Free Pizza

Misty heart sinks just a little as Kyle's own words are returned to her. It hurt and no matter what it would always hurt time and time again no matter how many times ones heart would have to go through it.

"We all learn from our mistakes huh? I guess thats the most important thing of all. The saying goes "Its better to have love and lost than to never love at all." Sometimes I wonder if it would be better to just never love. But than I remember that even if I lost some people, I would of missed out on getting to know them and shairing something special."

A small smile plays on Misty's lips as she remembers the good times she has had with a few differnt people including Kyle. Giving a shake of her head Misty isnt sure what alse she should say. Where would things go from here she did not know, how things would end was on the wind and all she could do was blow with it.

Giving a sigh Misty turns and just stands a moment before walking away.

"Your gonna make some girl very happy Kyle Mitts and she is gonna be so lucky. I'll envy her but I'll also he happy for the both of you."

Whiping on last tear from her eye Misty continues to make her way to her car. Sitting for just a moment before driving away.

Standing at the counter Charlotte is lost in thought about differnt things. Starting out the day fighting with Bret had only been the motion that mad the ball roll. The rest of the day hadnt been the greatest eather.

Feeling Bret's arms around her just startles her for a moment but than she relaxes as she is snapped out of her deep thought. Charlotte takes the flowers from Bret a smile spreading across her face. He always new just what to do to make her feel good again.

Looking down at the coin that layed on the counter her grin grows even more as she places the flowers on the counter and turns around to face Bret. Bringing her arms around his neck Charlotte just looks back into his eyes for a moment.

"Of course I forgive you how could I not?"

Bringing her lips to Bret Charotte let her kiss show that she did as well. Bret was the love of her life and she could ask for nothing more. There was no way she could be mad with him forever. Pulling away again she smiles.

"How was everything at the track?"

Just laying on her back in the bed Katie just looks up at the sealing for a long moment listing as Jason makes it into the bathroom. Everything felt so differnt this time and Katie felt so tired. She new that something had happend with Jason and she had put herself on the line for him but what was it? In a horse whisper Katie's voice can be hurd. It hurt to talk but she had to.

"Rick what happened? It was differnt this time."

Though she asked her question to Rick Katie could feel Jason was done in the bathroom she felt ok to talk to him.

It's ok J, really it is. I new the risk when I did it and I would do it again if it ment helping you. Please dont blame youself.

Jason didnt need to say it and Katie already new he would be blaming himself and though she tryed to reasure him it was not it never worked.

Just laying on the bed a while longer Katie is quiet untill Jason comes out of the bathroom. Turning her head she trys to give him her best smile.
Its gonna be ok J.

Hearing Rick's question for a moment Katie is quiet. Sleeping in her own bed sounded gramd right about now but she new if she tryed moving it would only her let alone knowing if her legs could hold her up. If they didnt that would only make Jason feel worse and Katie didnt want that.

"I think for tonight I am going to stay here, if thats ok."

As Carson mess with Jess hair she turns around and gives him a swat to the arm giving a smile and than turns back to Axel.

"Protecting you?"

Looking back to Carson again Jess lips turn into a slight grin.

"I hurd there was going to be free pizza so I followed. Anything after that I am no part of I swair."

Turning back to Joel and the others Jess can't help but laugh herself again. Though the air had been thick before it seemed to be a little bit better now as everyone laughed and smiled. The feeling was nice and Jess liked it.

"You know Joel you say that its over, but something says its FAR from over. The others might life you down but I am not that full of mercy."

Jess cant help the sly grin they cross her face as she looks to Rocky and gives a wink.

Stepping out of the Taxi Angel just stands for a moment looks up at Austins house. She felt tired and sleep was really what she wanted to do, but see Austin was also something she wanted to do. She had gone the whole day with Misty and had seen hide nor hair of him. She even asked Susanne if he was in and she had told her no.

Giving a sigh Angel pays the cab driver and makes her way up to the door. She didnt know if Austin was home but it was worth a try. Giving a knock to the door Angel waits.

there

As Misty’s words hit Kyle’s ears, all he can do is stare back at her. The fire in his eyes slowly simmered until he lets go of her arms.

Backing up a step, he turns his back on her, setting his hands on his hips. He raises his face to look up at the night sky, a few stars visible above the city lights.

A scoffing laugh finally surfaces. “Dang it, Misty. Was I that stupid?”

He shakes his head and turns back around, defeat written on his face. “The first time I dared to love anybody, and I jumped the gun on walking away. And now what do I have? Someone who still cares for me too, but we can’t do a thing about it because her heart belongs in two different places. How can I make you choose?”

His head shakes again. “I’m sorry I’ve been a fool. Go where your heart leads you. I’ll find my way.”


Bret slips quietly into the house, shutting the front door softly behind him. It was late... later than he'd planned on getting home. Things at the track had turned into a reunion, and getting away from his old friends had been hard. He hadn't called Charlotte though, afraid she was still mad at him for that morning's little episode.

Seeing a light on in the kitchen, he heads in that direction, not bothering to stop and take his jacket off. One hand held that which he'd stopped to get on the way home, the other held a quarter.

Stopping for a moment, he just watches Charlotte move at the counter, feeling even sorrier for losing his temper earlier. Finally he moves forward again, coming up behind her. Reaching around her from behind, he presents the flowers, his other arm wrapping around her waist. Resting his his head against hers, he whispers in her ear.

"I love you... and I'm sorry about earlier."

Leaning forward to kiss her cheek, he moves just a little to the side, flipping the quarter and catching it on the counter. Revealing it under his palm, he cranes his neck around to see his wife's eyes. "Tails. That means I get to take you out to supper... if you forgive me."

Remain

Starttled at Kyle turn her around Misty gives just a small jump hearing the door slam she thought for sure Kyle had driven away.

Hearing his words Misty looks up into his eyes. Unsure of what she saw behind them but a certin fire seemed to burn.

Misty new what her heart told her and she new who she was dating. This was thin ground she was walking but at the moment she wasnt sure what anything ment.

Looking back at Kyle once again Misty eyes seemed to hold tears behind them. Everything seemed to hurt but the words just slipped from her toung.

"Yes Kyle...those feelings still remain."

Need to

Jason lies on the infirmary table, his eyes closed as his body starts to react to the episode. He could feel himself getting sick and knew it was only a matter of time before his body would retaliate.

Rick tries to give him some orange juice, but he refuses. "Not now," he mumbles. "Not yet..."

Rick sighs and sets the cup down, just waiting. He paces, worried. He could do nothing for Katie and it was frustrating and scary. It was one thing to try and help someone and fail - it was another to stand by helplessly unable to do anything.

As Katie shoots up with a scream, Scott jumps, taken totally off guard. He reaches out quickly to lay a hand on her arm, hoping that she was alright.

Receiving her quiet words, he's hit with relief. Some might think she was talking nonsense, but Scott knew that she was making perfect sense, and he could only thank God that she'd woken up and was okay. He swallows hard. "You're welcome," he replies softly before sitting back in his chair again, letting Rick through to check on her.

Rick lets out the breath he'd been holding, and returns Katie's smile. "Well, the hero decided to return to us after all," he muses. He starts checking her vitals, pleased that color was starting to return to her face.

Jason cracks his eyes open just wide enough to see a blurry form of Katie, but he can feel that she is awake, the pulse between them gaining back strength.

I'm so sorry, Katie....

He struggles to maintain strength as his feelings become those of guilt and frustration.

I thought I was losing you... it was my fault. I...

His emotional communication is suddenly halted as the unwanted but familiar lurch comes to his stomach. Giving a groan, he rolls over to slide off the table and stagger to the bathroom.

Rick was in the middle of helping Katie and he glances over his shoulder to see what was going on. "Jase, you okay?" he calls. No answer. Rick turns to Scott. "Would you check on him?"

Without hesitating, Scott responds, getting to his feet and heading to where Jason was. Kneeling next to him, Scott just waits until Jason is done throwing up and needs support back into the other room. Though having just been sick, Jason knows he can handle the orange juice now. Unfortunately, this all felt too routine. With a bit of help from Scott, he gets back to table, and takes the cup shakily, trying to get some sugar back in himself.

Scott lets him be and goes back to his chair, quiet and watchful. Mike stands ready to help if need be, but it looked as though everything was under control once more.

It wasn't long before the room had settled down again. Rick moves about the infirmary, and after a few minutes, he encourages Mike to get back to the others. He would look after everyone here. Mike agrees, and after a quick farewell, he leaves TJY.

Jason sits on the edge of the table, slowly regaining strength, but feeling utterly exhausted. Everything was a blurry nightmare. He rubs his eyes tiredly, trying to focus. He didn't know what to say to Katie. He didn't know what to say to Rick. This whole thing was his fault.

Rick approaches him again, his hands tucked in his lab jacket. "I'm sorry for doing that to you, Jason," he apologizes.

"What are you talking about?"

"Your flashback."

"Oh, that." Jason's eyes drift downward. "You had to do what you had to do."

"I'm still sorry about it." Rick sighs. "You realize now you can't bury those memories. They have to be available for when these things happen."

Jason swallows hard. His emotions said otherwise... he didn't like this... he felt vulnerable, weak and foolish. "Yeah... I know."

Rick purses his lips, then glances to Katie. "Do you feel up to going home tonight - I can call Laura to come get you. Or you can stay the night if you want. It's up to you."


Things back at the community building went quickly. A phone call from Mike helped relieve worries about Katie and Jason, and soon everybody's equipment was packed up and ready to go.

Axel made sure Jess didn't get lost in the chaos, and told her she could follow him and Rocky to the restaurant. It doesn't take long for the little convoy to reach their destination and soon they're all filing into Mom and Pop's. Mike catches up to them just in time - the only ones missing now were Jason and Katie, Kyle, and Taylor.

The bell above the door rings and Carson pokes his head out from the kitchen. He and Herb were the only ones left tonight, but seeing the group come in, he didn't mind staying open a while longer. A smile spreads on his face and he comes out just as everyone is sitting down.

Coming up behind Jess' chair, he ruffles her hair teasingly. "How did you wind up with his noisy bunch?" he asks.

Axel is sitting next to her, and looks up at Carson with dry humor. "She's protecting me."

"Oh really? From what?"

"Joel."

Rocky chimes in. "Yeah, keep your eye on him tonight, Carson. He might need to borrow a ladder at any given moment."

Joel's face is already red from his position at the end of the table. "Alright, alright! So I said something I shouldn't have! It's over!"

All his shouting does is serve to send a round of laughter around the table. Carson has no idea what was said earlier, but he just shakes his head, satisfied without even knowing.


As Misty comes around to the driver's side door, Kyle is taken by surprise. He'd thought she'd left. Receiving her hug, he's hesitant to return affection, unsure of just what her intentions are. Her words of him doing a good job make his emotions churn even more, but he remains quiet, even when she pulls away. He didn't know what to say. He felt like an idiot, even if she'd said he'd been great. If this is what great felt like, he didn't want it.

Looking down, he plays with his keys. There were things he'd like to say that he simply knew he shouldn't. And that was bad enough without all of this chaos going on. If only he'd handled things differently...

Though his mind wanders, he snaps back to attention as Misty speaks again. And slowly... slowly his eyes raise back up and he turns his head to meet her gaze. Her words hit him hard, a shock to his system. He blinks, unable to look away now, the confusion, pain and utter dismay surging through his eyes. He had been a fool.

But what could he possibly say now that would make any difference. If only he could go back. If only he could go back, knowing what he knew now. Why was she telling him? Why did she feel she had to? Why now? Did she just want to pour salt into his wounds? Did she just want to rub in the fact that he'd been so foolish? No... he knew that was not her intent. But the angry tears surface anyway.

Kyle swallows hard, ignoring his truck's warning light that the door was still open. Misty's final words of encouragement were tucked away for a time later when perhaps they might mean something to him. But right now... tonight... they fell on a numb heart.

He could say nothing. His mind could not think of a response to her words and her tears. But as she starts to walk away, an utter desperation rose up within him. Nothing else was going right. Everything was falling down all around him. Just once... just once, he needed to grasp for something... anything. And caution was his only barrier.

Sliding down out of his truck, he slams the door with a bang, his eyes blazing with a new fire that had sparked from the sheer embers of the pain he felt.

It only takes a few strides to come up behind Misty. Taking her by the shoulder, he spins her around so he can look in her eyes once more, both hands on her arms. His jaw is tight, his eyes glaring but without an anger. "Saying you don't deserve a guy like me is a poor excuse for not getting what you really want," he states flatly. "I want to know right now if those feelings for me still exist. If not, I walk away. But I need to know."

That day...

Jess looks to Axel and gives a nod. She did have a fun time dispirit everything that had happened at the end of the concert. It was a nice time and everyone seemed friendly but Jess couldn't help but wonder a little about the fight that happened.

"I did have a good time. Thank you for inviting me."

Though she could feel herself being a little skittish still Jess felt a tiny bit better and was not as nervous as she was.

As Katie continues to wrap her fingers around Jason she can feel herself growing weaker, but at the same time she cant feel Jason becoming slightly strong. Though it wasnt much it was enough for him to gain control for the time being till he could get some help and thats what mattered most of all.

It's ok J....

Katie manages to get a few emotions through the pain to Jason. It hurt, it was worse than anything she had ever felt but Katie did it because she new she had to, and she wanted to.

..It's ok, I'll be ok.

As Jason's emotions slow Katie can feel for now he will be ok her bosy slowly becomes limp. She was tired, oh so tired and her mind had been push beyond its limit as the information had been pushed, pulled and fed into her own. It was to much to take and now she slipped into an inconpassatated sleep though she could still feel Jason, and it braught her comfort in this dark state that she herself would be ok.

As Katie's mind is plunged into the darkness mothing can be felt. Returning to the infermary was not even notices as her sleeping start caused her to be unresponsive though her mind was still working, and immages of the past played to her like a movie.

Katie saw her mom's smiling face. How she would laugh, and how Katie could talk with her about everything. The moments when her mom, dad and her had gone to the park out out to dinner. She had been so small than. And she had felt so loved...so how back than she had been so content...

Standing inbetween Axel and Rocky Jess just listens to the story as it was being explained. She thought she remembered Carson mention something bref about it. It was all very intresting something Jess had never incountered before.

Finally as the conversation becomes a little light Jess cant help but laugh at Joel as she can feel her face start to change colors. Giving a bit of a sly grin Jess looks to Axel, than Rocky and than to Joel.

"I'd love some pizza but I think Joel's mouth is full. As for the keeping everyone in line i think we need more than just two people for that."

...As Katie's memories continues the nice happy ones start to fad away and the more hurtfull ones come out. Maybe it was the effect Jason was having on her as he was dealing with his problems or not but slowly Katie's body starts to shake. She wasnt to cry but can not. The feelins return to her of her mom and how it felt when she lost her and her brother. How horrable that day had been. As if the glass to a room shatter Katie lets out a high pitched scream shooting up on the bed and panting her eyes still closed but tears roll down her face. Than slowly Katie falls back down on the pillow as she slowly opens her eyes. She was tired, exsausted completely out of energy and it hurt. Slowly moving her head to the side she see Scott and a smile spreads across her face.

"So the white rabbit decied sit for a bit and wait for Alice did he? Thank you."

Slowly sitting up Katie winces in pain as she brings her hand to her head and falls back on the pillow. Everything seemed so foggy and her head was full of presure. Slowly turning her head to the other side she see Rick and Jason her mouth slowly forming a small smile.

Just stairing back to Kyle for a moment Misty can see the pain the is plastered on his face. How Misty wish she new what to say to make him feel better. Though she understood why the other might feel upset she didnt want to bring him down anymore on that.

Closing the passanger side door one might think that Misty was simply doing what Kyle said and walking away. But a few moments later the driver side door opens and Misty stands next to Kyle again. Remembering the song in her head Misty cant help a few tears that rolled from her eyes. Reaching into the truck Misty takes Kyle in a tight hug.

"No matter what you did great out there."

Pulling away just a little Misty searchs Kyle's face for a moment stoping at her eyes meet his. Behind her eye there was a strange glint that might be easy to miss by most. Leaning in again Mitsy gives Kyle a quick kiss on the forhead.

"I never got to do that one last time."

Letting go of Kyle she smiles as she lets out a long tired sigh. Life was so full of challanges and twists. Sometimes it was hard to know what path to follow. Stepping back just a little Misty gathers her thoughts before speaking again.

"I feel for you Kyle, I feel for you fast and my heart had found what it thought I had lost, but than I became to relize that girls like me done deserve guys like you. You could do so much better and could offer you so much more. So as much as it hurt me, I new I had to let you free. Thats what I wanted to talk to you about that day, not that I wanted to break up with you, but to ask if you really thought we would work. I wanted to see where we really were but I never got the chanse. Don't ever let anyone bring you down Kyle or keep you from your dreams. Your gonna shine, Your gonna shine and I am going to be proud to tell people that once you were mine."

Giving a small smile Misty hesatates but than turns around whiping the tear from her eye. Kyle had let her know how he felt in his song and now she had let him know. It was something that had to be done weather right or wrong. Slowly Misty starts to make her way back to her car.

Damage

As the tension in the room continues to rise, it seemed everyone was growing more and more nervous. Not everyone understood the situation, or what was really happening. But Joel couldn't stand it any longer. He doesn't like what's going on, and wants to help, but for an unexplainable reason, all he can manages is to grab some equipment and head outdoors, following in the path of Axel and Jess.

Rocky and Max remain. Though nervous as well, they look to their friends for direction. Something was very strange. The previous argument was forgotten. This seemed much more important now.

Jen looks up at Katie with worry, reaching out a hand to her, but her friend slips past, towards Jason. It wasn't a surprise, but Jen's concern is evident. She'd seen Jason go down before, and she knew the effects it had on Katie, but something did seem very wrong.

She turns quickly to Mike. "Rick. He's...?"

"The physician from TJY." Mike grabs his cell phone from his pocket. "It's too late for him to be there probably, but I'll find him."

Jen nods her thanks, and watches her friends a ways away in the hall by the exit. She wanted to go to them, but already her nervousness had increased, and it took all she had not to want to leave the room altogether. She knew it was from Katie, but still, her own emotions weren't making things any easier. She also knew if she got any closer it would just get worse. She could do nothing right now. Her presence and words would mean nothing to them.


Joel makes it outside with a box, the fresh air an immediate relief. It was almost a shock to suddenly feel the nervousness gone. Strange.

His arms full, he glances to the side where Axel and Jess were still near the building, not having gone to any of the pickups yet, though Axel still had the extension cord in his hand. Joel knew his friend had merely slipped out to avoid the scene as he himself had.

"Not so great in there," he comments. "Something weird happening with Jason and Katie, and now Mike is calling somebody."

Axel runs the cord through his hands, his brow furrowing in concern. "Well what's wrong?"

"I don't know. What I do know is that I've never felt anything like it before, and I wouldn't care to again." Joel continues his route to pack up the equipment, finding it easier to keep his hands busy than try to figure out what was happening.

Axel sighs and looks to Jess, glad they were out of the war zone. "Sorry about all this," he apologizes, even though he doesn't understand. "Hope you enjoyed the concert anyway. I'm glad you got to come."

Seeing Taylor at the pickup, Joel realizes she hadn’t been inside for a while. “Man, I wish I woulda missed what just happened too,” he comments. “Good choice staying out here.”

Not getting a response, he lifts an eyebrow. Coming closer, he sees Taylor’s head is hanging, and even closer, he sees that quite possibly, she’d been crying. “Whoa, you alright?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine.” Taylor sniffs and forces a smile. “It’s nothing.”

“Well it don’t look like nothing.” Joel sets the guitar case down and lays a hand on her shoulder. “Kyle was the center of attention in there for a while, what about you?”

“It’s nothing,” Taylor repeats as she takes a deep breath. But looking up at her cousin, another tear escapes. “Oh, Joel… I feel like an idiot.”

As she leans into him to bury her face in his shoulder, he’s taken by surprise, but wraps his arms around her gently. “Hey,” he croons, “what is it, hmm? What happened?” While his tone is calm, he wracks his brain for any information he’d forgotten. This was turning out to be some kind of evening.

Taylor just lets him hold her for a minute before finally withdrawing and wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. “I’m okay now…” She takes a deep breath, calming herself. “I’m okay… really.”

Joel cocks his head. “You sure?”

“Yeah.” She nods emphatically. “I’m sorry.”

“Well don’t be sorry.” He turns to adjust one of the boxes. “I just want to make sure you’re alright.”

“Yeah, thanks.” Taylor nods again. “Just, um… I’ll wait in my car until we load up, okay?”

“Alright.” Joel shrugs, turning to leave. He was there for her, but he also knew that when Taylor didn’t want to talk, there wasn’t much he could do about it.


"Phil, what's going on?" Rocky asks his friend with worry.

Phil glances to Mike, who is still on the phone, then back to Rocky. His face is tense with concern. "I'll explain in a few minutes. For now, just keep getting your equipment together."

"But..." Rocky looks down towards where Jason and Katie were. "I don't understand. Why isn't anyone helping them?"

"Staying back is helping them," Phil counters. "Please... trust me. Help is coming."


Jason fights to remain conscious, barely able to distinguish Katie's words to him. As she slides down next to him then takes his hand, he can feel his emotions surging in her direction. They boil and spark, let loose through tiny cracks and forcefully drawn out through the smallest spaces. Jason cries out in pain. Never before had it hurt so badly. It was as if there was a dam, holding back the waters of a raging river.

Katie's drawing force puts more and more pressure on the wall, as if creating cracks for the emotions to spurt through with force. But the main waters remained trapped, unable to flow.

Jason's mind is so clouded with rampant images, thoughts and feelings that he can't even communicate with Katie. He knew he was hurting her. He knew that something was wrong. But he couldn't seem to stop it. His grip tightens around Katie's hand as the sweat starts to run down his face. His eyes were closed, his body rigid with the overwhelming tension.

Katie...

His communication was weak.

No... you can't... it's too much...

His emotions were painful and the pressure was building. But it was as if there was no way to open the dam. There was a feeling... a feeling oh so deep that he had finally succeeded in burying past his subconscious. It had been bundled tightly together and stuffed into the deepest, darkest corner of his mind, a triumph as it would never have to surface again. But...within those locked feelings was the key. He had the strength to dig down deep and pull those feelings up again, but without realizing the impact that the flashbacks of his childhood had, he does not know to release them.

The efforts of Katie, however, don't go unfelt. It seemed an eternity, but it was only minutes before just enough emotions were released. However few and however painfully, it took off just enough pressure. Jason's emotional state was still extremely unstable, still raging wildly and out of control. But for now... for at least a little while, enough emotions had been pulled out of him to leave room before another eruption.

Jason's heartrate begins to slow again, his body still shaking, but not as badly. His surroundings come into focus again, though they're dim. Every muscle in his body aches, and his grip loosens on Katie's hand. Though his eyes are shut, it's as if he can see her perfectly. "I'm sorry," he manages to whisper. "I... I don't know what's wrong."

Though calm for the moment, he was too weak to move. But something scared him even more than his own state. Katie wasn't responding. "Katie," he speaks hoarsely. His grip tightens again and he forces his eyes open. His lifeline was slumped next to him, a still form.

A desperation rises within him. All it does is make his emotions build back up faster, but he can't help it. "Katie no," he says a little louder. "Don't let go... come on..."

Shifting his weight, he puts a hand to Katie's face, running a thumb down her cheek. "Please," he whispers, his weak voice wavering. "Don't let go." He could feel the normal, relaxed pulse of the emotional flow, and knew that she had blacked out.

"Jason?"

Jason can barely get his eyes to work, but he finally looks up to see the familiar face. "Rick." He swallows hard. "Rick, she's hurt... please... help her..."

"It's okay, Jason. I'm gonna try to help you both." Rick immediately starts checking both of them over. He'd been on his way home when Mike had gotten a hold of him, so it had been a quick trip to the community building. He had driven as fast as he dared, sensing that this was something he hadn't quite encountered before.

"What happened?" he questions.

Jason leans back against the wall and shakes his head lamely. "I... I don't know. I... I lost my temper. It took over. I couldn't... couldn't stop it. Then Katie..." He winces as his headache returns with a sharp pain that surged through his skull.

"Katie what?" Rick moves to her, taking her pulse, and shining a light into her dim eyes.

Jason tries to think straight. His emotions were building again. Why hadn't they all been released? Why hadn't they broken free? Why had Katie's efforts only taken the harshest ones off the top? He should be empty. He should be on his way to recovery, not on his way to another episode. But he could feel it coming. "She... she tried to help. But it was too much."

"Is it over?"

"No." Jason shakes his head again. "I don't... I mean... I don't know why. It... it should be. But.. it..." His eyes start to roll back in his head.

"Jason!" Rick gives him a slight jolt. "Jason, stick with me here. Come on. Fight it. What's happening?"

"I don't know," Jason mumbles. "It's not the same..."

Seeing that someone was looking after Jason and Katie, Phil thinks it best to now inform Cryptic quickly before any assumptions can be made. He gestures to the door, suggesting that Rocky and Max follow him out.

Once in the fresh air, they join up with Joel, then move to where Axel and Jess still were. Taylor isn't to be found at the moment, but Phil doesn't wait to locate her.

"What's really going on?" Rocky asks, confused. "Are they okay in there? Who's the new guy?"

Phil nods. "They will be. And that's Rick - he's a physician. It's just..." He looks at his friends, knowing that he spoke the unbelievable. "Jason and Katie... they're special. We don't know why, but Jason has an emotional..." He fishes for the right words. "...battlefield inside of him."

Max squints one eye. "You mean like a disorder or something?"

"No... not really." Phil sighs. "Take general emotions. Then put them on a scale of one to ten. A one is what 'normal' people generally feel and deal with. Jason... he'd be an eleven."

Axel quirks an eyebrow and glances to Jess. He'd heard bits and pieces about this through Carson, but had never gotten the full story.

Phil continues. "Because the intensity is so great, Jason has the ability to manipulate those emotions into sort of a...." Again, he's at a loss for words.

"Energy source," Axel concludes.

Phil nods, grateful. "Exactly. And with that energy source, he can sometimes even manipulate objects and the like."

"Whoa." Rocky's eyes are wide, finding this all very peculiar. "So... what happened in there?"

"Well, if you had an energy source like that inside of you, do you think it would be easy?" Phil shakes his head. "There's a downside. Every so often, the emotions build to a climax beyond Jason's control. It's like they need a way out. They affect him physically, causing pain and making him sick within seconds. Usually it happens if he gets upset and doesn't monitor himself. Sometimes a bad spell involves flashbacks from a traumatic experience he had as a kid."

Phil shrugs, feeling as though he couldn't explain it much better than that. "And Katie... she's the exact opposite. Instead of emitting emotions, she absorbs them. For Jason, she's his life support, because with all that emotional build-up, without Katie, that energy would have nowhere to go."

"But..." Joel cocks his head. "If... he gets sick like that... without Katie, wouldn't that kill him?"

Phil nods grimly. "Yes. It would. That's why she is so important. She feels everything Jason feels, as long as there is no barrier. Which is why she was hit so hard in there. Jason lost control and to her, it's like getting hit with a freight train. Not to mention, when she gets too uptight or manipulates her own strengths, she can make any one of us feel high as a kite, or as scared as a hunted animal. Hence, why we all got so nervous in there."

The silence that follows is a strange one. This was so bizarre that if the others didn't trust Phil, they would say he was out of his mind.

"Jason would die without Kate," Axel contemplates. "Is it the same for her?"

"I think so," Phil answers. "See... it's almost like Jason's emotions are poisonous to him, and therefore have to be regularly drawn out. But to Katie, they're an antidote."

"So..." Rocky tries to ask the right questions. "What, um... what happens now?"

"Well... usually Katie can get Jason calmed down, and it just takes a while for them both to settle back down again. Just takes time, really. Usually both are worn out by the time it's over though."

"They can communicate with each other, can't they."

Phil lifts an eyebrow at Axel's statement. "How did you know that?"

Axel shrugs. "Just watching them. They hardly ever say a word to each other, but they're constantly one step ahead as if everything is planned out. Telepathy?"

"I don't know," Phil admits. "It's all connected - you'd have to ask them."

"Does this happen often?" Max asks.

"No. I was surprised at this one. Usually it's something that triggers a flashback that will cause an outbreak like that, but tonight it seemed different. I don't know why."

"Dude, this is crazy, you realize this." Max folds his arms across his chest. "I mean like... sci-fi crazy."

Phil can't help a little grin. "Stick around long enough and you'll get used to it. Jason and Katie are two great people."

Axel's mind has still been at work. "I bet all that can come in handy with the Elite."

"Yeah. You remember Scott Johnson?" Phil waits to receive the nods. "I guess Jason and Katie worked pretty well together on that rescue mission. I wouldn't be surprised if they were called on duty more often because of what they can do."

Another pause lingers before Phil's shoulders drop a little bit. "Look, um... This whole thing wouldn't have happened if there hadn't been an argument. I want to apologize to you guys for that. It was uncalled for and... I'm sorry. I guess I was just surprised. If I hadn't gotten so riled, Jason wouldn't have either."

"Well, Kyle blind sighted you," Rocky admits. "And I guess we did too. He didn't want us to tell anybody from JetStream about it because he didn't want it to be a big deal. But... maybe we didn't realize just what how big a deal it really was. So..." He looks to Max, Joel and Axel, then back to Phil. "We're sorry too."

Phil smiles a little. "You guys all really did sound fantastic."

"JetStream did too," Joel compliments. "You've got it together, that's for sure. All four of you."

The "four" makes Phil think. "I guess I owe an apology to that fourth member."

"Kyle be okay?" Axel questions.

Phil nods. "Yeah. I'll talk to him. We'll work it out."

Rocky sighs and sets his hands on his hips. "Well... I guess there's only one thing to do then."

"What's that?"

Rocky offers a wry grin, and glances in Jess' direction to ensure she's included. "Go for pizza. We have to celebrate something tonight. If it's not the awesome show, it's the awesome friendships we've got going here."

Phil shakes his head, so grateful for Rocky's leading. "Sounds good to me. Why don't you all go on ahead? I want to make sure Jason and Katie will be okay, then at least Jen and I will come up to meet you guys."

"Sounds good."

"Alright. Thanks, Rocky." A firm handshake between the friends seals the fact that there are no hard feelings lingering between them, or the bands.

After Phil heads back inside, Rocky looks around the parking lot. "Joel, where's that cousin of yours?"

"Oh..." Joel hesitates. "She's in her car I think. Let me go see if she's ready to head on out." He jogs over to he car beside the pickups, and within moments, he's back. "She said to go on without her."

Axel quirks an eyebrow. Taylor never turned down time with the guys.

Rocky senses the same strangeness. "She okay?"

"Yeah, it's just... well..." Joel shrugs. "When I came out here earlier she'd been crying or something, but she wouldn't say why."

Rocky furrows his brow, concerned. "Well it wasn't the fight - she's been out here. She wouldn't say anything?"

"Nope." Joel shrugs again. "Figured I shouldn't press the issue when she said she'd be fine. But just now she didn't look like she really wanted to go anywhere. Said she'd help load up the last things then go home."

Axel can feel the heat creeping up the back of his neck again, and he doesn't look anybody in the eye for several moments. "Taylor and I..."

The other guys look to him quickly for an explanation.

"...we had a bit of a misunderstanding earlier. That could be it."

"You guys fight or what?" Max asks.

Axel shakes his head. "I didn't think so. But maybe she did." He didn't like skirting around the truth, but how was he supposed to say that Taylor had hauled off and kissed him, let alone, without his approval? It would just sound wrong, not to mention it would embarrass her further if she found out the others knew. "I don't think she was feeling the greatest anyway."

"Yeah, it's probably that time of the month." Joel rolls his eyes. Suddenly though, his face turns crimson. He hadn't even thought about the fact that Jess was standing right there. His complete embarrassment is more than obvious as his eyes widen.

Axel looks at him calmly through the tense pause that was just waiting for laughter to erupt. "Well, Joel. That, um... that very well could be." He nods, pursing his lips in thought. "And how does your foot taste tonight?"

Rocky and Max both burst out laughing, and eventually Joel joins them too, though a bit sheepishly. "So. Pizza. Yes. Moving on. Are we going or what?"

As the gang goes to finish loading the equipment, Axel glances over to Jess, his eyes sparking with humor, even though he hadn't joined in the laughter. "So is Stormy gonna join us, or do I have to keep everyone in line by myself tonight?"


"Mike, I need your help." Rick looks over his shoulder as Phil rejoins them. "And you too. We have to get Jason and Katie down to the infirmary. Neither one of them are coming out of this and I don't know why. Jason's ready to explode again, and Katie is growing weaker."

Within minutes, Mike, Phil and Rick are working together to carry Katie to Rick's car, then help Jason out as well. His knees buckle and he has to rely on his friends' strength to get him there, finally sinking into the car seat next to Katie, pulling her close in the hopes that somehow him being near would help. But the bad feeling in the pit of his stomach warned him that his presence might just make things worse at this point. She'd already had an overdose of his emotions.

It isn't long before a foursome arrives at TJY. Plans had shifted, and now Phil and Jen had stayed behind to be with Cryptic, while Mike had been the one to go and help Rick.

With a bit of a struggle, Rick lends support to Jason, while Mike carries Katie into the building. Rick has to flip on the lights, then makes his way as quickly as possible towards the infirmary, kicking the door open.

The intrusion sends Scott bolt upright, having almost been dozing off. But seeing Jason and Katie, he is quick to slide off the bed, giving Mike room to deposit Katie onto the blankets.

"What's wrong?" Scott asks quickly.

"Jason had a bad spell," Rick responds. "Otherwise, I don't know."

"Is having," Jason mumbles a correction.

Rick gets Jason to sit on the examining table, then moves back to Katie, checking her vitals again. Mike stands back out of the way, watching and waiting for any instructions. Scott's eyes roam the room back and forth, back and forth, still shook up by the sudden intrusion, while at the same time, a sickening worry had taken over him. Forgetting about caution, he approaches the bed slowly, reaching down gently to push aside a lock of hair from Katie's face. She looked so pale. He strokes her hair softly, a quiet murmur on his lips. "You're stronger than this, Alice... don't let the queen of hearts win. Come home."


"Talk to me, Jason, what's happening?" Rick questions as he examines his now-patient.

"I... I don't know." Though alert enough to communicate, Jason still felt as if he were pausing before a wreck. The emotions were too much... too strong.

Rick shines a light into his eyes. His own worry increasing. This was so far beyond the medical field. "What was different about this time?" Not receiving a response, he tries to keep Jason from passing out. "Come on, Hotshot, stay with me. What was different?"

Jason furrows his brow, finding it hard to think. "There was no... no episode. Just... blank."

"You mean no flashback?"

"Uh-uh."

Rick's mind works quickly, and he looks his younger friend in the eye. "Jason, remember when I told you the reason for your flashbacks? Because your past holds the strongest feelings, and your emotions feed on that event in your mind?"

Jason grows more lethargic and barely nods.

Rick continues, though he wasn't even sure if he was speaking the truth. It really was a shot in the dark, but right now it was all he had. "They need those strong feelings, Jason. Your emotions need a way to break out. Why didn't you have a flashback this time?"

Jason struggles to think, and gropes for any sense of security. "Katie..." he mumbles. "I need..."

Rick forces him to look him in the eye. "She's stable for the moment. You need to think... why didn't you have a flashback?"

"I didn't... I got over them." Jason wracks his brain. "Since last time. I don't... don't think about it anymore. It's gone."

Rick tries to calculate quickly. "You sure it's gone? Or did you just bury it?"

"It hurts," Jason complains in almost a whimper.

"I know... I know." Rick looks over his shoulder to Katie, then back to Jason. "You've got to pull it back out. I know you don't want to. But your emotions need that conduit."

Jason shakes his head. "I can't. It's too deep."

"You have to. If you don't, Katie is going to get worse. There's too many mixed signals, and the emotions she is getting are too condensed. You've got to release the negative so they'll run out and stop hitting her."

"But... but letting them go could... would make her worse."

"I don't know if her being unconscious makes a difference," Rick admits. "But if not, I know that if you fall into a bad spell, it's still going to do some damage to her. But if you don't, Jason... it will be far worse. You need to do this... You need to let it go so you can calm down again, so Katie will have enough peace and quiet to pull through."

Rick pauses, searching Jason's face. "Tell me about your past," he orders firmly.

"No."

"Tell me about Alex," Rick prompts. It pained him to do this, but it was the only thing he could think of. He was desperate. "Where did he take you?"

Jason closes his eyes shut tight. He didn't want to think about this. He'd finally managed to bury all of those things. Why was Rick forcing him to bring them out again? "His house."

"What did it look like?"

"It was small... dark."

"How did he treat you?"

Jason starts to shut down, not wanting to go there.

Rick takes him by the shoulders, giving him a short shake, his voice raising. "Talk, or you're going back into that room!"

Jason's eyes snap up to meet Rick's, the look of a terrified little boy surfacing. "No," he begs. "Don't."

"So help me, I will!" Rick glares at him. "You'll be locked in there. In the dark. Alone. No food. And Alex is coming."

"No!"

"Yes! He's coming and he's going to hit you again. He's going to scream at you again. Remember the room? Remember? How does it feel, Jason? No one is coming. You're alone and all you want to do is die."

"No!" Jason's scream sends an overhead light into a shower of sparks. His memories are ripped from their secure hiding place, creating the world of nightmares he hated so much. "No," he moans, leaning down to lay on his side and curl up. But the damage Rick had accomplished was enough to push him over the edge.

His body shakes and be breaks out in a cold sweat. He was back in that horrid room again. A gash was on his hand. He'd tried to get out. Blood came from the broken blisters on his fingers after he'd tried to claw through the wall. But that wasn't the worst part. The worst part was that he could hear Alex coming. The shadow appears beneath the door. Jason cowers in the corner. The beating was coming... again. It was coming. And there was no way out.

Tears stream down his face as he starts to mumble incoherent words and he rocks, still curled up tightly. Reality was lost, and his emotions poured forth, bursting from their prison. Nearby equipment rattles and the other lights flicker, but no damages is done as the emotions are not condensed or aimed, but simply hurled into oblivion.

Jason writhes in pain, mumbling as he tries to find reality again. It hurt... it hurt so much. But there was finally some release. Finally, finally, his emotions had a way to flow, as if a dam had been opened. Feeding off of his negative feelings and horrific memories, they surged forth through the barriers, pouring out to leave behind their own scars.

Rick stands close, watching Katie, and knowing that whatever was happening, even if she were unconscious, it was affecting her. He could only pray that there was no permanent damage and that when Jason could finally settle down, that she would be able to pull through. It was his only hope. And if it didn't work... he would blame himself for forcing the situation to worsen by provoking Jason into this state.

"Come on, Jason," he prompts gently. "I know you can pull yourself out of it."

"Can he?" Mike questions from the other side of the room. "I thought he needed Katie."

"It depends on the severity of the episode," Rick answers. "Pray that this one is severe enough to get rid of enough emotions that we can be in the safe zone, but that it will be weak enough that he can pull himself out of it."

"What if he doesn't?"

Rick grits his teeth, not wanting to answer that one. He wasn't about to lose two patients, let alone two friends.

"Rick?"

He spins around to Jason once more. "Jason. You still with me?"

Jason's eyes flutter open as the fog begins to lift. He blinks, not even wanting to move, his body hurt so much. "What... I..."

"Slowly," Rick directs, laying a hand on Jason's shoulder. "Easy does it. You're safe. You're in the infirmary."

"Alex..."

"He's gone. You're okay."

Jason swallows hard. He felt so weak. But the tension was gone. The horrid pressure had been released. "Katie?"

Rick glances over his shoulder. "She'll be okay," he assures. "Just sit tight." He didn't understand how Jason was able to pull himself out of such a severe episode, but his hunch was that despite Katie's unconsciousness, her presence alone had still served to create a place for Jason's emotions to go. But now that the negative onslaught was over, Rick could only hope that the flow really had stopped, and if it had, that it would be enough to bring Katie back.

Scott eases down in a chair next to the bed, his hands folded as his elbows rested on his knees, a silent prayer being lifted up. For the first time, he had someone else to focus on, other than himself. They needed the attention more than he did.

Help

Just sitting on the ground Katie's head pounds as the over flow of emotions come to her as if thorwn along with the mixed feeling of them trying to be blocked. Closing her eyes Katie trys to controll herself as she can feel her hands tremble, trying to change the flow of the emotions just a little. As everything continues Katie can feel herself starting to temble even more as the sounds around her kind of much into one and though her eyes are close its almost as if she can see colors behind her eyes lids. Than as if running into a brick wall for a bref moment everything stops, What was it....what braught this halt, the nightmares they did not come, they did not plag Jason's mind this time and it made everything stand still. Than a new waves of emotions come as Katie lets out a scream.

The feels the emotions everything Katie knows Jason needs help. He was crashing, something was happening...he needed help even though this was differnt than normal.

Slowly trying to stand Katie can feel herself waver. Slowly moving though Katie makes her way over to Jason as her one arm is wrapped around her stomach and her other is resting on her head. A small whispers escapes her lips.

"J...J...Jason stay with me."

Walking twords him Katie trys to make out the blurred vizons of people are she goes. Passing someone she might think is Jen she cokes in a horse whisper.

"Get Rick...this is not normal this feeling....this...something is wrong. Call Rick."

Continuing on her route Katie finally makes it to Jason's slid. Slidding down on the floor the emotions become so strong. She had to do something, but this was far from the norm. One thing comes to Katie's mind and she is not sure if its a good idea or not. What would happen? Could she draw all the feelings from Jason? But what would that do to her? She never tryed to draw more emotions while she was in so much pain.

Not giving a second though Katie new she had to do something. Sacraficing herself to help the one she loved was worth it.

Reaching her hand out Katie takes Jason's hand in her, wrapping her fingers around his. Instintly Katie can feel the emotions intensife and its stars to hurt even more but Katie holds on. Try to consintrat Katie starts to draw the emotions from Jason and the more she takes the more it hurts and the more her body shakes. Katie could only hope that she was helping...though she could feel this was to much and her body would soon shut down from it. Katie cant even try and controll herself with what she might be doing to the others. That right now was the farthest thing from her mind.

trouble

During the heated argument, Jason’s emotions are already too far out of control for him to realize what he’s doing to Katie. Until he hears her cry out.

Snapping back to attention, he reaches over to her, but it’s almost like an electrical shock – a warning not to strengthen the connection right now.

Withdrawing quickly, he grits his teeth, trying to focus. Trying to calm himself. A severe headache forms, and he can feel his sugar starting to drop.

The voices around him start to muddle together, but when Misty moves to leave, his eyes follow her. Her words hit him like a knife to the gut. Yes… he’d kept a very similar secret once… joining JetStream had all been a secret, and exposed just like tonight. By accident.

"Jason... Jase..."

He blinks and looks down at Jen who had been trying to get his attention. Worry surged through her eyes. "You okay?" She could see his bloodshot eyes and the bead of sweat that trickled down the side of his face, and she knew the dangers.

Jason can feel his hands starting to tremble, and he knew this wasn't good. He manages to shake his head. He had to hang on... just a few more minutes... he had to...

"Phil, help him," Jen directs quietly but firmly.

Phil takes Jason's arm. "What do you need?"

"Nothing." Jason shrugs off Phil's hand. "I need to get out of here." He looks to Katie, his eyes full of apology. But it was too late. He couldn't hang on any longer. His little bout with his own temper had tipped the scales just enough.

Turning around, he heads down the back hall. There was the exit, or a few empty rooms. Anything to get him away from people. He could feel the wave coming. But it was just sitting at the edge and he didn't know why. It felt like he was in a head-on car collision, but everything had paused right before the crash. Something was wrong. Something was missing. He didn't want to force out his emotions on his own, why weren't they affecting him like normal? Why hadn't he broke down yet?

Stopping near the exit, he leans against the wall, feeling weak. But suddenly he realizes what it is. Nothing had triggered a flashback. Flashbacks were what his emotions fed on to cause an eruption, and it hadn't happened. And for the first time, Jason wished it had. He hated living through the living nightmares, but the pain that was starting to surge through his body was worse. For the first time, he had to let his emotions out by himself. But he didn't know how.

Before he realizes it, Jason is on the floor. The lights in the ceiling above him start to flicker, and the door begins to rattle. Curling up into a tight ball, he shakes violently, thrown into a state of almost unconsciousness, his eyes rolling back in his head. The world around him was lost, and he didn't know how to pull himself back out again.


The group from Cryptic, stand confused and concerned, none knowing anything about Jason and Katie, a bit shocked by what was happening around them. They didn't know who to worry about more - Kyle, Katie or Jason.

Axel can feel Jess' uneasiness growing, and doesn't like it. Grabbing an extension cord to roll up, he ignores the episode inside, and ignores his own reasons for not wanting to go back outside either. He gives Jess' shoulder a gentle pat with his hand. "Come on. I need help out with the pickup."

Rocky is close enough to hear, and quirks an eyebrow, but knows what his friend is doing, and is grateful. He felt badly for Jess too. Hopefully it would only take a few minutes for everything to die back down.

JetStream stands stunned and helpless, seeing Jason go down, and Katie on her way down as well. No one knew what to do, and it certainly couldn't be easily explained to their friends who were clueless.


Kyle sits behind his steering wheel, his keys still in his hands as he fidgets with them. Misty opening the passenger door doesn't seem to startle him as he doesn't move.

For a long moment, he doesn't even answer her. His jaw muscles tighten and relax, tighten and relax, proving the tension he was feeling despite his still form. Swallowing hard, he finally turns his head to look at her. His eyes are red, holding back tears he would never dare to let fall in front of anybody. It was apparent that what he was feeling right now ran much deeper than this single incident.

"Not really," he eventually answers quietly. He turns his head to lay his eyes elsewhere. "There's not a whole lot more to say."

Discomfort

Jess starts to help everyone clean up, feeling a little tired she trys to push it away. Everyone seemed like they were having fun and it had been oh so long since the last time she herself had, had fun. Catching the ball of tape as it was thrown to her Jess cant help but throw a sly smerk at Rocky and than back to Max as he bows. Giving her own little dip she cant help but give a small laugh that had been hidden away for so long.

"Why thank you for accepting me into the duck tape community."

Holding the tape up for Axel to see Jess states.

"The storm cloud has some tape incase is breaks again. Maybe I can use it on my car?"

Jess tuns back to helping just letting the comment linger knowing only Axel would know what she was talking about.

Following Jason up to the stage Katie stays close. Feeling Jason's emotions pool she only hopes he can hold on. As she reverts her own attachen to Kyle. Trying her best to make her own peace.

"Kyle you sounded so good. You should of told someone, that way we could of enjoyed it more than keep shock."

As Jason's emotions continue to build Katie can feel herself grow week.

Calm Jason...calm not here...

Knowing his anger and confustion was strong her words were probley going unhurd. As her knees start to buckle Katie reaches out to steady herself on Jason but touching him only intensifies the emotions that were being felt. Trying to keep herself up Katie brings a hand to her head. A small grunting scream comes from her lips as the emotions just become to much to bear.

Standing in the middle of this mess Jess suddanly feels very uneasy again. Trying to consintrat on the little bit she could she takes the tape from Rocky her hand brushing his once or twice before he stands. Just holding the ball of tape Jess trys to block everything out though the small scream from Katie is hurd Jess jumps her eyes were wide now not sure what to think. As Axel comes up next to her Jess jumps again her nerves were now a reck. Listing to his invatation Jess gives a small nod as a whisper escapes her lips.

"I...yeah I will"

Misty stands to the side just watching all that was going on. She wasnt sure to think and it hurt to see her friends fighting. Just listing a funny feeling comes over her. Why was Jason acting like this? Had he forgotten himself already and how it was so long ago. Seeing Kyle leave and how upset he was Misty makes her way up the steps. She needed to talk to Kyle...she had to make sure he was ok. Before leaving out the door Misty turns to Jason. Her eyes show no anger only a plead for him to understand and lighten up a little.

"Hotshot, try to remember a time when your first started with Jetstream you did that same thing. For differnt reasons but for the same purpis."

Leaving out the door Misty makes her way over to Kyle's truck. Opening the door she bends down and peeks inside. Silent for a moment Misty finally speaks.

"You sounded amazing Kyle. Want someone to talk to?"

Exposed

Axel is a little startled as Jess’ hands slip over to his own. His eyes glance to her for just a second before looking back at the stage again. He doesn't let his attention divert from his job, keeping his focus forward, though he does not withdraw from Jess' touch. He could only be grateful she was here tonight - otherwise he'd have a painful ride until he had the time to get his hand working again by himself.

Allowing her to massage the muscles and relax the nerves, finally the pain starts to lessen, the tense shaking beginning to cease as well. Jess had a warm touch... one that Axel found to be more soothing than perhaps he would admit to anyone else.

Feeling better after several minutes, Axel gives Jess' hand a gentle squeeze to let her know before withdrawing to rest his hand on the sound board again.

As the evening continues some people start to filter out while others stay, the last song finally bringing the event to a close. JetStream had long-since found seats in the back, pizza having been forgotten for now.

“Hidden behind the doors of time,
Underneath the shadows.
Lying in wait for the signs,
Mysteries unspoken.

It’s cryptic,
Messages we try to see.
Cryptic.
We try to understand the words.
Buried deep from eyes.
Crying to be heard.
Desperate to be understood.

Whispered beyond a wall unseen,
Secrets kept from dying.
Sheltered from the eyes of greed,
Puzzling words to open.

It’s cryptic,
Messages we try to see.
Cryptic.
We try to understand the words.
Buried deep from eyes.
Crying to be heard.
Desperate to be understood.

Ciphers come in shapes of faith,
Keys in forms of truth.
Maps take on the shapes of hearts,
Willing to be new.

It’s cryptic,
Messages we try to see.
Cryptic.
We try to understand the words.
Buried deep from eyes.
Crying to be heart.
Desperate to be understood.
It’s cryptic.”

Despite the cheers for an encore, the band lets the last notes die away, and with waves of farewell, they make their way offstage. Some of the audience lingers for a few minutes, but volunteers for the fundraiser quickly clear the floor, ushering everyone into another room where there were final opportunities to give to the charities.

Axel leans back in his chair, stretching out from having sat too long. Bringing his arms back down, he accidentally bumps Jess in the head with his elbow. "Oops, sorry." He grins and nudges her on purpose, the tiredness behind his eyes covered up with a rare teasing glint. "You gonna stick around while we pack up? A crippled rainbow like me could use a hand."

Not giving her an opportunity to say no, Axel stands, giving Jess a hand up as well. "Come on. Fun's just starting."

Taylor sets her bass guitar back on its stand and wanders offstage with the others. Her eyes coincidentally browse the scene at the soundboard. For a moment, she just stands and watches. One might be able to see the wheels in her mind turning before she shakes her head and joins her friends.

“Hey, hey, hey!” Max gives Kyle a high-five. “You were awesome, man!”

Kyle gives him a wry grin, not wanting to admit how tired he was. “I was alright.”

“No,” Rocky joins in with emphasis. “You were awesome. How many times do we have to tell you that before you’ll believe it?”

“At least once more,” Taylor teases. She comes up alongside Kyle slinging an arm around his shoulders. “We’ve been trying to convince him for ages to be the one behind the mic on stage.”

Kyle rolls his eyes and heads for one of the boxes to start loading things up. “Yeah, yeah, just keep talking. Poor Logan will feel left out if you keep on saying things like that.”

“He’ll get over it,” Max teases.

“Yeah,” Taylor nods. “He’s the one that’s been talking about pulling out anyway.”

“Logan?” Kyle lifts his eyebrows in surprise as he starts to pack up. “Why?”

“Says he’s tired.”

“Aren’t you all?”

“Yeah, but the rest of us are looking to keep going anyway, even if it’s at a slower pace. Logan’s thinking about pulling out altogether.”

“Wow.”

“Yeah, wow.” Rocky pulls on an extension cord to coil it up. His tone says enough. No one will verbalize it, but everyone is thinking it.

Switching gears, they all jump in to clean up and pack, moving on from the subject. Rocky grabs an already-started ball of duct tape that would grow as tape was pulled up from the floor. “Hey Jess, think fast!” Getting her attention, he hurls the ball in her direction.

“Ooooh.” Max hails Jess with several teasing bows. “Only those in a place of honor may add to the sacred duct tape ball.”

Axel rolls his eyes and wanders from the sound table. “You guys realize you’re nuts, right?”

Rocky grins and tosses Jess a wink. “Yes, Axel. We all know this. But what I don’t know is why a stick-in-the-mud like you continues to hang out with us.”

“Somebody’s got to keep you under control.”

Kyle grins as he works. “Too bad you haven’t accomplished that.”

“Heeey,” Axel growls, though humor is in his tone. “Max, keep this newbie in line.”

“Not me!” Max laughs. “You just said that was your job.”

No one seems to notice the small group still in the back of the room, as the banter continues. Phil looks around to Jason, Mike, Katie and Jen. He didn't want to just up and leave now, but what were they supposed to say? Taking a deep breath, he nods to the stage and starts forward.

Jason is quick to follow, making sure Katie is still with them.
This should be... interesting.

Glancing over his shoulder he spots Misty. He’s seen her from a distance earlier, but hadn’t known that she’d stuck around. He catches her eye for just as moment, suddenly wondering what must be going through her mind as well.

The band approaches Cryptic quietly, observing the laughing and teasing for a couple minutes until Phil speaks. “Well, Kyle…”

Kyle looks up from packing a box, just pulling on his jacket. His smile quickly fades, his face turning to white then red. He’d thought everyone had gone. He’d thought he’d been in the clear. But from the tone of his brother’s voice, he’d been mistaken. JetStream must never have actually left. Kyle searches his brother’s face, unable to recognize the strange tone. “Hi.”

Phil crosses his arms and cocks his head. “You, uh… sounded good.”

Kyle adjusts his jacket collar, clearing his throat. Maybe just staying casual about the whole thing was the best approach. Maybe they could talk more about it later when not everyone was around. “Thanks,” he manages. His eyes glance past Misty, realizing that she was still there as well. The redness in his face increases.

Wanting to avoid any confrontation, Taylor gestures with her head to the door, getting Axel’s attention. “Help me out with this box, will you?”

Unaware of any other intentions, Axel nods and gives Jess a quick look that lets her know he'll be right back. There really wasn't need for her come out just to go back in again. The two exit, leaving the others as they continue to talk.

Phil takes a couple steps closer to Kyle, both JetStream and Cryptic growing quiet. “You just…planned on never letting us in on this or what?”

Rocky keeps low, trying to keep working, despite the tension. He pulls a bit of duct tape up from the floor and passes it to Jess to add to the ball, giving her a slight look of apology. He hoped this little conversation would end quickly.

Kyle can sense the hurt and irritation in his brother, and a guilt forms, even though he’d decided his decision was best. “I…I don’t know. It… wasn’t that big of a deal.”

“Not a big deal?” Phil’s eyes widen. “Singing lead for Cryptic? An even bigger band than JetStream?” He shakes his head, bewildered. “I don’t get it, Kyle. I never even knew you could sing like that, let alone would want to.”

“Maybe you never listened.” Kyle’s tone is quiet, though a million and one emotions flood his eyes. There was only one other person outside of Cryptic who knew his reasons for secrecy. And now… everything would change. He could feel it. One could hear a pin drop. This time, he couldn't even look at Misty.

Jason’s own mind begins to look at this situation, routes and consequences coming left and right. But one thought strikes him hard. JetStream hadn’t ever really needed him.

The guys from Cryptic exchange glances. They knew Kyle had wanted them to keep quiet, but apparently it was a bigger deal than they'd thought.

Rocky steps forward, pushing forth a smile. “Well, I’d say this was one great evening. The audience loved us all, so I say we go celebrate.”

Unfortunately, his enthusiasm isn’t absorbed. Phil and Kyle still lock eyes, neither willing to say what’s on their mind.


Taylor struggles with a heavy tote, trying to lift it into the back of the pickup truck, giving a grunt as it slips, and she barely keeps it from falling to the ground.

Axel steps in quickly to help, at just the angle to reach around her with both arms to catch the tote and add his strength to push it up all the way into the bed.

Taylor grins a little and turns around, face to face with Axel with no space in between. “Thank you.”

“Sure.” Axel turns to go, but Taylor’s hand on his arms stops him and he looks back at her, lifting an eyebrow in question.

“The others can wait,” she comments softly. “Why do you always have to be in a hurry?”

A bit confused, Axel eyes her cautiously, not quite sure what she was getting at.

Seeing that he wasn’t taking the hint, Taylor straightens, bringing herself even closer to him. “Oh come on, Axel…you’re not blind. You've always needed your elbow space. You never let anyone into your zone. But why not? Can't you let me in? Just once?”

Axel can feel the heat creeping up the back of his neck. He'd known that Taylor had liked him, but hadn't expected her to ever be this bold about it, especially since he'd thought he'd given her a strong enough hint that he himself wasn't interested. “Taylor, I…”

She reaches up to put a finger over his mouth. “Don’t say it.” A hope flickers in her eyes that maybe there was something there she could grasp, wishing perhaps the look of rejection in his eye was deceiving... wishing perhaps that if she just had once chance, he would return her feelings.

Axel places a hand on her shoulder to move away, but instead of backing up, Taylor shifts through the opening he’d provided, and reaches her arms around his neck, bringing her lips to his before the opportunity was gone.

Despite her advances, Axel is still taken completely off guard, his eyes widening in shock. As quickly as she’d embraced him, he backs up, removing her hands with a firm grip. His heart racing, he stares at her, stunned.

Reading displeasure on his face, Taylor’s cheeks become red and she swallows hard. He hadn't returned anything at all. He hadn't even faltered for a moment. He hadn't even tried to enjoy her attention “Oh, Axel, I’m…" Her words stick in her mouth. "I just... I thought..." She wasn't even sure what she'd thought. It had been a rash move, and one she now regretted. "I’m so sorry.”

But the damage had been done. Axel slowly lets go of her arms and backs up several more steps, his mind whirling. Not even knowing what to say, he spins on his heel and walks quickly back to the building.

Taylor turns around to rest her hands on the open back end of the pickup. She bites her lip as finally a tear escapes… a tear that signaled the foolishness, embarrassment, and disappointment that she felt. She'd had feelings for Axel for a long time, and somewhere there had been a hope. But she had been wrong. So wrong. And way too impulsive.


Getting back inside, Axel sees the standoff still going on, but would rather be a part of a fight, than remain outside. Trying not to let any emotions show, he moves to pack more boxes. Knowing that his face is flushed, he keeps it hidden, turned away from the others. He would have to somehow deal with this later. He didn't know how, but he'd have to. For now, he doesn't even meet Jess' eyes. He couldn't, until his embarrassment had passed.

Phil and Kyle continue to stare at each other. Jen finally moves forward slowly, trying her best to smooth things over. “You sounded really good, Kyle. But… why didn’t you tell us? Did you think we’d be upset?”

“No, of course not. I just…” Kyle rolls his eyes to the ceiling, letting out a long sigh. “It’s complicated, alright? It was just easier if you guys didn’t know.”

“Thanks,” Jason retorts. “How long you been holding out on everybody?”

“A while.”

Rocky finally comes forward, setting a hand on Kyle’s shoulder, trying to reassure him. They’d been friends for many years, and as the oldest, Rocky had always been the one to look out for the gang. “It’s been a while,” he confirms.

Jen, Phil and Mike exchange glances, all completely confused. “But…” Phil shakes his head. “Why, Kyle?”

“’Cause he knew what y’all would do,” Jason states flatly. His mind had worked quickly, and a conclusion had been drawn. His emotions reflected a strange mixture of irritation, hurt and skewed appreciation.

Phil turns his attention to Jason. “What are you talking about?”

“Me.” Jason cocks his head. “He didn’t want to take the spotlight.” His tone of disapproval overlaps one of realization. “’Cause he’s that good.”

Kyle’s shoulders droop, his eyes finally falling to the floor. Yes… he’d avoided telling anybody his desire to sing… yes, he’d avoided displaying his capabilities… and yes, it was because he had not wanted to take the spotlight in any capacity. He had his place in JetStream, and it was simply not behind the lead microphone. And now… tonight… when he’d had the time of his life, he couldn’t even enjoy it. And it was all his fault.

“I’m sorry,” he apologizes quietly. “I shouldn’t have done this tonight. I shouldn’t have said yes.”

“Don’t say that,” Rocky chides. “We appreciated you, and you were great.”

Phil looks quickly to Rocky, not really upset, but not really liking the affirmation he was dishing out either. “He should have told us though. Even you can’t deny that.”

Rocky shrugs. “Who am I to judge? All I know is that Logan is sick, and we asked Kyle to fill in. End of story.”

“You said it had been a while though. How long is a while?”

Rocky hesitates. “A few years.”

“What?”

Though sworn to secrecy at one point, now wasn’t the time for any more hidden truths. “Last time we were out here… we did a recording with Kyle.” Rocky remains steady, even though his stomach had started to churn. “But he wouldn’t do anything else with it. You guys had a lead singer at the time, and he said his place was behind the keyboard, and writing music. So we didn’t push him.”

“A recording?” Phil’s eyes widen even more. He didn’t need to know every detail of his brother’s life, but this was big stuff, and he was a bit offended that he didn’t know about any of this.

“Yeah, we put it on a CD.”

Kyle’s face grows even hotter. He still had it, and Misty had the only copy. “Look, can we just forget about this?” He raises his head again. “So I sang for a night. It’s over. Cryptic moves on. JetStream moves on.”

“Kinda hard to forget, Kyle,” Jason comments. Though not carrying on any silent conversation with Katie, his emotions were there, and they were going in a direction he didn’t want them to, but he felt unable to stop the negativity. “Maybe you should be singing more for JetStream if it’s what you’re really wanting.”

“No one said it’s what I’m wanting!” Kyle raises his voice a little, throwing his arms in the air. He couldn’t even begin to tell how good it had felt on stage tonight. But he wouldn’t try. He couldn’t. Not to JetStream. It felt too disloyal. “Just forget about it, alright?”

“No!” Jason frowns, his eyes narrowing. “You’ve been holding out on us. And why? Because you think you’re good enough to be the lead singer? Because you think if we thought that, you’d be in the spotlight?” He didn’t want to feel this way. He was sorry as soon as the words were out of his mouth. But his emotions had worked quickly and were now to a point somewhere in the vicinity of self-pride. “So what then? Apparently if you think your position would have changed, you think that I don’t belong where I am.”

“I didn’t say that!” Kyle’s humor and easy-going nature disperses, leaving his raw feelings. “You do belong where you’re at. I just didn’t want to interfere!” Emotions start to pool hot behind his eyes. “I’m sorry, okay?!”

Cryptic stands close, all eyes lower than normal. Even Axel, who didn’t have as long a history here, was now standing nearby, feeling low and not knowing what would happen. He glances in Jess’ direction with a look that said he was sorry for the scene. He had his own little episode with Taylor to be worrying about, but at the moment, this took priority. He felt badly though, that he'd invited Jess, and she had to witness this.

Rocky shakes his head slowly. Kyle was apologizing for finally having been able to live his passion. It wasn’t right. “Look guys, let’s all just cool it, alright? We gotta clean up here, then we all can go relax and think about something else for a while.”

“I want to get this straightened out!” Phil exclaims. “I don’t want to go sit around not talking about something like this.”

Jen looks to her brother, her eyes full of compassion. She didn’t know what to think, but she could see the passion in Kyle’s own eyes, and knew that he was hurt. What he needed right now was a pat on the back, not to be yelled at. He’d done nothing wrong. “It’s okay, Kyle,” she says quietly. “You did good.”

Kyle scoffs and shakes his head. “No, I didn’t. Does this look good to you?” He looks around at all the others… all the eyes that were aimed in his direction. “No… no, I didn’t do a good job. Y’all pack up and go celebrate the good night, okay?” His tone has dropped back down to a more mellow voice, full of sorrow, not anger. “I’m tired, so I’m just gonna go home early.” Turning around, he trudges for the exit. Making it outside, he gets to his truck, and just leans against it for a moment, trying to gain control of his emotions.

Inside, Jason has a hard time communicating with Katie, all his mixed feelings getting in the way. Part of him knew he'd been wrong to get so upset, while part of him couldn't get past it. He shifts his weight uneasily, his eyes roving every which-way.

Phil and Jen look to each other but stay quiet, Mike standing near as well, not knowing how to respond either.

The men from Cryptic start moving slowly back to their work. Despite this argument, they still needed to clear out of the building. Axel is finally able to move past his own little experience, enough to approach Jess again. "Um... we'll be going out for pizza after we're loaded up. You're welcome to join us." He hoped the invitation would serve as the apology it was meant to be.