Barbaric

Eli smiled a little and shook his head before looking back down at his food. "Eh...you got nothing to thank me for. I, um... I'm not sure where I'd be now if I hadn't come to Nevada in the first place. I got you to thank for that." A wry grin emerged. "Just don't ever do that again." Her hospital stay and near-death was something he didn't want to experience again. 

"So...tonight then." He nodded and took another bite of burger. "It's a date." 

As much as he'd like to lollygag, he knew he needed to get her back to work, and he had to finish out his day as well...

That night though, he was ready to head to the races. He opted to take his car instead of the bike just since it was a bit chilly. Everyone always razzed him about getting rid of the old thing, but as long as it still had life, he still drove it as his secondary vehicle. 

Getting to the races, there was already a crowd forming and someone had started a bonfire. The usuals were there - it hadn't changed an awful lot. Maybe a few new faces. Eli parked and got out of the car and waited for Ryan. He'd stick close this time. He could hang with his buddies any day. 


Outside the rowdy circle, beyond the light of the fire, Hunter sat alone on the hood of his car. Those who knew him only from the races would think it odd - he liked the roughhousing, laughter, and of course the attention. But the last few races, he'd changed his pattern, choosing to go off alone before and after racing, rather than socialize. 


Gunner took the picture from Bree and held it close, just managing to nod, fearing if he spoke, he would break down again. He managed to muster enough gumption to get up anf walk Bree to the door, opening it for her. "Thank you," he whispered and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek. But he could say or do no more, lest he not let her go at all.

And left alone, he retreated to the bed to curl up on his side, still clutching the little picture. 


Kirk straightened a little and smiled. "Thanks...that means a lot to me." Her compliment really did. This was quite a learning curve - the whole thing with the Elite. To have her faith in him meant a lot more than Barnes' orders. "I just hope it all turns out how we plan."

He reached up and brushed a strand of hair from her face, just letting his hand rest against her cheek. She was dressed in her comfy clothes, she had her glasses on, and her hair was a bit unkempt...and she was more beautiful than ever. His smile widened. "You're awfully cute, you know that?"

The sizzling on the stove brought his attention back to supper, and he returned to the pan to stir it a little more. "Okay... About five minutes left. You wanna eat at the table like humans, or return  to our barbaric ways while watching a movie?"