You don't drool

Carson jumps, not having heard Jess come in, and his eyes widen slightly, though they’re still red and swollen.

He blinks as another tear runs down his face and seems surprised when Jess puts her arm around him.

“Huh? Oh.” He sees the worry on her face and lifts his eyebrows, suddenly realizing what she sees. A strange look passes through his gaze, almost like he’s ready to say something, but then changes his mind.

Swallowing hard, he reaches out to cradle Jess’s face gently. “Sorry, I, uh… guess I’m not much to look at tonight.”

Withdrawing to stare down at his coke for a moment, slowly he just leans over, resting his head on Jess’ shoulder as another tear rolls down his cheek. "Sometimes I wish things weren't so hard, ya know?"

Swiping his eyes with the back of his hand, he pauses, blinking and trying to stop the tears. "It, uh... when... when you do something that you regret... You can't just go back and change it. And... the harder you try to make it right, the worse it gets."

Stopping again, silence rules for several moments before his voice comes back again, softly. “Sorry, Jess. I know you were looking forward to a nice night tonight. And so was I…”

Carson’s voice trails off and it seems like an awfully long pause until he finally lifts his head up. That same strange look passes through his eyes once more, but this time, he can’t hold it inside. But instead of words of sorrow that one would expect, a smile suddenly appears, sheepishly, but it was there.

“…But, I um…” He can’t stop it anymore, and he chokes on a laugh. “I got hot pepper juice in my eyes.”

His head is still on Jess’ shoulder and he looks up at her, just barely inches from her face. Mischief dances in his eyes, as silly as it was, and despite the stinging pain. They water again and he squints, swallowing another laugh. “Hundred dang washings with cold water and I still can’t seem to clean ‘em out.”


Jason doesn't understand where exactly Katie's going, but doesn't question her, and stays put in the infirmary. Once she's gone, he turns to Nate and Rick, unsure where to start.

Rick looks at him with question. "Well, Hotshot? I got part of a short version, but it isn't much."

"Yeah well...I didn't get the full and complete story either." Jason leans back against the wall, crossing his arms. "But does that..." he points to Scott. "...look like someone who was left alone?" He sighs and shakes his head. "Austin and somebody else interrogated him."

Rick nods slowly. "I gathered that."

Jason scoffs. "Yeah. Austin. The great and powerful senior agent of TJY."

"Hey," Rick warns. "Enough sarcasm. You did enough damage."

"He deserved it," Jason scoffs.

"Maybe he did, but the more worked up you are, the harder you're gonna make it on yourself."

"I don't care."

"You and Katie are already facing suspension."

Jason's fist tightens. "Is that what he said?"

"Yep."

"Then so be it." Jason remains cold. "It was worth it."

Rick rolls his eyes. "When Reese gets here tomorrow, we'll discuss this whole thing with him and get it worked out."

"Good luck. Austin is in it with his own father. Something is up and I don't like it one bit."

Rick raises a hand to keep him quiet. "Settle down. Tonight is over. Scott is safe."

Jason isn't happy, but relents to being quiet. He throws Nate a look, wondering what his friend thought of all this, and what side he would be on.

It's only moments though, before Katie is back, and Jason sees she has Domino with her. A small smile creases his lips.

Oh, Katie... you are a hero. How come you always know exactly what to do?

Domino squirms in Katie's arms, looking around at all the faces, and sniffing the air. Giving a little whine, she lets Katie take her to the bed, but just stands on the mattress for a moment, cocking her head and looking at who she is standing next to.

Glancing up at Katie, Domino gives a quiet little woof, then makes he way forward, almost timidly towards Scott's face.

Scott pries his eyes open once more, trying to understand what was going on in the room, and what all the voices meant. Hearing Katie, he's confused, and manages to crane his neck, spotting his dog. For one of the first times since his return, a genuine smile surfaces.

He moves his hand to stroke Domino's head with his bony fingers.

Domino sniffs and jumps a little at his touch, but then suddenly realizes that this really is her master that had been gone for so long. And just as quickly, she starts to wiggle all over. Crawling up closer, she starts to lick Scott's face all over, unwilling to let him out of her sight.

Scott's smile remains and he doesn't push the dog away, but strokes her gently, a faint spark in his eye once more. "Hey you," he whispers.

Domino whines and snuggles closer. After a few minutes of getting all the attention she could from her weak and sleepy master, she finally stops begging for more, and turns around a few times to plop down and curl up right beside him.

Scott's eyes drop shut again, the exhaustion too much to fight anymore, but his hand stays on top of the little friend that had meant so much to him.

Jason can't help but smile as he watches the two interact. Despite Scott's condition, he'd obviously found comfort and pleasure in seeing the little dog.

You're so smart. And I think I'll stick around tonight too. I don't want Austin coming back in here, and... Why would I give up the opportunity to spend my time here with you? It's either that or going home to Trooper, and seeing as though you don't drool, you're it. Not to mention after this, we might not have too many more nights in the infirmary if we get suspended.

Small friend

*Opening the door a little Jess knows Carson will be the only one at work. Closing the door behind her and making sure its lock Jess starts to go across the floor to the back room but stops at the faint sound and strange feeling she got. Turning Jess heads to one of the booths where the sound was coming from. Coming close and seeing Carson a wave of worry hits Jess. She'd never seen Carson cry before. Slidding in the booth next to him Jess puts an arm around his shoulder.*

"Carson whats wrong?"

*As the infermary door opens Nate looks up from the book he was reading. Seeing Jason and Katie he gives a small nod.*

"Nope everything has been ok. Scott's sleeping still."

*Nate watches Jason and Katie for a moment a little confused about what was going on but stays quiet for now.*

*Coming back into the infermary Katie gives a small smile to Nate before hearing Scott's voice and going over to him. PLacing a hand on his arm Katie looks down apon the face of her friend.*

"Yeah we stoped them Scott. They shouldnt be bothering you anymore."

*Looking up at Jason Katie gives a small smile..

I'll probley stay with him for most of the night. If you want to stay that would be nice but if not I understand.

Looking back at Scott again Katie pats his arm gently. As if getting an idea a lightbalb goes off in her head.

J, I have to go get something can you explain whats going on to Nate and Rick and I will be right back.

Leaving the infermary quickly Katie exits TJY and gets into her car head for home.

The time slowly tick by and after a half hour Katie enters the TJY floor again with a small bundle in her arms. Opening the infermary door Katie enters with a smile on her face. Showing the black and white bundle to Jason and Rick as Domino sits.

I thought maybe Domino would bring Scott some more comfort.

Going back over to the bed Katie holds Domino in her arms.*

"Scott, Scott...I braught someone to see you."

*Setting the small dog down on the bed Katie takes a step back and waits.*

Don't leave?

It's okay.

Jason throws his grandfather one last glare. "We're not finished."

Turning around, he follows after Katie.

Don't worry about it. It's not like I was calm in there. I just...

His emotions start to churn, proving that there was more than anger there. There was a deep hurt that he didn't understand. One that he'd been keeping away from Katie. One that wanted to surface now. One that created a form of misery he hated. But he pushes it away again.

Let's go see if Scott's alright.


Rick stands in the doorway, letting Jason and Katie by. But he doesn't follow straight after. Instead, he just stands, looking at Austin with a sad questioning. "You interrogated Scott?"

Austin swallows hard and tries to regain his composure. "It was protocol. You should know that."

"But he was in no shape to handle that." Rick's astonishment comes through in his voice. "My word, Austin... what were you thinking?"

"Me? What about those two who just came in here unannounced and started tearing my office apart, let alone screwing with my head?"

"The office part was Jason," Rick responds casually. "And the screwing with your head was Katie. In case you didn't know. And in case there's more information you're missing, those two were pretty close to Scott. I don't blame them for being upset with you."

"Well they've not heard the last of this," Austin states flatly. "They'll both be suspended for this."

Rick cocks his head. "Isn't that Reese's call?"

"You think I'm gonna wait around for him? This goes straight to Carter. Jason and Katie's actions were completely uncalled for."

Rick shakes his head and sighs deeply. "You do what you feel you have to do, Austin. But don't forget the team you're dealing with." Not wanting to argue, he turns around and walks slowly out of the office, heading back to the infirmary.


Jason pushes open the door and spies Nate, glad that he's here and not whoever had been with Austin. "Hey, Nate," he greets quietly. "Nothing exciting going on, I hope."

Scott can hear the voices around him, and though put into a state of exhaustion by whatever Rick had given him, he manages to pry open one of his eyes. "Did...did you stop...them?"

Jason looks over to him with sympathy. "Yeah. Nobody's gonna bother you. You just rest."

"Katie?" Scott's eye falls shut again. "Don't... leave?"

Jason looks to Katie, then Scott, then back to Katie.

I doubt he even knows what he's saying. Once he drifts off, he'll be gone for the night. We can stick around for a while if it'll make him feel better. He trusts you the most. Not to mention, we better tell Nate and Rick what's going on.

Overbored

*Nate makes his way into TJY making it in good time. Maggie had been in bed for about an hour and Jane was in the back apartment doing her own thing. Making his way swiftly across the floor he gives a small nod to Hal and enters the infermary. Going over to Scott he just looks down at his friend for a moment not sure what was going on but hoping everything was ok. Letting out a long sigh Nate pulls up a chair and just sits. Waiting for Rick's return.*

*For a moment Katie just looks at Austin not even hearing Rick. Jason's emotions were feeding her and she was feeding Austin. She was so angry for what he did to there friend.*

"I think its funny how you think we should listen to you Austin when you didnt even listen to Scott. I bet he begged, and pleaded for you to stop as you ripped open his mind and scars again."

*Katie could feel her ownself growing weak. Pushing her emotions twords Austin drew on her own energy and than Jason, he was starting to pull his emotions away. Trying to grasp on to them as she still focuses on Austin Katie can feel them slipping away. Finally not being able to hold on any longer Katie shuts her emotions down from Austin and she turns her back to him. The anger that was in her eyes, the fire had now turns to tears as a few escaped her eyes.*

"I'm going back to Scott."

*Moving past Jason and Rick Katie heads for the door. She still had anger, and she still wanted justice but her body was just to weak at the moment.

Sorry J. I guess I went overbored.*

Just like him

Rick sits with Scott for a little while, keeping an eye on him. But something wasn't right... where had Jason and Katie gone? It just didn't seem right...

Acting on instinct, he goes for the phone and dials Nate. "Hey Nate, it's Rick. Yeah, listen um... can you swing on down by TJY? Hopefully it's nothing, but... I gotta go check something out, and I want someone here to keep an eye on Scott."

Ending the call, Rick makes sure Scott is still asleep before slipping out the door. Spotting Hal with the trash, he waves to him. "Make sure nobody goes in here, will you? Except Nate... he should be coming soon."

Hal quirks an eyebrow in question, but nods. "Alright... sure. But..." Watching Rick leave, he just shrugs, leaving his questions hanging.

Rick walks quickly down the hall, looking around to see if he could find the other two.


Austin absorbs Katie's words, anger flashing in his eyes as she dishes out her own. "I did nothing but my job! And so help me, if you start a mutiny, the lot of you will be gone, and I will form a new team."

Watching Katie come closer, Austin finds himself backing up a step as a new wave of fear hits him. What had started out as slight nervousness from Jason's apparent outburst started to build into more... more that he didn't understand.

As Katie starts talking about being afraid, Austin's hands start to shake, a bead of sweat running down the side of his face. "I crossed no line!" He raises his voice. "I am doing my job! I have been involved with this organization for years more than you and I know exactly what needs to be done and how to do it."

Jason can feel himself weaken slightly as Katie focuses her drawing power on Austin rather than him, but he remains steady, right beside her. "Was that your own idea, or someone else's, Austin? Hmm?"

"That is none of your business."

"You messed with the wrong people," Jason retorts. "You made it our business by hurting Scott."

"I didn't hurt him!" Austin backs up another step, going behind the desk chair.

"Not physically, did you." Jason cocks his head, remaining cool. "But you didn't care about his mind did you? You didn't care about his heart, did you? You didn't care that he just spent two months in pure torture that caused wounds so deep that he can barely function, did you?"

As Jason's voice raises, the fax machine starts to rattle.

Austin's fear increases, his face paling. "Come on... just... just stop it you two. That's... that's a direct order."

Jason spits a scoffing laugh. "Or what? You gonna drag us into the interrogation room too? You gonna ask us questions... make us talk? Maybe threaten us a little bit?"

"You... you are in so much trouble." Austin's voice wavers more. "You have no...idea... what you two... what you are doing."

The fax machine sparks, more smoke coming from the sides.

"Jason! Katie. Stand down." Rick shows up behind them in the doorway.

Jason doesn't move, knowing Katie won't either. "Come on, Rick," he responds evenly. "Austin was just about to tell us his master plan. Sit down. Wait a spell. Grab some popcorn."

"Jason stop it," Austin begs. "What... I don't understand... what..." By now his knees are growing weak, his fear becoming a mild form of terror.

"Tell us!" Jason shouts. "Or I will tear this office apart piece by piece and you'll be in so much fear that you'll drive yourself insane."

"Jason!" Rick barks. "No." He takes a step further into the office, lowering his voice. "You do this, you are no better than he is. Now stop before you do something you both regret."

Jason stares at Austin, a hate forming in his eyes. The battle inside of him intensifies to a degree that makes his emotions run rampant. He was so angry...so upset... he wanted to make Austin pay for what he'd done to Scott. But deep down... way deep down... he knew Rick was right.

Forcing his emotions down, he stops manipulating objects in the room, but knows his grandfather is still under Katie's influence.

Come on, Hero... Rick's right... We'll deal with this later.

Knowing Katie's anger and knowing how she felt because of what had been done to Scott, Jason knows it might take more than words to get her to stop. Slowly he tucks away more and more of his own emotions, knowing that the more he took away from her, the sooner she'd have to turn her energy back to him and away from Austin.

Austin's shaking hands grip the back of the desk chair, waiting, watching, not understanding.

Rick waits calmly behind them, knowing good and well what they were doing. He could feel his own fear forming because of Katie's presence, but fought it, trying to save his young friends from their own actions that could put them on the wrong side. He agreed with them, but knew that if fought in this way, the consequences could be greater than it was worth. There were other ways to make their point.

heart of the betrayer

*Katie eyes narrow as she grits her teeth. This was not cool, this was not what she wanted, this is not why she was here or what she stood for and every moment that Austin talked more the more her blood boiled.*

"My Job...MY JOB...I'll stand up for my friend over my job anyday. If this is how you do things, bullying the people who put trust in you, toruchering them than your no better than The Agency and I dont want to be here, but something tells me if you fire me alot of people will come along with and than you will be up crap creek with out a paddle."

*Katie's eyes burn with an anger so fearce, her own eyes wanted to tear from it, but they did not. Hearing Austin call Scott week just fed her anger, it made her hate him even more.*

"Scott...is FAR FAR from weak Austin. I'd have to say that man is stronger than alot of us here. Its not every day people can stand up to the angency tourte like He did. The only other person I know that can say she did would have to be Jamie. She wasnt trained for field work, She didnt have any training at all and she stood up to them."

*Standing taller Katie stays next to Jason. In a proud stance her keep her ground not being scaired by Austin's threats. As the lamp starts to shake and the phone burts Katie dont flinch as it gives her a edge on Austins own emotions. Like a floodgate being opend Katie takes the lid off her emotions hurling them in one direction and one direction only to strike her own fear into the heart of the betrayer.*

"Its not nice to make people fear you when you think you can trust them. Fear, and torment is not a good feeling Austin now is it?"

*Katie takes a few steps twords him as her emotions flow freely still not even paying mind to the small amount of pain she felt by Jason's emotional burst.*

"What you did was wrong Austin, bottom line. You could of handled it differntly. Scott was one of us, Scott was our friend. You crossed the line Austin."

I don't care

Carson works alone in the kitchen, preparing a few ingredients for the next day. Everyone else had gone home already, but Dani was too tired to do anything tonight, Jess wasn’t coming over until late, and Carson didn’t have anything to do in the meantime. Nor did he really feel like it anyway. Better to keep busy… better to keep his mind occupied. Not that it worked.

Sniffing, Carson blinks and swipes his eyes with the back of his hand again. Tears immediately fill his reddened eyes again, the salty liquid stinging them.

Trying to focus on his work, he knows his eyes are red and puffy, and he knows Jess will be there any minute, but he just can’t seem to stop the flow, once it had started.

Blinking again, he goes to the sink in frustration, splashing his face with cool water. It was no use though. The tears were determined to come.

Growling at himself for being in this state, he goes to try to at least finish up what he was doing before Jess arrived. Ten minutes later though, he’s given up and is slouching in a booth, a glass of coke for company as he waits.


Jason doesn't take time to talk with Rick either, leaving that story hanging for now. "We'll be back, Rick," he hollers over his shoulder. Following Katie down the hall, he lets her take the lead. He need not ask where she was heading... he need not ask what her motive was.


Scott watches the two leave, his eyes widening a little. Even though Katie said they'd be back, he felt so vulnerable without them. Looking to Rick, he sees the needle and cringes.

Rick smiles warmly and approaches the bed. "It's alright, Scott. This is just something to help you sleep alright?"

Scott swallows hard, trying not to see Donovan with the needle that brought so much pain. He had to trust Rick... he had to believe this was reality, not what he'd been seeing in his mind. "Okay..."

"Atta boy." Rick preps Scott's arm and administers the shot quickly and smoothly. "There you are. Now just lie back and relax, okay?"

"You're not... not gonna leave me alone, are you?"

"No." Rick shakes his head. "I won't. I'll be right here."

Scott takes a moment, trying to decide if he believed him or not, then finally stretches out to lie back down on the bed, curling up on his side. The shot worked quickly, and his eyes grow heavy. "Don't let... them... come back..."

Rick sighs deeply as he watches Scott drift to sleep. What had happened? And why were Jason and Katie so much on edge? He could only wait it out until they came back.


Austin is looking through some files in Carter's office when Katie bursts in. His eyes widen as he sees both her and Jason, then as he receives her angry words.

His facial expression turns from one of surprise to one of irritation, then anger. "First off, young lady, we knock on doors around here and..."

"How would you know what we do around here?" Jason intervenes quickly. He folds his arms across his chest. "You've been gone an awfully long time to start spitting out protocol. Or... is that what you did with Scott already?"

Austin's shoulders drop as he looks at his grandson with annoyed disappointment. "C'mon, Jase... No 'hi how are you?' I just got back and this is what I get?"

"Do you deserve more?" Jason's anger starts to boil again, and this time he doesn't hold it in. "Besides, it's her who came in here first, not me." He nods to Katie. "You gonna answer her question?"

"I don't have to." Austin stands up straighter, bypassing his disappointment. "I'm the senior officer here, and I don't like being questioned. You get to where I am and make it this far, then you can make all the decisions you want to make." His tone grows more stern and he looks directly at Katie. "As for you, I don't know where you got your information or who skewed it, but I am here tonight doing my job. If you got a problem with that, I suggest you go home and sit and think about your job here and what it would be like without this job."

Jason takes a step forward, his eyes blazing. "Are you threatening her, Austin? Do you actually have the nerve to say something like that? Where do you get off? Answer her question! How could you do that to Scott?!"

"It's protocol!" Austin shoots back. "Scott is weak! Those Agency goons could have done anything they wanted to with him. He doesn't know how to block out their mind games. He was never trained for field work. Don't you get it? He could have compromised this whole department!"

"But you only assumed he would! You didn't give him a chance! He's in no shape to take something like that and you knew it! And you interrogated him anyway!"

"Stand down, Jason," Austin barks. "Or so help me, your job will be on the line too. You do not question me, do you understand?"

"Oh, I understand alright." Jason's tone grows low and cool, and suddenly the desk lamp starts to shake. At the same time, the phone cord sizzles and sparks, causing the phone to smoke then burst in a small show of sparks.

Austin jumps and looks down quickly, then back up at Jason, questioning the timing.

Jason grits his teeth.
Go for it Katie. I don't care what you do.

Justice

*Katie wraps her arm around Scott again as he starts to shake. If anyone was good to talk with Scott about this Katie new it was Jason.*

"You WILL be ok Scott and soon those dreams will stop, and it will only be a memorie. God will keep you safe and help you deal with this. Just remember that."

*Katie watches as Jason goes to the phone.

Yeah sometimes I think we communicate better this way. You can see my feelings, I mean there is no way you could miss interpit them.

Continuing to watch Jason Katie turns her attachen back to Scott as she holds him. How he heart hurt.*

"Rick is on his way Scott. He's gonna check you over and make sure you ok. He might even give you something to help you sleep if you want. Jason and I have to leave to do something but we will still be in the building and Rick will be with you till we get back ok."

*As Rick looks to Nate and gives a nod about the phone Nate gives him a small nod back letting him know if he needed anything he new who to call. Than turning back to the game Nate smiles at Maggie and Janet as he muses.*

"So are you going to deal or just hold the cards all day Janet?"

*Janet can't help the smile that spreads across her face as she brushes a bit of her long flowing hair from her eyes.*

"Don't rush me Nate or I'll deal you all the bad cards."

*Janet cant hold the small giggle as she gives Maggie a nudge and starts to deal the cards only to pause for a bref moment again to give Rick a kiss before he left.*

*As Rick enters the infermary Kaite gives him a nod and gently removes her arm from around Scott. Giving his arm a gentil squeeze.*

"Rick's gonna stay with you for a little bit untill we get back ok. You hang in there."

*Standing Katie gives one last look at Scott before turning and walking away from the bed. Letting out a long sigh Katie makes her way to the door only calling over her shoulder the flames that were in here eyes were still there.*

"Betrayel Rick, Betrayel by one of our own."

*Katie leaves the infermary before Rick can even reply. Her mind set was on one thing now and one thing alone, there was no stop, there way no holding back. There was only anger and pain. Austin couldnt get away with this.

Seeing the light on down by Reese office Katie makes her way through the cubicles still she came to the office. Entering and seeing no one in Reese office Katie glances to Carters door and can see a tiny light on underneath it. Walking over to it Katie fails to knock just flinging it open. Steping inside and see Austin her face is flush as the anger in her eyes flaired.*

"How could you Austin, how could you do that to him when You darn well know what he has been though. He thought he could trust you and you stabed him in the back. What kind of justice do you stand for because this sure is not what I call right."

Card game

Jason can feel the tension in the flow of emotions and knows that Katie is growing angrier, just as he was. He can feel his own emotions being bottle-necked as she shut herself partway down so as not to affect Scott, but he keeps himself steady.

Talk about burning up... I knew he wasn't the good ol' boy he claimed to me... he's been trying to get me in his good graces for months and...

Jason suddenly remembers that he'd never told Katie about that.

...long story. Bottom line - Austin's a jerk and a coward. This was the last straw for me. Him and me... we're through.

Scott starts to shake again as another tear surfaces, his mind and emotions being overtaken by pictures of when he was captive. He felt as though he were in a nightmare, unable to wake, and his fear was so great, it was starting to make him feel like he was going to be sick.

"You can't," he manages quietly. "It's... it won't leave me alone.... I can't.... I can't shut it out..."

Jason's jaw tightens and he stands up. He gives Scott's shoulder a gentle pat. He knew exactly how it felt and more. "Hang in there, buddy. It'll be alright." Turning, he heads to the phone.

Sometimes I wish I could talk to other people like you... Sure would help out the phone bills.

Jason picks up the receiver and quickly dials Rick's number.


"Aw man!" Rick throws down his cards on the dining room table, having lost another round. He smirks with humor across at Maggie. "Do you realize you've beat me three times in a row now?"

He collects the cards and starts to pass them to Nate, but then stops and hands them to Janet instead. "I think it's your turn to deal."

The ringing phone makes him jump. "Alright. I'll answer that, but nobody stack the cards!" Getting up, a smile spreads on his face and he grabs the phone in the living room. "Yeah, hello."

"Rick."

"Jase? What's up?"

"I'm with Scott. He um... he's having a tough time settling down. Thought you should come see him."

"I gave him something to sleep," Rick muses.

"Yeah well... I'll tell you what happened later."

"Alright. Is he bad?"

"It's not good. He's in the middle of a nightmare and just can't calm down. He needs to get some rest before he makes himself sick."

Rick nods. "Okay. Give me fifteen minutes." He hangs up and goes back to the small group, leaning down to give his wife a kiss on the forehead. "Sorry, but duty calls. You three have fun, and I'll be back in a while."

He gives Janet's shoulder a squeeze. "I don't know if I'll be late or not." Looking over to Nate, he gives a little nod, signaling that it was TJY related, then heads for the door.


Jason hangs up and turns back to Katie and Scott, feeling helpless. "Rick's on his way." He paces the floor, trying to decide what to do.

I wanna march down to wherever Austin is and knock his block off... But I'm not leaving Scott until I know he's safe. The nerve... the gall! One of our own....


It seems like forever, but Rick finally comes, pushing open the door to the infirmary. Seeing Jason, then Katie, his eyes fill with questions, but he goes to Scott without waiting for answers. "Hey, Scott, you don't look so hot."

Scott shakes his head, having returned to hiding his face in his knees.

Rick sighs deeply and goes to prepare a needle. He didn't like sedating anyone, but in this case, maybe it was best. "You two gonna tell me what's going on?" he asks quietly.

Wrong group of friends...

*Katie continues to listen as her own anger grows. Trying to keep a lid on it Katie knows she wont be able to hold it for long. The emotions she felt right now were to great, worse than anything she ever felt before. Griting her teeth Kaite hand still rests on Scott's back as he leans into her. As her eyes meet Jason's so much emotions run through her own tell a tail in itself.

How could he? It was bad enough Scott was taken for two months and torchured, but to have Austin...one of our own turn there back on Scott and do this...it burns me up even more.

Katie quiets herself for a moment as she continues to keep the lid on.*

"Its ok Scott. Don't worry we wont let it happen again. Your gonna be ok and your going to get through this. We are with you every step of the way and we wont let you give up. When things feel like they are to heavy to hold alone we will be there to help hold you up. Thats what friends do, thats what friends are for. We wont let you stand in the world alone."

* Katie's eyes break away from Jason's for a moment as she looks down at Scott while she talks. Searching his own face, seeing the fear and tears in his eyes. Seeing such a strong person being broken now it only was to feed Katie's anger even more. Scott's pyscal scars where cleaned and starting to feel, the the wounds on the inside were still there and ripped open again that much was for sure.

Once again Katie looks up to catch Jason's eyes, this time the flames could be seen. A look not often seen by many, that could strike fear into the hardest of hearts.

Call Rick! I don't wan't to leave Scott alone but I don't wan't Austin to get away with this eather. He messed with the wrong group of friends.*

Interrogation room

Scott shakes his head and draws in a ragged breath. "He... he told me not to tell."

Inside, somewhere deep down, Scott knew there was no reason to be afraid. There was no reason to fear the present, nor the past. But logic didn't seem to have much bearing right now, and he couldn't help but be afraid. He wasn't used to feeling this way, and it just compounded the fearful emotions.

"I...he...and... and another guy."

Jason grits his teeth, his eyes narrowing. "What did they say, Scott? You can tell us."

Scott licks his dry lips and is quiet for several moment, trying to calm down. Katie's hand on his back helped, and he's finally able to keep his voice steady, though it's quiet. "They came in and took me to the interrogation room. And...and they forced me to tell them what happened. Austin thought I'd turn and help the Agency... and he wanted names and places and..."

He pauses again, a tear finally surfacing in his eye. "He wanted to know everything that they did to me. Then he brought me back here and ordered me not to say anything." His voice cracks and he stops, too scared and too embarrassed by his show of emotions.

The interrogation room.

Jason's anger starts to boil.

They took Scott and interrogated him. Of all the low down... Couldn't he see Scott was in no shape to talk? Couldn't he see that he'd been through enough?! People like you and me can handle this, but not Scott... he's not trained for this... he's not wired like some of us. What did Austin think he was doing?!

"It's alright, Scott," he assures evenly, trying not to let his anger out through the tone of his voice.

"No, it's not," Scott whimpers. "I thought I was going to die... and then... then I was found again and... and I still can't do anything, I can't function and... and I just keep living it over and over and over." A tear runs down the side of his face, proving how out of control he felt. "I should have just died. I can't take it..."

He lets himself down to rest against Katie again, closing his eyes tight against the nightmares. "I can't do it. I just can't."

A jar on the counter starts to rattle and Jason is quick to stop his emotions again. The last thing they needed was for him to start breaking things apart because he was mad. He was angry... so angry. At the Agency, at what they did to Scott, and at Austin.

How dare he.... how dare he torment Scott even further.

"Yes you can," Jason voices sternly to Scott. "Don't give up."

His eyes find Katie's in the dim light, questions filling his gaze.

I want Austin. I know he's still here because I saw the vehicle. But we can't just leave Scott like this. How about calling Rick or Misty? They at least might be able to give him something to sleep.

Remember

*Katie continues to rub Scott's back as he talks. Just taking in what he was saying the way he was acting when Jason talked. The look in his eyes when he looked at her sent her heart screaming again as her own eyes filled with emotions, the lack of understanding.

I don't understand J, what would Austin have been doing here after hours? Let alone asking questions from Scott.*

"So...Austin wanted to know what happend to you Scott?"

*Though emotions started to form inside Katie she tryed to hide them the best she could. The last thing she wanted to do was upset Scott more. Keeping her tone level and soft she continues to talk to Scott.*

"Did you tell them you couldnt remember? Than they let you come back here? Did Austin say at all why he was here asking you these questions this late at all?"

*Katie's hand continues to run Scott's back. She new he was scaried, and he wasnt sure what to say. As Scott looks at her again with his own questions in his eyes Katie nods her head at him slightly.*

"It's ok Scott, we are just here helping."

Yes

Jason's face changes to show compassion seeping through. He and Scott hadn't always gotten along that well, but seeing him like this... it was just a bit upsetting.

He moves to pull a chair close to the bed and sit down, staying close, but letting Katie talk to Scott without interfering. Scott had always responded well to her, and Jason hoped he would now too. It wasn't fair that Scott was suffering like this.

Scott keeps resisting Katie's comfort, but starts to settle down a little bit, soaking in her comforting words. He felt like crying, but his eyes were dry. He felt like screaming, but his lungs didn't feel capable.

"I can't tell... they told me.... I... I'm under orders."

Jason raises his eyebrows.
Under orders? What's he talking about? Whose orders?

Scott swallows hard and finally relaxes enough to lift his head and rest his chin on his knees, staring into the dim room. "It... I can't... they said..." He stops again.

Turning his head, he has to turn his face completely to be able to see Katie with his good eye. He trusted her... he had to. He knew this hadn't been right.... but...

He brings up enough courage, and speaks with a quiet whimper. "They...they asked me and.... and they made me.... made me tell them what happened. It... I... I mean..." he swallows "I had to think... I couldn't remember..."

Jason can't help but move closer. "Who, Scott?" he asked quietly "Who is 'they?'"

Scott flinches at the sound of Jason's voice. "You...no.. I mean..."

Jason stiffens. "Austin."

Scott's eyes widen slightly, and looks to Katie as it almost asking for permission to speak. "Y...yes."

Safe

*Katie continues to keep her arm wrapped around Scott even though he pulls away. She wasnt sure what to do but let Scott know she was there for him. Katie felt helpless and it only drove the pain harder into her heart to see Scott like this. Hadnt he been through enough? Why why was he still be torchured.

Looking up at Jason's voice Katie shakes her head a little answering his question.

He's pretty bad J, I think someone told him something but he wont say who. I'm scaired for him, and feel so helpless. I'm see if I can find out anything more.*

"It's ok Scott. Its only me and Jason here with you now. We want to help you, we want to keep whoever is trying to hurt you away, but in order to do that you need to tell us what happend and who it was. Just try to think, take your time dont rush."

*Kaite moves her arm and gently rubs Scott's back as she talks to him trying to make him feel as comfortable as she could though he new it wasnt doing much help at least she was trying.*

"We have all the time in the world Scott, we wont let anyone hurt you. J and I will both keep you safe."

Voice

Concern grows in Jason as he deciphers the message of emotions.

You're right, that doesn't sound good. Why don't I come by... I don't know what I can do, but at least you won't be there alone.

Jason sets his guitar to the side and stands up, startling Trooper who jumps up and looks around, wondering what he's missed.

"Sorry, bub. I gotta go. You stay here and watch the place."

Jason grabs his denim jacket and slips on his tennis shoes, picking up his truck keys on the way out the door.


Scott remains in a tight ball, but lets Katie hold him, finally resting his head on her shoulder. He trembles, unable to control the fear that was still running through him. "No... it was..."

He stops, remembering the orders. He might be unable to think straight, and he might be a mess, but he still knew his place. "I can't... they told me...." He swallows hard, still shaking. "It wasn't a dream. But I can't..."

He pulls away from Katie to bury his face in his legs again. He wanted so bad for this to be over. He wanted so bad to be able to control this... to ignore the pain... to be tough. But it just hurt so bad.



Jason parks outside TJY, and spies an unfamiliar vehicle in the parking lot. That was interesting. Then all of a sudden he remembers. Austin was supposed to get into town tonight. But surely he wouldn't have come straight to TJY... would he?

Jason shakes his head and gets out of his truck. Who cared... he didn't.

Making his way inside, he heads down the hall, ignoring that there were lights on down by Reese's office. Getting to the infirmary, he slips inside, seeing Katie next to Scott who was huddled on the bed.

"Hey guys," he greets quietly. "How's things?"

Scott makes no move to look up, and just pulls himself in tighter. That voice was too close to the other one for comfort.

Comfort

*Seeing the look on Scott's face mad Katie freeze in place and sent a sharp pain through her heart. What had happened to make Scott so scared? What was he talking about? Could it have been a dream? Whatever it was it shook him up bad.

Sitting down gently on the bed Katie slowly wraps her arm around Scott's shoulder and pulls him softly into an embrace of comfort. Her friend was hurting, the pain that struck her heart was different and it screamed at her to help him when she new there really was nothing for this she could do.*

"Shhhh...it's ok Scott. I'll stay with you. Tell me what happend so I can help, was it a dream?"

*As Katie holds Scott like a shelter to someone on a cold day protecting them from the hard weather outside Katie receves Jason's question and relizes that she had completely forgoten about shutting her emotions off. Though at this moment and see the way Scott was Katie was glad to maybe have someone alse there to help. Trying to find a bit of her own humor Katie replys to Jason.

Well hello Crazy....

Katie cant help the inward giggle she presents before becoming a little more searouse.

I'm here with Scott. Something shook him up pretty bad. He keeps mumbaling about not letting them come back. I dont know what he is talking about. He looks horrable though, and I wouldnt feel right leaving him like this J. It's not good.*

*Snaggaling a little bit farther into Bret Charlotte draps her arm across his chest. How comfortable she was, and how much happyness she had to match and much more. *

"I'll have to try and call Jamie tomarrow or something to see if she got to talk to Con and anyone alse. I was thinking maybe this weekend would be great seeing as the weather will be nice."

*Slowly Charlotte's own eyes start to drift shut. It had been a long day, busyer than one would exspect and than relaxing with Bret just wore her down evenmore.*

" Mmmm...I would be happy sleeping right here than. As long as I am next to you."

Weather

Scott is so absorbed in his own world, that he doesn't even hear Katie come into the infirmary. When she touches his arm though, he almost jumps out of his skin, snapping his head up, with fear in his eyes. The look that crosses his face is sheer terror until he realizes who she is.

His heart pounding in his chest, Scott swallows hard before looking down again, once more hiding his face in his knees. "Don't let them come back," he begs, his words muffled, barely understandable. "Please... I can't... they wouldn't listen.... please... don't let them come back."


Jason gently picks out the soft notes on his guitar, slouching in his living room chair. He wasn't paying much attention... just letting the music follow where it would. The mellow tune drifted out, calming the atmosphere and even putting Trooper to sleep.

A strange interruption though, causes Jason's fingers to stop. What was that? It hadn't been any stronger than a feather brushing against one's skin, but his sensitivity had intensified the last couple months, and any slight variance to the emotional pull was felt.

If Katie wasn't paying attention, it could be nothing more than her watching an emotional movie, but the lurch was just enough to make Jason question it. It was late, and he'd been unconsciously ready for a more relaxed flow. One that mimicked the steady breathing of one fallen to sleep - it was always a soothing calmness when Katie was asleep. But obviously she was awake.

Jason didn't want to be paranoid, nor did he want to interrupt Katie if she was in the middle of anything, but he couldn't tell if it had been a good lurch or a bad one. Sometimes he wished he had her gift for knowing what the feelings were. All he could do was sense a change.

Hey, Hero... call me crazy... everything okay?


"Mmm...." Bret yawns and stretches long on the couch, shutting the tv off. The weatherman had just predicted that the unusually cool temperatures were to taper off and they would be in the middle of their normal and comfortable fall conditions. "Looks like a cave adventure won't be so bad after all," he mentions sleepily.

His arm flops back around Charlotte, and he scoots further down into the couch, not sure exactly how his legs were tangled around hers and the cushions, but he didn't care. It was comfortable.

Though tired, he can't help but run his fingers through her soft hair. "I don't think I can make it upstairs," he mumbles.

Normal

*As Katie sits along in her room she thumbs through some old books. It was a quiet night and much had been delt with at work. Though she new Jason didnt really want to be alone he had asked to be and Katie wanted to respect that. So she choose to just sit and read her own mind moving to differnt places. As Katie turns the page of her book a strange feeling over comes her. Something, somewhere was not right. It wasnt Jason that the feeling came from, and it felt differnt from what she normaly felt with him. This was more of an incling than an emotion she felt. It was the normal feeling of thinking someone was being hurt. A friends feeling that another needed tham, it was normal. Resting her book in her lap Katie soaks in this new feeling. It was strange and it was enough for her to be on edge that something really was wrong but with who? Scott! His name was the first one to come to mind. Something...it was enough of a feeling that Katie had to make sure. She had to see he was ok. After knowing what he had been though Katie had to see for herself for her friends sake. Putting her book down Katie thorws her hoodie on and takes her car keys heading out the door.

...Opening the door slowly on the infermary Katie peeks her head in trying her best to be quiet in case Scott is sleeping. Looking over twords the bed Katie can make out the figured huddled up on the bed. An instint sicking fear hits Katie as the sit could hurt the hardest of hearts. Opening the door more but not moving to fast to scair Scott Katie makes her way over to him quickly.

Sitting down gently on the bed Katie puts her hand on Scott's arm to let him know she was there.*

"Hey Scotty. Whats going on? You don't look so hot."

Shattered soul

Kyle takes a deep breath and gives a little nod, his goal to not make Misty feel any worse than she already did. "Well... I want to keep working on us too, but... I'll be honest... I don't wanna be the one lost in the dust here."

A grin still tweaks the corner of his mouth. "But you know that."

He is silent for a few more moments, then glances down at his watch. "How about...we both go back to work...I'll be late the way it is. And... tomorrow I've got double-shift, so free time won't exist, and then... I'll call you Friday."

He gets up from the table, setting his napkin down by his half-full plate, reaching down to run a finger along Misty's cheek. "Don't worry about me, Miss T. You need to do what you want to do and nobody should tell you different."

Kyle bends down to kiss her lightly on the forehead before turning and exiting the restaurant, paying for both their meals. Heading for his truck, he just sits in it for a moment before finally starting the engine and pulling away. Getting back to work, he heads to the hot, busy kitchen.

"Kyle?" Nancy looks at him with question. "You've got a whole forty-five minutes left on your break. What are you doing back here so early?"

Kyle shakes his head and grabs an apron. "Oh, you know how dates go. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you fall flat on your face."

Nancy looks at him with pity. "Aww... that bad?"

"Nah." Kyle jumps right back into work. "Nothing a little pizza grease won't cure. What kind of orders we got?"

"Darin's got the large supreme. You can take the pepperoni one." Nancy moves to answer the phone before coming back. "So you didn't even get to ask her what she thought about that thing with Cryptic?"

"No, but I will. I'll probably see her Friday."

Nancy looks at him skeptically. "Alright. Well...let's get this day over with."


The day seems to go by slowly, time the only factor that weaves everyone together in an unknown plan of the future. Smiles are worn on faces... some genuine, some forced as teeth are gritted to ignore the pain within.

On one side of town, things are warm, factors settling at least for now. Carson finishes out his day at Mom in Pops in time to visit Dani and work things out, then spend some time with Jess at a movie.

Nearby in an apartment, one brother relaxes after work by lounging in front of the television, while Kyle heads for his room where songwriting becomes the ultimate distraction.

On the other side of town, nerves grow more tense as the arrival of a senior TJY agent is anticipated. Unable to concentrate any more, Jason heads from work early to go home. Not wanting to go out, and not wanting to socialize with friends, he gains time with his guitar alone, though even then, the lonely atmosphere isn't a welcomed one.

TJY grows quieter and quieter as one by one, agents leave for the night. Some readily, others reluctantly. Lights are shut down, computers turned off, and desks left until the morning.

Down the hall, the infirmary is left quiet, Scott resting as peacefully as he could. Rick had given him something to help him sleep, even though he'd been in and out of dozing all day. It hadn't been enough to rid him of his exhaustion, or his fear of the dreams that would come, and now as the shadows grow long, and the quietness fills the room, he can't help but pull the blanket up closer and bury his head a little deeper into his pillow...

"Well, hi there, Scott."

Scott turns his head too quickly, sending a pain down the back of his neck. Seeing Austin in the doorway, he raises his eyebrows. It had to have been about a year since Austin had been back here...since he'd been stationed in Texas.

"Hey, welcome back, Austin." Scott's voice is a bit weak and hoarse, but he manages a forced smile.

Austin returns a smile and enters the infirmary, his hands tucked in his pockets. "Thanks. good to be back. Heard about everything that's been going on here. How are you?"

Scott shrugs. "I'm....ok." He pulls himself up so he's sitting up straighter in bed. "Here for just a couple more days then...back home I guess. Heard things were okay in Texas."

Austin nods. "Yeah... Kinda quiet there now, which is good. I'm glad anyway. For them, and for me so I could finally come back. Reese has been taking care of my house, but once I get back there, I can't imagine what I'm going to find."

Scott offers a slight grin. "Get your dust cloth ready."

"No kidding." Austin studies Scott for a minute, seeing the lack of vision in one eye, and seeing all the remnants of cuts and bruises. He was sure he looked better than when they'd first brought him back. "Well, hey listen, um... I've got a friend here with me, and I know technically the office is closed, but he's leaving tonight and we just wanted to chat with you for a couple minutes if it's okay."

Scott can feel himself get just a little on edge. "Who?"

"Oh, he's an agent," Austin assures. "He's been in Utah and met me here."

"Well, what..."

"I promise it will only be a couple minutes." Austin smiles and prompts Scott out of bed. "You alright walking?"

"Um...yeah..." Confused, Scott follows directly lamely. He gets out of bed and teeters for just a moment before finding the strength in his legs to walk, then goes with Austin, being led by an arm.

Heading down the hall, Austin stops by the open interrogation room. A man is outside waiting. He was well-built with dark hair, and seemed friendly enough. But Scott didn't recognize him at all. "What are we..."

"Just come on in and sit down," Austin urges, moving forward again.

Reaching the doorway, Scott's eye sees the interior of the concrete room, and a slight smell of must hits his nose from the damp basement atmosphere. He stops in his tracks, a wave of terror hitting him as his mind suddenly sees images of the cell he'd been chained in. "No...I..."

Austin stops. "What's wrong?"

"I...can we...." Scott swallows hard. "Can we talk somewhere else?"

"In here is fine. It was just convenient. Come on."

"But..." Scott resists the nudge to his arm, planting his bare feet on the floor. "No... it..."

"Come on." Austin's voice grows firmer. "It'll be a lot easier if you just cooperate."

Again, fear surges through Scott's veins. Something wasn't right. "Cooperate? What...what are you talking about?"

Austin ignores the question and looks to his friend. "Jerry, help him inside."

Before Scott can react, Austin has entered the room, and Jerry has approached quickly, pushing Scott in as well. Scott tries to resist, but has no strength to fight, and winds up being shoved toward the table and into a chair, almost falling onto the floor.

His eyes are wide as he looks across the table at Austin, his ears hearing the door being closed. "Austin...what's going on?"

"I'm sorry, Scott, but I need some answers."

"Answers? About...about what?" Scott glances around fearfully, his hands starting to shake. "What...what are you talking about?"

"Who was holding, you, Scott?" Austin's questions are even and cool, his hand hovered over a notepad to take notes.

Scott licks his dry lips. "Well...it was the Agency. But...you knew that."

"I need more than that. I need names."

"I...don't have any."

"Yes you do." Austin looks at him sternly. "You do. You heard and saw things and were told things and that's the information that I need."

"But...but I don't remember."

"Yes you do!" Austin slams a hand down on the table. "Names. Now."

Scott can feel his heartrate quicken. Reese had said he could just write up a report when he felt ready...he hadn't said anything like this would happen. His mind takes him back to a place he doesn't want to go. The voices..the eyes...the rough hands... the beatings.

"Names, Scott!"

Scott jumps. "D...Donovan."

"Who was he?"

"I don't know."

"Who was he?!"

"I don't know! He slapped me around!"

Austin takes a note. "What did they want from you?"

"What do they always want? They wanted to know about TJY."

"What did you tell them?"

"Nothing."

Austin looks up at Scott, a smile curling his lips. "Come now, Scott. We both know you broke. Now what did you tell them?"

Scott's face pales, the shaking of his hands worsening. "I...nothing...." An image flashes through his mind of Donovan screaming at him for answers, then hitting him again. He flinches. "Nothing."

"What did you tell them?!" Austin barks. "I know you gave up information!"

"I did not!" Scott raises his voice, a tear stinging his eye. "Why do you think they beat the crap out of me?!"

"They have ways of making people talk," Austin replies calmly. "They also brainwash their prisoners so they'll continue feeding them information. I want to know who your contact is supposed to be."

Scott's eyes are wide with disbelief and fear. "Nobody...I... it's not true... I didn't..."

A heavy hand is laid onto Scott's shoulder. Jerry speaks quietly but sternly. "You better give him the answers he wants."

Scott jumps under the stranger's hand, and he begins to tremble all over. "They...they tried. But...but I wouldn't give them what they wanted."

"How did they try?"

Scott's voice wavers. "I...don't remmeber."

"Yes you do! How did they try?!"

Scott cringes at the memories being hurled at him. He didn't want to think about them. They terrorized his mind and brought on a fear like not other. "I....no.. they... they hit me and told me...told me they'd hurt my friends..." He swallows hard, a tear running down the side of his face. "It hurt...but I couldn't...."

"What else?"

Scott shakes his head. He didn't want to talk about it.

"Talk!" Austin leans forward across the table. "I want answers, Scott. TJY can't afford a mole."

"I'm not a mole!" Scott shouts back. "It's not true! I didn't rat anybody out!"

"That's impossible with them!" Austin doesn't flinch. "They make people talk, and they made you talk too. Now tell me what you know!"

Scott felt dizzy, and like he was going to throw up. The explosion... being taken... beaten... tortured... beaten again... "No... no..." He shakes his head again. "There's nothing there. I don't remember."

"Yes you do!" Austin's hand comes down hard on the table once more. "By the time we're finished here, you will have told me every single detail that's lodged in that mind of yours. You will tell me how you were taken, you will tell me who was there, and you will tell me what methods of torture they used and how you were able to even escape. It can take ten minutes or it can take all night. It's your pick. But you will answer me...you will tell me..."

Scott looks back at Austin, a fear in his veins that he never wanted to feel again...

...The infirmary was dark and quiet. A small corner light provided a slight warm glow, but the rest of the room was dark. Scott sat on top of the bed, his knees tucked up tightly against his chest, held in place by his arms. His face was buried in knees, and he rocks slowly, trying to erase the memories...trying to erase the words...the pictures...the feelings.

It had taken two hours. Two hours of pure torture, dredging up details... horrific images... terrifying feelings... half of which he hadn't even been able to voice because it hurt too much. All to end up not even being able to give Austin what he wanted. There were things Scott simply couldn't remember... and the things that he did were so painful, they'd had to be pried from him, each and every word tearing at his heart and mind all over again.

And when it was over... he'd been brought back here to be left in the dark... alone... under direct orders to tell no one that he had been interrogated. He felt exposed and betrayed by his own team.

The room was dark... quiet... only if close would someone hear the quiet whimper of a shattered soul.

Don't know

*Misty puts her other hand on top of Kyle's as his finger ran over her skin. What was wrong with her she had something good right in front of her someone she cared so much for and yet Carson was still on her mind. Would she grow out of thinking about what they had? Did she just need more time? Though Kyle tryed to hide it Misty could tell there was hurt. She was hurting someone she didnt want too.*

" I dont know what to do Kyle. I Want to keep trying to work on us Kyle. I like what we have but I dont know if its right or not."

*Misty trys to force the best smile she can. Was she doing what was right? She was stronger than they why did she feel so weak.*

Mercy

Kyle is quiet for several moments, going through Misty's words one at a time in his mind. Sighing deeply, he lowers his arms, slowly reaching across the table to take her hand in his. He looks down, running a thumb over her fingers thoughtfully before looking up at her face.

A slight smile is forced through. "You realize that, um... a guy can't just forget it when a girl tells him something like that." He makes himself hold a wary grin. "I'm glad you didn't hide anything, but... there's obviously something there and... I..."

Kyle stops, not even sure what to say. Misty obviously didn't want to hurt his feelings, or cause a rift or anything, but what she'd said... he couldn't simply ignore it.

"...I don't know... what to do." His admitting it aloud sounded almost silly, but it was true.

He withdraws his hand and leans back in his chair, his appetite having dwindled. "What do you want to do? I mean... if it's really nothing, then fine, but... I can tell it's not just nothing, so..." He tries to keep emotions out of his voice, speaking out of pure logic and question. "Do you want to change something or... take time out, or.... I mean.... I... I'm cool with whatever... whatever you want to do. As long as you're happy, ya know?"

He throws Misty a wink. "You're what counts, babe. Us guys... we're at your mercy."

Pulled

*Continuing to cook Herb nods as Carson talks.*

"Yeah Nate might be a good person to talk to. He seems like the kind of guy that could have a lot of insight about that stuff."

*As the morning rolled on more people came in and more orders where taken. Having Jess there to help Mable and Aerith was nice and she enjoyed it. It was something to keep her busy in her spair time.*

*Misty continues to play with her food on her plat for a moment before looking back up at Kyle.*

"Oh Kyle, of course I am enjoying what we have and I care about you so much. You mean a lot to me and I have grown so close to you. What Carson and I had I don't know if it could ever be regained. I just wanted to be fair in telling you how I felt because I didnt want to hide anything from you. I just...I guess I am confused. I'm sorry Kyle, forget I said anything ok."

*Misty looks down at her plat again. What was she trying to say? What was she trying to do? Her heart was being pulled two differnt ways and she didnt like it.*

Quite a guy

Carson listens to Herb’s words, a strange pang hitting his heart… again. Looking to his older friend, he wondered… did he know? He shouldn’t be surprised… Herb had a way about him… an insight that not everybody had. He saw things most people wouldn’t. And Carson knew that he’d read him more times than he’d like to think. Was this another one of those times?

He looks down at his work again, swallowing hard.

Misty…Misty… Why couldn’t he get her out of his mind? He’d thought he was getting over her. He was doing so well. But then seeing her again… talking to her again… every time, it put him right back where he’d been.

“...You can’t give up Carson…”

He lifts his head at the tone in Herb’s voice. What was he referring to? The case about the dog? Or…something else? Something harder?

Tomorrow… Carson shakes his head and tries to concentrate, looking up to see another order come in. Today… tomorrow… it would never be the right time for what he really wanted… And it wasn’t just a won case about a dog that he wanted.

A portion of Carson wanted to turn right around, head out the back and go right back to TJY. But glancing out onto the floor, he sees Jess again. And again, he stops his thoughts from going anywhere else.

“Maybe I’ll call Nate about the dog,” he muses aloud. “Maybe he can tell me if it’s worth talking to Angelica or not. And if it isn’t, I’ll go to the police station or something instead and at least try to report the guy.”

Suddenly Carson groans. "And I have to go see Dani too. There's another mess I made."


Kyle listens to Misty for several moments, just letting her talk and remaining silent. He swallows his mouthful of food and studies her eyes, looking from one to the other.

Finally his gaze drops and he twirls his fork in his food, pushing a piece of pork from one end of his plate to the other. His mind runs through scenarios faster than he'd like. Images of the past come to mind. Seeing Misty's tear-streaked face... seeing Carson and his so-called friends... seeing the anger in Carson's eyes again, and feeling his own anger for what had been done to a woman like Misty.

Kyle's jaw tightens slightly and he looks back up, searching her eyes once more. Question fills his gaze. She still had feelings for Carson? A man that had lied to her? A man that had hurt her? Had cheated on her?

Had Kyle done something wrong? Was there something he hadn't done? He'd thought...

His eyes drop once more and he shakes his head just slightly, a sorry grin forming at the corner of his mouth. "He must've been quite a guy, huh?" He stabs a slice of meet, sliding it through his rice before finally setting his utensil down and folding his hands, his elbows resting on the table.

It wasn't often he got serious... he liked having fun, and liked laughing too much. There were certain times he knew he needed to be serious though... but he hadn't wanted this to be one of those times.

Kyle just looks at Misty... her eyes so deep... so mysterious. Her face so soft... so pretty. "So..." He clears his throat, searching for the right words. "Feelings for Carson." He pauses again. "I appreciate you telling me."

He gives her a little nod. "But, um... I don't know what this means exactly." He tries to hide it, but his eyes cannot lie. Her words had stung. And he didn't understand.

"What..." He hesitates. "What does...or where does this put us then? I mean..." He swallows hard. "Are you...saying you don't want this? Or... that you want to go back to Carson or...?"

Kyle can't help his questions. He didn't want to ask them, and he didn't want to jump to any conclusions, but though Misty's admittance might have come fairly casually, it didn't feel that casual to him.

His eyes linger on hers, glistening with a fearful hope.

Honest

*Herb just stands cooking and listing to Carson for a long while. Taking in what he said about about happend and the dog. Understanding a few new things about Carson. As Carson starts to talk about going to TJY and there being a snag Herb turns around to look at him. He didnt need to say anything, or name any names and Herb new who he was talking about. Studying Carson for a long moment Herb turns again before speaking.*

"Maybe you should go back again. I know its probley hard to be there, and to look into the eyes of the people there but its something you have to do ya know. You can't give up Carson...."

*Herb continues to talk about the dog and going to Angelica but would he catch onto the hiddin meaning Herb was getting at. He though Jess and Carson were cute but Carson's eyes betrayed him. Herb could tell there was no love there and his heart still rested with one person and one person alone.*

"...Your trying to right the wrongs and though they are hard and they hurt. You can't give up. Tomarrow, don't wait for tomarrow with what could be done today because you never know when tomarrow could be to late...Aerith your order is up."

*Herb continues to cook and call out the ordes as they came in.*

*Seeing Kyle Misty's lips spread into a smile. It was always nice to see Kyle, no matter what he could make her smile. Wrapping her arm around him Misty follows him inside.

Before long lunch is served. Stairing down at her food Misty trys to keep smiling and laugh at Kyle but she knows as well she he does its not working to well. Receving Kyle's question Misty pokes at her food for a moment her apitite disapearing.*

"I....I had a run in with Carson today. Well...its wasnt really a run in he...I dont know why he was there but he ended up coming to see Scott...and I was going to leave because it was hard being in the room with him."

*Misty lets out a sigh as she remembers what happend that day about the way Carson had looked at her.*

"He ended up stoping me and asking if we could be friends. I told him I couldnt be."

*Misty looks up at Kyle. She didnt want to hurt him but she had to let him know how she felt. She couldnt hide this form him.*

"I have to many feelings and emotions twords him still to be his friend. I just don't think it would be good. I'd never want to do anything to hurt you Kyle I care for you way to much. I think thats why I wanted to tell you all this."

*Misty holds her gaze with Kyle not even sure if she made sence.*