Eli chuckled and reached up to push a stray strand of Scarlet's hair behind her ear. "I'm pretty sure I could never get tired of you, whether we're talking minutes, hours, days..." His thumb caressed her cheek lovingly. "Or eternity."
Slipping his hand behind her head, he brought her down again to kiss her lips with slow passion, perhaps more tender than normal. His other arm slid around her and just held her closely, soaking in this feeling of having her in his arms. Eternity like this? He could handle that.
Hunter laughed, but was cut off by Ryan's kiss, which he returned without hesitation. Looking up at her, he just smiled. "You're spoiling me rotten, you know. You're gonna get tired of me before we ever even get married." Standing up quickly, he threw the blanket over Ryan's head and aimed for the hallway. He got himself cleaned up a bit, and by the time he wandered back to the kitchen, he could smell the coffee.
Still in his bare feet, he slipped up behind her at the stove and bent to rest his chin on her shoulder. "You gotta work today, right? I'm gonna help Eli and Zan some more today.... but if you want, I can bring my bike and pick you up for lunch..."
Hal's eyes widened as he saw Sam's first text message. The microwave blew up? He was sorry he'd missed that one. He was about to reply when he got her second message, which made him laugh. He enjoyed seeing her fun side. She didn't let it show much at work, but then... he kind of had two separate lives, too.
Um... Mexican.
How about that little authentic
place down on 6th and Juniper?
I hear it's good but never
been there before.
He quickly sent another text.
Am I picking you up or
meeting you there?
"Oh...ah... almost.... gah!" Jason sat cross-legged on the couch with Katie as they faced each other, holding hands.
Rick was in another chair and rolled his eyes. "That's the best you got?"
Jason threw him a smirk. "Next time you wake up and your eyes start glowing, then you come talk to me, alright?"
Rick chuckled and shook his head before taking another sip of the lemonade Cindy had made. "Get back to work."
Jason sighed and looked back at Katie again. They were trying to figure out how to not let their eyes glow when their emotions were heightened, but so far nothing was working. There was a mirror behind them so they could both see their own faces, and so far, their efforts had been futile. Jason gripped Katie's hands and looked in her eyes as he brought his own emotions to the surface. As soon as they topped a normal rise though, the yellow glow started to swirl around his pupils. And when his emotions began to reach her, he could see the red in her own eyes. Slowly the color morphed to an orange as their connection melded together.
I think I can actually feel it now... it's like... my eyes feel... warm.
He cut everything off short before realizing what a jolt it would give Katie, and cringed. "Sorry." He looked back to Rick. "If we can feel it when our eyes do it, that at least helps."
"Yeah. You'll know when to pretend to be asleep."
"Oh come on! You're not helping at all!"
"No..." Rick took another sip of lemonade. "But I'm enjoying watching the show."
Humor bubbled to the surface as Jason turned back to Katie.
Since when is he such a jerk? What did he do with the real Rick? I like this one better.
"And quit talking."
Jason's eyes widened.
Rick just grinned.
Jason sighed and tried to focus again. "Okay... there's gotta be a way to figure this out. If we can feel it... we can control it... right?"
May 17, 2017
Help Me
Hearing Eli's comment Scarlet sat up still in his lap and just looked at him searching his eyes for a long moment. She could feel her heart race a little faster. Was he asking what she thought he was asking, simply wondering, was she reading into it? She wasn't sure but she could feel her hands go a little clammy as her heart beat faster.
"I think I could definitely handle forever. Sure you wouldn't get tired of me?"
Hearing Hunter's voice and feeling the sunshine on her face Ryan stirred a little. She was so comfortable she wished morning wouldn't have to come. But she knew it must, and the day had to start.
"Mmmm...I guess wetting the couch would be a bad thing for a grown man to do."
Shifting Ryan pulled herself up before twisting a little to give Hunter a long kiss. She new spending the nights together was not smart, and it looked bad but she didn't much care what others thought. She knew it was innocent and they just enjoyed each other company from time to time to sleep better.
"You go to the bathroom before you wet yourself and I will make us some coffee and breakfast."
Pulling her phone from her pocket Sam had gone over in her head a million times about where to eat and just now finally landed on a few things. She was having a hard time though as all three things sounded good to her.
Sorry, I am getting back to you late.
We had some excitement here with the
microwave blowing up.
Sending the message Sam waited a moment before sending another.
So I know you said I had to choose
but I am having issues choosing. I've
decided Chinese or Mexican.
Help me Hal Kenobi you are my
only hope!!!
"I think I could definitely handle forever. Sure you wouldn't get tired of me?"
Hearing Hunter's voice and feeling the sunshine on her face Ryan stirred a little. She was so comfortable she wished morning wouldn't have to come. But she knew it must, and the day had to start.
"Mmmm...I guess wetting the couch would be a bad thing for a grown man to do."
Shifting Ryan pulled herself up before twisting a little to give Hunter a long kiss. She new spending the nights together was not smart, and it looked bad but she didn't much care what others thought. She knew it was innocent and they just enjoyed each other company from time to time to sleep better.
"You go to the bathroom before you wet yourself and I will make us some coffee and breakfast."
Pulling her phone from her pocket Sam had gone over in her head a million times about where to eat and just now finally landed on a few things. She was having a hard time though as all three things sounded good to her.
Sorry, I am getting back to you late.
We had some excitement here with the
microwave blowing up.
Sending the message Sam waited a moment before sending another.
So I know you said I had to choose
but I am having issues choosing. I've
decided Chinese or Mexican.
Help me Hal Kenobi you are my
only hope!!!
May 16, 2017
Forever?
Eli chuckled and gave Scarlet a squeeze. What was life like before they'd met? It was hard to remember. Or maybe he just didn't want to. Life had been darker. Harder. Lacking joy. And now... Scarlet... she completed him.
"So," he prompted a little more, "does a lengthy amount of time include... Oh, I don't know... forever?"
Ryan may have felt safe, but she also filled Hunter's own need to be needed. Being someone's shelter was exactly what filled that hole in his heart. What would he do I'd this didn't last? He didn't want to even imagine.
"I won't leave," he whispered. "I promise." It didn't take very long for him to feel Ryan's breathing become slow and steady. And it wasn't long after, that he fell asleep too...
...By the time Hunter woke, it was morning. It was rather sad that he couldn't get such a good night's sleep when he was alone. Yawning, he tried to stretch, but he was impossibly tangled up with Ryan and a blanket that apparently he'd pulled over them at some point, though he couldn't remember.
"Psst... you awake?" He nudged Ryan's shoulder. "If I don't get up, I'm gonna wet the couch and that would totally start the day off wrong." He wriggled his toes around the bottom of her foot teasingly. "And I can't get up 'cause you're laying on me." That would probably have something to do with his bladder's complaint.
A better life. But... what was a better life? What did that even mean? Aaron wasn't so sure. He'd thought his life in the Agency was perfect. Other than that, all he knew was family that didn't care about him. So... what was a better life even like?
He just looked at Misty for a fee moments before simply nodding and turning back to leave. He hobbled out of the infirmary and made one round up and down the hall before going back to his room where he remained quiet the rest of the day.
Hal sat out on the patio again, but at least this time he'd showered and put clean clothes on.
The afternoon had dragged on, but as evening fell, he was feeling a little better. His phone had been quiet, and that helped. Sam's visit had helped. And at least he had the evening to look forward to. He still didn't know what she wanted to do, but he'd be ready and... he would try extra hard not to be such a bear.
"So," he prompted a little more, "does a lengthy amount of time include... Oh, I don't know... forever?"
Ryan may have felt safe, but she also filled Hunter's own need to be needed. Being someone's shelter was exactly what filled that hole in his heart. What would he do I'd this didn't last? He didn't want to even imagine.
"I won't leave," he whispered. "I promise." It didn't take very long for him to feel Ryan's breathing become slow and steady. And it wasn't long after, that he fell asleep too...
...By the time Hunter woke, it was morning. It was rather sad that he couldn't get such a good night's sleep when he was alone. Yawning, he tried to stretch, but he was impossibly tangled up with Ryan and a blanket that apparently he'd pulled over them at some point, though he couldn't remember.
"Psst... you awake?" He nudged Ryan's shoulder. "If I don't get up, I'm gonna wet the couch and that would totally start the day off wrong." He wriggled his toes around the bottom of her foot teasingly. "And I can't get up 'cause you're laying on me." That would probably have something to do with his bladder's complaint.
A better life. But... what was a better life? What did that even mean? Aaron wasn't so sure. He'd thought his life in the Agency was perfect. Other than that, all he knew was family that didn't care about him. So... what was a better life even like?
He just looked at Misty for a fee moments before simply nodding and turning back to leave. He hobbled out of the infirmary and made one round up and down the hall before going back to his room where he remained quiet the rest of the day.
Hal sat out on the patio again, but at least this time he'd showered and put clean clothes on.
The afternoon had dragged on, but as evening fell, he was feeling a little better. His phone had been quiet, and that helped. Sam's visit had helped. And at least he had the evening to look forward to. He still didn't know what she wanted to do, but he'd be ready and... he would try extra hard not to be such a bear.
Safe
Sam just nodded and watched Aaron go. His leg was doing better, and she didn't mind he wondered. Aaron wasn't causing any trouble and as long it stayed that way there was no issue. Standing she made her way back to the security room to sit out the rest of the day.
Looking up and seeing Aaron Misty just watched him. Taking the supplies from her nodded her thanks and smiled. Something about Aaron seemed different today. She wasn't sure what it was but there was something different.
Hearing Aaron's question Misty was quiet for a long moment. No one had ever asked her that, not even anyone here at the Elite.
"A better life, my own life. I wanted to start helping people more so one day I could stand back and be proud of what I have done."
Searching Aaron's face again for a moment she wondered why he wanted to know. Maybe Sam was really finally getting through to him or at least on the right track.
"We all have our different reason I suppose but when it all boils down, we just want a better life, our own life."
Laying with Eli and looking up at the dots that twinkled in the sky Scarlet let out a content sigh. A moment like this could last forever and she would be happy. Thinking about Eli's question for a long moment she finally gave a little nod. She never really thought about life beyond the moments in front of her, but since her and Eli had become closer she thought more about it.
"I don't think in my mind you will ever be old. Even if I joke about it. I think I could definitely handle you more often for a lengthy amount of time."
Ryan snuggle her head into Hunter just a little more her eyes were tired and heavy. It had been a long day and her body was still trying to get back to doing more things again.
"It has been a long time...maybe this once won't be so bad. Just...don't leave me when I fall asleep ok? I feel safe in your arms."
She really did feel safe with him. Much different than anyone else she had been with. Hunter had his rough edges and yet his cuddly soft side. Ryan got the best of both worlds with him and that was something she needed.
Looking up and seeing Aaron Misty just watched him. Taking the supplies from her nodded her thanks and smiled. Something about Aaron seemed different today. She wasn't sure what it was but there was something different.
Hearing Aaron's question Misty was quiet for a long moment. No one had ever asked her that, not even anyone here at the Elite.
"A better life, my own life. I wanted to start helping people more so one day I could stand back and be proud of what I have done."
Searching Aaron's face again for a moment she wondered why he wanted to know. Maybe Sam was really finally getting through to him or at least on the right track.
"We all have our different reason I suppose but when it all boils down, we just want a better life, our own life."
Laying with Eli and looking up at the dots that twinkled in the sky Scarlet let out a content sigh. A moment like this could last forever and she would be happy. Thinking about Eli's question for a long moment she finally gave a little nod. She never really thought about life beyond the moments in front of her, but since her and Eli had become closer she thought more about it.
"I don't think in my mind you will ever be old. Even if I joke about it. I think I could definitely handle you more often for a lengthy amount of time."
Ryan snuggle her head into Hunter just a little more her eyes were tired and heavy. It had been a long day and her body was still trying to get back to doing more things again.
"It has been a long time...maybe this once won't be so bad. Just...don't leave me when I fall asleep ok? I feel safe in your arms."
She really did feel safe with him. Much different than anyone else she had been with. Hunter had his rough edges and yet his cuddly soft side. Ryan got the best of both worlds with him and that was something she needed.
Get Out
Aaron had always heard Sam's words. But maybe today was the first time he was actually listening. He thought back to before the Agency when no one had cared. His mother hadn't cared. His sister hadn't cared. His so-called friends hadn't cared. His school teachers hadn't cared. He'd learned at a very young age that he didn't matter to anyone else. Even when he'd thought Brooke cared, it had just been a lie. And then he'd found out even the Agency itself planned for him to die. He'd mentally fought the intel Garret had found, and had not admitted out loud that he believed it but... deep down, he knew it to be true. Then there was Garret himself - the only operative that Aaron had looked up to, and he'd betrayed everything Aaron had known. And right now, in this moment, Sam was telling him that she was a friend. That she, in essence, wouldn't let him down, but would help him. And it was very hard to swallow.
How could his entire life this far have been such a total waste? He was thirty years old, and at a complete standstill with everything having been destroyed. Everything. Whether Sam or the Elite were there or not...how could he possibly rebuild something worth living? How could he possibly pick up all those pieces again and build something different that was actually worth the effort? He wanted out of here so badly he could taste it. And yet... what was the point with nowhere to go?
Realizing he'd fallen totally silent, he blinked and snapped his gaze back up to Sam. He'd trusted so many people who had let him down. What made Sam any different?
He let the entire subject drop without another word about it, and slid off the bed, grabbing one crutch. "I'm gonna take a walk," he mentioned quietly. He also picked up the supplies she'd brought. "I'll take these back to the infirmary." He didn't say anything more, and slowly hobbled out of the room. Getting to the infirmary, he had just a little trouble pushing the door open, but he managed. Once inside, he caught Misty's eye and tried to approach in a nonthreatening way, holding up the first aid supplies so she'd realize why he was there. "Sam... she brought these to me," he explained and turned his arm so Misty could see the bandage. "So I just wanted to bring them back."
He set the supplies on her desk and turned to leave, but then stopped and looked back at her for a moment, just studying her face. "I know you weren't in too deep in the Agency before but... you were in deep enough. What... made you want to get out?"
"Mm... I think watching the stars with you sounds amazing." Eli stole one last kiss from Scarlet before releasing her. It didn't take long to finish up the dishes then go out onto the back deck. Eli picked his normal lounge chair where he could stretch out, but instead of letting Scarlet sit in a different one, he pulled her down in his lap. There wasn't enough room for both of them, which forced her to lie close to him - which was his intention. With her back on his chest, he wrapped his arms around her and sighed deeply. His eyes roamed the dark sky with twinkling little lights.
"I could spend the rest of my life like this right here," he mentioned softly. "Of course, that would require you being around that long..." He gave her neck a playful kiss. "Think you could handle me as an old man, hmm?"
A little tingle ran down Hunter's spine at Ryan's words, and he gave her another squeeze. "Eh... pretty sure I don't deserve all that but... I'm glad you think so." Surely he could dare hope now that this was something that would last, right? He didn't have to be afraid anymore that she was just leaning on him to move on later, right? This was... real?
He hooked his leg around hers and buried his face into her neck, just soaking in her warmth. "I won't tell anybody if you fall asleep," he mumbled. He shouldn't have suggested it. He knew better. But he couldn't help missing how peaceful he slept with her in his arms. It was like nothing else and... people could think what they would. This right here was all he wanted. Nothing more.
How could his entire life this far have been such a total waste? He was thirty years old, and at a complete standstill with everything having been destroyed. Everything. Whether Sam or the Elite were there or not...how could he possibly rebuild something worth living? How could he possibly pick up all those pieces again and build something different that was actually worth the effort? He wanted out of here so badly he could taste it. And yet... what was the point with nowhere to go?
Realizing he'd fallen totally silent, he blinked and snapped his gaze back up to Sam. He'd trusted so many people who had let him down. What made Sam any different?
He let the entire subject drop without another word about it, and slid off the bed, grabbing one crutch. "I'm gonna take a walk," he mentioned quietly. He also picked up the supplies she'd brought. "I'll take these back to the infirmary." He didn't say anything more, and slowly hobbled out of the room. Getting to the infirmary, he had just a little trouble pushing the door open, but he managed. Once inside, he caught Misty's eye and tried to approach in a nonthreatening way, holding up the first aid supplies so she'd realize why he was there. "Sam... she brought these to me," he explained and turned his arm so Misty could see the bandage. "So I just wanted to bring them back."
He set the supplies on her desk and turned to leave, but then stopped and looked back at her for a moment, just studying her face. "I know you weren't in too deep in the Agency before but... you were in deep enough. What... made you want to get out?"
"Mm... I think watching the stars with you sounds amazing." Eli stole one last kiss from Scarlet before releasing her. It didn't take long to finish up the dishes then go out onto the back deck. Eli picked his normal lounge chair where he could stretch out, but instead of letting Scarlet sit in a different one, he pulled her down in his lap. There wasn't enough room for both of them, which forced her to lie close to him - which was his intention. With her back on his chest, he wrapped his arms around her and sighed deeply. His eyes roamed the dark sky with twinkling little lights.
"I could spend the rest of my life like this right here," he mentioned softly. "Of course, that would require you being around that long..." He gave her neck a playful kiss. "Think you could handle me as an old man, hmm?"
A little tingle ran down Hunter's spine at Ryan's words, and he gave her another squeeze. "Eh... pretty sure I don't deserve all that but... I'm glad you think so." Surely he could dare hope now that this was something that would last, right? He didn't have to be afraid anymore that she was just leaning on him to move on later, right? This was... real?
He hooked his leg around hers and buried his face into her neck, just soaking in her warmth. "I won't tell anybody if you fall asleep," he mumbled. He shouldn't have suggested it. He knew better. But he couldn't help missing how peaceful he slept with her in his arms. It was like nothing else and... people could think what they would. This right here was all he wanted. Nothing more.
May 15, 2017
Legos
"Even the impossible is possible if you want it bad enough."
Sam continued to smile as she searched Aaron's face. She could see the look of a man who wanted more, a man who wanted a life. She wanted that for him almost as much as he wanted it for himself.
"I'm not saying it would be easy, and it would be a long time to not always have to look over your shoulder, but that's where we come in. We will do what we can. It can be done though, Misty, Garret, Carson...they are working towards it, have achieved it."
Thinking for a long moment again Sam stood walking over to the model she and Aaron had been working on. Taking a few pieces she snapped them into place before turning back to Aaron.
"I guess life can kind of be like legos, sometimes things don't fall into place till you get the right pieces to fit. Sometimes you make a mistaked and put it in the wrong spot, but that doesn't mean you give up. You take it apart and try again and sometimes you have that friend there to help when it gets really hard, even when you really don't think you deserve it or need it."
Scarlet shreeked as Eli finally caught her. She was happy Ryan wasn't home or they would be disturbing her for sure. The time alone was nice. Returning the kiss to Eli Scarlet's arms went around him.
"I'm happy I came back early too. We don't have to watch the movie, we could always just relax out back and watch the starts. As long as its with you I am happy."
"Mmmm...I kind of missed you too."
Ryan cuddled in a little closer to Hunter. The movie played but she really wasn't paying much mind to it. She was just enjoying being here with Hunter. Hearing his question Ryan thought for a long moment before finally answering him.
"I haven't don't anything other than give you the love, and caring you deserve."
Sam continued to smile as she searched Aaron's face. She could see the look of a man who wanted more, a man who wanted a life. She wanted that for him almost as much as he wanted it for himself.
"I'm not saying it would be easy, and it would be a long time to not always have to look over your shoulder, but that's where we come in. We will do what we can. It can be done though, Misty, Garret, Carson...they are working towards it, have achieved it."
Thinking for a long moment again Sam stood walking over to the model she and Aaron had been working on. Taking a few pieces she snapped them into place before turning back to Aaron.
"I guess life can kind of be like legos, sometimes things don't fall into place till you get the right pieces to fit. Sometimes you make a mistaked and put it in the wrong spot, but that doesn't mean you give up. You take it apart and try again and sometimes you have that friend there to help when it gets really hard, even when you really don't think you deserve it or need it."
Scarlet shreeked as Eli finally caught her. She was happy Ryan wasn't home or they would be disturbing her for sure. The time alone was nice. Returning the kiss to Eli Scarlet's arms went around him.
"I'm happy I came back early too. We don't have to watch the movie, we could always just relax out back and watch the starts. As long as its with you I am happy."
"Mmmm...I kind of missed you too."
Ryan cuddled in a little closer to Hunter. The movie played but she really wasn't paying much mind to it. She was just enjoying being here with Hunter. Hearing his question Ryan thought for a long moment before finally answering him.
"I haven't don't anything other than give you the love, and caring you deserve."
Impossible
"You're right." Mick rolled his eyes at Rosetta. "You're always right. " He scooted up a little in the couch and put his arm around her shoulders to tug her close enough to give her cheek a kiss. "Thanks for keeping the level head in this family."
This topic was always hard for him. Would it always be? "I get so worked up when it involves Dylan," he admitted. "Every time I think about him getting hurt, I see that face watching me as I leave the house." It would be forever burned into his mind. The day he'd been kicked out. The day he'd left. The day his relationship with his kids had been shattered.
Bringing his attention back, he gave Rosetta another squeeze. "I just don't ever want to see that look in his eyes again. I just gotta make sure he's got a good place to be if he does end up going to Nevada." He paused. "Maybe Reese won't even like the idea with all they've got going on there with the FBI." He could always hope.
"What?!" Eli's jaw dropped. "I-" He was quickly cut off by Scarlet's kiss, which he willingly returned. His eyes danced with humor and he gave her a smirk before standing up. "Well we better hurry then, before I fall asleep ans wreck my bike."
Feeling Ryan's hand on his leg, Hunter gave her a glance out of the corner of his eye and lightly kicked her shin in a teasing warning to cut it out. "I'm all for snacks." He tipped his empty glass up to catch a piece of ice in his teeth... and also hide his face until he had more control. "Movies are good too." He finally exposed his smile and stood up with Eli, but not before shoving Ryan's shoulder playfully.
Zan grinned and nodded. "Yeah... yeah, these are some pretty nice people." He never would have guessed he'd be hanging out with this bunch, but he really was enjoying their company and hoped after they thwarted Thunder that this wouldn't just end.
He gave Destiny a sheepish grin as he heard she'd driven. "Aw... and I was hoping I'd get to walk you home." He stood from the table and offered her his hand. "At least let me walk you to your car."
...It wasn't much later that Eli was chasing Scarlet around the kitchen and living room with a wet dish rag after trying to do a few dishes before starting a movie. Catching her behind the couch, he wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her close to kiss her lips for a long, passionate moment. "Mm... You can surprise me by coming home early any time..." He grinned. "Do we have to watch a movie?"
...Snacks were on the table. A movie had been picked. But instead of paying attention to that or eating, Hunter was curled on his side on his own couch with Ryan tucked in front of him, as was their usual position. He tightened his arm around her waist a little and kissed the back of her neck lightly. "I kinda missed you all day," he admitted. "What have you done to me anyway?"
The right thing to do? Aaron's brow furrowed slightly. He didn't understand any of this. Or... maybe he did... and it was just hard to accept.
"Happiness is irrelevant," he reasoned softly. "Striving for happiness is... weakness." His gaze dropped as he suddenly had a brief flashback of one of his Agency training sessions. Was he being brainwashed here? Or had the Agency brainwashed him? They had been the most important thing in his life. The only place he'd found purpose. The only people who had believed in him. And now... it was all so foggy.
He looked back up at Sam again as she mentioned him being a cook or architect. Those passions... those dreams... those were something he'd given up on a very long time ago. It was too late to go back to them now... wasn't it? "If... if the Agency doesn't want me back..." It was hard to say it out loud, but he had a sinking feeling Garret was right - he wasn't important enough for the Agency to want him. "...then they'll want me dead. Which means any kind of life would be... impossible."
A look of longing passed through his eyes. A look of yearning for a better life than this. A life beyond that of an Agency soldier. And for just a split second, it was that look that betrayed him and revealed himself. Aaron. A man full of hurts that went back years. A man who just wanted to be needed and have purpose.
This topic was always hard for him. Would it always be? "I get so worked up when it involves Dylan," he admitted. "Every time I think about him getting hurt, I see that face watching me as I leave the house." It would be forever burned into his mind. The day he'd been kicked out. The day he'd left. The day his relationship with his kids had been shattered.
Bringing his attention back, he gave Rosetta another squeeze. "I just don't ever want to see that look in his eyes again. I just gotta make sure he's got a good place to be if he does end up going to Nevada." He paused. "Maybe Reese won't even like the idea with all they've got going on there with the FBI." He could always hope.
"What?!" Eli's jaw dropped. "I-" He was quickly cut off by Scarlet's kiss, which he willingly returned. His eyes danced with humor and he gave her a smirk before standing up. "Well we better hurry then, before I fall asleep ans wreck my bike."
Feeling Ryan's hand on his leg, Hunter gave her a glance out of the corner of his eye and lightly kicked her shin in a teasing warning to cut it out. "I'm all for snacks." He tipped his empty glass up to catch a piece of ice in his teeth... and also hide his face until he had more control. "Movies are good too." He finally exposed his smile and stood up with Eli, but not before shoving Ryan's shoulder playfully.
Zan grinned and nodded. "Yeah... yeah, these are some pretty nice people." He never would have guessed he'd be hanging out with this bunch, but he really was enjoying their company and hoped after they thwarted Thunder that this wouldn't just end.
He gave Destiny a sheepish grin as he heard she'd driven. "Aw... and I was hoping I'd get to walk you home." He stood from the table and offered her his hand. "At least let me walk you to your car."
...It wasn't much later that Eli was chasing Scarlet around the kitchen and living room with a wet dish rag after trying to do a few dishes before starting a movie. Catching her behind the couch, he wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her close to kiss her lips for a long, passionate moment. "Mm... You can surprise me by coming home early any time..." He grinned. "Do we have to watch a movie?"
...Snacks were on the table. A movie had been picked. But instead of paying attention to that or eating, Hunter was curled on his side on his own couch with Ryan tucked in front of him, as was their usual position. He tightened his arm around her waist a little and kissed the back of her neck lightly. "I kinda missed you all day," he admitted. "What have you done to me anyway?"
The right thing to do? Aaron's brow furrowed slightly. He didn't understand any of this. Or... maybe he did... and it was just hard to accept.
"Happiness is irrelevant," he reasoned softly. "Striving for happiness is... weakness." His gaze dropped as he suddenly had a brief flashback of one of his Agency training sessions. Was he being brainwashed here? Or had the Agency brainwashed him? They had been the most important thing in his life. The only place he'd found purpose. The only people who had believed in him. And now... it was all so foggy.
He looked back up at Sam again as she mentioned him being a cook or architect. Those passions... those dreams... those were something he'd given up on a very long time ago. It was too late to go back to them now... wasn't it? "If... if the Agency doesn't want me back..." It was hard to say it out loud, but he had a sinking feeling Garret was right - he wasn't important enough for the Agency to want him. "...then they'll want me dead. Which means any kind of life would be... impossible."
A look of longing passed through his eyes. A look of yearning for a better life than this. A life beyond that of an Agency soldier. And for just a split second, it was that look that betrayed him and revealed himself. Aaron. A man full of hurts that went back years. A man who just wanted to be needed and have purpose.
Free Will
"He might very well not stay and realizing his calling is back here at the ranch with horses, but maybe he needs to be the one to make that desition and not feel forced into it."
Rosetta didn't mean to make it sound like Mick was forcing him and she hoped he knew what she meant. The reason Dylan had come here though was not of his own will. It was to try and keep him safe. If Dylan made the choice to come back and work on the ranch things could be a lot different for them.
"Letting go is hard. I had to do it with Katie, and I am not looking forward to it with BJ, but it is part of life."
"You are old, I think I need to trade you for a younger model!"
Scarlet smiled looking at Eli and leaning in to give him a long kiss before pulling away her eyes sparkling.
"Mmmm...Maybe I won't trade you in. I don't want to have to teach someone else to kiss as good as you and I think a movie with you sounds perfect."
Setting her hand on Hunter's leg Ryan looked at him and smiled. As long as she was with Hunter Ryan was happy with them doing anything. Maybe a little quiet time alone though would be nice.
"How about a movie...at your place. We can stop and get snacks or something."
Chewing on a crust from her pizza Destiny looked at Zan. She wished she had the ambition to walk this far but sadly she didn't. Maybe after all the pizza she just eat though she should have.
"I'm happy I did too. These are all really nice people, even with the rough edges. I drove tonight."
"Because it's the right thing to do."
Sam thought for a long moment cocking her head to the side.
"Were you really happy at the Agency? If you look deep down...were you truly happy? I know you felt you belonged and there was a bigger meaning to your life. But what is life where you can't do what you want? The world brings pain...but thats what makes the pleasure so much better. To know its real and not just someone else pulling the strings."
Moving on the best again so she was on the edge now and her feet were on the ground Sam sat for a long moment. She new this was all new to Aaron, and a lot of it he didn't understand but she hope she was explaining well enough.
"Kind of like this weekend...we are going to the lake, would you be able to just do that on a whim in the Agency? The choices here are yours, but so are the consequences. But it's your own feel will to live your life, and build that architect if you want, or work in a kitchen being a cook."
Rosetta didn't mean to make it sound like Mick was forcing him and she hoped he knew what she meant. The reason Dylan had come here though was not of his own will. It was to try and keep him safe. If Dylan made the choice to come back and work on the ranch things could be a lot different for them.
"Letting go is hard. I had to do it with Katie, and I am not looking forward to it with BJ, but it is part of life."
"You are old, I think I need to trade you for a younger model!"
Scarlet smiled looking at Eli and leaning in to give him a long kiss before pulling away her eyes sparkling.
"Mmmm...Maybe I won't trade you in. I don't want to have to teach someone else to kiss as good as you and I think a movie with you sounds perfect."
Setting her hand on Hunter's leg Ryan looked at him and smiled. As long as she was with Hunter Ryan was happy with them doing anything. Maybe a little quiet time alone though would be nice.
"How about a movie...at your place. We can stop and get snacks or something."
Chewing on a crust from her pizza Destiny looked at Zan. She wished she had the ambition to walk this far but sadly she didn't. Maybe after all the pizza she just eat though she should have.
"I'm happy I did too. These are all really nice people, even with the rough edges. I drove tonight."
"Because it's the right thing to do."
Sam thought for a long moment cocking her head to the side.
"Were you really happy at the Agency? If you look deep down...were you truly happy? I know you felt you belonged and there was a bigger meaning to your life. But what is life where you can't do what you want? The world brings pain...but thats what makes the pleasure so much better. To know its real and not just someone else pulling the strings."
Moving on the best again so she was on the edge now and her feet were on the ground Sam sat for a long moment. She new this was all new to Aaron, and a lot of it he didn't understand but she hope she was explaining well enough.
"Kind of like this weekend...we are going to the lake, would you be able to just do that on a whim in the Agency? The choices here are yours, but so are the consequences. But it's your own feel will to live your life, and build that architect if you want, or work in a kitchen being a cook."
Why?
Mick sighed and shook his head. "If I knew I was keeping Dylan safe, it would be worth him hating me." He paused. "Not that he doesn't hate me already anyway." His eyes rolled. Things with Dylan really hadn't been so bad lately. Up until earlier today, they hadn't had harsh words in quite a while, and Mick had noticed his son smiling more and even laughing once in a while - which was, quite frankly, amazing. Then this was happening.
"I know Reese wouldn't knowingly put Dylan in danger, I just... I'm not sure it's wise. Then again... if I say no, there's nothing stopping Dylan from just taking off. He's eighteen... I can't keep him here if he doesn't want to stay." He shrugged lamely. "So maybe it would be better for him to be in Nevada around people I trust, rather than out on his own, who knows where." Another sigh surfaced. It was common knowledge that the Elite was different than any other law enforcement. While the police, FBI and other branches required their officers to go through rigorous training, including going to school at an academy, the Elite recruited based on passion and a willingness to learn on the job. Which was better? Which was safer?
"Not that Dylan will even end up staying." Mick continued his thoughts out loud. "If he gets a taste of what they do there, he might not want to be involved at all. He's just... he's so good at what he does here. He's got to be one of the best horsemen I've ever seen, even at his age. I can tell he was born to be in the saddle and I just... I can't seem to make him happy here."
Eli smiled at his sister's determination, and he nodded. "Good. When's the next novice race?"
Hunter squinted as he tried to think. "Um..."
Zan paused mid-chew to think as well before shaking his head. "I can't remember if it's Wednesday or Thursday." He finished his mouthful and pulled out his phone. "Jett might know."
Hey - when's the next novice race?
Hearing his phone again, Jett sighed. He was tempted to ignore it, but finally looked at the message which just made him roll his eyes. "What? Nobody there knows?" he muttered.
Wednesday.
He thought about just ending it there, but sent a second message too.
Four regulars and two newbies
moving up.
He set his phone aside again and turned his eyes back to the sky. Why were they wanting to know about the novices? Were they planning to go after Thunder there? What was their scheme? He wished he knew but... they had it covered. He could just ask Zan later that they were doing.
Getting Jett's quick reply, Zan chuckled. "He knows everything. Wednesday. Six racers. Seven if Thunder shows up."
"He will," Eli predicted. "He's not done showing off yet."
"With us, that makes ten," Hunter mused. "That's a huge novice race. It could be quite a mess."
"Not if you slip in after the start," Eli reminded. "I don't care if it's obvious to everyone what you're doing. You're not there to race, you're there to take out the garbage."
Conversation continued, revolving mostly around the race and cars, until the pop was gone and all that remained of the pizza were crusts. Eli leaned back in his chair and stifled a belch as he stretched. "I'm beat. I must be getting old." He threw Scarlet a glance. "I'm not too tired for you though. How about a movie back at my place?"
Hunter grinned and nudged Ryan with his leg. Looked like they'd have to find somewhere else to go. Probably his place unless she wanted to go out somewhere. And tonight... he was good for either one.
Finishing up his glass of pop, Zan sighed and turned to Destiny, giving her a smile. "I'm glad you showed up. Did you walk or drive?"
Aaron's eyes showed the wheels in his mind were turning as Sam talked. It was a free ride to freedom... but not. There was always a price to pay, and knew in this case, the highest price was probably the Agency intel. He'd expected interrogations this whole time though, and honestly was amazed they hadn't thrown him in a room with Garret for a few hours.
"Why?" He knew he asked that a lot, but he just didn't understand. "I get wanting Agency intel. I get why the Elite wants to keep me around so they can keep an ace up their sleeve. But... why in the world would you care about me having a life? What's it to you whether I'm still in the Agency or not? I was happy there... what's with the whole goal of trying to get me out?" It was a lot of questions, but really it all boiled down to one: why did Sam care about him as a human being? It didn't make sense.
"I know Reese wouldn't knowingly put Dylan in danger, I just... I'm not sure it's wise. Then again... if I say no, there's nothing stopping Dylan from just taking off. He's eighteen... I can't keep him here if he doesn't want to stay." He shrugged lamely. "So maybe it would be better for him to be in Nevada around people I trust, rather than out on his own, who knows where." Another sigh surfaced. It was common knowledge that the Elite was different than any other law enforcement. While the police, FBI and other branches required their officers to go through rigorous training, including going to school at an academy, the Elite recruited based on passion and a willingness to learn on the job. Which was better? Which was safer?
"Not that Dylan will even end up staying." Mick continued his thoughts out loud. "If he gets a taste of what they do there, he might not want to be involved at all. He's just... he's so good at what he does here. He's got to be one of the best horsemen I've ever seen, even at his age. I can tell he was born to be in the saddle and I just... I can't seem to make him happy here."
Eli smiled at his sister's determination, and he nodded. "Good. When's the next novice race?"
Hunter squinted as he tried to think. "Um..."
Zan paused mid-chew to think as well before shaking his head. "I can't remember if it's Wednesday or Thursday." He finished his mouthful and pulled out his phone. "Jett might know."
Hey - when's the next novice race?
Hearing his phone again, Jett sighed. He was tempted to ignore it, but finally looked at the message which just made him roll his eyes. "What? Nobody there knows?" he muttered.
Wednesday.
He thought about just ending it there, but sent a second message too.
Four regulars and two newbies
moving up.
He set his phone aside again and turned his eyes back to the sky. Why were they wanting to know about the novices? Were they planning to go after Thunder there? What was their scheme? He wished he knew but... they had it covered. He could just ask Zan later that they were doing.
Getting Jett's quick reply, Zan chuckled. "He knows everything. Wednesday. Six racers. Seven if Thunder shows up."
"He will," Eli predicted. "He's not done showing off yet."
"With us, that makes ten," Hunter mused. "That's a huge novice race. It could be quite a mess."
"Not if you slip in after the start," Eli reminded. "I don't care if it's obvious to everyone what you're doing. You're not there to race, you're there to take out the garbage."
Conversation continued, revolving mostly around the race and cars, until the pop was gone and all that remained of the pizza were crusts. Eli leaned back in his chair and stifled a belch as he stretched. "I'm beat. I must be getting old." He threw Scarlet a glance. "I'm not too tired for you though. How about a movie back at my place?"
Hunter grinned and nudged Ryan with his leg. Looked like they'd have to find somewhere else to go. Probably his place unless she wanted to go out somewhere. And tonight... he was good for either one.
Finishing up his glass of pop, Zan sighed and turned to Destiny, giving her a smile. "I'm glad you showed up. Did you walk or drive?"
Aaron's eyes showed the wheels in his mind were turning as Sam talked. It was a free ride to freedom... but not. There was always a price to pay, and knew in this case, the highest price was probably the Agency intel. He'd expected interrogations this whole time though, and honestly was amazed they hadn't thrown him in a room with Garret for a few hours.
"Why?" He knew he asked that a lot, but he just didn't understand. "I get wanting Agency intel. I get why the Elite wants to keep me around so they can keep an ace up their sleeve. But... why in the world would you care about me having a life? What's it to you whether I'm still in the Agency or not? I was happy there... what's with the whole goal of trying to get me out?" It was a lot of questions, but really it all boiled down to one: why did Sam care about him as a human being? It didn't make sense.
May 14, 2017
Truly Live
Sitting on the couch with Mick Rosetta just listened. She knew Mick was worried and scared at the same time. Thinking about it honestly, she was too. But what if this was something Dylan would be good at and make him happy?
"Maybe he needs to find his own path. I know it's scary to let him go, but wouldn't it be better to let him go and have him thank you, then tell him no and he hates you? I am sure Reese wouldn't put Dylan on a case right away and he would shadow people. Not to mention Katie and Jason will be there to look out for him took."
Taking another slice of pizza and taking a bite Destiny thought for a long moment. She wondered if that really was what was up with Jett or if it was something more. There was a look in his eye that spoke louder than any words. Maybe she was just reading into it to much.
Thinking about next week Ryan could feel her pulse quicken. It would happen sooner or later and the longer she waited the more nervous she would get about it. She would just rather get Thunder gone and then everyone would have one less person to worry about and could just go back to having fun.
"Next week sounds good to me. Sooner rather then later would be better."
Shifting a little Sam backed up on the bed so she was leaning against the wall. She was happy that Aaron was asking these questions. Maybe he was starting to believe her, or maybe he liked the idea a little. Whatever it was Sam was glad.
"Well...The Elite is going to want some information on the Agency. A sign of good faith I guess is what some would call me. "
Sam searched Aaron's face for a long moment cocking her head. Wondering what he was thinking about, and wondering about her words to use.
"But after that, it comes down to me. When I think you are ready. Even after you move I will still be your handler for a while, checking up on you seeing how you are doing but soon that will fade away and I will just be...your friend. If you want to get more involved with the Elite that would be great, and if not that would be ok too. But you would have a life, outside the Agency and you can truly live for you."
"Maybe he needs to find his own path. I know it's scary to let him go, but wouldn't it be better to let him go and have him thank you, then tell him no and he hates you? I am sure Reese wouldn't put Dylan on a case right away and he would shadow people. Not to mention Katie and Jason will be there to look out for him took."
Taking another slice of pizza and taking a bite Destiny thought for a long moment. She wondered if that really was what was up with Jett or if it was something more. There was a look in his eye that spoke louder than any words. Maybe she was just reading into it to much.
Thinking about next week Ryan could feel her pulse quicken. It would happen sooner or later and the longer she waited the more nervous she would get about it. She would just rather get Thunder gone and then everyone would have one less person to worry about and could just go back to having fun.
"Next week sounds good to me. Sooner rather then later would be better."
Shifting a little Sam backed up on the bed so she was leaning against the wall. She was happy that Aaron was asking these questions. Maybe he was starting to believe her, or maybe he liked the idea a little. Whatever it was Sam was glad.
"Well...The Elite is going to want some information on the Agency. A sign of good faith I guess is what some would call me. "
Sam searched Aaron's face for a long moment cocking her head. Wondering what he was thinking about, and wondering about her words to use.
"But after that, it comes down to me. When I think you are ready. Even after you move I will still be your handler for a while, checking up on you seeing how you are doing but soon that will fade away and I will just be...your friend. If you want to get more involved with the Elite that would be great, and if not that would be ok too. But you would have a life, outside the Agency and you can truly live for you."
Stars
Aaron's gaze dropped as he listened to Sam. He wasn't up in arms about earlier, and he wasn't trying to be a jerk, he just... was having a frustrating day, in spite of the humor he'd found earlier.
He finally glanced back up at her. The idea of having his own place was... something he'd given up a very long time ago. He'd resided with the Agency. Period. He'd been high enough in the ranks that he didn't have the luxury of having his own life with Agency work on the side - it had been his whole focus. Just working for them. They provided his quarters and meals and... that was it. Trying to even think about having his own apartment was almost foreign. And yet... he couldn't deny that deep down there was a desire for that... one he'd buried years ago.
"Never silly," he finally replied. "Stupid. Naive. But not silly." He sighed deeply and handed back the medical supplies. "How do I get there? How do I get from here to that spot? What does the Elite want from me? Proof I won't go killing people at random? Intel? At what point do you say okay, and help find that job and apartment?" He studied her eyes, looking for the answers. "What do I have to do?"
Zan looked to Destiny quickly, then let his eyes go back to the door where Jett was just leaving. He quirked a wry grin. "Jett's always strange." He took another bite of pizza, then glanced back at her before reluctantly explaining further. "More than likely, he's heading out to party, then spend the night at a girl's house. He knows I don't approve, so he knows better than to tell me exactly what he's up to so he doesn't get an earful from me." He pursed his lips a little sadly. He really did hate it that Jett chose that lifestyle, but there really had been little he could do about it.
"So next week?" Hunter unintentionally interrupted them.
Zan looked over at him and nodded. "I'd say so. Should be up and running by then."
Eli glanced over at his sister. "What do you think? You be up to it?"
Outside, Jett sat in his pickup for a handful of minutes, able to see inside the restaurant from where he'd parked on the street. They obviously didn't need him in there. They had it all planned out already anyway. He'd had some suggestions but... if they already had plans set, there was little point in him joining in. Zan hadn't had these friends before. It was nice he did now. And Destiny and all that. It was just... different, that was all.
He fiddled with his keys in his lap and finally started the engine. He started driving, bypassing The Griller, bypassing Christy's apartment- where he very well could have ended up at if he'd gotten her loose enough with a few drinks - and kept going to the edge of town. He didn't want to go home. Ronnie would just be there, trying to get him to pay more than his fair share of the rent again. Or telling him to take a hike because he and Lydia wanted to be alone. Zan was right. He needed to get a new place.
Finding a little roadside park, he pulled into a sandy lot and parked. It was a nice view of the desert from here. If a race was going on, he'd be able to see the lights from a distance, but it was quiet tonight. He got out and climbed into the bed of his truck to lie on his back and look up at the sky as one by one, stars made their appearance. His buzzing phone went ignored for a few minutes until he finally looked at the text message.
Did you decide yet?
He sighed as his thumbs hovered over the virtual keyboard.
Still thinking.
The reply came quickly.
You have until tomorrow.
Then the offer ends.
Consider carefully.
He set his phone aside and looked back up at the stars. Sometimes... sometimes he wondered what it would be like to just... not be anymore. Would anyone even notice? What was it like to be a star, looking down at earth? Everything in the galaxy had a purpose and helped hold everything together with gravitational pulls and paths of orbit. If any piece went missing, it could disrupt the entire universe. What was it like to be that important?
"I don't know what to do." It was after supper, BJ was tucked in for the night, and Mick sat with Rosetta on the couch before bed. He'd just told her about Dylan's sudden desire to join the Elite, and after thinking about it all day, he was still not happy about it. "I know Katie and Jason are going to call Reese. I know Reese will then all me. And I have no idea what to tell him."
He put his feet up on the coffee table and sank down further in the couch as is mind reeled. It was bad enough that his son had been targeted... how could he allow him to go right into the thick of it? "He's only eighteen. If he really wants to go into law enforcement, he should pursue going to a police academy, not go jumping straight into a place like the Elite."
He finally glanced back up at her. The idea of having his own place was... something he'd given up a very long time ago. He'd resided with the Agency. Period. He'd been high enough in the ranks that he didn't have the luxury of having his own life with Agency work on the side - it had been his whole focus. Just working for them. They provided his quarters and meals and... that was it. Trying to even think about having his own apartment was almost foreign. And yet... he couldn't deny that deep down there was a desire for that... one he'd buried years ago.
"Never silly," he finally replied. "Stupid. Naive. But not silly." He sighed deeply and handed back the medical supplies. "How do I get there? How do I get from here to that spot? What does the Elite want from me? Proof I won't go killing people at random? Intel? At what point do you say okay, and help find that job and apartment?" He studied her eyes, looking for the answers. "What do I have to do?"
Zan looked to Destiny quickly, then let his eyes go back to the door where Jett was just leaving. He quirked a wry grin. "Jett's always strange." He took another bite of pizza, then glanced back at her before reluctantly explaining further. "More than likely, he's heading out to party, then spend the night at a girl's house. He knows I don't approve, so he knows better than to tell me exactly what he's up to so he doesn't get an earful from me." He pursed his lips a little sadly. He really did hate it that Jett chose that lifestyle, but there really had been little he could do about it.
"So next week?" Hunter unintentionally interrupted them.
Zan looked over at him and nodded. "I'd say so. Should be up and running by then."
Eli glanced over at his sister. "What do you think? You be up to it?"
Outside, Jett sat in his pickup for a handful of minutes, able to see inside the restaurant from where he'd parked on the street. They obviously didn't need him in there. They had it all planned out already anyway. He'd had some suggestions but... if they already had plans set, there was little point in him joining in. Zan hadn't had these friends before. It was nice he did now. And Destiny and all that. It was just... different, that was all.
He fiddled with his keys in his lap and finally started the engine. He started driving, bypassing The Griller, bypassing Christy's apartment- where he very well could have ended up at if he'd gotten her loose enough with a few drinks - and kept going to the edge of town. He didn't want to go home. Ronnie would just be there, trying to get him to pay more than his fair share of the rent again. Or telling him to take a hike because he and Lydia wanted to be alone. Zan was right. He needed to get a new place.
Finding a little roadside park, he pulled into a sandy lot and parked. It was a nice view of the desert from here. If a race was going on, he'd be able to see the lights from a distance, but it was quiet tonight. He got out and climbed into the bed of his truck to lie on his back and look up at the sky as one by one, stars made their appearance. His buzzing phone went ignored for a few minutes until he finally looked at the text message.
Did you decide yet?
He sighed as his thumbs hovered over the virtual keyboard.
Still thinking.
The reply came quickly.
You have until tomorrow.
Then the offer ends.
Consider carefully.
He set his phone aside and looked back up at the stars. Sometimes... sometimes he wondered what it would be like to just... not be anymore. Would anyone even notice? What was it like to be a star, looking down at earth? Everything in the galaxy had a purpose and helped hold everything together with gravitational pulls and paths of orbit. If any piece went missing, it could disrupt the entire universe. What was it like to be that important?
"I don't know what to do." It was after supper, BJ was tucked in for the night, and Mick sat with Rosetta on the couch before bed. He'd just told her about Dylan's sudden desire to join the Elite, and after thinking about it all day, he was still not happy about it. "I know Katie and Jason are going to call Reese. I know Reese will then all me. And I have no idea what to tell him."
He put his feet up on the coffee table and sank down further in the couch as is mind reeled. It was bad enough that his son had been targeted... how could he allow him to go right into the thick of it? "He's only eighteen. If he really wants to go into law enforcement, he should pursue going to a police academy, not go jumping straight into a place like the Elite."
Of Course
"You won't be pushed out the door, and I know you don't believe me but our goal is to help you start life again."
Sam searches Aaron's face for a long moment. She knew he didn't believe her even though she wished he did. She knew there was a bigger world out there for him, new and better things for him to be doing.
"I personally, would like to see you in your own apartment, a job. There is so much to life Aaron even if you don't think so. And believe it or not the Elite will be there to help. I just hope one day you will start believing that."
Shifting a little on the bed Sam crossed her legs and looked at Aaron. She knew it was hard for him to trust, that was easy to see She just hoped he'd be able too sooner or later.
"Not only are you part of my job, you have become a friend to me too and I won't leave you high and dry, even if you think its silly, that's just me."
"Of course I will still come, I want to see that jerk get whats coming to him too."
Seeing Jett after her comment Destiny smiled and waved. It was good to see him again and know the knock he got to his head didn't leave any lasting damage. She liked Jett so seeing him join them too was really nice.
"I guess I am brave since this is way out of my comfort zone, so far I like it though and everyone is pretty nice."
Continuing to laugh with the others Destiny stopped as Jett got up without warning and said he had to go. Something seemed to be off but she wasn't sure what and it kind of bothered her. Leaning over to Zan she elbow him.
"Is everything ok with Jett? He seemed...strange."
Sam searches Aaron's face for a long moment. She knew he didn't believe her even though she wished he did. She knew there was a bigger world out there for him, new and better things for him to be doing.
"I personally, would like to see you in your own apartment, a job. There is so much to life Aaron even if you don't think so. And believe it or not the Elite will be there to help. I just hope one day you will start believing that."
Shifting a little on the bed Sam crossed her legs and looked at Aaron. She knew it was hard for him to trust, that was easy to see She just hoped he'd be able too sooner or later.
"Not only are you part of my job, you have become a friend to me too and I won't leave you high and dry, even if you think its silly, that's just me."
"Of course I will still come, I want to see that jerk get whats coming to him too."
Seeing Jett after her comment Destiny smiled and waved. It was good to see him again and know the knock he got to his head didn't leave any lasting damage. She liked Jett so seeing him join them too was really nice.
"I guess I am brave since this is way out of my comfort zone, so far I like it though and everyone is pretty nice."
Continuing to laugh with the others Destiny stopped as Jett got up without warning and said he had to go. Something seemed to be off but she wasn't sure what and it kind of bothered her. Leaning over to Zan she elbow him.
"Is everything ok with Jett? He seemed...strange."
On Task
Aaron was rarely surprised by Sam's entrances anymore, and he just glanced up as she came into his room. Seeing the first aid supplies, he sat up a little straighter on the bed. "Thanks..."
Using the cream first, he started taking care of his burn himself, still listening though. He quirked an eyebrow and looked at her skeptically. "Surprise surprise," he commented dryly. "Maybe one of these days they'll figure out I don't lie as much as one of their own does." He might be a prisoner, but he had ears, and he knew of Chance's less-than-honest history.
He tore open a bandage wrapper with his teeth. "I know, I know, my track record isn't pretty. I shouldn't ever think anybody around here will trust me. But the fact that Reese believes me is... kinda irrelevant isn't it?" He taped the bandage down and moved his eyes to Sam again. "I mean... I'm just gonna either go to prison or get the badge of good behavior and be pushed out the door. So... what am I really supposed to be doing here?"
He cocked his head. "Honestly... what's the point in me staying in line? Your goal is to rewire my brain, but what's my goal supposed to be? Other than trying to stay sane while being in this room all freakin' day?" He didn't mean to be grouchy, and he didn't mean to take his frustrations out on Sam, but he really was starting to feel like he was losing his mind. He knew he only had a few days until they'd go to the lake but... it was all he could do not to just go start trouble for the sake of something to do. The Legos and magazines just weren't cutting it anymore, especially now that he could hobble around a little better.
Zan shrugged as he chewed his pizza. "My day was alright. Car is getting there. Actually started today and that's a huge improvement. Now Eli's just gonna make it look halfway presentable and... I should be ready to go again."
He tossed her a new smile."You still wanna come, right?"
As the table talked and laughed and ate, no one noticed when a lone figure entered the restaurant, stopped and just watched them for a few seconds as if debating whether he should stay as planned or just turn around and leave. He finally came over, though, and pulled a chair close since all six around the table were already taken.
"Hey!" It was Eli who noticed him first. "Grab some pizza before it's gone!"
Zan looked up quickly, his eyes widening slightly. He had honestly forgotten all about Jett. "What took you so long?"
Jett smirked and reached between him and Eli for a slice of pizza. "I told you I worked til seven."
"Oh yeah."
Jett took a bite, then leaned back behind Zan to see Destiny to give her a nod hello. "I see you haven't gotten sick of this bunch yet. Brave woman."
Zan smirked. "It wasn't half as bad til you showed up."
"Ha. Ha. Very funny." Jett glanced around at the others. "So, you talk about Thunder yet?"
"Oh yeah." Hunter nodded. "Thunder's gonna be old news here pretty soon. We're all set, soon as Zan is up and running."
"Oh." Jett swallowed his bite. They'd already talked and made a decision? He looked around at the others, realizing he was very obviously the fifth wheel... or seventh, in this case. Apparently plans had changed between the junkyard and now, and the whole point of getting together had already taken place. Without warning, he stood up, taking his half-eaten pizza slice with him. "Well, I can't stay. Just wanted to make sure you all were staying on task." His eyes swept over Scarlet, Ryan - who was snuggled next to Hunter - and Destiny. Yeah they looked on task alright. "I'll catch you later."
Zan quirked an eyebrow. "Thought you weren't doing anything else. Hot date?"
Jett forced a dry laugh. "You know it." He backed away from the table, finishing his pizza as he went. "Have a good one."
Using the cream first, he started taking care of his burn himself, still listening though. He quirked an eyebrow and looked at her skeptically. "Surprise surprise," he commented dryly. "Maybe one of these days they'll figure out I don't lie as much as one of their own does." He might be a prisoner, but he had ears, and he knew of Chance's less-than-honest history.
He tore open a bandage wrapper with his teeth. "I know, I know, my track record isn't pretty. I shouldn't ever think anybody around here will trust me. But the fact that Reese believes me is... kinda irrelevant isn't it?" He taped the bandage down and moved his eyes to Sam again. "I mean... I'm just gonna either go to prison or get the badge of good behavior and be pushed out the door. So... what am I really supposed to be doing here?"
He cocked his head. "Honestly... what's the point in me staying in line? Your goal is to rewire my brain, but what's my goal supposed to be? Other than trying to stay sane while being in this room all freakin' day?" He didn't mean to be grouchy, and he didn't mean to take his frustrations out on Sam, but he really was starting to feel like he was losing his mind. He knew he only had a few days until they'd go to the lake but... it was all he could do not to just go start trouble for the sake of something to do. The Legos and magazines just weren't cutting it anymore, especially now that he could hobble around a little better.
Zan shrugged as he chewed his pizza. "My day was alright. Car is getting there. Actually started today and that's a huge improvement. Now Eli's just gonna make it look halfway presentable and... I should be ready to go again."
He tossed her a new smile."You still wanna come, right?"
As the table talked and laughed and ate, no one noticed when a lone figure entered the restaurant, stopped and just watched them for a few seconds as if debating whether he should stay as planned or just turn around and leave. He finally came over, though, and pulled a chair close since all six around the table were already taken.
"Hey!" It was Eli who noticed him first. "Grab some pizza before it's gone!"
Zan looked up quickly, his eyes widening slightly. He had honestly forgotten all about Jett. "What took you so long?"
Jett smirked and reached between him and Eli for a slice of pizza. "I told you I worked til seven."
"Oh yeah."
Jett took a bite, then leaned back behind Zan to see Destiny to give her a nod hello. "I see you haven't gotten sick of this bunch yet. Brave woman."
Zan smirked. "It wasn't half as bad til you showed up."
"Ha. Ha. Very funny." Jett glanced around at the others. "So, you talk about Thunder yet?"
"Oh yeah." Hunter nodded. "Thunder's gonna be old news here pretty soon. We're all set, soon as Zan is up and running."
"Oh." Jett swallowed his bite. They'd already talked and made a decision? He looked around at the others, realizing he was very obviously the fifth wheel... or seventh, in this case. Apparently plans had changed between the junkyard and now, and the whole point of getting together had already taken place. Without warning, he stood up, taking his half-eaten pizza slice with him. "Well, I can't stay. Just wanted to make sure you all were staying on task." His eyes swept over Scarlet, Ryan - who was snuggled next to Hunter - and Destiny. Yeah they looked on task alright. "I'll catch you later."
Zan quirked an eyebrow. "Thought you weren't doing anything else. Hot date?"
Jett forced a dry laugh. "You know it." He backed away from the table, finishing his pizza as he went. "Have a good one."
Believed
"Don't live being scared of what might happen. We don't want to shut you down and that's the honest truth. Always looking over your back at what we are going to say is going to cause you to make mistakes and it's a horrible way to live. Just...be who you are and not what you think we want."
Sam smiled again before turning and walking away. Maybe this was the start to some things getting better. She really hoped so because she hated how tense things were.
Going to the infirmary and telling Misty what happened Sam got some burn cream, gauze, and some tap before making her way back to Aaron's room again.
"Hey. I've got some cream and stuff for ya. Figured I would let you know I talked to Reese and he believed you about what happened too."
Destiny smiled taking a sip of her water as her eyes twinkled. Her and Zan's paths kept crossing, and she was starting to think them spending more time together was meant to be.
"Sunday was pretty far away...huh?"
Leaning into Hunter Ryan just listened to Eli again and gave nods here and there. She didn't like bullies and Thunder was the biggest one she had seen for a long while.
"Why don't we come to you from now one with idea's you seem to have the best. I like it and just want to see Thunder gone. I don't want to see some good people run out of their home at the races because he's an idiot."
Taking a bite of her pizza Destiny just listened to the chatter and took everything in. She liked just listening and didn't feel left out at all. She didn't know enough about racing to give input, but she was learning bit by bit listening.
Feeling Zan elbow her Destiny turned to look at him and grinned.
"My day was alright. I did a bunch of running around doing some stuff. Nothing too exciting but it made the day go fast. How was yours? Get more of your car done?"
Sam smiled again before turning and walking away. Maybe this was the start to some things getting better. She really hoped so because she hated how tense things were.
Going to the infirmary and telling Misty what happened Sam got some burn cream, gauze, and some tap before making her way back to Aaron's room again.
"Hey. I've got some cream and stuff for ya. Figured I would let you know I talked to Reese and he believed you about what happened too."
Destiny smiled taking a sip of her water as her eyes twinkled. Her and Zan's paths kept crossing, and she was starting to think them spending more time together was meant to be.
"Sunday was pretty far away...huh?"
Leaning into Hunter Ryan just listened to Eli again and gave nods here and there. She didn't like bullies and Thunder was the biggest one she had seen for a long while.
"Why don't we come to you from now one with idea's you seem to have the best. I like it and just want to see Thunder gone. I don't want to see some good people run out of their home at the races because he's an idiot."
Taking a bite of her pizza Destiny just listened to the chatter and took everything in. She liked just listening and didn't feel left out at all. She didn't know enough about racing to give input, but she was learning bit by bit listening.
Feeling Zan elbow her Destiny turned to look at him and grinned.
"My day was alright. I did a bunch of running around doing some stuff. Nothing too exciting but it made the day go fast. How was yours? Get more of your car done?"
May 13, 2017
Stunts
Pete took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He could feel his nerves calming as his irritation dissipated. Sam seemed genuine. Was she really?
"I know," he finally agreed. "It's just... hard. It feels like the FBI just wants us out of the way instead of utilizing our skills and letting us do what we do best." He shook his head. "One wrong move with Aaron - if he takes advantage just once - the FBI could shut down the rehabilitation program. That's what Reese lives for, ya know? It's what he believes in. I guess when things happen like today, my first thought is that's it... we're done. So I react."
He cocked his head, studying Sam's face. "But I guess... somebody's gotta start trusting somebody first, huh?"
Eli chuckled and gave Scarlet a squeeze. "That's what I like to hear." Letting her slide off his lap to take another chair instead, he shook his head. "Not interrupting a thing. We're just discussing how we're gonna make Thunder tuck tail and run."
Zan gave Destiny a thoughtful look for just a second. He wondered if just sitting at home alone was her norm, now that she didn't have her boyfriend anymore. Or... did she spend a lot of time home alone even when she was dating? He wondered. All he knew was that dimness in her eyes needed to go. "Well... we can't have that. Besides... Sunday was starting to feel like an awfully long ways away." He tossed her a wink before waving Thirteen over to make sure the newcomers had drinks.
Hunter leaned into Ryan a little, just settling back with her under his arm. The couch would have been a little better, but if they had to be around people... this was a nice bunch. "So what are we gonna do?"
Eli pursed his lips. "I envision you guys hanging back til you see Thunder line up with the novices. So far he hasn't entered a "newbie" race against the newest drivers - he's just stuck with the second level to prove he's something."
"Yeah. A jerk," Zan muttered.
"Exactly. I say wait until the last second - maybe even right after the start. Shoot out behind the pack - if you cut a corner sharp, you can't be disqualified since you're not really racing to win anyway. Single out Thunder's car, box him in, slow down, and let the other racers by. They'll have their winner, and Thunder will be a sorry loser."
"Do you think that's really all it will take?" Hunter questioned.
Eli shrugged. "Don't know. Prolly not. I'm guessing it'll take several races like that to get him to back off."
"What about in the big boy races?"
"Between you two?" Eli looked at him and Ryan both. "He won't stand a chance anyway."
Zan smirked. "Yeah, you two are smart enough not to let him pull the same stunts he has with me."
"Hey," Hunter retorted. "He's given me a bad time too."
"It's gonna take teamwork," Eli reminded. "Whether it just takes one race or ten, the three of you can take him out. Once humiliated, he won't be back."
Conversation settled for a few minutes as the pizza came and Hunter offered a quick prayer before they all dug in. And for the time being, they just enjoyed their food, giving the racing topic a break.
Zan picked a piece of pepperoni off his slice and ate it first before giving Destiny a sidelong glance and nudging her with his elbow. "Have a good day?"
"I know," he finally agreed. "It's just... hard. It feels like the FBI just wants us out of the way instead of utilizing our skills and letting us do what we do best." He shook his head. "One wrong move with Aaron - if he takes advantage just once - the FBI could shut down the rehabilitation program. That's what Reese lives for, ya know? It's what he believes in. I guess when things happen like today, my first thought is that's it... we're done. So I react."
He cocked his head, studying Sam's face. "But I guess... somebody's gotta start trusting somebody first, huh?"
Eli chuckled and gave Scarlet a squeeze. "That's what I like to hear." Letting her slide off his lap to take another chair instead, he shook his head. "Not interrupting a thing. We're just discussing how we're gonna make Thunder tuck tail and run."
Zan gave Destiny a thoughtful look for just a second. He wondered if just sitting at home alone was her norm, now that she didn't have her boyfriend anymore. Or... did she spend a lot of time home alone even when she was dating? He wondered. All he knew was that dimness in her eyes needed to go. "Well... we can't have that. Besides... Sunday was starting to feel like an awfully long ways away." He tossed her a wink before waving Thirteen over to make sure the newcomers had drinks.
Hunter leaned into Ryan a little, just settling back with her under his arm. The couch would have been a little better, but if they had to be around people... this was a nice bunch. "So what are we gonna do?"
Eli pursed his lips. "I envision you guys hanging back til you see Thunder line up with the novices. So far he hasn't entered a "newbie" race against the newest drivers - he's just stuck with the second level to prove he's something."
"Yeah. A jerk," Zan muttered.
"Exactly. I say wait until the last second - maybe even right after the start. Shoot out behind the pack - if you cut a corner sharp, you can't be disqualified since you're not really racing to win anyway. Single out Thunder's car, box him in, slow down, and let the other racers by. They'll have their winner, and Thunder will be a sorry loser."
"Do you think that's really all it will take?" Hunter questioned.
Eli shrugged. "Don't know. Prolly not. I'm guessing it'll take several races like that to get him to back off."
"What about in the big boy races?"
"Between you two?" Eli looked at him and Ryan both. "He won't stand a chance anyway."
Zan smirked. "Yeah, you two are smart enough not to let him pull the same stunts he has with me."
"Hey," Hunter retorted. "He's given me a bad time too."
"It's gonna take teamwork," Eli reminded. "Whether it just takes one race or ten, the three of you can take him out. Once humiliated, he won't be back."
Conversation settled for a few minutes as the pizza came and Hunter offered a quick prayer before they all dug in. And for the time being, they just enjoyed their food, giving the racing topic a break.
Zan picked a piece of pepperoni off his slice and ate it first before giving Destiny a sidelong glance and nudging her with his elbow. "Have a good day?"
Better
"I completely understand it was the last thing on your mind and I don't blame you so don't beat yourself up too much about it."
Sam straightened again and smiled at Pete. He seemed like he was an easy person to talk too so that was kind of nice. It was just hard to talk to people around here because they were FBI, and even if they were on the same side. Sometimes it just felt like they weren't.
"My end game is what the Elite's program's end game is. Reform and hopefully be able to let Aaron out into the world again. The more I work with him, the more I learn about The Agency the more I feel so bad for the people affected by them."
Sam thought for a long second shifting a little. She really did feel bad for the people in the Agency. They were blinded to feel important to be told they matter but really...at the first chance they could they could just eliminate them.
"Believe it or not....we are on the same side, the Elite and us here from the FBI."
Smacking Eli on the shoulder he was lucky she knew he was joking. Being brought own in Eli's lap Scarlet smile widened and her eyes sparkled. Returning the kiss it didn't matter that others were around, she rather liked the affection.
"Mmmm....I was missing you too much to stay away any longer than I had too. Hope I didn't interrupt anything."
Destiny smiled looking at the others and then back to Zan. Giving a nod she sat down next to him. At least she didn't feel like she was just forcing her way in now.
"Ok, I'll stay and have some pizza with you guys. I don't want you to feel like the odd one out. Plus all I was do is bring some slices home and sit alone, so this has to be better."
Sam straightened again and smiled at Pete. He seemed like he was an easy person to talk too so that was kind of nice. It was just hard to talk to people around here because they were FBI, and even if they were on the same side. Sometimes it just felt like they weren't.
"My end game is what the Elite's program's end game is. Reform and hopefully be able to let Aaron out into the world again. The more I work with him, the more I learn about The Agency the more I feel so bad for the people affected by them."
Sam thought for a long second shifting a little. She really did feel bad for the people in the Agency. They were blinded to feel important to be told they matter but really...at the first chance they could they could just eliminate them.
"Believe it or not....we are on the same side, the Elite and us here from the FBI."
Smacking Eli on the shoulder he was lucky she knew he was joking. Being brought own in Eli's lap Scarlet smile widened and her eyes sparkled. Returning the kiss it didn't matter that others were around, she rather liked the affection.
"Mmmm....I was missing you too much to stay away any longer than I had too. Hope I didn't interrupt anything."
Destiny smiled looking at the others and then back to Zan. Giving a nod she sat down next to him. At least she didn't feel like she was just forcing her way in now.
"Ok, I'll stay and have some pizza with you guys. I don't want you to feel like the odd one out. Plus all I was do is bring some slices home and sit alone, so this has to be better."
Goal
As Sam spoke, Pete leaned back in his chair and listened, trying not to let his irritation show on his face. He had to grit his teeth though, and swallow the smart remark that was sitting on the tip of his tongue. He had to remember just who she was. Elite team or not, she was still FBI, and the FBI wanted to shut them down.
"I'm sorry," he apologized politely. "I didn't even think about calling you, and I should have. It all happened so fast, I acted without even thinking." He paused and searched her face. He wanted to like her. He wanted to like Kirk and Adison too. It was just so a hard with the whole FBI issue.
"I gotta admit... I expected more of a fight from Aaron earlier. He seemed more... docile." He paused again. "What's your end game with him anyway? I mean... what's your goal?"
Zan was pleased Ryan tried to encourage Destiny to stay. If he and Destiny were going to be hanging out more, she'd have to get to know his circle of friends, and surprise or not, this circle was part of his life right now. He was about to add his own comment, when he saw Scarlet sneak up on Eli. He wasn't sure he'd ever spoken directly to her before, but he knew well who she was. Even if she didn't race, it was a well-known fact at the races that she was Eli's.
Taken off guard by someone's hands over his eyes, then hearing Scarlet's voice, Eli's mouth turned up into a wide smile. "Um... Nancy?"
Hunter's eyes widened. Who was Nancy?
Eli shook his head. "No... maybe you're Linda. I can't keep you all straight, you know." Pulling Scarlet's hands down and turning to look up at her, his eyes danced with humor. "Oh, it's you!" He tugged her arm, bringing her down sideways into his lap. "I didn't expect to see you until tomorrow! I'll take you now though." He leaned in, giving her a kiss to the lips. "Mm... a better surprise I never had. What happened?"
Just watching the others for a moment, Zan turned back to Destiny. Did she really not want to stay or was she just being polite? He figured it might be more of the latter. "Please stay? I'm odd man out now that Scarlet is here." He pulled the chair out a little more. "None of these guys bite... I promise."
"I'm sorry," he apologized politely. "I didn't even think about calling you, and I should have. It all happened so fast, I acted without even thinking." He paused and searched her face. He wanted to like her. He wanted to like Kirk and Adison too. It was just so a hard with the whole FBI issue.
"I gotta admit... I expected more of a fight from Aaron earlier. He seemed more... docile." He paused again. "What's your end game with him anyway? I mean... what's your goal?"
Zan was pleased Ryan tried to encourage Destiny to stay. If he and Destiny were going to be hanging out more, she'd have to get to know his circle of friends, and surprise or not, this circle was part of his life right now. He was about to add his own comment, when he saw Scarlet sneak up on Eli. He wasn't sure he'd ever spoken directly to her before, but he knew well who she was. Even if she didn't race, it was a well-known fact at the races that she was Eli's.
Taken off guard by someone's hands over his eyes, then hearing Scarlet's voice, Eli's mouth turned up into a wide smile. "Um... Nancy?"
Hunter's eyes widened. Who was Nancy?
Eli shook his head. "No... maybe you're Linda. I can't keep you all straight, you know." Pulling Scarlet's hands down and turning to look up at her, his eyes danced with humor. "Oh, it's you!" He tugged her arm, bringing her down sideways into his lap. "I didn't expect to see you until tomorrow! I'll take you now though." He leaned in, giving her a kiss to the lips. "Mm... a better surprise I never had. What happened?"
Just watching the others for a moment, Zan turned back to Destiny. Did she really not want to stay or was she just being polite? He figured it might be more of the latter. "Please stay? I'm odd man out now that Scarlet is here." He pulled the chair out a little more. "None of these guys bite... I promise."
Suprise
"A number would be good, and you can stop by anytime next week and Derral should be there."
Destiny laughed before looking around the room at the other faces and giving a wave. Being asked to join them she shook her head. She was thankful for the offer.
"I don't want to intrude. I just came over to say hi is all."
Looking at Destiny and cocking her head she smiled. She seemed timid and quiet, definitely someone she wouldn't have expected with Zan, but they seemed to be a little closer than just friends.
"None sense. At this point, if you don't stay you are going to offend us more."
About to say more Ryan stopped as she caught sight of Scarlet coming up behind Eli with a finger to her lips. Getting to him she reached over his shoulder and covered his eyes with hand hands quickly.
"Guess who got back early and wanted to surprise you?"
Seeing how Reese was willing to just leave it at that Sam couldn't help but be a little surprised but a little pleased too. Giving him a nod she just sat there for a long moment after he left. Did she really want to take the time to talk to Pete? It might be good, and she was cooled down now.
Standing and walking out of the security room and seeing Pete as his desk Sam wondered over. Giving a little tap on the wall she leaned in it a little too just looked at Pete for a long moment.
"Hey, I heard about what happened with the microwave. Nex time something like that happens and I am not here can you call me? Maybe next time take it a little easier on him too. I know he's the "bad" guy and all but I've been really working hard with him and making progress on where we want him to be. I'd really appreciate it."
Destiny laughed before looking around the room at the other faces and giving a wave. Being asked to join them she shook her head. She was thankful for the offer.
"I don't want to intrude. I just came over to say hi is all."
Looking at Destiny and cocking her head she smiled. She seemed timid and quiet, definitely someone she wouldn't have expected with Zan, but they seemed to be a little closer than just friends.
"None sense. At this point, if you don't stay you are going to offend us more."
About to say more Ryan stopped as she caught sight of Scarlet coming up behind Eli with a finger to her lips. Getting to him she reached over his shoulder and covered his eyes with hand hands quickly.
"Guess who got back early and wanted to surprise you?"
Seeing how Reese was willing to just leave it at that Sam couldn't help but be a little surprised but a little pleased too. Giving him a nod she just sat there for a long moment after he left. Did she really want to take the time to talk to Pete? It might be good, and she was cooled down now.
Standing and walking out of the security room and seeing Pete as his desk Sam wondered over. Giving a little tap on the wall she leaned in it a little too just looked at Pete for a long moment.
"Hey, I heard about what happened with the microwave. Nex time something like that happens and I am not here can you call me? Maybe next time take it a little easier on him too. I know he's the "bad" guy and all but I've been really working hard with him and making progress on where we want him to be. I'd really appreciate it."
Invitation
Zan glanced down sheepishly as Ryan chewed him out for his attitude. It was hard always losing lately, but he knew she was right - if he wanted to make it, he needed to keep trying.
Hearing about the job, his eyebrows rose. "Oh, awesome. I was wondering if Axel was really serious." Ryan didn't seem as upset about it today... maybe she'd gotten used to the idea. He took out his cell phone. "Guess I really should give you my number so somebody can call me. I'll come in any time."
Focused on what he was doing, he didn't even see Destiny enter the restaurant. Hearing her voice, he looked up quickly, surprised, then a smile automatically came to his face. He abandoned his phone and stood, his eyes twinkling. "I wouldn't complain if you were following me," he teased.
He thumbed to the table. "Think maybe you saw Eli before and this is Ryan and Hunter. Guys, this is Destiny."
Hunter smiled and waved, and Eli gave her a friendly nod. He remembered seeing her just briefly that night at the race, and for a moment now, he studied her face thoughtfully.
Zan looked to Destiny again. "You wanna join us? We ordered plenty of pizza."
Hunter took his foot and pushed out the chair that was near her. "The more the merrier," he invited. He didn't know what her relationship to Zan was, but he seemed awfully happy to see her, hinting that his own invitation was more than just him being polite.
Reese studied Sam for a moment before he nodded. "Alright. That's good enough for me. It isn't the first time that microwave has acted weird, so to tell you truth, I'm glad to be rid of it." He cringed a little though.
"Make sure Misty sees to him. I didn't know he burned himself." He stood to leave, then paused and looked over his shoulder. "Feel free to talk to Pete. I'm not going to say anything, but you're Aaron's handler and you have the authority to tell Pete to slow down his trigger finger."
Hearing about the job, his eyebrows rose. "Oh, awesome. I was wondering if Axel was really serious." Ryan didn't seem as upset about it today... maybe she'd gotten used to the idea. He took out his cell phone. "Guess I really should give you my number so somebody can call me. I'll come in any time."
Focused on what he was doing, he didn't even see Destiny enter the restaurant. Hearing her voice, he looked up quickly, surprised, then a smile automatically came to his face. He abandoned his phone and stood, his eyes twinkling. "I wouldn't complain if you were following me," he teased.
He thumbed to the table. "Think maybe you saw Eli before and this is Ryan and Hunter. Guys, this is Destiny."
Hunter smiled and waved, and Eli gave her a friendly nod. He remembered seeing her just briefly that night at the race, and for a moment now, he studied her face thoughtfully.
Zan looked to Destiny again. "You wanna join us? We ordered plenty of pizza."
Hunter took his foot and pushed out the chair that was near her. "The more the merrier," he invited. He didn't know what her relationship to Zan was, but he seemed awfully happy to see her, hinting that his own invitation was more than just him being polite.
Reese studied Sam for a moment before he nodded. "Alright. That's good enough for me. It isn't the first time that microwave has acted weird, so to tell you truth, I'm glad to be rid of it." He cringed a little though.
"Make sure Misty sees to him. I didn't know he burned himself." He stood to leave, then paused and looked over his shoulder. "Feel free to talk to Pete. I'm not going to say anything, but you're Aaron's handler and you have the authority to tell Pete to slow down his trigger finger."
No Idea
Going around to the other side of her desk and sitting down Misty thought for a long moment and let out another sigh. He Uncle was a hard one to figure out for sure.
"Honestly...I can't think of anything other than being able to finally bring down the Underground people. That alone might be enough. I think it's more the FBI we have to try and convince though."
Leaning back she thought for a long second before shaking her head.
"And with that...I don't even know where to start."
Hearing Eli's plan Ryan thought for a long moment. Entering a novice race with Thunder did seem like a good idea, and it would give one of the newbies a chance to really shine, not to mention hurt Thunder's pride a great deal.
"Ya know that's really not a bad idea."
Just letting the wheels turn Ryan continued to think for a long moment taking a sip of her drink that was brought. Hearing Zan Ryan raised an eyebrow.
"No bribes, but with an attitude like that, you won't ever beat us. You gotta be positive, and keep working to become better. From what I have seen you are a pretty good driver. On a more positive note though...My boss at the shop wants you to come in for an interview."
Entering mom and pop's Destiny's stomach growled. She'd been out and about when her stomach growled for a slice so she stopped. Looking around and seeing Zan over at a table with some friends She smiled. She didn't want to bother him, but at the same time she didn't want to not say anything and have him see her an think she was ignoring him.
Walking over to the table she offered a friendly smile. She recognized Eli from the night at the race but wasn't sure about the other too.
"Zan? Hi! I swear I am not following you. I just happened to stop for some pizza. I won't keep you from your friends but I wasn't to at least say hi since I saw you."
Looking up at the knock on the door Sam took her feet off the desk and sat up a little bit. Thinking for a moment about Reese's question Sam went over the footage from the breakroom in her head and smiled again thinking about how Aaron put the napkins in front of the cam. He was too smart for their own good, for sure.
"Aaron told me the microwave shorted and I believe him. At this moment I really have no reason not too. He really didn't seem upset when I talked to him either. He's good, I think if he was trying to pull something, he would have found a better way then blowing up a microwave and burning himself. "
"Honestly...I can't think of anything other than being able to finally bring down the Underground people. That alone might be enough. I think it's more the FBI we have to try and convince though."
Leaning back she thought for a long second before shaking her head.
"And with that...I don't even know where to start."
Hearing Eli's plan Ryan thought for a long moment. Entering a novice race with Thunder did seem like a good idea, and it would give one of the newbies a chance to really shine, not to mention hurt Thunder's pride a great deal.
"Ya know that's really not a bad idea."
Just letting the wheels turn Ryan continued to think for a long moment taking a sip of her drink that was brought. Hearing Zan Ryan raised an eyebrow.
"No bribes, but with an attitude like that, you won't ever beat us. You gotta be positive, and keep working to become better. From what I have seen you are a pretty good driver. On a more positive note though...My boss at the shop wants you to come in for an interview."
Entering mom and pop's Destiny's stomach growled. She'd been out and about when her stomach growled for a slice so she stopped. Looking around and seeing Zan over at a table with some friends She smiled. She didn't want to bother him, but at the same time she didn't want to not say anything and have him see her an think she was ignoring him.
Walking over to the table she offered a friendly smile. She recognized Eli from the night at the race but wasn't sure about the other too.
"Zan? Hi! I swear I am not following you. I just happened to stop for some pizza. I won't keep you from your friends but I wasn't to at least say hi since I saw you."
Looking up at the knock on the door Sam took her feet off the desk and sat up a little bit. Thinking for a moment about Reese's question Sam went over the footage from the breakroom in her head and smiled again thinking about how Aaron put the napkins in front of the cam. He was too smart for their own good, for sure.
"Aaron told me the microwave shorted and I believe him. At this moment I really have no reason not too. He really didn't seem upset when I talked to him either. He's good, I think if he was trying to pull something, he would have found a better way then blowing up a microwave and burning himself. "
May 12, 2017
Bribes
Justin nodded again. He knew Misty's expertise revolved around medical issues, not psychological ones, but he also knew she cared and wanted to make sure Chance was taken care of and not just left to rot in a prison cell. "I'll definitely do my best to keep you in the loop if I'm allowed to continue working with him like I want. As for using Destiny... that might actually work. I have no idea if Destiny would ever take him back after all this, but... he can't let go of her, and he'd do anything at this point to please her."
He paused as he thought about all his options. "Maybe if he thought she'd want him to do all he could to help the Elite and not the Underground, he'd be more willing to talk."
He pushed off the counter, preparing to leave so Misty could get back to work. There was still one very big hurdle though. "Now to convince your uncle to bargain with Chance. Intel for no prison. Any tips on that one?"
As Ryan openly displayed her affection for Hunter, Zan kept his grin to himself. He saw Eli roll his eyes, which made it all the more amusing to him.
Under the table, Hunter hooked his ankle around Ryan's, giving it a little tug. He gave her a sidelong glance and a wink before settling back, putting his arm around the back of her chair so she could sit in even closer.
Eli nodded at her question. "Mm, sort of. We need to figure out -" He left his sentence hanging as Thirteen came over to take their order. After requesting a couple pizzas, he resumed. "Our goal is to knock Thunder out of the race - or basically just make sure he loses. It doesn't matter who else wins at this point."
"Why not Ryan?" Hunter suggested. "It could serve as her comeback."
Eli shook his head. "Then people will think she won just because you two held back Thunder. Not that it really matters but I care about her reputation too." He gave his sister a little smile. He really was proud of her racing skills. "What if none of you won? What if you entered a novice race?"
Hunter's eyebrows rose. "We can't do that. Then we'd be no better than Thunder."
"No... you enter only after Thunder does. Force him to the back of the pack, and guess what? He'll lose to a novice driver."
Zan grinned. "I like the sound of that. Besides, I think I belong back in the novice races anyway."
"You do not," Hunter chided. "You've just had a bad streak."
"Yeah... named Hunter and Thunder... and soon to be Ryan again." Though just a bit frustrated, Zan threw Ryan a crooked smile. "You don't take bribes do you?"
The afternoon wore on, and Aaron remained in his room. Even though he was itching to walk, he stayed on his bed most of the day, knowing he'd probably just get into more trouble if he wandered the hall. He'd just have to hump around tonight when the floor would be empty.
At the security room, there was a knock at the door. Reese poked his head around the corner before coming inside and taking one of the chairs. He looked at Sam with quiet seriousness. "Okay. I've got one side of the story. I know you were gone when we had the little fiasco in the break room, but did Aaron tell you what happened? I just want to hear from you whether you really think it was an accident or I'd Aaron was trying to pull something."
He paused as he thought about all his options. "Maybe if he thought she'd want him to do all he could to help the Elite and not the Underground, he'd be more willing to talk."
He pushed off the counter, preparing to leave so Misty could get back to work. There was still one very big hurdle though. "Now to convince your uncle to bargain with Chance. Intel for no prison. Any tips on that one?"
As Ryan openly displayed her affection for Hunter, Zan kept his grin to himself. He saw Eli roll his eyes, which made it all the more amusing to him.
Under the table, Hunter hooked his ankle around Ryan's, giving it a little tug. He gave her a sidelong glance and a wink before settling back, putting his arm around the back of her chair so she could sit in even closer.
Eli nodded at her question. "Mm, sort of. We need to figure out -" He left his sentence hanging as Thirteen came over to take their order. After requesting a couple pizzas, he resumed. "Our goal is to knock Thunder out of the race - or basically just make sure he loses. It doesn't matter who else wins at this point."
"Why not Ryan?" Hunter suggested. "It could serve as her comeback."
Eli shook his head. "Then people will think she won just because you two held back Thunder. Not that it really matters but I care about her reputation too." He gave his sister a little smile. He really was proud of her racing skills. "What if none of you won? What if you entered a novice race?"
Hunter's eyebrows rose. "We can't do that. Then we'd be no better than Thunder."
"No... you enter only after Thunder does. Force him to the back of the pack, and guess what? He'll lose to a novice driver."
Zan grinned. "I like the sound of that. Besides, I think I belong back in the novice races anyway."
"You do not," Hunter chided. "You've just had a bad streak."
"Yeah... named Hunter and Thunder... and soon to be Ryan again." Though just a bit frustrated, Zan threw Ryan a crooked smile. "You don't take bribes do you?"
The afternoon wore on, and Aaron remained in his room. Even though he was itching to walk, he stayed on his bed most of the day, knowing he'd probably just get into more trouble if he wandered the hall. He'd just have to hump around tonight when the floor would be empty.
At the security room, there was a knock at the door. Reese poked his head around the corner before coming inside and taking one of the chairs. He looked at Sam with quiet seriousness. "Okay. I've got one side of the story. I know you were gone when we had the little fiasco in the break room, but did Aaron tell you what happened? I just want to hear from you whether you really think it was an accident or I'd Aaron was trying to pull something."
Try
Looking back at Chance Misty nodded just watching him for a long moment. This was such a hard situation for everyone, and she did hate it. Deciding what was right, what was good and what wasn't. It really wasn't an easy task.
"I'd like to stay being able to check on him as well, and get updates on his care if I could too."
Little out a sigh and glancing back at Justin her eyes showed worry. Worry for so many things that really they had no control over. Any day could be the day when the FBI said enough was enough and took Chance away. Maybe keeping him in a hospital was the best thing.
"I don't know if it would or not, but it couldn't hurt to see if you could get him to tell all. I know its not something we wanted to do, but maybe if we told him it's what Destiny would want him to do, he would."
The car ride to Mom and Pop's was nice and Ryan held Hunter's hand the whole way. Getting out and inside she waved to Zan and Eli before sitting down scooting as close as she could to Hunter. If the other two didn't like it oh well, tonight was date night and they were cramping her style.
"You pick, I'm just starving, so much I think my stomach has started eating itself."
Looking at Hunter and grinning Ryan leaned in and gave him a small kiss before looking around at the others. She never thought she would be sitting here like this was she was happy she was. This was nice just...hanging out with some other people and Hunter too.
"So Eli you got a game plan on what's going down?"
Sam smiled. She still felt bad that had happened to Aaron but there was very little she could do and if he wasn't hungry anymore she wasn't going to force him to eat.
"Alright, I'll bring you some cream for that burn, when I bring you, your dinner. Just hold tight till then ok?"
Sam stood and left the room again leaving the door open and unlocked like she had before. There was no reason for it to be closed and locked no matter what anyone else thought. Aaron was in her care, and this was part of what she was doing. She had to trust him.
Going back to the security room Sam sat down and started looking over the cameras trying to keep her mind off everything that happened while she was gone so she could cool down.
Go Crazy
Aaron thought a moment, then just shrugged. Even though he had genuinely laughed at what had happened, there was also a part of him that was unnerved and frustrated. It was bad enough no one really trusted him - although it wasn't like he was really a good guy here - but then to have a gun pointed at him because a microwave malfunctioned took the cake.
"Guess I sorta last my appetite," he admitted. "And you got better things to do. I'll be fine til supper." He absentmindedly turned his arm to look at his burn again. It really wasn't that bad but it did hurt.
Looking back at Sam, he gave her a crooked grin. "Thanks, though. I'm fine. Really." He could tell she was upset, and appreciated that, but there was no point in making this whole thing worse. "I'll just... be more careful about using the break room when you're not around."
"Mmm..." Hunter returned her kiss, his eyes sparkling. "I hate to break it to ya, but if you want purely platonic, you've come to the wrong guy."
He grinned at her comment before pulling away from the curb. "I'm only special 'cause I got you around." He gave her a sidelong glance before reaching over with one hand and giving her leg a pat. "Missed ya today. Zan's car is about ready, though. I told 'em it was a date night but Eli and Zan are getting antsy to form a plan.
It didn't take long to get to Mom and Pop's. Zan and Eli were already there and had claimed a table off to the side. Both had drinks but were waiting to order pizza. "Hey!" Eli waved them over. "We were starting to think we'd have to eat without you guys."
Hunter smirked and pulled out a chair to sit. "You just like being rude."
"Ah, not rude. When hungry, a man cannot be blamed for being rude. It is the hunger's doing."
Zan snickered and glanced at a menu. "I like just about anything, so order whatever."
"Anything, he says." Hunter elbowed Ryan. "Let's go crazy." It was kind of strange to be sitting here together - three racing rivals sharing a meal and carrying on as friends. And yet, it was also rather fun.
Justin nodded quickly at Misty. "Oh yeah. I definitely want to be involved, and I highly doubt Reese would have it any other way, anyway. Whether we like it or not, because of Chance's actions, he's still technically in the Elite's custody. The hard part is finding a place for him. I like Brookshire the best - I think it has the best care in this part of the state. But two hours is a long ways away. Northside wouldn't be bad as long as we kept an eye on things. I don't always care for their methods, but as long as I was involved it shouldn't be bad."
He looked back over at Chance and sighed. "Thing is... unstable or not, the Elite - and FBI - want answers. I wonder if I could convince Chance to give up everything - all he has on the Underground. Do you think that would be enough to convince them to keep him out of prison?"
"Guess I sorta last my appetite," he admitted. "And you got better things to do. I'll be fine til supper." He absentmindedly turned his arm to look at his burn again. It really wasn't that bad but it did hurt.
Looking back at Sam, he gave her a crooked grin. "Thanks, though. I'm fine. Really." He could tell she was upset, and appreciated that, but there was no point in making this whole thing worse. "I'll just... be more careful about using the break room when you're not around."
"Mmm..." Hunter returned her kiss, his eyes sparkling. "I hate to break it to ya, but if you want purely platonic, you've come to the wrong guy."
He grinned at her comment before pulling away from the curb. "I'm only special 'cause I got you around." He gave her a sidelong glance before reaching over with one hand and giving her leg a pat. "Missed ya today. Zan's car is about ready, though. I told 'em it was a date night but Eli and Zan are getting antsy to form a plan.
It didn't take long to get to Mom and Pop's. Zan and Eli were already there and had claimed a table off to the side. Both had drinks but were waiting to order pizza. "Hey!" Eli waved them over. "We were starting to think we'd have to eat without you guys."
Hunter smirked and pulled out a chair to sit. "You just like being rude."
"Ah, not rude. When hungry, a man cannot be blamed for being rude. It is the hunger's doing."
Zan snickered and glanced at a menu. "I like just about anything, so order whatever."
"Anything, he says." Hunter elbowed Ryan. "Let's go crazy." It was kind of strange to be sitting here together - three racing rivals sharing a meal and carrying on as friends. And yet, it was also rather fun.
Justin nodded quickly at Misty. "Oh yeah. I definitely want to be involved, and I highly doubt Reese would have it any other way, anyway. Whether we like it or not, because of Chance's actions, he's still technically in the Elite's custody. The hard part is finding a place for him. I like Brookshire the best - I think it has the best care in this part of the state. But two hours is a long ways away. Northside wouldn't be bad as long as we kept an eye on things. I don't always care for their methods, but as long as I was involved it shouldn't be bad."
He looked back over at Chance and sighed. "Thing is... unstable or not, the Elite - and FBI - want answers. I wonder if I could convince Chance to give up everything - all he has on the Underground. Do you think that would be enough to convince them to keep him out of prison?"
Grab Something
Seeing Aaron start to laugh Sam was a little surprised. She thought for sure he would be more upset and she wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. His smile was nice though, and seeing the humor in his eyes was a nice change too.
"I kind of wish I could have seen the look on their faces too. If it means anything, I believe you."
Leaning back in her chair and letting out a long sigh as she just listened to Aaron she gave a nod. She believed him. Maybe it wasn't smart but she didn't believe he wasn't trying to do anything.
"Since you haven't eaten anything, want me to grab something for you?"
Seeing Hunter pull up and standing Ryan grinned as he honked the horn and shouted. About to shout back Ryan stopped hearing someone a few house down yell about it being late and people trying to sleep. Raising an eyebrow and turning to where the shout came from Ryan yelled back.
"It's six thirty at night who sleeps this early? Get a life would ya."
Turning back to Hunter Ryan grinned before getting into the car. Leaning over and giving him a kiss her eyes twinkled. Pulling away she laughed and shook her head.
"I don't just yell at anyone for anyone you know. You must be pretty special."
Misty listened to Justin and gave a nod. It was a hard position for them to be in. Everyone was pulling Chance in a different direction and he didn't even know it. Though what he did was wrong, Misty felt bad and agreed with Justin he had paid the biggest price already.
"Maybe a hospital is the best place for him. We can only do so much here, and with people breathing down our throats constantly doesn't help at all. Would you still counsel him to make sure he was doing ok?"
"I kind of wish I could have seen the look on their faces too. If it means anything, I believe you."
Leaning back in her chair and letting out a long sigh as she just listened to Aaron she gave a nod. She believed him. Maybe it wasn't smart but she didn't believe he wasn't trying to do anything.
"Since you haven't eaten anything, want me to grab something for you?"
Seeing Hunter pull up and standing Ryan grinned as he honked the horn and shouted. About to shout back Ryan stopped hearing someone a few house down yell about it being late and people trying to sleep. Raising an eyebrow and turning to where the shout came from Ryan yelled back.
"It's six thirty at night who sleeps this early? Get a life would ya."
Turning back to Hunter Ryan grinned before getting into the car. Leaning over and giving him a kiss her eyes twinkled. Pulling away she laughed and shook her head.
"I don't just yell at anyone for anyone you know. You must be pretty special."
Misty listened to Justin and gave a nod. It was a hard position for them to be in. Everyone was pulling Chance in a different direction and he didn't even know it. Though what he did was wrong, Misty felt bad and agreed with Justin he had paid the biggest price already.
"Maybe a hospital is the best place for him. We can only do so much here, and with people breathing down our throats constantly doesn't help at all. Would you still counsel him to make sure he was doing ok?"
May 11, 2017
Don't Care
As Sam left the room, Wyatt's eyes widened and all humor vanished. "Yeah... sure... anytime..." As she disappeared, he let out a low whistle before getting up from the desk. Maybe it would be best to go back to his own desk now, and far away from this end of the office.
Aaron was sitting up on his bed, one knee up, and his bad leg stretched out and propped up with a pillow. He looked up as Sam entered, cocking his head just a little. She seemed a bit... uptight.
He shrugged at her question. "Eh... twisted my knee a little when Pete gave me a shove." He turned his arm around to try and see the red welt near his elbow. "Think I got a burn, but I'll live."
Falling silent for a moment, he replayed the scene in his head. And without any warning at all, he started to laugh. "You shoulda seen it. Sparks. Smoke. Whole thing just... boom." He gestured like an explosion as his laughter formed tears in his eyes. Trying to breathe, he shook his head. "The looks on their faces when they came around the corner... they must have thought I blew a hole in the wall in an attempt to escape."
He wiped his eyes and tried to calm down. "I never did get my lunch. I think frozen dinner..." He started laughing again, unable to speak for several moments. "...needs to be scraped off the ceiling." Coughing, he put a hand to his chest and forced the wave of laughter down. His face was red and he wiped his eyes again. "Pete's an idiot but I figured there wasn't much point in fighting him since I knew you'd be back."
He shook his head. "I never did get to tell them that all I did was punch in the time and hit start. Something must have overheated, but it wasn't anything I did." With his senses coming back, he sighed. No, he wasn't happy he was just a prisoner when Sam wasn't around. He wasn't happy with Pete's reaction. He wasn't happy about someone locking his door again - which really was pointless. But what else could he expect? "They prolly won't ever believe I wasn't trying to pull something, but I guess I don't care anymore."
Hunter was just getting into his car when he got Ryan's text, and grinned.
Getting hotter every minute.
He rolled his eyes at himself and started the engine. It was a good thing Eli didn't see their text conversation, otherwise he might assume some rather interesting things.
After getting home, he'd showered and changed into his jeans and motorcycle boots with a clean, plain white t-shirt. After all, they were just going to mom and pops
Arriving at Ryan's, he pulled up to the curb and saw her waiting on the porch. Without giving her time to even stand up, he laid on the horn and shouted out the open window. "Hey! Get a move on! I don't got all night, ya know!"
Justin leaned back against the counter and sighed. It took him a few moments to answer Misty, but when he did, he nodded. "I think it's possible. He's had quite a severe breakdown, and it's no wonder with how many things he was trying to control. The good thing is that he's been answering questions honestly - as far as I can tell, and when he's been in the right frame of mind. I've put a lot of pieces together and I'm formulating some new approaches with him."
He paused and glanced at Misty's eyes. "The hard part is that this is going to take time. My prediction is that we won't want him left alone for probably the next four weeks at least. Hopefully he'll be more stable after that, but he's going to need months of counseling if he's going to get through this and... only if he actually wants to get better. Which brings me to the even harder issue... What's the Elite going to do with him?"
He shook his head. "The FBI wants him in prison. Reese wants him interrogated then handed over. Nobody wants him to stay here, and nobody can justify him getting away scott free. Personally, I think he's paid for his crimes." His eyes drifted back to the bed where Chance was huddled up, still clinging to his pillow. "But the law demands a different kind of justice. I'm afraid the only thing I can do is recommend he be placed in a hospital. That way it keeps him out of prison for now, with time to heal."
Aaron was sitting up on his bed, one knee up, and his bad leg stretched out and propped up with a pillow. He looked up as Sam entered, cocking his head just a little. She seemed a bit... uptight.
He shrugged at her question. "Eh... twisted my knee a little when Pete gave me a shove." He turned his arm around to try and see the red welt near his elbow. "Think I got a burn, but I'll live."
Falling silent for a moment, he replayed the scene in his head. And without any warning at all, he started to laugh. "You shoulda seen it. Sparks. Smoke. Whole thing just... boom." He gestured like an explosion as his laughter formed tears in his eyes. Trying to breathe, he shook his head. "The looks on their faces when they came around the corner... they must have thought I blew a hole in the wall in an attempt to escape."
He wiped his eyes and tried to calm down. "I never did get my lunch. I think frozen dinner..." He started laughing again, unable to speak for several moments. "...needs to be scraped off the ceiling." Coughing, he put a hand to his chest and forced the wave of laughter down. His face was red and he wiped his eyes again. "Pete's an idiot but I figured there wasn't much point in fighting him since I knew you'd be back."
He shook his head. "I never did get to tell them that all I did was punch in the time and hit start. Something must have overheated, but it wasn't anything I did." With his senses coming back, he sighed. No, he wasn't happy he was just a prisoner when Sam wasn't around. He wasn't happy with Pete's reaction. He wasn't happy about someone locking his door again - which really was pointless. But what else could he expect? "They prolly won't ever believe I wasn't trying to pull something, but I guess I don't care anymore."
Hunter was just getting into his car when he got Ryan's text, and grinned.
Getting hotter every minute.
He rolled his eyes at himself and started the engine. It was a good thing Eli didn't see their text conversation, otherwise he might assume some rather interesting things.
After getting home, he'd showered and changed into his jeans and motorcycle boots with a clean, plain white t-shirt. After all, they were just going to mom and pops
Arriving at Ryan's, he pulled up to the curb and saw her waiting on the porch. Without giving her time to even stand up, he laid on the horn and shouted out the open window. "Hey! Get a move on! I don't got all night, ya know!"
Justin leaned back against the counter and sighed. It took him a few moments to answer Misty, but when he did, he nodded. "I think it's possible. He's had quite a severe breakdown, and it's no wonder with how many things he was trying to control. The good thing is that he's been answering questions honestly - as far as I can tell, and when he's been in the right frame of mind. I've put a lot of pieces together and I'm formulating some new approaches with him."
He paused and glanced at Misty's eyes. "The hard part is that this is going to take time. My prediction is that we won't want him left alone for probably the next four weeks at least. Hopefully he'll be more stable after that, but he's going to need months of counseling if he's going to get through this and... only if he actually wants to get better. Which brings me to the even harder issue... What's the Elite going to do with him?"
He shook his head. "The FBI wants him in prison. Reese wants him interrogated then handed over. Nobody wants him to stay here, and nobody can justify him getting away scott free. Personally, I think he's paid for his crimes." His eyes drifted back to the bed where Chance was huddled up, still clinging to his pillow. "But the law demands a different kind of justice. I'm afraid the only thing I can do is recommend he be placed in a hospital. That way it keeps him out of prison for now, with time to heal."
Slacker
Sam watched the cam and then looked at Wyatt crossing her arms.
"So Aaron was cooking, had a mishap, and Pete over reacted....got it. I guess I won't be leaving again during work hours since everyone around here is going to undo, what I am trying to build. Thanks for your time Wyatt."
Turning Sam let out a sigh and left the security office before making her way across the floor again. Getting to Aaron's room Sam knocked on the door before unlocking and opening it. Stepping inside she looked at Aaron for a long moment before coming over to the chair and sitting down.
"Sorry, they locked you in. I thought I could trust them to cut you some slack but I guess I was wrong. You ok from the whole Microwave incident, didn't get hurt did ya?"
Ryan smiled before putting her phone back in her pocket again. She had to get back to the car she was working on if she really was going to leave at five. Looking over at where Miles was and seeing him fiddle with his wrench Ryan took the dirty rag she was using and threw it at him landing on his shoulder.
"Miles get back to work would ya before the boss gets upset that car isn't done yet."
...It wasn't much later that Ryan was home and showered. She'd thrown her hair up in a ponytail since it was still wet and had a pair of her jeans, and a tank top on. She liked that Hunter didn't mind she dressed casual. It was what she was more comfortable in.
Sitting on the porch and waiting for Hunter Ryan sipped her bottle of water. It was a nice night out. Warm but there still was a cool breeze. It was nights like this she missed camping with her family the most. Pulling out her phone and sending a message to Hunter she smiled.
Hurry up slacker, I dont have all night. I got a hot date later.
Just continuing to watch Chance Misty patted his hand. He was having such a hard time she just wished there was a quick fit for this and make everything better. She knew it didn't work that way though.
Catching Justin's eye again Misty gave a nod before standing and following Justin little ways away. She was happy to hear that Chance was opening up a little more that was a good thing. She gave a nod about something to help him sleep. She'd thought about it but hadn't wanted to put Chane on too much. At this point though maybe it was the best thing.
"Yeah, I'll give him something to help him sleep tonight. Some rest could help a great deal."
Looking over at Chance again Misty let out a small sigh before crossing her arms in a worried manner before looking back to Justin.
"Do you think he is going to be ok and make it through all this? Honestly?"
"So Aaron was cooking, had a mishap, and Pete over reacted....got it. I guess I won't be leaving again during work hours since everyone around here is going to undo, what I am trying to build. Thanks for your time Wyatt."
Turning Sam let out a sigh and left the security office before making her way across the floor again. Getting to Aaron's room Sam knocked on the door before unlocking and opening it. Stepping inside she looked at Aaron for a long moment before coming over to the chair and sitting down.
"Sorry, they locked you in. I thought I could trust them to cut you some slack but I guess I was wrong. You ok from the whole Microwave incident, didn't get hurt did ya?"
Ryan smiled before putting her phone back in her pocket again. She had to get back to the car she was working on if she really was going to leave at five. Looking over at where Miles was and seeing him fiddle with his wrench Ryan took the dirty rag she was using and threw it at him landing on his shoulder.
"Miles get back to work would ya before the boss gets upset that car isn't done yet."
...It wasn't much later that Ryan was home and showered. She'd thrown her hair up in a ponytail since it was still wet and had a pair of her jeans, and a tank top on. She liked that Hunter didn't mind she dressed casual. It was what she was more comfortable in.
Sitting on the porch and waiting for Hunter Ryan sipped her bottle of water. It was a nice night out. Warm but there still was a cool breeze. It was nights like this she missed camping with her family the most. Pulling out her phone and sending a message to Hunter she smiled.
Hurry up slacker, I dont have all night. I got a hot date later.
Just continuing to watch Chance Misty patted his hand. He was having such a hard time she just wished there was a quick fit for this and make everything better. She knew it didn't work that way though.
Catching Justin's eye again Misty gave a nod before standing and following Justin little ways away. She was happy to hear that Chance was opening up a little more that was a good thing. She gave a nod about something to help him sleep. She'd thought about it but hadn't wanted to put Chane on too much. At this point though maybe it was the best thing.
"Yeah, I'll give him something to help him sleep tonight. Some rest could help a great deal."
Looking over at Chance again Misty let out a small sigh before crossing her arms in a worried manner before looking back to Justin.
"Do you think he is going to be ok and make it through all this? Honestly?"
Could be Awkward
Wyatt glanced up as Sam entered the room, and nodded slowly. "Yeah, we had a bit of an incident while you were gone, actually..." He reached over and hit a few keys on the keyboard to rewind some footage. It showed the hall, and smoke billowing out from the break room. Shortly after, several agents were running to the room, Pete with his gun drawn, and Con with a fire extinguisher. About a minute later, Pete was escorting Aaron back to his room.
Wyatt stopped the footage and pursed his lips. "The microwave blew up." As hard as he tried, he couldn't keep a lid on his humor, and he choked on a laugh before swallowing it down. "Pretty sure Pete thought it was a bomb. Even Con heard it." He cleared his throat. "Unfortunately, I think Pete didn't believe Aaron's explanation, and he locked the door to his room. So... you might wanna go have a little chatty chat with our resident non-prisoner prisoner."
Standing off to the side while the Eli and Zan continued to work, Hunter grinned then snickered at Ryan's text message. He was quick to reply.
I hope not...
He waited a few seconds.
Cuz I really wanna kiss you...
He sent it and waited another few seconds.
And... you know...
make out...
He purposely waited again.
That could be awkward if
it's totally platonic...
"Hunt!"
He looked up quickly. "What?!"
Eli rolled his eyes. "Quit texting your girlfriend and get over here. We need another set of hands."
Hunter just grinned and tucked his phone in his pocket before going to help. "You're just jealous Ryan answers my texts faster than Scarlet answers yours."
"Ohhh... low blow, boy... low blow."
Zan chuckled as he lay on his back under the car. "You sure you two are friends?"
Eli stuck his head down so he could see him. "Oh, best buds. Isn't it obvious? Now focus!"
Zan withheld another laugh and just kept working.
Chance tried to follow Misty's instructions in an attempt to calm his breathing and his racing pulse. Unwanted tears filled his eyes again. "I can't do this," he whimpered. "I can't take it." He drew in a ragged breath and shook his head at the offer of food or drink. He didn't want anything other than a shot to the head to end it all right here, right now. Be done for good.
Justin saw the look in Chance's eye, and pursed his lips grimly. He caught Misty's eye and knew she was concerned. So was he. "Just relax," he directed Chance. "Lie back and try to rest."
Chance eased over onto his side, still hugging the pillow tightly.
Justin stood and motioned for Misty to join him a short distance away out of Chance's earshot, and kept his voice low. "He's talking to me more - that's an improvement. I've gotten a lot out of him - enough to figure out what some of his main issues are, so we can start working on them. He's still unstable though. I don't wanna increase his meds, but maybe something to at least help him sleep at night too. That might help him have a clearer head during the day. Right now I think he's sleep deprived on top of everything else because he won't let himself rest."
Wyatt stopped the footage and pursed his lips. "The microwave blew up." As hard as he tried, he couldn't keep a lid on his humor, and he choked on a laugh before swallowing it down. "Pretty sure Pete thought it was a bomb. Even Con heard it." He cleared his throat. "Unfortunately, I think Pete didn't believe Aaron's explanation, and he locked the door to his room. So... you might wanna go have a little chatty chat with our resident non-prisoner prisoner."
Standing off to the side while the Eli and Zan continued to work, Hunter grinned then snickered at Ryan's text message. He was quick to reply.
I hope not...
He waited a few seconds.
Cuz I really wanna kiss you...
He sent it and waited another few seconds.
And... you know...
make out...
He purposely waited again.
That could be awkward if
it's totally platonic...
"Hunt!"
He looked up quickly. "What?!"
Eli rolled his eyes. "Quit texting your girlfriend and get over here. We need another set of hands."
Hunter just grinned and tucked his phone in his pocket before going to help. "You're just jealous Ryan answers my texts faster than Scarlet answers yours."
"Ohhh... low blow, boy... low blow."
Zan chuckled as he lay on his back under the car. "You sure you two are friends?"
Eli stuck his head down so he could see him. "Oh, best buds. Isn't it obvious? Now focus!"
Zan withheld another laugh and just kept working.
Chance tried to follow Misty's instructions in an attempt to calm his breathing and his racing pulse. Unwanted tears filled his eyes again. "I can't do this," he whimpered. "I can't take it." He drew in a ragged breath and shook his head at the offer of food or drink. He didn't want anything other than a shot to the head to end it all right here, right now. Be done for good.
Justin saw the look in Chance's eye, and pursed his lips grimly. He caught Misty's eye and knew she was concerned. So was he. "Just relax," he directed Chance. "Lie back and try to rest."
Chance eased over onto his side, still hugging the pillow tightly.
Justin stood and motioned for Misty to join him a short distance away out of Chance's earshot, and kept his voice low. "He's talking to me more - that's an improvement. I've gotten a lot out of him - enough to figure out what some of his main issues are, so we can start working on them. He's still unstable though. I don't wanna increase his meds, but maybe something to at least help him sleep at night too. That might help him have a clearer head during the day. Right now I think he's sleep deprived on top of everything else because he won't let himself rest."
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