Action from the Dr.

Out in the waiting room again Alice's place is by the window again her amrs crossed just looking out.

So many things ran though her mind as she continued to pray to Kyle.

Please let him be ok, please.

Seeing the dr once again Alice perks up and moves from the window. Once again going down the hall and to Kyle Alice sits down at the bed side taking his hand once again.

She wouldnt leave, she wouldnt sleep she would be there for him.

Listing to what was going on around her the girl has no choose but to just sit in the van. She was scaired though she really held not much of an expression on her face.

She had learned from the past the more she struggled the worse it would be. Her best bet would be to sit still, not say a word and wait.

Once insdie the cell and the door shut Phinox opens up his hands and lets the ropes drop free. So far so good he only open his examination of the doors when he had been here before was right and they would open.

Going over to Jay and than Derek Phinox removes the ropes from there wrists.

"Ok, once we get out of the cell we need to follow after Jason, Scott and Katie. I am guessing you know what way they went Derek?!"

Phinox statment was more of just that than a question. Leaning down he pulls a credit card from his pocket and a small pick from his pocket. He had been taking a chanse bring them but he was hoping Rod would be cocky and stupid and he has been right.

Going back to the door Phinox fiddles with the lock till finally a click is sounded and Phinox opens the door just enough to peek out.

"Its clear we need to move fast."

Exiting the room Phinox keeps guard as the other slips past him. Moving down the hall with hast they makes it almost to the door when a sicking gun shot rings out through the hall.

Stopping dead in his tracks Phinox takes a moment to look down seeing the dark ruby color that soaked through the side of his shirt. Letting out a groan he new he was hit, but not wasting anytime he turns his gun he had hiddon drawn as he returned fire. There were five, maybe six guys, and once again they fired back.

Ducking behind a stack of boxes with Derek and Jay he lets out another groan and than a shuttering sick. His body was not tingaling and it hurt so much.

Looking to the others he new they had kids, and familys who needed they. There lifes were more important than his right now.

"I'll hold them off, you guys just go get out. Get your daughter to the hospetil."

Looking them in the eyes he gives a nod convaying his message.

"GO NOW."

Moving out of his place behind the boxs Phinox's shots run hitting one, than two guys, than another but as he shot them down more came, and they seemed to double in numbers.

Finally his gun falls silent as to much dush was kicked up to know what was going on, only the sounds of the enemys rifels could be hurd returning fire and the gun shots.

Behind the cars Nate crouches as he watchs what was going on. Jason Scott, and Katie were cournered. He had to think and act smart but fast.

Taking aim through the window of the beat up car Nate takes aim and shoots off 2 rounds. Both hitting his targets and taking them down. The others where out of his sights and behind his team he couldnt take a shot without risking hitting them.

Crouching down but moving he still trys to get around them.

Feeling the van jerk Misty holds on feeling the bumps and seeing out the window what was going on. Her heart raced as the action picked up.

Taking the gun from Wyatt Misty just looks at it for a moment. She didnt know how to shoot a gun well and she new, she would never hit her target.

SHe had to do something though, she had to help her friends.

Reaching into her medical bag her pulls out a scapel and puts the handle in her mouth before sheding her jacket and shirt only yo leave her tank top on. Next pulling her knife from her pocket she acts fast and slides the van door open.

Looking at Wyatt and than back at the jeep she new it would be clear and easy with out there being any top. Holding the scaple in her teeth she talks the best she can

"Uncle Reese dont kill me to much."

Once they are close again to the jeep Misty takes a leep into the jeep. Missing just a little her legs skid on the ground. As fast as she can she pulls herself up and delivers a punch to the guy who was after her.

Wrestaling with him for a few moments Misty takes her own punches to the face as her lip is pusted open, and the side of her face already started to swell. Cuts are placed on her arm, but they go un noticed as she finally gets her hands free and stabs the guy in the throat with the scaple. Pushing him off the side of the jeep he lands with a thud.

A shot from the driver wiz by her head just missing her as she ducks. Making her way to the front she new she had the advantage.

Getting behind him her knife connects with his throat as it cuts through the flesh. Blood going everywhere and all over her. The jeep losing controll for a moment as she toss all over. Pulling the body from behind the wheel Misty hops into the seat gaining crontoll again.

Giving a wave at Wyatt with a semi saprised and wavering look on her face she talks into the mic.

"Jeep taken out, peace of cake."

Trapped

Hunter's shoulders drop a little, seeing how much pain Alice was in. He hated seeing people upset, and tears always got to him.

Coming up behind Alice, he reaches out to lay a hand on her shoulder, but halfway there, he stops. Remembering the last time he'd tried to offer comfort, he retreats. "I'll be in the waiting room with Chloe," he informs quietly before slipping back out of the room.

It seems to take forever for the doctor to appear again. Kyle had flatlined once, but they had been able to revive him. Though it had been a close call, he was stable once more, and in a new room they were keeping a closer eye on him. The others could see him again if they wanted, though he was still asleep and so far unresponsive.

The room was quiet. It felt a little different than the last one. It was strange to know that they had almost lost Kyle, yet he seemed to be sleeping so peacefully. His chest moved up and down with every slow breath, his head resting on the soft pillow. One would expect him to at least stir, but his hands at his sides made no movements. It was still. It was peaceful.


Reese's eyes glance back over his shoulder to look at the girl after she had spoken. An odd tingle ran down his spine. As he saw her eyes, he was suddenly overcome with the strangest pity. Not anger, not fear, not suspicion... but a deep pity.

He had to ask again. "Carson, you've never seen her?"

"Naw, mate. Why? What's happening?"

"Nothing... I just..." Reese looks back at the girl again. "I don't think she's trouble."

"She could be an innocent bystander they snatched. Or, she could be an Agency baby too."

"A what?"

"Like Gage. Born and bred Agency and totally clueless."

"Alright. In the meantime, I'm heading down forty-seven, ready to exit and swing back around in your direction. Dalton, keep an eye on the satellite and make sure no one is following me. I want to be close in case Jason and Scott can't make it to the other van." He pauses as he concentrates on driving. "Jason? Scott? What's your twenty?"

Silence.

Reese waits, not knowing if they hadn't heard him, or were unable to make sound.


Jason and Scott get back upstairs and head through the room. As untrained in the field as he was, Scott leads the way, his gun drawn. Moving stealthily across the floor, he unlocks the door and checks down both ends of the hall. To their right, shadows move and voices could be heard. It was Rod with the others.

"Move!" Scott hisses, shoving Jason ahead of him in the opposite direction.

Jason doesn't need to be told twice. He holds Katie close as he walks as fast as he can without jostling her too much, and without making too much noise. Her head rested on his shoulder, and he tried to keep his emotions in check. She'd never felt so lifeless.
Hang on, Katie... hang on... just a little further.
His words seemed to whisper through his emotions. He was getting closer to being rid of the hindrance of the antidote.

Scott moves along behind him, sideways, continuing to sweep the area with his eyes and gun. Not only did he feel the terror, but he had limited peripheral vision with his blind eye. He hears Reese conversing about their own captive, then hears the question. But there was no time to answer. They couldn't risk being spotted.

The shadows at the other end of the hall near. He and Jason get to the door and glance outside. The two guards were still there. Scott looks to Jason, his eyes wide with a fear. What were they supposed to do?

Jason grits his teeth, looking to his friend grimly. Keeping Katie close, he manages to pull his gun out of its holster and hand it to Scott so he had two.

Scott looks at them, then back up. He knew what he had to do. He looks down the hall. Any second, the others would round the corner. Quicker than he'd ever done, he drops to one knee and grabs two silencers from his bag, attaching them to the end of the handguns. Back on his feet, he takes a deep breath. He would go first. For Katie.

The door flies open. The two guards whirl around, their rifles poised and ready. But they were taken by surprise, and both hesitate, not realizing at first that the man coming outside was not one of their own. It was just enough time for Scott to react.

Both arms extend and aim the guns at the guards. Two shots are fired, muted by the silencers. One guard goes down, hit in the chest. He staggers and grabs for his rifle, but he's already too far gone.

The second bullet flies at the same time, but Scott's aim had been inches off, with his bad eye. The shot only grazes the second guard's shoulder, just enough to make him jump, but recoil with his rifle.

Scott whirls in his direction, ready to take another shot, but there would not be enough time. He would be shot first.

A distant crack echoes through the air and suddenly the guard gets a stunned look on his face. He lowers his rifle and looks down before dropping to his knees and finally falling face first into the dirt.

Scott's heart felt like it was going to explode as it pounded in his chest. He spins around to see the building a short distance away.

Con closes his eyes for a moment before setting his gaze through his rifle scope once more. "Guard on your flank. Get out of there."

Scott doesn't have enough time to thank Con for the help, and instead, he helps Jason down the two steps as they start to run for the trees.


Inside, Derek is being shoved ahead in the lead. As they near the hallway, he is the first within sight and can just see Scott slipping outside. He knew there would be gunfire, and Jason was still crouched with Katie, ready to bolt as soon as it was clear.

Derek's mind raced. Thinking quickly, he turns and trips, sprawling across the walkway. In turn, Jay trips over him, creating a heap that was hard to untangle with their hands still tied. Though getting shouted at, kicked and brutally yanked back to their feet, as Derek rounds the corner, it's just in time to see his son disappear and the door close. With a bloodied lip, he breathes a sigh of relief. No matter what happened now... Katie was out.

The three captives are pushed and ruthlessly shoved into a small room with a tiny barred window. After being patted down, they're left alone with a jeering remark about how they would be picked up later and Medridge would have his way with all of them.

The door slams hard and the sound of the lock being turned is sickening. All grows quiet. Derek and Jay look to Phinox as their only hope.


Back outside, Jason and Scott continue their run for the trees. But out of nowhere, another guard appears. "Freeze!" He fires a warning shot in the air.

Scott spins on his heel, takes aim and fires. The guard goes down. But their cover had been blown. They could hear shouts, and suddenly, a jeep was coming in their direction. They couldn't make it to the trees. The parking lot... it was their only hope. Turning, they run.

Reese's eyes widen as he hears all of the commotion. "Someone talk to me! What's going on?!"

"They're on the move!" Con tries to keep track of them through his scope. "Close call, three guards down, they're getting chased by a jeep. They're headed to the front, to the front. Reese, get back up there! Wyatt, Misty! High-tail it out. You've been spotted. Move!"

Carson is still on his stomach, when suddenly he sees more men appear. "This place is crawling, guys. We gotta get out of here now. Don't think, just move!" As he talks, he takes his own advice, rolling out from the grass and sprinting towards a shed to get closer but still shielded. Shots are fired.

Ryder bolts in the opposite direction. "Laura, where are you?"

"On the roof."

Ryder looks up. Sure enough, Laura was on the lower level roof of the building, trying to pick off some of the Agency's men. Ryder makes it to a junker vehicle, nearer to Nate. "Nate, buddy, where are you? We could use a little help here!"

Jason and Scott continue their pace, ducking low as bullets whiz by their heads. There was a sudden shouting and chaos all around them. Men to their right. Movement to their left. The front was blocked. Jason skids to a halt. Katie was still held protectively in his arms and he pulls her even closer to his chest, the tears stinging his eyes. "Medridge, you coward!" His angry shout brings a strange pause to the battle.

Scott stands with his back against Jason's, his guns still drawn, but his options limited. Blood trickled from his shoulder.

Reese is trying to make it back with the van, but knows if he gets too close, he'll be caught in the crossfire, then they wouldn't be able to get back out with the van again. "Con, what's happening? What's going on?"

"They're cornered. Repeate, they're cornered. Everyone, we're going to have to pick off the outter circle, but one wrong move and our three are dead. Choose wisely." He growls as he moves across the roof to a new position. "I can't get a clear shot. Wait... ok." He peers through his scope. "Scott's been hit. Repeat, Scott's been hit."

"How bad?"

"He's on his feet. Come on guys, think. We need a plan and we need it now. Nate, Ryder, Laura - you three have not been spotted. Act fast, act smart, sooner the better. They're closing in to take Jason and Scott captives."


Hearing everything that was going on, Wyatt's heart races. He throws the van in gear and shoves the gas pedal to the floor. Bumping through the grass and the dirt road, he spins the vehicle around, cutting wide to circle around. He makes sure Misty is still hanging on before whipping around the other way to avoid being sideswiped by the enemy jeep. Reaching back, he hands Misty a gun. "Take 'em out," he orders.

Time

Getting throw into the back of the van the girl dont say much. She gave a grunt here and there, but her eyes held an empty look. Who would know what was going through her mind, and who new who she was.

Hearing about the surgary She looks to Reese and in a whisper finally talks.

"There was no surgary. I've always looked like this. To be honest I am not even sure I know whats going on. All the guns and threats though sure can make a person do what they are off.

Something seemed wrong, something seemed...off.

In a dream world away from the living, a body keeps itself cut off from the mind to shield itself. Sitting on deaths door steps away, but trying to hold on..the time drags on...

As the masheens go off and the nurses come in Alice gets lost in the hussles as she finde her way to the window again. Her eyes wide, and the color turns red from the tears that formed in them.

Everything was happing so fast, and Alice felt so lost. Her mind playing there own tricks on her playing in and out of what was real and what wasnt.

Hunter's question going unanswered for a moment as she continues to look at the soft rain that was coming down hitting the pain. Her soft sobs filling the room.

Finally turning she looks at Hunter as her arms hug herself.

"I..I dont know what happend he was fine....he was fine and than...I dont know what happend to him."

Turning back to the window Alice looks again again she she closes her eyes and rests her head aganst the pain her silent prayer going out.

I hate doctors

The rest of Break Out comes and goes as well, wandering the room and the halls, just waiting. Chloe and Hunter hang out in the room the most, though really there isn't much to be done. Despite the doctor's assurance that Kyle would be okay, the worry still ran deep.

By the afternoon, some of the team had returned to the hotel, while some had stayed. Hunter sat in the waiting area, Chloe walked the halls, and Jordan paced. It was quiet... nerve-wracking... tense.

Kyle has been sleeping without a sound for hours. But suddenly he seems to give a start. His eyes open just to roll back in his head and he starts to shake, his face growing hot as sweat forms. One of the machines starts to beep, and immediately several nurses and a doctor appear.

Quickly coming into the room, they ignore Alice, walking around her and going straight to Kyle. Their words all mixed together, something about heartrate, breathing, shock and a reaction.

Seeing the new commotion, Hunter slides into the room. "What's going on? What happened?"

One of the nurses pushes him out of the way. "He's had a reaction to the antibiotics."

"Well what-" Hunter can't even ask as Kyle is taken from the room without the courtesy of an explanation. He slams his palm into the wall in frustration, keeping himself from yelling at the doctor for keeping them in the dark. Spinning around, he realizes that Alice had been caught in the new mess. "What happened?"


A million and one thoughts race through Reese's mind as he lets his three men go, taking the young woman into his own custody. Also not trusting anyone, he backs up, pulling the girl along with him. He doesn't want to turn his back on Derek, Jay and Phinox, but he knows he must. Otherwise, they would be killed on the spot.

Turning, he opens the van door again and shoves the girl inside, just out of sight of the thugs. Moving so no one else could see him, he yanks the girl to the side and in one motion, has her cuffed to an inside rail. A gun is suddenly in his hand, cocked and pointed to her throat.

"You make one wrong move," he hisses, "and you're dead. Got it?"

Shutting the door, he moves nonchalantly but quickly to the driver's side again, starts the engine and turns around. As they're pulling away, he makes sure communication is still clear, while keeping one eye on the newcomer. "I've got the decoy. Repeat, decoy in custody. They did a good job with making her look like Katie, I'll give 'em that."

"I bet Medrige has some plastic surgeons working for him," Con muses. "How'd you like to be changed into somebody else just to fail the mission?"

Reese gets back on track. "Scott, give me a report."

No answer.

"Scott?"

Jason's voice answers. "He took off his mic. to concentrate. We've got one minute to go."

"Con?"

"Rod's moving the three inside. They're cautious but unsuspecting."

"Wyatt?"

"Still here. We're ready and waiting."

"Ryder and Carson?"

It's Ryder who answers. "Don't know the sheila. The goon with Rod is an idiot with attitude, but an idiot nonetheless. No one's spotted us. We're still here and stable."

"Nate?"


Jay and Derek follow along with Phinox, tripping every once in a while as they're shoved. Both men are incredibly nervous, but trying to hold themselves together. They knew that once they reached a room to be held in, that they would have to start planning their escape.


Scott clips the last wire. The light goes off. The cap doesn't blow. He lets out the breath he'd been holding and looks up at Jason with a slight nod.

Donning his mic again, he then unties Katie's wrists, as gently as possible, seeing that the ropes had rubbed her raw. The bomb was disarmed.

"Bomb disarmed," Jason informs the team. "Repeat, Bomb is disarmed. We're heading out. Con, what's it look like?"

"Outside perimeter we got two guys in the back where you went in. Watch your step. Rod heading in with a thug and our three."

"Got it." Jason bends over and tenderly lifts Katie into his arms. Having her so close to him had never felt better, but it was filled with a sickening worry. She had not yet woken, though he was just beginning to feel a trickle of emotions.

He nods to Scott to take the lead this time. His arms were full... Scott needed to be their eyes.

Scott slings his backpack over his shoulder and takes his gun. His hand trembles again just a little as they ascend the stairs quietly.

Katie

Standing by the far window once in the hosptal Alice is ghostly quiet as she says a silent prayer. Each moment that went by without any word bringing more worry. Alice didnt understand how this could of happend again.

Time slowly moves...

Seeing the Dr come into the room and ask about Kyle Alice moves away from the window and a little closer hoping the new that would be hurd was good.

Hearing about Kyle's over dose Alice's face pales as she dosnt quite understand. Kyle and her had shaired something special lastnight and he had been so happy over it. Surely there was something someone was missing, Kyle wouldnt do this.

Alice looks to Hunter but than looks away her face staying the same, but a ferm look in her eyes.

"Kyle wouldnt have tryed to kill himself. Thats not him I know it. He had to much going for him in life to do that."

Once the Dr is gone Alice looks to Jordan as he talks to her. Giving a nod no one had to ask twice Alice was alreayd through the door and heading down the hall to Kyle.

Entering the room and seeing Kyle laying in the bed and hooked up to the differnt masheens she is suddanly throw back to when Seth was in the hospetil. She'd had to say goodbye to him this way before he was taken off life support. It had been so hard.

Stepping closer Alice gives a small shake of her head. This was differnt Kyle was not dieing. Alice had to remind herself that.

Putting a chair to the bed Alice sits down and takes Kyle's hand in her own giving it a small kiss.

"Coming back to us Kyle. We need you, I need you, please done leave me...your time cant be up."

Rod steps forward his riffle in hand as he pushs Katie forward not saying anything. Stepping forward a little more Rod looks over the three men and than glances down at there hands. Stoping at Phinox he gives a gruff snicker before nodding behind him at the two other men.

"Take them to the holding room."

Gruffly once again he goes back to Katie and grabs the rops around her wrists. Pushing her forward with his feet to make she stumble.

"Take he, we dont need her anymore."

Walking backward but still watching Reese as to not turn his back on him not trusting him one bit. A stupid smerk on his lips.

Accident?

When the ambulance arrives, the atmosphere seems foggy. It was quiet, yet the emergency was real. The paramedics check Kyle over and try to bring him to, but without success. Bringing in a stretcher, they prepare to take him out, murmuring amongst themselves about the possibilities. The pain medication was mentioned again, and there seemed to be something that the paramedics didn't want to discuss until after they received a doctor's confirmation. No matter the cause, they needed to get Kyle to the hospital.

The ambulance is followed by the rest of the team, no one willing to stay behind. Thankfully, no one else had booked their room at the hotel, and they're able to keep it longer, Jordan making quick arrangements on their way out.

The drive to the hospital never seemed longer. It was an unfamiliar town full of strangers. Finally arriving, Kyle is taken directly down the hall to an area off-limits for the visitors. All of Break Out waits nervously in another room. Most did not take advantage of the chairs available... they were too tense to just sit and wait.

Hunter paces, though keeps a close eye on Alice. Not brave enough to blatantly offer comfort, he hopes that at least his presence would be enough to let her know if she needed a shoulder, he was there.

It seems like forever before a doctor appears. It had been several hours. "Are you the ones who brought in Kyle Mitts?"

"Yeah." Jordan is the first to step forward. "How is he?"

The doctor doesn't pull any punches. "Your friend apparently overdosed on some pain killers. We pumped his stomach and got some antibiotics into him, so I expect him to pull through."

Chloe's face pales. "But... but I'm sure he just took a few before bed."

"Could he have taken some after that?"

"I... I don't know."

The doctor sighs and tucks his clipboard under his arm. "Was Kyle depressed?"

Hunter exchanges a look with Alice, then steps forward so Chloe doesn't have to keep explaining things in her state. "Kyle was one of the most upbeat people we know. If you're suggesting he did this on purpose..."

"Look." The doctor shifts his weight, remaining serious. "The reason I'm asking is that the blood work we did showed a concentration of a substance found in medication often used to help with depression."

Hunter's shoulders drop. "That's what it was..." He turns to look at Alice. "That's what he was getting off of, wasn't it?"

The doctor raises his eyebrows. "You say he was coming off of depression meds?"

"Makes sense now... I noticed the symptoms, but most of us didn't know he'd been taking anything."

"We will have to wait to talk to Kyle after he wakes up," the doctor informs. "But he almost died. If a suicide attempt is a possibility, then we'll have to report it."

Chloe shakes her head stubbornly. "He wouldn't have done that. I know it."

Hunter sighs deeply. Kyle's own brother had made an attempt once... but he didn't think Kyle would do this either. "There's no way to tell what happened?"

The doctor shakes his head. "Only asking him directly will tell us whether or not this was an accident."

"But he wouldn't have taken more than a couple pills!" Chloe emphasizes again.

"Miss, I'm sorry." The doctor tries to remain gentle. "But the bloodwork didn't lie. There was too much in his system to just be a regular dose. It was enough to knock him out but not kill him, thankfully. Though if he would have been left alone, I'm not sure he would have been able to pull through." He looks around at all the faces. "He's in room sixty-five down the hall on the second floor. Right now he's asleep, but can see him if you want."

"When will he wake up?" Myla asks.

"Only time will tell. His body is recovering though. He might sleep through the day and night, or he might wake up within the hour. Nurses are on call if you need anything."

Jordan nods. "Thank you, doctor." Once the physician is gone, Jordan looks at the others, Alice in particular. He knew she was the closest to Kyle. "If you want to see him first," he offers gently, "it's okay."


Tension rose. Adrenaline increased. There was no room for mistakes here.

Reese nods to Phinox. "I won't let her get away with anything," he retorts. He was mad enough about Katie that he wasn't going to let anyone pull anything over on him. He retrieves his handgun, checks it over, then puts it under the van's driver's seat. He didn't like it not being on him, but he couldn't risk blowing the tradeoff by wearing a sidearm.

Pulling forward again, the van creeps further into the parking lot, finally coming to a stop. "How many we got, Con?"

"Just the three you see. Two are wandering around back."

"Scott? How you coming?"

Scott wipes the sweat from his brow and stares at the bomb that lay in pieces. The trigger had yet to be disarmed though. "I'm working on it."

"How much time?"

"Five minutes."

Reese doesn't want the trade to go too quickly. He'd rather give Jason and Scott time to get out the back before everything else went down, but they would now have to play it by ear. Getting out of the van, Reese walks cautiously around the other side, making eye contact with Rod. Moving slowly enough so no one would be suspicious, he opens the side door and lets the three men out. Standing for a moment, he then leads them forward, covering half the distance before stopping. "We got what you want," he calls to Rod. "Now give me what I want."

Time is now

Hearing the comotion Alice comes out of her bedroom, the smile from lastnight still played on her face. She had spelt a little later than normal but the bed had felt so much nicer than her car steat.

Wanding over to where the others were thinking maybe Kyle was being his normal hamself and everyone was watching Alice catchs the end of the talking and looking into the room to see Kyle in bed, than she see someone else go for the phone and dial 911.

I cant wake him. The words echo in her ear as her heart starts to race. An all to familure feeling wells inside of her as an almost panic takes over.

Seeing Jordan holding everyone back at the doorway Alice makes her way to the front of the mob. Lookinng Jordan dead in the eye her worry was aparent as her eyes started to turn bloodshot. She felt sick to her stomach but she wasnt going to be kept back.

"Let me go through to go to him."

Ducking underneath his arm Alice goes to Kyle. Sitting down on the bed she dosnt say anything louder than a whisper letting Kyle know she was there and to hang on.

Gently taking one of his lifeless hands in her own. This couldnt happen, not again, not now.

Giving a gently squeeze of Laura's hand Nate breaks away from the others and readys his gun. Slowly, yet fast at the same time his makes his way through the tall grass using it as cover and the trees at well making his way to the junk yard. Finally in position Nate gives his signal he is ready keeping his eyes sharp and listing to everything that was going on.

Letting out a long breath Phinox new the time was now. Looking out the window He can see Rod standing with another guy and someone would looked like Kaite. Down to a T is looked like her.

"Thats not Katie. They did a pretty good job with this one make her look like the real thing as soon as you guys got her put her in cuffs or she will backstab you when she can."

Giving another sigh he looks to the other and than Reese again.

"We need to go now."

Found

Jay looks down at the ropes around his wrists. What if they got separated? What if the Agency would kill them on sight? What if they wouldn't be able to get out like planned? He thinks of Katie and a tear forms in his eye. He thinks of his wife and swallows hard. He thinks of his other children as the lump rises in his throat.
God please... please bring us all home safe.

Derek leans his head back against the side of the van as they rattle down the road. He replayed Phinox's words over and over in his mind. It had been a long time since he'd done anything like this... a very long time. But the adrenaline rush was the same.

As they continue to drive, Reese looks in his side mirror to see the other van that Con was driving. As they come upon an intersection, Con turns off, breaking away from the other vehicle. Reese takes a deep breath. There was no need to say anything... he knew that the other team would go another route and circle around to get a good spot to watch the building. They would be taking a short cut to arrive and keep an eye out before this part of the team even arrived.

Reese's hands tighten a little around the steering wheel. "Jase? Scott? If you're in a position to talk, give us an update on how things look."

Jason and Scott crouch behind a row of unkempt bushes along the parking lot of the building. "We got two guys out front," Jason replies quietly. "Rifles." Movement catches his eye. "Make that three. Lookin' lazy though. They're bored."

"Good," Reese responds. "They'll probably be easy to surprise then."

Scott taps Jason's shoulder and points to the corner of the building that was their target. They now had a clean shot to make it through the shadows.

Jason nods. "Going in. Let you know when we've got Katie."

Carson looks up at the others in the lookout van. The ride had been pretty quiet. Everyone knew what they were supposed to do, and all were trying not to think of the worst.

Sitting sideways against the sides of the van, eyes meet each other, but few words are spoken. Laura leans forward to put her face in her hands, her worry for Katie getting stronger and stronger.

Ryder is next to her and he sighs. Katie was his friend too... one of the few he had. Without thinking, he instinctively reaches over to rub Laura's back for a second.

She turns her head to look at him, giving him a grim smile of thanks. Straightening up, she pats his leg before settling back again. Looking to the front where her brother was driving, she catches his eye in the rearview mirror. He throws her a wink.

It seems to take forever, yet not time at all to reach their destination. Con is the first to speak. "Hal, how we looking?"

"Everything's the same. No one has reached Katie yet and... perimeter is clear." Hal had been set up with another monitor in the cubicle that would show Dalton's feed of the satellite surveillance. The screen jumps. "Dalton, keep us together, buddy."

Con parks the van in a secluded corner in an alleyway at the edge of the town. Everyone filed out, checking their gear and ammunition. Carson sets his hands on his hips and wanders away from the others. Taking his binoculars, he can see the building where Katie was being held. There were trees... an empty grass lot... and another tall building not too far away. "Con... you're up for the building."

Con knew his job. It's exactly what he'd been trained for. Taking a rifle, he checks it over before slinging it over his shoulder. He would be their sniper. Without hesitation, he starts with long strides towards the building, keeping safe along a couple other buildings then the tree line. A fire escape ladder was his route to the top.

Carson makes sure Con is well on his way before turning to the others. "Laura, head for the trees. Safe spot but good vantage point. Move around to the side so you'll have a good angle to head anybody off if they try to run."

She nods, slipping into work mode. This was it. The only thing she pauses for is to reach over to Nate's hand and give it a squeeze. If she would have had the time to kiss him, she would have. But she has to move now before anyone realized they were there.

Carson points to Nate. "West side parking lot." He knew that Nate would have already seen the junked cars that would provide ample cover, and he needn't give specific orders.

He then waves to Ryder. "You're with me."

Ryder grits his teeth. Though concentrating on finding Katie, there was still a small burning inside of him that fed his dislike for Carson. But he had no choice to argue today. He and Carson head to the tall grass, drop down on their bellies and begin to army crawl to their destination. They would wind up at the edge of the parking lot, hopefully completely unseen.

Jason and Scott keep low as they dash from one tree to the next, then straighten to flatten themselves against the side of the building. They could both hear what the other teams were doing, and knew they were not alone. At this point, the hardest thing to maintain would be their timing.

Out of sight from the thugs around the corner, Jason and Scott find the door unlocked. Slipping inside, they pause to take a look around. Both knew the layout. They tiptoe at a runner's pace down the hall.

Suddenly someone emerges from a side room. The man is startled, his eyes widening. But too shocked, his reaction is slowed. Before he can get his walkietalkie to his mouth, Jason reacts. Moving with speed, Jason grabs the man, twists him around and puts him in a brutal chokehold. The man struggles, but is no match for Jason's adrenaline-driven strength. Within seconds, the man has lost consciousness.

Scott's heart pounds and his hands shake just a little. Jason looks to him with reasurance and nods. They had to keep going.

Moving forward, they find the room their looking for. Hearing voices, they go flat against the wall, guns ready. But the two men emerging go the other direction toward the far exit. Jason recognized Rod and his blood boils. A nudge to his arm brings him back to their task and he and Scott move into the room. The door to the basement.

Turning quickly, Jason locks himself and Scott into the room. If anyone came back, that would buy them just a little more time. Thankfully, the door to the basement was open. Trying the lightswitch, nothing happened. Jason retrieved his flashlight and held it out in front of him, along with his gun. Down, down they descended into the dark, damp basement.

Scott's heart was racing, and for a moment, he gets hit with a wave of diziness. Stopping, he grabs at the railing, giving a little gasp.

Jason stops and turns, looking up into Scott's face. His eyes begged him to keep going. He needed him. Katie needed him.

Doing his best to recover, Scott bravely keeps going. His mind tried to play tricks on him, trying to get him to think that he was back in his old cell. He half expected to see the same rats that had shared his meals. His hand moving through a spiderweb makes him cringe. But he keeps close to Jason's back, following him all the way.

Jason sweeps the room with his flashlight. They were alone. Except for the huddled body at the pole in the middle of the room. Oh, Katie. His heart leaps into his throat, and it takes all the raw strength he has to hold himself together. "We're in."

Reese breathes a sigh of relief. "We'll be there soon. Don't dawdle."

It had taken Jason and Scott a little longer to get inside than planned, and now time was of the essance. Moving quickly, Jason is the first to reach Katie. He slides down on his knees next to her and so gently reaches out to tilt her face up. He saw the marks. He saw the blood. His heart screamed inside of him. "Katie..." His voice was so soft, almost timid. "Katie, can you hear me?" With no response, he leans forward, putting his ear close to her. She was still breathing. "She's still alive." No one had to respond - he could feel everyone's relief. But this was far from over.

Scott kneels down behind Katie, turning on the light on his hat. Sweat trickled down the side of his face. He wanted to take the time to see Katie's face and to tell her it was all going to be okay, but that was Jason's job. Unzipping his backpack, he goes for his tools. A small screwdriver is drawn out and he aims it for the corner of the bomb, but his hand is shaking uncontrollably.

Jason sees him, and grows serious. "Scott... come on... you can do this."

Panic wells up inside of Scott. Not only was he fighting against the memories and flashbacks, but he was holding one of his dearest friend's life in his hands. He wasn't strong enough. He wasn't brave enough.

"I know you can do it, Scott." Hope's words ring in Scott's ears. He remembers the confidence in her voice. She had faith in him... she had helped bring him this far. Closing his eyes, he remembers her voice... her touch... her confidence in him.

Opening his eyes again, he looks down. His hand was steady. He starts to take the casing off of the bomb.

Jason takes a wet cloth and tenderly wipes Katie's face, tucking her hair behind her ears and cleaning off all of the dried blood. A tear runs down his cheek. Don't leave me now... please don't leave me now... We've come too far... you've hung on this long... hang on a little longer... we'll get you out, I promise.

Jason can feel the emotions rising within him. The words were still only words in his mind, but like a magnet, he could feel the emotions starting to wrap around them, trying to form their own communication. The drugs were starting to wear off.

In a hushed tone, Jason sings a sweet lullaby, hoping that if Katie could hear them, that it would bring her comfort.

The quiet singing seems to put everyone in a strange state of peace. The whole team could hear him, and they knew why he was giving his gentle reassurance.

Reese stops the van and stares ahead towards the building that could be seen in the distance. "Is everyone in position?"

One by one, the other members check in. Everyone was accounted for. Everyone was in place. Reese looks back to Phinox. "We're ready on your signal."


The morning comes in more lazily than in a long time. The team takes their time getting up – for once, taking a break from their early-morning routines. A couple of the guys eventually get up and make some coffee. Hunter leaves and returns with some pastries for breakfast and Myla works on picking up the living room after the evening before with a throw pillow fight and popcorn. It’s getting a little late, and everyone’s starting to pack up, when suddenly someone realizes that Kyle hasn’t been up and about.

“Did he eat breakfast?” Chloe questions.

Blake shakes his head. “I haven’t even seen him up.”

“Surely he’s not still asleep with this racket.” Jordan heads for the bedroom.

“I dunno.” Shawn shrugs. “I haven’t been back in there since I got up.”

Jordan rolls his eyes and keeps his route to the bedroom. He half suspected that Kyle had slipped out unnoticed. But reaching the room, he discovers he was wrong. He seeks Kyle still lying flat on the far bed, on his stomach with his head turned away from the noise.

Jordan couldn’t believe Kyle had slept through everyone’s chattering and moving around. But maybe he’d finally gotten a good night’s sleep. “Yo, Kyle!”

No answer.

Jordan goes closer and shakes the bed. “You gonna sleep all day?”

Still no answer.

“Kyle…” Jordan moves around to see Kyle’s face, then reaches down to shake his friend’s shoulder. “Kyle!”

Nothing.

Now a little concerned, Jason sits on the edge of the bed and shakes his friend again. “Kyle, come on… wake up.”

“He still asleep?” Heath asks from the doorway.

Jordan keeps trying, doing everything he can. “Come on, Kyle, buddy, daylight’s burning.” With the concern worsening, he checks Kyle’s pulse. “Kyle?”

After several more minutes of the same, Jordan finally looks up at Heath grimly. “Call 911. I can’t wake him up.”

Heath doesn’t wait to ask questions, and spins around, diving for the phone in the living room.

The others are immediately on alert.

“What… what’s wrong?”

“What happened?”

“Is he okay?”

Suddenly, the bedroom is full, a quiet but fearful chaos ensuing. Jordan stands, holding the others back. “Whoa, guys, leave room to breathe.”

Chloe’s lip trembles. “He’s not…”

“No,” Jordan answers. “He’s breathing, though his pulse isn’t great. I can’t get him to wake up, and that’s not normal. Something’s wrong.”

He hears Heath explaining to the 911 operator, asking for an ambulance. He scans all the eyes in front of him, including Alice's. “Does anyone have any idea what Kyle did before bed last night?”

Chloe swallows hard, a tear running down her cheek. “He still had a bad headache. I…I gave him some pain killers. I don’t think he had any supper though.”

“Okay, we wait for the paramedics. Stay cool and sit tight.”


"...so I thought when Dad's done with whatever it is he's doing, that then maybe we could -" Liz's words are cut off as there is a knock at the door. Both she and Axel are sitting on stools at his small kitchen counter, eating breakfast. She looks at him with question. "Expecting company?"

"No. But that never means anything." Axel slides off his seat and ambles to the door. Opening it, he's surprised at the visitor. "Taylor? What's up?"

Taylor steps inside only when invited, and gives a little sigh and shrug. "Oh, just... hadn't seen you much since the band hasn't been practicing much and, um, I just, um..." Her eyes drift down, then up, then to the kitchen. Her eyebrows rise. "Liz?"

"Taylor!" A smile spreads on Liz's face. "Long time no see!"

"Yeah! ...yeah." Taylor looks to Axel for an explanation.

He chuckles. "Unexpected visitor. Long story. So... something you needed to talk to me about?"

"Well, um... yeah, I just..." Taylor looks to Liz again, then back to Axel.

Axel gets the idea, and he turns around, motioning with his head for Liz to make herself scarce.

Liz tries to hide her grin as she picks up her bowl of cereal and aims for the living room. "I'll, just... catch the morning news on tv."

Taylor gives and awkward laugh and steps toward the empty kitchen. Turning around, she looks up at Axel, her face slightly flushed. "Look, um... I know things are alright between us, and I know if I asked, you'd probably say I didn't need to explain anything, but... it would make me feel better, okay?"

"Okay." Axel leans back against the counter expectantly. He felt just a tad awkward himself, but if Taylor needed this, then he would allow it.

Taylor takes a deep breath. "I wanted to give you my genuine apology for my behavior in the past. I... I was foolish and... and caught up in some weird emotions and... I never meant to make you feel uncomfortable."

Axel shakes his head. "You don't-"

"No, let me finish," Taylor interrupts. She paces in a small circle as she talks. "I like you, Axel. I always have. I mean... who doesn't?" She manages a short chuckle. "But I see now that I was invading your space and... that I had misinterpreted my own feelings and acted inappropriately. Yes, at the time I thought I wanted to be more than friends, but... after making a complete fool of myself and then stepping back and really taking a good hard look, I see how much I value our friendship and... I see that you and I really aren't meant to be anything but friends."

She finds a little more strength with each word. "I see you and Jess and I'm so happy for you guys, and I really hope that things work with you two. I just... I wanted to say I'm sorry for hauling off and acting on impulse and embarrassing the both of us. And... I just wanted to make sure that... well..." Her eyes lower again. "...that I could still have you for a friend and the big brother I never had."

Feeling Axel's hands on her shoulders, she looks up quickly. "Forgive me?"

Axel is smiling and he shakes his head. "How many times do I have to tell you that I do? Quit stewing about it. I'm okay, you're okay, and yes... we're still friends."

Taylor finally smiles and nods a little sheepishly. "Okay." A slight laugh surfaces. "Would this be a bad time to tell you that I have a date tonight?"

"What?!" Axel steps back, pretending to be shocked, then throws her a wink. "What's the lucky guy's name?"

"Bill."

"Bill?" Axel quirks an eyebrow "That's a-"

"A fine name," Taylor cuts him off, sticking her tongue out.

"Is he handsome?"

"Of course."

"Good clean guy?"

"Couldn't get any cleaner." Taylor grins. "Thanks, Axel. Will I see you at our next practice?"

"Far as I know."

The time has come

Walking with Kyle's arm drapped over her Alice felt so happy that she now had a new energy and a new reason to smile.

Getting to the outside of the room Alice returns Kyles kiss short and sweet but it gives emotions like non other.

"Thank you Kyle for restoring my Hope, and helping me start to fill the holes."

Finally entering the room a anew spring is in Alice's steps with a twinkle in her eye that she is sure everyone would notice.

Making her way to the bathroom Alice cleans up and throws in a pare of cloth pants, and a long night shirt. Combing out her hair and than climbs into bed throwing the top blanket off, but the sheet up to her chin. Tonight she would sleep with a smile.

Giving a nod to Wyatt and Scott Misty understands her order. She wasnt to sure about this, and to be honest she was scaired to death. Not for herself but Scott, Jason and even Katie. She wasnt sure what kind of condition she would be in when they found her.

"I'll be here for you guys and I am also linked up to your head set so I will be able to communicate is need be. Be safe guys and come back in one peace ok."

Misty's question didnt require an answer as there really wasnt one. All she could do was watch them both walk off to there destionation untill they finally were out of view.

Closing the van door once again she gives her confermation that she was linked up and could hear everything going on.

Now, it was just the waiting game and that could be the hardest part of all.

Typing a few buttons back at TJY and flipping a few switches Daltion make sure all the lights were green. Putting in his own ear peace he tests it out.

"Alright guys we are live, and green. Scott be safe out there I've got some jerky and MD back here with your name on it. I would hate it to go to wast."

Getting the response from everyone that there headsets were working Dalton stays alert and at attation. He hopes this worked and that everyone would come home safe even Phinox.

Getting into the van with the other Phinox's face still showed no emotion. There was a cloud that hung inside him he almost new that he wouldnt make it out even if he would try to.

Once inside and on there way Phinox holds out his hands as they are tied. Getting Jay and Derek's attachen he shows they a trick to keep the ropes loose.

"Hold your thumb inside the cup of your hand like this to give the rope extra. Than make your hands into fists so onces Reese ties the outsides you can tell there is extra inside. From looking at and even checked it because the Agency isnt stupid as long as you keep yours hands in fists they wont be able to tell the differance."

Letting Reese ties them up he makes sure they do as he told and all of them had room before he lets Reese tie him last. Letting out a sigh he sits back in the van. The never ending minutes were dragging on as the outcome would be no better.

"Once we are in the holding room, it will be no problem to open your hands and slip out of the ropes. After that, we kind of just have to play it by ear and hope it works out. Pick the lock to get out of the room, break down the door to get out. Have Jason or Scott open the door. We will have to see the best option. It might even work if we make a commotion and have them open the door than knock them out."

Looking across the van at the two men he gives a nod. He was sure they would do fine, and he would do whatever it took to get these two men out and back to there familys once again. How nobal, how honnerable they were. Phinox had wanted to be like that at one point in time and he though he was doing what was write but it all seemed to back fire and turned into a mess but now, at this moment it was what would make his amends.

Seeing Reese enter her office Angelica tenses just a little. She need Reese would be going with the others now, and she was scaired. If only he didnt have to go but she new, he had to.

Wrapping her arms around him and returning his kiss she pulls away before just taking him into a strong hug. Her voice cracks just a little, as she can feel he tears that wanted to break out of her eyes but she didnt let them. Though one could tell there where there by the glass look of her eyes.

"I will pray. Come back to me...ok?"

Holding on to his hand as long as she can Angelica finally has to let go. The space between them growing as she watched Reese walk out the door.

Sinking down into her chair finally a tear runs from her eye. Closing her eyes she says a quick prayer before opening them and trying to find some work to keep her mind busy. In a little while she would pray again. This whole thing was in God's hands now and Angelica new, he would do what was best. She only hoped what was best was everyone coming home again.

Moving out

Kyle watches Alice exit the pool, then he boosts himself up out of the water too. Drying off a little with his towel, he joins Alice for the walk back to their room, his arm slung around her shoulders. But this time there was more in that simple gesture... this time it was a claim on something he had just gained.

Reaching the suite, Kyle stops at the door, turning to Alice one more time. "I guess this is where two prunes say goodnight."

Though he grinned, one could now see the exhaustion in his eyes. It had been a long day.

He reaches out to tuck a stray strand of wet hair behind Alice's ear. "Goodnight, Alice. And thank you." Already he was looking forward to tomorrow... This time he wasn't going to let his silly pride get in the way. They'd have all day on the road to spend time with each other.

Leaning closer, he plants a tender kiss on her forehead. Retreating, there's a spark in his eye that warned if he wasn't so tired, he'd probably be bouncing all over the hallway. A short laugh manages to slip out. "I think I'd take you over Mountain Dew any day."

Kyle opens the door and lets Alice in the room before they can linger too much longer. Their entrance is noticed by a few of the others, though most were busy with a game of UNO or watching tv. Kyle aims straight for the guys' room.

"Hey, Kyle, how's the head?" Chloe calls over to him.

Kyle scrunches his nose. "You had to remind me that's what this thing on my shoulders is, didn't you?"

Chloe bites her lip. "Sorry. You want to take something for it so at least you can sleep?"

He'd been turning her offer down all day long, but right about now, the thought of a good night's sleep was too appealing to say no again. "Alright. You win."

"Good." Chloe rises from her seat in the living room to grab the little bottle from her purse. "Here you go."

"Thanks." Trudging to the bedroom, Kyle sets the bottle down and tries to find some dry clothes. Only then does he notice that Hunter has turned in early, and he apologizes for the noise he's making. "Sorry."

Hunter eyes him from one of the beds and doesn't respond. Instead he just rolls over to turn his back. Staring at the wall instead, his gaze is not a peaceful one. He tries to sleep anyway, to keep his mind from wandering.

Kyle quirks an eyebrow at the tense feeling in the air, but he shrugs it off, heading for the shower. He was too tired to think about anything but falling into bed himself.


The sun has already shown itself above the horizon. Long shadows spread themselves across the land. Thunderheads build in the distance. On a quiet plane, if one listened carefully, they could hear the distant rumblings from within the gigantic clouds.

A more glorious morning would be rare. But on this day, those traveling in the black van through the back roads had their minds far from the golden rays or the anticipation of invigorating storms. Instead, their minds were on the task ahead... a rescue... a mission.

Wyatt keeps his eyes on the road, his fingers curled tightly around the steering wheel. He glances to his side where Scott sat, concentrating on an open book and his tool kit as he mentally prepared for what was ahead. Though he could probably perform the task in his sleep with his discovered knowledge of the bomb, he wasn't willing to take the risk of being unprepared.

Wyatt's eyes then drift to the rearview mirror. Jason and Misty were quiet. Jason was still a bit pale, but so far had hung on well since leaving TJY. Several medical bags took up one seat. No one knew how bad Katie really was. Already, Wyatt had a route mapped out in his mind that would get them back into town and to the hospital in the shortest amount of time.

As their destination is approached, Wyatt knows where to find a parking place, from all the maps they'd gone over. The abandoned brick building had plenty of trees around it... plenty of cover.

Wyatt pulls off the road and drives through an open grassy lot before coming to a stop in some trees. Without having to say anything, he and Jason get out and throw camouflage netting over the van. It wasn't a foolproof disguise, but it would keep anyone from noticing them at a glance.

Standing outside the van, Jason checks his amunition and holsters his hand gun. He and Scott were both in black and wearing bullet proof vests, prepared to take advantage of the shadows the morning sun was providing.

Jason nods to Wyatt, then to Misty. "We'll be back. If all goes well, we'll bring Katie back here. If anything goes down, we may take her to the van Reese brings. If that happens, Misty, we'll meet you on the street. Reese will have medical supplies with him in that van too."

Scott shoulders his backpack then looks down in his hand at the gun he held. Swallowing hard, he holsters it. Donning his earpiece, he tests it out, along with Jason. Everything worked. Everyone was in contact and connected both to here and back to TJY.

"Alright, Phinox, we're heading in," Jason informs. "So far so good." Nodding to Scott, both men take off through the brush towards the building.

Wyatt paces, his hands on his hips. He loosk worriedly to Misty. Would this really work?


Reese looks up as he hears Jason's voice over his own mic. In the lower level garage, he catches Phinox's eye and nods. It was time now that they pulled out too. They were on schedule.

"Alright guys, lets get moving."

The teams had changed. With the new plan in place, Reese wanted more agents to watch their backs in case anything went down. He would be presenting Derek, Jay and Phinox to the Agency. But driving separately at a safe distance would be Con, Nate, Ryder, Carson and Laura who would take secluded positions around the perimeter of the building. Hal would be the one staying to watch the monitor, while Dalton took care of communication and tracking from the control room.

Everyone donned their own mics and tested them, talking to Hal and Dalton. They were as ready as they ever would be. The perimeter team was in black with bullet proof vests, though with the hope that they wouldn't be needed. Derek and Jay climbed into one of the vans, each trying to prepare themselves for what would happen. Halfway there, they would be tied up along with Phinox. They were all banking on the Agency simply believing that Reese would tie his own men as a sign of surrender, not of trickery. Both Derek and Jay's minds were on their families... the ones they loved.

Reese looks around at his team and lifts his eyes with a silent prayer. "Get ready in the vans. We have two minutes." Breaking off from the others, he sprints up the stairs. He felt bare without dressing for the occasion like the rest of the team, but he was the dropoff man... any weapon or sign of battle would be a threat.

Jogging down the hall, Reese stops at Angelica's office. Taking a deep breath, he knocks the enters. "We're pulling out," he informs. Looking her in the eye, he conveyed all of his worry and hope that they would all be back soon, everyone safe. But if not, he wanted her to know that he cared about her.

Approaching slowly, he pulls her up out of her chair to take her in a strong embrace. "If you want to know how we're doing, ask Dalton or Hal," he tells her quietly. Pulling away, he brings his hands up to cradle her face, leaning in to kiss her lips. "Pray for us," he whispers. Brushing her cheek with his hand he turns, and is gone.

Chill

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

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

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

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

Giving a small chuckle Alice finally replys.

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

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

Adventure

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quirks

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

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

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

Ever since

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

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

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

Fear

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

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

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

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

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

Too accustomed

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bear with me

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tell me

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

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

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

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

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