Time goes by

Sparky just gives Rosetta a warm hug, trying to find his voice again. "Quit thanking me," he chides. "This old man is getting tired of it." Drawing back again, a grin is present on his face. "Before I leave, let me help you with the dishes."

No more is said of the past or even the future. All that could be said had been already, and there was no use in rehashing it again. The time spent in the kitchen is quiet but gradually a few smiles return, and the tension in the air dissolves into a peace... an unspoken understanding that everything had changed, yet nothing had changed at all.

And later as Sparky wanders towards his bunkhouse, he stops and looks up to the starlit sky. There was an awful lot to be thankful for. Sighing, his breath could be seen in the air as he continues his short walk. Stopping on the porch, he glances a few bunks down to see Jade bidding Dan goodnight and he smiles. Amidst the turmoil, there was still good to be found.


And good continues in certain lives, the bad filtering through to reveal itself as trials to both strong and weak. Some trials are ominous situations that are feared and create worry. Others are small, but bothersome. Yet all have an end. All must be conquered.

And as the good times and trials come and go, the clock ticks on. The hands of time turn around as constant as the sun, and days begin to pass...


Dylan paces the small room like a caged animal. Sweat runs down the sides of his face and his hands shook. Slamming his fists into the door again and hurling curses at the top of his lungs brought no relief, though he did it anyway.

Hearing the commotion going on inside the room, Adam looks at Mick with question. "You sure you want to do this?"

Mick nods. It had been two nights ago that Dylan had been brought. Since then, he had been totally uncooperative, and Mick had been told not to see him. Today, nothing had changed. If anything, it had grown worse. But Mick wanted to see if he could get through to him. He knew that if it really was unwise, Adam wouldn't let him. All Adam was concerned about was Mick's own state of mind.

"Yeah. If I get into trouble, pull me out. I just want to see if he'll respond to me."

"Alright, I'll let you. Just be careful."

Mick nods again. When the door is unlocked and opened, Mick slips inside. The thin, pale, enraged young man before him was not the boy he used to know. His stomach churns with a despair, seeing his son like this. "Dylan?"

Dylan stops his pacing only to throw Mick a glare. "You." His eyes narrow angrily. "You got me in here, now get me out."

"I can't do that."

"Yes you can!" Dylan takes several strides towards his father, his fists balled up at his sides. "You're the one that sent in your stupid little team to bring me here. You had no right - get me out of here!"

Mick stands his ground calmly, even though his own nerves were shot. It had been a rough couple days for him too, and his bloodshot eyes proved it. "No. You're going to stay here until you're better."

"I don't need to be fixed!" Dylan shouts. "Least of all by a man who was never around anyway. Get out!"

Mick felt the stab going deep into his heart as emotions flood his eyes. "I'm sorry I was never there for you, Dylan. I could stand here all day and try to justify it and explain to you all the reasons, but the bottom line is that you're right. I was never around. So if you want me to take some blame in this, go ahead and blame me. I've already blamed myself already."

Dylan didn't want Mick so willing to comply. Right now all he wanted was a fight. Adrenaline surges through him as he lunges at his father.

Mick turns quickly. Though a bit unsteady, he was still much more experienced when it came to fighting. Sidestepping Dylan's lunge, he reaches out to grab him from behind, putting him in a tight bear hug that held his arms down.

"Let me go!" Dylan shouts, hurling out another curse. "I'll kick the crap out of you for putting me in here!"

Tears stung Mick's eyes and he struggles to maintain a grip on his son. Dylan was stronger than he'd predicted. "No." His response was firm but not angry.

"Come on!" Dylan's energy was dwindling fast, his pulse racing. He fights against Mick's hold, trying to rip himself loose, but it's no good.

"Just calm down, Dylan, please. You can make it through this. You can do it. I know you can."

"What do you know?" Dylan hisses. "You don't know nothin' about me or what I'm going through. You and your perfect life, you don't know how I've lived. You don't know me at all!"

"You're right that I don't know you, but I do understand," Mick counters. He hadn't planned on doing this, but it might be the only angle left. "I do understand."

"No you don't!"

"Yes, I do!" Mick finally raises his voice, giving Dylan a jolt as he backs up against the wall. "Do you think I'm staying here just for you? I'm here for me too, Dylan. I do understand what you're going through because I'm going through it too."

Dylan stops struggling, breathing heavily. "What?"

"That's right." As much as Mick hated to admit it, maybe right now it was best. "I'm here because my drinking problem came back. It's no one's fault but my own and I've never been more ashamed in my entire life. Every night is filled with guilt and every day is torment, knowing that I'm going to give in again eventually because I'm too weak to say no. I hid it because of my shame. I'm supposed to be a leader, a husband, a father. But I turned into a drunk instead."

Mick's voice starts to waver as a tear runs down his cheek. His strength was wearing out, but Dylan wasn't fighting anymore. "I know the pain. I know the self-inflicted suffering. I know the feeling of wanting to die unless I just get one more drink. You're not alone, Dylan. You're not alone."

From his angle, he couldn't see that tears were streaming down Dylan's face too. As Dylan's knees buckle, the weight brings them both sinking to the floor, Mick still keeping him in a firm hold. Dylan clings to him as a wail breaks out and he slams a fist into Mick's arm. Sobs follow, his entire body shaking.

Mick keeps him close, rocking him slightly and leaning his head on top of his son's. "It's okay... it's okay... you're going to be okay."

Dylan didn't have the strength to try and stand. All he could do was cry the tears that had wanted to be shed for months, but he hadn't allowed them to. All he could do was sob, unable to form any words that might describe how he was feeling. He knew the shame Mick spoke of. He knew the guilt. He knew the feeling of weakness. He knew the pain. Both his body and mind were in distress and he could do nothing but sit in a heap on the floor, soaked in his own sweat and tears, clinging to the man he hated and longed for a the same time.


In one corner of the world, hearts are hurting, stretching and changing. In another corner, light begins to shine through on what had started out as a dismal day...


Jade laughs and hides around the corner of the stack of hay bales, breathing heavily as she'd run from Dan through the barn. Peeking around the corner, the sound of someone behind her makes her jump and she gives shriek. But spinning around, she's all too glad to have been caught. Wrapping her arms around Dan, she returns the kiss, thinking they're alone in this corner of the barn.

Sparky cleans a nearby stall, keeping one eye on the two "youngsters," as he hides a smile. He knew they thought they were alone, so he remains silent. As the days passed, he found himself taking on more tasks and beginning to direct the farm hands. They were looking for a direction, and he seemed to be the one they naturally turned to. He didn't mind, and stepped up to the plate, though he knew it was not permanent. He continued to assist Rosetta, filling in wherever he was needed, and at the end of each day, he was surprised to find that their relationship had grown - but in a very healthy and right direction. It felt good, so he tried to ignore the little feeling of loneliness that still existed. His plans for the future were still up in the air.


At the same time life moves on for those who were looking forward to the future, others futures are in a fog, totally unknown. Worry comes with the passage of time, and only prayers can ease that form of pain...


Rick checks Jason's and Katie's vitals once more, sighing, then returning to his work. No change. Neither was in bad shape, but neither in good shape either. Research thus far was leading them to believe it was as Rick suspected - that whatever Jason had been shot with, was some kind of amplifier. When coming into contact with his emotions, it multiplied them so rapidly that it was basically an explosion. Their only concern now was waiting to see if the result had been fatal.

Another worried figure sits by Katie's bed, her hand in his. "Come back to us Kate," were his soft words, spoke more than once, in between his prayers.

Rick looks over his shoulder at Jeff, wishing that he were in better shape himself. Though functioning, he was still quite thin and pale, making one wonder if he would ever be the same again after his recent hard bout. Only time would tell. Time... loved and hated.


While the hands of time manipulate the passing of the days, some hearts yearn for more. Some hearts yearn for rest...


"No, he still won't talk." Adam shakes his head as he sip a cup of hot tea. He and Mick were back in front of the fireplace. It always seemed to become their normal place of rest and discussion.

Mick sighs deeply. "Not even after he broke down, huh?"

"Nope. It's strange though." Adam runs his finger along the rim of his cup. "He wants to get through this. He won't say so, but he's doing all he can. Last night was one of the worse ones. Brenda stayed up all hours with him, and she said she could see that even though his body wanted the drugs, his mind was fighting it for all he was worth. Didn't utter one complaint."

Mick frowns. "Then why won't he talk?"

"I don't know. Maybe he's protecting someone."

"Maybe. But he knows those other three were arrested. And he knows that I've worked out a deal with Reese so he won't have to serve time. So why? What's he still hiding?"

"Perhaps he's just too ashamed of what happened." Adam gives Mick a knowing look. "How about you? How are you holding up?"

"I'm okay." Mick nods. "Shakes have stopped. It's getting better."

"Glad to hear it. Have you thought about when you go back?"

"A bit." Mick lets out a long sigh. He felt so weak. "I guess all I can do is make sure everyone is aware of my problem so that I can't fool anybody. I'll have to set some pretty thick boundaries for myself and make sure the others help me keep them, even if I give them a bad time."

Adam smiles. "Good for you. I know it doesn't get easier each time you fall but... you've come a long way, Mick."

"Will I always have this fight?"

"Yes." Adam states the fact plainly. "This second time around proves it. But as long as you stay away from the things that will cause you to fail, you won't have these problems."

Mick falls silent again, allowing his mind to think through everything. He was glad he'd come. He'd needed to get away from everything and come somewhere he could sit, think, and get through this without hurting the ones he loved any more than he already had. He missed them though. But he had to stay until his confidence was back, and until Adam agreed he was ready to leave.


But in the end, no one knows the future. Everyone hopes for the outcome they want, and sometimes it comes. And sometimes disappointments come instead. But no matter what, time brings adventure - for that's what life is. It is an adventure to be ridden out with the thrill of the ride.


Jason's ears gradually pick up sounds around him. There was the slight whirring of computers, the soft buzz of florescent lights and the clicking of chair casters and heels on the tiled floor. In a sudden panic, he sits bolt upright, his eyes blinking rapidly as the bright lights hurt and everything is blurry. Opening his mouth to speak, he feels his throat dry and scratchy. Unable to see or talk clearly makes his heart rate pick up and he fumbles with the blanket, only finding that he's hooked up to an iv. Before he can pull it out though, two strong hands press him back down to his pillows.

"Easy, easy," Rick soothes. "It's alright, Jase."

Jason continues to blink. He just couldn't focus. "Rick?" he finally manages to ask hoarsely.

"Yes, it's me. You're in the infirmary. You're okay."

Jason eases back, relaxing a little bit, though his mind races. "Where... what..."

Rick starts checking his vitals. "Just take it slow. How do you feel?"

"I hurt all over," Jason mumbles.

"Anything in particular?"

"My head... eyes hurt... and my hand especially."

"Mm." Rick looks closely at Jason's eyes, using a pen light. He waves it slowly back and forth. "Can you see this?"

Jason does his best to focus, but the light from the ceiling was just so bright and it made his eyes water. "It hurts."

"Alright, it's okay, just close your eyes for now."

Jason gives another sudden lurch. "Katie."

"She's right here," Rick assures. "Four feet away."

"Is she okay?"

"She will be. Just like you."

Jason tries to relax again. Searching the emotional flow, it felt a little off kilter, almost like it was worn out, but nothing seemed wrong. He sensed Katie was asleep, but not in trouble, so he remained silent to her. "What happened?"

"Well, what do you remember?"

Jason frowns. "Um... Texas. We got ambushed and..." He stops, swallowing and wincing. "Can I have some water?"

"Sure." Rick moves to bring back a small glass of water, also waving Misty over in case he needed her, then helps Jason sip the water slowly. "Do you remember anything else?"

"I got hit... and then..." Jason shakes his head. "All I remember is pain, and Katie trying to get me to stop but I couldn't."

"Mm-hmm. That's about what Wyatt said."

"How long have I been asleep?"

"About a week. Just like Katie."

"A week?" Jason found it hard to believe. "Wow."

"Yeah." Rick wasn't about to tell him how scared he'd been, and how close they'd come to taking them both to the hospital. He'd been worried that both of them would slip into comas, unable to wake at all.

Jason moves the fingers in his left hand, feeling the bandage. "I hurt my hand?"

Rick purses his lips. "Um... yeah. But it's healing well." He sets a hand on Jason's shoulder. "Can you wake Katie?"

"I... don't know. Why?"

"I need to know if she's going to wake up too. You both were in real bad shape, and she needs to wake up if she can."

Jason thinks for a moment, then nods. Everything was still pretty fuzzy, but he does his best to concentrate.
Katie? Rick's trying to get you up, Babe. Can you hear me?


Gage cocks his head at the white tree in the corner of the room. It wasn't very big, but it took up a lot of space in the tiny room. He didn't mind though. Sapphire had helped him pick it out, and it had been a fun outing with her. Now he stood with a box of blue lights in his hands, not really knowing how to go about this. Sapphire said she'd help, but she'd been busy, then he'd been too tired. Now he didn't know where to start. Lights first? Or those shiny blue balls they'd picked out?

Sighing, he sets the decorations aside again and flops down on his mattress. He was tired from a day of helping put up a shed behind the community building downtown. He was hungry, but his frozen dinner just wasn't appealing enough for him to eat it. He'd rather just sit and maybe nap for a few minutes.


Sparky scoots some chairs up to the tables in the dining hall, picking up a few pieces of garbage to throw away and straightening the salt and pepper shakers. He didn't normally do these kinds of tasks, but it was a slow day in the barn, and he was trying to keep busy. It got pretty quiet around the ranch this time of the year, but he always forgot until it came around again. He wasn't bored, but he didn't want to be left alone with his own thoughts either. Unfortunately, this small task did leave him too much time to think.

They'd heard from Brenda McClain about Mick. She said he was doing well and that he loved and missed everyone. The message was especially for Rosetta. Though he couldn't talk to anyone himself yet, Brenda was confident that he would pull through and would be able to return home soon. It had given people hope... but the more days that passed, the more tiresome it became. Ten days didn't seem so long, until you realized how much had already been missed out on.

Puttering around the kitchen, Sparky finally warms a pot of coffee to pour himself a cup. Sitting out at one of the tables by himself, he's eventually joined by Jim, though conversation is pretty quiet.

Strength

Just letting the silence linger for a long while Rosetta's own mind drifts. Thinking about the past and everything her family had been through. Sparky, Wes, Mick through it all they had always been there but her heart had always lead her back to the one person.

The what ifs and what could had clouded her mind in this moment of weakness. Being alone, having no one to turn to Rosetta had lost sight of what was important and could of lost more than her brother in law if she had crossed a line here tonight. She could of lost her family too.

Maybe she would of be happy with Sparky, and maybe they would of had a happy and peaceful life together, but what she would have sacrificed for that? No this is what God wanted and though thing were hairy, and she felt down, and alone God would see her relationship with her husband though.

Feeling Sparky sit next to her Rosetta is pulled from her thought, but as she is pulled that one desire that had been held on to is left behind being swallowed up by the fog. Her brother in law, her friend, that is what remained, and that was something special in itself.

Leaning into Sparky's brotherly arm Rosetta rests her head on his shoulder for a moment. His words were soft, and comforting. As Sparky pulls away a little and Rosetta looks up into his eyes, listing to his words seemed to give her a new strength.

"I'm doing my best to keep my head up here Sparky."

Not really knowing what else to say knowing Sparky would at least stay around till Mick got back she felt honored. Just knowing there was another man around the ranch really helped even though this was probley one of the safest places to be.

Not knowing what else To really say and seeing Sparky's own eyes become a little wet Rosetta reaches out taking him in a embrace. Even at there age they had growing pains.

"Thank you Sparky. It means a lot to me."

Flame

Somehow, Sparky's eyes drift down to the table once more as Rosetta talks. It wasn't that he was trying to disrespect her, or ignore her... but being here right now with her... alone... when he could offer her comfort... it was a temptation that he wasn't so sure he should be allowing.

Hearing what she had to say about him leaving makes his mind reel in a whole new direction. But even that halts as he suddenly hears her voice falter. Glancing up, he realizes that the tears had come again. And he couldn't blame her.

Not even sure what to say, he just sits, wishing he were better at knowing what to do... wishing he had the answers... wishing that he could take away the hurt that his friend was going through. Even when Rosetta apologizes unnecessarily, he's still quiet, at a total loss. His heart hurt. Regrets swarmed over him, haunting him like they had in the past.

And then his eyes catch sight of a toy of BJ's on the counter that hadn't yet been put away. His line of sight moves towards the door, seeing one of Mick's jackets hanging up, and a pair of his boots, still with paddock mud dried and caked on them. Turning his head a little, he sees the same photo that Rosetta had been looking at over the fireplace.

Then shifting his gaze back to Rosetta, he studies her for the longest moment... And all of the pieces seem to fall into place. She had what she deserved - a family... a family that loved her. There were bumps, and Sparky was very upset with Mick for what had happened... but it was just a bump... a small spec in the middle of the big picture. And the big picture was of the family Rosetta had. Maybe she had questions about what could have been. Maybe Sparky had questions about what might have happened, had he had more guts. But in the end, there was no point in asking those questions, or trying to figure out the answers. Because an answer would never come. It never could be, and was no longer in the plan.

God had laid out certain paths for all of them. And perhaps there had been forks in the road that would both have led to pleasing results. But what was now was what God was working with and working through to bring good. Whether Sparky and Rosetta could have had something or not just wasn't the point. The point was that she had chosen to go left instead of right, and God had blessed her with Mick - her best friend and husband. Why would Sparky wish that she did not have that? It was only selfishness that created the temptations in his heart.

Sparky was here now as a friend... a brother-in-law... a brother in Christ. There was a barrier that should not, and would not be crossed. Temptation had been born of regret and on a minor level, jealousy - neither of which were godly. Perhaps it had been good for him to voice his feelings... if only to hear them himself and realize that it was all for naught. His job was not to replace Mick - his job was to make the burden lighter while he was gone. His job was not to support Rosetta - his job was to support this family as a whole, including Mick.

And in that single instance of revelation, a small, lingering flame dies within Sparky's eyes. It was a flame he had allowed to burn for too long, hiding it in the corner and hoping no one saw. Tonight it had been exposed, and in being brought forth, he was given the opportunity to finally let it die.

But with the death of a flame that should not have been, that small hole that was left was immediately filled with the peace God had been trying to offer for so long. He'd been waiting for this very moment, waiting for Sparky to let go. And now, finally, He had the chance to let a new bit of peace be released in that hidden corner of Sparky's heart.

As if he'd been in an hour-long dream, Sparky blinks, realizing now only seconds had passed. But a time so short could be an eternity in God's eyes - and in those few seconds, new perspectives had risen. New realizations had been born. And new feelings had replaced those which had been thought impossible to remove.

Seeing Rosetta's tears, Sparky leaves his coffee mug and moves around the table to sit next to her. Putting an arm around her shoulders, he pulls her into a warm hug. "Don't apologize," he directs softly. "You have a right to cry." His embrace was one of a brother... one of a friend... one of someone who wanted to help, but not create a bigger chasm.

Moving back a little, he wipes a tear from Rosetta's cheek and looks her in the eye. "We can't change the past, but the future is ours to make. You have a family that needs you... and a husband who loves you more than anything else in the world. I know it's tough, but you can't give up... you can't live in regrets and you can't ask the impossible 'what if' questions. What's done is over and shouldn't be dwelt on. What should be dwelt on is the future... when Mick comes home and when your family will be together again. God's not gonna let you down.."

He pauses, his gaze going deep into Rosetta's eyes. "And satan's not gonna get a foothold between you and me either. You'll always be a sister to me. And I wouldn't want it any other way."

Maybe those words still stung just a little bit. And maybe he didn't notice that his own eyes had become just a little wet. But he spoke the truth. He spoke what he truly did desire, when he stripped away the regrets and selfishness.

Holding Rosetta's hand, Sparky nods. "I can't promise I won't leave. But you have my word... I won't leave before Mick comes home."

Leave

Hearing Sparky's words is a bit of a surprise to Rosetta. She never even relized he had felt this way before. Maybe it was because he never wanted to step in the way of Wes, and Mick, for that is was honorable But if only she had known.

"Don't be sorry. We are adults and we are talking, its nothing to be shamed about. Your a great guy Sparky and who knows we might of worked out. But I guess God had other plans, even if we look back now and wonder how happy we could of been."

Looking down for a moment and than back up to the small picture of the family that was on the fireplace harth gives a little shake of her head. Changing the subject Rosetta could tell Sparky was uncomfortable with this one.

"I know you have been talking about leaveing. I'd really miss you if you did. But you deserve to be happy. Your to great of a guy not to be and if that happiness is somewhere else out there, I'll stand behind you. Just dont be a stranger around here. This will always be your home, and I still care a great dail for you. When something happens I know I can always call on you Sparky."

Setting her coffee cup down for a moment Rosetta runs a hand through her hair. The tears she had been holding at bay all night seemed not to spring into her eyes as a few rolls down her cheek. Sparky had liked her to and she never new, her husband was so far away and she couldn't even talk to him. One of her best friends might be leaving the ranch it was just everything piling up again.

Taking a swip at her eyes Rosetta sits up straight and looks at Sparky giving a smile. Doing her best to stop her tears again.

"Sorry, just got kind of down there for a moment on ya."

Shouldn't be

Sparky's eyes shoot up to meet Rosetta's, focusing on her comment. He could feel a bit of heat creeping up the back of his neck and wondered if it was the room temperature that had risen, or if it was just him.

Swallowing another mouthful of coffee, he lets drinking be the filler for a moment of quiet until words form again. "Yeah... yeah, I know. I've had my own share of ideas for what my future was supposed to look like." He shrugs. "But... seems my plans usually get twisted around one way or the other."

Staring into his mug, he tries to figure out if it was half empty or half full. "Sometimes... I wish I'da had the guts to ask you to dinner too."

Even though his face was warm, he finally looks back up to Rosetta. "Maybe I let one too many chances slip through my fingers. Or maybe it was God 'cause he knew what was better. But..."

He stops, having vowed never to voice these feelings. But here he was, spilling it all out. "...sometimes I... wish I woulda found out if He would have minded so much had I not been so passive with two of my brothers."

Once the words are out of his mouth, he regrets them and his eyes move elsewhere as a rueful chuckle surface. "I'm sorry... I shouldn't be saying these things."

Wonder

Turning and giving a smile to Gage Sapphire gives a slight nod. Blue happend to be her fav color too.

"Ohhh...blue ones are nice. Would you want the tree white or Green? I think we could work with both."

Just letting the coversation lay for the moment Sapphire new that this wouldnt be the last on it. She was having fun just thinking about what kind of tree to get Gage and excited he said he would come alone as well.

"I think your going to have fun putting the tree up."

Taking a sip of her own Coffee a bit of color comes to Rosetta's face. Was Sparky saying if Mick wasnt coming back he'd try to peruse her? Surly she must be mistaken on that one...right?

"Its good some where in my heart I...know he is coming back too. Right now its just really hard you know? There are some good people here to help me out, one of them being you. You have always helped me Sparky. Sometimes I wish I had, had the guts to ask you to dinner before I was married. Not saying I regret being married to Mick because I dont...just sometimes I wonder what things would of been like."

Drawing quiet for a moment Rosetta just looks down into her mug watching the hot liquid for a long moment. Finally looking up into Sparky's eyes searching them before she spoke again.

"Its strange to grow up thinking things will be one way, and than they turn out differently."

Rosetta lets out a long sigh taking another sip of her coffee. More stuff entered her mind just adding to what was already there.

Honest!

Gage continues just to sit, even when Sapphire rises to clean things up. His brow is furrowed as he tries to understand what she's saying. The whole story felt so unreal, yet real at the same time. Someone loved him? God? Love... really? It was as if he knew it was the truth, but it was just too good to be true at the same time. He'd never thought about what would happen after he died... now all of a sudden it seemed like a pretty important thing to ponder. But there was so much he didn't understand.

"Oh." Bringing his legs up on his chair to sit Indian style, he picks at a thread in in his jeans around a hole that had appeared in the knee.

Quiet for several minutes, he finally looks up at Sapphire again. "I like blue." Pausing, he then realizes that he'd jumped topics. "Um, lights, I mean. You know, the trees with all-blue lights. Those are my favorites."


"Oh, yeah, sure." Clint's voice is muffled against the floor. "Never better."

Becky looks over and down to her son, trying not to laugh as well. "You sure you're alright? Do you need help?"

"Nope." Getting to his hands and knees, Clint shakes off the shock of landing on the floor, then finally stands, wobbling just a little. His face was red as he turns back to the little group at his table. "If you'll excuse me... I have to go dry myself off... and round me up a new chair - one that doesn't buck so high."

As he walks away, Jade flops her head down on the table, still trying to stop laughing. "It was all my fault," she manages. "I didn't mean to knock over his water - honest!"


"Uh, yeah." Sparky nods as he takes a bite of meat. "Day wasn't bad. Got a lot done. Remington threw a fit being left in his stall today so I let him out for a while and gave him a workout. Otherwise, things were quiet."

Pausing, he closes his eyes, savoring the taste of the food. "Mmm... this tastes even better than it smelled. I don't know what you do, but you do it right."

Just enjoying the meal, talk is kept light - the weather, horses, BJ, who was at church on Sunday, and the fences that needed to be fixed. Before Sparky knew it, he'd had two helpings of dinner and the dishes were cleared away.

Now sipping a hot cup of coffee, the atmosphere was warm and relaxed. Leaning back in his chair, he gets a softer look in his eye. "Ya know... I always though Mick was a lucky guy... now I know he is." A wry grin curves his lips and he gives a quiet laugh. "It's a good thing I know he's coming back."

Laughing

Placing all the food on the table Rosetta gives a smile heading back to the kitchen one last time to get the drinks putting one at each place before sitting.

"I don't cook nearly as much as I use too. More often than not we would eat at the dinning hall, sometimes its just easier. But your right I am surprised he is not fatter."

Rosetta did miss cooking like she used to, but it seemed like there was not enough hours in a day between the business, and taking care of BJ.

Thinking about Mick for just that moment let a sad look pass in her eyes. But looking up again and giving a smile to Sparky Rosetta was determined not to get down tonight. Not when she had great company over. A little color comes to her face at Sparky's comment.

"Thank you! I figured it would be nice to dress up a little. Your very welcome by the way."

A prayer was said for the food, and than it was dished out. Rosetta making sure to give Sparky some hearty helpings. Sitting down again and placing her napkin in her lap.

"You look good tonight as well. Did you have a good day?"

Wendy's eyes go wide as Clint goes head over heals not one time but two. Not being able to help the laugh that escapes her lips. She was worryed about her husband but it was so funny at the same time.

Looking at Chase Wendy speaks loud enough Clint could hear her but soft still.

"Let this be a lesson little Chase. Never mess with chairs. Once your Dad have to save me with a fork aganst one."

Pushing the chair back and standing leaning on the table a little to be able to see Clint better Wendy shakes her head her eyes sparkling.

"Clint, darling are you ok?"

Thinking for another moment Sapphire sits back in the chair and puts her hands in her lap for a moment. Choosing her words wisly here would be important. She didn't want to confuse Gage even more, or even scare him away. Not when they had come so far.

"Well Gage, thats the nice think about Jesus. He loves us no matter who we are. "

Sapphire gives a smile standing and starting to clear the table while she talks.

"As long as we believe in him, and ask him to come into out lifes, he can wash out sins away. No matter what you have done in the past in God's eyes it will be gone. Because Gage, he does love you."

People like me

Seeing Rosetta as she answers the door, Sparky unintentionally does a double-take before he can get himself to reply. "Oh well, you know me... Mr. perfect timing." He rolls his eyes and grins, following her to the kitchen. "Boy, something sure smells good."

Standing with his hands in his pockets a moment, he finally sits down, watching Rosetta finish up dinner. "Um... water's fine, thanks."

He picks up a fork, fiddling with the tines, seeming a little more on edge than normal. As the table is set, he chuckles. "It's a good thing Mick's got plenty to keep him active... with you cooking a spread like this, he's got to work hard just so he doesn't gain fifty pounds." His wink in Rosetta's direction, proves the tease is really a compliment.

Once both are seated, he looks across the table at her, cocking his head. "You look nice tonight, Rosetta... thank you for having me over."


Cindy laughs as she is guided from the front door through the house. She steps carefully without being able to see a thing, having no idea what her husband was doing.

When she's finally allowed to see, she puts a hand to her mouth, her eyes starting to fill. Turning to look up at Wes, a smile spreads on her face, her gaze full of love. "Oh, Wes..." Wrapping her arms around him, she kisses his lips then just hugs him, nestling her face into his arms. "You make me feel so special." And he did... he made her feel just as special today as he had while they had dated. She knew she was a blessed woman to have a man like that. She would miss him so much when he had to leave to go overseas.

But trying not to dwell on that unhappy thought, she pulls away, leaning down to smother Kaylee in kisses. Kaylee squeals with delight and bangs her spoon on the high chair, very ready to eat.

Cindy laughs and takes her seat across from Wes, her smile making her glow. "Thank you... this is the best 'thank you' I could ever receive."


"Ah!" Clint squirms at the elbow to his ribs, which tickled more than it hurt. Seeing Chase gurgling in amusement, he smirks. "Yeah, side with your mother, will you? That's not fair"

Jade giggles at her cousin from across the table. "He's already showing smarts, Clint."

"Heeeey." Clint warns her teasingly. "Watch it." His foot kicks her shin under the table.

"Ow!" Jade jumps and goes to slap Clint's hand, but as she reaches across, her arm hits his glass of water. The drink goes flying, spilling all over the table... all in Clint's direction.

Clint is on his feet in an instant, but it was too late - the water had gotten him down the front of his shirt and onto his jeans... in the worst place possible. If that wasn't bad enough, in too much of a hurry to stand, his foot catches the leg of his chair. Overcompensating so he doesn't fall into Wendy and Chase, he goes the opposite direction... all the way to the floor.

Jade stands quickly, her eyes wide. "Oh, Clint!"

The crash of him and his chair is loud enough that most heads in the room turn to see what in the world is going on. Jim and Becky are just at the next table over, and Jim looks down at his son in surprise. "What on earth are you doing?"

Clint blinks, a little dazed from hitting his head on the hard floor. Before he can answer, laughter hits his ears.

Jade tries... she really does, but it's no use. Even though a hand is over her mouth, the laughter just won't be held back. "Are... are you okay?"

Clint's eyes narrow and he sits up, throwing his arms in the air. "I'm fine," he states loudly. "Everything is under control. You may all go back to eating now. There's nothing more to see here!"

Jade sinks down in her chair, her laughing making her sides hurt as she shakes. Leaning into Dan, she turns to hide her face against him, feeling terrible that Clint fell, but it had been way too funny not to laugh... especially when he stands up, revealing what the water had done.

Clint's eyes start to water from his own laughter that he was not allowing to come out. Eying Wendy, then Jade and Dan, he lifts his chin in defiance and picks up his chair. "If you all will excuse me for a moment." Lifting the chair above his head, he starts to take it away, but alas... water on the floor had created a slick spot he hadn't seen. Down he goes all over again, but this time the chair is flung as he falls, shooting in between the other tables all the way to the wall where it lands with a resounding bang.

Before Clint lets his head drop, he can only mutter one thing. "Chairs. I hate chairs."


Gage listens quietly as Sapphire explains the meaning of the holiday, finishing his breakfast, then just sitting, intent on understanding what she was saying.

When Sapphire is finished, his hands are in his lap, his shoulders down and his eyes holding the most thoughtful look. For a long time, he just tries to process. Once could almost see the wheels turning in his mind as he tries to put all the pieces together and understand.

"So that story... about God... and Jesus..." He cocks his head. "I mean... the one about Santa Claus... people have just made up a lot of stuff like based on legend. But... the one about God... you're saying that one is true?" Confusion clouds his mind and frustrates him a little because he wasn't sure how to ask what he wanted to know. "I mean... you said Jesus came to save people... like, so they could go to Heaven? But you mean the good people... right?" He didn't have to say what the rest of the question was behind his eyes... his body language said enough... had it been words, the rest of the statement would have been, "not people like me."

Just in time!

Giving a smile and a nod rubbing her head into Wyatt hand Aerith gives a tiny chuckle.

"I'll make sure to tell Carson I cant. Your orders."

Stealing another quick kiss Aerith watchs Wyatt leave before turning to head back to her own work, and help Thirteen out with a tray she was struggling with.

Another soft smile comes to Sapphire's face at Gage's innocent question. She could see how he would get confused. It wasnt something easy to understand with out getting the meaning behind it.

"Well, you see...the trees and gifts, lights and Santa Claus, really have nothing to do with that barn or as we like to call it manger scene."

Sapphire is quiet for a moment as she sips some OJ through her straw forming her words together in her head.

"You see, a long time ago in a little town there was a woman and her name was Mary...."

For the next half hour Sapphire sate talking with Gage about Mary, and Baby Jesus, the Angels, Shepard, and the reason God had sent his son. Doing her best to offer information in a way that wouldnt offent Gage, or make him feel dumb.

"...So the lights, the trees, and the gifts really have nothing to do with the real reason we have Christmas. Its only a tradition someone thought up a long time ago that is fun. As for the mangers you see, they remind us what the real reason for Christmas is so we dont get wrapped up in the little things and remember the day God came to save us."

Sapphire cocks her head as she finishes off her food giving a soft smile to Gage. She wasnt sure if he would understand or not? Be if he didnt she hoped he would ask some question.

Without any warning the day slowly turns to night as the darkness sets in earlyer now that is was close to winter time. Time seemed to slip away when we least exspect it leaving us to wonder what we did with out day.

Laughter and great smells filled the dinning hall tonight as everyone gathered around to talk, fellowship, and just have a great time.

A playful jab to Clint's side by Wendy as she trys to feel the baby sends him into a fit of laughter as he shook his little fists in the air thinking everyone was there because of him.

Dan sat next to Jade not being able to help but pick on her and make her blush at the same time. Only to end it with slipping his hand under the table and taking Jade's giving it a gentile squeeze. His smile reassuring he was only joking.

Than down just a ways in the little house across from the dinning hall Rosetta moved around her kitchen making the last preparations for dinner. Roast and potatoes, along with Carrots and some Italian bread was on the menu tonight.

Hearing the knock on the door Rosetta goes to answer it. Dressed in one of her nicer black shirts with the scoop neck, a nice pare of blue jeans and her black boots. Giving a small smile as she answered it.

"You have good timing, I was just about to pull the roast out and cut it."

Stepping aside so Sparky would come in Rosetta closed the door behind him and walked back into the kitchen knowing he would follow, or make himself at him. She would have put him to work but really there wasnt much left to do. The table was already set and dinner was almost done.

"What would you like to drink Sparky? We have water, juice, milk...pretty much anything."

Though it seemed like Rosetta was in a good mood and felt herself on the inside her heart was still hurting. It was nice making up such a grand meal tonight giving her something to do to take her mind off a lot of things.

Farther down and into the woods just a little ways another house was lit up, a suprise waiting for a special person. The table was set, and two candles were placed with care. Steak, peas, mashed potatoes, and a chocolate cake was for desert.

A little child sits in her high chair girggling, dressed in a little red dress, and her hair up in two little pig tails. Kaylee had spend the day with Daddy, while mom went out and ran around doing a few things. This had been planned but father and Daughter tonight.

With his hands over Cindy's eyes Wes leads her into the room, looking at his daughter and giving a small nod he removed his hands.

"Kaylee and I just wanted to say thank you for being the best mom and wife in the world."

Supper time

Wyatt musters up a small smile and returns Aerith's kiss. Giving a slight nod, he slides out of the booth and stands. "Okay... thanks."

Cradling her face a moment with his palm, he gives her cheek a rub with his thumb. "I'll call you later about supper. Don't work too hard."


Sparky almost seems to hesitate, then nods at Rosetta's answer. "Okay. I'm gonna take one of the guys with me to run some errands in town later, but I'll be back in the afternoon. If I don't see you before supper, I'll wander in when my stomach starts to growl."

Offering the best smile he can, Sparky tries to relay that things would be okay. Another nod, and he was out the door, heading to the barn.


"Oh." Gage seems to try and figure out why he'd want a tree, but he could see it was something Sapphire enjoyed, so maybe he would too. "Okay. I guess we could do that then. But you will have to show me how to decorate it."

Chewing his food thoughtfully, he furrows his brow, deep in thought like he was much of the time. He often took a long time to shape his words before he spoke, trying to put the pieces together before asking questions or giving answers. "I don't see how everything is connected..." He continues to ponder. "I see like, lights and trees and all that stuff... and then there's santa claus or whatnot that kinda seems silly... then I see these little scenes... like.... a barn or something. I've seen a lot of them when Officer Drake has driven me through town. It's got like, these people and a baby and usually a star or something on top. It looks religious 'cause sometimes they have these angels around it too. I haven't figured out yet what that has to do with santa claus and Christmas trees though..."

He glances to Sapphire with innocent ignorance. "Do you know what I'm talking about?"


Gunner sits at his desk, fooling with some paperwork until he stops, staring off into space. He'd been there two hours now, and hearing about Jason and Katie, a new burden was in the air. He wished he would have been able to go... then maybe it wouldn't have happened.

"Gunner?" Susanne comes around the corner of his cubicle. She smirks at him a little. "You gonna do any work today or just stay in your own little world?"

"Oh." He reaches for several stacks of papers. "This is for you - those printouts you wanted. And I also filled out those three reports and got that profile paperwork done. Umm..." He flips some pages with his thumb. "These are for Reese. I compiled those figures he wanted. If you could pass those along, that would be great. I've also almost completed that list of queries so as soon as that's done, I'll get that to him."

Susanne's eyes widen as she takes the stack of papers. "I guess I was wrong. Who put a bee under your butt this morning?"

Gunner gives her a grin. "Guess I finally had a good night's sleep."

"Well good. I hope you have another one. At this rate, you're gonna have a week's worth of work done in one morning!"

As she walks away, Gunner's eyes follow her, a smile still on his face. Taking a deep breath, he dives into work again, his eye on the clock.


Things in Texas move steadily. Though awkward without Mick around, everyone pitches in, making things as easy as possible. Chores are done, errands are run, breaks are taken, and the normal day-to-day tasks are completed. Jeff takes on BJ for most of the day, filling time with nature walks, a hunt for "the great last grasshopper" from some story, and stealing cookies from the kitchen like two stealthy cat burglars. It's only late in the day that Jim and Becky take back over again, playing some games and making popcorn balls at the house.

Jade spends her time in and out of the barn, stealing free moments with Dan, then winding up with Wendy, Angel then Becky to help out with little tasks. Another irate call from her mother goes ignored, as for the first time, Jade leaves her cell phone in the bunkhouse. She'd found refuge in one of the empty bunks, quietly moving her things from the main house. She didn't want to be a burden to Rosetta, and finding her own alone time was nice too.

Eventually, seven o'clock rolls around and most are starting to gather in the main dining room. All the visitors had their own supper at their normal visitor's dining room, while the main hall for all the ranch personnel was filled up as usual. Chattering, laughing and dishes clanging fills the air as it did most nights. Clint had convinced Wendy to join everyone else tonight, so they wind up at a table with Jade, while Jim and Becky keep an eye on BJ. Jade makes sure a spot is saved for Dan too, forming the "younger corner" of the room. Soup and sandwiches are served and everyone is hungry.

Outside, Sparky's boots crunch on the gravel as he heads to the main house. He'd squeezed in time for a shower and a change of clothes after chores, though he knew he'd have to make a few more rounds after supper before bedding down for the night.

Getting to the porch, he pauses at the door. Hesitating with his hand in the air, he finally rings the doorbell. He'd walked right in this morning, but tonight... tonight, he leaned more toward formality, at least for now.

Tradition

Looking at Wyatt with stern eyes for a moment Aerith brings her head close to Wyatt's.

"Don't blame yourself. No one new what was going to happen, and you cant beat yourself up over it ok?"

Though her words were strong they still had there soft edge, and her face held the look of love on it like always. Something that never faded when she looked at Wyatt. Giving him a small kiss on the lips to show her love.

Slipping out of the booth again so Wyatt could get up as well. It was a bummer there lunch was cut short but dinner sounded like a great plan. Though it wasnt out of the ordinary Aerith and Wyatt were insepratable.

"I don't see why he would have a problem. I have a bit of over time I need to cut anyways. Just name the time and place and I will be there."

Not being able to help the laugh that escaped her lips Bree shakes her head, her own cheek a crimson color.

"Oh, I guess I can save a little for you. What fun would it be if I took all the glory for myself right?"

Taking Gunner's glass and putting it in the sink Bree follows him to the door before heading to take her own shower.

"Have a good day at work, and I'll see you tonight."

Giving a wave Bree closes the door behind Gunner and locks it double checking to make sure it was locked. Than heads down to the spair bed room to grab some clean clothing than head to the shower to start her day.

Looking at Sparky Rosetta thinks for a moment before answering. She wasnt the greatest company right now and she would hate to have BJ see her like this. It really was not something a little boy his age should have to. Especially when she couldn't predict the tears would turn on.

"BJ has been having alot of fun with Becky and Jim. Right now that what he needs and I can't give it to him. Becky and Jim already offered to watch him another day or two for me and I figured that would be good. Than he will come back here."

Taking another sjp of her coffee Rosetta gives a small sigh and than a nod.

"So it will just be me and you. If you dont mind that is ok."

Smile with satifaction in seeing that Gage likes the meal Sapphire felt good. She liked being able to help Gage, and show him new things to experience. Being able to shair things with another and seeing if they liked it, having them give there honest thought about it was nice.

"Oh yeah, they have alot of differnt things there. Sometime we will just have to take a tip so you can see everything they have. Pie, cookies, shakes, chicken..there is alot."

Taking a bit out of her crassont Sapphire is quiet for a moment thinking about Gage's question about a Christmas tree.

"Well because its pretty to have one, and fun to put it up. I figured it might be fun to put one up. Not to mention I enjoying doing it myself and its just a tradition thats fun. There is no ryme or reason to it."

Never been told

Wyatt sighs deeply, letting Aerith soothe him. She had a way of doing that, that he'd never figured out. She was always so calm... so quiet.

Finally straightening again, Wyatt shakes his head. "I don't have time... I gotta get to work and start on the report. I'm... the only one who can write it right now."

Turning his gaze he searches Aerith's deep eyes. "Thanks for letting me talk a few minutes though... just... pray that Jason and Katie will be alright. If I woulda just reacted one second sooner..." He shakes his head again. He knew he'd be blaming himself for a while. It wasn't the first time. "Think Carson would let you off early so we could go have dinner tonight?"


As Bree withdraws from her light kiss, Gunner holds back a pleased smile. He'd like to try that again, but he didn't have time. "Yeah... I will. I'll see you after work then."

Gathering the last few things, then remembering to return and put his glass in the sink, he starts to leave, then turns back around again. "Oh, what the hey."

Leaning down, he gives Bree one more quick kiss, still grinning as his face burns. "Don't give the waitress too hard of a time about that float... save some of her annoyance for me."


Sparky is just turning to leave, when Rosetta's offer for dinner hits his ears. Turning back around, he cocks his head. "Boy you know your cooking is hard to pass up."

Looking down a moment, his gaze eventually wanders back up to her face. A long, quiet moment passes before he finally speaks again. "Yeah... yeah, okay." A smile creases his lips. "You don't have to do it to thank me though. You know good and well you don't owe me a thing."

Turning again, he fishes his leather gloves from his back pocket, pausing before the door. "You want Jim and Becky to watch BJ all day and night again or, you want him back here for supper?"


Gage's grin widens, a spark finally coming to his eye. It didn't show very often - mostly when Sapphire was around because she was one of the few that made him feel good enough to smile. "Sounds great." He nods, referring to the food. "And... thank you." He knew she didn't need thanks. And he was too appreciative to turn anything down, even though she regularly had surprises for him. He only wished that sometime he could give her something in return.

Taking a bite of breakfast, he sighs with content. "Mmm... this is good. I've never had breakfast from Burger King before. I always just had what anybody else had... I guess I didn't even know they had more than a couple different kinds of hamburgers."

Sipping the orange juice, he suddenly stops at Sapphire's mention of shopping. "Christmas tree?" He looks at her, a bit confused. He knew Christmas was a holiday, and apparently some people gave gifts and the like, and he'd seen a few Christmas trees here and there, but at the Agency compound, holidays didn't exist. He'd never celebrated anything, let alone the December holiday, and he never really had figured out the point of it all. "Why... would I want one?"

Alone Tonight

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smells good

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Another day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Ohh....ok."

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Morning Good Uncle JT, Vamp."

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

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

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

Long night turns into morning

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


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


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

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


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

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

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

"What time is it?" he mumbles

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

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

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

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

"Late night?" JT inquires.

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

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


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

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

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

Embarssed

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

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

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

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

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

Indiana Jones

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue....

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

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

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

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

Erm...

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

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

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

Tango

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

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

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

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

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

No one

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

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

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