Chill

Gentily giving Kyle a hug back Alice feels so much peace that, that in itself could be over welcoming.

Closing her eyes as she returns the hug silently she thanks the only person who could of helped her find this peace...God.

Being pulled away to look to Kyle, Alice had no doubt that her eyes held a new glow, a new fire, a new twinkle. She was sure her face like Kyle's was brighter.

Slow and steady, she liked the idea of that. It would give them the chanse to warm up together, build a trust, a faith, and a promise.

Giving a small chuckle Alice finally replys.

"I rather like prunes...but I think you right. We better get out before we catch a chill and get sick."

Giving Kyle's hand another squeeze Alice finally lets go and swims over to the edge to climb up the ladder and grab her towel to wrap it around herself.

Adventure

"At least somebody likes my quirks," Kyle teases softly.

A peaceful quiet settles over them like a blanket. It had been a long time since he'd felt this kind of peace... and it was nice.

As Alice leans in closer, he lets her, tilting his head just a little. Their lips touching is like a warm breeze with the power to make any heart melt. Having her arms around him was something he hadn't known he wanted until now.

For now though, he lets the kiss stay simple and brief, choosing instead to pull Alice into a hug. Slower was better this time around. This time he wanted to savor each and every small moment, enjoying simplicity, rather than rushing in headlong. He wanted something saved for the special times... some things kept for the future... some things kept for the moments that would mean even more... he wanted passion to be gradual, rather than spending it all at once. Tonight's moment was meant to only be the beginning.

Drawing back, he finally releases her to bring both of his hands up to cradle her face. "You're an amazing woman, Alice... This is one adventure I can't say no to."

Grinning, he taps her nose playfully with his thumb. There was a new energy about his smile... a new spark. A fire had been lit in the darkness, now shining through his gaze. There was an anticipation instead of a dread of what was to come.

"Think we better get out of the pool before we both turn into prunes?"

Quirks

Giving a little laugh Alice couldnt be more content at this moment. A leap of faith is what she had been told once to take and now the time had come that she was trying it again. This time maybe, just maybe it would work out. Thats all she could hope for.

"Everything about you drives me crazy, but thats a good thing. I've kind of gotten use to you quirks and think I would miss them."

Stopping her hand at her jaw Alice cradles Kyle's face. She her hand shakes a little her heart thump in her chest like it might explode out. Leaning in a little close to Kyle Alice's eyes dont leave him till her lips finally press aganst his. Her eyes finally falling shut, the chill runs down her spine, and a new emotion, one differnt from anything before blossoms as her arms wrap around Kyle.

Ever since

Kyle lets Alice move, but continues to rest his arm around her waist. Something was happening here tonight... and though it was a little scary for them both, it was something they'd both been waiting for. Their reasons for resistance were different... their reasons for some insecurity were different... but their feelings for each other were the same. Being best friends had taught them both that they didn't want to be without the other.

His thumb rubs her back just a little and he closes his eyes as her fingers run along his face. A smile surfaces, along with a slight laugh at her final statement. "You took me to the top of the ferris wheel and I've been up there ever since."

Water drips from his hair and makes him blink again. Leaning in close, he lets his forehead rest against hers, his eyes finding hers once again. His smile surfaces one more time, his voice returning to a whisper as her hand moves along his cheek. "I gotta tell you that drives me crazy."

Fear

Kyle's words hit Alice's ears and bring a worm sensation to her skin as a small flam starts to flicker lighting up the dark and empty spots of her heart.

Feeling Kyle's arm loosen a little Alice knows he is letting her move if she wished but she dident want to her was to comfortable, but she didnt want to see his face better. Letting go of his hand she moves ever so slightly and twists in his grips so she was not look face to face with him.

"I've grown use to being your shadow, and following after you. I cant imagen going back to a normal life."

Bringing her hand to Kyle's face again Alice runs her fingers over his cheeks, his jaw, his nose and eyes as her eyes never leave his. It was like she was almost maping out his face to always remember. Her touch soft, light.

"Kyle Mitts, you stole my heart from the first moutain dew toss. I'm sorry it took me this long to put aside my own fear."

Too accustomed

For Kyle, time seems to slow and almost stand still. His eyes don't move from Alice's as she speaks, her words being absorbed and digested carefully and slowly.

Her hand on his face sends a tingle down his spine, and he doesn't back away. He just looks into her eyes, forgetting about everything else.

"Your eyes," he whispers. "They hold the morning and evening light all in one. I've been waiting for the chance to be a part of their horizon for a long time."

Shifting his head, his eyes drift close as his lips brush Alice's palm. "I can't walk away. You mean too much to me." He knew he was risking his heart again. He knew that once more, he was putting everything on the line. But it was like a habit he couldn't break... and he couldn't help the hope he felt, that this time... maybe he wouldn't be left alone in the end.

Moving down, he leans his chin on her shoulder, resting his head against hers, his wet hair touching her cheek. Though his arm remains around her, he relaxes a little, freeing her to move if she pleased.

"I've grown too accustomed to my shadow to let it go now."

Bear with me

Feeling Kyle's hand finally take hers and lock fingers the companionship she had been missing, the emptyness she had longed to fill was now hanging in the balance of wondering if it would be now filled.

Searching Kyle's eyes so many question she wanted to ask, so many things she wanted to throw at him and hound him to know if this was true so her heart wouldnt be broken again as the emptyness would swallow her whole once more.

Kyle her best friend wanted to be..more? Had she really over looked it this whole time? Did Kyle really want to be more? The worst that could happen is he would say now, and they would just be friends again.

"As sure as the sun rises every day, I will be there at your back to make sure smile, and to make you laugh as I know you will be for more."

Still letting Kyle hold her one hand she brings his other to his face to wipe the water away that was making its way down his face. Her hand felt a little shaky as the ground she would be walking would be risking her hear again but she was read, and she felt comfortable with Kyle and maybe her talk with Hunter had made something click. Seth would want her to be happy.

"If your willing to bear with me Kyle than please dont let go, but if you cant understand that something I might get scaired, and are not willing to stick with me than walk away now. My heart cant handle losing anyone else that I feel so close to. If you need sometime to think as well, than I understand."

Alice's eyes beg, and plee with Kyle what her heart wants, and yet they hold the darkness, the shiled that also said it didnt want to be hurt anymore. She gave him all the outs he could want without making him feel traped, Alice just wanted to make sure this is what Kyle wanted and was willing to stick with her.

Tell me

Kyle blinks back a bead of pool water. Alice had just proven him wrong. She was flirting with him... and it was obvious that she was very comfortable here with him, aside from all the teasing and the bantering. What had changed? And when? He swallows hard.

The mischief disappears from his eyes, though he tries to maintain some amount of humor. "I think it's okay..." He lets his sentence linger for several moments, trying to figure out exactly what else he wanted to say. "...as long as you mean it."

His fingers move a little so that he has a hold of her hands now instead of the other way around. His voice gets quieter. "I... don't think I could stand getting my hopes up for nothing."

He knew that his words were starting to reveal his true feelings. He knew that all of a sudden, he was starting to relay the deeper feelings that he'd been hiding. But the time seemed right. Maybe the gnawing feeling in his gut from being at odds all day long had proven to him the way he really felt. And he was tired of the games... he either wanted to know if he and Alice were just going to stay friends, which he would accept, or if there really was something more there.

Kyle's eyes continue to gaze into Alice's, trying so hard to read her and what she was really thinking. His voice comes out almost a whisper. "Either tell me to walk away now, or tell me not to let go. I can't stand the unknown in between."

Ok?

Giving another quirky smile back at him in the moonlight her eyes seem to dance as a suddin peace is about her as she is in Kyle's arm.

Was it the water? Was it all the emotions, could it be the long day Alice didnt know. But she felt safe, comfortable and just...differnt when she was with Kyle.

Grinning she gives a little nod of her head.

"I think, I might be is that ok?"

Question

Maybe it was the late hour. Maybe it was the emotions that couldn't be sorted through. Maybe it was out of tiredness. But whatever the case, a grin quirks the corners of Kyle's mouth.

He still doesn't move his arms. Instead, he just shifts his head a little more to get a straighter look at Alice's face. There was something behind her words. But he didn't believe that it was true. He was looking too deeply. To prove it to himself, his eyes narrow teasingly.

"Alice Whitt, are you flirting with me?"

Hidden meaning

Looking back at Kyle for that bref moment she catchs sight of the look the moved through his eye. Though she wasnt sure one hundred precent what that look ment it made her own heart skip a beat, as she can feel a little color come to her cheeks.

For just this bref moment, for this time being her toung was loose and she didnt feel scaired. The feel that had held her back wasnt there is almost felt like she was...free.

"You wouldnt have to worry, I'm not going anywhere. I think your stuck with me."

After the words come out of her mouth Alice cant help but wonder if she just over steped her bounds of there friendship. She didnt want to push Kyle away when she new they were only friends yet she couldnt help saying what she did. Maybe the hiddon meaning would be over looked.

Set up

Kyle's eyebrows rise as Alice settles back into him, getting more comfortable. He had expected more of a fight than this.

Glancing down, he catches Alice looking up at him. For some reason, his pulse quickens just a little, and he wonders if she can hear his heartbeat.

"You're not supposed to make it this easy," he muses. Oddly, his voice has grown quieter. "One might think you were trying to set me up."

His eyes search hers, and for a moment, the same look passes through his eyes that had the night on the beach. He doesn't want to let her go... he wants to let her go. The muscles in his hands tense, ready to back off, but yet they stay where they are.

"I'd... hate to get comfortable just to have you slip away."

Comfortable

Keeping her finger lock over top of Kyle's Alice leans her head back into his shoulder as if getting comfortable and lets herself float a little bit.

"OK, I am comfortable and in good hands. I am ready to stay he all night with you."

Moving her head a little so it was still on Kyle's shoulder she looks up at him the grin still on her face as her breaking is soft on his neck.

Okay

Kyle gives a short laugh, keeping his arms locked around Alice's waist.

Hearing that she wouldn't give up and that they would be stuck there all night, Kyle shrugs. He doesn't move his arms.

"Okay."

Surrender

Going under again Alice dosnt mind to much as this time she new it was coming and she could hold her breath. Coming back up another laugh makes its way to the surfice as Kyle's arms are still wraped around her.

As a reflex she brings her ands down to Kyle's for a moment locking her fingers with his and though it was still in playing gest Alice felt safe like the worry and stress of the world was gone.

"Wait..you want me to call you my Uncle? That dosnt seem right."

Giving a little struggle Alice dosnt try to hard to break free but she dosnt stay very still eather.

"I'll never give up, I'll never surrender. We are just gonna have to stay here, all night, alone, in the pool, the moon our ownly whitness."

Uncle

Kyle does not expect Alice to continue the fun, and is taken totally off guard as she pulls his feet out from under him. Down he goes, his turn to be dunked.

Coming back up, he sputters a little and whirls around, trying to locate Alice as the water drips down in his eyes. For the first time that day, he can let go and forget about what had been keeping him moody all day long.

"You little...."

Gaining a mischievous grin, he lunges at Alice from behind, wrapping his arms around her to pull her under. Both are under for just a moment before he stands up again, bringing their heads above water. Keeping his arms around her waist, he spits out a stream of water. "Say uncle!"

Laughter

Hearing the shreak and the small smile from Kyle Alice almost feels herself being recharged. Kyle's laughs and smiles were almost like fule to her.

As she feels Kyle's hands on her shoulder it almost feels like a shock runs through her but before she has time to pin point it or even repond to it she feels the water rush over her and filling her nose. Coming back up from the water Alice gives a cough as a grin forms on her face.

Not saying anything Alice goes back under the water. Keeping her eyes open she finds Kyle's feet and grabs on to them taking him off balance so he falls backwards.

Coming up again no words are spoken but non needed to be as she made splashes at Kyle and her laughter rang out.

Dunking

Kyle sighs a little as Alice swims away, but he doesn't turn around. He wanted things to be okay again... and he didn't want anything to complain about. Yeah, they were even now on knowing everything about each other. But it still hurt, and he'd still have to work through that aspect of it. He just hoped that if there was anything else later on, that Alice wouldn't be scared to talk to him then either.

Totally lost in thought, Alice startles him from behind. He grins a little at her comment, still not turning around. "I think if I were on fire, I'd be safe... we're in a swimming pool."

Ready to take another swim, Alice's fingers to his sides make him jump. He could stand being tickled if he knew it was coming, but whenever he was taken by surprise, he couldn't stand it.

A shriek escapes and he whirls around with a splash, now facing Alice. For the moment, his headache is forgotten.

"You twerp," he chides. For the first time that day, humor twinkles in his eye. Without even thinking, he reaches out to put both hands on her shoulders and pushes, dunking her all the way under water before letting go.

Buff

Floating on her back Alice lets the water wash around her as the cooling sensation drifts over everything but her face.

"Well, WWCK you now know everything about me. So..I guess there is no complainants now huh?"

Alice gives a smile to show she was messing around with Kyle and help no ill feelings. She wanted things back to normal, she wanted to laugh with Kyle again and have fun.

Treding water once again Alice just watch Kyle for a moment. The moonlight shone in through the glass above and bounced off the water casting a glow on Kyle. Alice had never noticed before just how buff Kyle was from all the karate he did. But now, in the water with the light it just seemed to hit every curve right and enchanced them.

Suddonly Alice is snaped from her moment of dreams relizing this was her best friend she was thinking about. Kyle had looked at her as a friend, and hadnt really made any other moved other than friendship. Not to mention was she really ready for more?

Dunking herself under the water to half cool off a grin forms in her mind as she swims over to where Kyle was. Staying under the water just a little while longer she new he must still be lost in thought.

Coming upbehind she gentil comes twords him looking over his shoulder and whispers.

"Dont think so hard I smell smoke and I would hate to have to dunk you under."

Bring her hands to Kyle's sides she moves her fingers to tickle him just a little.

Friends

Kyle wipes some water off his face and squints a little as some gets in his eyes. He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, letting himself sink so just his head is above water. "I'm... sorry too."

His eyes stay downward as he treads water. He still felt like he had a fever, and his head still hurt, but the water was seeming to help. And he knew that if he and Alice were going to be okay, they needed this conversation.

"I guess I just took you for granted... figured you'd told me everything I guess... but I shouldn't have assumed that and... I shouldn't have felt bad either when you told me. You have a right to your own privacy."

Though concentrating at the design on the bottom of the pool, he was still remembering that Hunter had known before him about Alice's past. And part of his own mind was reminding himself to keep just a little distance. He and Alice were friends... best friends... but just friends nonetheless.

"So... yeah." He takes a swipe at his face again as his hair continues to drip.

Sorry again

Resting a soft hand on his arm Alice feels so bad that she had hurt her friend. She hadnt ment to, and she wanted to heal that pain.

"I didnt mean to hurt you Kyle. It still hurts to talk about my past some times. Some times I just keep it inside and done freely shair it with anyone."

Letting go on Kyle's arm Alice takes the hair band from her wrist and ties her hair back out of her face into a nice neat pony tail.

"I know I should of told you because your my best friend and you told me everything and for that I am sorry. I dont want you to think it was becuase I didnt trust you becuase thats not it at all. I am sorry I hurt you."

Hurt

Kyle manages something close to a smile, but is still very quiet for several moments. He didn't rightly know what to say. There were a lot of things running through his mind, and a whole lot more he could say. But he knew he really didn't want to say all of them.

Using his feet, he springs backward from the wall, creating a wave as he sends himself into the middle of the pool again. Dunking under, he comes back up to comb his hands through his hair. Looking at Alice from a distance, he sees how not only is there space between them here, but there had been all day.

Swimming back up to her again, he concentrates on a little crack in the wall instead of looking her in the eye. "I... I'm sorry I didn't talk to you all day. It's just... I guess..." He gives a little shrug. "I guess my feelings were kinda hurt, that's all."

Water

As Kyle comes closer Alice gives a little sigh and looks down into his eyes. They were mixed with so many differnt things as she was sure her own were too.

Thinking about Kyle's question Alice finally gives a small shake of her head. What to say and how to say it, she could write words and than when came to speeking them, she felt so stupid.

"No, the drive was horrable. With out hearing from my best friend it was boring, and...It just wasnt the same."

Silent for another moment Alice slips the rest of the way into the water with a little gasp. The water was colder than the Hot tub water but it still felt nice.

Treding water for a moment Alice leans back to look through the glass into the stary moonlit sky before turning up right again and moving back to the egde of the pool.

Looking at Kyle again and searching his eyes Alice trys to give a small smile.

"I really missed talking to you today too."

Talking

Startled by the small splash and Alice's voice, Kyle gives a start, spinning around and almost dunking himself. Treading water slowly, he looks up at Alice, a bit surprised that she'd initiated a conversation with him. Things between them had been so quiet all day... he'd wondered if she was upset with him too.

Floating closer, Kyle tilts his head back so he can look up at her face. "I'd hardly say floating in one little spot is hogging the pool."

Giving a sigh, he brings himself all the way to the edge, and rests his arms outside of the pool. He puts his chin on his hands down beside Alice, but doesn't look up. He felt downright miserable. "I... missed talking to you today," he admits. He wasn't sure how to tell her he was sorry for getting upset, but even if he did, he didn't know how to tell her why he was upset either. He wanted to get the whole thing off his chest, but just wasn't sure how.

"I take it the drive was... okay?"

Hogging

Watching quietly as Kyle comes into the pool area Alice sits justs tucked away where it was easly to be over looked with her feel in the hot tub. Her walk had been nice, and half the way she even broke out into a run but now her body was paying for it and the warm water felt nice.

Just watching Kyle for a long moment Alice cant help but smile a little. Something about him, and not know she was there was a nice. He was himself and didnt try to put on any airs he was real.

Though reality comes back to her that this morning had not been the greatest maybe there was time to mend things.

Standing from the hot tub Alice wraps the towle around her wast and walks quietly over to the pool. Tossing her own towl aside Alice still very quietly slips her feet into the water and than leans down to cup her hand and splash some water at Kyle.

"Her Mr. your hogging the pool."

Floating

Hunter can't help a bit of disappointment, but he tries not to let it show, and just lets Alice go. Looking after her, he sighs. What had happened since last night? He recalled their walk in the park, their laughs, and even how Alice had let him take her hand. What had really gone on between her and Kyle this morning, and why had it seemed to make everything change? Or had he done something wrong without realizing it? He tries to think, but really can't come up with much.

Trying to shrug it off, he heads for the exit as well. "Somebody better come with me!" he hollers over his shoulder. "I'm not hauling in everyone else's bags... especially not the girls'. Theirs weigh a ton!"

He's quickly pursued, as expected, by Chloe and Myla, both in a hurry to put him in his place, while Jordan and Heath come to his rescue.

...It's been a while since the team has had a relaxing evening like this one. Laughing, swimming, a movie and some more swimming. No one had realized how close to getting burned out they'd been, and not having a program tonight had wound up being a blessing. By later that evening, Myla, Jordan and Chloe are situated on the couch to watch a movie. Heath, Blake and Shawn are involved in a brutal game of UNO, while Hunter sprawls on the living room floor, just observing everyone else's comings and goings.

Kyle has been dead to the world all evening, and only now emerges from the room with his swim trunks on.

"Hey, Kyle," Chloe greets him from the couch. "How's the head?"

"Um... still attached." Kyle grimaces as little though he tries to smile. "Thought a dip in the pool might help. Busy down there?"

"Last I checked there wasn't a soul in sight," Hunter relays. He knew... he'd been down there twice already to see if Alice had returned.

"Good." Kyle felt warm... almost feverish. But his body was achy after lying in bed all day. Wandering down to the ground level, he finds his way to the large indoor swimming pool. Hunter was right - it was empty. Tossing down his towel and pulling off his t-shirt, Kyle tests the water with a toe. It was warm. Moving to the deep end, he doesn't bother getting used to the water gradually. Springing off the edge, he dives, eventually coming up in the middle of the pool. Relaxing, he lets himself float on his back, wishing that life were as simple as this.

He just didn't feel right... but wasn't even sure why. He knew part of it was just that he didn't feel well. He knew part of it was because he was still feeling badly about that morning. And he knew part of it was the ever-present gnawing at the back of his mind, reminding him of what he really wanted to be doing.

Closing his eyes, Kyle drifts on the water, trying to forget... trying to let his mind work through so many things.

Sorry

Entering the parking lot Alice dosnt even relize how long they have been driving. Her mind had been far away darting from on thing to the next.

Stoping she fingers her keys for a moment. They day had been so quiet without any calls from Kyle, or the normal spunk he shaired with her.

Seeing Kyle's smile to her before entering the hotel Alice gives one back though its small.

Pulling herself out of her jeep and grabing her bags Alice makes her way into the hotel with the others. Entering the rooms Alice cant help but her own eyes spakle just a little as the sight of the rooms, and how big everything was.

Receving Hunter's offer for something to eat Alice shy's away just a little. She wasnt sure why, but she hurt inside, and just felt like withdrawing into herself. Was it because her best friend and her were hardly talking at the moment? Alice wasnt sure but she just...wasnt herself.

Offering a smile to Hunter she trys her best to let him know its nothing to do with him.

"I..dont feel to hungry at the moment. I was thinking about maybe going for a walk and just fetting some fresh air than maybe soak in the pool once everyone is out. Thank you for the offer though."

Giving a glance to where Kyle had disapeared Alice gives a small sigh before turning to head back out of the hotel. Alice was sure everyone would relize something was up and she wasnt her own hyperself. but it just felt right now, something was sucked out of her. and hurt like it did so long ago.

Burgers

Though the tension is high, being able to move forward spurs on the Elite agents. They had to think positively, and had to believe that they would be bringing Katie home.

Once everyone is familiar with where they were going and the layout, Scott and Jason both prepare to leave.

Jason's face is a bit pale, but he's on his own two feet with Rick's permission to go. The only stipulation was that Misty would go with the first group and stay back, but be there for both Katie and Jason if he needed any more help. Wyatt would also go with the first team as the driver.

As the groups form, there's not a whole lot more that can be said. They wait and watch the clock, waiting for the right time. Jason looks to Misty, hoping she was okay with all of this. "You ready?"

Scott looks over the blueprints of the building for the hundredth time. He automatically memorizes where all of the exits are in case they needed to get out quickly. His greatest fear was that once again he wouldn't be able to get out. Taking a deep breath, he gathers up his kit and aims for the downstairs garage. There would be communication devices and bullet-proof vests waiting. No one wanted to take any chances with this thing.

Reese paces a little, leery and uncomfortable with the whole thing. Time seemed to be dragging by. He often glances to Phinox to make sure everything is still on route, and continues to look after Derek and Jay, making sure they are ready as well.


The bus pulls off the interstate, making its way into town. They’d made better time than anticipated, and were here early. Without a program tonight though, they would be able to relax – something the whole team needed.

Getting to the hotel took a little doing after Jordan took a wrong turn, but eventually, they’re pulling into the parking lot. The team files out of the bus, taking time to stretch before heading for the door. They would find their rooms then grab a few bags to take in.

Kyle is the last one out of the bus, his feet dragging. Color had not yet returned to his face, and his eyes proved he was still tired. The headache had evened off but was still present… at least he hadn’t thrown up since that morning.

Trudging along in the rear, he sees Alice is still with them and he manages to force half a smile in her direction. It was rare he didn’t ride with her, or at least carry on some crazy conversation over the phone during the day. But today had been quiet. Unfortunately, there was more than Kyle not feeling well that had kept him down, and he still didn’t know how to deal with everything Alice had told him. It wasn’t like him not to go bounding over to her and drag her into the hotel with the others. Today it was a subdued walk, his hands tucked in his pockets.

Someone had sponsored this leg of the trip, and Break Out wasn’t sure what rooms to expect. It was a nice surprise as they entered the suite. One side was a room for the guys, the other for the girls, and in the middle a nice living room area with kitchen.

“Mmmm…” Myla flops down on a couch, enjoying the air conditioning. “This is nice.”

“It certainly is.” Jordan joins her, forcing her to make room as he nuzzles his head into her and closes his eyes, exhausted from the drive.

She giggles. “Don’t forget we’re not alone here.”

A grin surfaces on Jordan’s face. “We can send them to their rooms.”

“Ohhhhh no.” Heath plops down right in front of the couch grabbing the tv remote. “This is too comfy. The kids get to stay up late tonight.”

Myla ruffles Jordan’s hair. “Think we can let them stay up for one night?”

“Oh, I suppose,” Jordan mumbles. “As long as they’re not too loud.”

Several of the others laugh at the teasing. Jordan and Myla were far from anyone’s parents, but they always got razzed, being the only married couple on the trip.

“We get our own bathrooms!” Chloe squeals from one end. She sticks her head out and spies Alice. “You gotta see this – it’s huge!”

Heath cranes his neck to see back at his cousin. “What is it with women and bathrooms anyway?”

“It’s the only place we’re not allowed,” Shawn quips.

Blake snorts. “Naw that’s not it. They just like to stare at themselves in the mirror all day.” A throw pillow to his head snaps his attention to the couch where Myla’s eyes twinkle back at him.

“It’s getting too noisy,” Jordan complains, hiding his humor.

“You big party pooper.” Myla gives him a light backrub. “There’s a swimming pool downstairs.”

Jordan’s head snaps up, even though his eyes are only half-open. “I’m so there.”

Myla giggles. “Dibs on the hot tub!”

Kyle grins a little at all the mischief, but just shakes his head. For once, he didn’t join in. Heading for the guys’ bedroom, he finds one of the beds and flops down on his stomach, burying his hands under the pillow and letting his eyes fall shut. A real bed always felt good, especially today.

Hunter wanders around the suite just checking things out. Spying the girls by the other room, he ambles over. “Ladies.”

Chloe sets her hands on her hips. “No boys allowed.”

“What? I wanted to see what the big deal was.” Hunter cranes his neck to see into the bathroom.

Chloe knew good and well he was teasing, but she played it up anyway. “Out, out, out!” She gives him a shove.

Laughing, Hunter backs off, raising his hands as Chloe pushes past him. “Someone needs to cool off in the pool.” Still grinning as the humor sparkles in his eyes, he turns around to Alice. He hadn’t had a chance to talk to her all day, even though he’d wanted to. “I think we’re all going a little stir crazy,” he muses. Cocking his head, he looks at Alice for a moment, gaining back the bravery he’d lost earlier in the day. “We passed a little fast food joint on the way in…” His eyes ask her to join him for supper. “I figure burgers and fries is as least threatening as I can get,” he admits a little wryly. “And everyone else is stuck with me all day so they’re sick of my company.”

Ready

Sitting in her jeep Alice gives a sigh as she see her phone flashing. Listing to the voicemail Alice smiles just a little hearing Kyle's voice.

Though she new he was still upset the little sorry had helped. Alice only hoped things would go back to normal at the next stop or even the one after that. She loved what she was doing here, and though she missed home she loved following along with these guys and would hate to call her trip short.

Phinox gives a grim nod to Reese. He new what he was risking.

"I have nothing to lose and maybe I can repay some of my crimes."

Turning away from Reese makes his way over to Scott and the other small group of people passing out some papers and than handing one for Reese.

"This is the lay out, Scott once Jason gets here go over it with him ok?"

Phinox shows everyone where Katie is, possable exits, hiding spot and playing to duck into. He goes over with Scott what the bomb looked like and that there was no saurity that he could tell.

Going on for at least a half hour He is finally ready as long as everyone else is too. It was now or never and time was aganst them.

Leaning back into Mick Rosetta gives a small sigh. With eveything going on it was nice to feel the safty of Mick's arms around her.

"Mmm...I cant think of anything. You guys be safe ok?"

Running into the kitchen BJ wraps his arms around Rosetta's legs. It was hard to believe he was already up to her wast. He sure was going to be tall.

"Mommy dont worry I will protect daddy."

Running her hand through the boys hair she gives a small laugh.

"Good I am happy you will. Maybe you guys can get your hairs cut while your intown!?"

Rosetta gives a teasing giggle.

Family?

As Alice jumps and looks to Hunter, he catches a look that passes in her eyes. Suddenly, he second guesses his decision to try and comfort her.

Pulling back his hand, he bites his lip. "Sorry for startling you," he apologizes.

Receiving her "no" to him driving, he can't help but be just a little bit disappointed, though he offers a warm smile anyway. "Okay... if you need anything, just call one of us, alright?"

He opens the door and slips out again, pausing before shutting the door. Looking her in the eye, he wonders if perhaps he misjudged her and how comfortable she was with him. "See you at our next stop." He shuts the door and gives her a little wave to accompany his smile before heading back to the bus.


Kyle feels someone watching him, and opens his eyes. Hunter was standing in the doorway. Kyle quirks an eyebrow. "Thought you were gonna drive Alice."

Hunter shakes his head. "No... she didn't want me to." He studies Kyle for a moment, still thinking about seeing Alice crying. "So what did you say that got her so upset?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, she was fine, then after she talked to you, she's in tears."

"She is?" Kyle felt even worse than he had earlier. His stupid text message probably didn't mean a thing to her. "Well I didn't say much, so I don't know."

Hunter frowns at him. "I think you do."

"Look, she just shared some stuff that surprised me, alright?"

"Yeah well... I'm sure it wasn't easy for her, so cut her some slack, eh?"

"Sure, but I..." Kyle stops, turning on his side to see Hunter more clearly. "Wait... you know what she told me?"

Hunter folds his arms. "I was just making an assumption."

"No, I mean... you said it wasn't easy for her. What wasn't easy for her?"

Now Hunter realizes his mistake. "Just... whatever it was. Apparently something wasn't easy, that's all."

"No..." Kyle shakes his head slowly. "You did know, didn't you?" He searches Hunter's eyes, finding the truth to his question. "You knew about her past."

"Okay, yeah, but it was just-"

"Well, congratulations." Kyle turns back over, dismissing Hunter. "Apparently you rank higher than best friend."

"I..." Hunter rolls his eyes and backs off. "If that were the case, she wouldn't have wanted me to leave," he mumbles. Sighing, he leaves the cubby to find a place to sit before the bus moved again.

Kyle stares out the window, feeling miserable. He didn't know if it was more from just feeling physically rotten, or if it was all his mood.


Reese nods, following Phinox's train of thought. "I don't think there's a much better way to do it at this point. You're right about Derek and Jay - if we bind them beforehand, the Agency won't have to, and they'll still have a chance of getting away. We need to decide how we're going to present you to them too. You're going to have to act fast."

Derek and Jay both exchange glances, both mentally preparing for the chance that they might not make it back.

Reese continues. "Okay... the first team needs to leave early... if they run into trouble, we'll be right on their heels. But hopefully our times will overlap so whoever is there will be distracted enough that Jason and Scott can get Katie out of there under their noses." He thumbs to an empty desk. "Scott, you and Jason need to get to know the layout of the building so you can get in and out quickly."

"As soon as he comes out yeah... but I can take a look now too."

Reese purses his lips grimly, knowing that in all reality, prayer was the only thing that would get them through this. "Phinox, I appreciate what you're doing here. You're risking a lot, letting yourself be handed over like a prisoner."


Jason leans over the bathroom sink, and splashes his face with cold water. He was totally exhausted, totally drained. His mind was shot, and now his body wasn't even doing so great. Just when he thinks he can go back to his desk, his stomach decides it isn't over yet. Back to the toilet to throw up again.

Rick crosses his arms as he stands in the doorway, not having bothered to knock. The symptoms should be over soon. Then only time would tell how long it would take to get the antidote to wear off.


Gage continues to shake, curling up tighter on the floor and still glaring at the camera. His wrist burned and now his hand was starting to swell as well. What was going to happen to him? Were they going to torture him? Kill him? Surely someone would come for him... maybe Harris... or even Troy himself... surely they would get him out of here... right? They were his family and they cared about him... so they would come... they wouldn't leave him to die... right?


Mick sticks his head through the house door and spots Rosetta in the kitchen. Grinning, he slips quietly inside, easing up behind her almost silently. Sliding his arms around her waist, he leans over her shoulder to give her cheek a kiss. "Hello, sunshine."

Still grinning, he turns her to face him, his arms still around her. "BJ and I are going to run some errands in town. Need anything?"

Get her out...

Not even hearing the door on the car open Alice was so lost in her own thought and wondering. She still didnt understand how things had went so wrong with Kyle and even though she new she couldnt changed she wished she had told him sooner.

As She feels someones hand on her shoulder and through her hair Alice gives a jump and looks up her eyes wide for a moment untill she see Hunter. She hadnt hurd him and she had been so long in thought.

"Hunter, I didnt hear you come in. Ya..ya I am ok."

Alice couldnt help how her heart was racing and her new her breathing was differnt as well. A suddon wave of nerves washed over her.

Trying to compose herself she gives a small smile.

"Yeah, I'm ok and thank you for the offer...but I think a little alone time will good for me. Thank you though. Maybe after our next stop ok?"

Phinox dosent like the felling that falls over him but really knows there is no other option. If was now or never to get Katie out and save her life.

"I dont like the idea of a team going in first but I dont see much more of an option."

Thinking for a moment Phinox is quiet and he gathers his thoughts.

"I can hold Rod off while we get our first team in. After that Jay and Derek's ropes wont be tied tight. We all know they would give us Katie no matter what. So this would be the best way, Gate Katie out, Get yourself out, I will hold them off. Right now thats the best we can do."

Phinox looks to Scott.

"I know you can do this for your friend...."

Than he looks to the others.

"A second team would be good and I want Jason there, for Katie's sake."

Twenty minutes

Kyle sets aside his half-finished tea and rolls over, forcing his head further into his pillow. But the nagging in his heart wouldn't let him rest. He'd been downright cantankerous and it didn't feel good. That wasn't like him... it wasn't like him at all to dismiss a friend like that, let alone Alice. He felt like crap, but that was no excuse.

Standing up, he puts a hand to his head as a wave of dizziness hits him, but he shakes it off and keeps going, slipping on his shoes as he aims for the door...


The passenger side door of Alice's jeep opens and someone slips inside. A hand reaches over and gives her shoulder a squeeze, then runs through her hair, trying to offer some comfort.

"You okay?" Hunter asks quietly. His eyes show his genuine concern, his voice soft. He didn't know what had happened, but he wondered if Kyle's physical state had gotten the best of his mood. But he'd never seen Alice cry before, let alone after being with Kyle, and it bothered him more than he'd like to admit. "Can I at least drive for you for a while?"


Kyle stops near the back of the bus, his eyes finding Alice's jeep, but also now seeing that she wasn't alone. Hunter? It looked like he had his arm around her. Kyle's heart sinks just a little lower, though he tried to ignore the strange disappointment he felt. After all, he himself had suggested that Alice let Hunter drive for her... and he knew that Hunter liked Alice, so... what was the big deal?

Turning back around, Kyle almost runs right into Chloe.

"Whoa, Kyle!" She giggles. "Glad to see you up. Feeling any better?"

"Um..." He squints in the painful sunlight. "Maybe... a little... slightly..."

Chloe smirks at him. "You should be back in bed."

"I guess... I was just headed that way." Taking a step forward, he wobbles just a little bit.

Chloe reaches out to take his arm, steadying him. "I think that's a good thing," she chides. As they walk, she throws him a sidelong glance. "Something else bothering you?"

"What? No. I mean... no... why?"

"Oh... no reason." She shrugs. "By the way, if you can't sleep or something, Heath and I have been wanting to play that new card game if you're interested..."

...Kyle lies back down on his bed, the nausea having returned. He felt like he was on a rocking boat rather than a stable bus. Reaching over his head though, he feels around the small shelf until his fingers find his phone. Flipping it open, he finds the screen he needs, and simply types "Sorry." Sending the text message to Alice, he sighs and puts his phone back. He just needed to accept the facts as they were. Backseat Kyle... he'd earned that name a long time ago. He'd learned how to be happy and move on quickly. He could do it again. He was a friend. Maybe not a very good one at the moment, but he knew Alice would forgive him... that's what best friends did. And even though he was a bit hurt that she hadn't told him about her past sooner... he'd get over it. Maybe he was disappointed, but... he could move on.


By the time Phinox gets to the monitor, Carson is there as well, just having been ready to relieve Wyatt again. But things had changed, once more. Both men look up as Phinox comes, then concentrate on Katie again. Seeing the knife and the blood, Carson's fists ball up at his sides, anger coursing through his veins. He wanted so badly to go with the team, but he knew he needed to stay here and alert the others if Katie was moved or if anything else happened.

Reese had followed Phinox, and now grits his teeth. "They're not going to have you," he states flatly. "They're not going to get any of us."

"It's gonna be hard," Carson interrupts. He waits for Phinox to look at him, then points to the monitor. "They're not preparing a thing." The tone of his voice is grim. "They're not planning on giving us back Katie, and we all know it. Nothing the Agency does is legit, and their word means nothing. You're gonna get there with Derek and Jay, they'll ask for them first and you'll be forced to comply. Then they're going to either run or kill the rest of you on sight. Knowing them, they might even have a dummy ready to act in Katie's place... they could do that easily with any female... put a hood over her head, and you'll be trading for some Agency scum, while Katie is left in the basement."

Reese's mind races, trying to find the best solution. "What then? We don't have any options."

"You could go early... or at least part of the team." Carson looks to Phinox again. "What if you and Jason and Scott went in first? You know the area... you know the weak points in security. You three could slip in and start getting Katie out of there. But not too much earlier than the tradeoff, otherwise they'll figure it out before the rest of the team gets there - they will probably go down and shut off the camera at some point so someone here won't know that they still have Katie. When the second half of your team arrives with Derek and Jay, the Agency will be concentrating on them and leaving you to your work in the basement. While the tradeoff is taking place, you slip out again with Katie, give the signal, and the rest of the team can get out of there."

Reese shakes his head. "That is so risky. We could end up with an entire team dead."

"We're dead anyway." Carson's eyes don't lie. "They're not going to play this thing legit. They're going to double-cross us and play dirty."

A new voice interrupts. "At least if Jay and I die, they won't get what they wanted." Derek's voice is tired, but strong. He had just finished writing a letter to his family in case he didn't make it back.

Carson purses his lips. He didn't like to think that way, but that much was true. "At least if half the team is there early, we have the element of surprise."

Reese sets his hands on his hips, still thinking. "How much earlier should the first team get there?"

"That's the hard part."

A new shadow forms on the floor and eyes turn to see Scott approaching. He was tense, but he was there. Without saying anything, he sidles past the others to look at the monitor. Hitting a couple keys, he zooms in to see what he could of the bomb. He could see half of it, and that was good enough. Schematics and calculations flash in his mind, matching up with what he was seeing. "Twenty minutes."

Carson quirks an eyebrow. "You recognize it."

"Yeah." Scott nods. "It's an older model of the Agency's specially-constructed bomb. It was designed about five years ago for a job in Argentina. Five civilians and two policemen died in the explosion when they tried to disarm it."

"You've seen the file?"

"Apparently." Scott couldn't have known this any other way. It had to have been part of the information he recieved during the assimilation.

Carson swallows hard. "But... you know how to disarm it?"

"I've seen the schematics. I know where the parts are and what tools I'll need. But it's going to take me twenty minutes once I'm there... and that's if nothing interrupts me."

Reese eyes Phinox. He knew the agent was weary as well, and also worried that this mission would leave more than one person dead. It felt like a lose-lose situation, but they had to try. "What do you think? If they really aren't planning on giving us Katie, then there's no way we can get her out unless we go in early."

"There's a detonator too," Scott informs. "Someone, probably Rod, has the trigger. "If the bomb is not disarmed, and they figure out that we're planning to betray them with the tradeoff, Katie's dead on the spot. Or... even if they just take Derek and Jay and point us in Katie's direction, they could blow us all up."

Reese sighs. What next? He was still relying on Phinox though. "I need your input. Can you even get in without being seen, with Jason and Scott?" He glances around. "Where is Jason, anyway?"

"Puking his guts out in the bathroom," Carson responds drly. "We need to hope he can go because if there's any hope in bringing Katie back around, it's him being near to her." His eyes shift, knowing as well as Reese, that this whole thing depeneded on one man. "Phinox?"

Feeling

Letting out a deep sigh Alice gives a small nod to Kyle. She felt hurt, she felt sad, she didnt like how she felt and she wasnt sure why.

"Yeah, ok I will be there if you need me."

Turning Alice pats Kyle's leg a little and than heads out of the van. Why hadnt she told him sooner would it be differnt? Had she feel foolish?

For the first time in a while Alice was doubting herself and a suddon lump formed in her through.
Walking a bit faster Alice makes her way to the jeep she could feel the wetness behind her eyes even if she wanted to stop it.

Getting to the Jeep Alice gets in and leans her head aganst the stearing wheel as a few tears roll down her cheek. Alice didnt know why it hurt as much as it did, but she really didnt like it.

Didn't mean to...

Kyle doesn't say a whole lot... to anyone else, it would seem so strange to see him this quiet. Was it the new information that was bothering him? Or was it just that he felt sick?

Accepting the tea, he takes a few slow sips letting the warm liquid soothe him on its way down. Leaning his head back, he just closes his eyes, Alice's question going unanswered for the longest time.

Finally he just shrugs as he takes another sip of tea. "I'm not great company at the moment, so... whatever you want to do." Never before had he not been enthusiastic about spending time with her, no matter where they were or what they were doing. Even in his groggy state, to Kyle, it felt strange as well. But for some reason, the words slipped out of his mouth anyway.

"We're probably gonna leave soon anyway. You might as well get back to your jeep."

Now you...

As Scott comes up to Phinox he gives him a once over fast. The young man was beaten, brused, and thin but from his reports at the Agency he new this man was brilliant smart and a danger to them and there plane. Yes, this was the best person for the job that layed a head.

"As long as your think your up to it. Once I get inside with Derek and Jay and things are sacure, we will need to to disarm the bomb."

Giving a small nod Phinox goes to tell Scott more when his phone rings. Looking down and seeing the number it was the phone call they had been waiting for.

"We will talk more on the way I have to take this its the Agency."

Making his way through the halls quickly Phinox looks into each room trying to find Reese till finally he find him in the break room.

Pointing to his phone he finally answerd it and puts it on the speaker phone.

"Phinox."

"Well well well you did answer your phone. Your eather very brave or your just stupid Phinox."

Looking to Reese Phinox continues the call.

"It took you longer than I thought to call seeing as we took Gage."

"That was a brave move you did I could kill Katie right now if I wanted to. Just ask your friend watching the camra how close I am to her."

Looking at Reese again Phinox's eyes open wider as he leaves the brakeroom and makes his way across the floor to the moniter to see Phinox and another standing next to Katie's almost lifeless body her head tilted in the air as a knife pressed so hard to her skin some blood could be seen trickling down.

Keeping his cool Phinox new not to anger them anymore than they had already.

"You do that and you know you will never get the two your after."

"Our demands have changed, we want Derek and Jay along with you. Your presus to us as well dear Phinox. We cant have Agency information running around."

Before Phinox could answer Rod continued.

"You know where to meet us, and you know who to bring. No cops, and dont do anything stupid or we will blow everyone sky high. Be here in two hours."

The line goes dead and Phinox looks to Reese and than looks back to the screen as the two guys were still are Katie.

"We have to work fast, and I new they would want me. No one gets away from the Agency that easy."

A look passed through Phinox's eyes as he turned away. A feeling loomed over him that her very well might not come out of this alive.

Letting out a small sigh Alice couldnt help but hear the tone in Kyle's voice and cringe just a little. She new this might change things but she wanted to tell him anyways and she hated this tention between them. Some how she had to fix it.

Jumping up from the bed Alice lets her energy through her Alice wants the energy back, the happyness...or at least let it be semi normal.

"Yeah, maybe I will see if Hunter will drive with me. Than again some quiet time will be nice too."

Standing at the stove Alice makes some tea for Kyle and brings it over to him at the bed. Sitting down again She looks at Kyle maybe he did want to be alone now.

"Would you like me to sit with you a little longer or should I go?"

Relentless

Hope's words linger with Scott, long after she's disappeared from the doorway. He stands alone, his mind brimming with a mess of thoughts and emotions. He was confused about what had just happened... because something certainly had happened. And yet... he didn't feel a strong need to try and figure it out. He wasn't sure what kind of feelings were stirred when he thought about Hope, and the turn their relationship had just taken... but for some reason, it just didn't seem to matter. It was simply... simple.

Taking a deep breath, Scott heads for the door. Terror still swam in his veins. But he knew this was something he had to do. He had to do it for Katie... and he had to do it for himself too. He had come a long ways since coming back from the Agency... it was time he took another step.

The basement was quiet. Scott keeps on arm wrapped around his ribs, the pain still enough to make him cringe. He licks his lower lip, feeling that it had stopped bleeding again.

Flipping on the light, he looks at the cases, trunks and row of lockers. He runs his hand along the locker doors until he comes to one with his name on it. A lump rises in his throat. He hadn't used this since the day...

He shakes his head and unlocks it. Inside were a couple sets of clothes. It was interesting... apparently no one had ever had the heart to clean this stuff out, even when they'd thought he was dead.

Rummaging a little bit, he finds the book he wants and tosses it on a bench. Reaching back farther, he pulls out a kit that resembled a toolbox. He'd never used this outside of training scenarios. It hadn't been long after he'd come to TJY that one of their own had come to train him. The man was on the bomb squad, but secretly involved with TJY as well, a prime asset to the team. And now... it was in Scott's hands.

He eases down on the bench and starts looking through the tools he had, familiarizing himself with them all over again. Taking the book, he thumbs through the pages, finding paragraphs he had highlighted and notes he had written. Some of it seemed foreign, which was a scary thought. While other parts he remembered quite clearly. If he was going to be able to do any good, he needed to remember the general theories at least.

A few new images flash in his mind. It was very strange... Thinking for a moment, he closes his eyes to concentrate. Why had this subject matter triggered anything that he'd learned at the Agency?

Suddenly a diagram enters his mind and his eyes fly open. What... He looks down at his book. He knew. He wouldn't find Katie's bomb in this book. It was a special type created by the Agency... and he had the blueprints.

"Scott?"

He jumps, the book falling to the floor with a thud. His heart races as he turns around, but there is relief. It was just Rick. "Yeah?"

Rick approaches quietly. "Carson said you had a bit of a rough time. You okay?"

Scott swallows hard, his eyes falling. "Um... I... I think so."

"How are you feeling?" Rick comes closer, to take a better look at Scott's face, then feel his ribs.

Scott winces a little. "I hurt."

Rick looks down to see what Scott had been doing. "Carson told you."

"Yeah."

"And?"

"I... I'm going." Scott leans down to pick up the fallen book. "I don't have much of a choice... as long as someone keeps an eye on me so... so I don't do the wrong thing."

"You won't," Rick assures. "You won't. Where, um... where's Hope?"

"She went home... I think. If... or... whatever happens, would you call her?"

Rick purses his lips, then nods. "I won't leave her in the dark."

"Okay." Scott picks up his kit and shuts his locker before aiming for the door to go back upstairs.

Once in the hallway again, he sees Phinox and approaches, stopping a few feet away. He was thin, bruised and half blind. But it was all he had to offer. "I can disarm the bomb," he informs bravely. "...if you need me to."


Left alone, Gage howls in complaint, but he's only shouting to a closed door. He fights with all his might against the ropes, throwing his weight forward, only to bang into the table.

Crying out again, he pushes with his feet in an attempt to gain more leverage against the restraints. Unfortunately, he tries too hard. Before he knows it, he's toppled over onto the floor with a crash. A sickening snap comes from his wrist and he cries out again, but this time in pain.

Writhing on the floor, he's a mangled mess with the chair, twisting and turning until somehow he winds up behind the chair, his wrists tangled in the ropes.

Once he's sitting up, Gage breathes heavily, trying to catch his breath. His wrist was screaming in pain and he glances down at it, noting that it's already starting to swell. Great. Just great.

Sweat runs down the sides of his face more persistently now. His eyes find the spot across the floor where Nate had crushed the one thing he needed. Wincing, he pulls at the ropes again. With all the twisting and turning, one of the ropes starts to slide. His eyes widen and he keeps working at it, despite the pain.

Within five minutes, Gage's hands are free. Not that it does a lot of good. Scooting back against the wall, a shooting pain courses through his gut. All he wanted was one more fix! That's it! Just one more!

Doubling over, he shakes with a cold chill, trying to cradle his sprained wrist. Rocking a little, he looks up to find the camera in the corner of the room. Never had he been more scared. He'd always been in control... he'd always been protected by the Agency. But now... he was at the mercy of people who hated him.


Kyle tries to force a smile to the surface in an effort to ignore any hurt feelings that were trying to creep up on him. He didn't like feeling that way about Alice... they'd always been best buds... to have any tension felt wrong and awkward. But... it was still there anyway.

He lets a slight laugh surface. "Well as long as it's just dark circles, we're okay. Tea sounds good if I can keep it down. As far as sleep goes, my head hurts too much for that I think."

He tries to sit up a little more, but doesn't put too much effort into it. "We'll be heading out again soon anyway, so I'll have to do without a nurse. Speaking of which, if you're tired of driving, I know Hunter would be glad to drive for you."

Kyle didn't mean to have a dismissing tone in his voice, but after the words came out, he was afraid that there had been just a small tinge of "go away" in there. He really didn't mean to... he was just.... grouchy. He hated being grouchy. When he was on his medicine, he didn't get grouchy like this. He closes his eyes again, fighting once more against the relentless urges.

New Chapter

Giving a smile Hope herself didnt know what to say next, this feeling felt so good and now things seemed so differnt. Not awkward but different than before.

Tilting Scott's head up with her hand gentil she looks into his eyes once more. A small smile spreads across her face. She saw something in Scott maybe other people didnt, and she new what her heart told her.

Though it might be a while, and though Scott was going through alot they would see eachother again after today.

Running her hand along the side of his face gentily Hope gives a small nod.

"Your gonna do just fine, and you will get your friend out. Make sure you let me know when you get back ok?"

Leaning in and giving Scott a hug Hope let it linger for a moment before pulling away and making her way to the door.

Opening it she stops for a moment before exiting and turns to look at Scott leaning her head aganst the door.

"I'll see you soon Scott. You've got a whole new chapter of your life that will be waiting to be written."

Nate cant help the chuckle that exscapes his lips. In a way he kind of felt bad for Gage, and than again seeing what he had done to Katie he didnt.

"You really think we would let you go? Agency skum? Not gonna happen buddy."

Standing Nate pases for a moment before stoping to look Con and than Gage before lookin at Con again and motioning to the door.

"Come on lets leave him here now to think. Your gonna get pretty lonly pretty quick. We will be back."

Sitting with Kyle still for the first time Alice can feel a strange tention. The look in his eye could not be mistake Alice could tell he was confused and a little hurt.

"I'm...not ok something, but being around my friends, you helps alot it does."

Alice is quiet again for a second before she sit up just a little more on the edge of the bed.

"I'm sorry I didnt tell you sooner I guess, I dont know what I guess but I kept it from you my best friend thinking it was unimportant and just not something I really tell anyone and for that I am sorry. I should of told you sooner."

Not sure what else she could say on the matter Alice says nothing only hoping Kyle would understand.

Turning back to him she give a quirky smile.

"No railroad tracks I can see by the way. You have a bunch of dark circles under you eyes though. How about some tea and a little more sleep for ya eh?"

So... yeah

Enveloped in the moment, for the first time in oh so long, Scott is able to just let go and fall into the warmth he felt. Hope's embrace made him wish all the more that this was the only thing that existed, and not the nightmare that he'd been living in.

Her words as she withdraws have a much deeper meaning than anyone else would ever know. But Scott knew. And she was right. No one else had been able to find him... except her.

He doesn't mind when she returns to continue the kiss. But after several more moments, even he knows that it can't last forever.

Slowly, gently, he pulls away, his hands running down the sides of her face, then moving to take her own hands. His eyes remain down. He wasn't sure what to do or what to say. This was unexpected... nice, but unexpected, and he didn't know how to move on from here. It wasn't that the moment was so awkward, but leaving the moment felt awkward.

"I guess I have a job to do," he whispers. He swallows hard as his brain begins to work again, already thinking up a million and one scenarios on how to disarm a bomb. Mixed in were new thoughts that he didn't even know existed... they were new additions.... thoughts of places and things and routes to solve scenarios... they were Agency files, but maybe, just maybe, he could use them for TJY instead.

Gradually, Scott stands up, pulling Hope up with him, though he is still just a little scared to look her in the eye. "You should go home... and rest. I... I should be okay now and... and someone will let you know how it turns out."


As Gage's last hope for a fix is crushed on the floor, his eyes burn with a more intense anger. Growling with rage, he tries again to break free, but to no avail.

Con looks at him lazily. "You realize that all you're doing is waisting energy."

Gage breathe heavily, not caring. A drop of sweat makes his eye sting and he scrunches his eye shut tight. But despite his angry exterior, there was raw fear. He had no idea what was going to happen to him. And though he would fight to prove that the Agency would come for him, there was a sickening reality that told him Nate was right.

He had never been in his position before... he had never been caught. He had never been on the other side of the table, on the receiving end. And for the first time, he realizes what a horror it would be to experience what he had helped put other people through.

Still breathing hard, Gage fights against being here, and fights against the urge that was getting stronger and stronger with each passing moment. He'd never been denied a shot before... ever. He'd been taught early on that it made him feel good and helped him stay calm. He wanted it... he needed it.

Shaking just a little, his eyes find Nate again. "You got me.... Phinox saw what was going on... what else do you want? I don't have anything... there's nothing I know that you could want."

Con rolls his eyes. "How about why? What was your involvement? What do they plan to do with Katie now?"

"How should I know?!" Gage raises his voice. "I was just there to assist in making her uncomfortable. The torture was..." Suddenly his words trail off as for some reason, he bites his tongue. A strange element flickers in his eyes... something not easily labeled. "I mean, I helped. But all I do is go and do as I'm told."

"So you're the little man on the job."

"I am not!"

"Then why wouldn't you know what was going on?"

"Because Rod was the one with the orders!"

"Rod, huh? Does Rod have a last name?"

Gage stops again, having realized his mistake. His eyes move from Con to Nate once more. "Look, I don't have what you want. Why can't you just let me go?"


Kyle is quiet throughout all of Alice's explanation. A couple of times, he looks up at her in surprise, his eyes showing a strange mixture of emotions. Anyone would be able to tell that he had not suspected this in the least. He had been totally clueless and never would have guessed that Alice had been married. He had known that an amount of pain revolved around something, but a husband... it was almost hard for him to accept.

As Alice finishes, Kyle is quiet. Still lying propped up in bed, the pounding in his head hadn't stopped, nor had the strange churns in his stomach. But his physical state wasn't what was on his mind now.

Strangely quiet, Kyle shifts his head to finally look at Alice. He wanted to ask her why she hadn't told him sooner. He wanted to ask her why it had taken this long. He wanted to know why she hadn't trusted him before, when he had told her everything about his own life.

A tinge of hurt could be seen passing through his gaze. Alice was his best friend, and he hadn't known such a huge piece of what made her the way she was. Had he been blind, or had she hidden it? Either way, he felt just a little stupid.

Kyle eventually leans back again, closing his eyes. His head felt like it would burst any moment. What should he even think now? Alice had been married... she knew what it was like to love... she had experience the partnership and life of being a wife... she had experienced so much that Kyle never had.

Finally he gives a little shrug. "Thank you for telling me," he replies quietly. "Sorry it's been so rough on you. I, um... can't... imagine."

There was an odd feeling that he tried to ignore. He'd been ignoring its source for quite a while now anyway, and this just complicated it enough to make him want to forget it altogether.

"I'm... I'm glad you're okay despite all of it though. I mean... yeah. So.... yeah."

Happyness

As Hope goes to reply to Scott's questions she dosent even have time to reply before Scott's eyes caught her again and her breath was sucked away.

Scott's hand on her skin felt so much differnt this time than it had in the past. It almost felt like there were eletric shocks coming from his touch but it didnt hurt, Hope liked it.

Feeling Scott's lips once again and the sweet tast of his kiss Hope can feel herself being lost in the moment. His hands combing through her hair felt like nothing she had before as it almost felt like everything was spinning and she just might be floating in the air.

The passion Hope felt was so soft, it washed over her like a blanket nothing she ever felt before but she liked it, and she liked how it made her feel.

Letting her hand slip to Scott's back her moves just a little closer as her hand rubed his back softly her passion finally coming through as well thanking Scott for his gift and for the way he made her feel.

Pulling away once again Hope smile lit up her face as she looked back at Scott and saw something differnt about him.

"I new you were in there still."

Returning again to the sweet kiss Hope wasnt ready to let the moment end. Her heart felt alive like no other, and her stomach fluttered. This was a happyness Hope had never felt before, and now she had it she wasnt sure what to do or how to go about things but she new she didnt want to lose it.

Standing still

Scott had a hard time letting Hope's words penetrate this time. It was one thing to be convinced that he didn't have to be scared of his own shadow. It was another to be told he didn't have to be afraid of failing... in a life or death situation.

His body still shook, retaliating against the emotional strain he was under. Things had been going so well... and this past day had been murder.

Hope's hand on his face makes him look up. Though only one eye could see, it didn't matter. He could still stare back into her own eyes, able to see a million miles away. She was the only one with eyes like that. When he allowed it, he could be taken to another time and place, open to the words being spoken, and open to the peace that wanted to come. She knew he could do it. Someone had confidence in him, that he didn't even have in himself. What did that mean?

Her thumb running down his cheek sends an odd tingle through Scott. His heart was already racing, but something sped it up even more. Blinking back a bead of sweat, he feels her even closer to him, but there is no nervousness present. There is no anticipation, no awkwardness, just... quiet.

Scott doesn't move. Hope's lips on his send heat crawling up his face and down his neck. He blinks. What... how...? He didn't have time to question it. Again, her lips are pressed gently against his.

Stunned, her apology is barely even heard. He blinks again, but finds she has lowered her gaze. For a moment that feels like eternity, he just sits. But then he looks down too. He stares at his hands in hers and realizes that his shaking has stopped. Looking back up, it feels as though his breath has been sucked out of his lungs. But it wasn't a feeling that evoked fear. It was more like suddenly seeing things as they truly were, as if he'd been blind all along.

In a single instant, Hope was no longer just Scott's counselor. In a single instant, Hope was no longer just his casual friend. There was something more... and it was incredibly peaceful.

Realizing that they were just sitting in silence, Scott swallows hard. There were so many things on his mind right now, he thought he might go mad. And yet... it didn't seem to matter.

Ever so slowly, Scott slips his hand from Hope's, reaching out just a little to tilt her chin back up again so he could search her eyes. One might have thought she had kissed him just as a tactic to get him to calm down. But he knew better.

Back and forth, he studies one eye and then the other, searching for meaning... searching for true emotions. He was a mess. He was frail and weak and half-mad. But in a single moment, time seemed to have stopped. And the feeling inside of him was one that he had not felt for a very long time.

His voice is whispered. "Sorry for what?"

This time it's his turn to cradle her face. Her skin was so soft against his palm... so warm. Leaning in closer, he rests his forehead against hers, closing his eyes. "How come you believe in me, more than I believe in myself?"

The question just hangs in the air without an answer for now. But even in the silence, hearts move, and tingles like electricity shoot down spines.

His eyes still closed, Scott tilts his head, wanting to feel her lips again. Finding them with his own, his kiss is tender, and grows with passion as his hand slips behind Hope's head, his fingers enveloped by the softness of her hair. His body ached, but his heart felt alive. The taste of the kiss is one not easily forgotten, and once again, time stands still.