One Condition

Scott nodded again, although he felt a little badly. He hated it that his issues dictated everything they did or didn't do. Would that ever change? "Okay. I can at least drive." He felt well enough for that, and it was about time Hope didn't have to drive him. 

It didn't take long to leave the Elite, and soon they were a short distance away at a little sandwich shop where they could sit outside and eat. Even though the sun was warm today, Scott kept his hoodie on. Except for when he was under his blankets in bed at night, he wasn't sure he was ever warm anymore. Justin kept telling him he needed to put on weight and that would help but... so far he hadn't done very well in that area. 

Nibbling on a french fry, he did his best to be at least fair company...not an easy task lately. "Do you..." He studied the table. He shouldn't ask. But he wanted to know the truth. "Do you think Reese really wants me back? I mean... with Jamison there now and... with the move and everything... and since he was so upset with me..." He shrugged and dragged a fry through some ketchup. "Do you think I'm... I'm really cut out to be an agent any more?" 


Jamison's mouth widened into a full smile. "Careful... not everyone wearing a badge can be trusted, unfortunately. But don't worry. I'm a pretty nice guy, if I do say so myself." 

He straightened and glanced down at his book. "Yeah... just some light reading over lunch." Nobody else ever understood his love for reading, let alone his love of printed books instead of virtual ones, let alone his choice of subject matter. Novels weren't his thing.

"I, um... I'm actually an Elite agent, so I'm always on call. But as long as nothing too exciting happens, I've got free lunch hours or evenings. And... I'd be happy to help you with your calculus." He held up a finger. "On one condition. Get a backpack."


Hunter gave Ryan's hand a squeeze before lifting it up to his lips to give it a kiss. "Alright. Then let's head out." Leaving her hand under his to shift gears, he pulled down the driveway, and soon, the ranch was a fading image in the rear view mirror. It was a melancholy sort of feeling. He didn't want to leave. It was almost harder this time than last, but he wasn't sure why. He just hated saying goodbye, especially to Mick. He'd be back though. He had to be. 

The ride was tiresome but easy, and they covered a lot of miles. With the music turned up and windows down, it wasn't hard to laugh and enjoy each other's company... different from when they'd been coming instead of going. Things were different now. They were friends. More than friends. Hunter never would have guessed it, but Mick was right... he should just see how things played out and enjoy it while he could...

...Sitting on the hood of the car at a rest stop, Hunter took a swig of water and glanced over at Ryan. It was getting to be late in the afternoon. He hadn't asked her about spending the night anywhere, but silently hoped she'd be able to make it straight through this time. They'd get home quite late, but it would be pushing his schedule if they stayed all night somewhere. 

"Doing alright?" He gave her a gentle smile. "Think you can make it home in one shot?"