and no arguments arise. He is continually meek, showing at least on the outside that his intentions were as stated...he just wanted to start over before it was too late.

Sparky eventually offers to have Trent bunk down with him while Mick was gone... Though his offer is sincere, it's known that he's also motivated by the chance to keep a close eye on Trent.


Cindy is curled up in the one easy chair in the living room. Her lunch of potato soup is half eaten on the kitchen table, left uncleared and cold. She'd gotten halfway through her meal before feeling sick again and had wound up in the chair, with no motivation to clear the table or attempt finishing her food.

Hearing the front door open and footsteps, she recognizes that it's Wes. Overcome with a strange tiredness though, she stays where she is.

The Man for me

*Wes looks at Trent saspition still in his voice. He dident know Trent and how he use to be as well as the others. He only new most of the bad a a sliver of the good. Shaking his head he stands.*

"I better get back to Cindy at the house. She hasent been feeling too good. Clint if you can help me with that coutch later that would be cool. I have a few other things I could get help with too."

*Before exiting Wes heart softens a bit. Looking back to Trent.*

"It was good to see you alive Trent. If you want to keep busy too and help later you can."

*Wes exits and starts down the long path he walked this morning to the ranch see as it was so nice out. As he pass by one of the fields Wes smiles as he watching BJ and Wendy brushing his poney. It was nice to see some peace left for a few, and Wes new his peace and happyness was waiting at home for him. That in itself braught comfort and contenment to the caos around him.*

*Katie cant help but let out another laugh as she gives Scott hand a pat.*

"Ya I think I will leave that up to Rick let me go get him."

*As KAtie heads for the door she looks down at Domino.*

"Make sure he dosent go anywhere ok?"

*Making her way to Rick's office Katie cant help but hold her smile. She was still upset and sad. Her heart was still breaking but Scott had defintly helped lighten it alittle bit. Entering the office Katie stuffs her hands in her pockets.*

"ummm...Rick? Scott needs help using the little boys room and in his loopyness we decieded that it was best if you helped him while I went and did some work. So he is all yours."

*Katie nods to the next room than slowly exits take short strides to her cubicle. Work would help she hoped keep her mind off stuff for now.*

*Angel stops with Luke easing him down onto a bench outside the barn to rest for a moment.*

"Rosetta is happy to see her brother alive, but is being leery like everyone alse. Trent has clamed to be on ourside before only to backstabe us. So they are just taking it slow."

*Angel is quiet for a moment. There was no doubt that Luke would be ok, and that he trusted Angel but the memories had to be there anyways.*

"Ya I saw him alittle while ago. He's aged and has a weary look about him. But he still looks like the same old Trent."

*Taking Luke's hand in hers smiles look at him.*

"When I saw him I wanted to give him a hug as a friendship I am glad your alive, but I dident. I hesatated not knowing if he was on ourside as well. Luke, when I saw Trent I felt nothing more than a sarrow and maybe a friendship that could be rebuilt. I know I dont need to tell you this but I love you and nothing is going to change that. I'm marrieing you and its going to be wonderful. Your the only man for me."

*Angel takes her hand and runs it through Lukes hair. Love in her eyes and sensarity in her voice.*

Tongue Tangled

Scott's eyes lower to Katie's hand as it takes his own. He rubs his thumb over hers thoughtfully. Shifting his gaze, he looks over to her again, searching her face. His sudden quietness is a contrast to his babble only moments before, as if he's sensing the seriousness of Katie's words.

His eyes drift back to the ceiling. "You are worth it, Katie. Don't fool yourself into thinking you're not something special." Was that lucidness in his voice? Was he still high on the drugs, or was he actually processing what was happening? His fingers tighten around hers in a slight squeeze.

After a moment, he tilts his head again, his sheepish grin regained. "Uh, Katie, would you mind doing this poor fellow a huge favor and skidaddling on into Rick's office and informing him that his most obedient patient needs a bit of help here?" He gestures to the bed with his hands . "Since I'm supposed to be staying put here in this dang contraption of a bed, it's gonna be kinda difficult to..."

He stops himself short, blinking, trying to process. He's pretty sure he's on the verge of saying something stupid, but isn't quite aware of just what. "Um..." He points to the bathroom in the corner, squinting one eye. "That is my destination, but I don't think you want to help me with that one no matter how enthusiastically your kind hot...hort... that's not right either... heart! There we go. Yes, no matter how much you..." He pauses again having no idea where he'd been headed, and gives up. "Just go get Rick."


Jason looks up at Nate as he prepares to leave, questioning everything that's happening right now. His mind was not on this case, even if he did throw himself into it full force. His mind wasn't anywhere he wanted it to be. And questions lingered... If Nate hadn't promised to say no more, Jason wouldn't ask... but he had promised, and Nate was one of the few that Jason trusted to keep his word. Katie's name wouldn't come up unless it was spoken by Jason, and he was confident of that.

Why he really wanted to know the rest of the story, he didn't know...maybe he just didn't want to go back to TJY right now and was stalling... maybe he really was looking for answers even if he didn't want to admit it even to himself.

He gestures to Nate's empty chair. "Sit back down," he directs, request in his tone. "I want to hear your story."


Luke stops at the entrance to the barn and turns to look at Angel as she tells him that Trent is there. "Trent? Here?" He swallows hard, a million and one thoughts hitting him at once....the past coming over him like a wave. He remembers the rivalry...he remembers the competition between them over someone they had both cared for. There was no doubt in his mind now that he and Angel would soon be married and happily so...but the memories taunted him.

"I...see...that's...." He furrows his brow, trying to figure out just how to respond. "If he's on our side, that's...that's great...I'm sure Rosetta is thrilled and..."

Luke stops, knowing that if there was one person he didn't need to try and beat around the bush with, it was Angel. "I...don't quite know what to think here. Have you seen him?"


Trent catches on to Wes' distrust and tries to compensate. "I don't know what the Agency would want...maybe it's a 'who' and not a 'what.' I have no clue. It was just something that was implied."

He pauses, then shakes his head slowly. "I'm sorry....if I reveal who my friend is, I'll be putting them in more danger than they are now. You have to believe me that I'm on the up and up with this one."

I can deal

*Katie snaps her head back to Scott a bit of anger inside her but not to Scott, to Jason and to everyone who would look past Scott causing him to feel no bigger than a spec of dust. She was angry at Jason for making Scott fear him.*

“Scotty I don’t think my opinion of you is going to change one bit. I’m not like everyone ales and I like breaking the mold. I like you the way you are. I think the only think I’d want to change about you if you stick up for yourself more and maybe show you how to fight so next time you can defend yourself and put alittle bit of hurting on the other member as well. Other than that you’re great.”

*Katie thinks more on what Scott said about Jason.*

“Ya know Scott, Jason might have good looks right now but he heart doesn’t match anymore right now. All the popularity in the world couldn’t keep someone from losing themselves and pushing everyone the once loved away leaving them alone. Yes Jason has looks and is popular but he is certainly not happy right now and not himself. “

*Katie lets out another sigh and she turns her head and looks at Scott.*

“As for thinking about him, my heart is breaking Scotty. I walked away this morning and it was the hardest thing in the world I ever had to do. But it was for the best of both of us. I’m not what he needs right now and….He’s not the Jason I loved anymore. So I took the step back and broke it off, now my heart is just trying to deal with the pain of loss.”

*Katie’s eyes search Scott’s eyes as he makes the comment about defending Katie. Slowly her hand finds his.*

“I’d NEVER want you to go through this again for me. You might like me a lot but no one is worth getting the crap beat out of them like this. I can deal with Jason’s words they hurt a lot less than seeing you like this.”

*Nate searchs Jason's face for a moment.*

"Maybe we should go see Carson than."

*Catching a glimps of something in Jason's eyes he takes note that right now Jason isent all with him. His mind was alse where. Nate wanted to talk to Jason, try and help him feel better but he has promised not to bring the situations up again and Nate wasent one to brake his promises.

Taking the last sip of his coffee Nate gathers the files up.*

"If your ready Hotshot we can had back. We can talk to Carson or just sit on the thought for a day. Now that your staying with him maybe it would be easyer for you to try. Just fill me in on whatever he has to say."

*Nate stands and waits for Jason not sure if he was going to come along or stay. Nate felt so bad for Jason. He new this couldent be easy.*

*Angel slips Luke's arm around her shoulder to help him walk. It was good he was trying to walk keeping the blood flowing.

A certin nervouse feeling formed in Angel's tummy as Luke asked who had come to the ranch. She wasent sure how he would react. Shaking her head she replys.*

"You dont want to know."

*Helping Luke walks a few more steps Angel knows she has to tell him before he finds out on his own and it make sit ten time worse. Luke had a right to know.*

"Trent...its Trent. She showed up Rosetta said saying he has changed and wanted to help with Mick. I guess you could say he is going through an intarigation right now with Wes and Sparky in the lead. Other than that I dont know anything. Thats the only reson why he said he had come to the ranch."

*Angel keeps walking with Luke not sure how he took the news but she dosent take her eyes off him. A certin fear was in her eyes. One that couldent be explained. Maybe it was the fear that Luke would freak out and hurt himself more, maybe he would think she wouldent want him anymore when she did. Angel dident know what to exspect and thats what worryed her the most.*

*Wes eye narrow things dident add up. There were gaps, holes.*

"What could the Agency possably want from someplace alse?"

*Wes catches Sparkys eyes wondering if the other place was TJY. But what could they want from there. Should they contact Reese and let him know?*

"So who is this friend of yours?"

Resident

Scott smirks. "Not a nerd huh - now that's a funny statement. Stick around a little longer and pretty soon you'll have the opinion everybody else does, mark my words."

He tilts his head to the side so he can see Katie's face as she grows more solemn. He frowns, as his high nosedives before swinging back up again. "Maybe you look hot, but you're not feeling it, are you... I bet you're thinking about Jason again." He nods. "Yeah...I don't blame you. What kind of a chance does a guy like me stand against someone like him - he's the popular kind...nobody can not notice him, even I know that."

Scott moves his head to look back up at the ceiling, seemingly unhappy. "'Course it doesn't help that I'm scared to death of him now. He ever hurt you though, I'd take a beating all over again if it'd get him off your back."

Snapping back, his lips form a smile. "Can you see the look on Rick's face if he had to patch me up a third time?!" A silly laugh escapes. "Just call me the indefinite infirmary resident. Got a computer problem, just wheel 'er on in here and I'll work from bed!"


By now, Jason is paying little attention to what Nate is saying, concentrating just on trying to stay on top of his own thoughts. He nods absentmindedly. "Yeah...whatever. I don't know what else we could do."

He furrows his brow. "Something keeps nagging at my gut though...something about Carson and I don't know why." He shrugs, twirling his empty glass between his hands.


Luke pauses his trek as Angel comes up to him, and musters up a smile. "I just thought I should show my face around here today... looking for something productive to do, though I doubt I could do much to help anybody today." He glances back to the mess hall. "Saw we had a visitor so I didn't want to interrupt. Who's here?"


Trent shakes his head at Wes. "As far as I know, I've been one step ahead of the Agency through that friend of mine helping me out. I'm almost positive that they don't know I'm here... and I wasn't headed here until after I heard about Mick, so there can't be a connection there."

He pauses in thought. "My friend did tell me though, that there was something the Agency wanted from someplace else... I don't know what, but for some reason it made me think they were going to use Mick as a bargaining chip for something...it's total speculation though."

Loopy

* Katie shakes her head and laughs at Scott. Poor guy, hoping he would remember this in the morning Katie reminds herself not to even mention it to him he would be to embarssed and she wouldent want to do that to him.

Katie lifts an eyebrow at Scott. She new he was being loopy right now from thepainkillers, but was this stuff that really went through him mind he was just aslways scaired to talk about or say. Did he really think about himself this way.*

"Scott your not a nerd, you just think you are. Just cuz you like computers and stuff dosent mean you earn the title as a nerd."

*Katie lets out a sigh trying to keep her own mind occupided so she dosent break down again. It was hard to keep the feelings that were paining her heart locked away, But Scott dident need to know or see them right now he was....far to occupied at the moment.*

"Your not a loner eather Scott. So dont think that about yourself. Your a great guy, I like hanging out with you."

*Katie rests her back aganst the bed leting out a low sigh.*

*Nate lets out a sigh as he leans forword on the table.*

"My guess would be the Agency thinks they they take away the leaders than the group would crumble. Or they simply think or no we will act and throw everything Lockheart has plained out the window. Could be a trap to try and make it look like we arnt innocent."

*Nate runs a hand over his face in throught. He wasent sure what to do anymore. Being on the DL was strange differnt. He was always using going in blazing and now they had to take it easy*

"Maybe we do need to wait. See if the Agency slips up giving us a clue or anyting. I guess it would be best to gather the information we can and just sit on it for now."

*Angel slowly stands from the table relizing she hasent seen Luke all day moving twords the door she lets everyone know she will be back later. Exiting the mess hall Angel see Luke struggling by the barn. Going over to him she smiles.*

"Want some help geting to you destination my handsome prince?"

*Rosetta studys her brother a while longer trying to find questions to ask but her mind felt blank. She hadent seen her brother in ages and she dident even know what to say. Just watching him making sure he is really there. Rosetta had wished Trent would come and God answered her. He has a reson for being there.*

*Wes perks up alittle bit as the silence lingers.*

"I have a question I guess. You said you were running to get away from the Agency. Are they still after you and are you sure they dident trace you back here? Do you think maybe they took Mick cuz they new you were heading here? Any information weather its told or new would help us."

Dogs

Trent's gratefulness is evident in his eyes as Rosetta speaks. He could have been kicked out the minute he'd come and he knew it. But his sister was choosing to accept him back into the fold if he was deemed worthy.

"I...thank you," he replies meekly. He doesn't know what else he can say... There were details to his life since getting out of prison, but nothing of great consequence.... nothing that would affect anything or anyone here. And he truly wasn't sure why he'd decided to come... Maybe what he'd told Angel was true...maybe it was simply that his conscience had finally had enough and he couldn't stand living from the past anymore.

Trent offers a weak smile to his sister. "The only craving I have is to right what wrongs I've done...and I think that's about impossible."

At Rosetta's cue for people to take the moment to agree or disagree with her offer to Trent, he looks around at the others, giving his statement to everyone. "I know this doesn't make up for a single thing...nothing I could ever do or say can. But...I'm sorry. I was wrong...and if there ever was a man who wanted to go back and stop himself from the stupid things he's done, it's me."

His eyes glance towards Angel. "If ever there was a man ashamed of his actions...ashamed of letting down the ones he loved...it's me."

Sparky takes a deep breath, glancing at the others. With Mick gone again, he'd automatically stepped up to the plate once more, taking the lead alongside Wes and Austin. "It's alright with me if you stay, Trent. We're sitting dead in the water right now as far as Mick is concerned, but any additional team members can only help. Rosetta's right...you will be watched like a hawk...but I think you understand that."

"I do."

Jim nods his approval along with Austin and Jeff. Austin speaks. "I won't begrudge a man the same thing I was given...and that was a new chance."

As the agreement is made that Trent will be allowed to stay for now, Clint decides to make his exit, leaving the previous generation to talk.

Sitting back down a the table, Trent looks to his sister once more. "My life hasn't been worth talking about, but...I don't mind if you have questions."


Luke opens his eyes again. The bunk felt hot...it was early afternoon. He was still in bed...he should be out working... He should be out and getting things done... It was ridiculous that he was still in bed...he hadn't stayed inside this late before unless he'd been sick.

Pulling himself up into a sitting position, he manages to get his legs swung over the side of the bed. Looking up, he sees his own reflection in the mirror. He sighs deeply. Years ago after his accident, he'd been in a wheelchair for months until he'd healed enough to be able to walk again. Then it hadn't been so bad...he'd had his bad days when he'd used his braces, but he'd been able to function...able to live a normal life. But as the years progressed, it was getting harder. He feared there progressive nerve deterioration which would leave him in this state permanently. He didn't want to be confined to a wheelchair again. He knew what it felt like. He was just starting to really live...he was getting married...he was starting a new life...how could he do all that, while taking this step backward at the same time?

Forcing himself up, he uses the furniture in the bunk to help himself get around and get dressed. Strapping his braces in place over his jeans, he grits his teeth against the pain and takes his cane. The steps off the porch were the worst, but Luke finally makes it to level ground, and aims for the barn at a slow pace, leaning heavily on his cane lest his legs buckle.


Jason runs his finger through the wet ring his glass made on the table, just trying to keep his mind focused on one thing. It wasn't an easy task.

"You want to go against Reese, or Carter for that matter, feel free. I've gotten myself in enough trouble doing that. I don't see how we can act much until we see if those pardons go through. If they don't, we're all sunk anyway, so who cares what we do now? If they go through, then we'll have the law to back us up for once." He shrugs. "The Agency wouldn't have gone to the effort of kidnapping Mick if all they planned to do was kill him. They would have just sent an assassin in. But what they want - that's the question."

He rubs a hand over his face, his tiredness coming through. "Let's say they took him because he was the ring leader... Why? What do they care?"

Jason stops and polishes off his orange juice. His eyes drift around the room again, showing that he's struggling to stay focused. He'd started out focused, but he was losing it quickly.


Scott lifts his eyebrows at Katie's comment of not seeing him often without a shirt. He quirks a grin. "Is that something you would normally say? I guess you could switch places with Misty and check my stitches, though I'm not convinced that would be much of an enjoyable task except for me, 'cause just having you around is enjoyable, and by all means having you...."

He frowns as his train of thought is suddenly lost. "Hmmm...." Instead of trying to gain back whatever it was he was going to say, he listens to Katie for a moment about Jason. "Oh...that's why you look like you do. I guess I shoulda know that...but I don't think I'm thinking very well right now, what do you think...or not think...or...something.... At any rate, I think you're right...am I being loopy? I don't feel loopy... or maybe I do...is that what this is called?"

Katie's remark about him being hot causes another silly grin. "Oooh, the truth comes out!" A laugh escapes. "Misty didn't give you any of that...that stuff she gave me, did she? 'Cause something tells me that you wouldn't normally go saying something like that especially in front of me, to whom you were referring...to...me... 'cause that's just not the way you'd talk to a nerd like me anyhow, 'cause I'm far from hot, know what I'm saying?"

He lets his head flop to the side where he can see Domino. "'Cept my dog loves me, so what more can a guy ask for? If he's destined to spend his life on earth as a loner, at least he's got a dog...did you know they call dogs man's best friend?"

Did I just...

*Angel lets out a small sigh as Sparky breaks the silence. Slowly making her way to the table she sits at the far end. Her eyes never move from Trent as he talks. She studys his movments, his eyes trying to seek the truth.

Rosetta listens to Trent. Compation filling her heart for her brother. No matter how much he had hurt them, he was still her brother and she loved him.*

"If everyone alse will be ok with it, I'd like to have you stay around Trent. You will be watched like a hawk till we know we can trust you, but I'd like you to stay and be able to see your sister get married when we get Mick back."

*Rosetta looks around at everyone in the mess room. She wanted to make sure evenyone agreed. This was there home now too and she couldent make desitions without them.*

"As for beging for food. There is no need. Your my brother and you needent need to beg for anything. I will gladly shair my food for with you. What is it your craving for dinner?"

*Nate takes in everything Jason says about the Agency and Mick. About spliting everyone up.*

"Well we know what Reese and Austin think, but what about you? Do you think we should sit back and wait? or try and find Mick ourselfs? Surly they wouldent kill him if they want information or are waiting for us to make a move, but do we really want to take that chanse. I certinly dont. I have been keeping in contact with Austin the last few months and things had seemed to be going so smooth. I'm Just stuck at a rock and a hard place."

*Nate sighs and leans back in his chair taking a sip of his coffee just letting his mind wonder for a moment.*

"I cant sit by and let the Agency do goodness knows what to Mick, yet I dont want to cause to much trouble with the court date coming up. I dont want to put anymore strain on Lockheart than there needs to be. There has to be a suddle way of doing this but how!?!"

Be the kind of person you would like to be with. Some people come into our lives, making footprints on our hearts to last forever. If you are kind to them they will be good ones to remember.

*Katie cant help but giggle alittle at Scott.*

"You do know you dont need battle scars to be in the ranks with the others right? I think with everything you know how to do your already there. Though I do have to addmit, scars are kind of hott. Not that I see you much without a shirt off..."

*Katie stops for a moment not sure what she herself just said but feeling insanly embarssed.*

"...or something like that."

Girls blush, sometimes, because they are alive, half wishing they were dead to save the shame. The sudden blush devours them, neck and brow; they have drawn too near the fire of life and feel how silly they sound.

*Katie cant help but laugh again as Scott talks about her being hot. He certinly was being a goofball for sure but Katie dident mind. She needed a destraction. He mind needed to get away from Jason for the moment and what had happend. Her heart was so heavy she need the laugh to help her get through the rest of the day and this was defintly working. Scott was the light that helped Katie when she was down.

Like Jen had said God gives us people for a reason even if it was small.

Giving a smile as she looks down at Domino and throws a nod at Scott.*

"I think he is totally off his rocker."

*Domino wiggles her whole body with excitment at Katie's feet. Picking Domino up Katie looks back to Scott. trying to get passed her embarssment.. It wasent every people called her hot.*

"I think someone is jealouse you called me hot and not her."

*For a moment Katie is quiet, than slowly puts Domino down drawing closer to Scott's side.*

"Yeah, I'm ok. Or I will be anyways I think. Just some stuff happend with Jason today and its just really hard. Its taking its toll on me. When your alittle less loopy we can talk more about it."

*Katie throws Scott a half of a smile to let im know she would be ok sooner or later. Katie smile turns into a mischevus grin for a moment trying to stop her mind from wondering into the darkness of depresstion again where the tears romed*

"By the way Scotty, your pretty hot yourself and if you embaressed yourself than I just did too."

*Katies go wide for a moment as if in shock.*

"Did I really just say that?"

I can't tell

The corner of Trent’s mouth turns up and he gives a little nod at the mention of Luke. “I shouldn’t have had to ask. How long have you been…”

Sparky cuts him off, sensing the tension, even though Angel has willingly spoken to him. “They’re engaged.”

Trent turns to Sparky, question flickering in his eyes. Just engaged? After all these years?

Sparky seems to read his mind. “We split up, Trent…everybody. A few stayed here, but otherwise we were eighteen years apart.”

“All this time?” Trent furrows his brow. He would have thought the gang would have stayed together.

“It was the Agency…then they were dormant for eighteen years….then things started happening all over again. We thought Jim died and that’s how we all got back together again. We’ve all had separate lives…Mick’s got an ex-wife and two kids in Montana…all the kids you knew are grown up…” Sparky nods to Clint as an example. “Except for Jim and Becky’s third…they lost him as a baby.”

Trent’s eyes darken and he looks to Jim, who is staring at the floor.

Sparky continues. “Wes is married now…Jay’s wife and son died and he’s remarried now…Rosetta and Mick are engaged too…” He shakes his head. “Time hasn’t stood still for anybody. It’s not the same anymore.”

“I didn’t expect it to be…” Trent glances around at the faces again, landing on Rosetta, a bit of pride actually showing in his eyes, hearing of her engagement. He looks down again. “I…I don’t know what else to say. You’ve got my story and I guess…I guess I’ll move on if you want me to. I don’t have anywhere to go right now…I’ve been on the move, not wanting the Agency to find me alive…but…if I could…” He looks up to his sister. “…could just spend one night and maybe beg a meal off of you, I won’t ask for anything more.”


Luke glances at his bedside clock and groans. It was late…really late…and he hadn’t even gotten out of bed yet. He didn’t feel good…he didn’t feel like trying. He knew he should…he knew he needed to…but he was just so tired of trying so hard. Rolling over on his side, he lets his head sink back down into his pillow. Just a while longer…maybe all his legs needed was just a little while longer…


Leaning back in his chair, Jason throws a brief glare in Nate’s direction for his opening comment. Of course it hurt. But that didn’t mean it needed to be discussed.

Opting to stay rather than get up and walk out like his irritation wanted him to, Jason’s eyes drift to a sign on the wall. He didn’t want to hear this…he didn’t want to talk about him and Katie, whether Nate had figured it out or not. It was over, done with, and a painful sore that needn’t be rubbed with salt. He did wonder about Nate’s past…he’d never heard that story before. But any curiosity is driven away by his desire to shove his own circumstance out of the way so he wouldn’t have to look at it any more.

Completely ignoring Nate’s compassionate gesture and offer to be there, Jason shifts his focus to their job.

“The Agency could want Mick for a zillion reasons. They were after him from the beginning when he went back to Texas because he’d been working for them without knowing who they were. They had a working department that actually was in law enforcement, not illegal actions and that’s where Mick was. He started investigating and realized they were the culprits for years’ worth of torment on the Texan families. They caught on to him and he skipped along with another agent, Mel.”

Jason shrugs. “So that’s one thing. The Agency simply doesn’t like to lose, so will go out of their way to get agents back whether it makes sense or not. Another reason could be that it’s because Mick’s the ringleader of the Texas gang. Sparky, or Tyler, and Austin have taken over some, but Mick’s really been the driving force since the beginning – him and Rosetta. So from that angle, the Agency could just be trying to break up the team…take away the leader and see what happens.”

He pauses to take a swig of his orange juice. “They could want answers…they probably don’t know how much everyone on this end knows, so just being able to figure out all that we do know about them would help their plan of action. Or…they could want something in return. But they’ve remained silent… Personally, I think they’re toying with us. I think Medridge wants us to make the first move, which is why Austin and Reese opted to do nothing…they’re trying to stop the cat and mouse pattern.”

Jason stops again, not realizing how much he’s thrown himself into this case or how quickly, just to avoid other topics.


The longer Scott is awake, the more alert he grows, feeling more free to talk as his mouth loosens up, the effects of the drugs that were already in him, becoming more evident. He quirks an eyebrow at Misty, his fingers strumming the bedside. “Mm, loopy…I think I can handle that.” He gives her a grin. “This is one guy who won’t resist a shot. It’s not every day I can get doped up and have a clear conscience…”

He furrows his brow in thought as Misty leaves the bed, then returns. “But if I say anything stupid…keep that here, will ya?” Receiving the shot, his eyebrows raise. “I wouldn’t want everything floating around this office – I’m already the brunt of jokes the way it is without my rampant high babble being passed around through…email…or…something. There was once when I was on this high powered stuff and for three days my sister listened to me and didn’t tell me how stupid I was, and I didn’t remember a thing, but later on everybody else knew about me talking about the purple plants and the balloons…boy that was bad.” Scott suddenly stops and blinks, not at all sure how much he’s just said, but fearing it’s way too much. “And please tell me to shut up.”

…Scott manages to keep himself fairly subdued for several minutes, but turns his head when he hears the door. Looking up at Katie, he squints at her. “Well, I’ll be. She did come.” He shrugs. “Me, I hurt, but it’s not so bad when I’m as high as a kite, so I think I’ll live. At least now I can join the ranks of the other guys and have my own battle scar to show off.”

He raises an eyebrow at Katie. “You don’t look so hot though. I mean…yeah, of course you’re hot, you’re always hot, ever since I met you, you were…” His voice suddenly trails off and he pauses as if trying to figure out what he’d just said. “I don’t think that came out right did it….did I just embarrass myself, or is it just me? I can’t tell.”