Unexpected Return

Jason grins a little.

Nah - I won't go cry in a corner or anything. Sounds like Rosetta needs you.

"Jason, can you come to my office please?"

The boss summons... gotta go. Talk to ya later.

Jason is quick to close off his emotions just halfway, signaling that he needed to pay attention to his work at the moment, and would be in touch with Katie later.


Chatter in the auto shop dies down a little, several of the men noticing the look on Ryan's face. No one needs to say it - they knew she was looking for Leo.

"So, who wants as donut?" Miles holds up the box, trying to create a distraction. The others gather around, pulling Ryan with them, while Axel, quite out of character, starts singing "Welcome back to the shop" to the tune of Happy Birthday.

Eli sticks around, not having anywhere else to go, and making sure Ryan is able to make it through the day. Darrel shows up a while later, not minding that Eli was around, and welcoming Ryan back as well.

Customers come and go and cars come in one after the other. Darrel comes in several times looking for Leo, but so far, the mechanic had not shown up. It's late afternoon, when a bit of unrest starts to rise. Over lunch, Jed had gone to drive by Leo's house, finding his car not there. But Leo wasn't answering his phone, and none of his friends seemed to know where he was either. Now several hours later, worry filled the shop, and even Darrel started growing concerned. Leo could be out of town, or with relatives or had a family emergency - but it wasn't like him not to check in. Come four o'clock, the mechanics were all looking at each other, wondering if they should be more concerned, or just let it go.

Jed and Miles are speaking quietly in one corner.

"You said he was at the races?"

"Yeah. Ticked about something."

"That the last anybody's seen him?"

"Well at least from here. He's gotta just be out of town or something."

"Could be, but... I'd hate to not do anything if it's more than that."

"You want to start calling hospitals or what?"

"I don't know, I just... I don't know."

They hush their conversation as Ryan is nearby, not wanting to lead on that they were worried about Leo.


Gunner looks left down the street, then right. He'd declined a ride, but hadn't called for one either. Finally he goes right. It would take him about an hour to walk home. But the fresh air felt good. Two more good sessions with the doctor, and he'd been released. It seemed a little odd... a little too easy, and Gunner wondered if Hope had something to do with that. He would thank her later.

For now, he had a destination in mind. At least he had his own clothes on again, back in his jeans, tee and denim jacket. Walking alongside the road, he ignored the cars, lost in his own little world until one car pulls onto the shoulder just ahead of him. Getting closer, Gunner recognizes the driver as he gets out.

JT walks to the back of the car, waiting for Gunner. "Need a lift?"

Gunner quirks an eyebrow and holds out his arms. "I might have a knife."

JT gives him a wry grin. "Yeah well... I kinda have the feeling I don't need to be scared of you."

"I just came from Northside, ya know... scary place full of scary people. There's even a rumor going around that I'm a vampire."

JT chuckles. "You know... I could say we got off on the wrong foot, but... I think it was the right foot until somebody stumbled. I know you didn't mean any harm to me, and I understand a little more now. Maybe it was right of me to turn you in - maybe not. But I'd like to start over."

Gunner stops and cocks his head. "Why?"

JT had a lot of reasons. One, he felt sorry Gunner had been through so much, and that he may have made it worse by making a big deal out of the whole incident with the hospital records. Had he known what torment the man was going through, he would have handled things differently. Two, Bree liked Gunner and she had a good head on her shoulders. She wouldn't trust someone unworthy. And three, he wanted to get to know Gunner too. After all these years, it was neat to reconnect, and he had enjoyed the night they'd all had pizza together. "We all need a few friends in the world." He shrugs. "Why as questions like "why" when we can just accept the fact that we like to help out, lend a hand, and get to know someone?"

"Bree been talking to you?"

"She's mentioned you a few times. I meant to come see you once, but I got pulled into surgery."

"Did they make it?"

"Yeah." JT smiles. "They did. Now are you gonna get in the car or not?"

Gunner thinks a moment, then shrugs. "Why not? I'll show you where my apartment is."

Once the two were in the car and on their way, JT reaches to speed dial Bree on his cell's speaker phone before getting both hands back on the wheel. He figured she might be getting up right about now. "Hey, it's me... wondering if you wanted to do supper at my place tonight? We got company."

Gunner's eyebrows raise. "Wha-"

"I'm thinking pizza."

"But I-"

"I can call it in, if you wanna pick it up on your way over."


Jade smiles as she takes the cup of coffee. "I used to hate it," she admits before taking a sip. "Then my grandma got me hooked. Mmm." She closes her eyes and breathes in the potent smell. "Nothing quite like it to awaken the senses."

She was trying really hard not to think about her dad right now. Tagging along with Dan was a nice distraction, and she enjoyed being around him more every day. Getting to know him had been fun, and they got to laugh a lot. On a day like today, she was more than willing to help with the horses, clean or pitch manure, as long as it meant keeping her mind busy.

"Alright, you da boss." She grins, downing the rest of her coffee. "Lead the way, oh, valiant cowboy."

The day at the ranch moves surprisingly fast. There's an odd feel in the air, but things function as normal. Chores are accomplished, people are taken care of, and meals are prepared and eaten in the dining hall. Everything seems to be going fine, despite the still feeling that something was amiss. By nightfall, bodies and minds are tired, ready for another night's sleep.

Out back behind the barn, Jade sits with Dan on a couple hay bales, admiring the view of stars against the foothills. Bed time was half an hour ago, but the quiet night was too nice to pass up. "When I was a little girl, I used to wonder what it would be like to look at earth from one of those stars." Jade leans back against the barn, staring at the sky. "Then I learned they were a bazillion light years away." She laughs, shaking her head. "After that, I figured maybe it might be just as nice to be in an airplane at night to see all the lights below."


It's dark. A few lights shone here and there at the ranch, but for all practical purposes, things were closed up for the night, apart from a few final conversations before bed. At the end of the driveway, it was too far away for anyone to notice the cab that had pulled to a stop and let out two figures. They walk side-by-side into the ranch, their feet crunching on the gravel. The dogs don't bark - one newcomer was someone they knew, and there was no point in alerting anybody.

The figures stop, speak for a moment, and one heads to one of the empty bunk houses. The other makes his way slowly to the main house, his duffel bag over one shoulder. Stepping up on the porch, he reaches for the doorknob, but finds it locked. Not surprising, since he was gone. Ringing the doorbell, Mick waits. His shoulders were dropped, his eyes half-closed and tired. But he was here... and he would have to take things as they came.

Toung

Rolling over in the bed Rosetta closes her eyes trying to stop the tears. She wanted a little more sleep before she woke in an hour and started her own work day doing a little more than normal than Mick was gone. She could almost guess sleep would not come, not now but it was worth a shot and gave her time to get herself together.

Looking up with a smile on his face as Jade entered the barn Dan was exspecting her. Holding out a mug of coffee her smiles.

"I am not sure if you like coffee or not, but I figured you would need something this early in the morning."

Taking a sip of his own and letting the warm liqued slid down his throat on the chilly morning it felt nice and it warmed him inside out. Scanning the barn Dan trys to decied where to start.

"Well, I have to let the horses out in the pasture if you want to help me with that. By than everyone else should be up and we can get down to the nitty gritty."

Pouring a bowl of cearl for BJ Katie gives a smile as the warm feelings from Jason wash over her. Setting the bowl down in front of her cousin she was watching him for the afternoon as Rosetta needed a little alone time to work and clear her head. Katie couldnt help but feel bad for her aunt.

Well Hello there your into work early. Than again you always were the early bird. Yeah I guess Dylan is missing and Mick is going to try and find him.

Sitting down across from BJ KAtie smiles at him stick out her toung only to have him return the toung stuck out. Giving a laugh and shaking her head she leans back in the chair.

Rosetta was pretty upset this morning, I found her crying in the kitchen though she tried to deny it, but I know better than that. She could really use my help right now with BJ and what not. She is under alot of stuff and not having to worry about him might help her a little. I know you miss me, I miss you more than anything as well but would you mind horrible if I stay another night or two?

Giving a little jump and reaching for Eli Ryan couldn't help being startled not quite knowing what was going on. Feeling silly when she see who it is and this part was for her Ryan's face turns into a big bright smile. Along with this surprise of new friends came a memorie of a birthday party she dad had throw her in her own auto shop. The memorie only made her smile bigger. Looking at her brother and raising an eyesbrow she comments to her brother.

"I...guess they did."

Hearing the new voice behind her Ryan gives a jump again but dosnt show it that much this time. Spinning around and seeing Axel Ryan's eyes sparkle.

"Axel...glad you could make it."

Giving a laugh as the banter went back and forth her being the middle of it all Ryan's laughs so hard a few times she has to hold her side and catch her breath still not one hundred percent, but it felt good to be out, home and laugh with friends.

"You know Axel sometime we are going to have to have a contest to see who can fix more cars or something than finally put to rest that your better than me."

As the laughing and jokes continue, the introductions of Eli go around Ryan's attachen is diverted as she looks around the group for the one person she had missed the most and wanted to see. Not seeing Leo, and seeing his work station empty Ryan cant help the look of disapointment that cross her face.

One missing

Hearing the quiver in Rosetta's voice tore Mick's heart in two. It was bad enough everything was going wrong - why did his own decisions have to hurt people too?

He gives her shoulder a squeeze and leans down to plant a kiss on her forehead. Then standing again, he grabs his bag and leaves.

Once he's outside, he leaves his bag and heads for the barn, just as some of the hands are getting started. He's surprised to see Jade up so early.

She stops and looks at him, then over to where he'd set down his bag, then back again. "You're... going somewhere?" She hadn't spoken with him since seeing him drunk the other night, and now there was a fear that he was leaving for good, or that Rosetta was sending him away.

"I'm going to help look for Dylan." Mick searches her face, seeing the apprehension. "I'm sorry about the other night. You doing okay?"

Jade nods. There was tension between father and daughter, but the love was still there. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm okay. I was just getting up early to help Da... help with chores."

Mick quirks an eyebrow at her choice of words. But this morning, he didn't have time to tell her not to get involved with Dan. "I should be back in a couple days or so." There was so much going unsaid. So much he should say about how he loved her and how he cared she was here, and that everything would be okay. That he would find her brother, and that he had been wrong to drink the other day. But how could he say all of that in a minute's time? "If you need anything... you call my phone, alright?"

"Okay." Jade nods again. "Um... Dad?" She bites her lip. "There is one thing..." She felt like a little girl again, asking for something she knew she wouldn't get. "See, when I left home, I wasn't getting along with Mom so great, and Grandma was-"

Mick's phone rings, interrupting them as he answers it. "Yeah? Okay. Thanks, Reese. Taxi's taking me, so I should be there soon. Tell him to wait for me. Great. Thanks." Ending the call, he looks to Jade again. "I gotta get to the airport where the Elite jet is waiting. I'll see you soon." Giving her a quick hug, he turns to catch Sparky before he left.

Jade sighs as Mick walks from her. "...pushing me so I was wondering if I could come live here." But there was no one around to hear the rest of her request. Maybe now was a bad time to ask anyway. "Be careful." Trying to shrug off both her disappointment and worry for her dad going to join the Elite in the search, she goes into the barn, looking for Dan and ways she could help with chores.

"Sparky?

He looks up from where he was cutting open a bale of hay. "Mick. Good morning."

Mick took note of his brother's less-than-warm tone. He also noticed the slowly healing split lip. "Um..." He should have seen him yesterday instead of waiting. "Look, I'm sorry about the other night. I, um... well, thanks for bringing me home. I deserved worse."

Sparky shrugs and keeps on working. "What are brothers for? You back in business today?"

"I'm heading to Nevada."

Sparky's eyes snap back to Mick. "What?"

"I think it's the Agency that's got Dylan... and I'm going to help find him. I've already been in touch with Reese and there's an Elite jet free to take me today."

Sparky feels an odd churn in his gut. Mick had just run off, got drunk, and now he wasn't even giving himself or his family time to recover before heading off to Nevada. "You... sure that's such a good idea?"

"He's my son," Mick defends. "I'm not gonna just stand back and watch. I came to ask if you'd keep a close eye on Rosetta and BJ for me."

Sparky immediately nods. "You know I will. Rosetta okay with you going back out in the field like that?"

"There's no discussion about it," Mick states flatly. "This is something I need to do."

Sparky lifts his eyebrows slightly. He knew his brother and sister-in-law too well not to know that there was tension there. And no wonder. Rosetta's husband had just come home drunk, now was leaving with the risk of death. There was more than one problem here. Sparky decides to be bold. "You gonna be alright with your drinking problem, going off by yourself?"

Mick is quiet for several moments. He didn't know the answer to that. He wanted to say he didn't have a problem, but deep down, he knew that wasn't true. "I'll be fine. I slipped up once... it won't happen again." He gives Sparky's shoulder a firm pat. "Thanks for watching things for me. I'll be back soon."

It wasn't long before the ranch was up in full-swing, another morning busy with chores. There was a strange quietness though. Someone was missing... without Mick, there was just a piece missing that gave a feeling of unrest to the whole ranch. Miles away, the taxi was pulling up to the airport, and Mick was getting out to find the Elite jet.


Jason sinks down in his chair at work, turning on his computer. He was in a little earlier than normal this morning, but waking up at four and not being able to get back to sleep was the reason.

Trooper turns several circles and flops down by the desk with a little groan, as if he thought it was too early to be in the office.

Jason flips through some new notes, noticing one that Reese had just put on his desk this morning - apparently he'd been in early too. The message was a little surprising. Stopping a moment, he searches his feelings to determine Katie was at least awake before talking with her.

Hey, Beautiful. I just got a note from Reese that Mick's coming. Dylan's missing? Do you know anything?


The shop remains quiet for another moment before all the lights are flipped on at once.

"Welcome back, Ryan!!!" All the guys are smiling from ear to ear, under their makeshift decorations - some of which already have a few spots of oil and grease. Any party planner would gag at the sight, but for the auto shop, it proved how much they loved having Ryan around.

Eli's eyes widen. "Looks like... they missed you."

Jed laughs and ushers Ryan further inside. "Did we ever. It's been too quiet around here."

"You mean we've had too much work on our own," Miles teases. He gives Ryan a warm smile. "Darrel approved, so we have some donuts to celebrate."

Jed grins. "And we'd have them even if Darrel didn't approve."

"Did I miss the party?"

Heads swing around to see Axel slipping in the back door. "Axel!" Ron waves. "I didn't think you were gonna come."

Axel shrugs, tossing Ryan a wink. "Yeah well, I haven't given up my job yet, and I certainly didn't stop being friends with one of the best mechanics in town."

"One of the best," smirks Jed. "Listen to him. He's afraid Ryan's got him beat."

Laughter ensues as Eli is introduced to the guys around the shop, and jokes are tossed around. It was a funny sort of gathering... but it was almost like a family... something no one would ever guess existed unless being a part of it themselves. There was only one person missing.

Home

Feeling Mick sit down next to her Rosetta can only hope Mick will say he is staying. But as his words come her hope did not come true and the sting behind her eyes continues.

"You could stay that would be a big help, but we both know you wont. Other than that, no there is nothing that you need to do."

Rosetta tryed not to let her voice quiver and show she had and was crying but the more she tryed not to the worse it was. She just wanted Mick to stay and take care of his family. She wanted to feel his warmth with her. Taking in a long sniff Rosetta didnt know what else to say to the man she could always count on and loved.

Her wrist still in a cast Ryan looks at the shop from the outside. It had felt like so long since she had been here it felt so strange to be back. Looking over at her brother she gave a smile a think you for driving her. She could work a little but driving at the moment was to much. Maybe in another week or so she could.

"Come on, let me introduce you to everyone."

Getting out of the car and waiting for her brother Ryan was happy he was with her. She felt nervous not even sure why but she did. At the some time she was happy to be able to show off her brother to everyone around the shop.

Entering in the door Ryan can't see much beyond the front desk and it almost looks like the shop is empty. Giving a question look to her brother Ryan steps forward and around the front counter.

"Helloooo...? I'm home!"

Balloons

Gunner's eyes glance down at Bree's hand, only now aware of his nervous leg again. What did he do to make her feel good? It really didn't make that much sense to him.

Seeing her stand and hearing her suggestion to go back inside, he knew she was right, even though he didn't want her to be. Grudgingly, he stands as well, helping pick up their things.

"I think time is always flying... it's only when we're having fun that we simply wish it were slower." Gunner gives a little sigh and ambles towards the door. Opening it, he motions Bree inside. "After you, melady."

It doesn't take long to be back in their own places, once again making it back unseen. As Gunner lies on his bed a while later, sleep doesn't come too easily. He just wanted to relive the evening so he could keep those good feelings rather than trying to avoid any lurking nightmares.


Mick packs the rest of his things, then changes his clothes for the day. Only when he sits on the edge of the bed to pull on his boots does he know that he's perhaps woken Rosetta. It takes him a moment to stand... he has an odd churning in his stomach that didn't have anything to do with his want for a drink.

Sighing deeply, he finally stands up, then goes to Rosetta's side of the bed, easing down beside her and laying a hand on her shoulder. "Hey," he mentions softly. "I'm gonna leave in about an hour." It was too dark yet to see her face, but he wished he could. "Anything you want me to do before I go?" It seemed a silly question, but it was the closest thing to an apology as he could get, when he was still leaving despite her desire to have him stay.


"No, up... up a little higher." Jed motions for Ron to move the banner just a little higher. "A little to the left... no, right."

"Would you make up your mind?!" Ron is swaying precariously on top of the ladder, while Miles is supposed to be holding it steady, but has become preoccupied with trying to blow up a balloon.

Jed finally nods. "Okay. Right there."

The homemade banner at the back of the shop read: Welcome back, Ryan!

"Perfect!" Jed gives Ron a thumbs up. "Now all we need is the food. Miles?"

The balloon goes squealing across the room as Miles was distracted and let go. "Huh?"

"Donuts! Did you get the donuts?"

"Oh yeah, yeah." Miles thumbs out to his beat up car. "Out there. You sure Ryan's coming in today?"

"That's what Darrel said."

"Where's Leo?"

Jed looks around and shrugs. "Who knows? He's on the schedule today, but I haven't seen him yet. He didn't answer his phone when I called him either. Maybe he doesn't want to be here when Ryan gets here. "

Miles smirks. "Yeah, probably. He was at the races last night. Crappy mood."

"Well, Darrel's gonna have his hide if he doesn't show up."

"No kidding - with the load we got in today, we all know better than to call in. Leo hasn't called, has he?"

Jed shakes his head. "I just told you he didn't answer when I called him earlier - I was gonna ask him to pick up some pop. I checked the machine though just in case, but there's no messages."

"Aw, he'll be in." Miles shrugs it off. "Now would somebody please help me with those silly balloons? Ryan will be here any minute."

Emotions

Letting her feel dangle and swing back and forth a little Bree sits with her hands folded in her lap. Looking up at the stars and thinking for a long moment her eyes find there constellation and she studys it for a long moment. Looking back at Gunner a small smile forms on her face. Placing her hand on his leg to stop it from bouncing.

"You make me feel good too you know."

Giving a long sigh Bree stands again taking in a deep breath as the air filled her lungs. She didnt want to go back in and new Gunner didn't want to ether but they had to.

"Well I guess we better go in for the night. Everyone else will be coming in soon, I guess the saying is true time flys when your having fun."

Sleep hadnt come easy that night and was mostly filled with tears. Fifteen minutes of sleep than awale than fifteen minutes again than away once more. Rosetta hated the way she felt, it had been a long time since her heart was on edge and it was only getting worse.

Laying in the dark and stairing at the wall the sound of the door opening makes her look up just a little in case it was BJ. Seeing Mick she lays her head back down again not saying anything as the closet opens and she can hear him packing.

Feeling the silent tears roll out of her eye again and down her cheek Rosetta wanted to pop up and say something let him know she wasnt sleeping or beg for him to stay but she didnt. It felt like her heart was breaking as Mick was leaving. Weather he would be back in a day, a week or a month he was still walking out the door on her and BJ when they needed him.

Short night

Gunner knows if it were lighter out, that his face would probably be a slight shade of red, but he can't help but smile anyway. Still casually seated on the ledge, he looks at Bree. "You know how to make someone feel good, I will say that."

His gaze shifts down as one of his legs starts to bounce a little without him even realizing it. "I guess I've never learned too well how to do that... I always pushed people away, trying to stay focused on a worthless cause."


Mick's eyes are open, though the doesn't move when BJ joins him. Any other night, he would have insisted that the boy go back to bed - they'd worked hard at making that his habit. But tonight... it just didn't seem worth the effort to have another fight.

Staying in the same position now that BJ was curled up behind his legs, he reaches down with a hand to ruffle BJ's hair, letting him know that he loved him too, and signaling that he wasn't going to kick him off the couch.

Now that he couldn't toss an turn too much, Mick eventually found a small amount of sleep - enough to get him through the night. Waking early, he ached all over from his day yesterday and from sleeping on the couch. The warm body was still behind his legs, blankets askew.

It wasn't quite dawn... no one would be up yet. Mick gradually sits up and takes BJ in his arms to carry him back to his bedroom where he could sleep another couple hours. He lays the boy in bed and makes sure the blanket is tucked up around him to keep him warm.

It doesn't take Mick long to make a quiet phone call from the kitchen, then walk to his own bedroom. He makes an effort to move quietly as he lets himself in, not wanting to wake Rosetta. Getting his duffel bag from the closet, he works as quietly as he can, gathering just a few extra clothes, and checking over his gun before he puts it in his bag too.

Daddy

Giving a chuckle and a shake of her head Bree lets her mouth form a grin.

"I'm not scarred but accidents do happen and things are going so well thats all I would need."

Reaching down to pick up a few things that she had braught up tonight Bree looks up and quirks and eyebrow at Gunner going back over to him and leaning her elbows on the ledge herself.

"Worry about you? You the only friend I got and care to have, I think a little worry is ok."

Poking his head out of his bedroom BJ stops and listens for sounds. Hearing nothing his little feet pad across the floor going for the refrigerator. Pulling out one of the water bottles and taking a sip BJ puts it back and starts to head back to his room. Though stoping he feels something was wrong or differnt.

Going to the couch and seeing Mick a confused look was on his face but no words were spoke. He had heard the fight earlyer and though he didnt know everything he new Rosetta was mad at him.

Heading to his room BJ pulls a blanket from his bed and makes his way back to the couch. Crawling up onto the couch BJ finds room behind Mick's legs and curls in resting his head on his thigh and pulling the blanket over them both. Squeezing Mick's leg BJ whispers.

"I love you Daddy."

Fine

Gunner bites the corner of his mouth. "I've been digging for years..." He shakes his head. "All it did was prove the doctors' diagnosis. Even though I remembered the accident finally... even that's just this... blurry kind of picture."

Turning around and walking the edge again, he stops, quirking a smile. Giving in, he steps down and sits on the short wall instead, his legs dangling to the inside of the roof. "What? Did I find something you're scared of?" he teases.

Leaning back on his hands, he catches her eye again. "I think I heard just a smidge of worry in your voice."


Mick doesn't move. He's too stunned by Rosetta's words to even react. Second place? All he can do is stand in the kitchen doorway, his mouth hanging partway open.

The kiss doesn't do much other than to make him look at her to receive the second blow. His eyes change from an irritated spark to an angry blaze as he watches her, ire-filled words bubbling below the surface. Hearing her sobs as she walks away only seems to fan the fire. He wanted to kick something, throw something or hit something. Worse yet, he wanted a drink so badly that his hands were shaking.

Swallowing everything that wanted to spill out, Mick keeps his mouth shut.

Fine.

He doesn't follow Rosetta to the bedroom. Instead, he goes back into the living room where he shuts out the light and grabs a blanket before lying down on the couch. Rolling onto his side, he tries to get comfortable on the uneven cushion, but it's nearly impossible. It was going to be a long night. Despite his exhaustion, his body hurt so bad and his mind was so full and he was so uncomfortable on the couch that sleep was not going to come easily.

Sob

Looking back at Mick Rosetta's eyes filled with tears. She was now mad, she was upset and hurt. All her fears she had pushed away where now unfolding and it hurt so bad all she wanted to do was throw up.

"And I guess I cant expect you to feel how I do, because you have been the only one I ever had so there is no second place for you to take."

Throwing the towel she had been holding Rosetta makes her way to where Mick was standing. Leaning in to give him a kiss on the cheek she moves past him but stops before she even new it the words on her mind were spoken.

"If you leave tomorrow before you come back you better consider if you really wanted to be part of this family or if all we are is the consolation prize."

Heading down the hallway small sobs follow Rosetta as she heads to the bathroom before bed.

"But if you dig up enough it could trigger memories that will help you."

Standing from the ledge Bree lets out a small tired sigh as she looks through the telescope and than back at Gunner and shakes her head.

"Would you get down from there before you break your neck please? Than I will be out of a job, in jail and a man friend. All three horrable combanations."

Dangerous walkway

Mick gives a little groan and flops back in the couch, running a hand over his face. He didn't like what he was hearing - it just made his inner battler worse.

Growling, he stands up and paces a little. "Dylan's in front of my own two eyes too," he mutters under his breath. Stopping at the small fireplace, he looks at all the pictures that they have collected and set on the mantel. There are many of him, Rosetta and BJ. And there are also a few of Jade, and a couple of Dylan. All of a sudden, he felt torn between those two worlds, and wasn't even sure why. Why couldn't he go? What was wrong with wanting to help find his own son?

Wandering to the kitchen, he remains in the doorway, silent, waiting to lock eyes with Rosetta. "I'm sorry you don't understand." His voice is steady. "And I'm sorry that I'm more worried about my son than you are - I guess I can't expect you to feel the same way I do. I'll call the police in the morning, and if they still haven't found anything, I'll arrange for the guys here to look after you and BJ and I'll be taking the first flight to Nevada."


Gunner isn't really sure how to respond to Bree's remark. It was different... here he was, not happy that he couldn't remember, and she wanted to forget.

He opens his mouth to respond, but stops as he suddenly feels Bree's palm on his face. His eyes snap to hers. He should have laughed at her comment about him being her only vamp, but for some odd reason, even though he felt the humor, it just didn't want to come out. Instead, his skin grew warm, starting from where Bree's fingers paused on his cheek.

"Traveling a road with a vampire can be dangerous," he almost whispers.

Slowly, he reaches up to take her hand in his, and he just holds it for a moment, perhaps not even realizing that his thumb was caressing her palm.

Then breaking the moment, he lets her hand go and turns, hopping up onto the ledge of the roof. It was a good two feet wide, but walking it would not be recommended by anyone. Gunner paces it slowly, seeming to not care how far down it was with no railing.

"I can't travel that road anyway," he muses thoughtfully as he slowly walks, holding his arms out to the sides for balance. "I can't revisit what I can't remember... all I can do is dig up facts from unknown sources to maybe catch a glimpse of what my life was like before."

Defend

Feeling her own defense rise at the tone from Mick becomes harsher than she wanted to even get to. But hearing BJ's name thrown into the mix made her defence go off even more.

"So what now we compare the kids? The issue here is not thats its Dylan, the issue is that you should be taking care of the family in front of you own two eyes before you go running off to be the hero, and be the hero to the little boy in the other room that loves you more than anything in the world because your the father he has even known."

Rosetta stands and heads out of the living room into the kitchen. She felt shaky and her stomach was still doing flip flops. She hated fighting, she hated the arguing and the way it made her feel.

"How do you think it makes me feel to see you go running off when you cant do anything more than they already are doing? The Elite will do what they can, and if you go you will sit with them and wait when you can do that here."

Giving a small smile as Gunner sat down next to her Bree gave a chuckle. It wasnt often she talked about her past but when she did sometimes it was nice to make a joke out of it. It hurt less.

"I always wanted to forget my childhood. Maybe we can switch places sometime?!"

Bree nudges Gunner playful like. Stoping and just leaning into him a little listing to what he said.

" You dont have to go through remember alone anymore eather if you dont want. I can travil down the road with you. The past is nothing to be scared of, it brought you to who you are today and that is whats important.."

Bringing her hand to the side of Gunner's face Bree rubs off a little bit of dirt that founds its way there more than likely from the telescope. Her eyes still twinkling in the moon light she chuckled.

"Right now, at this moment your a great guy. Thats what matters who you are today. Your my favor vamp."

Thinking for a moment Bree quirt quirking an eyebrow.

"Actully, your my only vamp."

Scared

Mick can feel his defenses starts to rise, and he's not even sure exactly why. He didn't like arguing with Rosetta, but he wasn't even sure why it even felt like an argument to begin with. He hadn't thought there was much difference between one family and the other... they were both his. He had three children, in his mind, not two, and one.

"If it was BJ that was missing... would you tell me not to go?" He didn't mean for his tone to be quite as harsh as it was, even though his volume was low.


Gunner cocks his head at Bree, wondering about her past once again. It was obvious that her family life must not have been the greatest. He tucks his hands in his pockets and turns to sit next to her on the ledge of the roof, unafraid of the height.

"At least you remember growing up." He shrugs, not even knowing how to feel about his own past. He never had figured out how to feel about it. "I guess I've always been a little scared to try and find out what kind of a kid I was... always afraid I'd find out I wasn't the greatest sort of guy or something."

Luck Out

Looking back at Mick Rosetta could keep her hand shake slightly and her skin had gone cold and clamy as her stomach gave a horrible larch. She couldnt help the feelings she was having about this and everything seemed so messed up, it made her sick inside.

"Its dosnt matter if we are safe or not, its the point of the matter thats its not fair to us to sit here while you run off when there are other people who are doing what they can to find Dylan. The Sheriffs station might not know what they are doing but the Elite do."

Continuing to keep studying Mick Rosetta didnt know weather to feel bad for how she felt, or not. She didnt think she was being selfish and she felt like she was in the right here but she didnt know how to make Mick understand with out him getting upset.

"When you married me, and when you adopted BJ that was your promise to us to always put us first in your life. What if something happens while your gone? What if BJ needs you? What if I need you? What if something happens to you? You say nothing will but you dont know that for sure Mike. We need you here."

Coming next to Gunner Bree just stands and looks to the city below with Gunner. It was nice these last two days to be here with him and enjoy this time.

"Nah, its when the city wakes the fun is over."

Taken off guard for a moment on Gunner talking about his mom Bree recovers quickly and gives a small grin. It was nice and a good starting sigh to hear Gunner talk about his mom.

"I bet you did. You have that glint in your eye that says you like staying up at night. My on the other hand..."

Bree gives a small dry laugh as she sits on the edge of the building.

"My mom and father was hardly ever home to tell me to go to bed. I guess I lucked out."

Going to bed

Mick lifts his eyebrows slightly, as if almost surprised at Rosetta's strong feelings. Though she was calm, he knew well enough to know that she was serious.

"But..." He tries to find the right words, not really sure how to feel now. "I can't... just sit here, when I'm more than capable of helping. I may not be an official agent, but it wouldn't feel right not to use the abilities I have. If there's one thing I can do, or any extra information I have, or anything... if that helps get Dylan back then... I would think it would be worth it."

He looks at Rosetta's eyes, trying to read her, and trying to figure out what he was supposed to be doing. "I love you and BJ, you know that. But you're both safe here... and nothing's gonna happen to me. TJY would help, yeah, but... how can I not be involved?"


Gunner chuckles. "Mmm... maybe it's the other hand that's being protected."

He turns his head, craning his neck to look over at Bree, a little grin on his face. It seems he's going to say something more but changes his mind, and instead he rocks up and back to his feet, going for some of the fruit that Bree had brought.

Another hour passes with little chatting and lots of stargazing. Constellations are found, a couple planets spotted, and an in-depth discussion evolves around the subject of light years.

Too soon, Gunner knows Bree will have to get back to work. He stands at the telescope, not looking through it, but resting one hand on it, while looking out at the city instead. "I guess when the city goes to sleep, that's my cue to go back to my cell." He sighs, running a finger along the cool metal of the telescope. He didn't want to leave yet. He was enjoying himself too much. A dry laugh escapes. "I wonder if I ever gave my mom a hard time about going to bed."

Lose

Sitting up again as Rosetta hears what Mick was saying her stomach cherns. Moving so she is facing Mick she searchs his eyes for a long moment.

"What about us? Me, and BJ, if The Agency wants you, or something happens what about us than? Your not an Agent anymore, and you have a family right here you need to care for. I am not saying Dylan is less important because I know he is. But let TJY do there job thats why they are there right?."

Her tone wasnt angry or irratated, it was quiet normal carrying on this conversation with Mick. But something churned evern more inside Rosetta, it was like a fear, a doubt something she wanted to stress to Mick but couldn't find the words he would understand.

Giving her own laugh as she watchs the shooting star go by and here Gunner's comment Bree has to stop for a moment. Hearing her own laughter was differnt and almost seemed off to her. It was on a very rare occasion she laughed a little if at all but around Gunner it just seemed to be easyer to do.

"I saw it, and I dont think it did hurt to much.."

Giving a smile and continuing to look up at the stars Bree's eyes twinkled in there light.

"...see I've got another hand protecting mind so it reflected the hot sting leaving a warmth in its place."

Offering a smile and a nod to Axel Misty was glad he understood and was accepting the fact that this might not even work.

"Oh Axel, I hate to lose so I'll keep at it till it does work and you can move your hand again. I'll see you in a few days and we will go from there. Need anything anytime and you just give me a call ok?"

Misty gives Axel a card with her number on it so he really could call if he needed anything. Once Axel was gone Misty went back to the cooler and took out his blood wasting no time with the tests.

Hurt?

Mick thinks for a long moment, his mind going in a thousand directions. "I can't just have someone else out there searching... I can't just stand back and not be involved."

He finds Rosetta's eyes again. "I don't want to ask the impossible of you but... I have to help find Dylan. If it's the Agency, he won't survive very long. If it is them, the only reason can be to get to me... and if I'm the one they want, they'll just make things worse until something breaks. I have to go... I have to find him."


Gunner studies the stars and smiles a little. "Yeah... yeah, I don't want to give her up. But I don't really want to move either. I haven't been there that long and it's 'bout the only place I could afford." He shrugs. "What will be, will be."

After a quiet moment, he suddenly points to the sky. "Hey, did you see that shooting star? It just went right across your palm." He laughs. "Hope it didn't hurt."


Axel nods, mentally going through any plans. His schedule was quieter than ever, being out of work. "Sounds good to me." Taking a piece of paper and nearby pen, he jots down his cell phone number. "Just give me a call whenever you want me back in, or tell Carson - you know I see him at Bible study every week."

Standing up, he looks at Misty, grateful. "Thank you. No matter what the outcome, I appreciate your willingness to help."

< : 3 ) ~ ~ ~

Continuing with dinner Rosetta laughs with Mick and BJ both enjoying there meal. A few times laughter just rolls as BJ couldn't manage to keep a carrot on his spoon. But for the most part he was doing well learning very fast.

Finally dinner is done, and several games of checkers had been played Rosetta and Mick swaping in and out as on lost to BJ. His skills in seeing steps a head before anything was played were amazing and growing so fast. The last game played, and a story was read, kiss, water and hugs were dished out BJ was tucked in bed heading to dream land fast.

Slowly shutting the door behind her Rosetta makes her way down the hall shutting off the kitchen light as she went and aiming for the couch. Sinking down Rosetta was so tired, but this talk was coming, it was something that needed to be. So first she would listen and than talk.

Listing to everything about Dylan Rosetta had already been informed but still just hearing it from Mick and hearing the sad tone it hit Rosetta hard. She couldnt imagen how hard it must be to have your child taken and no know where he was.

"You should of let someone know Mick and not just gone off the handle like that. I know you just wanted to find Dylan, but you have a family here that needs you too."

Letting out a long sigh Rosetta leans a little more into Mick. She didnt want to sound heartless she was worryed for Dylan just like Mick was but this all should of been handled differently. Turning a little on her back so she could look up at Mick Rosetta gave a little smile.

"Now its time to start at square one. Its gone to be long its going to be hard, but the beginning is where you starts the only difference is we have a child in the house now so you need to stay in control."

Sitting up again Rosetta puts her arm around Mick to let him just nuzzle into her for the comfort she new this was hard for him, and she new this road would be long again but she would never let him to deal with it alone.

"Right now I think the best thing you can do it call Reese at TJY and let him know whats going on. Katie is going back to Nevada tomorrow and maybe Jason and Katie can look into it."

Beast

Mick's fingers tighten around Rosetta's as BJ prays, silently communicating his love. He felt lower than the floor... but he had to keep going.

Once supper starts, Mick tries to keep up conversation with BJ, hearing about the day, and forcing himself to smile and keep his tone light. Afterward, the missed checkers game is played until finally it's BJ's bed time.

After Mick has the little boy tucked in bed and on his way to sleep, he resumes his place in the living room, sinking down on the couch next to Rosetta. Leaning back, he just stares at the ceiling for a while, remaining silent.

Eventually, he puts his arm around Rosetta, pulling her sideways into his lap so he can hug her close.

"I lost control," he finally admit quietly. "I just... completely lost control." He sighs deeply, resting his head against hers as he tries to form the words. "Dylan is missing... and Jill has innocently been convinced by the authorities to keep me out of it. When I went to the station, they wouldn't give me any information at all until one guy finally talked a little. They're pretty sure Dylan's been taken - that he didn't just run off like he's done before."

Mick stops to swallow hard, his eyes closed now. "I can feel it in my gut that it's the Agency. I don't know why or how but... I feel it. And the police wouldn't listen. I pressed my luck and they threw me out of the station. On my way out of town I... I just wanted..." He sighs again. "I don't know what I wanted. But the bar was right there and... I gave in."

Nuzzling his head into Rosetta's shoulder, he's quiet again for several moments. "It's all come back... all of it. I've been dry for almost a year... and I just ruined it in one fell swoop."

Lifting his head, he looks her in the eye, just studying her gaze. "I already want to go back... but I had Wes hide my keys earlier. I just... I just want to fix things... and I don't know how, and I don't know how to cope. I've got to find Dylan... and now I can't even think straight, this beast has such a tight hold on me."

\m/ - . - \m/

Bree can't help the small smile the was behind her eyes knowing Gunner wasn't meant to had Cat but did anyways. Though she could see how attached Gunner had become to the little fuzzball.

"Why don't you fine a new place than? One that lets you have cats since you so fond of her! Would be shame to throw away a good thing right?"

Looking up and seeing Mick was upset BJ gave a smile as he wrapped his tiny arms around might giving him and even tighter hug.

"We still love you dad! I know you dust were shad."

Once put on the bed BJ waits as Mick turns around and he climbs onto his dad's back wrapping his arms lose but firmly around his neck. Letting out a shriek of laughter as they came down the hall.

Looking up at BJ's laughs Rosetta smiles as BJ and Mick come down the hall. She always liked watching Mick and BJ together they were just so cute. Giving a nod to Mick as she sat next to him on one side and BJ on the other Rosetta folds her head.

"BJ, you can pray now."

As BJ starts his prayer Rosetta unfolds her hands and reachs over taking Mick's in her own and interlocking her fingers with his.

"Dear Jesus, thank you fhor this food and for bring Dad home ok. Thank you fhor everything you have given us. Ahmen."

Misty gives a little laugh as she goes to wash her hands and than comes back to her desk once again sitting down.

"I want you to call me as much as you want. I'm quite differnt from other Dr's I want you to know as little or as more as you want. This it about you after all."

Going into her desk and pulling out a folder Misty takes her pad and a pen looking over what she had planned for the next few days.

"Well if everything works out with the tests on your blood I would like to do the small surgey next week so I can jump into doing more tests, and research. It might take a little while after that but all together I would like to have everything taken care of before christmas for you."

Two sons

Gunner remains on his back, putting his hands up behind his head. "Ooh, a tarantula and a rat. That's cool." He lifts his eyebrows slightly. "Yeah... I bet Cat would like you. 'Course... you can't tell anybody about her. I'm..." His mouth turns up into a sheepish smile. "...not supposed to have pets. I've kept her hidden for a while now but... I either gotta find her a new home or me a new home."

He tried not to let any disappointment through in his voice. He'd kinda gotten attached to the little critter, and by now, he really didn't want to have to get rid of her.


Mick doesn't hear BJ's initial call to him, but when he feels the bed move, he knows it's him. His mind was so clouded right now... somehow, he had to focus.

BJ's request for him to come so they could pray sent an undeserved warmth through him. He had it too good here... after the mistakes he'd made.

Lifting his head, puts an arm around BJ and pulls him into his lap, giving him a bear hug and a kiss on the head. Still holding him close, he speaks quietly in his ear. "I'm sorry for what happened last night, Kiddo. Dad was wrong." It was hard to apologize to an adult - even harder to a child... a child he was trying to be a good example for.

Taking a deep breath, he lets it out slowly and straightens up so he can see BJ's freckled face. He was worried sick about Dylan... but he had another son who needed his attention too. He manages to smile for BJ. "Okay... let's go so we can pray and eat."

Standing up, he sets BJ on the bed and turns around so BJ can ride on his back down the hall and into the kitchen. Arriving at the table, he slides the boy down into his seat before taking his own chair and folding his hands. His eyes meet Rosetta's. He had a lot of explaining to do... and he would talk to her after BJ was put to bed later.


Axel pays close attention to what Misty does and says, nodding at her explanation, even though he might not understand every term. "Sounds like you got it under control." He grins a little. "Makes sense to me... for someone who isn't a doctor. So... when do you think you'll want to do that initial surgery? Or is this a 'don't call me, I'll call you' sort of thing?"

Otak

Giving a small nod and a smile Bree looks back up at the stars as they twinkled in the night sky. Seeing there hand prints mapped in the sky again it made her stomach do flip flops once more as she gave a small chuckle.

"Cat..I like it very fitting."

Drawing silent again as if thinking Bree finally speaks again.

"I have two pets, Skippy my Tarantula and than there is Darwin my rat. They are actully to very interesting pets. Maybe sometime I could meet Cat?!"


Having BJ return out to her his checker bored in hand Rosetta smiles at the young boy. He was so special to her, and she was thankful for him laughing as his shirt was put on backwards.

"Come here you. Lets fit this shirt the right way."

"Mom wheres dad?"

Taking BJ's shirt off and than putting it back on him Rosetta gives the tip of his nose a kiss smile.

"He's getting changed into some clean cloths. He'll be out shortly. Now go set up your game while I put dinner on the table."

Moving around the table again while BJ was in the living room Rosetta braught everything to the table getting ready for dinner.

Coming back to the table BJ climbs into his chair and fold his little hands in front of him. Waiting to say prayers.

Looking at her son and giving a nod Rosetta smiles.

"You can say the prayers tonight ok?"

"I cant mom, I have to wait for Dad to come out!"

"We can say our prayers and when we comes out we can pray again."

BJ gives a little shake of his head looking at his mom his eyes telling her he would be stubborn on this one.

"We have to wait for Dad."

"Ok. We can."

BJ stands from his chair again giving a smile at Rosetta. He was growing so fast she could hardly keep track anymore.

"I'll go see if he is ready."

Disapearing down the hall BJ comes to the bedroom and pokes his head in.

"Dad?"

Coming into the room all the way he see Mick on the edge of the bed and goes to him. Struggling for just a moment to get on the bed he finally does and scoots close to Mick pitting his tiny hand on his back and patting it.

"Dinner is ready and we cant pwray with out you! Are you Otak?

Drawing the blood from Axel Misty is very gentil doing her best to get the vein first shot and does. Pulling out a little bit of her paperwork Misty puts it in front of Axel talks as she drew his blood.

"Well before we do anything I wanna run a few tests on you blood, see your blood type, make sure you health in all other aspects before even attempting anything. Than, I would like to do a small surgary on your hand and take out a bit of your nerve. Around your thump you have a little extra nerve tissue and I would be taking that."

Drawing silent for a moment Misty changes out the tubes of blood starting to fill another. Studying Axel for a moment before continuing.

"I will than test the nerve tissue to see if I can get it to regrow a little, or at least give some signs it will. I've been working on differnt proteens, and a neurtransmitter as well to see if I can stimulate the nerve once again."

Finishing with the second vial of blood Misty takes a peace of gause and a bandage putting it over where she had drawn the blood. Placing both vials into the cooler till she was ready to use them.

"Going aganst what most Dr's will tell you nerves never die. They simply enter a state of hibernation that they cant wake from. So what out goal is, is to get the nerves to synapses with the target."

Looking at Axel Misty didn't think she was making a lick of sense to him with all her medical terms but it was kind of fun to talk to someone about it anyways.

Cat

Mick manages a small smile and kisses Rosetta's forehead lightly. "Thank you. ...You two go ahead and eat... I don't want to make you wait."

Turning, he makes his way down the hall to the bedroom a bit slower than usual. Finding some clean clothes, he's ready to hit the shower. It doesn't take him long to clean up, shave, and get into clean clothes. Though his eyes were still tired, he looked more like himself.

Back in the bedroom, he's ready to join Rosetta and BJ, but instead, he sinks down on the edge of the bed. Leaning forward, he puts his face in his hands, too overcome to go on right now. There was just way too much he was feeling. He knew he felt sick because he'd had nothing to eat in over twenty-four hours, but the longer he was here, the clearer his mind got, and the clearer his mind got, the more crowded his emotions. He had to get up, go eat, play with BJ and talk with Rosetta... He had to get up... His legs just didn't want to carry him.


Gunner grins. "TV dinners aren't so bad once you get used to them... and ordering take out at least lets you get to know the drivers."

Finishing up his sandwich, he lies on his back for a while before wanting the fruit. Hearing Bree's question, he hesitates. "Um... I call her Cat."

He looks up at the moon, rolling his eyes at himself. "I couldn't come up with a good name so... ever since she showed up outside my door, she's been Cat."

Later

Racing down the hall again BJ went to try off and get his PJs on but stops on his way back to his room with the towel to take the time to whip up the water mess he had made before his bear little butt in the air as he cleaned up the mess. Standing up again as if remembering his close where not on. Running off into his room again BJ goes to his closet and searchs for some.

Once BJ is gone Rosetta continues to hold Mick. She loved him to much to be mad at him for to long over one slip up. It happend to the best of them and if it was her she would want a second chanse too.

"I know you are. We will talk more about it later ok?"

Pulling away from Mick and just looking at him in the eye Rosetta smiles a chuckle escaping her lips.

"Your place is already set at the table. It always will be, now go take you shower so we can eat."

Bree cant help but chuckle as she leans back on the blanket looking up at the sky. Another night was going by and it was filled with a laughter and joy she had never experienced before. Gunner made her feel differnt, a good differnt she though, he almost made her feel normal.

"I am going to guess you eat a lot of tv dinners if you think a normal turkey sandwich tastes amazing. I cant wait till you get to eat something more than this, Your never going to want to go home again."

Closing her eyes and being silent for a long moment one might think Bree had fallen asleep but she wasnt. The air washed over her the soft sounds of a busy city below seemed so far away. How relaxing, how comfortable she felt. Finally opening her eyes again Bree turns her head to look at Gunner.

"You have a cat? Whats her name?"

Well yeah

Mick's eyes roam Rosetta's as she turns from the stove. His own were bloodshot and tired, but an apology that couldn't be voiced was mirrored in them. Had she thought he wouldn't return? He'd wondered if he was even welcome.

He opens his mouth to respond, when BJ came running into the room, water flying. Mick is almost knocked off balance and he has to take his hands out of his pockets to brace himself on the doorway. All at once, he remembered yelling at the child last night... and his heart broke.

His hand runs through BJ's wet hair for a moment before he's surprised by Rosetta's embrace. He wanted to say so much, but the words just got stuck. So instead, he wraps his arms around her and holds her tight. "I'm sorry," is all his can whisper.

Knowing that BJ couldn't go ignored, Mick finally lets go of Rosetta and looks down at the boy. "Hey, Kiddo." His voice was a bit raspy, but he tries to smile for BJ's sake. "I... think you're missing something."

He quirks an eyebrow, with a stern but gentle look. "I think... it's your clothes." He scratches BJ's head lovingly. "Go dry off and put something on before supper, okay? I'll still be here when you come back." He urges the child back down the hall. "Go on... And bring your checkers board when you come back," he calls after him.

Turning back to Rosetta, he pulls her into another hug, burying his face in her hair. "I need to clean up," he mentions quietly. "But keep a place at dinner for me?"


Gunner's eyebrows raise as he takes a bite of his sandwich. "Well, yeah." His answer comes without hesitation, as if he's surprised at Bree's questioning whether he'd want to see her, even though he'd basically asked her the same thing.

He blinks, maybe surprised at his own speed in answering her. "I mean.... yes." A muffled chuckle comes out through his chewing. "I don't have anybody else to look at the stars with... except my cat... but she gets distracted easily and doesn't like hearing about Orion or Saturn fifty times."

His eyes twinkle in the moonlight as his grin remains. "Besides... a vampire doesn't make friends too easily, so he's gotta hold on to the ones he's got." He pauses, glancing down at his sandwich. "Especially... when they make food as good as this."

Innocent

Taking a bit of her sandwich after dishing everything out onto the paper plates Bree enjoys the taste for a long moment. She hadnt relized how little she even eat all day until taking that first bit of her food and her tummy gave an angry growl.

"I didn't realize how hungry I was."

Placing her plate down and taking a sip of water Bree thinks for a long moment about Gunner's question. She'd had made a comment about making Gunner a hot meal without even thinking that maybe he didnt want to even see her after this. It was strange to have said that let alone even feel close enough to someone to just make a comment like that.

Looking up at Gunner again the courners of Bree's mouth twitch a little bit the flopping in her tummy continuing.

"Well...I just though we would. I mean I would like to, that is if you would too!"

Walking into the bedroom Alice was still in awww once again. The room was so nice looking and it was now where Alice would live. Looking back to Erik Alice shakes her head.

"I think I've just stepped into a fairytale. I dont have many cloths so I wont take up much space."

Looking to Kyle and giveing a big smile Alice squeezes his hand a little. She was so excited and couldnt wait for his band to take off. Her eyes twinkled.

"I dont think there is anything else I could ask for at this point. Thank you Erik."

Standing at the stove Rosetta mixes the stew she was making. The table was set for three and BJ was in the tub washing up for the night. Rosetta hadnt seen Mick all day. Wes had told her he want for a ride but other that that she hadnt heard anything. Not turning around Rosetta yells into the bathroom.

"Are you a prune in there yet?"

Holding his hand in front of his face BJ looks at the wrinkles in his skin before looking up again.

"I'm not a prune Mom, I'm a boy."

Giving a laugh and shaking her head Rosetta loved the boys innocents.

"Well dinner is almost done, so your pruny little boy butt needs to hurry up before I eat it..."

Turning around Rosetta gives a jump as her words trail off not exspecting Mick to be standing there. For a moment standing in shock Rosetta didnt know what to say. Everything came rushing to her and where to start first was not certain.

"Mick...you came back.."

Rosetta wanted to say more but the words wouldn't come. Stepping forward Rosetta starts to go to him but a naked body from the hallway catches her eye as BJ stands looking at Mick before getting a big toothy grin.

"DADDY!!!"

And the heart of a child holds no anger, only love flows through there veins. For what they were scared about yesterday would not be the same as today.

Throwing his wet arms around Mick's leg BJ hugs him tight not letting go. It would seem the boy had forgotten about what happend last night. Looking up at Mick the boys smiles again as he dripped water all over.

"See Mom, I told you dad would be home for dinner if we waited."

Smiling back at the young boy and than back up at Mick love reflecting for both of them in her eyes. Walking closer to Mick Rosetta pulls him into a hug wrapping her arms around him. Leaning her head into his should.Oh how she had missed him.

Plush surroundings

Gunner lowers himself onto the blanket to sit cross-legged as Bree presents the food. "Mm... looks good." Anything other than the food here was great, and whenever Bree brought something, it always seemed even better.

Looking down a moment, he glances back up to her as she comments about a hot meal. "Does... that mean I still get to see you after this?"


Erik gains a smile at Alice's response. "Good. And if you two ever have any questions about what you see or hear about Kip, or anybody else for that matter - just come to me and ask. We're an open family and we don't have secrets."

He goes to open the door. "Now come on in... we got some time to kill before Twila gets back with the movie."

Erik shows them both inside, leading them down the hall and up two grand staircases. Down a plush hallway, he opens a door on the right that was to a very spacious bedroom. It was well-kept, even though it was obvious that it was not used on day-to-day basis. The decor spoke of a woman's touch - elegant, with flower print curtains on the window that overlooked the same garden that had been visible from the sun room.

Erik smiles at Alice. "Welcome to your room. You can put your things wherever you like, and use any drawers or closet space. There's a phone by the bed, and there's an outlet by the desk if you want to plug in your computer. We got wireless internet, so you should be set."

He thumbs next door. "Next one over is where Twila usually sacks out when she's over here, so if you holler in the night, she'll be there. And...." He nods a ways further down the hall. "Kyle's gonna be down here next to Kip. Need anything before supper?"


Mick slowly untacks Remington, cools him down and lets him loose in the back pasture. The day had slipped by and now the sun was starting to set. Most of the chores were already done. So far, he'd been lucky enough not to run into anybody in the barn since he'd returned from his ride.

Eventually, he makes his way to the main house. He had a limp tonight - his bad knee was acting up after a bad night and an all-day ride. He was tired, hungry, sore and miserable. He needed to shave, and he needed a shower.

Getting to the house, he steps up on the porch, but hesitates. He's tempted to knock. This was his house too... but he didn't know what had happened the night before, and he could only guess it wasn't good. He reaches for his head, forgetting he didn't have his hat on like he always did. He didn't know what had happened to it.

Sighing, he finally opens the door and steps inside. It was warm, and smelled of Rosetta's cooking. She must have decided to have supper away from the dining hall tonight. Standing in the entryway, he could hear BJ down the hall in the bathtub, half singing, half talking to his bath toys. It was a happy scene... except for him.

Turning to the kitchen, he sees Rosetta preparing supper. He didn't even know how to approach her. He was so ashamed of himself, he didn't know what to do. Tucking his hands in his pocket, he just leans against the doorway, watching her. He wasn't even sure that she wouldn't tell him to get out.

Follow

Turning around as Gunner's stomach growls Bree cant help the chuckle that escapes her lips. Following Gunner back over to the blanket she couldnt help but feel a little strange after there exchange they just had. It just felt like...she wanted to do more in that moment than she ever had before, but...it was to late now?

"Ok lets see what we got here, its not blood but its the next best thing."

Reaching into the tiny basket Bree pulls out a tiny bowl that held from mixed fruit in it, and also some sandwiches, two cans if soda to go along.

"Its not much but the only thing that taste good cold. Maybe one day I can make a hot meal for you as well."

Walking up the walkway her laptop bag in hand, along with her own duffel bag Alice's jeep parked nicely in the driveway she help tight to Kyle's hand. Excited but still scaired Alice couldnt take the smile off her face. A new adventure was unfolding in front of them.

Stopping on the pouch with Kyle and Erik Alice listened intently to what was said about Kip. Now it made sence with his sudden mood change earlier. Her heart went out to him and she felt oh so bad. But that wouldn't scar her away.

"I'd never leave Kyle's side, even if you payed me. As long as I have him, no trouble could be to great."

Giving a smile to Kyle and than back to Erik Alice gives a nod.

Risks

A little grin quirks the corner of Gunner's mouth as Bree leans back against him. Her comment makes the grin spread. Slowly, he lets his chin rest on Bree's head. "If it weren't for you... I'm not sure this vampire would have a night sky to look at right now."

His arms move a little tighter. "Thank you."

A silent moment is suddenly broken by the rumbling of Gunner's stomach. "Aw man." He can't help a brief laugh as he backs away, letting Bree go. "I guess my stomach can't live off the stars like the rest of me can."


Kyle slings his duffel bag over his shoulder and heads back to the intimidating front doors of the mansion. He and Alice hadn't needed very much time to go gather their things from the hotel, and had now returned to Erik's house.

Ringing the doorbell, this time it's Erik who answers it. He gives them both a big smile, but instead of inviting them in right away, he joins them on the porch.

"Hey, guys. Get everything?"

Kyle nods, his free hand holding Alice's. "Yep. You still sure about this?"

"Pft, of course... can you see how many rooms are in this place? I think we have the room."

Kyle laughs. "This is true."

"Um..." Erik runs a hand through his hair. "I guess I wanted to talk to you guys alone before going back inside."

Kyle shifts a little uneasily, giving Alice a sidelong glance of discomfort. "Okay... what's up?"

"I wanted to explain about Kip, just so you guys understood." Erik leans against one of the porch pillars. "He's lived here with my family for a few years now - he's pretty much like a little brother, so you'll probably see that he's got rights around here like any family member."

Kyle lifts his eyebrows, but doesn't find it too surprising. "I see."

"There's more..." Erik hesitates. "And I guess I should have told you sooner in case it affects the future."

Now Kyle is worried, and his grip tightens around Alice's hand tightens. "Go on."

"Kip's from an abusive home situation." Erik sighs, clearly bothered by it. "When he was younger, his sister died, his mom walked out, and his dad became a drunk. A few years ago, I finally got him to come live here - I guess we unofficially adopted him." He pauses to take a breath. "Thing is... his dad still hounds him. Mostly for money, since he knows he lives here. We've... tried to get Kip to cut his ties but..." He shrugs, obviously having been at a loss for a while now. "That was who was on the phone earlier. It usually upsets Kip pretty bad, but his dad has some kind of hold on him, maybe it's just because it's his dad, but Kip won't tell him not to call anymore. His dad has... threatened him in numerous ways... some connected to the band."

Kyle takes the information in and glances at Alice a couple times. He was sorry to hear that Kip had had such a rough time. He never would have guessed it of the rather hyper and funny young man. "So what you're saying is that as a band, we might run into some trouble at some time or another."

"Yes."

Kyle can't help a little grin. "Not everybody knows that JetStream has its own bodyguard since Jason, lead singer, is an Elite agent. I'm not gonna shy away from an angry father."

Erik smiles, noticeably breathing a sigh of relief. "You're okay with this then?"

"I am..."

Erik cocks his head to Alice. "We're considering you part of this too. You alright with any of this risk?"

Sky

Continuing to stand Bree looks back up at the stars squinting just a little. The feelings that kept growing inside seemed stronger than anything she ever felt before. Thought it was unknown and a little scary at the same time it was exciting.

As Gunner had his arms wrapped over Bree's shoulder she could feel her back press aganst Gunner's and the warmth from the chilly night felt good. It was a warmth that Bree had never felt before, not from man, not from parents, it was completely new to her.

Leaning her head to the side slightly Bree rests her head on Gunner's arm she runs her cheek over it just a little.

"Thank you Gunner for showing me a Vampire's night sky."

Arms

Gunner's eyes stay fixed on the stars, but all of a sudden, a strange feeling comes over him. It was one he never felt before... one he didn't recognize. He swallows hard. For some reason, the feeling of Bree's hand beneath his felt... different tonight.

Her words seemed to intensify the strange feeling and part of him wants to back away quickly, but another part wanted to stay.

"Maybe... they were." Gunner leaves his hand raised with hers, his voice growing quieter. "Even though they shift across the sky during the seasons... they remain... together."

For a moment, he doesn't say a word, his hand still against the night sky. Bree was just close enough that he could feel her warmth. The impulsiveness he felt creeping through his arms wasn't one he'd experienced before and it was a bit startling.

Giving in, was something he was even less used to. But for some reason, tonight, he... wanted to.

Slowly, his arm lowers to join his other one, bringing Bree's hand back down too. In the end, his arms were slung over her shoulders, bringing her back against his chest as he still looks up at the stars.