How Long?

Hal chuckled as he mopped up some water on the counter. "Nah. They know I'm with the Elite. They probably think I'm just moving furniture." He paused. "Hopefully." He gave Sam a sidelong glance and was about to say more, but decided better of it. Instead, just a crooked grin creased his lips. She could figure out for herself what he'd been thinking. 

It didn't take long for them and the kitchen to be cleaned up - at least for now. Part of Hal wished the evening wasn't over, and part of him sought relief from the strange new tension that had risen within him tonight. He tried not to let it show though - it wasn't Sam's fault. 

Walking her to the door a short while later, he opened it for her, and leaned his forearm on it, cocking his head as he looked at her. "Thanks for coming over tonight... I'm glad you enjoyed the fish and... I had a good time." He grinned. "Dish bubbles and all."


Scott was grateful for Hope's willingness to spend a day with him. He wasn't sure if she was doing it more for his own benefit or hers, but either way, he wanted to enjoy it while he was feeling good. He agreed to leave Domino with her for a little while, and it didn't take him long to go home, shower and change clothes, then come back. Soon, they were on their way to the lake, Scott and Domino in the passenger seat, and it didn't take them long to arrive. It was a gorgeous day with a warm sun and pleasant breeze. 

Scott sat on the beach right by the water, letting his bare feet sit in the cool, lapping water, while Domino was nearby, happily playing with some seaweed. He laid back to rest his head on the soft earth and closed his eyes as he took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. He'd gone all night and all morning without any nightmares or even a data attack. He wasn't sure what had changed, but it felt so good just to sit and rest... truly rest. 

Opening his eyes again, he turned his head to look at Hope. After just watching her for several moments, he rolled over and withdrew his feet from the water to crawl over and lay next to her, setting his head in her lap so he could look up at her. "How long has it been since we've been here together... like this?"


Mick nodded to Katie. "Mums the word. I think he's in the mare's barn at he moment, but supper is in a couple hours so he'll be wandering this way in a while."

Jason gave Katie's hand a squeeze. "Let's go see if my mom's around somewhere and get her heart attack over with."

Mick chuckled and turned to go on his way. "See you two later."

It didn't take long to walk the ranchyard and follow the little lane a short ways to Wes and Cindy's house. Stepping up on the porch, Jason knocked - he could probably just walk right in, but then he'd really give his mother a fright.

Inside, Cindy had just gotten Kaylee to fall asleep for a nap and was about ready to start cleaning the mess in the kitchen - made by Kaylee who had flung her food in all directions, refusing to settle down. She'd been fussy all day for whatever reason, and Cindy had about had it. Thankfully her toddler had finally settled enough to sleep. And now there was someone at the door. She sighed. It was rare that anyone around here came to visit without calling first, and outside visitors were even rarer than that. After wiping her brow and tucking some stray hair behind her ears, she went to the door. "Coming, coming," she hollered.

As she got to the door, she flung it open and stopped in her tracks, her eyes going wide. "Jason!" Stepping outside, she pulled him into a tight hug, just holding him for several long moments. "What are you doing here?"

Jason smiled and returned her hug, needing to bend to do so. "What? Can't I just come to see you?"

Cindy withdrew before whacking his arm. "Apparently not very often."

"Yeah well... you know me... busy, busy busy."

Cindy rolled her eyes, then finally looked to Katie. She blinked once, then forced a smile. "Katie, I... it's good to see you." She glanced up at Jason with question.

Jason bit his lip and gave her a sheepish grin. "Um..." He slipped his arm around Katie's shoulders. "It would seem that... certain paths... refuse to stay apart."

Cindy smirked before smiling and moving to give Katie a hug as well. "You know I love you too... I don't know all what's happened, but I'm glad to see you two happy." She retreated and waved them inside. "Come on in." Her eyes went to Jason again. "Your holy terror of a sister is finally sleeping. Maybe you can get her in a better mood later."

Jason chuckled. "I can certainly do my best." He followed her inside with Katie and joined her at the kitchen table, accepting a glass of water. A bit of small talk ensued, but Jason knew he couldn't avoid the truth for too long, and soon the conversation shifted to exactly why he and Katie were here.

Cindy swallowed hard as tears filled her eyes. Her hand slid across the table to his, and for a few moments, she was silent. "Then I'm glad you're here," she finally responded softly. "Both of you." She wiped away a tear and took in a ragged breath. She'd almost watched her son die once before and had prayed she never would have to go through that again. But for some reason, this was the hand he and Katie had been dealt, and she wouldn't turn away...ever.

Jason's emotions started to churn, and he lowered his head, closing his eyes.
Katie, help me keep this lid on a while longer.... please... if you can... I can't let anything happen now... not this soon in front of my mom.