Defense

Seeing the kind of shape Sam was in made Hal's heart hurt a little more for her. Her words, then not receiving even an attempt at a smile, he wondered if maybe he shouldn't have come at all. Earlier she'd hinted he might not want to see her anymore - maybe it was actually the other way around. Had they really been that short-lived? Surely not. 

He followed her to the kitchen - at least she was going to have some ice cream with him. Just nodding, he took over and scooped out a couple small servings and put the rest in the freezer. He pulled out a chair at the kitchen table and sat, hoping she'd stick around, but thinking she might just go back to her room. He didn't say anything though, and simply started eating his ice cream slowly. 

His eyes studied the table as his mind went over the day's events. He'd eventually been able to talk to Reese. Then had helped search for Aaron. Then had gotten an earful himself about security measures. He didn't mention any of it though, and just sat in silence. 


"Hey now, hey now." Eli tightened his legs around Scarlet teasingly. "In my defense, I knew you needed me to distract him. Besides, the poor guy needed to talk about something other than politics and high society." He grinned. "If I woulda had ten more minutes, I woulda convinced him to come back here and learn mechanics."

Hunter laughed and shook his head. "I dunno... I think Scarlet's version is more believable."

Even though he'd been focused on his ice cream, Dylan had been listening, and looked up at Ryan as she addressed him. He gave her a wry grin. "Nothing as exciting as all that." He shrugged. "Not unless you count people falling out of their chairs or wearing popcorn bowls on their heads. That's... about as much excitement as the ranch gets." He paused for a moment. "Other than newbies coming and walking bowlegged for a week 'cause they're saddle sore..." He threw his eyesight purposely in Hunter's direction.

Hunter's jaw dropped. "We were never going to discuss that I  public!"

Dylan tried hard not to smile and glanced around. "Public? I didn't think this was public." He looked back over at Ryan. "I honestly thought he was gonna ask for an ice pack for his butt." He had to react quickly as a throw pillow was hurled at him, then he finally laughed. 

Hunter smirked and kissed Ryan's cheek. "Don't pay any attention to him."

Zan grinned as he listened, enjoying this little group. Other than the incident with Jett, the evening had been just about perfect.

Feeling Destiny's fingers in his hair, a little tingle of enjoyment ran down his spine. He tilted his head back a little more and subtly ran a finger along her shin.