Chase

Sitting down on the couch waiting for Jade Dan kicks his works boots off just letting his feet rest for a little while. The movie was already put in and now Dan was just really to take it easy letting his mind drift as he waited for Jade.

Being broken from his train of thought buy the peace of popcorn that comes flying into his lap Dan can't help but jump at first not seeing was it was. Than hearing the soft chuckle in the background a grin forms on his own lips.

Getting off the couch quickly Dan takes some twords Jade as she goes around the other way. Starting back that way, Dan cant help the big smile that spreads on his face.

"Ohhhh sure, your gonna throw popcorn untill I get up. After that you don't want to play anymore huh? I'll get you sooner or later you wait and see."

Dan stands on the far end of where Jade was his arms crossed over his chest as he gave a long laugh.

As all was silent for a moment Katie hope Rick would listen to her. She couldnt open her eyes and check, she could only wait and hope. But as Rick's words his her ears could fell a small wave of releaf wash over her thought all the torment.

I'm not going anywhere J!

Getting the needle ready for Rick Misty moves quickly. Seeing her two friends like this was a nightmare in its own. Misty had seen them bad before but nothing like this.

"I sure hope this works."

Misty gets behind Jason on the bed and helps hold his arm down while Rick trys to steady needle. Once Rick was done Misty covered where the puncher was and placed a bandage on top. It was hardly anything but it made her feel like she was helping some how.

Katie can feel Jason's emotions start to slow, and the pain started to leave her body though she new for a while she would be sore from how tight her muscles were. But it Jason was ok, and she was ok and they were there together. Finally being able to not have to worry about it as much Katie seems to slip into her own sleep. Letting her body recoup as much as it could.

Going to get the ointment and gauze for Rick Misty pick two differnt kind of burn creams and brings them back over to Rick. Taking Jason's hand and turning it over to dress his burn Misty looks at the mark for a long moment before back at Rick.

"It looked like someone branded them. Its almost to prefect to have just happend. But if there hands were together how?"

Misty looks at Rick for answers she new that he might not even have. It was strange that something like this should happen. What did it all mean?

Spiral

Jade laughs. "I don't care what we watch either. We can check out what's by the tv - maybe we'll find a nice action flick."

Once the rounds are made and everything is done for the night, Jade heads with Dan to the dining hall. It was empty - most everyone was settling down in their houses and bunks. Jade flips on a small lamp then the tv, going to scan the movies. "Hmm.... let's see...."

Indiana Jones is finally settled on, and while Jade lets Dan put it in, she goes to the kitchen to make some popcorn. Getting them both something to drink, then returning with a bowl of popcorn a few minutes later, she stops several feet behind the couch. It was too perfect. Dan was just sitting there with his back to her. Mischief sparks in Jade's eyes as she picks up a single kernel of popcorn. Flicking it into the air, it flies over Dan's shoulder and into his lap.


Rick is just ready to pierce Jason's skin when he hears Katie. Stopping, his hand shook slightly as the tension she was emitting starting to affect him too. His eyes glance to Misty and back to Katie. "I just need to calm down his emotions, Katie... you both will feel better. It won't kill you - you've had it before."

But her forced statement makes him second-guess himself. The needle hovers over Jason's arm.
"It will kills us." Did she know something he didn't? But the antidote was safe. They'd tried it. Tested it. It worked. It would calm Jason's emotions, which were obviously causing this stress.

Rick moves the needle to press it on Jason's arm. But another glance in Misty's direction and he gives up. "Alright, Katie," he gives in quietly, patting her arm. "But if it something else doesn't work, we've got to try this."

Jason would have relaxed, had he been able to.
Thank you, Katie... thank you.

Rick hands the syringe back to Misty. "Sleep, huh... let's try a regular sedative. Maybe if Jason's body calms down, the emotions will follow. It's worth a try."

With Misty's help, Rick prepares a different needle. It proves difficult as Jason's convulsions have not lessened. "Misty, help hold him down."

Jason fights against further restraint, writhing and lashing out uncontrollably. But once Rick has aim, a split second is all it takes. The formula races through Jason's veins, forcing his body to stop fighting the emotional barrage. Another bout of vomiting and Jason is totally wiped out, But as the minutes pass and Rick watches, slowly, slowly, the tension seems to lessen. Jason's writing begins to decrease and his pulse begins to slow.

That's it.... it's... it's going away... Katie, I... I love you. Just stay... stay with me.

Rick wipes sweat from his brow, feeling Katie's tension begin to slack as well. "Holy cow." Waiting a few more minutes, it seems that calming the body forces the emotions to disperse. It had worked before, but Rick had assumed that a battle this severe would take severe action. Apparently though, the sedative was doing it's job. He pats Katie again. "Good girl, Katie."

After a few more minutes, Jason and Katie both seem to be lying more still and Rick dares to separate them. Wyatt stands near and watches, having been staying out of the way. Rick gently takes Jason and Katie's hands and slowly unravels the belt. He eyes them both hesitantly, knowing that if the battle wasn't over, he could be sorry. But he had to see. Separating their hands, he holds his breath. Thankfully, nothing happens. Jason and Katie both had seemed to finally slip into unconsciousness.

When Rick looks at their palms though, his eyes widen. "Good gracious." He looks to Misty. "Look at this."

Turning over their palms, both have been severely burned. It wasn't just a patch though that had spread. It was a very clear spiral pattern, painfully burned into their flesh. "Wow." Rick blinks, hardly believing it. "Um.... get me some... ointment and gauze, would you, Misty?"

Cuddle

Feeling movment and hearing voices Katie new Wyatt had her. She wanted to move on her own, but trying to do that ontop of everything else, sent more pain through her body. So she had to let Wyatt carry her.

Stay with me J, its gonna be ok. I love you, I love you so much. We are in the helicopter now I think.

The chopper ride seemed so long her body ached, her stomach churned, and her head felt like it would explode. But trying to stay from passing out, it braught Katie a tiny bit of comfort to know she was doing this for J.

The minutes pass and the plan lands Katie doesn't open her eyes as she continues to whimper form the pain. But where else would they be. Rick and Reese voice are a confirmation to where they were.

After a bunch of jolting around, and fumbaling as people tryed to carry J and her both. Katie's body only relaxs for a moment as she rests on the bed, but it was short lived as she tensed up again the pain running through her, her whimpers and gasps in pain continue.

J...I....I dont know...if I can talk...it....I'll...try.

Mustering what she could Katie trys to open her eyes thought they wont. Just keeping them closed, Katie reaches down deep pulling what she had, no matter how it hurt she had to. Moving her lips and pushing her voice forward Katie whispers.

"N...No...Ri....not the...Anidote. It...will kill..us. Sleep....some sleep."

Katie new her words were distorted and didn't make sense but she only hope Rick would listen to her. It was all she could do, everything was tight...and the pain...oh the pain it hurt enough just taking Jason's emotions and drawing them out at the same time without having to try and make complete sentences too.

Walking with Jade and swinging her hand just a little bit it was nice to walk in the brisk air and havind Jade with him to warm is heart was even nicer. A small grin on his face as he walked with Jade Dan heart fluttered just being close to Jade.

"I think a move sounds great. Not sure what kind you like to watch, but I am up for anything."

Dan couldnt help but let him mind wonder to what would come with watching a movie. Eating popcorn and snuggling it sounded almost two perfect.

Not the antidote

Jason's mind latches onto Katie's silent words, groping to feel her. Writhing on the ground, he utters no sound, all of his energy being funneled to the only one that could take it.

The wind and noise picks up and Wyatt stands, staring up at the bright light of the helicopter. Waving his arms so the pilot would see him, he watches it land just a short ways away from the scene of mayhem. Jogging up to the helicopter, he ducks under the wind, waiting for the pilot to get out. "I need your help. I can't get them both by myself."

Todd nods and exits, his helmet still in place as he removes his gloves. "Where are they?" he shouts above the wind.

"Here." Wyatt waves him to follow around the dead bodies. Getting nearer, he feels the same thing he did before he'd walked away. Fear. Nervousness. It wasn't like him to panic, but something was getting to him, and he knew it must be Katie. Turning to Todd, he warns him. "I know this is gonna seem weird, but trust me - you'll probably get nervous. It's just Katie. Try to ignore it and just get us back to Nevada."

Todd isn't sure he understands, but he nods anyway.

Nearing the two on the ground, Wyatt squats down, trying to turn Katie over and get her at least partway to her feet. Todd struggles with Jason's shaking body, finding it hard to move him at all. "It would be easier if they weren't tied together," he pants. "What's up with that?"

"No!" Wyatt is quick to make sure Todd doesn't undo the belt. "If we don't keep them together, we're never getting out of here."

Todd pauses, his surprise just giving fear an opportunity to latch on as it's amplified by Katie. His face pales and he swallows hard, now knowing what Wyatt was talking about. "Right... right, okay." He tries again to get Jason up, finally getting him to his feet, though Todd has to support all of his weight.

Wyatt lifts Katie into his arms at the same time, carrying her close enough to not put strain on their hands. "Alright. One, two three."

Both men start forward at the same time, a strange fear gripping both of them as they fight to keep going and not run from a panic. Jason's feet drag on the pavement. He knew where he was and what was happening, but he couldn't get any of his limbs to work properly. Wyatt holds Katie close, ducking as they reach the helicopter. Todd fumbles with the door latch, and when it's open, miraculously, they get both the others inside. Thankfully it was a large enough aircraft that Jason and Katie could be placed on the floor. It was more dangerous, but there was no way they'd be able to buckle them in seats.

Receiving a thumbs up, Todd runs around to the pilot chair and grabs his radio as he begins to take off again. "This is Elite Chopper two-sixty-seven, Davey, we need a cleanup crew out on highway four-thirty-two before the coyotes come. Over."

Wyatt grits his teeth as he stares down at Katie, then Jason. They were both in bad shape. It was amazing to see, as neither had been hit with bullets, but their lives were in danger.

Jason's convulsions had ceased briefly, but they start again, even more violently. His hand tears at the belt, causing both his and Katie's wrists to bleed.

"Jason, Jason, come on, steady." Wyatt kneels next to him, trying to hold him still.

Jason's eyes flutter, and his stomach drops as they take off into the air. He tries again to speak, but there's just nothing coming out.
What... where are we... what's happening?
Wincing as his body revolts, he begins to vomit, unable to control himself.

Todd looks back to check on them, seeing what's happening. "Wyatt, get his head up!" he orders. "Keep him from choking."

Wyatt does as he's told, winding up with Jason's head in his lap. Putting a hand to Jason's forehead, more fear arises. He was burning up. "Todd! Mic!" A radio mic is tossed back to him and within minutes, he's got a hold of Rick. "They're bad, Rick. Katie looks like she's in bad pain and disoriented. Jason won't stop throwing up and he's got a fever. We can't separate them or else Jason will blow up the copter."

"You're kidding me."

"You want to switch places and see for yourself?"

"Just hang tight, Wyatt. Do you have a first aid kit with you?"

Wyatt could kick himself. "No. It's still in the van. We've already taken off."

"Alright. Then just keep Jason's head up and let whatever comes come. Get Katie as close to him as you can and I'll be here when you land."

The trip seems to take an eternity. Wyatt himself was on autopilot, stunned by the whole situation, and barely able to keep himself from a panic as he had to sit near Katie. Jason was a mess, and so was everything else. Wyatt managed to find a cloth and some water, mopping Jason and Katie's brows, and trying to sooth their wrists, though he knew it must be painful. Wyatt had killed. He'd been in battle. He'd been on rescue missions. He'd seen his own fall before him. But never had he seen this torture, and it was gut-wrenching.

Thankfully, the TJY parking lot was big enough to land the chopper. Rick and Reese were both there, and Rick had also called Misty back in to work. Between all of them, they're able carry and drag Jason and Katie into the building. It's utter chaos with the small group with not enough room between cubicles and tripping over each other. But all were aware they couldn't separate Katie and Jason's hands.

Once in the infirmary, Rick directs Wyatt and Reese to deposit their friends together on the bed. It was just big enough to hold them both. Jason's continued convulsions shake the entire bed. He was completely drenched in sweat and his mouth was moving as if mumbling, but no sound was heard. Rick checks on Katie, finding her barely lucid and seeing immediately that she was in worse pain than every before. It was a miracle she had not passed out.

"Misty, get me the antidote syringe and do it fast." Rick points to the cabinet. "It's the only way to stop Jason's emotions from wreaking havoc and we'll give Katie a dose too so she can relax."

Retrieving the needle, Rick pulls off Jason's jacket and begins to prep his arm.

Jason continues to shake, his hand still fused to Katie's.
No.... no, don't let him.
He tries to cry out to Rick, but it does no good.
Katie... he can't.... tell him... the antidote will kill me. Please... tell him... sedative... sedative, not the antidote. He can't give me the antidote.


Gunner smiles and sighs a deep, contented sigh, his arm tucking Bree in close. One moment... one short moment had changed everything. And it allowed him the privilege of holding her next to him now. It felt good to be on the other end this time - him holding her, instead of the other way around. In a matter of a few minutes, Gunner had discovered what it meant to care for someone else. And it was filling a hole that he never even knew existed until now.

Closing his eyes, he'd never know how fast asleep he was. Exhaustion had taken over, and he was done for the day. Only a few hours later did he wake, but just to pull a blanket over them both then put his arm back around Bree and fall asleep again.


Jade's cheek's flush, but she smiles anyway. She liked Dan's comments - they made her feel nice and warm, even if they were sappy. Curling her fingers around his, she nods. "I'd like to walk with you. I've been hibernating all day and I need to stretch my legs."

Heading out of the barn hand-in-hand, Jade breathes deep the evening air. "Can we watch a movie later?" she asks. Most likely, the main living room off the dining area would be empty, leaving the nice big television to be used. "I can pop some popcorn." In reality, she just wanted a distraction. Though she loved talking with Dan, tonight she wanted to give her mind and heart a break.

Night Falls

It hurt, it hurt so bad but Katie had to do it. It was part of her duty, to Jason, and to herself when she said she wanted this. Just continuing to soak in all of the emotions Katie took the bad, and her mind felt like it was going to break. But she had to hold on she had to.

Feeling than hands break apart Katie gives a louder grown. She needed there hands back together but she could hardly even hold her fingers. But re-leaf washes over her as Wyatt comes over to help. Happy for his smarts to use his belt so Katie wouldn't have to try and ask. Looking up at Wyatt Katie opens her eyes a little. She was in so much pain and she new her eyes showed it but that was one of the smartest thing Wyatt could of done.

"Th.....ou...Wy."

Katie's fingers locking with Jason's again Katie once again tried to obsorbe all his emotions. Katie could only imagen how much pain Jason must be in as well.

I'm hear J. I wont be leaving you.

Katie sucks in a breath of air as the pain become unbearable for a moment.

You can hold on, you can do it for me. I love you J, just focus on me.

Linking her fingers with Gunner's Bree follows him back inside, a smile on her face that just seemed to be stuck there, as her heart still raced.

Sinking down on the couch with Gunner, Bree had never been with someone like this before but it felt nice, and made her feel safe. Gunner's strong arms around her, it was just a feeling she liked. Nestling her head into Gunner's arm Bree gives a soft whisper, right now she was scaired to be in her own home.

"I'll stay with you, I dont want to be alone ether."

Smiling his arms still around Jade, Dan gives a small nod. Jade gave him such a nice feeling, he felt whole again, it was the time feeling he had felt with Becca yes it was completely different because it was Jade.

"I love it here to much to leave just yet. Anyways, would could be better than seeing your smiling face every day?"

Dan new he was being such a sap but he had always been that way with people he cared about. He still didnt know Jade as well as some people did but Dan was looking forward to being able to. There was just something about her.

Slipping his hand to and locking his fingers with Jade he smiles. Giving her hand a gentil squeeze.

"The last thing I need to do is just talk a walk around the parimiter and make sure everything is in order. Your more than welcome to come with me, and than afterward we can do whatever you like. I'll let you choose tonight. Even if you just wanna sit and talk I am up for that."

I think so too

Being held by Dan, Jade felt safe. She'd been held before, even by someone she'd called her boyfriend. But it wasn't the same. Dan was so much stronger... so much more a shelter... so much warmer. It was so different that Jade wondered how she ever could have thought before that she'd found Mr. Right. Compared to this, it had felt so wrong, but she hadn't realized that until now.

Having her face lifted up and receiving Dan's light kiss, she gives a little shiver. His tenderness gave her goosebumps. Looking up into his eyes and feeling his hand on her face, she manages the strength to give him a little smile. "I think I can be strong... as long as you stick around. You're going to stay... aren't you?"


Gunner can't help the grin on his face. The chilly air didn't seem cold at all - not with Bree in his arms. Her words made him feel good. He hadn't messed up, and she had liked his kiss. He hadn't done something wrong after all, and it helped dissolve some of his awkwardness.

Still smiling, he hugs Bree tighter, letting her face rest against his chest. "I think we are too." He'd been afraid that this might ruin their friendship, but it surprised him now to find that he liked this even better. It was a whole new level, and one that felt good.

Eventually pulling away, his hand slips down to take hers, slipping back inside the dining room. Guiding her back through the house to the living room, the warmer air now felt good. The television was still droning and Gunner reaches down to flip it off before aiming for the couch.

The room was dark now, but it wasn't a scary dark. Tonight, he wasn't afraid of the shadows. He was exhausted from lack of sleep the night before, but felt like he could conquer the world at the same time. It was a strange, good feeling.

Flopping down on the couch and onto his side, he pulls Bree down in front of him so his arm could drape around her, her head right below his chin. "Stay here a while?" he asks quietly. "I don't want to be alone."


Though already so far gone, Jason feels Katie's fingers link with his, and he automatically latches on. Putting her hand in a vice grip, it felt like his palm was burning against hers. His eyes scrunch shut tightly as pain surges through his entire body like a gigantic electrical shock.

It... it hurts so bad... I can't... can't control it.

He writhes on the ground, fighting against himself and against the horrific wave of emotions that didn't have an end. They seemed to spread through every fiber, tearing him apart inside out. And worse, he could not keep them from bursting forth. With Katie's hand on his, she was the only cushion between him and everything around him. Like a sponge, she would absorb the shock and he knew it. But he also knew that if she didn't, they were all dead.

Wyatt hears Katie's scream and comes running around the side of the van. "Katie! Jason! What..." Getting close to them, he kneels just in time to hear Katie's words. He didn't understand what was happening, but seeing the broken headlight, he knew it was bad. "I'll get help. Don't move." As if they could.

Wyatt didn't know what to do, but out of desperation, he goes back to the van, grabbing his cell phone. He had power back. Dialing quickly, he calls Reese's office directly. He didn't normally speak so informally while on the job, but right now, he didn't care. "Dad, it's Wyatt. We need help and we need it bad."

"Why? What happened? Where are you?"

"We're uh..." Wyatt glances around, trying to remember what road they were on. "We turned off of highway sixty-nine onto a county road.... I think it was four-thirty-two. Just listen, and listen close. We got ambushed by four guys. Had to be Agency but we don't know how they knew we were here. Tire blew out on the van. We took out the four guys, but Jason got shot with some kind of..." He turns around and walks back over to where Jason had landed and picks up the dart. "...some kind of dart. I don't know what was in it, but it's doing a number on him. He and Katie are both down and I don't know how to get them out of here."

"What do you mean down? Are they alive?"

"Yeah, yeah, but it's bad. It's Jason's emotions. I think they're going haywire, but I don't know. He already blew out a headlight of the van, then I think Katie's trying to put a lid on it, but she's in a bad way now too."

"What about a helicopter?"

"That would work. We got one at the airport over here?"

"Yeah, Todd flew in just this morning from Arizona. Let me call him and have him pick you up. He can bring you straight here."

"Right. Notify Rick - I think we're gonna need him."

"Will do. Hang tight, Wyatt."

Wyatt hangs up and puts his hands on his head, trying to regroup. Checking to make sure Katie and Jason were still there, he hits the van, doing a quick job of collecting their things and depositing them on the ground. He goes to the four dead men, stripping them of anything that might lead to where they had come from, and he also puts the dart in a ziploc bag for Rick to analyze.

As Wyatt is trying to clean up as well as possible in the dark, Jason's torment continues. Sweat pours down from him and his whole body shakes violently with convulsions. His eyes start to roll back in his head. Even on the worst day, never had he felt like this. The pain was excruciating, and the worst part was that he could control none of it.

His mouth opens as he tries to speak, but his brain just wouldn't communicate with his vocal chords, and no sounds came out.
I can't... take it... Katie... Its too much.

A sudden convulsion jolts his whole body and his hand is involuntarily ripped from her own. As soon as he does, the energy erupts again, shattering the side window of the van.

Wyatt whirls around in surprise. As soon as he sees the episode, he remembers Katie's words. Several fast strides bring him near to them again, falling to his knees. Another burst from Jason causes another window to blow, sending glass everywhere. Wyatt covers his face with an arm before reaching down without mercy and grabbing Jason and Katie's wrists, forcing their hands back together again. Jason's muscles strain against it, but Wyatt fumbles with his belt, ripping it from his jeans. Before Jason can slip loose again, Wyatt lashes their hands together with his belt. He hated doing this to Katie, but he now realized if he didn't, there was no way he'd get them out of there. Jason would blow the helicopter to pieces and they'd all be dead.

Don't leave me, Katie...
Jason's emotional communication was desperate as he grips her hand once again.
I don't know... how long I can... I can take this.

The sound of the helicopter could just be heard in the distance.

First Kiss

Panting Katie just didnt understand why the Agency was here and new where they were on this almost deserted road. Looking to Jason a small smile forms as she rests her hand on Jason's arm for a moment before letting go so he could check on the goons.

Careful, I don't trust them as far as I can throw them.

Being cautious herself Katie watchs Jason, and the man on the ground. Though looking away from a moment at a sound to her right proved to be the wrong move as more shots were fired. Startled Katie hits the ground hopping to miss stray bullets.

"Jason!!!"

Once Katie sees the shooter go down by Wyatt she is on her feet again and to Jason's side only in the matter of moments. Almost instantly she could feel something was not right.

"J, Are you ok? What..."

Seeing the dart that was sticking out of his shoulder Kaite's blood goes ice cold. It didnt look like there was much damage but almost without warning she gets blasted with a amount of emotions she hadnt felt in a long time pluse ten. Letting out a long shrill yell Katie falls to her knees holding her head.

This wasnt right, there....Jason...he had no controlle. Hearing the light on the van shatter Katie knows this is bad, really bad and she was the only one who could do anything to keep them both together. Trying to clear her mind as much as she could it hurt so bad but she had to do it. For Jason, for herself, for Wyatt and anyone else how was around Katie had to.

Lifting her hand slowly it felt like it weighed a ton Katie takes Jason's hand in her own. Interlocking her fingers with his so she could let go, Katie does what she can to let herself take in the force of Jason's emotions. She didn't know how long she could last doing this without causing searous damage to herself but right now Katie didn't care.

Wimpering from the pain Katie opens her mouth to talk her words distorted, and soft Katie could only hope Wyatt would understand.

"Get....h...p...fast. Wh.....at..ever happens....don't let my hand fall....fa...from J..."

Working quietly Dan had known about Mick but just kept to himself for most of the night. He'd thought about alot of things and some he didnt understand or know how to react to so spending quiet time with himself was what he had wanted untill he met Jade for the night.

Turning right as Jade put her arms around him Dan was taken off guard for a moment but than relizing it was Jade and hearing her words Dan's own arms go around her. Pulling her closer to himself he leans his own head down on top of hers. Taking in the sweet smell of her hair Dan just holds Jade for a long moment.

Pulling Jade away just a little bit Dan looks down at her a small smile forming on her face. He new Jade was having a hard time with this whole thing and he couldn't blame he. It was alot to take at once but he admired her too. She was so strong and independent.

Leaning down to give Jade a soft much differnt kiss than only hours earlyer Dan's heart skipped a beat. Breaking the kiss his eyes stay on Jades as he searched there deepth. Bring a finger up to lightly follow the path the tear had made, whipping it away.

"It's going to be ok Jade, if we didnt have rain we would never appreciate rainbow. Your strong, and you need to keep that up for your Aunt, Dad and Brother. They need you."

Entering the house done for the day with her work Rosetta passes the answering machine pushing the button along the way. Going into the bedroom as the messages played Rosetta pushs some laundry away. The first message was someone calling about bording there horses, the second was from someone asking information about hay, and the last was Mick.

Stopping hearing Mick's voice Rosetta comes back into the kitchen standing just listing. Rosetta wished now she had stayed home so she could of gotten Mick's message, she missed talking to him. Just continuing to listen a tear slips out of Rosetta's eye. Mick said he would be back, but it felt like he was saying goodbye.

Flipping the light of in the kitchen Rosetta goes into the living room and sits down on the couch pulling the blanket over her. The tears would stop as Rosetta shook slightly, just crying herself to sleep.

Surprised by Gunner's sudden action to follow him Bree stands and follows almost being dragged but keeping up the best she can till they are outside. The night was chilli but it felt strangely refreshing at the same time.

Looking up at the sky Bree could feel her cheeks turn warm as Gunner's comment hit her ears. She'd never had someone say anything like this before. Having her head turned back to Gunner another comment comes, and a smile forms on her face. Gunner made her feel good, and her heart started to race.

As Gunner came in closer to her Bree could feel his breath on her skin and it felt like her heart was going to pound out of her chest, as a chill ran up and down her spin. Feeling Gunner so close Bree thought she might faint.

Closing her eyes and waiting, Bree finally feels Gunner's lips press to hers. Bree can feel her knees get weak and was glad for Gunner's arms around her so she didnt fall. A million and one feelings run through her veins.

As Gunner pulls away Bree keeps her eyes closed for a moment just standing there. Slowly opening them finally Bree looks back up into Gunner's eyes she cheek flush as a smile formed on her lips. It almost seemed like everything was brighter.

Leaning into Gunner a little more Bree continues to search his eyes. This was the moment she had been waiting for and it was even better than she could of dreamed. It felt like her words were cought in her throat but finally Bree is able to push out a few words that were a soft whisper.

"For someone who didnt know what they were doing, that was amazing. I...think we are more than friends now."

There

During the split second it took for everything to go down, Jason could feel Katie reacting to their attackers, the emotional pull being briefly diverted so she could pull on fear. He knew that his explosive anger probably stung her a bit as well, but both were learning to ignore the temporary discomfort.

Wyatt's man goes down. He'd received a bullet to the chest - it had been Wyatt's only open choice. Jason's first is hit in the shoulder, the second writhing from his exploding gun. He only had seconds left to live. The fourth man was hit in the knee and drops instantly, overcome with pain and a fear he'd never experienced.

Wyatt remains on the ground, breathing heavily, his gun still aimed ahead. Jason lowers his own weapon, making sure all four men were down before going forward.

Nice shot, hero. Looks like we've got at least two people to question.
"Wyatt, you alright?"

"Yeah... yeah, I'm alright. Sorry I didn't get a captive. I didn't have a choice."

"It's fine. Self-defense, you know that."

Wyatt knew that, and it had been his only clear shot, but he never liked killing anyone. He'd only had to take a man down a time or two before, and it always made his stomach turn. "Yeah... you two alright?" He looks under the van to see Katie and Jason's feet.

"We're okay." Jason glances to Katie and nods. "Checking out our men now. Stay alert."
I don't know why it would be Agency, it just feels like it. Something just doesn't seem right. It was too well-planned for your average thugs.

Jason starts forward, his hands still holding his gun. Out of nowhere, the man who had been shot in the knee sits up, his gun aimed. Jason doesn't have time to react, when a shot rings out. Wyatt hasn't gotten up yet, and swings his pistol back around, firing without hesitation. The man goes down, his own gun flying as he shudders for the last time.

Wyatt was breathing heavily again. "Jase? Katie? You alright?"

Jason has stopped in his tracks, stunned. He blinks, then looks down to his left shoulder where a long dart had pierced him.
Katie...
His legs buckle, and he falls to his hands and knees, his gun clattering on the pavement.

"Jason!" Wyatt gets to his feet quickly, but still has to keep an eye on the one man left alive. He didn't need to though. Wounded in the shoulder, the man rolls over and one last shot is heard. He moves no more. Wyatt stares at him with disbelief. Whoever these men were, they must have had orders not to be caught and questioned. And they apparently took their job way too seriously. It was a disgusting display of loyalty to the wrong thing.

Jason is still shocked by getting hit as the world starts to spin. Reaching down, he pulls at the dart, withdrawing it from his shoulder and staring at it in his palm before he collapses.
Katie... something.... something's not right...
Without warning, his emotions start to churn. Good bad, it didn't matter. They all started to swirl and collide. Jason opens his mouth to speak, but his brain seems to go numb, and words just couldn't come.
I... I can't control....
He starts to shake, uncontrolled energy being emitted, blowing out a headlight of the van.


Sparky gives Rosetta a smile and a nod. "Yeah... yeah, I can do that, no problem. Don't worry about a thing."

Putting away some papers in a file, he wraps up what he was doing, then leaves Rosetta alone again, going to check on chores and make sure everything got done for the night.


It was quite a while later when Jade eventually finds herself wandering into the barn. Most of the chores were almost done. People were wandering in for supper, but she wasn't following tonight. She just wasn't hungry.

Running her hand along the wall as she slowly walks past the stalls, she looks around for the person she was planning to see. Eventually she finds him in the supply room putting away some of the tools.

Just standing in the doorway a moment, Jade watches him. Her eyes were read and swollen, proving that she had been crying - a lot. She'd been thinking about the earlier fight, then she'd gotten word about Dylan, then an angry call from her mother about how what Mick was doing was so wrong, then Sparky told her about Mick's other reason for being at the McClain's. Could anything else go wrong?

Unable to take it, Jade steps into the little room and falls against Dan, wrapping her arms around him and burying her face in his chest. She'd thought she didn't have any more tears left, but more surface just now, her voice cracking. "I can't take it anymore Dan.... I just can't take it."


Mick holds back the edge of the curtain slightly, looking out the window at Dylan being taken to one of the smaller houses. His heart broke, seeing his son like this. Watching until Dylan disappeared, he lets out a long sigh before letting go of the curtain. Turning back to the other room, he wanders in by the fireplace to sit on the edge of the couch, staring into the flames. It had been about a year since he'd been here. A year. Now he'd fallen off the wagon, and his own son was here. Just half an hour earlier, he'd gotten into a shouting match over the phone with Jill. She wanted Dylan closer to them, while Mick insisted on him being at the McClain's. Eventually, she'd given up, though had dished out plenty of threats. Mick was left exhausted, his own cravings setting in to just make things worse.

"Want to talk about it?"

Mick looks up at Adam, startled by his presence. He'd only given him the brief story of Dylan when he'd arrived, but that was it. "I don't know much." He leans his elbows on his knees to rest his chin in his hands. "Don't know how long Dylan's been like this or his reasons. I knew he was into a bit of trouble, but I didn't think he'd do something like this. I thought he was a good kid, ya know?"

Adam nods and sinks down into the couch next to him. "Even the best fail sometimes. It just happens with something like this, one failure leads to many more afterward." He pauses. "What about you?"

Mick continues to stare at the fire. He hadn't yet admitted anything about himself. He was planning to, he just hadn't yet had the nerve. "What about me?"

"Hold out your hand."

Mick looks quickly to Adam. "What?"

"Hold out your hand." Adam demonstrates by stretching out his hand, palm-down.

Mick closes his eyes a moment. He didn't want to. But Adam was too smart to fool for long. He slowly reaches out, revealing a hand that was too shaky to hold anything steady.

Adam purses his lips and lays his hand on Mick's shoulder. "How long?"

"Only about a week." Mick's hand drops. "I got upset when I heard about Dylan, I went to town to see the police and when I was done... I messed up. I thought just once wouldn't bother me, but the next day, the cravings were so bad I couldn't stand it. I gave away my keys and tried to hibernate, but that night, I ended up making a call, having someone go to town and they didn't even know they smuggled a bottle back to me. The next few days were the same. The guilt got to be so bad I just... started losing it. I didn't think it could happen so fast or get so bad within such a short amount of time. I figured it woulda taken me more than once to start back up again, and that even then it wouldn't be so bad so quickly."

Mick's eyes remain down, his shoulders lowering. "When I knew I wanted Dylan here, I... decided I needed to be here too."

Adam just nods, listening to the whole story. "With some people it does take more than once. Some people can go back to having a drink once in a while and not having it bother them. Others, it might take a steady few weeks for them to pick up the habit again. But you're not the only one who is that sensitive to it. I know others who are like you, Mick. Once is all it takes and it's not a gradual process - it's an immediate nosedive. The thing is... most people like that wait longer to get help. I'm glad you came."

He pauses, studying his longtime friend. "Would you have come if it weren't for Dylan?"

"I don't know. Eventually maybe, but probably not before someone else brought me."

A gentle smile creases Adam's lips. "Then maybe something good has already come from Dylan's situation."

Mick allows something close to a smile too. Maybe Adam was right. "I think I'm going to head to bed. I want to make one phone call then... then I'll turn in my cell phone."

"Alright. Just leave it on the kitchen counter. Brenda will put it in safe keeping for you."

A few minutes later, Mick sat on the edge of his bed. It was the same room he'd had before. He didn't need much care this time. He wasn't a danger to himself, and he wasn't going to try and leave. But he did just need to make one call before being cut off from the rest of the world. He knew Adam and Brenda wouldn't force him not to talk to anyone else, but it was strongly recommended, and he knew it was for the best, at least until he had a handle on this thing again.

"Rosetta, it's me..." Mick pauses, not even sure what to say. He hated answering machines, especially their own. "I just... I wanted to let you know I'm okay and... and I love you. I'm at the McClain's... Dylan is here too, though I haven't spoken to him yet. I um... I guess I want to say I'm sorry again, but no matter how many times I say it, it doesn't change anything. I just hope that... that when I come back..." He swallows hard, trying to remain composed. Though he knew the strain in his voice would be heard by his wife. "...I hope I can be the man you deserve. And I'll try... I'll try to make things right. I don't know how long I will be here, but... I'm hoping it won't be long. I'm hoping I can beat this thing quickly so I can come home. I miss you already."

He stops again, wondering if he was really talking to no one, or if Rosetta would just let the machine pick up because she didn't want to talk to him. He wouldn't blame her if she did. "I love you," he repeats. "If you need to get a hold of me, just call Adam or Brenda. I'm giving my phone a rest while I'm here."

Glancing around the little room, he tries to think of any more he can say. "See you soon... tell BJ I love him too."

Click.


Gunner's face felt as if it were on fire, but he musters up a little smile anyway, his hand giving Bree's a light squeeze. "I don't know what you're thanking me for. I'm just repaying a favor."

He could see the faint flicker of disappointment in her eye though, and he could kick himself. Suddenly he sits up straight, letting go of Bree. "Come here." Standing, he grabs her hand to pull her up too, dragging her through the living room and into the dining room that was rarely used. The sliding glass doors made for a perfect view of the night sky, away from street lights. Since he hadn't turned the lights on inside either, it made looking out even easier.

Bringing Bree right up to the cool glass, he points upward. "See that?" Waiting until she's looking up, his gaze drops to her eyes, just looking at them for the longest moment. A small smile tweaks the corner of his mouth. His voice drops to almost a whisper. "I just wanted to find out if I could see the stars in your eyes."

He reaches out gently to tip her chin towards him instead of the sky. "Funny thing is... you don't have to be looking at the stars for me to see them... they're always there. It's like... a mini solar system just waiting to be explored."

Swallowing hard, his hand remains touching her face. He was glad it was darker in here than in the living room. It was just as well, so Bree didn't have to see his burning face.

"I... want to... be able to explore it." Moving his hand so it cradles the side of her face, his thumb runs down her cheek, then slowly over her lips. They felt warm and soft under his touch, and a tingle runs down his spine. Stepping closer, he wraps his other arm around her, bringing her to him. Three times now, he'd chickened out, and three times, he'd seen the disappointment in her eye. Maybe he was foolish, but he couldn't help it. He couldn't keep on messing up. Not when his feeling for Bree were growing so much stronger with every passing moment.

Leaning his head down to meet hers, his eyes close and he pauses, feeling her breath on his skin. "I want you to know," he whispers, "that I have no idea what I'm doing." Not allowing time for a response, he finally presses his lips to hers. A feeling washes over him like nothing before, his thumb still tracing out her cheek, his other arm giving a strong hold around her.

Pulling back just a little, he opens his eyes to search hers, almost scared that she might be upset with him.

Exspected

Entering the office Rosetta new Sparky would be there but it didn't bother her. Sparky offten was in the office with her helped with paper work and any other odds and ends.

"Your don't have to leave on the account of me. I just figured I would do some work to keep my mind off things."

Pulling a chair to the one side of the rest Rosetta gives a small smile. Looking down at her paper work for a moment Rosetta thinks for a long second. She wished some how she could thank him.

"Sparky, maybe before you bed down for the night you can just take a walk around the ranch and make sure everything it locked up and ok for me?"

Rosetta didnt want to say it but not having Mick here made her a little worried about the silly things all over again. It almost felt like the ranch wasnt safe because the shelter was gone. Buy if Sparky checked everything out, maybe that would calm her fears.

Moving around the barn Dan does his chores before starting the ones Mick usually did. He figured Rosetta hadn't asked him, but he new what Mick usually did so he might as well. Not to mention he still had time till he was to meet Jade.

A small smile forms on Bree's face at the comment that she was tickling. Just resting her hand on his chest Bree dosnt move her fingers this time not wanting to tickle him again even if she liked it when he smiled.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to."

Searching Gunner's eyes and seeing him lean twords her again Bree can feel her heart thump in her chest so loud. Maybe this time, even though she never had before maybe Gunner would give her the kiss she had been waiting on.

Feeling Gunner come closer, and closer Bree closes her eyes as she can feel the color coming to her face, and room go up in temperature. But as the kiss comes to her forhead Bree opens her eyes. It wasnt what she was expecting, but Gunner still had just kissed her.

Giving a smile to Gunner, her eyes show that she had been exspecting something else but she would settle for this. and Bree could feel the slight color on her cheeks.

"Thank you Gunner."

Bree was starting to feel a little better already, and be here with Gunner, she felt safe.

Taking her gun from her side Katie checks it quickly making sure it was loaded and the safty was off. Listing to Jason's plan she gives a nod, it was simple but easy to mess up. They had one shot, and one shot only to take these guys down.

"Just make sure you get down Wy. I just wanted something to eat not a hospetal trip ok."

Worry showed in Katie's face for her friends and Jason too, they did this all the time and every time she would worry.

Are you sure they are Agency? The only thing I can think of is they followed up. But than so many more questions stem from that like how did they know we would turn down this road.

Not having much more time to think about it now Katie gets close to Jason waiting for the count, following him out of the van and staying low.

Taking the fear that Katie could feel from these men she holds on to it tight using her own emotions to make it worse for them. The confutation continued as Katie didnt dear lose grasp on them for a moment. Having an open shot, she takes fire at the last man standing aiming for the knees cap so not to kill, but keep from chasing them.

Chaos

"Yeah... I think it does." Bree was so close, it made Gunner's heart skip a beat. He looks into her left eye then her right, searching... searching for what was going through their mind.

Out of nowhere, he lets go of her face and reaches to press her hand to his chest, keeping it still. The corners of his mouth twitch with a grin that wanted to emerge. His eyes are brimming as he tries to speak quietly without laughing. "That tickles."

He could feel his pulse speeding up again and tries to tell himself it's only because he was trying not to laugh. But he knows that isn't the whole truth.

Biting his lip he just can't take his eyes off hers. It was as if there was a magnetic force that held his stare right there. Moving a little closer, it was the third time he'd gotten himself in this position, and all over again, he didn't know what to do.

He cocks his head slightly as his lips move towards her, his heart trying to beat out of his chest as he anticipated what it would feel like. But suddenly there was a fear of making a mistake, and a soft kiss lands on her forehead instead.


Sparky drops off BJ's things with Becky, noting that Jeff and BJ were just outside, apparently looking for something particular in nature as they scoured the yard. He briefly explains what's been going on and Becky assures that whenever Rosetta needed a break, she and Jim were more than happy to look after BJ.

Afterward, Sparky finds himself wandering to the office to finish up that paperwork that he'd told Rosetta he would take care of. Getting inside, he goes about his task, surprised with Rosetta comes in as well. He hadn't expected her to come into the office at all, with the way she'd been feeling.

Getting up from the desk, Sparky gives her a gentle smile. "I'm about done so you can have the desk back. I, uh... got the order in for the grain and it should come tomorrow. And BJ's still out with Jeff. Becky says everything's good, whatever you need."

He stops, thinking if he'd covered everything. "I think.... that's it. Anything else you need done?"


Wyatt stares ahead, trying to come up with an answer. "Uh... Jason, you're the leader here."

"Aw, thanks." Jason goes for his hand gun, passing one up to Wyatt and making sure Katie had one too. "I'm not taking any chances. We take them out."

Wyatt's eyes widen a little. "Just like that?"

"Well, unless they're willing to come without a fight. But... by the looks of things, I'd say no, they want us for something, and I'm not opting we wait and find out what it is."

"Agreed." Wyatt nods and cocks his gun. "Alright, Captain, what's the plan?"

Jason doesn't hesitate. "Katie and I don't have time to make an impression before things to haywire, so we're gonna have to shoot first. Wyatt, you get out and hit the deck and try to take out Lefty. I'm gonna take the side door and try to take out the middle two. Katie, as soon as I'm out, you get out behind me and aim for Righty. They've got high-powered rifles. My plan is try not to kill, but at least immobilize them. Soon as shots are fired, if they have any fear or surprise at all, Katie, increase that as much as you can."

Agency. It's got to be Agency. How they knew we were here, I'd like to know.

The men were getting closer. Jason takes a deep breath and Wyatt looks back to them both. "We don't have a choice. Let's go."

Jason nods. "On my mark. One... two... three."

Wyatt flies out the driver's door, hitting the ground and firing as soon as he had the left man in his sites. Jason shoves the side door open and rolls out, aiming for the second man with his pistol. Shouting and shots ring out in utter confusion. Without even thinking, Jason zeros in on the third man's rifle and a ball of negative emotions are hurled in its direction. The rifle explodes, sending the man flying. The fourth man is taken so by surprise that he hesitates when he should have fired, lost in the confusion for but a moment.

Chest Hair!

Hitting the bump and getting jolted around Katie ends up next to Jason almost on top of him. Once the van comes to a stop Katie sits up examining her elbow she hit a little to hard.

"And I thought you were a good driving Wy."

Finding her elbow fine Katie pulls out her phone and takes a look at it. Seeing she had little to no signal she lets out a sigh.

"I do believe we are...."

Katie words die out as Wyatt talks over her and she looks out the front window where he had pointed. A gasp seemed to form in her throat.

"I do believe we just fell into a trap. Eather of you have some bright ideas?"

Rosetta was thankful for what little Sparky was doing. She had a good brother in law and she new it. Maybe as a thank you she would ask him to join BJ and herself for dinner.

Once Sparky is gone Rosetta moves around the house cleaning. Some stuff she even cleaned two times just because she could. It felt so empty here without Mick, Rosetta just wanted to keep her mind of everything.

Finishing up in the house she heads to the office. There was some paperwork she had to finish up, and a few phone calls she had to make she might as well do it now while she had the chance. Grabbing her jacket and closing the door behind her Rosetta makes her way to the office.

Hearing Gunner's soft words were like a blanket being wrapped around her. It made her feel warm and good on the inside. Thought the wormth was differnt from her Uncle's it felt good, and even if she didnt fully understand it, she wasn't scared of it.

Once Gunner replaces her hand on his chest Bree moves her fingers lightly thought the hair on his chest. It was soft and it felt nice under her fingers. Tilting her head up just a little to look into Gunner's eyes a tiny smile forms behind her eyes. Just gazing at his eyes for a long moment Bree can feel her heart start beating, as her hand just shaking a little bit. A chill ran down her spin as she leaned her head into Gunner's hand just a little enjoying the way her ran his finger over her skin.

"Does that mean you will protect me?"

Bree's voice was soft as she was memorized by eyes stair. Leaning twords Gunner just a little bit to straghten out her back Bree gaze never broke from his, as her heart pounded in her ears.

Uh-oh

Gunner sits quietly as Bree begins to speak, not having any idea why she was starting to explain her past. How it was connected with tonight, he didn't know. But as she continues, it didn't matter to him anymore how it was connected.

As she reveals her past, and her attempt on her life, Gunner couldn't believe it. Memories flash in his mind of seeing Bree in the little diner for the first time. Seeing her at JT's and how she laughed at all the silly jokes and stories. Finding information about her work at the children's hospital and how good she was with the kids. He recalled her visits to him at Northside and her comfort, strength and undying acceptance, no matter what he did or said. The nights gazing at the stars would be embedded in his mind forever. She was the kindest, most compassionate, caring person he had ever known. To think that someone had pushed her far enough for her to want to leave this world, it was... it was an unbearable thought.

Finding out what her parents had done to her, he began to understand the hints that had been dropped in casual comments along the way. And it angered him. He wasn't sure what this new feeling was... he didn't recognize it. But it was definitely anger. It wasn't a mad anger though... not the kind that would make him scream or lash out. It was the righteous kind. The kind that sought justice. The kind that hated wrongdoings and that could only be eased by seeing someone pay for what they had done. How could any parent do that to their child? Especially one so innocent as Bree? Thinking of her being hurt caused a strange sensation of pain in his own heart.

Listening further, he bristles the same as he had when he hadn't known it was her at the door. These people... the people that had caused so much harm.... they were here... and they had someone following her.

Gunner feels Bree nestle in closer again and his beating heart almost hurts as he hears her fearful words. Instead of answering her right away, he reaches for her wrist, unbuckling her watch and letting it slide off. Wonder filled his eyes as he takes her hand in his. He looks at the scar and runs his thumb over it, studying the mark that she would wear forever.

"This isn't the mark of a coward." His words are soft... softer than they've ever been. "It's the mark of a survivor."

Placing her hand back on his chest, he then tilts her face upward, seeing the traces of tears. He'd never felt this way before... feeling sorrow for someone else's hurts. He didn't like it when other people were hurting, but he'd never actually felt it before.

"They can't take you anywhere," he assures. "Not as long as I'm around."

Looking into her eyes, he soaks up their gaze. His hand shifts to cradle her face with his palm and he can feel his heart rate pick up again. "If anyone deserves freedom, it's you."


Once Rosetta is able to get up, Sparky stands as well. He gives her a wry grin and looks at the wet spot on his shirt. "It'll dry," he assures.

Following her gaze to the bottle, his heart sinks a little lower. Making up his mind, he walks to the dresser and picks it up. "I'll get rid of this for you," he offers. "I'm also gonna grab some of BJ's things to take over to Jim and Becky's so you won't have to worry about that."

Starting for the door, Sparky stops and looks back at Rosetta again. Taking his bandanna out of his pocket, he reaches it out to wipe away some leftover tears. "If you need anything, don't hesitate, okay? I'm gonna stop by the office when I'm done here and finish up some of that paperwork that needs to be taken care of and call Ben like Mick was gonna do, so we get that grain delivered. And... I'll give the others the brief version of the story so no one will have too many questions."

He nods, confident he'd remembered everything. Looking at Rosetta's red eyes, he bites his lip, seeming to want to say more, but then goes into the hall to go to BJ's room. Finding the boy's backpack, he manages to find a couple sets of clothes, one of BJ's favorite stuffed animals, and at the last minute, he grabs the game of checkers.


"Yeah, right." Wyatt smirks, but a smile spreads, proving that he wasn't really as grouchy as he sounded.

Jason grins.
He'd be miserable without someone to pick on him. Somebody's got to keep him on his toes.

Wyatt slows the van down and takes a right turn. "Alright, food here we come. But it's gonna be fast food, got it?"

"Yes sir." Jason salutes to the rearview mirror. "Drive on."

A few miles down the road, there's suddenly a big jolt to the van as if they'd run over a large object.

Wyatt's grip on the steering wheel tightens. "What the..." The van swerves from side to side, until he can slow it down and take it onto the shoulder. From the thump, thump, thump, it's obvious that they've blown a tire. "Aw, great."

Jason's eyes are wide as he hadn't been buckled in, and had rolled over to the side. "What was that?"

"I have no idea. I even had the brights on and I didn't see a thing."

"It wasn't just the tire blowing was it?"

Wyatt shakes his head. "No, we hit something alright. Beats me what it was though." He glances in the side mirror, but sees nothing. They were on a pretty deserted road, and nothing was in sight. "Alright... we gonna draw straws to see who gets to go out in the cold?"

"Well we could but..." Jason thumbs to the back end of the van. "Unless you've got a tire hidden up your sleeve, we're gonna have to walk."

"You're kidding me." Wyatt turns around just to see that Jason was right. "Aw great."

Jason heaves a sigh and looks to Katie. "Well... it's about five more miles to the next town. I guess we walk."

"How about we use our heads and call someone instead?" Wyatt reaches for his phone, only to discover that it doesn't work. "What on earth..."

Jason grabs his, and finds the same dilemma. Frowning, he goes for the Elite equipment, to see that no battery or electrical devices are working. "That's weird. Are we in some major dead zone or something?"

"Uh, guys... I don't know.... but they might." Wyatt's voice had become strained as he stares straight ahead to see four men walking towards the van with semi-automatic rifles.

Past

Just feelings Sparky's comfort was nice, it was just nice having someone there. For the last few weeks Rosetta had felt so alone even when people were near. Leaning into Sparky more Rosetta's tears continue. She wanted to say something, she wanted to say anything but when he words tryed to come she just got choked up. So crying was her only sound.

Moments passed and they felt like hours that she sat there and cryed but finally her tears started to slow, and her gentil shaking calmed down. Sitting up Rosetta whips her eyes knowing she must look like a mess and slightly embarrassed. Trying to give Sparky the best smile she can.

"Thank you Sparky. For everything it means a great deal to me. Sorry I got your shirt a little wet there."

Something close to a chuckle escapes Rosetta's lips trying to find humor in her own joke. Standing and brushing herself off Rosetta gives a small nod to Sparky.

"I guess I should clean some stuff up around here."

Her eyes fall to the almost empty bottle of whisky and she can feel the ping in her heart.

Not being able to laugh with Jason and Wyatt going back and forth Katie could feel the tears in her eyes form. It was good to laugh like that after a mission to remember what the finer things in life were, and picking on Wyatt was so easy.

"We are off the clock anyways Wy."

Reaching out Katie ruffles his hair as she lets her laughter through to Jason.

"Who said we were talking behind your back mmmm? We could be talking about what we want to eat."

Poor Wyatt, he always gets our beatings huh? I think he'd miss it if we didnt though.

Feeling Gunner's arms slip around her Bree almost instantly could feel part of her fear being removed. Gunner's strong amrs being her shelter, she felt like the world could not touch her here with him. His warmth, his skin was rough but soft, it just seemed to bring comfort.

Feeling Gunner's hand on top of hers Bree opens her eyes and just looks at it, while the beats of his heart seemed to give her a calm feeling.Moving her fingers under his his, Bree's fingers felt his soft chest, she was shaken up still but just something about Gunner, made her insides flipflop and the fear didnt feel important anymore.

Shifting just a little to sit more comfortable leaning on Gunner still Bree takes in a long sigh. Not answering Gunner right away it was almost like Bree hadnt heard him. But finally in a soft voice that was straned with emotion she speaks.

"I...never was normal you know. In my younger years I was the strange one, dressing funny, saying the wrong things, not talking to much. My parents tryed to get me to be normal, took me to classes on how to eat, and speak. How to brush your hair, and put on make up but that...was never me."

Bree takes in more as are blinks her eyes slowly. It was almost like a movie taking her back to her childhood she had done so well to forget.

"That was when my dad started his run for senator, and my mother just lived off his money. There were party at our house almost every night and every night I would be locked in my room so I didnt say the wrong thing. My parents were embarrassed by me."

Memories, lost in one mind, bad ones that hold so much power, you think they are gone but they only lay dormant if conquering them has not happened.

"I lived like that for 18 years. Never really talking to my mom or dad, never having any friends, and spending all my time in my room. The day came when I was so tired of it. I just didnt want to live like that anymore."

Falling quiet Bree removes her hand from Gunner's chesk and brings it to her wrist where she wore a watch with a thick leather band. Unhooking it Bree turns her hand over and lifts it just a little so he could see the scar than ran from her palm to part way down her wrist.

"I have scars to, but mine dont have heroic battle tales.Only cowerd nightmares of a girl who just wanted to be loved."

Drawing silent again Bree sniffs trying her best not to get Gunner's bear chest all wet. The tears had stopped but her nose just wanted to run now. Though she didnt want to move to get a tissue and lost the feeling of Gunner, almost like if she did he would vanish before her eyes.

"Three years I spent in a mental hospetial that made North side look like a dream come true. I...I dont remember much about when I was there but it was a horrible place. On my parents orders they did shock treatment, kept me dopped up on meds. In the end it did more harm to me than good. Messed my brain up and well I am who I am today. I spent the next worst three years there."

Another breath escaps Bree's lips as she gives a little shiver just thinking about it.

"When I turned 21 they couldnt keep me anymore, it was aganst the law than because they couldnt prove I was permanently insane. So they let me out, and as soon as I could I came here to see my Uncle. He'd always been the one I could count on, and I new I could trust. I didnt tell my parents where I was going thought they new I was out. I didnt want them to try and make me go back there."

Bree's hands picked at her jeans as she thought for a long moment. It was hard reliving her past, but in a way it kind of felt good to tell Gunner. Like maybe they would be even closer because of it.

"After 7 years of hiding they found me. I got a call from my mom the other day, and than today I saw there bounty hunter Roger while I was at the cafe. He didnt try to talk to me, but I know he saw me, and I know he was there for me. That was only a few hours ago."

Turning her face into Gunner's chest one could tell what she spoke next really did scare her.

"I dont want to go back to that hospital Gunner, I couldn't take it."

Emotions

As Bree stops his hand, Gunner's pulse automatically quickens. What was she doing? He straightens again and looks at her, catching those deep eyes that stared back at him. No words were being spoken, but it seemed somehow it didn't matter right now. Gunner was confused, but his voice had suddenly left him.

Feeling Bree's hand on his face, then moving to his arm and chest like she had the other night, warmth creeps into his neck and face. She... wanted to touch him. But the emotions in her eyes weren't quite what he'd expect. It wasn't just a want for physical attention, but something more... she was afraid, but not of him.

Starting to open his mouth to question her, Bree surprises him again by leaning into him and resting her face on his chest, next to her hand. By now his heart was beating rapidly again, surly pounding in her ears as loudly as his own. She was so warm... so soft. A chill runs up and down his spine, not knowing what any of this meant. Then he felt a hot drop hit his skin from Bree's face.

Drawing back a little, he sees now that she is crying. And he has no idea why. It must not be him...otherwise she wouldn't have come to him like this.

Feeling totally inept, Gunner didn't know what to do. It seemed like an eternity, but really it was only a few seconds before his arm moves, slowly slipping around Bree's shoulders. Drawing her in a little closer, he holds her, letting her take whatever time she needed. He was clueless as to why she was upset, and it felt odd to be on the other end this time. He'd been the one needing a shoulder since the beginning... and though it didn't feel good to know Bree was upset, it did give him a little warm tingle inside, knowing maybe he was helping her this time.

Gunner tries to decide how to help, but he still felt pretty awkward. Eventually though, he takes his other hand and puts it over her hand that was still resting on his chest. He moves a finger to wipe away a tear, then just remains still, his heart still pounding with the bubbling emotions brought on by holding Bree.

"What is it?" he asks quietly. "What's wrong?"


Wyatt quirks an eyebrow and looks in the rearview mirror to smirk at Katie.

Jason grins.
I don't mind a bit. I think I feel an attack coming on now...
"Hey Wyatt..."

"Here," Wyatt interrupts, having fished a candy bar from down beside the seat. "This will give your sugar a nice kick."

Jason's eyes narrow.
Thinks he can win at this game, does he? Ah, but he forgets...
"Wyatt," he repeats.

"What?"

"I outrank you."

"Aw, you wouldn't. You said there wasn't anything between here and the airport."

"I would." Jason grins evilly. "And all you gotta do is take a detour off this road for about ten minutes to get to another town."

"Jase..."

"Food!"

Wyatt groans and shakes his head. "Alright, alright! But we're off the clock."

"Of course." Jason throws Katie a wink.
All it takes is just a little bit of know-how.

"And quit talking behind my back!"

Sugar

Bree sees Gunner start to pick up his shirt, but suddenly she feels her hand reach out to stop him. A flutter goes through her stomach and she raises her eyes to his. She just wanted someone to be near, and she needed comfort, not formality.

Looking deep into his eyes Bree just searches them, finding that strange feeling she had, had the other night. Though it had been strange at the same time it was almost comforting. His skin had felt so warm under her finger tips, and it had held a feeling that Bree had liked and wanted to feel again.

Bringing her hand up to the side of Gunner's face she jwas not even sure what had driven her actions. A longing, a want, a need to have someone close. Gently running her finger over his cheek bone and down his jaw line, than tracing the vain down his neck, Bree pauses.

Continuing to stare into Gunner’s eyes – those eyes that shone with the sun and moon – she brings her hand down to his arm, then up over his shoulder and to his chest once again. Bree cheeks grew warm, but this time she didn’t look away. Feeling the warmth under her hands seemed to calm her fear but form a small other one. These feelings she had for this man were strong, she liked them, she felt safe.

Leaning into Gunner to rest her check against his warm chest, tears rolls down Bree's face. It had been a long time since she had cried. Maybe too long but now her fears were coming true and that was exactly what her parents were betting on.

Leaning up to the front seat again Katie was happy to go home, but there was that part of her that wanted to stay too.

"You know Wy, if Jason has an attack from low sugar Rick will be all over you for not stoping for food. Not to mention Misty will have Carson tell Aerith an ohhh boy you would be in hot water. Sure you dont wanna stop for food?"

Giving a sidelong grin Katie sticks out her toung.

You some know times I like using your sugar aganst people. I hope you dont mind to much.

Katie cant help the small laugh that escapes.

Shirt

Still sitting on the couch in the same position, hearing someone at the door makes Gunner tense. Sitting quietly, he listens as the door opens. The hair on his arms stands up and he cranes his neck back to see the house entryway. Relief sweeps through him as he sees it's just Bree.

Relaxation only lasts a moment as he realizes that the living room is basically now his bedroom, and he feels a bit awkward all of a sudden. Turning to the coffee table, he straightens the duffel bag underneath and picks up his dirty socks so they're out of sight. He didn't know Bree's routine... if she was here to spend the night or just sack out for a while, or pick something up then leave.

Glancing at the television, he knew he probably wouldn't startle her, but he didn't know if he should greet her or... what.

Just ready to get out of the way if need be, she suddenly joins him. Looking at her quickly, he tries to give a little smile. "Hey... didn't think I'd... see you tonight."

Something seemed a little odd. She appeared quieter than normal, and she wasn't smiling. Was it because he was there? Clearing his throat he reaches for his bag again, this time for a t-shirt. He didn't want to embarrass her like the last time.


Dylan remains quiet, not arguing with Katie, and trying to appear as though he were ignoring her. But to the expert eye, he was having a hard time not digesting what she was saying.

Jason leans back, letting his hand slide down to take Katie's. He gives her fingers a little squeeze.
We've done all we can. It'll be up to someone else now.

Finally, finally, the McClain ranch comes into view. The sun was setting, and there were only a few vehicles around. They were expected though, and Adam is first on the scene to meet them, along with another man there to help.

Getting Dylan out of the van proves to be a bit of a task, but once he's out in the fresh air, Adam has him uncuffed. Jason's ready for him to bolt, but surprisingly, Dylan stays put, not looking anyone in the eye.

Adam lets the three know that Mick is there, but in the background for now. Though not saying so in front of Dylan, it's obvious that he didn't think it wise for Mick to be right in the forefront as soon as Dylan arrived. Nothing is said about any other reasons Mick might be there, and it's assumed that he's just there to make sure Dylan gets settled before going home.

Dylan is prompted towards the house, still uttering not a word, his head down, his feet dragging. As the van heads out once more, Jason lets out a weary sigh. "There's nothing between here and the airport, but I'm starving. Any ideas?"

Wyatt shakes his head as he keeps his hands on the wheel. "We can pick something up there... otherwise, we'll be back home in a few hours."

He's so much help.
Jason gives Katie a grin.
This day was an easy case, but I'm exhausted. You holding up alright?


Sparky's heart hurts as he listens to Rosetta. He had wondered about Mick's drinking, but had had no proof to ever question him about it. Finding out the truth was painful. And apparently Dylan wasn't in too good of shape himself. One family issue like that was bad enough, let alone two at the same time.

"Shh... it's okay." Sparky hugs Rosetta close, rubbing her back as she cries. Part of him knew he needed to be a little cautious here - this was his brother's wife after all. But right now she needed a shoulder, and Mick wasn't around. Sparky wasn't willing to just let her fend for herself.

"He'll come back," he assures. "You know he will... he always comes back." He gives her an extra squeeze. "He's got a problem. At least he's going to do something about it right? That's a good thing."

Pushing her hair away from her tear-soaked face, he lets her lean into him and just cry. It was obviously something she needed to do.

"You're not alone, Rosetta. The rest of your family is here... things will be okay. You got us taking care of the horses, and... and you'll get help with everything else. It'll be okay."

He felt redundant, but he didn't know what else to say. He finally falls quiet.