Logs Compiled (Mel's Vacation)

[Archer Keating]

Since I got behind and didn't know what play happened where in order, these posts were compiled to make it easier for Mel to catch up after vacation.
********************************************************


5/30/2013 19:18 Archer Keating
He looked at his lap when Chase was tossing the rest of the E onto his lap and chuckled. He was quick to shove them into his pocket. "That way." He pointed so Chase could get them driving. That devilish grin was a blast from the past and Archer was glad to see it. Those smiles were what his dreams and memories were made of until Chase showed up in his bar. Oh crap. The bar! He would have to give Paddy a call later. For now though, they were on their way to Boss'. He gave Chase ample warning each time they needed to turn. "There is almost always someone at the garage. There is a loft upstairs that the guys usually use if they were there late." Sometimes even Archer bunked out with them. It was a family feeling, the guys all working on the cars hanging out and joking around, ready to stand up for one another. "And there's usually food. We'll get you to eat yet." He chuckled and glanced out the truck window. The neighborhood wasn't the best but then, few were really. Some were nicer than others but then you just got different kinds of assholes. At least the people in this area were straight up wtih you to your face and not going behind your back to be a prick.



5/30/2013 19:27 Chase Benjamin
Hey, he never claimed to be beyond drugs. Alcohol was a given, but.. E? It was one of the lesser known things about him.. same with the weed that he'd moved out of the truck upon first realizing the vast array of certain things in the glovebox. It was insane, really, to think that one person could have done all that and been functional.. but hey, Rex wasn't the one in question anymore, it seemed. Chase followed the directions to the garage, turning when Archer told him to, despite the speed limit he seemed rather incapable of following. "Sleepin' at a garage, huh?" It didn't seem too far off that even he probably would have done such a thing, if it came about. And once he got back into fixing up cars and the like, it probably wouldn't be too strange if he followed suit and got in on that whole.. bunking up ordeal. "You guys 'n th'food thing.." he trailed, shooting a sidelong glance to Archer, then. "I jus' don't eat that much." Ever. Even if that had already been made obvious. It was an issue, sure, and could have even been one of the main reasons behind the doubled-up headaches.. but, who knew? He whipped the truck right into place, and killed the engine before dropping his head back against the headrest. It was all such a whirlwind. Breathers were necessary, even if he tended to forget those, too.



5/30/2013 19:45 Archer Keating
They were in a more industrial area where the buildings were more covered in graffiti. The garage was inside a ten foot high chain link fence with double razor barbed wire on top. The guys that were around stopped what they were doing when the Nissan pulled in. Archer didn't get out right away. He looked at Chase instead and grinned. "Get used to it and learn how to take a bite and leave the rest." He smirked and then opened the door to get out. He was recognized by the crew so they pretty much dismissed him. A couple of jeers were sent their way though. Come on, these were men who liked American Muscle. There were cars in various states of assembly. And you wouldn't be too far off if you wondered how legitimate some of those cars were. Archer waved and then gave a head nod for Chase to follow him. "Come on." Inside the garage was about the same as the outside, cars everywhere and different guys working on them. There were a few guys in a lounge type area which meant there were a few couches around a big screen TV with food scattered around. The scents of oil and gasoline mingled with pizza and beer. A big man stood up and lumbered toward Archer and Chase. "Boss! Did that bushing arrive?" He didn't immediately introduce Chase because, well, he didn't want to be too gushing here. The big man shook his head and replied in a thick italian accent, "No, boy. Mail has not come." When Archer saw him eyeing up Chase, that's when Archer introduced him. "This is Chase. I grew up with him. He's cool." Boss snorted as if to say he would decide whether or not this Chase was cool or not. Until then, he gave him a temporary pass by saying, "Any friend of Archers..." And he stuck out his hand for a firm shake.



5/30/2013 19:53 Chase Benjamin
The more industrial area was strangely where he felt more used to things, even if he nine times out of ten had no reason as of late to venture into such places. After all, for the past month at least he'd had no clue to who he was. Intense ambers watched as a lot of the guys seemed to stop what they were doing just to look at the Nissan. Honestly? It was tempting to jump out and claim he'd just stolen it off of some cracked out fool down on 8th St. But, he didn't. Instead, he smirked at Archer's instruction. "S'that easy?" he kidded, "'n here I thought it was jus' my stomach revoltin' against th'idea." Which.. was the way it felt, usually. Regardless, he pushed the door open and climbed out of the truck, using the sole of his boot to close the door just so his hands were cleared up enough to fish out a cigarette and light it as they started walking. Right on into the garage he went, seemingly without a care; psh, he wasn't worried about people watching him, or looking at him. He never had been. The cigarette remained clenched between his teeth, only being prodded from side to side with the tip of his tongue occasionally as the big man lumbered towards Archer and he.. ..then came the introduction. The snort received a faint smirk on his behalf, but he stuck his hand out and shook the Italian's all the same. "Same goes." Chase was doing pretty good on the whole.. trusting what Archer knew, (and who, apparently) thus far. "Nice shop. Ain't seen'a good one in'a while."



5/30/2013 20:02 Archer Keating
When Boss laughed, it came from the heart and deep belly. "Yes, well you have not been here, yes?" He waved his hand to get the rest of the men around back to work. It was early but there was a race and cars needed to be finished. When he swung his attention back to Chase, it lingered a minute and then went to Archer. "He looks good for a dead man." Yes, Boss had paid attention on those nights when they were drunk and Archer was talking about the good old days. Archer laughed and nudged Chase. "Yeah, he does." He didn't offer any other explanation though. If anyone could explain best, that could be Chase. Archer didn't want to make a mistake and say the wrong thing. "It's okay. I wanted to bring him around and show him the place. He's good with cars and bikes." There was still a hint of hero worship in those words but not too much. "Maybe you can take that Nissan off his hands and get him a real truck?" Boss chortled laughter at that. "Hell yes, we will got a good truck for your friend. You win the race, we give you truck." Clearly he was putting a lot of trust in Archer to win. Boss probably had a few tens of thousands of dollars riding on the race. He jabbed a finger at Chase. "Do you drive?"



5/30/2013 20:13 Chase Benjamin
He only reached up to pluck the cigarette from his lips when it became apparent he was actually going to have to talk a little more than just a few mumbles here and there, though while doing so, his gaze slid to the others being waved back to work. Blame it on paranoia. "Nah. I havent." When all attention was on himself for that minute or so, he held some sort of subconscious staring contest until the large man spoke once more, and then he only smirked.. even if it didn't have the same amount of humor behind it, this time. Looked good for a dead man. The nudge from Archer was what had both brows shooting up, just a bit. "Long fuckin' story." And that was going to be it until he fell into the grove of things, obviously. You couldn't just go around spouting off things that made you, or made others think of you, as insane. Besides, for all anyone knew - besides those who'd seen the file, and been told - he could've very well faked his death for other reasons unknown. Chase easily enough picked up on the little hint of hero-worship in Archer's words, and just lightly nudged him with the same hand that held the cigarette, though careful not to burn him. ... Yes, he was going to have to learn to keep his hands to himself.. even if that had been about as subtle as it went. "Or'a car. Trucks ain't no big thing'a mine.. thinkin' more like'a Fiero." And there you had it. A smug sort of look took over, though he glanced between Boss and Archer when the race was mentioned. He'd almost missed the question directed at him, merely because he was picturing Archer racing. A quick shake of his head, and he was back to reality. "Yeah-- used to. S'been'a while, but I still think I do pretty good." And he'd dare anyone to tell him any different, too.



5/30/2013 20:28 Archer Keating
Archer gave a little lift of brow and a chuckle. So sue him for getting drunk and sharing stories from when they were kids. "Very long. I haven't even gotten the whole story yet." He was trying to help with the stall rather than make Chase feel bad about not telling him more. Archer had more than enough to know it had been hell and he wasn't going to push. He would read those files though from front to back and then again once they had some time. The nudge got one given back to Chase in a playful way. Boss nodded. "Fiero ahh? Pontiac! We can see what we can do for Archer's friend and help him out of the Nissan." He nodded as if it were a done deal and spoke as if speaking to everyone within earshot. "After the race." As far as the question about driving, he got a look leveled on him and Boss muttered, "We will see." And that was a promise for sure. Archer laughed and waved Boss off. "Later. I'm going to show him the car. We'll be here for a while. You can talk shop later." He honestly wanted to give Chase a tour of the car he was racing. If he won, it might end up being his. He nodded to the left and said, "Come on." The car was set off to the side a little and was under a tarp. The latest tools were scattered around the place but the tool box that was by the shrouded car was tidy and carefully taken care of. He grinned at Chase and tugged the tarp off the car. Underneath was a shining, gleeeeeming emerald green 1963 Mustang.



5/30/2013 20:38 Chase Benjamin
He didn't mind that Archer had gotten drunk and shared stories. Not in the least. It was kind of, dare we say.. flattering? Especially for someone who'd been thought of dead, and then doubted his own existence from time to time just because he was so fucking confused with who was who, in his head. "Y'will though," he said, graveled, mumbled even, right before that cigarette was placed back in his mouth for a deep pull. That story. It was sure as hell long, and dreary. Gloomy. Desperate. ..The files wouldn't hint at that, though, but anyone with even half a heart would get it even after just glimpsing the first page. That, however, wasn't what he was going to be thinking about at the moment. Especially not after his nudge was returned, and he was grinning again when Boss seemed to know exactly which car he was talking about-- hell, it didn't even matter what year. "After th'race.." Chase trailed, shooting Archer a sidelong glance and grin to accompany it. Even as the We will see, as far as his own driving skills went was muttered. It was laughable, but, all he did was snicker a bit before cocking his chin up almost daringly. Apparently, though, he had no qualms with nodding a goodbye of sorts before following after Archer, his newfound-again partner in crime, to wherever he was being lead to. With either boot situated a shoulder's width apart, one arm crossed over his chest, and the other draped down across it lazily, with the cigarette dangling from his thumb and forefinger. Just until the tarp was pulled off the car, though. Then, he spurred right back into action. "Jesus, Arch.." he said, moving just a bit closer; and no, he didn't dare as much as touch the shiny, gleeming paint. "What've you done to it so far?" he questioned, almost without a second-thought. It was natural. Or, so it came to be.



5/30/2013 20:50 Archer Keating
"What haven't I done? I've been working on her for a long time." And he wouldn't let anyone help except when more muscle or hands were absolutely necessary. He lifted his chin and indicated the driver's door just before he pulled it open and nodded again the ok for Chase to get in the drivers seat. Anyone watching would be staring really. Nobody got into his car and here he was offering the throne to Chase. "Can't drive her yet though, cracked bushings. Should arrive sometime later today if I'm lucky." And then a test drive and the race. How cool would that be? The car had all the special boosts that an illegal street racer needed to be competitive. And Archer had made his modifications almost elegant. The power was there though in every line of that car and he was proud of it too. That was clear in his eyes. Some shouting outside caught his attention, eyes dragged toward the front of the garage about the same time gunfire erupted outside. It sounded close too. Like it was maybe even inside the fence. In the shouting, one name was easily picked up. Harvesters. Didn't sound too bad but they were bad news. Every available set of hands was going for guns. Well, everyone except Archer and the younger mechanics who couldn't be more than 16 years old. The young ones were going for cover. Archer, even without a gun, headed for the front of the garage. Something was in his hand though, something he picked up on the way. It gleamed. It was sharp. He had a knife.



5/30/2013 21:01 Chase Benjamin
That was an even better answer, and Chase was grinning. It was easy enough for him to do a walk-about around the car, if only to eye the paint job. That alone was enough to have him shaking his head slowly. Hell if it hadn't been awhile since he'd seen something that nice, but.. he glanced over when Archer gestured to the driver's door, and pulled it open. A faint raising of a brow was given, but he doubled around and ducked down before dropping into the seat. As far as his cigarette went? He kept it out, hand and all. "Hey, if they ain't in t'day, maybe we should jus' go out 'n get some.." he mumbled, though it was obviously just due to the looking over each and every detail of the interior; the set up.. all of it. That is, until the shouting caught his ears. Ducking his head forward, his own gaze drifted off towards the front of the garage before jerking back to Archer. He caught the name, too, and even if it didn't mean a thing to him.. Chase was sliding right back up and out of the Mustang; all it took, really, was gunshots, and his attention was focused. He did, however, glance around as the younger mechanics went for cover, and as Archer headed for the front -- Chase was on his heels with nothing visible, at the moment. "..th'fuck're they?" He asked, easily enough, before ever reaching the door.



5/30/2013 21:06 Archer Keating
He didn't look at Chase as he kept his pace up. He wasn't stupid, Archer wasn't going to go out into the fray but he was going to make sure nobody got into the garage and if they did, they were going to regret it. "Harvester's. Gang. Hates Boss." It seemed very simple but gang rivalries seldome were. "They were supposed to keep it to the race." But with the gunshots and yelling, it was pretty obvious that the altercation was not going to be contained to something polite if you could call a street race polite. When the door burst open and two men grappling fell in, it became more obvious that Archer was not a close range fighter. He launched the knives he had picked up, yes throwing knives, in quick succession and managed to land a couple into the guy who was putting the hurt on a friend mechanic. They weren't killing shots but they were painful and the Harvester fell back giving the friend mechanic time to kick him in the balls and pistol whip the ass hole into unconsciousness.



5/30/2013 21:12 Chase Benjamin
Worked for him. The answer was simple enough, even. And then again, people who couldn't stick to rules and regulations for altercations weren't really the type Chase appreciated. Just a light shake of his head was given, and he propped the cigarette back between his lips just as the door burst open with the two grappling men. Intense ambers watched down at them, and the knives that came from Archer, and a bit too casually he reached behind himself to pull the Taurus from the waistband of his jeans. He figured if one was going to come through, there'd be another - and despite the first being pistolwhipped unconscious, Chase was more than ready for the next. You didn't even have to tell him not to take it too far; hell, he figured, if Archer had've wanted to kill the first guy.. he would have. Thus, when the next two came storming up as if they were going to rush into the garage and raise some hell, the Taurus was lifted and without it even looking like he aimed, he fired off two shots: one at either man's knees. Both would go down at the same time, all but flailing and hitting each other in the process as he intended. After that, he couldn't have cared less who clobbered who.



5/30/2013 21:23 Archer Keating
Some people might have thought it odd that the sweet faced Archer could launch the knives with such intent. He had never killed anyone but he'd left a few wishing for death. He didn't have a lot of knives left but he knew where there were more stashed. He didn't have to launch anymore though since Chase took care of the next two that came tumbling into the garage. He hissed out a breath. He wasn't worried about the guys really. It was the equipment inside the garage that he was worried about. The kids too. He grabbed another group of knives on his way to the door, ready to use them if he had to but hoping he wouldn't. There were sirens in the distance and the sound of some tires screeching although there were also brawling sounds outside too. As Archer got close to the door in order to shut it, three more Harvesters plowed into the garage. They were looking for an out and didn't want anyone in their way. It happened quick. One guy lifted a gun and fired it at Archer. Another guy fired at Chase.



5/30/2013 21:30 Chase Benjamin
He used one boot to knock the two struggling men with freshly shot out kneecaps out the door, just in time for Archer to come rushing over in attempt to shut it. Thwarted, though, he eyed the three others that came in. To anyone else, it would have looked like they were just flat-out fucked; to Chase, though.. he barely gave pause. It was quick, the way he spun and promptly kicked the elbow of the man's arm who was firing at Archer-- like hell he was going to let that happen. The bullet was fired, sure, but it would only whiz by Archer; and as for the one that was fired at him? It certainly did graze his bicep, but wouldn't do much else other than bleed thanks to the ever-present leather jacket. There was a method to his madness: wearing leather during the spring and summer. But it did so definitely piss him off. He came up with the butt of his own pistol and slammed it into the first guy's temple, and let the rebound hit come to the second guy's face. Dead between his eyes. Two down, unconscious. That left the one he'd blocked from shooting Archer. A faux-grin was given, and he simply stood up straighter as if he were going to let the guy waltz right on in, past him, past Archer if necessary, to do what he wished-- and just as the man went to do so, Chase caught him easily enough by the throat and held him at bay, fingers and thumb on either side of his windpipe, quite effectively cutting off the flow of air. The man's face was quick to turn red, and all the while, those intense ambers had locked on the then-watering eyes of the man's.



5/30/2013 21:37 Archer Keating
He spun when he saw the gun aimed at him and was already dropping like a champ but without the help from Chase, the bullet probably would have caught him. As it was, Archer stayed still for a second then rolled over as Chase knocked the two out. He pushed himself up, ready to keep the last Harvester from trying anything. His brow arched though when it was obvious that he didn't have to try. Chase had everything well in hand. And Archer wasn't going to intervene until he heard the police coming down the street. "Come on, Chase. Let's go!" He took off for the back of the garage and the back door that the Harvesters would have loved to use. Thankfully there was only one cop car at the moment and they were coming in front. The rest would cut off the back route if they didn't get out quick enough. Yes, Archer didn't want to be caught on the premises after a gang fight.



5/30/2013 21:43 Chase Benjamin
Cops. He hadn't failed to hear the sirens, but he hadn't stopped to give a shit about it. Not after that shot had been fired at Archer. It did, however, bring him back down when the shout came from the younger blonde, and he just made a face before raising the pistol - again - to slam it into the man's temple, and simultaneously planted a boot to the man's chest to knock him out the door, as well. This time, the door was closed, and he shoved the pistol back into his waistband before heading after Archer, and to the back door. Nah, there was no sense getting caught up with the law after a fucking gang fight. Whether that much had clicked inside his skull yet or not. He caught up easily enough, and once they were both out, all Chase did was snag Archer by the elbow and send him closer to the fence. No sooner than that, it was most likely muscle memory - or a flashback, perhaps? - that he leapt up and caught onto the chainlinks and went climbing up.



5/30/2013 21:48 Archer Keating
He was going to head off across the street and disappear in the alley that way but caught by Chase, he glanced up at the fence and nodded, no question in his actions or hesitation. He never was as good at climbing the fences as a kid but he was older now and he wasn't thinking. Archer was reacting. There were shouts out front, police voices over loud speakers and the gang members yelling back. Boss' crew new better than to mess with the cops so they went quiet and were going to be willing victims to help but the Harvesters out of their way. It didn't stop some of the posturing back and forth though and a few remnant fists being exchanged. Other sirens could be heard approaching fast. One of those sirens was an ambulance. "You got a plan?" He was a little winded but was too high on adrenalin to stop now.



5/30/2013 21:52 Chase Benjamin
Rex managed to shrug the jacket off just before reaching the top, and simply threw it over the razorwire mess and even pushed it down to ensure it was going to hold.. cigarettes in the pocket, be damned. He gestured with just a glance up for Archer to go first, and meanwhile, wedged the toe of his boot into the links, and held with that vice-like grip with one hand, just incase he needed to snatch Archer up again. He may have been older and bigger now, but that didn't mean the over-protectiveness that Chase still possessed (or, was it possessiveness?) had disappeared. "Go up 'n over. Worry 'bout it when we drop." A single glance was given back over towards the garage, but just as soon as Archer was over the fence and on the other side, he followed, and even snagged his jacket - successfully ripping the inside lining when he did so - on his way down. It mattered very little. "Now, just walk away." From behind the garage, and behind the fence, they wouldn't be too damn obvious. Besides, there was a warehouse just across the street which was where he seemed to be heading, aimlessly. Who even knew what was inside? Chase didn't, nor did he care. He just intended on waiting til the sirens died down.



5/30/2013 21:57 Archer Keating
He didn't hesitate once the jacket was over the razors. Archer threw himself up and over with a bit more finesse than he ever had as a kid. He brushed his hands and started moving when Chase joined him on the ground. He walked okay, but it was hard to walk slowly. His heart was pounding and he just had a big rush of de ja vous because they had done something similiar as kids with Quinn right there in the mix. Archer brushed his fingers through his hair and glanced at Chase. "Don't think I didn't see the blood." It was a husky whisper under his breath that promised they were going to get it looked at in short order. Just as soon as they were away from the cops. "I hope they don't impound my car." Yes, people were shot, injured and maybe dead and his first words were about his car.



5/30/2013 22:02 Chase Benjamin
It was still something that came simple to him, and he wasn't even as much as winded from the climbing or jumping; nor did he share the adrenaline that came along with the entire scenario that unfolded that they were walking right on away from. De ja vous, sure, and that was why he had went quiet on the way across the street. Chase didn't bother pulling his jacket back on, though only lifted his arm and glanced at it when Archer mentioned blood, and then he shrugged-- even as faint as it was. "S'not'a big deal.." Just like, apparently, being shot at wasn't! Hah. It didn't matter who or what took up space in the building he'd spied, because as soon as he was able, he shoved the door wide open and held it that way so Archer could get in first.. then he followed, and pulled the door closed. It certainly wasn't a garage, but looked more like a textile factory for.. uh.. towels? Wow. Nice choice. "..If they do, we'll get it back. Y'know better'n t'think it'd be gone fer long, right?" And there, he shot Archer a smirk before weaving past some of the stationary equipment, and to a pallet full of cardboard wrapped material that made a perfect bench, for now.



5/30/2013 22:08 Archer Keating
He shook his head and ducked into the door when it was held open. He knew better than to look back and be interested in the police activity back at the garage. "Yeah, but still. I hate for anyone to touch her." He laughed about it but he was very possessive of the car even if it wasn't his and was only for him to race. Archer glanced around the place as he followed Chase. "Been hanging at the garage for a long time and didn't know what was in here." He glanced at Chase and grinned. "Just like old times, huh? except I didn't fall when going over the fence."



5/30/2013 22:15 Chase Benjamin
He understood. Really, he did, but all he did was grin at the fact that Archer said it and not himself. "Wouldn' be them touchin' it, really. Fuckin' roll-back, maybe.." As if that made it better; in fact, it wasn't supposed to. It was clearly a tease, and the grin would say it all even as he shook his head and leaned back to dig into his pocket to fetch out his cellphone. The other hand, despite the skid-mark from a bullet on his bicep, moved quite fine and plundered into his pile of a jacket for his cigarettes. "Yeah. 'Least y'didn' do that. ..You'd'a hated me for laughin'." Just a brief pause as he slid through the contacts, to Mel's number. "Again." As if it'd just happened yesterday. "Looks like'n old .. I don't know what-th'fuck plant.." he trailed, while waiting on the other line to answer. Go figure it was just a voice prompt. Chase hung up, and easily enough sent a quick-fired text to the detective's phone. 'Get Maura; track the GPS. Get out here. 5-0.' Simple, wasn't it? It paid to have friends, sometimes. Afterwards, he laid the phone down and reached up to wipe at the blood trickling down his arm. It was, after all, kind of funny he hadn't felt it.



5/30/2013 22:30 Mel
All God does is watch us and kill us when we get boring. We must never, ever be boring. Such a saying was never more true in the Detective's mind. And being friends with people like Rex proved to keep him from being Under God's Magnifying glass. Which in fact made the Lord nothing more than a bully. A long day at the Precinct left him wanting, wanting what exactly was unknown. He had just been on his way to Maura's house when his phone gave a ring. Unable to answer it due to his own inability to light a cigarette an drive at the same time. A glance was offered when the cell beeped and a text message was left flashing on his screen. The coordinates were simple enough to follow. Though what concerned him was the mention of the cops. It was never a good sign when his own kind were involved. What on earth could Rex be up to? While he pondered and festered over what the potential reason was he picked up Maura. " Good thing I didn't bother to remove M'badge..."He mumbled looking over to the passanger side of the Dodge Charger. Mel lazily hung one arm out the window, the cigarette smoke dancing upward like ethreal spirits. When the black dodge pulled up to what appeared to be an old Textile plant his brows furrowed. Across the way were swarms of cop cars. Mel pulled into the parking and sighed. HIs phone was then taken out and a text fired back at Rex. We're in the parking lot. What the hell is this about?"



5/30/2013 22:37 Maura Blake
Maura was waiting outside the front door of her apartment building when she caught sight of the familiar black Charger coming down the street. A light nip of her teeth nibbled on the fleshy part of her bottom lip, a habit of hers when something made her nervous or uncomfortable. Chances were slim that she worried about getting in the car with the cop -- after all, that fear was alleviated some time ago (perhaps when she, herself, had to drive the vehicle.) Climbing into the car, she deftly hooked the seatbelt over her chest and lap, securing the weight of her brown leather bag between her boots. Comfortable in a pair of jeans --odd since she'd been working all day -- and a maroon t-shirt that boasted white lettering supporting the local fire department, she glanced to the detective and lifted a shoulder in a light-hearted shrug. "Always good to be prepared, right?" But her optimism knew some boundaries. When her gaze swung to the outside of their location, she grew steadily unnerved. "Sure it was Rex who texted you?" Between the sleeper and the cop, was it any wonder she was now severely paranoid?



5/30/2013 22:38 Archer Keating
He'd seen the text get sent and wondered what Chase was up to. Archer didn't say anything though. He wasn't curious enough to probe at the moment. The sounds outside were killing him. The sirens had stopped but there was activity and still some shouting although it was easing off. Archer's heart was finally settling down a few notches but he was far from relaxed. It took so much will power to stay away from the windows. He wanted to see if they were stripping the place or not. The idea of his precious car being hauled away just set his teeth on edge. Instead of raise to that bait, he took the other one. "You're right. I might have tried to hit you if I fell and you laughed." He dropped down next to Chase on the pallet. His next words were quieter. "Thanks back there." He meant about the guy who had almost shot him. He didn't like guns for a reason. That was it. He didn't want to end up shot.



5/30/2013 22:44 Chase Benjamin
It was a strange thing, how Rex could easily tune it all out. What was it he'd said, days ago, about being able to concentrate more so in louder environments? Of course, he was curious as to what was going on also-- but he wasn't about to get up and head to the windows. He had other ways. When the text came through on his phone, he swiped it up while lighting his cigarette and just shook his head before nudging Archer with his shoulder lightly. "Tried bein' th'keyword.." he offered, and sent a quick text back. 'Get up off your ass n come in the warehouse.' By the time he sent it back, he had to reach up and pluck the cigarette from his mouth to tap the ashes to the floor, carelessly. Silly detective. He'd sent a message about the cops for a reason, obviously. He wasn't about to toss Archer and himself right back out where they could be easily seen. The quiet thanks that came from Archer, however, drew his attention to the side and he just stared for a moment. "..Y'ain't gotta say thanks. M'not gonna let'cha get shot or somethin'." There was a momentary pause before he hunched forward and rested his elbows down on his knees, though amber eyes stayed put on Archer. "Got'a detective on 'is way in.. 'n another friend. If anythin' happens over there, bet'cha car'll be safe." That was worthy of a grin. Right?



5/30/2013 22:53 Mel
The smoke tasted bitter on his tongue. That languid muscle rolled within his mouth, catching on his front teeth in some feigned attempt to claim the long since swallowed whiskey. It had been a good few hours since the amber liquid had slid down his throat. The faint scent of Jack Daniels mixed with the heavy aroma of his aftershave. Mel had gotten rid of the shadow that peppered his jaw. Nearing forty he found that the scruff seemed to add a heavier emphasis on age. While Maura seemed to be in more causal attire Mel was in his usual suit and tie. A dark blue suit was accompanied by a maroon tie, the white button down paired nicely with slacks and a belt. His badge was still pinned to the leather and his twin holster held both Glocks. When Maura asked if he was certain it had been Rex who texted him he nodded. Just then a second one came about a frown smoothed across his face. Well that was rude. The Detective scoffed. " Fuckin' pretty boy. Yeah it's him..."Mel took out the keys after turning off the car and stepped out. So Rex wanted them to come into some janky Wearhouse. That wasn't suspicious at all. An arm wrapped around Maura's lithe waist when she got out of the car herself. Never could be took careful, especially with his fellow officers nearby. Walking with the Journalist they headed toward the back entrance. Those usually were the best places to start.



5/30/2013 23:01 Maura Blake They may have been the best places to start for a cop, but Maura was a civilian! Albeit, a civilian who had FBI contacts, took on serial killers, and could swing a baseball bat with the intensity of a major-leaguer. Of course, she was without the latter at the moment. She relaxed knowing Rex was inside, but that certainly did not quell her unease. The not knowing made her mind, always a curious and inventive thing, work a thousand thoughts a minute. By the sight of the warehouse, she started to imagine a small plane inside of it --or maybe a fleet of cars. Who knew? And the possibilities were endless. Nestled into Mel's side, her palm slid under the hem of his suit jacket. Well aware that he was armed, it brought another sense of relief and lessened some of her concern. Her eyes had to adjust to the change of lighting from outside to in, and her spine stiffened into a straight line, something that was likely felt by the detective who was so close. But for all of her caution and control, letting Mel take the lead further into the garage, it all faded the instant Rex came into her line of vision. "Oh my god, you're bleeding!" From concern to venom, her attention stalled on the stranger. Someone better start explaining!



5/30/2013 23:03 Archer Keating
"I would have done more than tried. You watch." He nodded and gave a grin as if he did have the chutzpah to smack Chase around. "I'll get you good one of these day. Mmhmm." Of course he wouldn't considering who Chase had become and who Archer still was. But he could play with the idea and boast a little. He sighed and looked at his hands. "I wanted to show you a good time and we end up in a gang altercation. Go me." Archer chuckled and glanced at Chase. "Of course I have to say thank you. I mean it." He nodded and glanced to the door when Chase mentioned a detective showing up. "Uh huh. You called in the cops to watch over my car that the cops might be towing away? Nice." That earned Chase a thump of fist against his shoulder, the one that wasn't shot. When the door opened and two people came in, Archer stood up with a wary look. They had just been facing the Harvester's and what if a couple had gotten smart? He didn't have to worry, it seemed. The chick seemed worried about Chase. That was a point in her favor. But the guy was given a once over. He left the explaining to Chase and instead kept his mouth closed.



5/30/2013 23:08 Chase Benjamin
When wasn't he rude? It was just part of his personality. Rude, crude, and most of the time, socially unacceptable. If only he'd gotten to hear that nickname, though, it wouldn't have been the last of it. Considering the place was evidently on lunch break or something, there were very few workers hustling to and from on the upper floors. The bottom floor seemed fairly empty, which worked well for him. "One'a these days, maybe," he countered with a smirk, and another sharp drag from the cigarette. "'n I never said it wasn't a good time. Do I look like I'm kickin' cans on th'street or somethin'?" Because frankly, his version of fun was.. well.. a bit skewed. It always had been. The thump to his shoulder only proved to make him snort back a laugh. "You'll understand inna minute. Ain't th'same type'a cop." But before he could elaborate further, there they were, announced by Maura's exclamation of concern. He just kind of sat there for a moment before pushing up, and then dropped the cigarette to the concrete floor, just to stamp it out. "S'not bad. Jus' got grazed, Maura." As for an explanation? "Guys, this is Archer. Archer.. this is Mel 'n Maura. Th'two I was tellin' you about." ..Yeah, no real explanation about what had happened, but it was a start.



5/30/2013 23:18 Mel
Mel had only swallowed down half of the cigarette, his lungs still burning with the ache for more. The cancer stick had become mostly ash and clung to his lower lip. With each exhale the paper cylinder threatened to commit suicide. The Marlboro was drawn from the swell of his mouth and flicked, stamped out upon entering the warehouse. Ain't the same type of cop. Wasn't that the truth. The perminant frown that seemed to be etched onto the Detective's features only deepened when he saw Rex. The stiffening of Maura's body caused Mel to give an unseen squeeze to her side. Introductions were being made and Mel eyed the kid warily. The edge of his nose was thumbed and a hard sniff was offered. So far nothing but Names were being thrown around. That did little to satisfy the growing unease in his gut. Blood. He saw it way before Maura announced it. " Who'd you piss off? "Gruff vocals slipped free with the reminants of smoke. Mel should have said glad you are okay Rex. It's what he meant anyway even if the words weren't quite right. The underlinning sentiment of concern was there....somewhere. Archer. Vivid blues turned their sights on the younger male, looking to see if he was injured at all. " You musta lit a fire under someone's ass cause the place across th'street is crawlin' with my co-workers..."



5/30/2013 23:26 Maura Blake
"Grazed? As in shot ... grazed?" She knew the answer to that question, and did not expect any further elaboration on it. The squeeze to her side offered reassurance, and the detective was soon on the receiving end of one of her smiles, albeit much fainter than usual. She pulled away from the cop, but not before sliding her hand across the lower part of his back, and hurried toward Rex. With the leather bag slung over her shoulder, her right hand was quick to start rummaging through the front pocket. Yes, she knew that the sleeper agent could withstand an abundant amount of pain, and should he need to, he'd probably make a tourniquet out of a napkin and two paper clips. Yet, knowing the truth did not prevent Maura from trying to help. Introduction were noticed belatedly, and she paused in front of Rex to slide a glance Archer's way. Since she didn't figure him to be the shooter --he was still alive, after all-- a quick smile went his way, grateful that Rex wasn't alone amid some obvious chaos. Withdrawing a packet of tissues, usually saved for certain nose bleeds, she gathered up a slim pile and pressed it against the bloody part of his shoulder. Questions jumped to the tip of her tongue, but she let Mel handle the inquisition.



5/30/2013 23:37 Archer Keating
"No, your kind of fun was always outside the box." That wasn't a complaint of any kind. Archer had plenty of childhood memories that included things not only in the middle of the night but that were legally questionable. And really, the comment about outside the box was an understatement. When the introductions were given, Archer nodded with a quick smile as each name was offered. He was glad that these two were friends and not lost gang members. For his own person, Archer was not injured. He was dirty from the quite literal dodging of the bullet with that help from Chase. His hair was messy but that was pretty normal for him. Archer wasn't surprised when the lady came over to give Chase a hand with the bleeding. His attention though went to the detective at the question. He answered instead of letting Chase do the honors. He felt like he had a better grasp of the details than Chase did. "The Harvesters." It was a gang but nothing national. They were local hooligans banded together and had a reputation for being nasty in the surrounding neighborhood. They were sort of like hornets. If you stirred them up you would end up stung. If you left them alone, they would leave you alone. "And it wasn't Chase that caused it. The Harvester's don't like Boss." But then he stumbled to silence since he figured he wasn't telling the detective anything that the detective already knew. Boss, the large Italian garage owner was pretty well known in the area. He even had quite the reputation when it came to drugs, driving and dames but nothing ever stuck. Especially the street racing charges. He shifted from one foot to the other, attention shifting to Chase. Then, just because he felt it important to share, he said, "Harvester shot him. I don't think Chase killed him. He might not have any more kneecaps though." He gave a little shrug and a half smile. If you asked Archer, the guy deserved it. Shouldn't point a gun at either Archer or Chase!



5/30/2013 23:44 Chase Benjamin
Just as Maura hurried towards him, he let out a gruff sort of huff. "Yeah, grazed-- as in shot grazed," he said, even if he flicked a quick glance in the direction of the detective. "'n thanks, man. Good t'know y'care," it was said, of course, with a smirk. It was easy enough to let Archer do the talking as far as what had transpired across the street. He was, after all, pretty new to the surroundings of it at least. "Ain't th'las' time I'll mess with 'em, though," he said, of the gang Archer mentioned. And before Maura even had a chance to press the slim pile of tissues against the bloody skid-mark on his shoulder, he snatched up Archer's hand and.. well.. who knew. "I didn' kill 'im. Jus' knocked 'em out, so the cops could get 'im. But uh, Mel. Could'ja put in'a call or somethin'? Make sure no one touches anythin' over there; s'private property, anyway. I guess all Boss'd hafta do is tell 'im to leave, right?" Cue the cocky little tip of his chin, and he glanced over to Archer, before his gaze settled on Maura. "..Really, s'okay. M'not gonna die or anythin'." Yep. Trying to make light of the situation; because he hadn't even felt it. He only knew the bullet hadn't lodged inside, because that he would have felt. Metal on bone was never pleasant.



5/30/2013 23:55 Mel
Mel grew mildly impatient when Acher spilled the details. It really wasn't anything new. Brows remained furrowed with those baby blues fixated on Archer. A low growl slithered it's way up his throat and coated his tongue thickly. Boss. So The Italian bastard was still around. That sort of surprised him to be honest. A few times Mel had his encounters with the guy. It wasn't for anything on record. In fact it was the man's trade in drugs that had roused the Detective's interest. So it was a Gang fight that the duo had gotten themselves mixed up in. Still the Harvesters wouldn't have just attacked unprovoked. " Still doesn't answer how the hell you two were involved..."A roll of his shoulders were offered. Vivid hues flickered toward Rex when he spoke. Of course he cared! He just wasn't going to say it out loud. That would hurt his pride too much. Though something else caught his attention. It wasn't the blood or the silent exchange of fuck yous by Rex. No what snagged his interest was the fact that Rex had picked up Archer's hand. It wasn't until Rex asked him for a favor that Mel let his gaze shift back. " If th'title ain't in the guy's name it won't stay on his property..."He mentioned offhandedly. " I'll put in a call. You'll get yer wheels back..."Maura was ever the care giver had tried to wipe at Rex's injury. A scoff. " It's a scratch Maura. I don't think it'll even scar. Pretty boy here gets to keep his skin nice an' tight..."You bet he said the Nickname.



[b]5/31/2013 00:05 Maura Blake
"Well, the two of you are going to humor me now, aren'tcha? Yes, you are... good." Asked and answered, all to her liking. Just the way she preferred. "I don't like guns," she muttered under her breath, the words quiet but audible. Guns, most especially, gun injuries, prompted one too many memories in her mind --ones that were difficult to abandon, and they often found their way into her dreams. A vivid image of Jack Jr. holding a gun to Mel's temple certainly did not help any matters, and she had to blink away the memory while focusing on trying to tend to Rex's scratch. Yes, yes, it was just a scratch but to her eyes it was gaping. Just as she was about to make a gentle grab for his left elbow, she noticed the way he took Archer's hand. At first she suspected that the guy had gotten hurt as well, and Rex planned on serving him up as a sacrifice to Maura's mothering (or was it smothering?) instincts. Her gaze dropped to the clutch of hands and blinked her eyes when she realized that there was nothing at all wrong. Clearing her throat, she lifted the stack of tissues again and dabbed them at the sleeper's shoulder. The blood had already started to dry, much to her relief. "Yeah, well, scars are hot. Infections are not." But she soon stopped the attention, crumpling the tissues in her palm before finding a place to throw them away. Names and information were stored away, some of them familiar while others were notorious --and she glanced over to Mel on occasion, gauging his reaction to a few things. As always, Maura took a position between the sleeper and the detective, though the back of her shoulder was very close to Mel's arm. Curious as to how they got involved, she waited and watched... and listened for the response.



5/31/2013 00:07 Archer Keating
His blue eyes went a little wider when the detective wanted to know how they were involved. Archer almost didn't answer but then finally said, "I wanted to show him my car. I'm a mechanic there." Notice he did not say he was one of the street racers or that the car in question was the one with cracked bushings that was going to be his set of wheels in the next race once he got the car repaired. He looked much too clean cut and honor roll student to be mixed up in things like that. Archer's lower lip got gnawed on then a look passing between the detective and Chase. He settled on watching Maura clean up Chase's arm and fell silent for a few moments. When he spoke again, Archer sounded like a petulant kid when he said, "They started it." The only thing missing was the kick of toe against a rock or something. His fidgeting only really stopped when his hand was taken by Chase's. He shot a smile at Chase and exhaled a sigh. "It'll be okay. I just hope none of the guys got hurt." The guys were his friends, after all. And almost family considering everything.



5/31/2013 00:14 Chase Benjamin
"Th'fuck's it matter?" he retorted, concerning how they were involved. "Lookin' at'a car, makin' introductions.. ain't like we opened th'door 'n said ''ey, start a fuckin' riot out there!' Jesus, Mel." It was nothing new, though; Chase, or Rex as they knew him, didn't like being helped along or touched, or anything of the sort-- hadn't that been what started the first fight at the hotel between he and Mel? The idea of having help in dealing with the agents? Still, he let Maura dab at the practical scratch on his bicep, meanwhile keeping his attention on Archer's hand. Don't think he hadn't noticed the fidgeting either, but hey, he had to agree - and had - The Harvesters started the whole fucking thing, and he'd just prevented either of them from being truly shot. The comment from Mel concerning his scratch did so receive a glare from hell, but it was the nickname that slipped that had the intensity growing right back into those amber eyes. "Instead'a callin' you'a dick, or tellin' you I got'cha pretty boy swingin' this time, I'll jus' take it as'a compliment. How's'at?" Chase flashed a quick smirk, but watched as Maura positioned herself between he and the detective. It was the norm by then. "..Hey Mel, while we're at favors 'n shit, why don't'cha call over there 'n see how our friends are?" Just full of favors today, wasn't he? Not that he didn't have the intention of going back over there himself, once the police cleared out or anything.. it was just easier when you knew someone who could get away with it, no questions asked. Just as he finished the question though, he propped the backs of his knees against the pallet full of whatever-the-fuck it was, and pulled Archer right along with him by means of his hand. "Figure they'll be a'right, though. Didn't hear that many gunshots.."



5/31/2013 00:26 Mel
Never ask a cop a favor, they'll always want something in return. The response he got out of Rex was a much softer one. Hell it was nothing compared to what usually happened. They started it. Ah to be young and innocent. That's what he saw when he looked at Archer. The kid was pure. At least compared to the three of them. There was something about his eyes. Like there was a light within those irises that had yet to go out. Hope? Was that what Mel saw when he looked at the blonde? He got lost in his own inner musings until Maura spoke. " What Gang green doesn't do it for ya? " Mel and Rex were like a Hurricane and an Active volcano. Get them together and something was bound to be destroyed. Though this time Rex didn't even bat an eye at the usual barb. Mel lifted his chin just a bit and looked down his nose at the former sleeper. " Blow it out yer ass..."That was said with a grin. Yes those dimples surfaced. Without actually answering Rex the Detective was taking out his phone. He turned away from the group to make his call. " Weaver. It's Walsh. Heard the commotion on th'scanner. Code Purple right? There a casualty count? " Although Mels department was Homicide he still had links all over the Precinct.



5/31/2013 00:36 Maura Blake
If they thought asking a cop for a favor was bad, they should try asking a journalist! Of course, Maura did not fit the stereotype of a news reporter, not in every sense at least. She had an insatiable curiosity, and her desire to have questions answered usually led her down avenues she never expected to travel. During those journeys, however, she often found ignorance was entirely blissful, but in the end -- she got her story. Her gaze settled on Rex and Archer when they settled themselves, and a lift of her brow asked a silent question to the sleeper; not that she expected any answer then and there. There'd be plenty of time for explanations, probably during one of her check-up calls. And he could hear the ringing of his phone already, couldn't he!? The banter between Mel and Rex, certainly familiar now, earned a faint roll of her eyes, and her attention swerved to the detective in time to see the smile. Her kyrptonite. Yes, they were indeed the hurricane and the volcano, and she was the hapless weather balloon tossed between the two. As Mel left to make his call, Maura turned another glance at Rex, just in time to hear a specific comment. "Not that many gunshots?" Her frown spoke volumes. It faded as she exhaled a sigh and wrapped the palm of her hand against the exposed nape of her neck; brown strands were piled behind her skull, trapped by a thin elastic band that kept her hair from brushing against the sides of her throat. Focusing on Mel again, she blatantly eavesdropped on one half of his conversation.



5/31/2013 00:41 Archer Keating
He was listening now and finding it hard to follow the conversations and banter. The lack of sleep the night before followed by the rush of energy during the altercation was putting Archer right into the state of sleepeprived zombie. He chuckled a little though. There hadn't been too many gunshots to be sure. He shrugged at her question, not sure how to answer it. There had been a few gunshots, yeah, but he hadn't exactly been counting them. He watched the detective as he moved away and tipped his head a little, listening also without any shame about doing it. With a quick exhale, his fingers tightened a little around Chase's hand and Archer found himself leaning into him. "I might need that nap sooner rather than later." He chuckled and then used his free hand to scrub his hand across his face, stifling a yawn.



5/31/2013 00:48 Chase Benjamin
Nah, he could definitely do without an infection-- and he already had plenty of scars, so in all reality, what would one more hurt.. if it did scar? All the same, he only shook his head and glanced down at his bicep. It really had already quit bleeding, and settled into some oozing here and there-- just a scratch, yes. The lift of Maura's brow was seen, and while he didn't verbally answer anything just then, he just grinned a devilish sort of grin before dropping his eyes. Check-up calls? Yeah, he could already hear his phone ringing (and could also see him fussing at it, and then hitting the silence button so he could sleep more). Mel and Rex were indeed vicious forces when pitted against one another; more so when.. well.. when he wasn't in a good mood. But things seemed a little.. lighter.. if anything, thus, the detective's comment for him to blow it out his ass only caused him to snort back a laugh before those amber eyes dropped to Archer when he leaned into him. His own head ducked down just to nudge a light kiss to his temple. "A'right. S'go, then. ..Maura, was th'back clear?" The door they came in, he meant. No, he wasn't gonna head out the front door! Duh. Pushing off the pallet, he tugged Archer along with him, tightening his fingers around the other's easily enough before bypassing the other two. "I'll call y'sometime tomorrow." If he didn't get caught up and forget, like he had for the past two days now! "..Gotta get blondie to sleep 'cause he's gotta work tonight." Grin. Whatever the hell he meant by that!


********************************************************


Board Post:
Click here for


********************************************************


5/31/2013 19:56 Maura Blake
Late afternoon on the pier was a majestic time. The orange-red glow of the sun cast a thousand specks of light on ocean, and they were carried across the waves into the coastline. During that time, a mix of business owners and tourists lined the dock from one end to the other; the more unsavory elements (while still there) tended to bleed into the background and the narrow alleys between the shabby storefronts. Benches were set up in random lines, most of them facing the once glorious view of the horizon. Now, however, there weren't as many sails dotting the view and more than one piece of garbage could be seen disappearing under the weathered wood of the pier. Still, to Maura, the pier held a special place in her heart. More often than not, she found a familiar face at the far end of the dock -- and it was the very place where she found the detective after a few chance encounters. She reflected on that night as she walked across the worn planks, remembering how she had admitted that her house alarm had been triggered and, suddenly, had a twenty-four hour watchdog. Dressed from work, since she decided to leave early, the white of her dress was offset by a dark belt that circled her waist. The leather almost matched the bag she carried by the strap, letting the heavy weight of the pouch drape by her left leg. Severely overdressed for the place, she ignored the few calls in her direction and continued on. After sending two specific texts, she expected it would not be long before one or the other (or both) would find her there.



5/31/2013 20:06 Mel
Do you ever get the feeling something bad is about to happen? It's a cold sensation that creeps into you gut and siphons the oxygen right out of your lungs. The Detective couldn't shake the omionous feeling that settled deep within his bones. Although he was concerned that fate was about to come knocking on his door, Mel chose not to mention it to anyone. Mel spent most of the day getting Archer's car returned to him. All the kid had to do was pick it up at the Precinct's impound lot. Mel had made sure nothing was touched or tampered with. He had recieved a few texts from Maura and Rex throughout the day and only managed to respond to a few. The Pier it had become something of a sentimental hotspot for the group. Not even the foam and garbage floating in the water below could reduce the fondess for the place. In fact Mel though the trash added some character. The Black Charger was parked a little down the way and Mel was soon walking the wooden planks. He had abandoned the tie and suit jacket, leaving him glad in just a white button down and navy slacks. His badge was still attatched at the belt and the leather dual holsters holding the glocks in view. Weather worn boots scuffed against the surfance of the boardwalk. In the distance he saw Maura but no sign of Rex or Archer. He had left word with Rex about Archer's muscle car. When he came to Maura's side an arm slid out to wrap around her lithe waist. His mouth fell to the slope of her temple and he kissed those dark strands. Although calm Mel had a strange look about him. Like he was on edge.



[b]5/31/2013 20:14 Chase Benjamin
Tacos. It was rare enough in itself that Chase was willing to eat, let alone bringing it up on his own. Not only that, but the stout husky-friend of his was probably aching to be let out of the apartment for a little while, at least. Thus, it wasn't just him answering the call of the text - though he'd yet to even mention it to Archer, - while they walked. They were closing in on his territory that was a bit more open than the industrial area.. the place Chase knew well, even after only a month or so. The pier was the place he went when he couldn't sleep. And there just so happened to be awesome shops and food stops along the boardwalk that he had no problem with passing by. "M'not sayin' 'tacos every night', y'know. But it's either that or pizza.. 'n pizza is kinda played out." A sidelong glance was shot to Archer just as Aspen decided to prance past them and seemingly lead the way closer and in the direction of the water. But, Chase stopped at the taco stand and was quick in pointing out the supreme tacos for himself, which.. wound up more or less slathered in shredded cheese, tomatos, and sour cream. Three of them, and he hadn't had anything more than a glass of liquor earlier in the day-- odd. No strictly liquid diet today, it seemed. "Throw'a cup of extra meat in there." For Aspen, of course. And with that said, Chase stepped back and gestured with a nod of his head for Archer to order what he wanted. Meanwhile, he dug out his wallet and the battered up cellphone to fire a text back to Maura. 'On the way. Food.' If that wasn't a shocker, what was? Aspen eventually circuled back when he realized that the duo had stopped somewhere, and once closing the distance, used his muzzle to bump Archer in the back of his right knee.. and then? Promptly and pointedly sat at Chase's heels. Huh. Even the pup had a sense of humor.



5/31/2013 20:21 Archer Keating
He almost cheered when Chase decided it was time to eat. Archer had already learned that this Chase didn't eat much but that didn't stop Archer from eating often. He had a healthy appetite but not always for healthy food. Out walking with Chase to walk the dog, Archer didn't mind the path that they took. He used it as an opportunity to talk to Chase and ask questions and try to spark more memories in Chase. "I like pizza but I also end up with a lot of chinese food. The block down and to the right of the turkish place has a chinese take out. They deliver if you're in a couple block radius and they come to my building. It's that menu on the magnet on the fridge." He stopped when Chase did, a glance after the dog since he didn't want anything to happen to the adolescent dog. Satisfied the dog was all right, he turned his attention to the food being offered by the street vendor. God, if that wasn't one of the great things in this city. Street food. Something different no matter where you went and most of it pretty damn good for the price. "I'll take three too, extra cheese, no onions and extra tomato." He wasn't as interested in the lettuce but wouldn't complain if some got dropped onto his dinner. He stepped to the side when nudged by the dog and chuckled. "Don't worry. We got something for you too." Then to Chase. "He's pushy, just like you. Coincidence? I think not." He made a face at Chase then reached for his wallet to pay for his tacos.



5/31/2013 20:26 Jack Malone, Jr.
His jaw was on edge, watching the tags move closer and closer in his direction.. but he stood fast, only occasionally reaching to spin the dingy-looking, off-white styrafoam cup of chilled coffee on the metal, quasi-patio table set outside the cafe. He hadn't anticipated all of them showing up, and so soon after one another. Lesson learned: expect the unexpected. The young agent adjusted the sleeves of his shirt casually, as the first of the group brought herself along - incredibly overdressed, as she may have been. Had he himself been wanting to stand out, however, he wouldn't have been dressed like many of the others who frequented the place. Dark brown's watched from beneath the thin-framed shades as she passed, and quite unintentionally, his grip tightened on the cup as he lifted it for a mindless sip.. only to let it stream right back into the cup. Look at that; so pissed he'd accidentally taken a sip of disgustingly cold coffee that he'd had for a good, little, while now. The scowl was ever-present, and he leaned back just in time to watch the detective pass by also. Thank god for evening crowds of coffee drinkers, eh? His gaze followed them and lingered long enough to detail each little thing about the surroundings, or so he'd believe. Out of all of it though, his attention swept to the side when the other issue came into view. Chase, a.. dog.. and.. some blonde kid. He could have called it off right then and there on default, simply because there were so many of them to deal with, if things went in the wrong direction.. but, no. Hell no. Personal was different from business. Setting his teeth, he watched as the two ordered tacos, and shifted in his chair into what would seem to be a rather lazy sort of position, had he not been reaching into his back pocket as if to retrieve his wallet. Oh, and guys? Let the count down begin; his finger was resting on the small black button on the side of the device.



5/31/2013 20:33 Maura Blake
As soon as Mel slid into a very familiar position at her side, Maura dropped the strap of the bag and let it rest on the old planks of painted wood. Heavier than usual, more than likely the result of her stuffing a change of clothes on either side of her laptop and files, she did not hesitate to set it down. Instinct drew her close to the detective, notching the bend of her shoulder into the crook of his, fitted almost perfectly with the differences in their heights. It was a rare occasion, for Maura wore sandals with a two inch heel, and it brought her height to touch a five-foot-nine. But the smile that she wore faded. Hazel eyes regarded Mel; the tension was palpable. "What's wrong?" A loaded question, that. Considering the issues surrounded them, individually and as a whole, there were enough to keep them occupied --and keep Maura worried. She shifted slightly, drawing a hand to his side so that she could regard him without any hindrance. The white fabric of her dress was meant to resemble lace, feminime and delicate, though there was a hint of red just shy of the v-neck dip along her chest. Her free hand roamed lower, absently smoothing down the hem of the skirt which teased her thighs. "Did something..." interrupted mid-question by the sound of an incoming text, she released her hold on his side to bend at her knees, fishing out her phone from the bag. "...Happen?" Attention divided on him and the cell, she blinked at the message and typed back a quick... We're here, Sweetie. We -- letting him know Mel was with her. "We're going to have company," she informed Mel, though she was still curious as to why he was on edge.



5/31/2013 20:43 Mel
A loaded question indeed, one Mel sought to ignore. He held her close and savored the scent of her flesh and the softness of her hair. Lips again fell over the curve of bone. Mel was in an oddly affectionate mood. Each subtle move of her body had him drawing her into him. He felt the need to hold on almost as if he feared she'd slip away like sand through an hour glass. Short strands of brown were pulled on. He smoothed the hair from root to tip, tugging slightly. She began her question and he savored the moment offered by the buzzing of the phone. But the journalist who was always on duty it seemed didn't ease up on the inquiry. Mel gave a slow roll of his shoulders and shook his head. " No, work was fine. Same old..." Words were mummbled. The length of his tongue was exposed as it lashed out to run along his bottom lip. " Got Goldilocks' car back for him. Pulled some strings..."Poor Archer. As of now Chase and Archer were dubbed Pretty Boy and Goldilocks by the Detective.



5/31/2013 20:44 Chase Benjamin
"Chinese is good, too," he agreed, easily. "Try it out t'morrow night?" Hell if he cared. Food was food, when it came down to it, and even if his appetite was severely lacking.. it didn't seem as if he were going to be able to escape the now two people reminding him to eat. "'Specially if they deliver," he said as an after-thought while his own mess of boardwalk tacos were wrapped in paper, shoved on a red-plastic tray-basket and handed out. Chase paid for his, and just about reached over to shove Archer when he went to pay for his own.. and thus, paid for both orders. Thankfully, though, he didn't shove Archer-- he would've felt horrible if he'd laid him out accidentally. Nevertheless, once all was said and done, he smirked at at Archer's realization that the pup was much like himself, and glanced down at the mismatched husky. "Y'think thats it?" Aspen barkwed out a howl that sounded, oddly, verbal. "Guess he agrees." Once they both had their food, and an extra mess of the greasy meat for the pup, he was headed on down the walk. "I got word earlier that th'car is safe; all y'gotta do is pick it up at impound. If y'need help with that, I'll rent'a tow-hitch.. or a roll-back. That way it don't get messed up before y'get a chance t'race it." And why he was just now mentioning that was left up to question, though it was evidently just coincidental. He'd forgotten. "Told'ja it pays to have friends like that." It was a smug reassurance, but it was the sentiment that counted.. right? They were still yet a little ways away from where the journalist and detective sat, and hadn't yet passed by the little coffee shop. But that didn't at all prevent him from nimbly unwrapping one of the tacos and starting in on it, as if it were about to vaporize into thin air. The buzzing vibration of his phone had him juggling the basket and taco - which charmingly hung from his mouth - while he fished it out of his pocket once again to spy the message.



5/31/2013 20:52 Archer Keating
"Sure. We can do Chinese tomorrow." He would eat just about anything if it meant Chase was going to eat. Archer wasn't picky really. He almost got shoved though and although there was a brief struggle about paying, he gave up and let Chase pay for the meal. "Yes. He's stubborn just like you." He wasn't grumpy, just pointing that out. He collected his own tacos and doctored them up with salsa before falling into step with Chase and Aspen. His jeans were old and had a few holes in them, shirt a button down affair left unbuttoned so the t-shirt underneath was visible. He had a big belt buckle with the Mustang logo on it. Yes, it had once belonged to his brother. He didn't wear it too often but it felt right to be wearing it tonight. He had already shoved a big bite into his mouth when Chase decided to finally let him know about the car. He couldn't answer right away so he used a free hand to smack Chase in the shoulder. When he could talk he grinned, "Awesome! I'll get Boss to let us use the tow truck. Be easier than hauling it any other way. It's a flatbed." He nodded then glanced down at the dog again. He plucked a piece of meat from his own taco and offered it to Aspen while Chase checked his text. Archer wiped his fingers on his leg after Aspen gobbled the meal then scratched at that bite on his shoulder. He figured it was a spider bite of some sort. It itched like hell! "That's pretty cool of your detective friend." Because yes, he just assumed it was something Mel had done to get him his car back. Archer was trying not to think about how many hands had touched his precious car or how many cops asses had decided to sit in the drivers seat. He made a mental note to get some disinfectant.



5/31/2013 20:57 Jack Malone, Jr.
Oh, and how that half-grin of his formed as the little trio of taco-toters grew closer. (Yes, he counted the fucking mutt). It was hard for him not to do a true, mental countown as to when he'd jam the button as he'd been instructed. Anticipation was something Junior didn't handle well; waiting for a deserving reaction that he would have otherwise paid to see happen.. and to think! It was just the goddamn beginning of his plan. Just as they passed by where he sat, not even hidden, just.. very well fit amongst the crowd, Jack let out a low-toned whistle that wasn't at all meant for the strange-eyed dog. Whether it would get Benjamin's attention or not, it mattered very little - it was neither here, nor there - because, as soon as he pressed the button.. he'd have that diversion. That moment. Three.. two.. one. Jack jammed the button hard as he'd been instructed, and sat back casually. It'd only take a moment, mind you, before the obvious symptoms went into effect. Radio frequency waves weren't a toy when they were so concentrated, and drawn to a certain individual or item given their make-up. The device, still on, was pushed right back down into his pocket and he reached up to push the thin-framed shades up to rest atop his head before dropping his elbows down on the metal table. Now, it was just a waiting game; watch the mice run into the trap. And, sorry, for the new tag-a-long; he was merely collateral in this vendetta.



5/31/2013 20:59 Maura Blake
Maura was certainly not going to complain about any of Mel's affectionate displays. After all, she made her intentions quite clear in the voicemail message she left earlier. Letting the phone drop to the top of the soft leather, not needing it since the two people she planned on meeting were either there or on the way. With her hands free, she wrapped a light hold around the detective's waist, careful to not run her fingers over the holsters. Face tipped up, the hazel-eyed journalist studied Mel's face, trying to search his gaze for any trace of hidden thoughts or concerns. It was never an easy thing to do -- read the detective -- because he typically fled any situation that made him uncomfortable. "Wait--who?" It took her a moment to connect the nickname with Archer, then offered a light pinch of his waist in response. "I suggest you keep that one to yourself, Detective." Still, a flicker of amusement was found in the greenish-brown of her eyes. A sound traveled the length of the dock, a haunting howl of the mismatch-eyed dog. Turning a glance to peer around Mel's shoulder, she spied the two men approaching with a husky marching close by. "Oh god, you are not sharing their food," she warned Mel, smiling in the way that made her entire face light up. "We've got plans tonight, and you vomiting is not one of them!"



5/31/2013 21:13 Mel
Laughter bubbled up from the depths of his throat at the playful pinch. If Maura kept feeding him like she was the Detective was going to have love handles. What was wrong with a little nick name or two? They were all in the name of affection. The depths her eyes held that nurturing warmth an almost forgotten art in the world today. The Howl in the distance sent a shiver down his spine. It wasn't cold out...no something else was gnawing at him. Blues looked beyond the thinning crowds to the approaching duo. Mel offered up a wave of his hand in their direction. With Maura still in his grasp he began to move forward. At the mention of not sharing food Mel's brows furrowed. He had missed the sharing between human and dog. They had plans tonight? When was he going to be informed of this! Mel's mouth opened to say something then it fell shut. Maybe he wanted some tacos. So the man get's sick two times and he was pegged for life. Actually the man had quite the sensitive stomach. Chase on more than one account had to clean out his bathtub thanks to the Detective after a night of drinking.



5/31/2013 21:14 Chase Benjamin
Chase snorted back a laugh in response to the back and forth with the very-vocal pup. It really was a good match of a pet, wasn't it? And it only got better with the more time the pup was in his possess-- no, company. It seemed more the right use to word, given the state of things. Regardless, he seemed content enough to polish off the first taco and did so just as Archer smacked his shoulder in response to the car-talk. Yeah, he probably should have mentioned it earlier, but.. hey.. he wasn't used to relaying messages! "Flatbed. Even better," he said, grinning even while shoving the phone away once again. Right as he was about to announce that they were coming up on that very same detective, however, things went horribly odd.. at first. At first, Chase just came to a slow stop and tilted his head to the side as if craning his neck in an attempt to get it to pop. But that didn't even last long. Nope. Not a chance. In the very next second, he'd flat out fumbled the tacos - tray and all - and reached up to dig his palms into his temples. Down, down, down; there was a good chance he didn't even realize it was happening, by that point. His jaw clenched so hard that the squeak of teeth against teeth was there, though likely unheard due to the chatter of the crowds, though the jagged sounding grunt of a growl that he let out? It was likely loud enough to echo, despite the full shacks and shops on the sides of the walk. Chase was down on his knees, only holding himself up with one palm planted on the wooden walk below him. Amber eyes were wide at first, but soon rolled back and he flat out dropped forward. Hard, too. If anyone had technical knowledge, it may have even looked like a short-circuiting; muscles twitched, spasmed, seized, And he could not fucking move. Not an inch, not a centimeter. The worst part was? He was entirely conscious.



5/31/2013 21:21 Archer Keating
"Damn right, even better. Haul her up and cart her away back to safety!" He chuckled as they walked along, pausing when Chase came to a stop. "What is it?" He glanced around because he thought Chase had stopped because he saw someone. That's when he saw the wave. He lifted his own hand to wave back then went to nudge Chase. "Hey look! It's that detective." Blue eyes danced over to Chase and then widened when it looked like Chase was .. having a seizure? Archer dropped to his knees next to him, a hand on his chest. "Chase? Chase!" The tacos forgotten by everyone but the dog, Archer tried to shake Chase to get him to respond. "Oh god, what is this? Chase?" He tried to find Chase's phone to call 911. Archer didn't have his own cell phone. "Oh god oh god oh god!" He looked around, face a mask of panic. He emplored the detective and his girlfriend for help. He didn't know what to do!



5/31/2013 21:23 Jack Malone, Jr.
Score. One down, and there was no denying the quiet cackling that came from the table in the midst of the coffeerinkers group. Not only did it bring back memories, but, effectively getting the upper hand on Chase? It was too beautiful to him, considering it hadn't happened since back in the facility, when he'd been summoned in by the CIA-SID. After the cackling subsided, however, he lowered his head and merely watched-- idly trying to count the seconds it would take for the other to take the proverbial bait he'd laid out for him. Or them rather. And just like that, Jack sat, figuratively coiled like the snake he was waiting to strike.. though he couldn't help those puppyog eyes from taking in the scene of the blonde going frantic-- indeed, he was collateral, but.. who said having collateral wasn't just as fun? Another shift of his weight in that chair, and he braced one hand down against it's rest. Tick, tick, tick...



5/31/2013 21:28 Maura Blake
Before taking an initial step, she reached down to skillfully pluck up the strap of the messenger bag. Like earlier, she refrained from putting it on the slope of her shoulder, and for one reason. Mel's laughter was a welcomed delight, but his silence was telling. "Well, nothing official -- we don't really do 'dates,' do we?" Considering the only one they really had was with Leyson and Rory. "Unless you don't want to see," using her other hand, she peeled the thin red strap of the bikini string out from the white fabric of her dress. But everything, all at once, stilled. She saw Chance fall to his knees in obvious pain and --was that fear in his eyes? At the same time she heard the frantic call from Archer. "What---? Mel..." panic rose in her own voice and she started to drift away from the detective's side so they could rush to help. Maura had the good sense to grab her cell phone from the opened pocket in her bag, pressing her thumb on the button to open the panel for her to use. The only thing that gave her pause was knowing Chance's reluctance for medical attention, but the mere sight of the man crumbling to the dock had her working the buttons of her phone like a woman possessed. Not caring that she was in an expensive dress or that her knees were scraped on the splintering wood, she lowered next to the sleeper on the opposite side of where Archer positioned himself. "Sweetie, what... what is it?"



5/31/2013 21:35 Chameleon
The center of attention quite often provided the most entertainment but the more sutble nuances of the scene were usually on the outskirts. That's where the sun-glasses hidden hazel gaze went. The people looking casual during the event, those were the ones to size up. Some didn't really give a fuck and it was plain in their body language that they were detached from the scene. But not everyone had that demeanor. It didn't take long to pick out the puppet-master. But the question was, what game was being played? From his information, this was not normal. Neutralizing in public was messy and unprofessional even on the best of days. So what was Junior really attempting? The Chameleon kept an easy lean against the railing, watching and taking mental notes. He was easily forgettable in his loose shirt and jeans, average shoes, a scruffy face, messed up hair and a lanyard around his neck as if he were a tourist with a group on the pier for the day. That didn't mean he was unarmed but then, sometimes the best weapons were the everyday items that didn't look like a weapon and there were plenty of those lying around. A woman next to him, some hooker for all he knew, asked what was going on. He shrugged and shook his head. She fell silent and then went in search of answers elsewhere.



5/31/2013 21:36 Mel
No they really didn't do dates. But that was the beauty of their relationship. It was unconventional that it was perfect. Oh those eyes traveled down the slope of her neck to that exposed shoulder. The thin red fabric caused his heart to jump just a bit. He was a man after all and such carnal desires were hard to fight when something so beautiful was in front of him. Though the oogling ended when he saw Chase still in his steps. It was like everything happened in slow motion. First the tilt of the head, the confusion and finally the pain. An awful chain of events had been set into motion and there was nothing in this world that was going to stop it. Chase was the catalyst and everthing else to follow the aftershock of the ignition. Just as Maura peeled from her side Mel was running as well. He came to a skidded halt beside Maura when she dropped down to her knees to help Chase. Blues looked over to Archer who was in a panic. Mel was also in the process of taking out his cellphone. " Stay Calm kid..."Was the first thing he said while looking to the youngest of the group. The man was in Detective mode. " What happened?" The question rolled off his tongue easily. Though there was concern in those baby blues. A hand was dropped onto Archer's shoulder. It'll be okay. Was this the reason for his ill feeling all day? That something was going to happen to Chase?



5/31/2013 21:38 Chase Benjamin
He couldn't even form an answer; sure, he could see the both of them. Archer and Maura, both, then Mel. But otherwise, there was nothing but that wild-eyed stare on his behalf. Fear? That was a given; he recognized it nearly immediately, even if his mind wasn't cooperating - regardless of how strong-minded he was - enough to push past it. Involuntarily, when that wave seemed to peak, Chase arched up in something of a hard kick to the planked walk and a gritty grunt of pain. Something he hadn't really encountered since bashing his own hand with the ice bucket-- but it was there, and it was real, and it was worse. No matter how hard he tried to will his arms - or even his hands to move - he was just.. stuck. Suspended, really, but entirely and unfortunately unaware. And it was a damn shame that he couldn't even move his fucking eyes to point out the source when he'd realized where it was coming from. Perhaps Chase had, indeed, heard that low whistle.. but there wasn't a fucking thing he could do.. even the occasional growl of a grunt was involuntary and strictly due to the sharp, stabbing pain somewhere in the center of his brain.



5/31/2013 21:41 Archer Keating
He shook his head. "I don't know what happened. We were just walking and eating tacos and then he fell." He looked to Maura first and then up at the Detective. "Has this ever happened? I mean with you guys around? He never had a problem growing up. It was .. this was just strange! Is he going to be okay?" He was desperate for answers and felt a hole threatening to open up and devour him. "I can't lose him again." This was whispered. "Not again. Just .. no." Keep calm? Yeah, he'd heard that but no dice. Archer was reliving a lot in those moments, memories of hearing that Chase as dead the first time and all the events that followed. When he spasmed, Archer jumped and then leaned forward. "Oh god .. please be okay!"



5/31/2013 21:48 Jack Malone, Jr.
It was goddamn perfection; like a screen-writer observing a job well done on the writing on numerous pages being filmed. Had he been anyone other than who he was, he could have went as far as to just bask in the moment. But, he didn't. Instead, as the three took their pre-calculated positions around the fallen, former, sleeper, Jack slowly raised from his chair. His steps were slow and sound, weaving through the numerous set up tables and chairs that were widely occupied with the coffeerinkers who were now, indeed, watching the show. His show. At least, when he approached - considering all of their positions, save for Chase's - they'd see his boots. And quite possibly, over the flooding jargon that filled even his ears, hear the hammer of the pistol cock back as it was pulled. "Walsh." Was all he said, and it was all a ploy; just a goddamn ploy to get the detective to lift his head even for a second. Once he did, all he'd have a chance to see was the smug smirk, and the callous stare before the trigger was squeezed pointedly. The kickback jerked his shoulder, but the .357 caliber bullet whizzed out of the muzzle of the Desert Eagle with a loud bang, and would rip right into the side of Mel's neck. Through and through. Anyone in close proximity would be spattered, to say the least."Thanks for playin' the game, guys 'n girls." He taunted before turning on heel, and quickly - falling into step with the leaving crowd. No chance. No chance to react. No chance to respond; just as soon as he was able, he vaulted the rail and was well on his way to making himself disappear into an alley. He'd plotted this; planned it. He knew full well where he was going.



[b]5/31/2013 22:00 Maura Blake
"No, no... I've never seen him like this..." Maura tried desperately, whether for her own sake or Archer's, to maintain some semblance of calm in her voice. A dispatcher's voice crept into their line of hearing once Maura hit the button to put the 9-1-1 call on speaker. "We have an emergency at the eastern pier... please send an ambulance. Hurry, a man is...." her phone fumbled off the top of her bare thigh and clattered to the wood plank when Chase succumbed to a spasm of pain. "It'll be all right," she promised, lifting her hand to try and smooth a caress to his cheek. "It will be all right," the words were then repeated for Archer's benefit, hazel eyes lifting to find the man. There was no attempt on her part to issue any other reassurance, but the journalist had a strength to her -- whether it was the pledge of her voice or the way she refused to let her emotions get the better of her. All of that, however, was about to come to an abrupt halt. She spied the approaching set of boots, and did not pay them any heed at first, assuming they belonged to a doctor or some medical professional who wished to help. But then she heard it. A voice that crept into her very soul and blackened it. Rising with a push of her knees, it was timed perfectly with the release of the single shot. Blood splattered across her face, forcing her head to the side so that it'd not blind her eyes. Traces of red painted the pristine white of her dress and it dripped over her skin like sweat. Her mouth opened to omit a scream but nothing --not even a clutch of a syllable sounded. Without even thinking, she reached for the detective, cushioning as much as she could when his strength gave out. Both her hands pressed tight to the wound, ignoring the pulsating flow of blood that tried to seep through her fingers.



5/31/2013 22:09 Mel
"Nothin' was ever written in any of his medical files..."The Detective said offhandedly. Nothing of the sort was ever mentioned in any of the files he had on Chase. Thunk. The tread of boots was light against the wooden planks but the soul of the man who took those steps was heavy. Walsh. He heard his name and it was then that the voice was recognized. All in a second everything was encoded and decoded in his brain. Fate it was a cruel mistress taking whoever she pleased. Mel didn't even have time to reach for his gun. He heard the sound of the gun but then everything else was white noise. A deafening silence filled his ears and the taste of iron coated his tongue. Blood sprayed from the torn flesh, peices of skin hanging from his throat like it were strips of meat. Muscle and bone exposed. A darkness started to cloud his vision. It started from the outside and then moved forward, blackening the sight of faces. He barely felt the touch of Maura's hands upon the wound. His body felt heavy and he was losing ground. The Detective fell into Maura's body threatening to smash her own lithe frame. He was beginning to go into shock, blood pooling from his lips in a stream down the side of his jaw from open lips. His flesh had paled from the massive blood loss and it had only been a matter of seconds. The white of his shirt was soaked. He tried to speak but only inchoherent sounds were escaping. He looked like a fish out of water gasping for air. Thud...thud....thud.



5/31/2013 22:10 Chameleon
His hidden gaze watched it all play out. The approach and then the words. He could almost guess what Junior was going to say before the words fell from his lips. His tongue danced across his lips, gaze focused now on the main interplay of the drama. He watched the shot; made no move to stop it although he knew it was going to happen. He wasn't paid to stop bullets. He was paid to deliver them. This case though, for him, held a slightly different twist. He didn't watch the fall of the victim. His attention was on Junior as the puppet-master left, steps taking him away from the stunned circle of victims and immediate gawkers close enough to have been baptized in the victim's blood. He counted the steps before the kid navigated himself over the railing. Some would surely be able to provide a sketch artist with enough detail for a good composite. Something told the Chameleon no composite would ever see the light of day and any witness who tried to report it might just end up missing. Pity. But again, not his problem. He pushed away from the railing where he leaned and, steps in the same tempo as the kid, he followed. He didn't so much as leap over the railing as hike himself up, swing his legs over and then, after a brief pause, drop to the other side. It was less showy and few would remember that. A quick skim of eyes across the new surroundings and the Chameleon knew where the kid had gone without having seen him go. Call it intuition.



5/31/2013 22:20 Chase Benjamin
No, no, no. You could have seen it in his eyes, no sooner than he, despite the rigid, tense, muscles in his body, saw Jack approach. He heard it. He saw it, and felt the blood spray and even the weight of the detective's fall, though muted by Maura herself didn't escape him. And still, he couldn't fucking move. Not for another long moment; but it was in that moment that he was trying with everything he was worth to listen to the footsteps leading away so he could judge direction and then base the rest on his own sense. But it was impossible, given the commotion. It was too fucking loud, and by the time he could move, he'd lost that singular pattern. He only laid there, with his jaw clenched for another long moment before he mustered the slow-to-return strength to even as much as roll over. He didn't try to say anything, but the motive was crystal clear; he shoved Maura's hands away fairly quickly, and placed a hand at the back of Mel's neck, tilted his head until it was straight and level, and then covered the front of the wound with the front of his hand to at least suppress the pulsating spurts of blood that still managed to get past his fingers. By the time he'd managed as much, he was panting for his breath and staring wildly down at the detective; crazed? Not quite. Rabid pissed? That was more like it. "..You.. you called.. for them.. right?" Apparently, it was going to take a bit to get his sense back about him.. but, be damned if he wasn't trying already. And whatever he was conveying via his eyes, was projected right down to Mel -- even if he had enough sense to know that it wasn't being seen by the detective. "..Us-use his phone. Call again. Now." Every word was over-enunciated. Jesus fucking hell, it was a blast from the past.



5/31/2013 22:24 Archer Keating
Everything went sideways so fast, Archer couldn't keep up. First it was Chase and the siezure then the boots. He didn't look up immediately but when the name was spoken, he did. Blue eyes went wide. He knew that guy! He was the one that Chase had kicked off his property. He lifted his hand to point at the guy but then there was a gunshot. Archer ended up sprayed in blood. His mouth hung open and he gasped, starting to shake. Blood .. there was so much blood. It had the same effect as the sound of a bone breaking so many years ago. His stomach churned and Archer leaned forward, blinking through the shock of the moment. He gasped again, fighting the nausea. He scrambled for the phone that Maura had dropped. He couldn't find it. But then Chase was moving again and oh the relief that flooded him when Chase seemed to know exactly what to do. His phone? That meant um .. ewwe. He took another breath and managed to find the detectives phone. He figured Maura would be the best one to make that call so he thrust Mel's phone at her so she could. Somewhere in his panick stricken mind he noted that the dog had made quick work of the tacos and had not spooked away too far when the gunshot had ripped through the area. He made a mental note to get the dog some treats. Odd thought to have but there it was. The animal guardian angel busy at work while Chase was busy trying to save the detective's life.



5/31/2013 22:28 Jack Malone, Jr.
Indeed, anyone who came forward with eyewitness accounts would disappear. Any sketch could be compromised and done away with, no sooner than he could get his hands on it. It was how Jack worked, and how he remained out of arm's reach of the very forces he served. There was never any proof of his misoings, regardless that it was no secret that he was about as crooked as they came. Did the thought reach his mind that, perhaps, he was being tailed? Of course not. He'd never had to worry about it in the past, and he knew that the device he'd gotten his hands on lasted long enough to keep the monster down long enough for him to make his steady get-away. He weaved through alleyways, hands shoved into the pockets of his jeans until he came to the last one. There, it was a kicked jump up to grab onto the hinged ladder of a fire-escape, and he hoisted himself up. One leg swung to catch it, and he climbed the rest of the way with literal ease. Up on the roof-top, it was only a hundred feet or so to the door that lead to the inside, and he'd blocked it from locking earlier in the day. Thus, it was casually opened, and he was headed in.



5/31/2013 22:39 Maura Blake
Not realizing Chase had regained his ability to move, when he pushed her hands away, she reached up with bloodied fingers and very nearly shoved him away. But her eyes, stinging with tears which refused to fall, blinked to focus and saw it was the sleeper. And he was, without a doubt, the one person she trusted to care for the detective. His pressure on the wound was ten times stronger than her own, especially when she could feel the tremble from each knuckle all the way down the digits. When Archer handed her Mel's phone, her fingers accepted it and stared down at the panel. A wild-eyed stare looked at the phone for a moment as if she didn't know how to work it or who to call. A rattled gasp from Mel's throat prompted her into motion and she hit the recall button. She spoke words that made little sense to her mind, but somehow managed to say that Detective Mel Walsh was shot. Shot. The phone slipped through her blood-soaked fingers, falling next to her own where the 9-1-1 dispatcher continued to listen to the goings-on, the original call having never ended. Hardly even aware that Chase and Archer were nearby, her focus fell on the falled cop drifting in and out of consciousness. Not wishing for him to see her face blood-splattered, she wiped her cheek on her shoulder, not that it did much good considering the detective's blood seemed to be everywhere. "I'm here..." she whispered to the detective. All at once emotion started to crack through the resolute strength she'd prided herself on possessing. I'm here -- the same words she said to the cop when he admitted he was drowning with the chaos of his past. "The ambulance is on the way, it's coming now. You're going to be all right... I'm here." When he finally succumbed to the shock and trauma, and his eyes closed in a flutter, Maura's tears fell down her cheeks. "Hold on, love. You've gotta hold on."



5/31/2013 22:52 Chase Benjamin
He nodded once or twice rapidly when Archer retrieved the detective's phone and passed it to Maura. It was a chance decision, really; if the call came from Mel's phone.. they'd respond faster, since it was a direct link. But as he noticed Maura staring at it, he was all about to instruct her to hit the recall button-- and then she did it on her own. So therefore, Chase flashed a quick glance at Archer before those ambers were down on the fallen Mel once more. He knew how to deal with it; it was hard to forget, when you'd done similar things before when dealing with teammates that had been shot in similar places. Stabilize. Apply pressure. Hell, if he'd needed to, he could have even gotten the bullet out.. but just from the opening on the back of the detective's neck, he could feel that it'd went straight through. But even while he stayed calm while keeping the wound covered and pressurized, Chase was about to snap. Full out, seeing red and destruction.. snap. Maura's words only tacked onto the feeling, and he watched steadily down at the man as the shock and trauma of it all hit completely and he fell unconscious. It was a lot of blood he was losing, and the longer the sirens took to get closer and closer.. the more pissed off he was becoming. Three minutes.. tops.. and the EMTs were rushing past the crowd that had gathered around, followed up by officers to clear and block off the area. He stayed put right up until he was forced to move his hands, but be damned if he didn't accidently jab the EMT with his elbow before he had a chance to think it through, completely. Then? Up he went. Stood straight up before using one of his still-sore arms to reach down and hoist Maura up by her middle, so at least she was standing. "..Gotta get back s-so they can work. C'mon. We'll meet 'im there.." Knowing Mel, that black Charger wouldn't be far off. "Archer.. you. You're drivin'.."



5/31/2013 22:55 Archer Keating
Archer tore off his button up shirt and offered it to Chase so he could use that to help staunch the blood flow. He looked around, bewildered and horrified all at the same time. Maura made the call. He got out of the way and knelt down to put his arms around the dog. He buried his face in the dogs shoulder, hoping against hope that Chases friend would be all right. He didn't know what to do to help. It's a real helpless feeling watching people you care about go through things like siezures and gun shot wounds. His head lifted, blue eyes wandering around again. Brows went up when he saw a couple of the younger mechanics from Boss' garage. He wasn't going to ask what they were doing there. He just thanked whatever angel it was that put them there. "Max, come here!" He patted Aspens head and got up to meet with the kids. "I want you to take Aspen back to the garage. Feed him and make sure he's taken care of, ok?" He reached into his wallet and pulled out a few twenties that he'd gotten in tips the night before. "Get him good food. Not that cheap shit. And a toy or something. He likes squeaky duckies." Max nodded and the guys with him all seemed equally cool with taking charge of the dog. "Thanks guys. I owe you one." They didn't ask about the blood or what had happened. They were, unfortunately, jaded enough to know that shit like this happened. They also decided not to be around when the cops got there. They urged the dog along with them, offering him more food to get him compliant. He watched them go knowing Aspen was in good hands. He looked back to them when the EMTs were racing through the crowd. Archer hurried back and watched as the professionals took charge. He didn't know what kind of car the detective drove but yeah, he was game. "Okay .." And keys? Aww hell please .. if there were no keys, well there were other ways to start a car for someone would was pretty good at boosting a car if he needed to. "Aspen's going back to the garage with Max."



5/31/2013 23:07 Maura Blake
As soon as she heard the ambulance maneuvering across the planks of wood toward the end of the pier, Maura had the good sense to empty the detective's pockets, pulling free his wallet and a set of keys that belonged to the Charger. In truth, she didn't think of it as being a necessity, she just needed to hold onto as much of the cop as possible. Unable to move, even when the paramedics arrived, she was forced to stand by Chase's strong arm. "No... no, I want..." she couldn't voice the words. To be there if he dies... Maura's knees weakened, and she used the falter to collect the two cell phones. Issuing the keys to Archer since he'd been given the job to drive, Maura glanced around the planks and the puddles of blood to find her bag. She lifted it up, grateful that it had not been ruined by the blood splatter or pools that formed where Mel had fallen. Her focus stayed on the paramedics and their frantic attempts to stabilize Mel, until they ushered the gurney into the ambulance. Half-aware that Archer had made arrangements for Aspen, she heard the exchange of words as if they were happening in another language. Nothing made sense -- and she didn't want it to. Whatever strength she had managed to summon disappeared with a jolt as soon as she saw the black Charger parked in the familiar place -- close to one of the dives Mel frequented for their burritos. She clutched his wallet and phone closer, fully believing that if she kept it by her heart, everything would be all right.



5/31/2013 23:16 Jack Malone, Jr.
The adrenaline was undeniable, even if the scene continuously replayed in his head. That skewed, twisted, head of his. From the fall of the former sleeper, to the gunshot bang that dropped the detective. It had all gone so well; hell, even the forgetful janitors of the old-but-nice hotel hadn't noticed the tape over the locking mechanism to the door. He was as good as gone. Until, of course, he made it down the three steps that would lead to the inner stairwell. He made to jerk the door open, only for his hand to unexpectedly fall off the knob when it didn't at all budge as he'd intended. For a second, he only stared, and then - with a quickly thought out change of plans, he turned to head right back up the three steps..



[b]5/31/2013 23:17 Chameleon
The trail never really went cold, not for someone searching for it. His steps never hurried. The fox thought it was free and had no idea exactly how close the hound was behind him. In fact, he watched the kid climb the fire escape and once the kid was up and over, the Chameleon went up after him. His movements fluid grace that gave away almost no sound at all. Up to the very top he went and peered over in time to watch the door begin to swing closed. He rolled over the lip of the ledge and jogged to the door. It didn't close too fast and the Chameleon counted that as another bit of sloppy. Were there any redeeming qualities in this kid? He was quickly beginning to doubt it. But that didn't change the facts and, unlike the kid, the Chameleon did not let his personal feelings get in the way of what he had to do. Inside he slipped, eyes adjusting to the light change quicker than the average person only because he was trained to do it. He found the kid just inside at the second door. Seems the best laid plans sometimes just didn't perform to expectations. He waited for the kid to turn around. He offered a slight shrug and one word. "Oops." And that was when the hand holding the pistol flew, connecting with the kids temple hard enough to send him straight to sugar plum land. He stepped over the unconscious figure, lock picked the door and then hauled the kid inside. It would be a good long while before anyone saw Junior again. And the real question was not when but IF they saw him again. That remained to be seen.



5/31/2013 23:20 Chase Benjamin
"He isn't," Chase muttered, harshly. Even if only because, just perhaps, he had the same fear blooming in the back of his mind. He did, however, keep Maura steady when she used her own falter to collect the cellphones and to hand the keys over to Archer. His insides were still shaking in an awkward sort of way, and it had nothing to do with anxiety. Still, he was on the move towards that black Charger; he had completely and entirely missed the exchange with Archer and the guys from the garage, and the passing of Aspen to them for the time being. Thus, when he announced it, he agreed without protest. "Good, that'll cut out a stop." As more and more time passed by, even though they were only minutes and seconds, he was regaining his bearings. The haze was clearing, and he wasn't having trouble talking at least, regardless of the pounding in his head. Nevertheless, he lead the way headstrong as ever, to the Charger and only paused long enough to pull the passenger side door open to usher Maura inside. Then, he jogged around the back of the car and to the driver's side.. opened it.. and shoved the seat forward so he could climb into the back - even jerked the seat back for Archer, so that it'd all be quicker and smoother. "Do what you do." And by that, he meant.. well.. race.



5/31/2013 23:29 Archer Keating
He took the keys and jogged with them toward the car. Can you blame him? He gave a low whistle of appreciation at the black Charger. "Good choice." He glanced at the ambulance long enough to determine which hospital they were going to take the Detective to. Hearing the radio communication helped confirm where he was going. Then climbed in once Chase was in the back seat. Key into the ignition. "Buckle up." He revved the engine to get a feel for what was under the hood and nodded. He would do exactly that, race. In all reality, he couldn't help it and the situation did call for his particular skills. He was a street racer, an illegal activity but one that could really pound the adrenaline through the body. It meant that he drove hard and he drove fast and given that he had a precious stallion under his ass, he made use of every bit of horse power the engine gave him. The aerodynamics of the Charger itself aided in the speed, limiting drag and letting him be free. In and out of traffic he went even when it didn't seem like there was enough room for them. There always was although some taxi drivers were flipping him off and shouting at him in their native foreign language. He normally might flip them off but now he kept both hands on the wheel. He cornered like a champ when taking the turns and damned if they didn't end up at the hospital before the ambulance. He couldn't help it though. He maneuvered the black steed deftly and spun them into a parking spot, landing neatly in place before someone else who was trying to park could take the space. No, he didn't apologize for being a parking space thief. He had been given a task and he did it. They arrived in one piece and he swore the car had a satisfied purr for having been ridden hard and put away wet. He glanced at Maura with a half apologetic look on his face hoping the ride had not been too extreme for her.



5/31/2013 23:41 Maura Blake
On any other day, at any other time, the ride would have scared the hell out of Maura. She drove once in the last ten years, and that single time was out of absolute necessity -- both Mel and Rex had been too hurt to do the honors. Dropping the phone and wallet on her lap, she reached blindly for the seatbelt and dragged it across her blood-streaked dress. She'd been in the Charger a dozen times or more, and she knew the sounds the engine made; this ride, however, was different. Pulled to the side during one particularly sharp turn, both hands fell over the items trapped in the white --or once white -- fabric of her skirt. Maura struggled to contain the wealth of emotions that whipped across her heart with the vicious sting of a lash. Only when the car pulled to a stop did she blink out of her frayed thoughts, and glanced to the side. Inwardly, she prayed it was all a dream and she'd fallen asleep during a lengthy car trip, and when she glanced to the driver's seat, the surly detective would be there scowling over one thing or another. But he wasn't there. The expression on Archer's face made one corner of her mouth tip upward. In truth, she hadn't realized just how extreme the ride had been until she felt the length of her right arm pressed against the car door. Fumbling with the cop's belongings, she snagged the door open and practically fell out of the passenger's side. A few passers-by glanced at the car, assuming it had been in an accident of some sort -- but there was no damage to the vehicle despite the blood-caked passenger. The siren's call announced the ambulance's arrival, and Maura felt her heart clenching in fear. Hazel eyes sought Chase, needing him to tell her that when those doors opened, there'd be a hurt man and not a dead cop. The rigidness of her spine was so straight, it'd not take much to snap. And she was cold, so very cold even though the city had reached some heated temperatures.



5/31/2013 23:47 Chase Benjamin
Buckle up? Since when had he ever used seat belts? Straps of death. He, however, did know just what type of ride they were in for. He situated himself in the middle of the backseat, and planted one hand against the back of the driver's headrest and the other on the passenger's side. Chase fully trusted Archer's driving abilities because, hell, it wasn't the first time they'd been in a car together-- even if it had been years, now. For the entire ride, the former sleeper was silent, just mentally nudging and prodding himself back into being, and not being pissed off. It'd have to wait; it had to, because sometimes, there was more important things than retaliation. It was something he was slowly beginning to grasp the concept of, even if it was hard to swallow. The in and out of traffic manuevering didn't phase him in the least, nor did the cornering turns and the final slinging of the Charger into the parking space before the other car could take it. It was what he'd expected, and under other circumstances, he probably would have been able to express the impressiveness of the driving. Later, he might. For now, he was edging his way out of the car just as soon as he was able.. even if he stumbled a step or two in doing so, Almost as if he'd been drinking, when in all reality, it was just the discordination of the RFW. He paused by Archer until he spotted Maura fumble and practically fall out of the car.. and without further thought, he snatched Archer by the hand and then headed around the car to help steady Maura and pull her along with them as he headed for the ambulance, first. He didn't give a shit that they were currently busy transporting, he was going to make damn certain that the detective was still alive before ever stepping foot into the hospital. They hadn't stopped the bleeding, obviously, and they were manually pumping air into his lungs.. but, the small monitor inside the vehicle showed vital stats, still scrolling.



5/31/2013 23:54 Archer Keating
He didn't remember getting out of the car but when he was suddenly pulled along after Chase, everything sort of snapped back into being. He was blood spattered himself but didn't need medical attention. He was left in a lurch by the events but it wasn't Chase in the Ambulance. It was the detective and Maura needed them. He helped where he could, locking the car as they hurried in and then pocketing the keys. He took it all in and drifted to the back of the scene, offering his support silently and watching. Waiting. He wasn't sure what he would have done had that been Chase on the stretcher. He probably would be a complete mess. So on some level he really did empathize with Maura.



6/1/2013 00:03 Maura Blake
Timed with absolute precision, as soon as the paramedics eased the gurney and equipment onto the platform of the emergency room entrance, a team of trauma doctors and nurses hurried out to greet them. Words and numbers and terms that Maura recognized either from her own experiences or television shows were issued back and forth. The uniformed medics let the team of scrub-wearing doctors know the cop's status -- and they were all fully aware that it was, indeed, one of the city's finest that they were saving. Mel's badge and guns were already bagged and labeled, and Maura saw one of the nurses handle it with care. The black-haired woman, wearing pale blue scrubs, glanced at the trio and appraised them from a few paces away before venturing closer. The blood-splattered varied from person to person, and the nurse's attention stayed on Maura for a moment. "Are any of you hurt?" Maura shook her head, unable to peel her gaze from the collection of doctors hurrying aside the gurney to get him inside. One word kept being repeated: surgery. Oddly enough, she found some solace in that. The nurse motioned for the trio to follow, murmuring some information about the waiting room and cafeteria and, most likely for Maura's benefit, the wash room. "Are you his wife?" The question made Maura stiffen at Chase's side. Her face turned toward the man's shoulder, and the burn of her tears soaked clear through his shirt. It was all the answer the nurse needed.



6/1/2013 00:11 Chase Benjamin
Chase was nearly stoical, though hardly indifferent to the situation at hand. Only a few clenches of his jaw could even begin to telegraph just whatever it was that was brewing behind those usually intense amber eyes. From the scene back at the pier, to the one he was currently watching unfold, it was all done with a certain scrutiny. The medical jargon kept his eyes ticking back and forth from the EMTs to the nurses and doctors that came rushing to greet them. Surgery. That was a given, and was actually a good sign. Upon the question from the dark haired nurse, all he did was shake his head to the side once, and then they were being lead further in. Waiting room, cafeteria, yeah he caught all of it.. but didn't intend on utilizing either which one. The question that caused Maura to stiffen though, only had him glancing up at the nurse before he pulled the journalist up a bit further and held her there despite the burn of tears through his shirt. Answer obviously received, he simply followed along, toting the both of them with him-- first, though, to the mentioned washroom. There wasn't a damn thing any of them could do until further notice; and who knew how long that would take? "... We'll wait here, a'right? Go get cleaned up." And unless the hospital staff had a stand handing out free clothes, Chase was just stuck in his own blood-spattered t-shirt. ..At least it was black, even if you could still make out the darker coloring on it.



6/1/2013 00:17 Archer Keating
He was quiet through everything. At this point he was a watcher and could only wait. He didn't know the detective that well nor did he know Maura all that well. But they were people that were important to Chase so that made them, by default, important to Archer. That's just the way it went with Archer. The friend of my friend sort of mentality. He took his turn washing up and then got a fizzy drink for Maura to sip on to keep her stomach settled. Gotta love Canada Dry ginger ale. He found a seat with them and settled in for the wait. His attention drifted between Chase and Maura and the various medical people milling around. Very quickly, he lost track of time.



6/1/2013 00:28 Maura Blake
Seconds crawled into minutes and they tick-tocked into hours. She did not excuse herself to clean up, not at first. For the longest time she sat on a cushioned seat with the leather bag on one side, topped with the few belongings from Mel's suit pockets. Able to give a smile to the offered drink, it sat there untouched for an endless amount of time. Since Mel was rushed to surgery, they were allowed access to a smaller, more private waiting area. The rows of windows offered glorious views of the city, the landscape vibrant against the darkening skies and the glitter of lights that stretched on for miles. Every so often they were met by doctors, nurses, and various hospital staff -- questioned repeatedly about the cop's history and, of course, his insurance. The more time passed, the more tired she grew. It was a strain to keep her eyes opened against the sting of fatigue and the raw burn of emotion. One nurse delivered some wet towels for Maura to use, at the very least to clean her hands and face, but she ignored it. She spoke only when questioned, but she managed a quiet 'thank-you' when another nurse wrapped a blanket around her shoulders. She kept Mel's phone in her hand, looking through the various features until she found a string of texts --all the ones she had sent him, they were all saved. So, too, was a picture she took of herself pointing to a cereal box that had been emptied. She curled into the seat cushion, the detective's phone clutched to her cheek as if she half-expected it to ring. There were calls to be made -- many in fact, but she couldn't summon her strength let alone any voice. It was hours later when she finally took a sip of the now luke-warm soda, and waited for any word on Mel's condition.



6/1/2013 00:38 Chase Benjamin
He was last to wash up, though watching the red, then pink-tinged water spiral drain was nearly enough to send him storming out of the hospital all at once to go on a manhunt. But, he didn't. He flexed his wrists and hands a few times, followed by an attempt to release the tension in the muscles in his back, stomach, and everywhere else that still felt as if they were stuck, or hung. And only afterwards did he drop down into one of the uncomfortable chairs in the smaller waiting area so that they might easier receive updates on the detective's condition. The visits from the doctors, nurses, and other various staff-- he let Maura answer it all, and slouched low in his seat to stare straight ahead at the wall a mere ten feet or so ahead of him. It was at least four hours later when a doctor still dressed in surgical scrubs - sans the gloves - stepped in with a clipboard in his hand. Naturally, Chase disliked anything to do with hospitals -- and while he didn't as much as look up, he still listened. "He's stabilizing, but his blood pressure is low.. he's lost a lot of blood." The surgeon continued. What was meant to be a simple tilt of his head snapped the bones in his neck three times, and he leveled his stare on the surgeon as he continued rattling off information. "We have him in a drug-induced coma for the time being to keep the stress level low, until we can find a match." "Th'fuck you mean? Y'ain't got a supply of all blood types?" Chase snapped at him, without thinking. "Stupidest fuckin' shit.." And Chase trailed off into a string of muted curses.



6/1/2013 00:48 Archer Keating
He swung his legs for a while and then he paced. He wasn't fond of hospitals but then few people really were. Being in one usually meant there was a problem if you weren't hospital staff and nobody liked these kinds of problems. He was sitting by Maura when they started talking about the detective and honestly he was only partially listening. When Chase snapped at them, he put his hand on Chase's arm. "No, they can only stock the most common or the universal donor type." He gnawed on his lip and glanced at the nurses. "Don't you have enough universal?" Even that should work but the answer came back negative. There had been a bloody multi-car accident earlier in the day followed by several people involved in a gang shooting (not the one at Boss') and they were simply low on everything, even the universal O. "What type is he?" He tipped his head a little, waiting for the answer. When it came, he looked at Chase then at Maura. His voice was quiet. "I'm AB negative." Yep, the kid from Jersey was always hounded by the American Red Cross to donate because of his blood type. "I'll donate." He knew the questions would come about his health, drug use, alcohol use, diseases and sex life. He didn't care. He was clean, clean, clean, clean and not sexually active so, once they double checked his claim, he could be the donor needed.



6/1/2013 1:04 Chase Benjamin
At least the hand coming to rest on his arm silenced the cursing, even if he still so obviously found it ridiculous. Even more so, the response they gave to Archer's question concerning the universal type. Still, he somehow found it in himself to remain quiet (not to mention civil) while it was discussed, and Chase's gaze eventually drifted from Maura, to Archer when he stated his own blood type quietly, then continued on to say he would donate. Honestly, right about then, he was too overwhelmed to even make sure Archer was sure about his decision. For a long moment he just stared at him before the doctor and nurses did indeed take him back to begin the screening and testing, and then, the actual process of taking the blood so it could be used to supply the detective. Chase leaned just outside the door of the waiting room, after having tried to convince Maura to try to get some rest - even offered to stay with her at her apartment - though she declined, and decided to stay at the hospital. Thus, by the time Archer would be done with the donation, and headed back to the small waiting room.. he only jerked his head in the direction they'd originally came, indicating it was time to bolt. He'd had enough of the hospital, and there wasn't anything any of them could further do until there were more updates to give. With just that, though, he was weaving back down the hallways, though kept in step with Archer. "These fuckin' places.." he trailed in a mumble, just as they reached the automatic doors that opened via sensor. Out into the still-warmed night's air and he was patting at his pockets, damn determined to find a cigarette even if only to distract himself.



6/1/2013 1:10 Archer Keating
It was a scary thought but only if you managed to think about it. He didn't. Archer just thought about Chase and Maura and the detective instead and that's how he got through the whole thing. Giving blood was one thing. You didn't know who was getting it. This was different. Once he was done with the donation, he was going to join them back in the other room to wait. He glanced from Maura to Chase. Before following Chase, he knelt down by Maura and gave her a smile. He didn't say anything. He just nodded in that 'it will be okay' gesture. Then he patted her knee and got up to follow Chase. Standing up too fast was not a grand idea but if he moved a little less abruptly, he was fine. Out into the night he glanced back at the hospital and then to Chase. Now that it was just them, he went back to something that had been bothering him the whole time they were waiting on word about Mel. He didn't wait for them to get too far away from the hospital before he grabbed Chase's arm and turned him around so he could ask the question face to face. "What the hell was that with you on the ground?"



6/1/2013 1:20 Chase Benjamin
It was brief, but his arm tensed when Archer grabbed him.. but he went along with being turned and came to a slow stop, even if his other hand was still busy digging a cigarette out of the crumpled pack in his jeans' pocket. Next came a lighter, though he gave pause upon the question he was asked.. and it was almost on cue that, with the strain that the entire event earlier had put on his muscles, that his hand shook just once or twice while flicking the lighter. After sucking in a deep drag from the cigarette, he reached up and scratched harshly at the tattoo on the back of his neck. "..S'th'same thing they used back in th'place I was held. A radio wave; interferes with.. brain waves." Which was getting a bit more technical than he could understand without actually researching it on his own. "Guess it's kinda like'a short circuit." And painful as all get out, but he didn't include that part: it was a pride thing. Smoke dripped out right along with the words he spoke, and he finally settled his gaze on Archer. Even if he completely skipped over the whole.. nanotechnology bit, and the fact that, that was more or less why he'd been frozen. "It'll make y'not able to move. Can't talk. Headache.." An intense one, at that. There, he took a deep breath. "And it hurts like fuck. ..Guess Jack got 'imself one. Which means they've gotten smaller.." Which wasn't at all good, as far as Chase was concerned. He had a lot of things to research now-- like how to block certain frequencies, if there was even a way to do such a thing. "Sorry y'had to see it. All of it.." he waved a hand, almost in defeat. Yeah, definitely not one of the better days.



6/1/2013 1:24 Archer Keating
Archer didn't realize how close to getting pounded he came when he grabbed Chase's arm like that. He just wanted answers. When they came, he had to admit that he didn't understand it. Radio waves did that? What the hell? And then Chase was making it sound like that guy had something to do with it. It was all straight out of a novel or something. He exhaled a breath, concern etched on his face. He didn't know what to say. "Your head hurt now?" He nodded toward the car and took Chase's hand, fingers lacing with his to draw him away from the hospital. "Come on, let's just go." Archer was more concerned than he wanted to admit. This had been one hell of a day!



6/1/2013 1:30 Chase Benjamin
Certain radio waves. He'd explain it in more detail later. As it stood, he was having issues with not deciding to take off on that urge to hunt and kill-- and, he would have stopped long before ever actually pounding Archer. It was just reflex. Everything did sound like a fucked up movie, or a novel, but then again.. so did his own personal file that elaborated on the experiments and implements they'd done to him. The question concerning his head got a light huff of the beginnings of a laugh that stopped short. "Honestly?" Why else would someone ask though? "Yeah, it does." Like someone still had a blade wedged through the top of his skull. Regardless, he let their fingers lace and followed away from the hospital and back to the car. He had no qualms with getting away from the hospital at all. "You're drivin'." There was that, at least. Be it Chase just being lazy, or the fact that he somtimes preferred riding shot gun to someone who could drive like that.



6/1/2013 1:37 Archer Keating
He shook his head as they walked to the car. "Can't take anything for it?" Hey, it was an honest question! He chuckled that Chase decided that Archer was driving. He unlocked the charger and got in, glancing over the interior now that they weren't all frantic. "It's got potential. You think your detective friend would object to some modifications?" He chuckled, already envisioning how to intall a boost pack and some other fun toys. He didn't suggest belts this time. Archer just waited for Chase's door to close before he tore out of the parking lot and headed them back to his apartment. He glanced at Chase and asked, "Home?" That was his plan but if Chase had a better one, Archer could be convinced.



6/1/2013 1:43 Chase Benjamin
"Never tried," he replied with a hint of a smirk. Then again, it wasn't every day he was rendered useless by such things. Regular old headaches, sure, down a few Motrin and he was fine-- this, though? All he could do was trial and error. Chase ducked into the Charger almost in unison, and slouched down; even went as far as to recline the seat back. Modifying Mel's Charger.. the faint smirk grew then, and he shrugged. "Only one way t'find out." ..Well, two, but only one he'd likely go with: do it, piss him off, and then watch as the detective thoroughly enjoyed it. Mel was strange like that. Closing the door, he propped his elbow against it and watched the passing scenery as Archer drove. "That'll do," he mumbled, shifting to drop the window down so he could hand the still-smoldering cigarette out. "Order some fuckin' chinese.. --still got th'scotch.." Or some of it, anyway. It didn't matter-- and besides, going out somewhere else was out of the question until he was out of the blood-stained shirt. So, home it was for now, at least. .. Home. It sounded almost foreign. "Yeah. Home."



6/1/2013 1:48 Archer Keating
"I have some exceedrin at home. You can try that when we get there." He laughed that Chase suggested they do it. Well, not it so many words but hey, Archer knew what he meant. He kept the car heading toward home. One night of parking in the garage wouldn't break him and he wasn't about to leave this particular car in the street lot. "Chinese does sound good." After all, they hadn't gotten to finish their tacos. He didn't drive too crazy but there were a couple of times he pushed the laws of physics with the car. He wouldn't do anything to damage it though and soon enough they were let into the garage and he found a place to park the charger where it would be safe. "Okay. We order the food once upstairs." He sighed and didn't get out of the car right away. Everything was just really starting to hit him. He was glad he was home. "Ten flights of stairs to go, plus the flight from the basement. Then home." He chuckled and finally got out of the car. He locked it up and headed for the stair well. He wondered if there was information in the file about that seizure thing and the radio waves thing. He hated the idea of a way to render Chase inert like that. It was just .. wrong. And don't you think he wouldn't be getting a couple of licks of his own in on that jack guy!



6/1/2013 1:57 Chase Benjamin
It sounded like a damn good plan to him. All of it. The Excederin, and the boosting of the detective's car. Hey, it'd be fun; call it a welcome home gift. ... Then probably get punched in the face, then thanked later. It somehow worked. As far as the tacos went, he was fairly certain that Aspen had thoroughly enjoyed them, at least. In retrospect, it was kind of odd he was even considering eating.. but hey, maybe he was starting to realize that doing so was necessary. Relearning, anyway. He pushed himself up once they were in the garage, though only let his head fall back against the headrest, even if it was in such a way he could keep his eyes on Archer as he sighed. "Y'know, usually that wouldn't sound as bad.." he trailed, but grinned all the same. With a shake of his head, Chase pushed the car door open and climbed out, and just as soon as it was locked, he was falling right into step with Archer again. Typically, ten flights of stairs was something he would do perfectly fine, but he was achey.. even if he wasn't letting onto it, more than the occasional stretch here or there in attempt to loosen a muscle, or release a pressure point to no avail. That file had plenty of information about the technologies used; and Chase could sit and tell you the effects of each and every one, even if he didn't remember the names of all of them. It was wrong for it to be possible, and so easily, too. But.. let's not go talking about Jack, else Archer would find Chase dressed in all black and stalking around the city. Starting up the stairs, he nudged Archer to the side playfully and took a quicker step to avoid retaliation.



6/1/2013 2:01 Archer Keating
Apparently the stairs were going to be a tag fest all the way up to the tenth floor. He was nudged and well, Chase wasn't going to get away with that without retaliation. Archer stepped up his pace to give his friend a gentle shove and then skirted around him to force himself up the stairs faster to get out of the way. He was laughing and very much out of breath by the time they reached the tenth floor. He swiped the key and headed down to his apartment. "What kind of chinese do you want? I usually get lo mein and lemon chicken." The apartment building was pretty quiet considering it was a friday night. He glanced back at Chase and grinned. "if you need a menu, it's on the fridge."



6/1/2013 2:05 Chase Benjamin
That's exactly what it turned into, too. He pushed it. Picked up the pace, just so he could nudge Archer again before hopping up two stairs at a time to put just a small bit of distance between them, even if it didn't last. Before he knew it, they'd reached the tenth floor and - even though he wasn't winded - he still felt wiry and noodle-like. After the card was swiped, he palmed the top of the door to hold it open long enough for both of them to head down. "Nn, don't need'a menu. Jus' the general tso's." Simple enough. Old habits died hard, apparently. It was what he always got as far as ordering Chinese went.



6/1/2013 2:08 Archer Keating
Hearing the usual order was just more confirmation that the real Chase was in there with all the mixed up shit. He swiped the door to his own apartment then turned, his back against the door as he opened it. He swung inward with the door, still grinning. "I knew you were going to say that." He reached out to flick at Chase's chin then headed for the phone so he could call in the order. yes, Archer had no cell phone and still had a touch tone phone in the house hard wired to the building. Imagine that! "Pour me some of that scotch, man. I'll order the food." He didn't hesitate either. In a very short minute, Archer had dialed the place and put the order in. He had cash so that wasn't a problem and he was going to make sure he got to pay for this round of food. "Excedrin is in the bathroom, medicine chest. Second shelf."



6/1/2013 2:15 Chase Benjamin
Watching the way Archer swung inward with the door caused him to laugh, even as short as it was, right before his chin was flicked. "Duh." It was said kiddingly, of course, and when Archer moved for the phone, he seemed more intent to go for the liquor. He wasn't gonna judge over phones, even if it had been a while since he'd seen one of the touch tone phones. Cellphones could be a pain in the ass, and unless you were like him - and disassembled the fucking thing continuously - too trackable. Him leaving his on even most of the time was daring, given his situation. "Got'cha.." And thus, he swiped up the unopened bottle of scotch and wandered on into the kitchen for two glasses; Yes, he was going to be good and not straight up drink out of the bottle. After cracking the seal and filling both half-way, he sat the bottle and lid down and headed off down the hall to find the Excederin. Once he had, thanks to the instructions, he dumped two out.. reclosed it.. and started back for the kitchen. Both pills were tossed back and chased with a swig of the scotch before he twisted and slouched against the edge of the counter. "Nice phone," he said, nodding towards it. Naaah, he was just being goofy now.



6/1/2013 2:20 Archer Keating
He made a wrinkley nosed face at Chase and then peeled off his t-shirt. It had blood spatters on it and he really wanted to get out of those clothes. "It'll be here in fifteen minutes or so." He took the glass from Chase and hit back a mouthfull before setting the glass down. "Yeah, thanks. It works and it costs ten dollars a month." That was said with a smirk because he knew how expensive cell plans were. "I'm changing." He gave Chase's chest a little smack on his way by and headed for the bedroom. He shucked off his jeans and went to the bathroom so he could get a quick GI bath, a wet cloth over his skin. It felt good to feel clean. He poked at the bandage on his arm where he'd given blood and then said a quick prayer to the virgin mary just in case she was listening. Any little thing that could help Chase's friend was important for Archer to do. He tossed the rag into the tub, made sure the turtle had water and then headed back for the living room, tugging on a fresh pair of jeans as he did.



6/1/2013 2:30 Chase Benjamin
Needless to say, he only grinned a rather Cheshire grin at the cost of the regular old phone. Yeah, cell phone plans were not cheap, but to be honest.. he wasn't even sure where the one he currently had came from, other than when he'd woken up on the bus.. he'd had it. He had his assumptions, and thus, had no reason to be overly paranoid. His own glass was toted back up and he drained a pretty decent portion of the alcohol even while Archer was passing by, with the smack to his chest. "I ain't far behind ya'." Get a grip on the whole.. alcohol problem, first! And by the time Archer was coming back into the living room, tugging his jeans on, his own glass was empty.. thus, leaving him more inclined to watch the blonde for the time being. That is, until he finally pushed up and intentionally bumped into him just so he'd have a reason to help him 'regain his balance' and steal a quick nip to his jawline in passing. "My turn." Because, while blood didn't really bother him.. it was entirely different when it was blood belonging to a friend. Thus, he made a pit stop in the bedroom to jerk out a fresh pair of jeans from his bag (because he still hadn't unpacked his shit) and headed right for the bathroom. The bloodied clothes were ditched, and he followed suit with a more proper clean-up than what was already done at the hospital washroom, and came back out with his jeans on, and scratching at his neck. "What kind'a turtle is that swimmin' around in th'sink, anyway? 'Cause it don't look big enough t'be a launchin' turtle.."



6/1/2013 2:37 Archer Keating
Being bumped into nearly made him fall over but the hand to keep him steady was appreciated. Archer gave a soft sound of approval at the nip to his jawline. Then he chuckled when Chase was on his way to the bathroom. He went in search of his glass and found it in the kitchen. Another couple of swigs had his glass nearly gone too. "I told you that your ear wasn't safe. He would latch on and chomp your ear!" He was pouring more scotch as he said that. The door rang and off Archer went to collect the food. He gave the guy a good tip, the scents of chinese food filling the apartment. "I found him on the sidewalk. I'm not sure where he was going or what he was planning on doing but I did know he was going to end up dead. So I brought him home. I plan to release him in Central Park where he's got a fighting chance to survive." He put the food on the counter and started unpacking everything. A glance landed on Chase again and a quick smile flickered across Archer's face.



6/1/2013 2:44 Chase Benjamin
No way. "..Nah, he'd jus' make'a good earring or somethin'.." he trailed, straight-faced as possible despite the humorous idea of provoking the little creature to latch on, and then to actually walk around sporting a life turtle as an earring. Not that he'd really do it, but still. When the doorbell rang, Chase was already back in the kitchen refilling his glass - this time to the top - before leaning right back against the counter. When the food was set out on the counter, he only watched for the time being, and listened to the turtle's story before shaking his head. ..Yeah, so what. He liked animals too. "Always reminds me of that old story," he commented, and snapped his fingers a few times as if trying to remember the title. "..Th'wind in th'willows? Somethin' like that.." When he heard about an animal on the sidewalk, or in the middle of the street; what they must've been thinking. ..And wow, how odd it was he was standing there admitting he'd even read that book. The quick smile Archer gave had his own head tilting down and forward a bit. "Whaaat?" Yes, it was intentionally drawn out. Fact was.. he just liked seeing him smile. Or grin. Or laugh. ..Chase was biased, though.



6/1/2013 2:49 Archer Keating
He tipped his head at the book name. "I don't remember that one." A book that Chase had read and Archer had not? Mark it down! When caught staring at Chase, Archer just shook his head and looked down at the food, fork buried in the lo mein. "Nothing." He took a bite, washing it down with scotch because scotch makes everything better, right? He cleared his throat after the swallow. "I thought you were dying. I'm really glad you're okay." That confession came out with a hushed tone, worry and all the stress he'd been feeling riding the words.



6/1/2013 3:00 Chase Benjamin
Mark it down, indeed. It was just more hilarious that it was a children's book that he'd read years ago, that somehow managed to pop into his head out of nowhere. All because of mentioning a turtle on a sidewalk. Still, he only grinned because damn if he was going to admit it was a cute book. Chase saying the word cute? Rare. Could very well give someone a heart attack. By then though, he was more interested in Archer's answer, and at first, all he did was draw in a deep breath and poke at the chunks of spicy-glazed chicken. Scotch didn't make everything better, but it damn sure seemed to help. "M'not goin' anywhere that easily.." he said, and let go of his own fork long enough to take another pull from his glass of scotch. "But, y'know what.." And you'd best believe he averted his eyes on that one, long before he ever continued. "Kinda thought I was, too." Shit like that was scary, especially when it happened out of the wild, blue, left-field of things. At first, he hadn't known what to think. Now, though, he was just kind of uneasy that Archer had, had to see it happen -- not to mention Mel being shot like he had been. The whole day was one he'd prefer to reset. Start back from the beginning. With a light shake of his head, he stabbed up a piece of the chicken finally and took a bite, only to wash it down with another swig of liquor.



6/1/2013 3:06 Archer Keating
"Good." He lifted his glass to toast that Chase was not going anywhere easily. Archer shot a grin to go along with the toast and leaned his hip against the counter while he ate. His stomach clenched just a bit when Chase made that admission. Archer nodded, eyes flicking from his food up to Chase. They were nearly the same height now. Chase wasn't several inches taller anymore. It was only an inch now. There were a lot of things that could be said about such a topic but Archer chose to keep his mouth shut. It wouldn't help. Everything was too raw. He rubbed his nose and moved, easing in against the cupboard next to Chase. He was close enough to steal a piece of chicken and did. He grinned as he plopped it into his mouth.



6/1/2013 3:15 Chase Benjamin
He couldn't deny the toast, and so, that glass was lifted again. Really! It would take more than some focused frequency waves to take him out; it was just a temporary set back that would, apparently, leave him sore for a few days. Though, it was an odd sort of thing for him to so easily admit it'd done more than just stun him-- to actually admit, without saying the word, that it'd scared him? It was unheard of, but.. maybe it was because he was coming to realize he actually had things to lose. And that scared him. Purely coincidence, he glanced back over when Archer did and.. well.. it was a bit wild that there was only an inch difference between their height now. He might have even said something about it, but he was paying more attention to the fact that the blonde moved, easing in next to him.. just to steal a piece of chicken. When he did, Chase smirked and gave a partial roll of his eyes. Not like he cared, really! "Just eat it all, why don't'cha.." he teased, settling his glass back down just so he could take up his fork again. Another piece of chicken was stabbed up and eaten -- not nearly as fast as that first taco earlier, but hey, it was somethin'. "First y'get as tall as me 'n now you're stealin' my food.." he quipped. "What's th'world comin' to?"



6/1/2013 3:20 Archer Keating
He laughed out right at that. "Yeah. I went and grew up." He tried not to think about the years that were lost. It's not like Chase was going to be around anyway since he'd gone into the service but it was a very lonely time for Archer. His hero was gone. His brother was gone. He was on his own. He'd already come to that realization that he could lose everything. He thought he already had. He'd like to think he turned out okay but there were days his gardian angel was ready to retire. "Life's a bitch, ain't it?" He shot Chase another grin. Of course it wasn't the food that got him to lean in next to him. It was just an excuse. He dropped a hand on Chase's shoulder. No words spoken. He was just reassuring himself that Chase was all right. He even dropped a quick kiss to his shoulder.



6/1/2013 3:28 Chase Benjamin
Not that growing up was necessarily a bad thing, mind you. But at least he'd gotten Archer to laugh. As for the years lost.. it was another situation that he would have honestly, had it been possible, gone back and reone. He would've never left.. things would've been different. Hindsight was a bitch.. and li-- "Yeah, it is," he agreed, just a faint hint of a grin forming before he reaching up and scratched at the back of his neck lightly. Just more things he wanted to fix. The hand that landed on his shoulder drew his gaze back over, but it was the quick kiss that had his head dropping forward a little. ..He was there, and he was alright. But the surge of complex emotion was definitely something he faltered with; so much so that he was practically speechless. "I don't think.. that I wanna go anywhere, again." And no, he didn't mean something as simple as out to the store, or the garage, or hell.. anywhere like that. He meant in general; away from Archer, namely. He wanted to stay put; and fuck, if Archer's guardian angel was ready to retire, he'd fucking take over in a heart beat.



[b]6/1/2013 3:33 Archer Keating
"You don't have to go anywhere. I want you stay here and that's that." He chuckled and glanced back to his food. More noodles were scooped up and sucked down, another grin flickering across his features. Sometimes there just wasn't anything to say and Archer wasn't afraid of silence. Not now. He'd gotten over that a long time ago; it was just the enclosed spaces fear that remained. "If there is anything I can do, you know I'll do it. I mean that. Anything at all." This time he stabbed a piece of chicken but he lifted it for Chase to take off his fork.



6/1/2013 3:42 Chase Benjamin
Had he been joking, he probably would have at least flashed a smirk back in response to that: that's that' bit, but instead he just grinned and poked more at the chicken. It was fine by him; he'd stay, and have no issue with it whatsoever. Chase was all about to ditch the idea of eating and settle for the liquor instead, until that fork came up, and he spared Archer a narrow-eyed glance over the top of it, but did take the chicken off his fork. "Jus' be you. S'good enough for me." It wasn't said, of course, until after he'd chewed and swallowed because.. well.. seefood wasn't so great. "'n yeah, I know what y'really meant." Just to clear that up! A light smirk formed and he took another swig of the scotch before settling back against the counter, practically shoulder to shoulder with Archer. And out of the blue, he used his fork to steal some of his noodles. Just because he could.



6/1/2013 3:47 Archer Keating
"I don't know how to be anyone else so yeah, you're stuck with me." He chuckled, watching Chase take the chicken from the fork. Archer finished off his own scotch and sat the glass back on the counter. With the alcohol in his system, Archer found he wasn't really all that hungry. Maybe that's why Chase was not hungry very often. Archer decided to watch that and see if he could make a correlation. "Maybe we need to take one trip. Together. Go back and see Mum. See the old places. Maybe that will help you remember things." It was a random idea and now that he was relaxing from the liquor, he had very little control over what came out of hs mouth. Maybe if he hadn't given blood he would not be as affected by the scotch. "Not today or tomorrow. Just sometime. I think we need to hang around to see how your friend is."



6/1/2013 3:55 Chase Benjamin
"Well since I don't wanna be stuck with anyone else, that'll work," he countered, and after the stolen noodles, went ahead and closed up the leftover chicken from his own order and laid the fork ontop of it; next, the scotch was just about drained, and he tilted his head to the side in thought when Archer suggested making one trip -- together. By the time he sat his glass back down it was empty, and for a second, he was about to refill it again.. but changed his mind about half-way to reaching for the bottle. The random idea wasn't bad, honestly. "Y'don't think she'd.. freak out or somethin'?" That was the last thing he wanted to happen, though he was onboard with the idea-- at least, he would be once Mel was up and scowling at everyone again. "Could be worth'a shot," he said with a light shrug. "I wouldn't mind seein' some of th'old places 'n all.. or seein' your mom." So, chalk that up to a let's do it response. Turning, either arm folded across his chest loosely and he leaned right back against the counter.


********************************************************


6/1/2013 15:10 Chameleon
The pistol whipping made it easier to get the kid from point A to point B with the least amount of fuss. Unconscious was always more compliant. Just because the Chameleon largely worked in other countries did not mean he was unfamiliar with New York or that he didn't have a place to stash the kid. In fact, he often used this particular location when he needed to interview someone. They were sure to remain undisturbed while the Chameleon conducted their .. discussion. He didn't anticipate the talk would last very long and the quandry that the Chameleon found himself facing would be resolved at some point very soon. He just had to wait for the kid to wake up. The room details would be hard for Jack to focus on as he woke up considering that the Chameleon had put him in a chair. Jack's ankles were cuffed to the legs, his wrists were cuffed to the arm rests and he had a ball gag shoved into his mouth and held in place by a very tight leather band that went around his head. The chair was metal so there was nothing to break and no chance for escape until his captor was damn good and ready to let Jack go. A light was situated so that it shone directly into Jack's face to promote the shadowy background in which the Chameleon currently sat on a much more comfortable chair watching the unconscious Jack. Around them there was the occasional sound of subway activity but nothing else that could remotely give away their location. There was a dripping somewhere neary but most creepy interrogation rooms had something like that, didn't they? The floor was concrete under Jack's bare feet. Yes, bare feet. His shoes were gone. In fact, he was bare chested since his shirt was gone too. There was a table in view, sort of. There was a sheet hiding whatever it was that was spread out on the table's surface. Anticipation and the personal imagination of the one being interrogated often were the best tools and the Chameleon knew it.



6/1/2013 15:21 Jack Malone, Jr.
Yeah. Imagine his surprise when he'd turned around just in time to hear that single word right before being knocked into oblivion. It was a hard enough hit, that, he remained out cold for a good, long, while. It wouldn't be until he had unknowingly been de-booted and left bare chested, cuffed to the chair, for at least another hour that his head even lifted just slightly, eyes clenching even tighter closed at the sudden flood of pain through his brain that he hadn't been privy to, thanks to the unconsciousness. Like a hangover, but ten times worse the headache, Junior went to move his hand, but only got as far as lifting his fingers before it became obvious that was not happening. You'd best believe his eyes opened at that point, a hazed stare set first down at his wrist.. and in unison with the shift of his other hand, his eyes snapped to that side as well. What the fucking fuck? His coming to was slow, but quite obvious, and he wasn't at all happy about the position he was currently in, not that he could say so, given the gag, but he did slowly will his head up and back even if just to wince at the bright light that became ten times more apparent upon doing so. The drip, drip, dripping somewhere nearby sounded too distant. And thank god the snake didn't notice the sheeted table just yet. He was more puzzled by the cuffs holding him in place, and the lack of his boots and shirt! Brows knitted slightly and he released something likened to a growled-groaned curse that wasn't at all coherent or even in word form. That came, of course, right before he jerked hard at the cuffs around his wrists only to cause a metal-on-metal clanking before letting his hands drop again to the armrests. What was running through his head just then? Simple. Oh. Fuck.



6/1/2013 15:31 Chameleon
It was the movement that caused the faint tip of a smile to spread into his expression. He let Jack understand the gravity of his situation fully before he spoke. "Good morning, princess. You had a busy day, didn't you?" A faint whisper of a chuckle escaped him. "That was quite the show back on the pier. We'll get to that later though." He stood up and moved closer, letting the light caress his own figure enough to let Jack see who he was dealing with. It was doubtful that Jack would recognize Cham since few actually knew what he looked like. He leaned a hip against the table and let fingertips drag across the sheet. "I have a job to do and you're it, if you haven't already come to that conclusion. You're a smart boy, Jack. I'm sure you can keep up. How this goes depends entirely on you." He flashed a cold smile. "You can nod to let me know you understand."



6/1/2013 15:44 Jack Malone, Jr.
The words indeed were enough to catch and keep his attention and glare captive. No, already he wasn't liking this. Not only because he'd just been called princess but just the entire nature of the situation. It had to have been some bad fucking dream. The pain in his head, however, sang a different tune entirely even when the light hit the figure of the man. Not at all did Junior recognize him, but that wasn't anything unusual; there were numerous people who 'knew' but hadn't ever seen before. In a futile attempt, he tried not to watch the hand dragging across the sheet, and instead kept his gaze hard on the only other in the room as he spoke -- and he, for once, could not. The anger was hot and burning, and in no time at all, just from the fury alone, his eyes were watering-- well, that, and he was all but refusing to blink. He could've played it two ways. Go the P.O.W. route, or.. nod. Just a simple fucking gesture. However he didn't know the situation - though he very well could keep up, - and the mention of a job had clicked instantly. For a long moment, he did nothing. Nothing at all. He didn't move, twitch, or flinch.. and just stared hard - even if it was only with one eye, for the time being. Then? Then came the incline of his chin upwards slightly. A nod of sorts, but nothing more.



6/1/2013 15:52 Chameleon
Cham was a patient man. It was a trait that Jack might come to really hate. He waited, hazel eyes on the boy while the war took place inside. His lips twitched slightly in a faint grin, indicating he was enjoying the show. The seconds ticked by and Cham watched, waiting, the cat playing with his mouse. Once he got the nod he gave one back. "Good boy." It was whispered in a tone that was hard to peg; condescending? Maybe. Approving? Perhaps. He didn't say anything in reply. He simply stood and tugged the sheet so that the tools could be in full view. Tools .. it was an interview after all. Cham picked something up and came around behind the chair, tipping it back and propping it against the custom created device. It latched onto the chair in the back and, with the other end firmly on the ground, allowed the chair to remain in a tilted back position quite easily. If he squirmed too much he might tip the chair over but that wouldn't do much good, would it? He would simply be stuck to the chair on his side instead of stuck in the chair leaning back. Cham patted Jack's head as he went back around to the table. He selected a towel and approached again, a flicker of a smile that might actually be fueled by anticipation. "Here's how this is going to work. I ask questions. You nod. If I don't think you're telling the truth, I'll give you some encouragement and allow you to change your answer. Got it?" He dropped the towel on Jack's lap and disappeared out of view. The sound of something dragging came shortly after that and Cham was once more in Jack's range of sight. He was holding a hose that was dripping water. "First question. This is the easy one. Do you want to live?"



6/1/2013 16:01 Jack Malone, Jr.
Regardless of the intent behind the whispered tone, this was Jack after all, and Jack wasn't ever on the opposite end of the stick. It still would have received a sneer, and he most definitely took it as condescending. All at once, when the sheet was removed to expose the tools, his gaze dropped to it and then shifted quickly back to the man as he moved to tip the chair back. Out of reflex, he went to jerk a leg forward in an attempt to balance; the proverbial action taken by a student at school right before they landed dead-smack on their back, after being warned of leaning their chair back on two legs. Even if he didn't even get that far. The pat to his head caused it to jerk quickly to the side, but the movement wasn't near enough to tip the chair for now. Jack offered no answer to the runown of how things were going to work, and only glanced at the towel that was dropped on his lap before the other had disappeared again. This time, his head craned back as if he were trying to keep his sights on him, even if it was fairly impossible until he'd came back around.. this time, holding the hose. The question that was asked.. really? Did he have to think on it? Not hardly; regardless of how fucked up and skewed he was, he wasn't the type to just want to roll over, show his belly, and take death easily. So, given the circumstances, he nodded in a similar fashion as before.



6/1/2013 16:07 Chameleon
"Good boy. I expected that." He stayed where he was, holding the hose watching his prisoner. "Shows some spirit. Next question. Do you really think I'm going to let you live?" The words came out whispered without any emotion. His thumb flicked the end of the hose to open the latch that had been keeping the water in check except for that dripping. Now the water poured free in a gentle stream as if the source only was at the half way open mark. He let some of the icy cold water hit Jack's bare feet, first one and then the other and then back. "Be honest with yourself and think before you answer, kid."



6/1/2013 16:15 Jack Malone, Jr.
Despite the response, and next question, you'd best believe he was multi-tasking. Trying to the best of his damned ability to figure out a loop hole to even begin the task of getting free; but goddamn if that water wasn't cold. The cringe was visible as the icy water hit his feet, one by one, then back again and if there'd been a flicker of fire in his eyes before, it grew to a near-inferno at that point.. even if all he did was slowly clench his fingers into a tight fist. Both hands. As for the answer, however. Was Jack stupid? By no means. Even if he'd obviously been bested, and just maybe he'd still been a little too hot-headed when he put his plan into motion. Did he think he'd walk out of here unscathed, or better yet, alive? He knew the odds. If it was he on the other side, holding that hose, he knew what his own answer would have been. Thus, he shrugged. For a split second, that was it.. but oh, right,.. he shook his head once, in signal. Negative.



6/1/2013 16:20 Chameleon
He flipped the hose up once he got that negative head shake, the water climbing one leg and then landing briefly on Jack's chest. "I knew you were smart kid. But I have a problem. I was hired to kill you. I was also hired to keep you alive." He chuckled and flipped the end of the hose back into place, the water effectively cut off for now. He dropped the hose and stepped around behind Jack, with an expert hand he loosened the strap holding the gag into place. "They paid the same amount too so it comes down to what kind of a mood I'm in as to which contact I decide to take." He jerked the gag out of Jack's mouth and stepped back to the table, dropping the gag next to the scalple, knives and razors. He turned once more to regard Jack, hip leaning against the table. "You're going to help me decide."



6/1/2013 16:27 Jack Malone, Jr.
The cold water moving up was clearly the motive of the arch to the side he attempted, and the harsh intake of breath when it reached his chest. It was the instant pins and needles effect, similar to jumping off the highive into the pool on a still not-hot-enough-to-swim day. ..Not that he'd done that in years, but hey. It's what he would have thought of, had he not been getting angrier by the second. Dull nails had driven into his palms hard enough to leave indents, and turn his knuckles white even as the water was cut off and the other was explaining his dilemma. He was surprisingly still as that strap was loosened, and the gag was jerked out of his mouth. One would have thought he'd be quick to say something - anything - but at first, all he could do was flex his jaw and retrain his glare on the man who'd taken the casual lean against the table. "Am I?" he questioned, finally, but it was a monotone sort of answer. Dulled completely, void of the anger that still brewed in those dark depths of his eyes. "Y'gotta mood disorder? Can't pick just one? Or, am I just the tie-breaker?" The snark was evident, by that point regardless of the lack of a smirk or grin.



6/1/2013 16:31 Chameleon
He didn't move after taking his lean against the table. He let Jack spout off in those initial moments of vocal freedom. Only after Jack went silent and a few seconds ticked off between them did Cham speak again. "I can pick. It's much cleaner to kill you. But that someone else is willing to keep you alive caught my curiosity. I can't find a single redeeming quality that would make me choose to keep you alive. You're sloppy. You let your personal feelings get in the way of your objective. From what I've read, your objective has kicked your ass more than once. Are you inept or just trying for a bigger payoff somewhere down the road?" He shook his head. "Your attitude is not helping your longevity. I suggest you focus on the issues at hand. You have no pride right now. You are living from one second to the next because I wish it. Irritate me and I will end you, boy. Then I'll forget you."



6/1/2013 16:39 Jack Malone, Jr.
He clenched his jaw once, but only as if to reset it and rid the feeling of that gag having been in place. ..Probably should've paid attention to the idea of being taught how to handle adverse situations, eh, Junior? The entire while the man spoke again, it was inevitable that even the slightest thing - such as the droplets of water rolling down his chest - irritated him to the point of irrationally (because, it was quite clear it wasn't possible) jerking a hand as if he were going to wipe them away. The inability to do such a simplistic thing caused either arm to jerk hard, even if he got nowhere fast. Personal feelings got in the way of his objective? It was kind of odd; the first time he reacted to something to do with a personal issue, and it landed him in this spot. A bitter smirk formed and stuck in place long after he was told he had no pride right then. Even if he remained silent, merely rolling it through his head -- all the things that had just been said. They were neither affirmed or denied. "Then it's just a matter of time." Before he was dead and forgotten. Jack had a damn good knack for irritating people. "If irritation is the game, perhaps we should speed it up before you have no choice but to end me." Especially now that he could talk.



6/1/2013 16:47 Chameleon
He lithely edged his way off the table then moved with surprising speed toward the bound and still tipped back in his chair Jack. His hand came back and struck but somewhere in there the gun had once more appeared in his hand. The butt of the pistol aimed at Jack's jaw for a punishing strike then Cham spun the weapon and shot three time toward the ceiling to get the end of the pistol hot before pressing that newly discharged weapon against Jack's temple. "Convince me not to."



6/1/2013 17:22 Jack Malone, Jr.
For a split second, at least, he watched bemusedly as the man moved for him.. but the butt of the pistol crashing into his jaw was enough to lure any hint of the beginning of smirk or grin from even forming, and he stared off to the side instead with a stare that was worthy of shooting red hot lazer beams at the concrete floor. The three shots fired into the air didn't drag him out of it, but you'd best believe when the heated muzzle of the gun pressed against his temple, he further turned his head to the side in attempt to pull away from it. Aside from a hissed intake of breath between clenched teeth espite the throb in his jaw - he didn't say a fucking word, or even let it be known that it caused a pain worth noting. Convince him not to end him? It was nearly impossible to withhold the cackle, even as strained as it may have been before he let his eyes drop closed. Just incase. Just incase that pistol discharged again. Was this where he was supposed to bring up something deeply supportive of his cause? Maybe whimper a few times? He had no argument to make, and quite frankly, it was piss-poor sad. "What d'you want?" He cleared his throat, and turned his head despite the weapon pressed against it, so that he could watch up at the man at the other end of it.



6/1/2013 17:30 Chameleon
He pulled the gun back, an expression finally allowed to creep across his features. Hell if he didn't look amused. Cham holstered the weapon. He stepped back to the table and selected something that looked like a syringe. There was something inside but it didn't look like a liquid. No warning. He simply leaned forward, pressed the business end of the tool against Jack's stomach and pulled the trigger. That solid somthing was thrust deep into his body, lodging between his stomach and other organs. Pain? Hell yes. He jerked it back and surprisingly there was no blood or other mark to indicate that anything had just been planted inside Jack's body. Cham's next move was to quickly unlock the cuffs holding Jack to the chair. Make no mistake, he was still cautious but apparently he'd gotten what he wanted. "Make the wrong move and I detonate the little present I just put inside you. You won't die immediately but you'll wish to god you would. Kill me, same scenario." He looked back at Jack and flashed a half smile. "Got it?"



6/1/2013 17:39 Jack Malone, Jr.
Only when the weapon was drawn back and holstered did Junior lift his head fully, even if it was just to give it a quick shake once the other's back was turned. He even took a moment to spit out the pooling blood mixed with spit before resting his head back again. For once, he wasn't at all sure what to make of the situation; not to mention, his head was pounding something fierce. Puppyog eyes rolled closed briefly, but snapped right back open upon the sound of the footsteps returning and when the syringe-like tool was pressed against his stomach - he went rigid. Enough to straighten in the chair upon the thrust that landed that solid object in his gut. Only then did he recoil, more than likely an attempt to lurch forward at the pain it presented. There wasn't a hiss of breath that time, but a hard nudge of his jaw against his own shoulder and it was evidenced by the kick-up in his breathing that it had, indeed, hurt. He barely even moved while the cuffs were unlocked. It took him a minute to regain enough barings to even do so, but he wavered and stood up from the tilted chair.. and then used it as a brace to hold himself up. His white-knuckled grip on the arm rest and the back of it. He didn't miss the flashed half-smile, nor did he miss the warning given, but it was neither here nor there just then. "What is it?" Either he was on the verge of cracking, or he was truly curious. Either which way.



6/1/2013 17:51 Chameleon
"It's a toxin held within a casing that, if I compromise the casing by detonation, will cause you a very serious downturn in your health." He was packing up his tools into a bag that sat on the table. A glance went over his shoulder to regard the boy catching his breath and trying to get his bearings. He almost said something else but then went back to packing up his tools. Another cuople of seconds later he added, "I've decided you might be worth putting some energy into." The tone wasn't entirely convincing. "Either way, I get paid so I don't really give a fuck which way this goes. You fail in anything I tell you to do, I kill you and go get paid. You learn a few things, you straighten your ass out, you live. I get paid. See how that goes?"



6/1/2013 18:00 Jack Malone, Jr.
A toxin. That was more than enough to have one hand releasing it's clamped position on the chair, only so he coud reach up and pinch at the bridge of his nose.. and though his fingers dug in near the corners of his eyes, he listened on. Every instinct in him told him to react: to do something more than stand there like the wild-eyed, drunk on anger, young man he was. It was likely the reason that as soon as he'd succeeded in causing the flesh beneath his finger and thumb to go white, that he dropped his hand right back to the chair, even as unsteady as it was by that point. He wasn't paying attention to the fact that the man was packing up his tools, or had even glanced at him while doing so. He wanted to fucking snap. Worth putting some energy into? Just as his mouth opened to counter that with .. whatever he would have, he went silent again before even the first syllable could be enunciated. Of course he saw how it went; it was all the same for him, too, sans this new little.. predicament. "Always about fuckin' money." Not that he gave two fucks, really. There was a long pause before he bothered standing fully, despite the haze that still held his true vision captive. "And what would that be, praytell? All mighty puppeteer, is it? You say jump, I jump and die.. or don't jump, and die." Irony at it's finest.



6/1/2013 18:06 Chameleon
"Of course it is. I have a very specific skill set and I am not picky about who I use them for. Right now, that skill set will be to keep you alive so long as I feel you deserve to keep living. You're going to start by telling me what the fuck you were doing on the pier today." He clicked the case shut. A soft whirring confirmed that it was sealed. He turned again and looked Jack over. "You don't look like much but I read your file. Are you ready to up your game or would you rather keel over and continue being mediocre?"



6/1/2013 18:13 Jack Malone, Jr.
Those eyes closed again, and he blindly reached to jerk the chair out of the tilted position just so he could drop down into it. Instinctively, an arm curled around his gut; hell, he'd just gotten over being shot way too many times, and that jab did very little to reinforce the not feeling any pain zone of it all. He'd be kept alive so long as he felt he was worth keeping alive. Right. Got it. .. Didn't quite believe it, but he got it. The whirring of the case drew his attention over, even if only briefly, the question put on halt for a moment just for the mentioning that his own file had been read.. and another question. Lord, he'd need a doubleose of Excederin to keep up-- if he were going to try. "They got in my way. All of 'em. The detective, the one I shot - made it personal. So I handled it." ..And in turn, got handled? Seemed it'd turned into a double-edged sword he'd sunk himself on, that time. "Up my game, you say. I don't <i>keel</i> over." And that was as best an answer he was going to get out of Junior. He hunched forward, either elbow resting down on his thighs long enough to prop his forehead up on his knuckles.



6/1/2013 18:21 Chameleon
"You handled it." He shook his head slightly, eyes roaming over the kid. The boy was in for some serious 'back to basics' at the hand of Cham but at the moment he let him rest. He whispered another chuckle. "I expected you wouldn't. Get dressed." He threw Jack's shirt at him then tossed his boots on the floor by his chair. His socks were stuck inside. No gun though. No badge. Nothing identifying. "We're going for a walk, kid. You still have some explaining to do." His own bag was carried to a locker and slid inside. After the locker door was closed, it gave a soft whirring sound then a click. It was also locked. "Do you like being a half-trained pansy for a government that doesn't give a fuck about who you are or what you can do?"



6/1/2013 18:30 Jack Malone, Jr.
He at least caught the shirt and pulled it back on, but didn't bother trying to recuff the sleeves; he couldn't have cared if he tried, at the moment. The buttons were done up haphazardly, lazily, and he leaned forward to begin the process of pulling on his socks and boots. The lack of his gun was unsettling; anything else he'd worry about later. Going for a fucking walk? This guy couldn't be serious. And for the time, he remained firmly planted in that chair, tightly lacing and tying his boots back up. The question received a scoff at first, and he waited until he'd finished tying his boot before leaning back up. "If I [d]did[/b], why would I make certain to do things outside of their guidelines?" Question for question, but he shook his head, nevertheless. Even if it all but swirled afterwards. Shoving back up to stand came a little easier at least, even if he would've much rather stayed in that damned chair.. ..sans the cuffs. "Besides. I don't give a fuck about who they are, either." As if that wasn't obvious. Sure, there was a deeper reason as to why he was even involved.



[b]6/1/2013 18:35 Chameleon
"Oh. Of course. I get it." He sighed a sound that just about any parent might heave when their kid is really testing their patience. It was almost as if the kid had a death wish. And there it clicked. "Okay Deathwish, let's go." He headed for the door then paused to look back at him. "You really should give a fuck because when you do, you can really find out where the sweet spots are and learn how to be a little more subtle. It's usually a hell of a lot more effective, takes less work, and you end up with a bigger payoff." He didn't open the door yet. He was still looking Jack over. "Now, you're going to walk out of here and know exactly how to get back here. It'll be a safe house for you if you need it. You betray me, there is no level of hell I won't go through to find you. Are we clear?"



6/1/2013 18:42 Jack Malone, Jr.
Junior had given fair warning that he was capable of being rather irritating, hadn't he? Deathwish. The newfound nickname was set aside in his brain, much like when Mel had called him a blacksnake. Oddly, though, he found the latter more fitting. A few steps were taken, before he halted again. "Give a fuck 'bout a corporation paid for in full by everyone's taxes. No. ..Give a fuck about doin' things more subtly? Maybe." He much preferred the reactions he could usually even from a distance, watch and revel in. But he didn't say as much just then, and instead glanced at the door before those deep browns lifted to the man again. Betrayal. He could have tried.. there was no question about it, but thus far - other than being frozen with cold water, burned with a hot pistol, and knocked upside with it too, did he have to argue with? He was, after all, walking. "So it would seem," he started, only shoving his hands into his empty pockets. ..The device, though. "What'd you do with the box?" Because that wasn't his..



6/1/2013 18:53 Chameleon
He didn't trust the kid as far as he could throw him in all reality but he decided to ignore the attitude and work with the rest. "That's a start." He pulled the door open stepped out, allowing Jack to follow. No, he didn't initially answer that question but once he was out of the room he glanced back. "It's put away." Everything was put away at the moment. "You don't exist at the moment so you don't have toys. You need to earn those privileges." He was in an access tunnel that ran parallel to the trains. It was not often used and when the door to the little haven was closed, it was nearly invisible unless you were looking for the pressure point that was the door knob. Cham lead the way away from the interrogation room to a stairwell that went both up and down. He chose up but didn't go first. He waved for Jack to go ahead. Once up the stairs, they would be in another tunnel that went only one way. And then, well, things would get really interesting.



6/1/2013 19:01 Jack Malone, Jr.
Nothing out of the usual, as far as he was concerned. He wasn't the trustworthy type, and he'd made it clear repeatedly. He followed, albeit a bit reluctantly, out the door.. and strangely, his step didn't falter at the response given in concern of the device that he was missing. "That's all fine 'n dandy, but it isn't mine. It was on lease." Didn't exist, didn't have toys.. psh. So long as he didn't go back to his apartm-- wait, fuck, he didn't even have the glock. The memory sunk into his head, heavy like a brick and all he did was shake it while following into the access tunnel. A shift of dark eyes was all it took, however, and he was only a bit uncomfortable with the idea of following through it to the stairwell, and he paused even upon the wave of the man's hand. Damn right he was skeptical of heading up first, though, eventually he relented and did so even if it was slow and deliberate, as if he were trying to listen to whatever sounds the other would potentially be making behind him. Once at the top, he stopped and eyed the tunnel without ever stepping out into it. "..Alright. Th'fuck're we going? Believe me, I don't expect pain killers and shit, but I wasn't exactly feelin' like a stroll through god-only-knows where, either."



6/1/2013 19:07 Chameleon
He planted a hand in the center of Jack's back and shoved to get him walking. "Boo hoo, Princess. Keep walking." He followed close behind and guided the kid to another door. It opened as they approached. All the contruction in this new area seemed out of place some how. It looked right to be part of the maintenance hatches but the sounds of the trains were farther away. Inside the door was an elevator. He made sure Jack was inside and then pushed a button, one of two, on the panel and then waited. "You whine a lot. I hope we can train that out of you." He didn't look at Jack but he was very much aware of what Jack was doing.



6/1/2013 19:13 Jack Malone, Jr.
The shove wasn't received well by any means, but he only straightened his shoulders out after that half-step and continued walking. Princess. Twice now. Damn right it was getting under his skin. When the next door opened, he didn't bother stopping and just continued on along the way through the would-be maintenance tunnel. The sound of trains though was memorized for later. He eased into the elevator willingly enough, though slouched against the wall heavily before the door closed and the button was pushed. "I don't fuckin' whine. Bear with th'sounds of discontent. ..See how you feel after all that bullshit." It was as stated; he'd just quit having to fuss over stitches and the feel of unsettled metal shards in his gut. So, being roughed up - even if it wasn't nearly as bad - left a rather foul taste in his mouth, and apparently in his words. It just .. wasn't something he was used to. Much like the man didn't look at him, he wasn't looking at him. Jack's stare was on the floor, at least, for the time being.



6/1/2013 19:18 Chameleon
The door finally opened after a long ride upward. This time it was in what appeared to be a closet. He pushed the clothes aside and Cham stepped out then waved for Jack to follow. "Come on." He didn't say much else but be sure to know that if Jack didn't come, he'd get dragged out by his hair and then probably spanked for not listening. He pushed open the closet doors and they were in a penthouse bedroom. There was a panorama of the New York skyline that was breathtaking. Cham didn't stop to look. He knew what the bedroom looked like. It was ultra modern and decorated in shades of white and gray with silver. He headed for the door and ended up in a very spacious and living room. This penthouse took up one quarter of the top floor and the windows showed another view of the skyline. Cham went to the bar. "Sit." He lifted a bottle of Jack. "You want a drink? You look like you could use one."



6/1/2013 19:25 Jack Malone, Jr.
You could take it for what it was worth; Jack was incredibly confused by where they'd wound up after that elevator ride up. Clothes. Really? A closet? It was almost humorous to him, given his current befuddled and .. defeated state of mind, and he couldn't help but smirk. He'd done well up until that point, and almost as if he were doing it to humor him, Jack followed through and into the penthouse bedroom. Both hands raised just to rake through his hair that was surely a mess before falling to rest at the nape of his neck in a similar fashion to how the police would have you put your hands before telling you to get on your knees. It lasted only a moment, however, and he didn't bother glancing out at the skyline either, merely because he'd been raised (if you could call it that) here, and it was nothing new. Then, he was on the move again, following with a shuffled step to the door, and into the living room portion. Dropping down at the bar, it took a milisecond for his elbow to drop on the counter, and his head to fall into his palm.. even if the guy lifted a bottle of his preferred, out of all others, choice drink. Incredulous, then, he glanced up without lifting his head. "..Is this where I say 'fuck yeah,' and then you say 'too bad'?" The words were dull and dry, but sarcastic at best. The things he expected.. "For the record, yes, I'd like a drink."



6/1/2013 19:35 Chameleon
"I'm an ass but even I'm not that big of a prick. Well. I've had my moments. But not today." He poured a rocks glass to the brim and slid it across the bartop to Jack. He didn't opt for Jack for himself. The bottle found a place on the bartop within easy reach of Jack before Cham got his own drink. His choice was Gray Goose vodka over ice with a dash of Cointreau. "I have to admit, never have I had two contracts on the same head like this before." He took a lean against the back bar and studied the kid.



6/1/2013 19:43 Jack Malone, Jr.
That, at least, was worthy of a smirk. When the glass was slid across the bartop, he took it up and forced his head up off his hand long enough to take a couple of decent-sized swigs from it. No, he wouldn't put up a fuss about actually being given a drink after it was offered-- it was probably more than he would have done, to be honest. Even if most of the situations he'd put others in hadn't ever went as far as this. It was usually cutting a deal, regardless of what it was, and cutting them loose. The glass was set back down, even if his fingers remained resting around the glass. While the other man went about making his own drink, Junior took to rubbing at his temple.. and his eyes were closed, at least, until the other spoke again. "Makes things interesting, I'm sure," he retorted. "So why decide not to fuckin' just kill me off, get paid, 'n go on?" It could've been genuine curiosity, even as dull as it came off as sounding. He knew of a good -- ... ten people who would've killed him without as much as batting an eyelash. He lifted his head again and forced his eyes open.



6/1/2013 19:54 Chameleon
"That's a very good question." He took a good sized mouthful of his own drink then exhaled slowly. "The keeping you alive contract came in first. I read your file. I'd like to think I got to know you a little. Someone was worried, hired someone to look out for you. And that worry seemed to be justified since I got the second contract sent my way. I think my boss thinks it was humorous or he didn't want to risk any of his other assets trying to kill you while I was looking out for you. The decision was put in my hands and now, here I am." He took another drink, savoring the flavor of the Cointreau and the smooth heat of the vodka. "You have potential. I've been looking for something interesting. Let's see what sort of potential you have."



6/1/2013 20:03 Jack Malone, Jr.
Someone was worried? About him? He wasn't quite sure what to think of that, considering the only one person he knew cared about him without a doubt wouldn't have been able to afford to do such a thing. And the sheer idea of it all was nearly enough to have him right close and ready to cracking again; bouncing back and forth, it seemed, was and had happened quite a bit within the last little while. The near stoic calm, the ability to follow.. then the all out rage that left him wanting to pummel something, or someone, into a bloodied mess of nothingness. "Doesn't make sense," he pointed out, though it was just a mutter muffled by the glass before he took another drink. He wouldn't even expect his own mother to worry about him being kept alive; now, someone wanting him dead? That was more suitable. And it settled in his mind a hell of a lot easier than the first. "You think I have potential.. just from reading my file?" Again, he shook his head, but lowered his gaze thoughtfully. "I'm not sure what you consider interesting," he trailed, a widening of his eyes to express the obvious confusion. "Y'know what.. whatever," Yeah, it sounded like a kid, but he couldn't have cared any less in that moment. "I'll be'a fuckin' puppet."



6/1/2013 20:09 Chameleon
"I know it doesn't but that's what we have." He took another drink and watched Jack internalize the situation. What had he seen in the kid? There was a ruthlessness that Cham liked but there was a certain lack of discipline that Cham did not like. That could be fixed though. "Something different. Something challenging." He sounded almost bored with his current job and maybe Jack represented something interesting. He ended up rolling his eyes though at the puppet comment. He put his glass down and took a quick step forward. He grabbed Jack by his shirt and hauled him up and in close until Jack was sprawled across the bar. With his face right in Jack's, Cham hissed at him, "I don't want a fucking puppet! Grow some balls and stop whining like a cock sucking barbie. Was I wrong about you? Do you really want to live and be a part of a bigger world?"



6/1/2013 20:16 Jack Malone, Jr.
Something different and challenging. Hn. That much, at least, he could have claimed to be; had he been thinking on that sort of brainwave. He most definitely was ruthless, and did indeed lack discipline-- but that could've been expected, given the unstructured upbringing that would have instilled something of the sort. There were a lot of things he lacked, like the ability to take things lightly, even when he was seemingly as defeated as he was just then. The sudden grab of his shirt that hauled him up and close only pulled a grunt out of him, and he all but slammed a palm down against the counter the best he could, given the fact he was across the bar and face-to-face with the man hissing at him. In that instance, all Junior did was set his jaw and stare straight ahead at him. Damn if all his buttons weren't being pushed all at once! "Hey. You're the one who's got me tethered by some.. fucking coated toxic substance inside me now sayin' I do what you say, or die. If that don't say puppet.. I don't know what does." Had he a pack, just then, he probably would've lit one up despite the given position. "..Wrong? No. Not likely. But, I call it like I see it."



6/1/2013 20:21 Chameleon
The roll of his eyes came with a flicker of exasperation. "You're focusing on the circumstances and not trying to be a problem solver, Jack." He shoved him hard backward, hard enough to hopefully make the kid miss the chair and fall on his ass. Cham came around the bar to advance on him again. "There is always an advantage. There is always a way out. You have an objective and you better fulfill it at any cost. The battles are won and lost right here." He tapped his own temple. It was mind over matter, problem solving that Cham expected. "I'm offering you training and a way to be better than you are and you're whining about the little things. Jesus, kid!"



6/1/2013 20:31 Jack Malone, Jr.
There wasn't even as much as a blink from him before he'd been shoved backward, and he did indeed miss his chair; it was by chance alone that he didn't managed to catch himself before landing on his ass instead, but with a kick up, he was up to his feet again -- even if it was a bit slower than what he could have usually done. Thus, by the time Cham advanced on him, he was standing and watching right on down to the tap to the guy's temple. Yeah, well, problem-solving had never been his strong point. Reacting, though? He had that down pat. Still, he drew in a deep breath and exhaled it in the form of a sigh, full of exhasperation. Whining about the little things.. it wasn't little to him. Especially when he'd at least half-way gotten it right, earlier. Sure, he coud have been neater about things.. but it wouldn't have been nearly as satisfying to him. After a second, he shook his head slowly and threw his hands up both figuratively and literally. "Look," he started, much more cooly than before. "It's fucking weird, alright? My head is a goddamn mess." Not outside, but inside. And he had no problem admitting that just then. "Nothin' wrong with the idea of being trained, and being better.. but.. ..fuck..." ... "Why the hell am I even trying to explain?" Sudden realization? Whatever it was, it snapped him out of the cooled disposition. "Train me, then." No more puppet talk, even if it'd take him a while to look at it from a different angle. It was hard to do such a thing when he was more the react and go type.



6/1/2013 20:44 Chameleon
He folded his arms across his chest and just stared at Jack as the boy tried to get his brains engaged in the situation. Cham blew out his own breath and finally let his arms fall when Jack admitted to being a mess. That was a start and the rest, well he saw that as a good sign too. "Okay. That's better." Cham walked up to him and put his hand out, offering a hand shake. "You can call me Ian. I may be your worst nightmare but when we're done, you are going to be a different man." He made that promise with sincerity. He liked what the kid had just said and was feeling better about the idea of training him, making him better than he was. "If you want it."



6/1/2013 20:55 Jack Malone, Jr.
It was honestly just one of those days where he would have holed himself up in his apartment, and hit the bottle a little harder than usual. Things didn't often get sthis fucked up, as far as the way he worked was concerned. And while it left him nearly spooked, it put him on that little ledge between being intimidated, and being accepting. Jack was most definitely the kind to fight every step of the way, when something set wrong in his mind.. even if it wasn't that wrong. When the man relented though, he didn't push it any further. He'd said his piece, and that was just about all he had, even if his brain was churning a mile a minute trying to put everything into the right place. Instead of digressing to the point of more venom being spat, he glanced down at the offered hand, and a second later matched it with his own. And while he wasn't necessarily big, by any means - didn't look like much - he did, at least, have a firm handshake. "Alright, then. Ian," though he paused. "Yeah, I want it." it was said off-handedly, before he up and said something else stupid. He was entirely too prone to sarcasm and the like. After releasing his hand, Jack dropped back on the chair an was quick to take up the glass even if there was a touch of a jitter or a shake in his hand that received a glare before he lifted it, and left it halfrained before resting it back down. "... What about th'phone? You turn it off?" Should have been a given.



6/1/2013 21:00 Chameleon
"Good." His smile was actually a little more relaxed. Not that Cham ever really relaxed fully. His eyes lingered on Jack as he went back to claim his drink. If he noticed the shake in his hand, Cham had enough grace not to mention it. About the phone, Cham chuckled. "It was off before I took you out of the stairwell." He took a seat next to Jack and reached over the bar for his own drink. "You can stay here tonight. There is a change of clothes for you in the guest bedroom." And other supplies too including his very own brand of shampoo and soap, clean towels and his aftershave. Cham had done his homework. He took a couple of swallows and then glanced at Jack again. "Your place is being watched by another group who want to see you dead." He figured the explaination might help Jack not rabbit out in the middle of the night. "I figured it might be best for you to not go back there."



6/1/2013 21:09 Jack Malone, Jr.
It was just one of those 'things.' Jack never relaxed, which caused quite the amount of frustration for the little things. But he was really trying, at least by that point, to not let it creep up on him as it so typically did. At least the phone was off; that solved two problems, and created another that he was all ready to bring up before Ian seated himself next to him and mentioned staying here for the night. Of course, that deserved explanation, and so he kept quiet until it had come. Really, rabbiting out in the middle of the night would have been something that had crossed his mind, but.. that went out the window, not to say that he was truly worried by the idea of his place being watched. Not for himself anyway. "Yeah, maybe not.." he trailed, and took another hefty drink from the glass before settling it back on the counter. "Look. My phone'll explode when it's turned back on." Not literally. "My girl will flat out blow it up. When I don't answer, she shows up." And there was his whole.. damn.. reason. The reason behind what he'd done on the pier. "Anyway to keep her away from my apartment?" If nothing else was genuine, the glance he shot the man then, was.



6/1/2013 21:12 Chameleon
He shot a glance at Jack and there was a moment of silence before he finally nodded. It was the first real communication from the kid. Cham wasn't going to blow that by treating this as anything less than the big deal it was to Jack. "I'll take care of it." A phone call would be made and the girl friend would be kept safely away from the apartment. It was another brick in that trust thing. He reached for his own cell phone and sent the text. It was very short and read, 'take care of the other matter we discussed.' Nothing else. He shot one more look at Jack and nodded. "Done."



6/1/2013 21:21 Jack Malone, Jr.
He nodded once in response. It was a sure-fire thing, really, that he mostly expected it to be thrown back in his face somehow.. and color him surprised when the guy really did reach for his phone and fired off a short message. It went beyond good, really, as far as a building brick. "I appreciate it." His opposite elbow planted down on the counter top, just so he could wedge his hand in the mess of choppy, but not so-much stylishly spiked, brown hair atop his head and leaned into it. "..Pretty much all I got." The rest was materialistic and for show. The car, the nice things he had.. he couldn't have cared less about it. Finishing off the first glass of black-label, he reached for the bottle smoothly enough and dumped another glass-ful out, even if afterwards, he just let his hand rest there beside it. "So what happens if I fuck up.. y'know with th'whole.. training thing.." Because, he didn't really get the idea that he'd walk away from it, if by chance nothing sunk in and stuck.



6/1/2013 21:25 Chameleon
He just shook his head slightly in answer. No real words were needed at that point. You're welcome seemed to patronizing. He took another drink and shot a quick look at Jack. All he had. There was a time in his own life when he'd had the same thought. Now he had an ex-wife who thought he was dead. And really, the guy she'd married was dead. He almost told the kid that he'd get over her and move on but instead kept his thoughts to himself. Women only got in the way. Pay for it or charm for it but never tie yourself to it. Yeah, that was Cham's philosophy. And all other times, the hand worked too. The second thing the kid mentioned got a quick chuckle. "Don't worry, Kid. There's fuck up and then there's fuck me. You can fuck up but don't fuck me. Got it?"



6/1/2013 21:33 Jack Malone, Jr.
It made sense, really. Even in his own skewed head. "Got it," he said, easily enough.. but then, knowing him, when his chin raised that notch something else was sure to follow. In all reality, it could have been anything - so long as it was sarcastic - and it so certainly was. "I think I fucked myself enough earlier. So, we'll just leave it at fuck up." The whole stairwell incident. He still wasn't entirely sure what had happened, though, then again.. he remembered right up to realizing the door was locked, and then the so-casually said 'oops.' That was the extent of it. No answers as to why. And funny how that was the only thing he seemed concerned about, when he'd definitely mind fucked a good four people beforehand. "I checked that fucking thing twice.." as if he were replaying it in his head. "I fixed the one door, checked the inside one twice. And then its all the sudden locked." ... But, when articulated, it.. almost clicked. Instead of saying anymore aloud, he just turned a sidelong glance in Ian's direction and snared the glass up for a longer, much more needed, drink.



6/1/2013 21:37 Chameleon
He didn't say anything because it was more interesting to let other people say things. That's how you learned things. Or helped other people end up on a realization. He kept his focus apparently on his drink until that click almost happened. He took a sip and then looked at Jack with a half smile. "MMhmm.. interesting that." His brow flickered up and then his focus was all on the drink again. Let the kid think he had messed with the door. Let him think that Cham was wiley enough to have gotten into the inner workings of his plan. That sort of mind game could only work to his advantage later. And he liked events to be stacked in his favor.



6/1/2013 21:47 Jack Malone, Jr.
Whatever the case may be, he wasn't at all thrilled that his menacing plan had all but been thwarted. ..Though, then again, who knew? If he'd made it make to his place.. he could've been dead. See the dilemma? Junior didn't know what to think about shit, and it was fucking with him. Sure, he was leaning more towards the idea that Ian had gotten there before he had -- or, perhaps it was just the stupid fucking janitor deciding to do his job right for a change. Regardless, the fact was, he didn't fuck up like that. The response got a snorted back laugh, and not because he found it funny, he was just.. damn near to the point of losing his mind. He didn't like being one-upped, and most definitely didn't do well with fucking up. It was just one of those things; a standard that he'd set and followed. ..Of course, it wasn't the first time that his plan had fallen through. At least this one partially got carried out. "That device that's put up.. don't let it get into the wrong hands." Uh, like his own?! Hah! "Those people are some of the last ones I want on the list of people wantin' me dead." Namely because, well, when you worked with such a secretive group.. you knew what they were capable of. Another drink, another drop of his elbow, and his fist served as a shelf for his forehead. "..Fuck." Funny. That word had been in his vocabulary quite a bit, here lately.


********************************************************


6/1/2013 22:04 Maura Blake
The Intensive Care Unit of Memorial Hospital was located on the tenth floor, one story above the operating rooms and two below the cafeteria. Rows of rooms occupied both sides of the building, separated by a nurses station that ran the length of the entire floor. Monitors and machinery checked on every patient in their care, and the rooms were offered little by way of privacy. Should an examination take place, the only source of privacy came in the form of a light curtain that covered the front panel of the windowed wall and the door. Each room contained only one patient --and that patient was supposed to have only one visitor at a time, for only a select number of hours. But the staff soon learned that the likes of Maura Elizabeth Blake did not adhere to some rules. The term 'visiting hours' did not apply to her, or anyone else who tried to spend time with the Detective. She spent the day by Mel's beside, either seated on the edge of a hard chair or took a perch on the end of his bed. Every so often she'd be interrupted by a doctor or nurse, or a random visitor. On each instance, she summoned all her strength to either obtain information about his progress or manage a cordial enough conversation. She had finally cleaned the blood off her hands and face -- ordered to do so when Kerri showed up hours earlier with a box of food from the restaurant. Not that Maura ate. But she took the change of clothes and spent over forty-five minutes scrubbing the caked blood from her skin. Time was a blur, and she stopped paying attention to the clock on the wall. She had fallen asleep at some point, resting the curve of her backside on the chair and leaned forward to make a pillow of the hospital bed. Her right hand held onto Mel's, careful to not disrupt one of the monitors hooked to his index finger. The detective was still and silent, bandaged on the throat, and sported tubes of every shape and size from his nose, mouth, and chest.



6/1/2013 22:16 Chase Benjamin
Hospitals. He hated hospitals more than anyone could have possibly known, but he stuck true to his word and by six o'clock in the evening, he was forcing himself to put forth the effort to prod himself into going. Chase had goofed off long enough, intentionally just keeping his mind off of it -- even if it had come down to popping the hood of the detective's car and visualizing what could be done to it. For the time being, it remained untouched.. and even remained parked, because he'd decided it best to take the dumb fucking truck that was now free of it's stash of.. uh.. goodies. And if Archer thought Chase was going alone, he was dead wrong. He'd all but nudged him along and into the passenger's seat before climbing up behind the wheel, and lighting a cigarette before ever starting the engine. Old times; spend the day pissed off and worried in the garage.. right? He shook the thought from his head, and within only a few moments of quick turns that had the Frontier's tires squalling, they were at the hospital. He chose to back the truck into a space, and then climbed out just to head to the front of the truck. For a long moment, he only stood there, smoking down his cigarette before getting any closer. "Maura said thanks again, y'know, for.. donatin'.. 'n I think I forgot to say it, too.. so.. thanks." After the last of the cigarette was sucked down, the filter was dropped and stamped out before he reached over and swiped up Archer's hand before heading for the entrance. Past the automatic doors, and straight to the goddamn stairs they went, because.. well.. they'd had the conversation about the elevators already. Five flights, and they were on the right floor, regardless of how slow his steps were.



6/1/2013 22:27 Archer Keating
Hanging out in the garage was not unlike how Archer tended to spend a lot of his time. This time it was with Chase instead of the guys at the garage. Getting ready for the hospital was a fifteen minute affair of a quick shower and clean clothes. They'd eaten the left over chinese food earlier and now it was time to go visit the hospital. He climbed in and let Chase do the driving this time. He was going to poke and prod him about the Nissan but he decided not to. Once at the hospital, he ran his fingers through his hair as he joined Chase at the front of the truck. He shot a look at him and shook his head. "No problem. I'm glad I could." He was too. It wasn't just because the detective had saved his car either. He was a friend of friends and therefore Archer was not going to turn his back. He grinned when his hand was taken, his own fingers curling tight around Chase's own. Hell, with that hand holding Archer would probably follow Chase into the depths of hell and back. Up the stairs without question because yeah, closed in spaces were a very bad thing. Out on the fifth floor he looked around and pointed at the nurses station. They would know where they were going to need to go. It was his turn to tug on Chase and once they reached the nurses station, he had to let Chase speak because, well, Archer didn't remember the guys name well enough to bluff his way in.



6/1/2013 22:38 Maura Blake
A sharp beep from a piece of machinery at her side caused Maura to jolt awake, eyes red-rimmed from the abrupt end to sleep that had finally allowed her to dream. And it was such a good dream -- home at the apartment, lecturing a certain cop about the evils of stealing breakfast cereal. But it all faded when the i.v. had run its course and the shrill beep alerted one of the nurses at the station. "Walsh is out, I'll add another," said an African-American woman who stood, perhaps, two inches taller than five feet. Round and robust, she wore a floral scrub shirt over dark blue pants and a pair of Crocs covered her feet. An assortment of color made the woman seem larger than life, especially when she donned a pale pink stethoscope around her neck. Dark eyes narrowed on the two new arrivals, and she made an internal wager with herself that they were there to see the detective. "You here to see the cop?" Her name was visible on the hospital identification that marked all employees: Annie Stevens. She paused at a tall, mobile unit, pressed a pattern of keys and stepped back when the small panel opened. Withdrawing a single bag of i.v. fluid, she notched her chin for them to follow if her assessment was correct. If not, then they could simply ask another of the nurses for the appropriate information. Maura watched as Annie returned, and she stretched into the chair to work out the aches that settled along the column of her spine. "Think you're about to have some company," Annie alerted the journalist who, in turn, ran some fingers through viciously tangled pieces of hair. "Mel's getting the company," Maura corrected softly, turning her gaze to the drugged cop. "Uh huh, and you know what he'd be saying right now if he could?" Annie didn't pause to let Maura take a guess. "He'd say, my girl needs to eat and get some fresh air." For the first time in ... hours? Days? Maura smiled. "No, he'd say he wants a burrito and I better not disobey him." Yes, even in a coma, Mel wasn't going to escape that little incident.



6/1/2013 22:48 Chase Benjamin
"Means more'n that, y'know," he stated, but left it at that. Fact of the matter was, these days, Chase didn't have too many friends at all; it was a tight-knit circle that ran the risk of being skewed and scattered just because of who he was. Go figure. It was more than enough to drive your typical, average everyay Joe insane, but.. Chase? He kept the idea that it was nagging at him locked in the back of his head, and just headed up through the hospital, absently tracing the side of Archer's hand with his thumb. He couldn't help it, thank you very much. Once they were at the nurses station, however, he glanced to Archer upon the tugs at him.. and you could almost visibly see it dawn on him before he looked back to the nurse situated behind the desk. "Sorry.. yeah.. we're here t'see Mel Walsh. M'not sure what room.." But that was apparently all he had to say before the nurse was pointing them down the hall. Chase nodded his thanks, and set them into motion again. Upon coming to the door, his free hand went up, knuckles tapping at the lacquered wood twice before he nudged it open and, at first, only ducked his head inside. It did help that he heard Maura and the nurse talking, and thus, he let he and Archer in and eased the door back so that it was only cracked. "..Hey, we're here.." he trailed. "Whats th'report?" Straight to business. Otherwise he was going to bolt right back out the door just from the sight of the detective alone, and start scratching more names onto the handful of bullets he'd been collecting over the past month.



[b]6/1/2013 22:53 Archer Keating
He stared at Chase for a long moment then whispered, "We're family." That's all he had to say on the matter. They were family and friends were friends and everyone was thicker than blood. At the nurses station he nodded and added, "I was the donor." Maybe it didn't mean anything or maybe it would. Who knew? But he added that just because he could use all the brownie points from the nurses that he could get. When Chase didn't go into the room, cue the rolling of Archer's eyes. This would simply never do. So, he pushed Chase into the room and came in himself, looking around to see what he could see. The equipment did seem imposing but nobody was scrambling so that meant that everything was okay at the moment. The detective seemed small on the bed mostly because the machines were so huge. When he saw Maura, Archer gave her a smile and a nod, his hand tighter around Chase's. He wasn't going to let go because maybe he thought that Chase would bolt right on out of the room.



6/1/2013 23:02 Maura Blake
Annie took her nursing duties very seriously and double-checked the label on the i.v. bag with the trio of plastic bands wrapped loose around Mel's wrist. The sight of Chase and Archer put a soft smile on Maura's mouth, and she lifted a hand toward them in a tired wave. "This is Chase and Archer, he was a blood donor," her words were punctuated by another glance to the pair, and the gratitude she felt for the man's generosity was evident in the depths of her hazel eyes. "This is Annie--" the rest of the introduction was cut off by the nurse. "The one who's gonna make sure Mel wakes up to find his girl well-rested and fed. So which one of you fellas is gonna see that she is, hm?" With the i.v. bag attached to the machine, she checked the flow into the tube and adjusted the sleeping cop's arm to better accept the medication. Maura rose from the chair, gave a light stretch of her back, and moved toward the two men. "The report is," none too subtle in her attempt to change the subject away from herself. "The next few days are critical. They're watching his blood pressure and keeping an eye on any signs of infection. As of now," it took every ounce of her strength to not look back to the bed. "We just have to wait it out and see. The bullet was about an inch shy of killing him."



6/1/2013 23:08 Chase Benjamin
He didn't even have the chance, then, to dig his heels in and refuse to move forward.. instead, they were further into the room, thanks to Archer's push. And see? He wasn't at all the only one making it known that Archer donating had been huge. Even if he did return the wave, his eyes seemed stuck on the machines, and the tasks the nurse was seeing to, and he squinted a faint bit as if reouble-checking behind her that it was being done right, all without even moving. Annie was regarded briefly, as a person, when she cut Maura off. "It's on th'list'a things t'do," he said, almost kiddingly. Yeah, it probably was a good thing Archer had a good grip on his hand.. but to further block himself from the idea, he actually took a few more steps in, so he could lean against the wall. It was all just so daunting; the hospital, in general, and then seeing Mel laid up like that. Try as she might, even as Maura approached to give the report.. he wasn't going to just leave her there to be restless, and non-eating. "..Just'a wait 'n see game?" Which wasn't at all a game. He understood, though, and shot a quick glance to Archer.. before, of all places, his attention bounced back to Annie. "Y'gonna keep a real good eye on 'im if we drag 'er out to get some food, yeah?" It came off a bit more demanding and domineering than he intended, but, that was just the way he was when he couldn't slow down to think things through.



[b]6/1/2013 23:12 Archer Keating
He had no intention of letting go, nope. He wasn't stupid. He did offer the grin to Maura and opened his other arm to her so that he could offer her a hug if she came close enough. He didn't have too much range of motion since he was attached to Chase by the other hand. "Of course she will. Come on Maura." He'd remembered her name so that was a good thing. "Just a few minutes. It'll be okay." He wasn't going to let her get away with hiding out in the hospital room for the duration either. "You have to take care of you before you can take care of him." It was logic pure and simple and something his mother had always said. "Don't make us carry you." That was said a little imploringly.



6/1/2013 23:21 Maura Blake
Ganging up on an exhausted and emotionally drained woman was completely unfair! Drawing close, she stepped into Archer's one-armed hug, and turned it into a group embrace as she wrapped Chase into the crook of her left arm. Annie, who seemed pleased to just see Maura leave the bedside, fastened the stethoscope to her ears and held the end of it poised to touch the cop's chest. But before she focused on the task, she glanced aside to the man who spoke first. "Of course, Mel here is one of my favorites. Can tell a lot about a person by the company they keep." And, apparently, Maura made a good impression. About to protest leaving the room, she motioned off to the side where her bag was placed next to an empty cardboard box. "I have food here--" Again, Annie cut her off. "No, you don't, you gave it away four hours ago." The journalist sighed, and lifted her shoulders in a defeated shrug. "All right, I'll go... but only for a few minutes." A faint smile tugged one corner of her mouth. "You don't have to carry me." But they might have had to tie her to a table and chair if they expected her to stay anywhere for long. Easing away, she gathered up her phone and grabbed her wallet from the front pocket of her bag. On a windowsill, a stack of newspapers and magazines littered the surface -- at least she was doing something to occupy her time. She slid Mel's phone into the front pocket of her jeans and grabbed a sweatshirt that Kerri had brought earlier, just in case there was air conditioning. "Annie, call me if anything--" The nurse pointed to the door, not about to hear anything else from the journalist. "All right, I'm going!" Once in the hall, she paused and her steps faltered.



6/1/2013 23:31 Chase Benjamin
It was completely fair, especially with how many times he'd been tired and completely disinterested in the idea of eating.. only to be persuaded into it. So, there. When Maura came closer, she didn't have to move too far to turn it into a group-hug. Chase tugged her in closer and though he was quiet for the time, didn't at all pull away from either of them. Annie's response was what made him grin a bit, and then.. Maura's would-be protest. The banter between her and the nurse was amusing to say the least, considering he'd already noted the empty box. "Few minutes would be'a good start," he snickered. Nah, there'd be no tying her to a table and chair; the truck doors locked just fine and had child safety locks, too, that he could handle on the driver's side, if she tried to bolt. ... But that did sound a little creepy. He let go long enough for her to gather up her things, and smirked when Annie simply pointed to the door when she'd been nearly instructed to call if anything changed. He intentionally nudged into Archer's shoulder, and then turned to follow back out of the hospital room. And, with his free hand - upon noting the faltered steps, - he snared Maura's to tug her along with them. "C'mon.. you're gonna go crazy sittin' in here. So, it was back past the nurse's check-in desk, and Chase offered a nod to the gal on duty before continuing down the hall. "What sounds good? For dinner, I mean." The question was meant mainly for Maura, but he was open for suggestons all around.



6/1/2013 23:37 Archer Keating
He offered what support he could and patted her back when it turned into a group hug. He didn't get in the way of the banter; he just grinned around it. He waited patiently, got nudged by Chase and then they were out in the hall he frowned when Chase had to help Maura with that mis-step. He didn't offer suggestions on food, he was busy watching to make sure Maura was okay and that Chase remained okay. He hoped that Maura wouldn't mind going down the stairs. He was doing okay but he knew he wasn't going to be able to go into an elevator. In fact, he guided them to the stairs and held the door for them. That's when he thought about food again. "There's a diner over on Jensen. It's got good food." And by that he meant comfort food; meatloaf, chicken fried steak, greens, and home made pie. "They have good coffee too."



6/1/2013 23:43 Maura Blake
"There's a cafeteria upstairs," though she highly suspected that would be overruled. It was worth a shot, after all, and helped to alleviate the guilt she felt in leaving him even for only a little while. She tied the sleeves of her sweatshirt around her waist, and slipped her wallet into the same pocket as Mel's phone. Her own was kept in her hand, occasionally checking the front panel every few steps. Just in case! At the stairs, she did not hesitate to move down, not up. Inwardly, she craved some fresh air. And it dawned on her then that she truly had no concept of the time. Dinner -- at least that provided some window of a time frame. But then Archer said the magic word. "I could go for some coffee." She hadn't had any in hours, and it was a miracle that a withdrawal headache hadn't crept into the base of her skull. "I made a few calls," admitting to Chase once they were in the stairwell and out of earshot of any nurses or doctors --or anyone else. "Let some people know that he was hurt."



6/1/2013 23:48 Chase Benjamin
Hey, he was hoping that too. He only made an exception of elevators when it came to Maura's apartment building, even if the idea of people dropping down from above onto him did still creep up into the back of his head while in the thing. That whole.. Mission Impossible crap. Chase was fine, so long as his mind was occupied with other thoughts that weren't the machines, or the smell of the hospital in itself; even if it was inevitable, at least for the next good while. He'd have to deal with it, and would accordingly. "No, no cafeteria food. Y'know that shit sucks." That statement was punctuated with a face before he shook the thought out of his head, and headed along for the stairs. He waited for just a split second to make sure she was going to do well in heading down them, and then followed too, positioned right smack between Maura and Archer no more than a step behind or a step ahead. "See? Even more of'a reason to get out for'a li'l bit. Coffee." That, and he could smoke freely outside. "Sounds like we're goin' to the diner." Decision made, but before he could say anything else, his head tilted slightly at the idea of Maura making some calls. "Yeah? T'who?" On that end of things, he was out of the loop. He wasn't aware of each contact, just the one, who he didn't even really bring up that often-- call it paranoia, if it must be. "I mean, b'sides me." Duh, Chase. He was just trying to make her laugh though, if nothing else. Even if one hand snuck behind him to poke Archer in the gut before they reached the bottom. This time, he slid sideways and pushed the door open, then propped it open with the side of his boot.



6/1/2013 23:54 Archer Keating
He let them talk, favoring silence for himself. He had done enough by offering the diner. It wasn't too far and they could even walk there. It was one of those places infamous for great food and good service and just happened to be near the hospital. He chuckled at the poke to his gut, listening as the friends spoke about contacts. This was a different side to Chase and truth be told, Archer was glad to see it. All the pain and forgettins of shit and yet he had friends that cared for him. On his way out the door after Maura, he gave Chase's stomach a smack in payback then fell in step with Maura, a glance back at Chase with a teasing grin. He shoved his hands in his jeans pockets as he walked with them, sorta guiding the way by nods when they had to turn. Before too long, the diner would be in view. It had a bright blue sign that read 'Joe's Diner'.



6/2/2013 00:02 Maura Blake
"His partner, Leyson. Was a little late in calling him, though, he already knew." Which wasn't a surprise. When a cop was shot, it made the rounds. Taking her time on the stairs, she refused to touch the banister and kept her hands decidedly distracted by either holding her phone or slipping her fingers into the empty pocket of her jeans. "And I told Malone Sr. what happened as well." That particular one was difficult, and she was grateful that the news was shared over a voicemail message and not a direct conversation. Once outside, she let Archer take the lead and inhaled the city air. People may have complained about the pollution and dingy air quality, but Maura savored it at that moment in time. It cleared away the stench of the hospital from her nose and lungs. Shy of reaching the diner, she turned the phone to check the panel again. Good cell service and a fully charged battery made her relax -- at least as much as she could given the situation. The purple of her shirt helped to brighten her countenance, not that she had any real choice on the attire she wore; the shirt and jeans had been stuffed into her bag the day before when she assumed she'd be spending the night at Mel's apartment. Already, scents of diner standards were filtering through the door -- burgers, fries, and the blessed aroma of freshly brewed coffee.



6/2/2013 00:09 Chase Benjamin
He was good up until she mentioned that she'd told Malone about it, and he winced inwardly. Of course, he didn't know him as well as she did.. but he still could only imagine how it would have went. Chase could read people a bit too well, and that was a given.. but.. still. "Still no sign of th'bastard.." he commented, meaning Jack. Junior. Whatever it was the little fuck went by, that he didn't appease him by calling him. The smack to his stomach only made him smirk, but he caught the teasing grin after Archer had passed and shot a fairly daring sort of look back at him before he fell into step. He let the door close, finally, and then followed behind them; ever the watcher, it seemed. But if Maura didn't stop messing with that phone, it was gonna be confiscated for an hour at least. Heading in the direction of the diner, he took a few quicker steps to catch up and then ducked down to snare Archer by the backs of his knees; hoisted him right up over his shoulder, despite the very miniscule difference in their height now. It only lasted a second before he dropped him down on the opposite side, as if it'd all been a ploy just to trade spaces.. even if he turned and walked backwards a few steps, and grinned an innocent-seeming grin before they came up on the parking lot of Joe's Diner. "Maura, y'know y'can't stay every night there.." he said, changing right back from playful to serious in the blink of an eye. "S'not healthy, y'know. Y'gotta sleep, too.. 'n not in way that's gonna make your back all humpy when you're older." As in the position she'd been sleeping in, previously, at the hospital.



[b]6/2/2013 0:15 Archer Keating "SHIT!" He wasn't expecting the playful out of Chase. But really, why not? It was who he was, serious, playful and down right crazy at times. He laughed when he was put back down then smacked Chase's shoulder with a closed fist. "Ass!" The chuckling felt good though and he shot a wink at Maura so she knew he wasn't really mad at Chase. As they crossed the lot, he looked between them and finally piped up, "He's right Maura. Mel," yes, he remembered the guys name this time, "Wouldn't like you doing that either so you got to take care of yourself and that includes eating right and sleeping right." Oh god, stop him now! He was sounding more and more like his mum! He opened the diner door and let them in, cuffing Chase up the backside of his head as he passed.



6/2/2013 0:23 Maura Blake "With any luck maybe he fell off the pier and drowned. Karma's a bitch," it may have sounded odd coming from her mouth, but there was absolute loathing and hatred for the corrupt agent now. True, Chase had been privy to some bouts of Maura's temper, though it had been subdued and calm compared to the whirlwind of angst she felt at present. Once she felt the tension settle in the span of her shoulders, she rolled her right arm to loosen the muscle. Her head shook side-to-side, first to Chase and then to Archer. Talk about karma! All of Maura's motherhen-isms were coming back to bite her in the ass. Momentarily surprised by Chase's antics, however, she found an amused smile and even --yes, even-- a laugh. The sound was short-lived but audible, and it helped to reduce some of the anguish that kept bubbling under the surface of her skin. "It's all right, I was told I can have a cot brought to the room." Getting her to leave the cop's side was going to be a challenge and a half! Archer's comment made her smile again. "Eating and sleeping aren't high on Mel's priorities." Inside the diner, she turned in time to see Chase getting batted upside the head. Not surprisingly, she did not put herself between the two of them as she'd been known to do with the cop.



6/2/2013 0:30 Chase Benjamin Archer was just lucky he hadn't spun around and made him dizzy before sitting him back on his feet, and while grinning, he didn't at all attempt to dodge the smack to his shoulder. "Y'got it," he said, as if the title was fitting. Sometimes it could be, after all. He settled down, and despite the talk of the little bastard, Jack, he was still grinning. "Wouldn't doubt it-- 'n if not, I bet I could arrange it." Gah, that whole vengeful streak-- it was something that would likely follow him around for the rest of his days. He definitely had it coming now, though; he'd only been toying with him, given what he knew about the little Malone boy.. but if he wanted to kick it up a notch, so be it. And yes, all the mother hen-ism was coming back to bite Maura in the ass, wasn't it? Who knew! "..No. Y'ain't stayin' there every night, all night. Y'gotta go sleep in a real bed. Y'know damn well Mel wouldn't want'cha sittin' there guardin' over 'im." He only paused when the back of his head was cuffed, and then tilted his head in such a way that popped his neck. It was habit. But, he was not in any way, shape, or form, done with the playful antics-- just wait. Into the diner they went, and he - for the time being - tucked his hands into his pockets whilst heading to a booth in the far corner. Nice vantage point, nice view of the whole diner.. again. Habit.



[b]6/2/2013 0:35 Archer Keating He had to add his own argument since, well, he had experience too with being in a hospital and as the one in the bed. "It's no fun lying there in the bed knowing that the people you love are there killing themselves just to be there. Chase is right. You need a real bed and a cot ain't a real bed." He shot a look at Chase and then back to Maura. "Listen, you stay in a real bed and we'll stay over night with Mel. Ok? That way he's not alone and you can sleep and come back all rested to take over again. Deal?" He knew he was probably going to get smacked by Chase for the offer but he figured Chase would probably go along with it considering it was getting Maura out of the hospital. He took a seat at the booth and handed Maura a menu. The waitress figured coffee was on the menu and brought over a carafe with three glasses.



6/2/2013 0:42 Maura Blake "I know..." She sighed the words, repeating them in a much softer, understanding tone. "I know." In truth, she did. After spending weeks on end in the hospital after dealing with Louis Wrightman, she knew first-hand how it felt to be there while others held their vigils. Still, she couldn't seem to accept their logic and her own experience. Sliding into one side of the booth, she kicked a leg up and stretched out comfortably along the upholstered seat. Menu in hand, she glanced at it even though she knew precisely what she'd order. The arrival of the coffee and mugs gave her further distraction from the conversation, and she poured some of the dark liquid into each empty mug. When Archer offered to stay at the hospital at night, her gaze lifted and veered toward Chase to gauge his reaction. She saw the way he was in the hospital -- she had the same expression whenever she walked into Yankee Stadium. "I'm staying with him until he gets out of the ICU. Once he's out, I'll go home to sleep at night." Let the negotiations begin! "It's not that I'm there solely for him. I'm there because I need to be."



6/2/2013 0:49 Chase Benjamin
Chase slid into the booth next to Maura, and slouched down just so he could kick either boot up in the adjacent bench seat, beside Archer. His head dropped back against the back of the booth, however, and idly, he watched as the three glasses were brought over, and followed up quite quickly with the coffee and mugs. It wasn't until Archer's suggestion of trading places came up, that those amber eyes shifted back to him. He didn't even have to look at Maura to know she'd looked at him. Nah, he wasn't going to smack him.. nor was he going to protest the idea. "Yeah," he started, but went quiet when she spoke up again. "..Tha' could be days. Y'let us stay th'night tonight.. you go home 'n sleep. One night. Then, y'can go back again. We'll trade off til he's outta the ICU." Absently, he leaned forward far enough to grab up a paper-wrapped straw, and ripped the end off of it just to discard it beside his glass. Sliding the paper down on the straw a ways, he crinkled it a couple of times, and then just spun the thing between his fingers deftly. "I know y'feel like y'gotta be there, but.. y'can't do it constantly. You'll get sick. Physically. 'n then what? You be there for exhaustion 'n we'll be pullin' split shifts to keep 'n eye on both of ya'. No. You're gonna go get some rest." And just as that last word was spoken, he lifted the straw much like he would've done a cigarette-- except, instead of inhaling, he blew hard enough to launch the paper off the straw, and right at Archer's forehead.



6/2/2013 0:54 Archer Keating
His eyes crossed when the wrapper sailed at him and plunked him in the forehead. He shook his head, crumbled it up tight and sailed it right back at Chase without pause. "I think that if you keep it up, we'll have to talk to that nurse lady. I'm sure she's got something that we could slip you to make you sleep then just carry you out. Be a little more dignified if you just agree to one night in a real bed not at the hospital." He didn't need to look at the menu either. He knew exactly what he was getting. But before he ordered, he reached down and rested his hand on Chase's foot. Fingers crawled up until he caught hold of the lace and gave a tug. He gave an innocent smile first to Maura, such a good boy smile but make no mistake he would talk to the nurse, and then to Chase, there was just a bunch of twinkling in his eyes.


********************************************************


6/2/2013 16:56 Chase Benjamin
Well. He made it through the night, at least, without bolting out of the hospital. It was just at sunrise when he stopped nodding off and dozing, and throwing balled up pieces of post-it note paper at Archer.. but only because he'd gotten up and headed out of the room with a quickness that would have made anyone think he'd just seen a ghost, though in all reality, it was just the way he moved when he wasn't intentionally keeping step with someone else. He made quick work of the hallways, the stairwells, and was finally out those automatic doors before there could have been any questions asked. Chase hated hospitals; everything about them, and it was a little more than eerie since he couldn't place it.. as to why, really. He just knew he did, and considering he knew the detective was being well cared for by Annie once she'd returned, he had no qualms with getting out of the scene. Away from the beeping machines, the stench of sterile cleaners, and the scrub-wearing minions that moved with purpose. Once outside, he kept walking clear across the parking lot until he could drop into a lean against the front of his truck, and no sooner than he had done so, he'd lit a cigarette and tilted his head back as if - perhaps - it was the greatest fucking thing on the planet, at the current time being. His own battered cellphone was pulled out, but it was for no other reason than to check the time before it was tossed up onto the hood.



6/2/2013 17:04 Archer Keating
There was quite a mountain of those post it notes on the floor around the chair where Archer was sleeping. He'd stayed awake most of the night but in the wee hours of the morning he finally fell asleep. He didn't hear Chase leave the hospital room. If he had, he would have gotten up and chased after him to get him back. They'd promised, after all! Well. Okay, so HE had promised on Chase's behalf that they would watch over the detective. He was sprawled in the chair where he slept, his head forward and fingers laced across his chest, legs stretched ahead of him and crossed at the ankles. Chase better watch out. Archer wakes up and Chase isn't there, Archer will have to come up with some nasty punishment for the errant one. Oh yes. Indeed he will and he is most devious in such things.



6/2/2013 17:09 Chase Benjamin
Hey, he'd stayed the night-- and he still hadn't left the property, even if it was only a literal arm's length away. He was more than capable of hopping into the truck and heading off.. but did anyone think he'd do that? Nope. He cooly smoked away at his cigarette until it was nothing but the filter, then dropped it when he pushed off the truck and headed across the street as the three of them had done the evening before. Only, this time it wasn't nearing dark-- it was bright outside, thanks to the sun not hiding behind the clouds for a change.. even if, judging from said clouds, it'd be pouring later. The former sleeper made it to Joe's Diner, and used his shoulder to bump the door open.. but he didn't go for a booth. Didn't as much as take a seat, before heading straight for the counter. Coffee. Three were ordered, because he just had a hunch that Maura would be showing up sooner than later, and after paying, he pushed all of them down into the cardboard carrier before heading back out. Another pause, another cigarette. Had to make up for lost time, you know.



6/2/2013 17:28 Archer Keating
He was a light sleeper but after a certain point of time even that shut off so Archer was still sound asleep for a good long while. But once the exhaustion was satisfied by enough sleep, he woke even if it was slowly. He stretched, rising from his sprawl slowly with one hand rubbing the sleep from his eyes. His other hand forced fingers through his blond hair. It was a few seconds before he realized that Chase wasn't around. He figured he went to the bathroom so he didn't think anything of it initially. He went to the bedside of the detective and looked over the different beeping machines. He couldn't really make sense of them but they seemed to be normal. Archer glanced at his watch to check the time and figured that Maura would be around sooner rather than later. He had to admit that he would have done very much the same if it were Chase in that bed.



6/2/2013 17:34 Chase Benjamin
It was one of those ready, set, go mind sets, where he stalled a couple more times before ever making it back through the automatic doors that opened via sensor above. Without the cigarette, and with both hands occupied -- one with the other two coffees, and one with his own. Right back up the stairs he went, the five flights not nearly as daunting as the ten they'd had to climb the first night, upon heading back to the apartment. He weaved through the hallways carefully as not to bump into anyone, or even as much as bring attention to himself; it was almost as if he himself were a ghost, moving among the living; not even the charge nurse looked up when he passed by and ducked right back into Mel's room just as quietly as he'd ditched out. Easing the door closed behind him quietly, he headed over and sat the coffees down on the turnable table, and pulled one free from the cardboard before nudging Archer's shoulder from behind with it. "What'cha think? He doin' alright still?" And this, really, was probably the first time he'd taken a good look at the detective before his eyes shifted to the machinery emitting their beeps, and flashing vital stats. He knew enough, honestly.. but don't ask him how. He did, however, turn the IV monitor around so it was facing him, so he could eye the time remaining before the bag needed changed.



6/2/2013 17:46 Archer Keating
When he heard Chase, he glanced over and smiled that almost dimpled grin. "Not sure but I see more green than red and the beep beeping seems a little stronger." He wasn't a doctor but that much could be discerned by the beeping going on and the fact that there were no flurry of nursing staff around. "Coffee!" He extended both hands to receive whichever cup that Chase was willing to give him. He eased up next to him and gave Chase's shoulder a little push before actually taking the cup of coffee. Then he paused and looked at the cup. "Tell me this isn't the cafeteria coffee. And please be telling the truth."



6/2/2013 17:52 Chase Benjamin
For a moment, he seemed a little contemplative of it.. but, Archer had a point; there was more green, and the beeping was stronger. Not only that, but, - and he gestured with a nod of his head - "Oxygen intake is up, too," he mumbled, then most definitely handed over the cup of coffee, equip with cream and sugar. He remembered, of course. When his shoulder was nudged, he flashed a faint grin and glanced over at him.. but paused in saying anything else he could have possibly done so, only because of the question. "Hell no." he said, but snickered right along with it. "I went over t'Joes when I was out smokin'." And debating leaving, but he'd leave that part out for now. No harm, no foul. "Figured we'd all want some." Because, even if he'd dozed off occasionally, it wasn't ever to the point of even getting a glimpse at the havoc-stricken dreamworld he was used to. He exhaled a stream of breath up towards a few straggling strands of dark hair, and leaned - rather exaggeratedly (not a word, I know!) - to the side just to nudge a kiss to Archer's jaw, just because he could.



6/2/2013 18:07 Archer Keating
He took a careful drink of the coffee and grinned. Only after that long drink did he groan in joy from the glory that was coffee exploding in his mouth. He leaned into the nudge of a kiss and grinned. "Thaaaaank you." All is forgiven about leaving since he brought back coffee. "Should we bet on when she'll come back?" That could put some sport into when Maura might arrive to take up her sentry duties. He slid an arm around Chase and helped himself to a second mouthful of the coffee. "I'm hungry too." That wasn't a hint to send Chase off to fetch food. It was simply a precursor to Archer leaning up a little to take a nip at Chase's ear. "I don't suppose you are at all." He chuckled a soft laugh and remained comfortably leaning against Chase, another drink of coffee taken. "He seems to be doing okay. I heard a nurse talking about taking him to a private room."



6/2/2013 18:14 Chase Benjamin
Bet on when Maura would be back? He shrugged lightly, regardless of the grin that didn't at all seem ready to dim. "Sounds like'a plan," he mused aloud, and lifted his own cup for a quick drink even as Chase slid an arm around him. "..I'll bet fifty bones she'll be here b'fore nine. Better yet.. make that 8:45." And though the mentioning of food nearly gave him the idea, even if just to get out of the place again, to go fetch food.. the nip to his ear kept him at bay, and he even huffed out a breath and snaked an arm around Archer just to pull him in closer. "Nuh-uh, never," he admitted. Chances were he'd be hungry later, but not just yet. Not first thing in the morning. Coffee was more his style, even if it wasn't spiked with whiskey. "Bet Maura squeals when she's told that." An almost devilish grin formed before he could get a good grip on it.



6/2/2013 18:31 Archer Keating
He chuckled at the 8:45 marker. "I'll be surprised if she makes it that late. I say 8:15 at the latest and she'll blame traffic for being late." He took another sip from the cup, enjoying the rush of caffiene hitting his system. His arm remained around Chase, fingers curled into his belt loops of Chase's jeans. He didn't like hospitals either but standing like he was against Chase made it almost okay. He nodded with a silent chuckle. "I don't know if she will or not. It might be a quiet squeal. Or maybe clapping her hands quietly?" Or jumping up and down? He wasn't sure since he didn't know her very good yet but didn't girls jump a lot when they got happy?



6/2/2013 18:41 Maura Blake
It took a combined effort of both Chase and Archer to have Maura spend the night at her apartment. And even after promising that she'd stay away, for the night at least, she still went back to the hospital after a good and nourishing dinner at the diner. After all, she needed to say goodnight to the detective and discuss the next set of procedures with the night-shift nurse. Returning to the apartment was a bittersweet moment for the journalist. But she had the birds to occupy some of the time. She changed the lining of their cage (using newspaper articles about the Yankees), refilled their water cups and gave them more seed. As a special treat, she added a few pieces of their favorite snack -- apple slices. After taking a long shower in which she probably cried a tub full, she stole one of the suits that the cop kept in the spare closet and laid it on the bed when she tried to fall asleep. The lingering scent of smoke and whisky tricked her mind into thinking he was there. She slept a good five hours straight -- five more than she planned on. When she woke, the sun was threatening the horizon and she scrambled off the mattress in a fitful hurry. Leaving the suit on the cop's side of the bed, she dressed in a hurry; a pair of jeans coupled with a thin-strapped t-shirt was topped by an orange sweater. When, at last, she made it back to the hospital, it was closing in on 8am, just in time to ride up the elevator with Annie. The ding of the elevator bank announced their arrival and it ended the lecture in full swing. Maura carried a cupholder with three coffees and held a brown paper bag in her other hand. The leather messenger bag was slung over one shoulder. "Good morning, all," Maura called out to the nurses at the station and her voice carried to Mel's room.



6/2/2013 18:46 Chase Benjamin
That was more than enough to get a short laugh out of him; namely the whole blaming traffic bit. Who knew, though? "And what happens when either of us loses.." he trailed. There had to be stipulations, no doubt about it. Truth be told, distraction was key: Chase was perfectly fine standing there, with Archer's arm around him-- fingers through the belt loops of his jeans. It was almost possible to get away from the whole idea that they were standing in the middle of a hospital room. Let alone one that his friend was in. "Y'know.. good point.. she might jus--" he stopped mid-thought upon the sound of Maura's voice just out by the nurse's station. "..Make me lose fifty fuckin' dollars." Ah, well. It wasn't a bad thing, per se, and more humorous than he let on. Ducking his head down, he stole one more kiss - but this one, to the corner of Archer's mouth - before righting himself rather innocently, and turning his cup of coffee up once more time. "..Five.. four.. three.." Yes, Chase was giving a verbal countdown to when that polished door would swing open, officially announcing Maura's arrival.



6/2/2013 18:52 Archer Keating
"Mm.. lesse .. the Loser has to clean the apartment for a week. Includes the toilet and dishes." He gave a wide grin since that seemed harmless enough but the mischief in his eyes might make someone wary. He turned his head at the familiar voice in the hallway somewhere. He tipped his head a little to try to get a bit more lips instead of just the corner of his mouth but that would have required the kiss to last a little bit longer but it didn't. Up went his eyes to get a better look at Chase and then twist the hand holding the coffee so he could look at his wrist. "Eight am .. Price is right rules. I win." He chuckled, fingers entwined with the belt loops dug a little bit into Chase's side while he started counting down.



6/2/2013 19:01 Maura Blake
... two... one. "Good morning!" Maura's smile ignited at the sight of the two men still within the cop's personal ICU room. Passing them momentarily, she set down the next batch of coffee --chuckling when she noticed that someone had already made a coffee run. She opened the paper bag and withdrew a few foil-wrapped bundles; from the aroma they were buttered bagels, still warm from her own little stop at the diner. "I picked up some breakfast for you guys," her hand waved in the direction of the windowsill, and she dropped the messenger bag on the tiled floor beside the chair. Without hesitation, she roamed closer to the bed and leaned across it to brush a tender kiss to Mel's forehead. Her fingers went through his hair and trailed a caress to the top of the bandage wrapped protectively around his throat. Hazel eyes went to the machinery surrounding him like sentry guards, checking for any differences from the last time she saw them. "Were any doctors in during the night?"



6/2/2013 19:09 Chase Benjamin
It was incredibly harmless, but he took note of that mischievous glint in Archer's eyes and could only smirk. "Why's'at make me think it'll be just'a li'l worse than toilets 'n dishes." Save for the idea of breaking glasses by utter accident. Regardless, it seemed he'd be the one doing the cleaning and that-- wouldn't be entirely too strange, given that he kept his own place pretty much in tip-top condition. ..Don't think he hadn't missed the lifting of the blonde's head in attempt to get more of the kiss-- but, it was just one of many more sure to come, if he had any say in it. Intense ambers dropped to eye the watch, too, then.. and he snorted back a laugh. "Oh, a'right. Usin' some dated rules t'gauge this by. I see how it is." Despite the count down, upon the feel of those fingers digging into his side a bit, he tugged Archer closer.. and just as he hit one, lo' and behold, the door opened. Had he counted her footsteps, or just.. knew how many steps it took? Who knew. "Mornin', Maura." Surprised her ears weren't burning! The mention of breakfast only made him smirk, though, and his glance bounced from her to Archer, then to where she settled the foil-wrapped bagels. Really, he shouldn't have expected any less, huh? He didn't move for them right away, however, and just kept his hold on Archer and on the nearly empty cup of coffee. "One. All good things, though. Said he's improvin' quicker'n they thought.. and," he paused there, just to lightly nudge Archer so he could deliver the other news.



6/2/2013 19:16 Archer Keating
He got the nudge and offered the quick, "I heard them talking about maybe moving him to a private room." He grinned and oh hey, food! Don't think he wasn't sniffing deep and wanting to get his hands on it. As far as the kiss went, color Archer happy. He watched Maura check on Mel, the little grin still touching his lips. All that just pointed out to him how much Maura was fond of the detective. And of course, Chase spending the night in the hospital was proof positive that Chase thought the world of the police officer too. Archer shifted slightly, fingers still tangled in the belt loops. "I don't know when they are going to do it but I heard them talking. Thanks for bringing food. I'm starving!"



6/2/2013 19:49 Maura Blake
"Did you hear that, love?" She leaned down again and brushed her mouth along the detective's brow. "You are---" Archer's words finally struck her and she straightened her spine, turning to regard the two men once more. It had been a habit now, her telling Mel every detail that she learned from either a doctor or nurse. And she had every intention of doing it again, but the news was something she didn't expect. "He's being moved?" Cue the happy squeal of delight in five..four..three--- her smile erupted in time with the overly girlish sound. So she didn't make it to the final countdown. Her hands clapped together and she rushed the two men with open arms. "That means the worst is over! He's going to be all right!" Wrapping them into a hug, Chase gathered in her left arm while Archer got her right, she smooched both their cheeks one after another. Annie arrived just in time, pausing just inside the doorway to snap her palm under the anti-bacterial cream dispenser. "Someone just heard the good news," she tried not to smile, but the attempt failed. "You know I heard you down the hall, think you woke one of my patients." The dry humor from the woman only warmed Maura's heart -- the nurse reminded her so much of Mel.



6/2/2013 19:57 Chase Benjamin
It could've been purely coincidental that his own hand dropped to mimick the hold on beltloops, even if he only did so by threading his pinky finger through the beltloop on Archer's jeans furthest away from himself. The rest of his hand just kind of dangled there lazily. Big cat syndrome. Chase did notice the way he started sniffing though, so even though he didn't relent and release, he'd started to walk them both over towards the window sill so Archer could have at it. ..But paused halfway when he heard Maura squeal. "Called it," he mumbled in a hushed tone, thoroughly amused. One out of two wasn't bad. He'd already braced for the rush of a hug, and his free arm circled around Maura just as she came in.. but the smooch to his check was only snickered at. "Thought you'd like hearin' that." See? Sometimes it was okay to step back and get some rest! Annie's arrival drew his eyes up briefly, and even he couldn't help the smirk that formed at the dry humor she used. It fit right in, didn't it? "Prob'ly busted my ear drum too, but.. I guess it calls for it." Guess? Nah. He was good with it, really. Reluctantly, he let go of his hold on Archer so he could head over to the breakfast Maura had bought, and he himself, just propped himself up against the wall by the window. Who knew.. maybe he'd snag one in a moment or two.



6/2/2013 20:02 Archer Keating
It was almost like doing one of those three legged races, the movement toward the food. But then that squeal came and he had to laugh. The hug was natural and the kiss to his cheek just made him grin all the wider. It was nice to see some good energy in Maura after all the bad energy from the previous days. When the nurse came in and then Chase mentioned busted eardrums, that just gave Archer an idea so he shook his head and said, "What? ... What ... I can't hear you!" He was, of course, teasing. Just note that twinkle in his eyes. He sat his coffee mug down and messed up Maura's hair a little bit as Chase let go of him. He plopped his own kiss to her cheek and gave her a wink before sliding over to the food and plucking up one of the wrapped bagles. He unwrapped it part way and then handed it to Chase. Then he got one for himself. See how that worked? He didn't ask. He just shoved the food at Chase and expected him to do the right thing.



6/2/2013 20:10 Maura Blake
"Oh, I am not that loud!" She gave a light swat to each of their arms before stepping away to take a vigil of a post beside the bed. Annie wore an amused little smile, tending to the different tasks necessary to check the cop's status. I.V. was filled, heart and oxygen monitors registered good numbers, and the bandage was due to be replaced within the next several hours. "Detective Walsh," Annie, just like Maura, informed the man of her faint pokes and prods. "You're gonna get a sponge bath later. But I think since your girl refuses to leave, I'll give her that task." Maura's cheeks burned bright pink, a color that clashed madly with the orange of her sweater. That was all the nurse needed to see; she snapped off the latex gloves, tossed them into the bin, hit the dispenser once again and eased into the hall. "I think if Mel ever turned into a black woman, she'd be him!" Exasperated but happy --as happy as she could be-- Maura took a seat on the edge of the mattress and leaned back to nestle against the cop while he continued to sleep. "Consider the breakfast a thank you for staying. You guys didn't have to, ya'know. I really don't mind being here." She'd already called into work and requested a two-week absence. Her mind could barely concentrate on a shopping list, let alone trying to orchestrate an article. "But I do have to say, you guys look well rested... and happy." The last word was added after a minute pause. Subtle? Hardly.



6/2/2013 20:19 Chase Benjamin
"Not that time, but m'sure you can be," Chase teased, only grinning at the swat to his arm right before the.. food was shoved at him. There was just no way he was going to get away with it, huh? He did indeed turn a glare on the shorter-by-an-inch blonde, but in the end only smirked. He would've poked fun at the fact that Maura had just turned a bright pink at the nurse's suggestion-- but, really? Who better to do it, right? "Go Annie," he quipped, snickering just a little before idly pushing at the foil around the bagel a little further. When the nurse slid into the hallway, Maura's retort made him laugh all over again. "I think he'd grumble more, but yeah, prob'ly.." he kidded, and without much thought to it, took a bite out of the bagel that Archer had shoved into his hand. Again.. distraction. "Y'know ya' don't gotta say thanks 'n all that. He's a good guy.. good friend.." Even if such things made him feel a little awkward when said aloud, but only because it wasn't often he articulated feelings.. of.. well.. anything, even if it was obvious than he ever realized. When it came down to it, she was right-- he wasn't really feeling the lack of sleep, given that he'd dozed off and on. Plus.. coffee.. but the word that followed after her minute's worth of a pause just had a smug little grin forming before he gave a lighthearted shrug. "That kinda sums it up." Nope. Chase wasn't the poetic type, sue him. Instead of confirming if further, he just averted his eyes. Nope, the grin wasn't going anywhere though.



6/2/2013 20:28 Archer Keating
He almost said 'what' once more but let the joke go with a chuckle. He'd given his ribbing so he fell to eating instead of conversing. His stomach had growled and he was appeasing the beast wtihin. He didn't miss the banter back and forth though. The nurse seemed to fit right in with the whole family. Archer nodded to affirm that Maura didn't have to thank them. Friends did that sort of stuff for friends and they did it without question. He was happily munching when Maura made her observation about the two of them. "I slept in the chair." He managed to get that out before Maura offered her last part of her observation. He shot a look at Chase and then shifted from one foot to the other as if he were a kid caught being naughty. "Well, yeah!" He nudged Chase with his elbow, the grin going full on dimple now!



6/2/2013 20:36 Maura Blake
Between Annie mentioning sponge baths before making her departure and Chase commenting on how she could be loud, Maura was suddenly grateful that the cop was in a drug induced coma! The blush on her cheeks started to subside when Chase went on about Mel being a good guy, a good friend. For a split-second, her eyes burned with a slight threat of tears, but the emotion calmed down soon enough. Every hour at the hospital was the equivalent of being on an emotional rollercoaster. She continued to watch as Archer handed one of the bagels to Chase and an amused smile teased the corners of her mouth. Maura set it up, Archer nailed it over the net -- what a great tag team. Indeed, it was the start of a beautiful friendship. Her gaze slid to the chair, and her nose wrinkled in the memory of sleeping in it the first night he was brought to the ICU. "Well, you guys can sleep somewhere comfortable tonight. And before you say anything, I'll go home tonight too. Promise." Positioning her arm in such a way that her elbow braced on the top of his pillow, it allowed her fingers to continually tease the short strands of Mel's brown hair. "How'd you guys meet?"



6/2/2013 20:46 Chase Benjamin
The shifting from foot to foot that Archer did might have made him laugh had he not been trying to keep himself in check at the moment. He'd even taken another bite from the bagel without much issue; but, let's face it.. he just didn't do well with food yet. Getting better at it, but not completely -there.- "S'long as y'promise. If not, we're gonna be fightin' over bunkin' privledges 'n someone'll end up on the floor." Even if there was, in fact, an extra chair in the room as of last night. Chase had no problems with sleeping in awkward positions, but it kind of came with the territory. When you'd slept propped up against a tree, or, god forbid, another soldier's back.. when you could sleep, it didn't matter where. Though, he did prefer beds or.. couches.. or floors, thank you. Another bite from the bagel, and he eyed Archer playfully suspicious when he was nudged.. and in retaliation, he just tore off a piece of his bagel and pointedly shoved it right into Archer's mouth. Nah, it was obvious. Chase was happy. How'd they meet, though? "Grew up with 'im 'n his brother." Of course, he wouldn't have remembered that had it not been for Archer rather literally leading the way, and showing him things to trigger all the memories to flood right back into their rightful spot. "Used to get into'a lot of trouble back then." Fun trouble.. but, trouble all the same.



6/2/2013 20:54 Archer Keating
He rolled his eyes and laughed but soon had a bite of bagel shoved into his mouth. He didn't fight it so much as nipped at Chase's fingers for doing it. Then he let Chase do the talking because well, Chase made him have a mouthfull and it wasn't polite to talk with food in your mouth, now was it? Archer nodded about the growing up part and the brother part. By the time trouble was mentioned, he had swallowed the bagel. "Yeah. He stayed a lot at our house and my mum looked after him. Did her best to keep him out of trouble but you know Chase .. trying to keep him out of trouble is like trying to keep dogs from sniffing other dogs asses." He smirked and chomped another bite of his own bagel. It was a quick chew and swallow before he added, "He wandered into Murphy's the other night when I was tending bar. I hadn't seen him in years."



6/2/2013 20:59 Maura Blake
Maura couldn't help but smile as she watched and listened to the explanations. Trouble -- certainly not surprising. "And you're remembering things?" Naturally, her gaze swung to Chase when she voiced that question. Concern laced her gaze for obvious reasons. Piecing together fragments of the past was one thing, accepting them was another. Even Maura had her own skeletons to deal with time and again. "So you were reunited in a bar?" Really, it did not matter to Maura in any way, shape, or form -- but it amused her. The source of the flicker of mirth in her gaze probably had to do with the detective whose hair she continued to rake with her fingertips.



6/2/2013 21:07 Chase Benjamin
The nip to his finger got a feigned scowl, even if it was replaced with a smirk a second later. "That bad? Pretty sure it wasn't jus' me gettin' into trouble." He pointed out; .. sure, he'd been the instigator, but what else was new? "Like a certain' someone who'd follow where they weren't s'posed to." Chiding. You'd best believe it. Maura's question got yet another grin out of him. "..Yeah. Not so easily at first, but.. there's a lot I remember 'bout it now." Some a little more than he wanted, granted, but it equaled out in the end. And fuck if they didn't feel more right than the sketchy memories belonging to the other part of him. "Pretty much got to th'point where I stayed with these guys." It was almost tempting to bring up the whole memory of going out, getting drunk, and then being made to eat - and ultimately vomit - runny eggs no sooner than they'd came wobbling back to the house. He did, however, cringe at the thought before taking a bite out of the bagel. "Yup. Couldn' sleep.. so I went somewhere new to see how it was. --He's a pretty good fuckin' tender, too." The last sentence was said a little louder, as if it'd wake Mel up. Regardless, he smirked and settled his shoulders back against the wall.



6/2/2013 21:11 Archer Keating
As if he were telling Maura something that she didn't already know. "He doesn't sleep much and eats less." He gave Chase a pointed look on that one but shrugged it off and added his own memories. "He did end up staying with us a lot. My brother Quinn and Chase here were best friends. They got into more trouble than I did mostly because they snuck off without me most of the time. I followed though." He had been a little shit and he was proud of it too. He took another bite and chewed it up quick, laughing at the compliment and how it seemed to be delivered more to the unconscious police officer than to Maura. In his own defense, Archer added, "Hey, I'm good with my hands. Always was." He shot a look at Maura. "Murphy's Law, it's an irish pub near where I live. He strolled in and it was awesome. I thought he was dead. We all did. That's what we got told and then here he walks in. Talk about surprised. He stopped a robbery too."



6/2/2013 21:17 Maura Blake
The raised voice informing Mel about Archer's tending skills caused Maura to chuckle. "Oh, trust me, I've said all sorts of things in the hopes he'd wake up." Another wave of a heated blush was just a hint of what she may have whispered to the cop. Attention drawn back to the two, her gaze touched upon one then the other. "It's good that you're remembering," she smiled Chase's way. More importantly, the reaction to the memories was not causing him distress -- and that was enough for Maura. Perhaps it was the turning point he needed to adjust to the situation. "I'll have to stop by and see for myself just how good you are, Archer. I'm a real challenge." She half-expected Mel to wake up and make a snarky comment about club soda and lemon. "Wait-- a robbery? What?" Her brow dipped into a frown as she glanced back to Chase.



6/2/2013 21:25 Chase Benjamin
Ah, no, it was no secret he didn't sleep much, and ate less.. but he only shrugged at the look Archer gave him just then. It couldn't be helped. "..Yeah, 'cause you knew I'd let'cha get away with it once we caught you." Was it a lie? Another shrug, and amber eyes flicked to Maura at her chuckle. "Figured it was worth'a shot. Y'never know. They say talkin' to people who are sleepin' like that'll sometimes just.. make 'em wake up." Still, he nodded to her words; it was good he was remembering, and he was relieved, to be exact. He had something that was worth remembering, and it wasn't something he'd forced himself to do. Seemed to happen easier when he wasn't looking for things to remember, apparently. "Maybe we should all go one'a these nights when he's workin'," he said, jabbing Archer in the elbow with his own. But.. then it slipped. The robbery talk that he was intentionally leaving out. When he felt Maura's eyes on him, his own gaze shifted to Archer rather as if he expected him to continue. "Fuck no. You're tellin' that story. ..You brought it up, y'handle it." He said, lifting either hand in an 'I'm not in it' sort of fashion, even if that was incredibly far from the truth.



6/2/2013 21:29 Archer Keating
"Helps that mum had sent that box. Remind me to wire her money tomorrow. She has those other ones." Since he had found Chase again, it had been quite the event to discover he had lost memories that were slowly coming back. Archer took another bite of his bagel, finishing it off. "You're all welcome to come, of course. It's a great place and has the best shepherd pie this side of Ireland." He licked his finger and then almost choked when chase dodged the story and it ended up in his lap. "Pussy." That was for Chase and Chase alone. To Maura he said, "Just this guy came in at closing, pulled a gun and wanted the register. Chase kicked his ass and put him in the hospital. Nothing too much to tell really." He reached over and tore another bite off Chase's bagel but instead of stealing it, he shoved it into Chase's mouth. "Geez."



6/2/2013 21:34 Maura Blake
"... pulled out a gun?" Cue the lingering frown. The expression faded only when she realized that her fingers paused their gentle affection of caressing Mel's hair. Indeed, Chase was right -- she believed people in Mel's condition listened and heard everything. And that explained why she changed the topic away from guns and hospitals. "Yeah, he's good like that. So, you work at the bar and at a garage?" Oh, if Mel were awake, he'd warn Archer to run. Run fast! The journalist was working overtime in gathering all the info she could on the man. More often than not, it was a good thing. "-- god, that reminds me. Where's the Charger?" After being dropped off, Maura hadn't given the car a single thought.



6/2/2013 21:39 Chase Benjamin
"Will do," he replied, easy enough. Hey, he'd even said he would offer up the money to send her.. and then forgot, under the effect of everything else happening: the remembering, the.. going full steam ahead with getting back into having fun. Yeah, it was easy to forget those types of things. But, it went without saying, Chase was curious about the other boxes.. When Archer shot that insult his way, he used his elbow and jabbed him just a little harder than usual. "Yeah'right. You started it, y'finish it." And as Archer did tell the story, he drew in a deep breath. More or less at Maura's reaction; "Yeah.. he had one. S'all good. He didn't get t'use it." It was as simple as that, as far as he was concerned.. ..even if he wound up with the torn piece of bagel in his mouth a second later. He gave something of a mock-growl, but chewed it up regardless and swallowed before replying to Maura's last question. "S'in th'garage. Safe 'n sound. We didn't figure it should be left sittin' out somewhere, y'know."



6/2/2013 21:46 Archer Keating
He nodded and poitned at Chase. "You shoulda seen it. He just did some ninja shit and the guy was on the floor and I didn't have to worry about losing the register for the night." He didn't think about the topic affecting Mel but he did change the topic when it naturally shifted. "Oh yeah. We paid the extra to put it under cover. It's in the basement of the building where I live. It used to be a hotel so it has a basement parking structure. It's fine." He grinned. "We were talking about pimping out his car though. Adding a few modification to increase speed. I'm pretty good with that sort of shit. You should see my car." He couldn't help but call the green mustang his car even though Boss was the one who owned it. "Chase said it would be all right."



6/2/2013 22:04 Chase Benjamin
"Jus' pressure points," he corrected with a grin, even if ninja sounded better. Really, Chase probably would have done a lot worse than put him in the hospital had he not been stopped. Kind of wild how that happened, but.. Maura wasn't looking at all too thrilled on the topic. Nor on the one that followed.. to which he only, very slightly, shrugged. Who didn't like faster cars, damnit?! If only as an excuse to avoid further commenting or explaining, he reached up and hit the power button on the television and skimmed a few channels absently while finally finishing off the last of the bagel. Afterwards, he took a step forward and took his coffee off the table again before reclaiming his place against the wall. He was only partially listening to the news broadcast, given the fact that even from their position on the fifth floor of the hospital, he could hear sirens blazing through the streets in the distance. Of course, his attention drifted out the window as if he'd be able to see something - anything - even if all it was, was more of the hospital's wing. "Always somethin'.." he mumbled, until it dawned on him that the sirens were matching up with the ones on the news.. and a brow raised slightly before he even glanced back up at the television. He didn't say a word, just glanced at Maura with a very quickly "Be back," issues, before he quite literally snatched Archer by the sleeve of his shirt and bolted for the door. In just a very few minutes, they'd be out of the hospital all together, and jumping into the truck just to squeal tires when he went sideways on the way out of the parking lot.



6/2/2013 22:12 Archer Keating
He glanced at the tv then back at the others. "Does he have a favorite show or something? Could put that on when you aren't talking." It was just a suggestion on maybe another stimuli to give Mel a reason to wake up. He wasn't paying attention much to the TV himself. He helped himself to another bagel and was getting ready to take a bite when he noticed Chase look at the tv after the mumble. "What?" He glanced up and then got his ass dragged out of the room. "What the hell?" He didn't fight the crazy race out of the room, down the hall or down the stairs but he did want to know what Chase was all amp'd up about. "Chase!" He jumped into the truck without question and buckled up as the truck squealed out of the parking lot. He didn't like this quiet focused thing that Chase was in but before too long, he could see something on the horizon. He frowned a little. "What the hell?" As they got closer, his heart began to drop even before they actually arrived. That's when there was all the commotion going on. Fire trucks and ambulances and police cars were blocking the road and access to the building. He jumped out of the truck the minute it came to a stop. He looked up at his apartment building, eyes wide. A little less than half way up there was a hole and smoke was pouring out. People were milling all around, some talking to police officers and others talking to the news cameras. All Archer could think about was .. the turtle! "Chase ..."



6/2/2013 22:19 Chase Benjamin
Archer could take the bagel along for the crazy ride, for all he cared. He recognized the fucking place at first glance, be it curse or blessing and that had spurred the intense run for the truck. It took no time at all to get within distance; the smoke.. the swarm of squad cars, ambulances and firetrucks. Yeah, there was no actually getting in. Chase didn't bother killing the engine to the truck, and only jerked the e-brake before climbing out himself. He took a few steps forward and stopped, just to stare up at the hole in the building and the billowing smoke. The turtle. ..The boxes. He dug a hand up into his hair and just gripped there at the nape of his neck for a second, even as he heard Archer say his name over the commotion taking place in front of them. He shot a quick glance at him, then one to the crowding officials before lifting his head up a bit. Circling back to the truck, he snatched his jacket out of the back and threw it on. Then, without much warning, he took off. Fire or smoke be damned. Of course, before he even reached the main stairs, he had a tail ten cops deep trying to stop him from getting up them. Especially considering, you know, they had just finished evacuating the building. The turtle was in water, in the sink. .. Hey, if nothing else, he could save that. So, he fought his way through, even if it resulted in rolly-polly police men tumbling down the stairs.



6/2/2013 22:27 Archer Keating
When Chase raced for the building, well Archer wasn't going to be left behind. He was lithe and managed to squeeze by the police officers mostly because of the surprise factor. He managed to vault over the tumbling bodies, using the wall on either side to almost spider man his way over them without hurting them. Then he was on the landing and racing up after Chase. He wasn't going to let Chase go in there alone by god! Never had he gone up the stairs as fast as he did this time but even then Chase got to the tenth floor first. The fire alarms in the building had disabled all the security locks so Chase was able to get into the floor and head for the apartment. Archer burst out of the stairwell almost a minute after Chase did. He pulled up his t-shirt and put it over his mouth and nose, running down the hall for his apartment. He didn't think, he just reacted. Yes, the hole was in his apartment .. the wall with the window that sat opposite the couch was blown out. There was smoke everywhere and papers and the things that his mother had sent to him ... it was a mess. Water had come in from the ground below, the firemen had done their job to quench the initial fire after the explosion but Archer was left stunned, staring at the devestation. "Chase?!"



6/2/2013 22:35 Chase Benjamin
Quite a team that made them. He didn't care that the cops were tumbling due to the nudges he gave them, but he sure didn't expect Archer to come racing up, too. Chase reached the tenth floor, lost the cops in the process, and had already started down the hall to the apartment; he didn't bother pulling his own shirt up, but instead, just didn't breathe for a good few counts. He was already in the apartment, as soggy as it was, and everything strewn about due to the explosion and force behind the water hoses. His first stop was in the bathroom, of course, to pluck the turtle up out of the sink. Sorry little guy, your new home for the next few hours is in the mouth-rinsing cup. He dunked it into the sink to fill it up just enough, then dropped the turtle in before heading back out and into the hall. When he heard his name though, he squinted in attempt to see through all the smoke, even if he didn't say anything back. Even what was left of the boxes that had still been in the living room were nudged along as he went, and with his free hand, he grabbed Archer's shoulder just to - almost too roughly - push him right back out of the actual apartment. Back into the hallway. Then, he stooped down and picked up the now-sloppy boxes and when he stepped out, he pushed the cup of turtle into Archer's hands, then grabbed his elbow again just to head back to the stairs. There, he finally took a breath. "Fuckin' hell, man.." he said, a bit louder than his usual tone. "Y'weren't s'posed to follow me!" It was just the.. over-protectiveness showing through, and he all but hauled Archer down the stairs with him.



6/2/2013 22:41 Archer Keating
His eyes were burning, tear welling up in reaction to the bite of smoke. Archer coughed as he tried to grab anything but instead was grabbed and thrust back into the hall way. Archer accepted the cup and looked down, squinting through the smoke. It was all right! He looked back at Chase and, in between coughing, shot back, "Not letting you do something stupid by yourself!" Then he was caught again, water sloshing in the cup, as he was hauled down the stairs to where the air wasn't so thick with smoke. "My apartment..." The shock of it all was weighing in on him and near the bottom, his feet slipped on the stairs and he almost fumbled his way head first but managed to catch himself by a railing. The cops weren't happy and neither were the firefighters that met them to escort them out of the building again. Hopefully in the confusion they could sneak away but at the moment Archer was more confused than anything else, his stealth tactics might be compromised. But hey, his turtle friend was safe and sound. "That was my apartment!"



6/2/2013 22:48 Chase Benjamin
That answer just didn't.. sit well with him at the moment, so he kept his mouth shut and just focused on navigating the stairs. He already knew they would be met with an escort on the way back down, but he worked it into the plan. He let the firefighters think they were escorting them, and once he was sure Archer wasn't going to fall over from smoke inhalation, released him long enough to reach over and clap one of the firefighters on the shoulder. It looked friendly enough, from a distance, but it was his thumb that did the trick. He pressed a nerve and within a split second, the geared-out man dropped to his knees. "Hey! Think 'is tank is low, guys! Hurry up 'n get over here!" It was with enough conviction, too, that it drew the attention away from them, and Chase was quick to take Archer by the elbow again if only to finish hauling him back through the crowd. "Yeah, it was.." he trailed, but fought back the words that would've come next. The moment he stopped though, and reached up to rub at his face - in turn, leaving a smudge of black - one of the officers that had been tailing him up had caught up. "Sir, we have the building evacuated. You can't jus--" Chase tuned his attention to the cop steadily. "You forgot one." It was as simple as that. With a jerk of his head to the passenger's side of the truck, he gestured for Archer to get in. The boxes, if they could be called that anymore, were pushed down behind the seats before he climbed into the driver's seat again. Even if he didn't drop the brake and drive off-- no, he was staring up at the building still, thoughtfully clenching and unclenching his jaw.



6/2/2013 22:54 Archer Keating
He coughed all the way to the truck and let Chase deal with the rest of the distractions from the firefighter to the cops. All Archer wanted to do was get in the truck and he managed to do it because Chase was good at what he did. He leaned back, eyes closing. His fingers wrapped around the cup that held the little turtle in it. Somehow it hadn't gotten overheated and cooked and that made Archer happy. He leaned forward finally and peered up. "I wonder what happened." He really had no idea how or why his apartment could end up like that. Bad luck was all he could think about. Archer glanced at Chase and blinked a few times, stifling another cough. "You okay?" He put the cup on the floor board between his feet and reached a hand to squeeze fingers around Chase's bicep.



6/2/2013 22:59 Chase Benjamin
Somehow. At least the turtle wasn't boiled alive. It was probably the location of the bathroom, honestly, but it didn't mean he was any less relieved that the thing had still been swimming around when he'd been scooped up. ..Not that you'd hear him say so aloud. The question that came from Archer was only barely heard, kind of distantly, simply because he was thinking. It wasn't until the next question, and the hand that squeezed his bicep that he came out of it and turned his gaze over to him. "..Yeah. M'fine." Just another drill, boys. Only.. this one wasn't. Obviously. With a sound of exhasperation and annoyance, all at once, he dropped his head back against the headrest of the truck, and one palm shot forward just to slam the steering wheel. At least, it wasn't hard enough to break it. Okay, maybe he wasn't fine. He was chalking it up to another situation that was caused because of him. "Told you shit would get crazy, didn't I? Shit fuckin' follows me." That was his interpretation, anyway, but he had other stories to back it up with. It fit. It was too outlandish for it not to.



6/2/2013 23:06 Archer Keating
He looked at Chase with a mixture of confusion and concern when he slammed his hand against the steering wheel. "Huh?" The outburst wasn't expected at all. He rolled his eyes though when Chase seemed to think he was the one who caused this. "This? You? I don't think so." Archer had no real explaination of what happened but he was certain that Chase had nothing to do with it. Archer scratched his shoulder and sighed, "Can we get out of here? Let's go to the bar. I think we could both use a drink." He looked back up at the building and then at the activity of the fire departments, the ambulances and the cops. When he saw a couple of cops walking in their direction he urged, "How about now, can we go now?"



6/2/2013 23:13 Chase Benjamin
Funny, though. His brain was moving a mile a minute-- and even after Archer's refusal to think it was he that had caused it, he just shook his head. Archer's apartment was gone. Hell, half the other people's apartments were without a doubt ruined with smoke and water damage.. and Chase couldn't stop staring up at the mess, to hell with the people walking around in a daze, and the uncountable number of officials flooding the grounds. The prod to go only caused a squint of his eyes at first, until the more urging one came.. and he dropped his gaze briefly to the cops approaching. "Yeah. Yeah, we're goin'.." he said, shaking his head once before dropping the e-brake, and shoving the shifter into reverse. He spun it around, all while countering the wheel with one hand, and stomped the clutch just as he slammed the knob up into first gear and went through the motions almost robotically. Even if the cops scrambled back to their patrol cars in attempt to give chase - for no real reason, mind you - he was out of the area long before they would even know which way to turn. He only slowed down once they were on the street that lead to Murphy's. Nimbly, he pulled the truck around to the back and killed the engine. A drink. Yeah. He could use one, or five. .. Maybe more. With just a bewildered sort of shake of his head, he popped the door and climbed out, simultaneously shedding the ripped up, beat up, leather jacket that he may as well have trashed right then and there. "..You okay?" Yeah, don't think he'd missed the coughing, then the stifled cough. Not much got past him.



6/2/2013 23:22 Archer Keating
He held on when Chase finally agreed and got the truck moving. Maybe he'd been imagining the approach of the cops, maybe not. Either way, they were left behind and soon enough they were at the bar. He unbuckled his belt and got out, taking the turtle with him. screw the health codes, the turtle was going to live in the supply cabinet for a while. He closed the truck door and glanced at Chase. His eyes were stilling burning and his clothes smelled like smoke and he did have some smudges on him. He didn't admit to anything being wrong. Well, other than by saying, "My apartment's gone. I'm fine. Let's drink." He ran fingers through his blond hair as he headed for the bar. Archer paused only to turn and walk backwards for a few steps, eying up Chase. "You okay?" He wasn't sure about Chase right now. He seemed really affected by the whole thing. He reached the door and used his back to open it, turning as he did to roll into the bar. There were regulars around and the red headed Lucy was tending bar. She smiled then did a double take when she saw them. He lifted his chin and said, "Two bottles of the Ben." He didn't really stop at the bar except to pick up the two bottles she put out for him. Benrinnes, a mid-grade scotch that would suffice for the night. "We'll be in the loft." She didn't object because there wasn't a card game scheduled for the night. He glanced at Chase and gave a jerk of his head, leading the way to the private room that was often used for high stakes poker. It had its own bar, a large table and several couches. It was private and would let them relax with their scotch. Up the stairs he went to the landing and then down the hall to the red door. He opened it and stepped in assuming that Chase would follow.



6/2/2013 23:34 Chase Benjamin
Nah, the turtle wouldn't have to live in the supply cabinet. He just hadn't got that far yet; when it dawned on him, it'd be a bit more obvious. Archer's response only caused him to wince inwardly, but he followed along, nevertheless. Into the bar, and for the bar. The question that was bounced back at him again only got a one-sided shrug in reply. He was always okay, or at least, he made out to be. Even when his mind wouldn't shut up for any given amount of time. Chase all but ignored the patrons as Archer went about getting the two bottles, and after the jerk of the blonde's head, he was following up the stairs to the landing. He did indeed follow Archer through the door, and pushed it closed behind them. "Sorry.." It came before he even had a chance to stop it; whatever the real case may be, did it matter? He felt like shit, straight up, under any circumstance. Instead of standing by the door because, case and point, he'd had enough standing for the morning already.. he went and dropped onto the first couch he came to. Slouching down, he dropped his head back onto the back of the couch.



6/2/2013 23:39 Archer Keating
He handed a bottle to Chase and then sighed, leveling a look on him. "Stop apologizing." The turtle's cup got put on the bar then Archer went for one of the couches himself. He dropped into the one near Chase. He twisted off the lid and took a couple deep mouthfulls before capping the bottle again. A look lingered on Chase for a few very long seconds. Archer's tongue swept across his lips, thinking about what he should say because he sure as hell was trying not to think about the fact that his apartment, his life, was gone. Well, the mustang was still okay. So that was something. He shifted so he was on his side. "So why is this your fault?" Might just as well take the bull by the horns, right?



6/2/2013 23:46 Chase Benjamin
He took the bottle without thinking, and had it opened within the next second, despite the look leveled on him. Stop apologizing. Even the short and bitter-sounding huff of a laugh wasn't at all on key, and only made an awkward noise against the lip of the bottle before he tilted it up. Even if it wasn't his fault.. that didn't mean he wasn't going to be able to not feel bad about it. He knew what that kind of shit was like. His head tilted to either side just to pop the bones inside before he lifted his head just enough so he could take up the infamous scratching at the back of his neck. Amber eyes drifted over to Archer upon the question. Usually, he would've had a more harsh response. One full of venom and anything else you could have mixed up into the hurricane he was quite capable of being when he was frustrated or angry. "'Cause. Nowhere's safe when I'm involved." To the point. Maura's office at The Wire wasn't safe.. Mel wasn't safe.. the house he lived in, fuck, wasn't safe. Nowhere was safe. No one was safe. "Prob'ly a warnin'. I just gotta figure out from who--" And that went, even if it wasn't done on his behalf. Against him. He'd figure out who did it, at the very least, and go from there.



6/2/2013 23:52 Archer Keating
"It's an old building. It could have been an accident." He didn't like the way Chase looked when he was talking about how it was his fault and no place was safe. Archer didn't want to believe that. Where had this come from? Chase hadn't ever been that paranoid. Careful, yeah. He took a swig from the bottle and concentrated on the burn as it went down. Things from the file went through his mind. He gnawed on his lower lip, eyes still trained on Chase. "Okay, fine. It's your fault. Someone is gunning for you. I don't care. You need to figure it out. So figure it out but don't think you're going to leave me behind while you do it. You understand?"



6/2/2013 23:59 Chase Benjamin
"A big fuckin' hole in the side of your apartment, where I'd jus' recently started stayin' doesn't sound so accidental to me." It very well could have been him being paranoid. A lot had happened in the past month, along with regaining the memories of what had happened - personally - to him. He just had a shit ton of doubts that made it hard to believe anything else was, or could be, the cause for something like this to happen. But it was quite truthfully the way he felt. ..And just when he started feeling safe somewhere, the figurative carpet was ripped out from beneath him, and in doing so.. Archer loses everything. Way to play the game, right? He stared hard at the ground in thought between swigs from the bottle, still scratching absently at the back of his neck. When Archer spoke again, and followed it up with the two-worded question, amber eyes snapped over to him and he stared hard for a moment or two. At first, he really had no clue as to what to say. It was probably visible for all of a split second before he forced himself to glance down at the bottle. Leave Archer behind? .. No, that was sort of out of the equation now. "I'd never do that.." he said, trailing off. But what could he do? "I'll figure it out.." Later, of course, when his brain wasn't on the verge of going into hurricane mode.



6/3/2013 00:04 Archer Keating
He ignored the way Chase pointed out again that it was the side of the apartment that was gone. He'd seen the couch. It was in pieces. The wall that was between the living room and the bed room was splinters and the bed itself was a mess. He was glad they weren't there when it had happened. No telling what .. well, he had a good idea of what would have happened if they had been there. Someone would have ended up hurt or worse. He took another swig, staring at Chase until he got the affirmation he wanted to hear. "Good. I know you'll figure it out. I'll help you." He got off the couch and walked toward Chase. Archer looked down at him for a few seconds then dropped onto the couch next to Chase.



6/3/2013 00:12 Chase Benjamin
Oh, he knew damn well what would've happened if they had been there when it had happened. Kaboom. No more either of them. It'd crossed his mind the second he'd seen the hole in the building, which was why his mind was so stuck on it. The bottle was tipped back up again for a much larger swig before he settled it down on the ground, and rubbed his hands down the length of his jeans just to wipe the remnants of char-black off them. "I know.." he offered, though only spared a quick glance up once Archer had walked toward him. When he dropped onto the couch though, he shifted his position a bit and moved his arm around Archer's shoulders to pull him closer. Even if he held on just a bit tighter than the typical, playful, pull or push he would've given. By no means was it anywhere near tight enough to hurt, but still. It was almost funny, in a sense, the ideas that were pushing through his head just then; what to do, how to do it. But for the time? He was trying to just focus on the fact that they - but namely Archer - hadn't been in there. And the turtle was alive. That.. was a plus, right?



6/3/2013 00:18 Archer Keating
The turtle was happily swimming around in the cup happy as a turtle could be. Archer had thoughts dancing all over the place even if he was trying to focus on the burn of the liquor. They were alive and he was going to count that as a plus. He wanted to find out what the problem had been. The kitchen had been all but non-existent and the smell of gas had been present in retrospect. The arm around him wasn't fought. He slid his own around Chase and gave him a hug. His heart was racing and his pulse pounding in his ears. Words were hard to come by at the moment. He felt a tickle at the back of his throat and had to stifle a cough again.



6/3/2013 00:25 Chase Benjamin
It was probably something he should've realized, and perhaps would later.. the smell of gas. He'd just been hellbent on getting the turtle and whatever remained of those boxes, since they were still partially intact. He hadn't even been able to make anything else out. With Archer closer to him, it would have been impossible for him not to notice his heart racing.. and that alone was enough to have him shifting on the couch again, very much forgetting the bottle for the time being. Instead, he leaned back and pulled Archer with him, just so both arms could wrap around him even if that stifled cough didn't sneak past him. He didn't question it just yet though, just shook his head slightly before dropping it forward to rest on the top of Archer's own. It probably would have taken a crowbar to make him let go at that point, had anyone tried. ..Well, save for Archer. He wasn't gonna force him to stay like that if he didn't want to. "..If you're still coughin' tonight, you gotta go get looked at." It wasn't as commanding as it could've been, but, damn if he wasn't concerned.



6/3/2013 00:35 Archer Keating
Blue eyes closed as he drew in another breath. He never had a rush like this when they were kids and fooling around but then again, he never had an apartment blown out from underneath him before either. His arms tightened when Chase pulled him in closer and leaned back. For a few seconds he was lost. The idea that someone was after Chase and that they might have tried to blow up his apartment to do it was sobering and he tried to push it away. He cleared his throat before saying, "I'm fine. Just some smoke." He wasn't interested in going out in public at the moment and emergency rooms were a very public place. He kept his arms around Chase and added, "Just need to chill for a bit. I'll be fine. Really." Although, once the adrenaline rush wore off, he might just end up falling asleep like that because .. well .. there was a certain sense of safety being held like that. He didn't like to admit that though. Confused? Hell yeah.



6/3/2013 00:42 Chase Benjamin
It was just a little more than ironic; it wasn't just but a couple of days ago that he'd straight out, flat out, warned Archer that shit would get crazy if he stuck around-- then, not only did Mel get shot (even if that hadn't been his fault, for once-- only the association).. now, an apartment building was blown up. It was no use; his own mind would keep running in circles until he put something to it that made sense. For now, though, he was fine sitting there in the loft. Just some smoke. Chase sighed at the answer, but didn't push it. He nudged his own shoulder into the back of the couch and made himself pretty comfortable for the time being, even if one hand snuck up and into that blonde hair of Archer's. "A'right then.." he trailed, then and tilted his own head off to the side, mostly against the side of the couch. "Chill." And meanwhile, Chase was going to try to do the same, even if he was lightly sifting his fingers almost mindlessly through the blonde strands.



Board Post: Archer Keating
Archer closed his eyes and sighed, his own fingers coming to rest on Chase's chest. After the excitement, he was starting to feel what the burst of adrenaline had done. Muscles ached from the mad dash up the ten flights of stairs. His chest and throat was sore from the smoke but he was sure the coughing would stop once he settled down. "I don't care how crazy it gets. You don't turn your back on family." His fingers tightened slightly to remind Chase that he was family. "I should turn on the TV." But hey look at how Archer was not moving from his comfortable sprawl against Chase. Nope. Should just wasn't enough to get him to move just yet.



Board Post: Chase Benjamin
He'd went quiet, himself.. at least, verbally. Not because he was achey and had some extreme adrenaline rush wearing off, but because Archer did need to chill. He could feel that, and even when the younger blonde spoke, he wasn't quick to reply.. not even after the tightening of fingers in reminder. He did, however, drop his gaze down some to eye Archer while his fingers resumed their lazy trolling through his hair. Didn't care how crazy it got? Nevermind the idea of turning the TV on.. and since Archer didn't move to do so, he simply dropped his head to rest right back down against Archer's lightly. "Tha's why m'not goin' anywhere." As if it were he that had a choice to throw his hands up and walk away from a potentially dangerous, new, lifestyle.

"I don't want'cha to go anywhere.." he added, a long moment later. Both, right then, and in the long run.



Board Post: Archer Keating
"Good." It was a murmur more than a spoken approval. Archer chuckled softly after a couple of seconds and lifted his head slightly so he could look at Chase. "I still can't believe you're here. At first I wondered if I was crazy and just seeing things or living in some matrix-type reality. You know?" He snickered again and then resettled his head back down, pressing into the fingers stroking his hair. "I don't think that anymore. Can't say why, I just don't. And even if I were, all the crazy in the world is worth having you here." He fell quiet for a few minutes and then whispered, "Right now, I pity the people who are doing this to you. They don't really know you like I do. They pissed you off and you're going to make them hurt." He didn't state what he really felt that Chase was going to do to them. He knew in his heart that Chase would probably kill each and every one of them but Archer softened that by turning it into 'hurt'. Dying can hurt though, right?



Board Post: Chase Benjamin
Chase matched the look with just a light tip of his chin down, and the faint grin was very much there even if he tried to hide it. His hand went still for a moment upon the mentioning of a matrix-type reality. "I don't feel'a socket here, so.." he trailed, kiddingly, once he was back to toying with Archer's hair. Really though, he was damn glad Archer wasn't thinking like that anymore. Even if he was damn sure it was a hard thing to get past -- hell, it had to be worse than not knowing anything in some sense.. "There'll be plenty'a crazy people tryin' t'change your mind, y'know. Plenty." Especially if he were being watched like he was positive he was.

When they were brought up though, Chase grew quiet again as if mulling it through his head. It was a hectic place inside that skull of his, but what Archer was saying was true. They had no true idea who he was, let alone what he was exactly capable of past their ramshackle tests they'd put him through. Dying could most definitely hurt. "They'll know soon enough." Though it was more than just a little frustrating that he didn't know where they were, or even who they were off the top of his head. Just agents.. just suits with badge-tags.

"Til then." he mimicked a single, middle-fingered, salute out into the air before settling his hand right back to Archer's head, even tugged at those blond strands lightly before resuming the lazy sifting through them. "Got somethin' more important t'worry 'bout right now." Say it ain't so! Something more important than vengeance?!



Board Post: Archer Keating
He snorted a laugh. "They can try all they want." He wrapped his arm more around Chase and muttered, "They can go to hell." He didn't think about being watched. The full reality of the situation hadn't yet weighed in with Archer. He was fiercely loyal and anyone trying to get him to think otherwise about Chase would find that out the hard way. The blond had bite even if he hadn't had too much reason to show it in recent years. That's what happened when you felt defeated and like you'd lost your main reasons for living. Imagine what would happen if Quinn suddenly walked back in from the dead!

He grinned when Chase gave the promise that 'they' would know soon enough. Archer nodded and grunted an 'ummhmm'. He managed to swipe another swing of his scotch straight from that long necked bottle then twisted a little to look up at Chase. "Something more important?" Was Chase already plotting and planning? Archer had to admit that the idea of Chase having some sort of devious plot hatching in his head was exciting. "What is that?"



Board Post: Chase Benjamin
It probably would have even confused Chase, had Quinn walked through the door; even with what he did know, and the reality he'd had to grasp once the memories started flicking and flashing within his brain. But it was like Archer had just said: they could all go to hell. Even if then he would have been a little disappointed; Chase was, after all, hellbent on revenge. Vengeance. Whatever you wanted to call it.

He only moved when Archer shifted, and even then, it was to snag up the bottle he'd set on the floor. A good-sized swig was taken just as he settled back into his previous position. The plotting and planning going on inside his head was a given, but it wasn't at all what he meant. Even if he paused mid-swig to grin when he was questioned on it, and amber eyes shifted down to Archer. Finally, he took that swig, then rested the bottle down to the side once more just so he could re-wrap his arm back around the blonde. The answer was simple, really; more so than actually saying it.

"You."



Board Post: Archer
His own grin got wider when Keating paused mid-swig to grin. Archer felt a familiar rush. How many times growing up had he gotten that same look just before Chase announced something? Usually it was where they were going or something he'd gotten his hands on that most parents would not want him to have but it was pure Chase through and through. The only place Archer had gotten to see that smile lately had been in his dreams. Archer didn't expect the answer he got. The surprise showed but only briefly before Archer chuckled. In that brief moment Archer relived the kiss back at the apartment, the looks he'd been getting (and giving) and the way that Chase had taken to holding Archer's hand recently. He shouldn't have been surprised at all and really he wasn't but he had been expecting something in the way of 'let's go and do...' something.

Archer laughed outright and declared, "Damn right I am!" Was he going to say other things that he felt about Chase? There was temptation to do so but he chickened out although it might have been clear on his face that there was almost more spoken. But his lips pressed closed and he just grinned.



6/4/2013 20:38 Chase Benjamin
No, he shouldn't have been the least bit surprised by that grin or the admittance he'd given just then. It wasn't a grin many people got; not that type, anyway. This mix of something mischievous and sheepish all at once, and covered up with the lip of his bottle. It was Archer's declaration that caused him to snort back a laugh despite the current event that had taken place. Even if he was in no way taking light of the situation. "Better be." And that was all he had to say about it, really. The looks, the other obvious indicators -- they were all most definitely there, and weren't going anywhere any time soon. He ducked his head forward just so his forehead could rest against Archer's, leaving them eye-to-eye for a good moment or so. "Better be okay with that, too," he warned, even if it was done lightly. A light shift was given, and though he didn't pull his head away, he was on the prowl for his cellphone. The thing may as well have been ancient, as long as it took to power up-- so, he hit the power button and sat it on the back of the couch for the time being. And then? Nudged one'a those harder kisses to Archer's lips before he had a chance to pull away.



6/4/2013 20:49 Archer Keating
He grunted another laugh at the 'better be' warning. This was just what he needed after seeing his apartment in blown up bits; the banter and play, the connection with Chase again. Yeah, it was worth losing the apartment over. He was still grinning when they were forehead to forehead. Archer's fingers stroked lightly and he gave a little lift of his chin in a nod. "Course I am. You think I'm not?" Duh! When Chase shifted, Archer pushed up enough to let him more easily get his phone. He often was a little envious of those who could afford cell phones but he wasn't really all that worried about not having one. But now with Chase around, Archer could see himself actually wanting a cell phone if only to stay in touch with Chase. Archer reached back and scratched his shoulder then resettled himself back in against Chase when he was done fumbling with his phone. He was glad he did too because the kiss was more along the lines of the ones he liked! And pull away .. say what? Hell no! Archer's eyes closed and he pushed into it, one hand even reaching up to get hold of Chase's shoulder so Chase couldn't easily pull away!



6/4/2013 20:59 Chase Benjamin
"How would I know?" he quipped. In all reality though, had he thought he wasn't.. then, Chase would have backed off at least some. Still, it was a relief to just play around with unnecessary banter; the picking, the grins.. all of it. Even if Archer had lost his apartment.. there were other ways to get by, even if the thought was only just concluding in his mind. And cellphones? Don't think that hadn't crossed his mind, either. He had to be in the know. Had to know everyone was good to go, and Archer was now included in that. All suggestions he'd bring up before the night was over; it was just a matter of time. The way Archer pushed into the kiss.. well.. it was surely felt, the half grin that formed in spite of it all. He sure as hell wasn't pulling away from it. If nothing else, he held it for a long, long moment, and had even gripped the back of Archer's shirt for the very same reasons. But, even people like him had to breathe eventually, and although reluctantly, Chase drew his head back just a bit. Just enough to talk, really. "..'n that, too. Y'gotta be okay with that." More taunts. There was just no resisting it.



6/4/2013 21:16 Archer Keating
How would Chase know? Archer just hissed a laugh out and poked Chase in the stomach. "I don't know .. read minds?" As if his signals had been to this point subtle. Not really. Archer wasn't hiding anything at all; he just didn't push. He'd learned back home to keep things quiet. But hey, when a kiss came his way he wasn't going to ignore it. Especially when life was as precious as it was in that moment and the kiss involved Chase. There wasn't anything else for Archer but the feel of Chase against him and the residual scent of the smoke from the building and the sound of Chased voice when he finally spoke after the kiss finally broke. Archer exhaled a quick breath and chuckled, "Mm.. I'm okay with that." Duh! But then he added with a soft chuckle. "Really ok." A head tip to the side, he rested his cheek against Chase's shoulder. Downstairs there was a burst of laughter and applause. Archer figured Lucy had either thrown someone out or Paddy had said drinks were on the house. "Never thought you'd be okay with it, you know." That came out without Archer even thinking about it.



6/4/2013 21:26 Chase Benjamin
Really okay? That had him grinning all over again.. and the burst of laughter and applause coming from downstairs was somehow, oddly, fitting. In a way? Regardless, he didn't even as much as mention it when he went grabbing for his phone again, but in such a way that Archer wouldn't have to move. He flipped through the contacts with ease, and rested his chin right back down against that blonde head and started tapping out a message to Maura, though he paused just a second later when Archer said what he had. "'Course not." As if that should've been common knowledge or something. "Not many would." And that was the truth, even if it amused him a little more than it should have just then. "But I am, so.. there's that." He finished up the message all while settling both arms back down around Archer. It simply read: 'At the pub. Up the stairs. Red door. Show up.' It was cryptic, sure, but.. when wasn't he? Especially when he knew - and for a fact, right then - that something was incredibly off as of tonight. And on second thought, an even quicker one was fired just a half second later. 'Have your tails.' Afterwards, he dropped the phone right back to the back of the couch and leaned to the side, all but nestling into Archer.. even as playful as it seemed. "Bet your mom doesn't know, huh.." About him, or about Archer. Catch up time!



6/4/2013 21:32 Maura Blake
As promised, Maura spent a few hours a night at home and slept in the comfort of her own bed. However, just because she made the vow, it didn't mean that she followed it regularly. Mel had been moved to a private room, though the doctors explained how he'd heal much faster if he stayed unconscious. The wound, especially where it was located, needed to mend to prevent any further damage. She'd been in the hospital room, tucked beside the cop as she read different articles from newspapers and magazines. It amused her to pretend that he responded to different things --whether it was their horoscopes (he was a stubborn Capricorn while she was a playful Gemini) or ways to better improve their sex life according to Cosmo. The chime of an incoming text drew her attention, and she folded the magazine on top of Mel's pale blue gown before reaching to snag the phone from where it fell between them. "Huh..



6/4/2013 21:37 Maura Blake
"Huh..." she huffed the word in confusion and it only worsened when she received the second one. "Tails?" Hazel eyes veered to Mel, half-hoping he'd offer a translation -- something he usually did when she wasn't sure of Chase's cryptic messages. "Oh, right!" It dawned on her then what Chase meant and she quickly typed a message to O'Neil who, once again, was put on her protective detail. After tidying up the room, she bent to brush a kiss to Mel's forehead and lovingly stroked the wayward strands of brown away from his brow. "I'll be back later, promise." One of the nurses was alerted to Maura's leaving and pledged to contact her should anything change in his condition. The fresh air worked wonders on her mood and spirit, but there was still a layer of fatigue in her eyes and a perpetual ache to almost every inch of her body. Following the directions set in her iPhone, Maura made her way to the pub and followed the instructions sent by the sleeper. Tucker and O'Neil, as usual, were not far behind and sat in an unmarked sedan close by.



6/4/2013 21:38 Archer Keating
Yeah so there's that. All the while growing up there were girls all over the place and neither of the older boys seemed to mind that. The girls weren't there for him and well, Archer never minded that. He watched Chase send the text then sighed when Chase had to mention mum. It was a second before Archer shook his head to answer the question he thought was being asked. "No. Mum doesn't know about me and um .. that." That being that he wasn't into girls like Mum expected him to be. As he'd said before, mum was a good Catholic. "I can't wait to show her that you're actually not dead. She said prayers for you every night and even got them to say a Mass for you." He grinned. Mum had even dragged Archer to church that day. "I don't want to break her heart." That last part was aimed back at the topic of Archer.



6/4/2013 21:47 Chase Benjamin
He wouldn't have minded either way. Girls, no girls. Most of it was just for show, by the time he'd been old enough to give a damn -- to prove a point, really. Archer's answer got, at first, only a nod of sorts which was really more or less just a lift of his chin before he was right back to his near-sprawl. "Not really'a bad thing, y'know. Mine didn't know either." Cue the smirk. Hell, his parents hadn't known much about him at all, right up to the day he joined the military and shipped off. They might have, had they done more than fight all the damn time.. but, that was way back in the past. He grinned, though, at the next idea of showing her he wasn't dead.. and so long as that didn't cause any real and true heart attacks, then, he was all for it. "Geez," he said, making a face. "An entire mass?" It was enough to leave a pang of guilt inside, somewhere, even if it wasn't rightfully placed. "Hey, no one said nothin' 'bout breakin' her heart.." Even if Chase found it difficult to think it would. "M'not sayin' a word." When they went to see her, he meant. Ambers lifted towards the ceiling though, listening to the change of pace down below in the actual pub. As new as he was to the scene, and it was already obvious to him when someone unknown came waltzing in. It'd been the same when he'd dumped his sleepeprived ass in the very first night.



6/4/2013 21:52 Maura Blake
She had followed everything to the letter -- quite literally. At the pub, check. Up the stairs, check. And the red door, check! Shifting her phone into the front pocket of her bag, she lowered the leather flap and straightened the strap on her shoulder. Comfort was key in spending hours on end at the hospital, so she was clad in a pair of jeans, an old college t-shirt, and a pair of sneakers. The only thing that did not seem casual was the hairstyle which kept most of the long brown pieces off her neck. She had every intention of letting the detective see the column of her throat as soon as he could focus, and as such, would wear her hair that way every second that she spent in the hospital. Her hand lifted as she rapped a knock on the red door, alerting Chase that she had arrived -- but her tails were waiting outside!



6/4/2013 21:56 Archer Keating
"I know you won't." He knew that Chase would do anything he could to keep mum safe and happy inside her little world where Archer was seeing women and would one day settle down with a good woman to provide her grandchildren. That was part of the reason he had to leave home when he did. He shifted a little and looked back at the door. "It's open!" He called that out friendly enough and then figured out who it had to be. He scrambled off the couch to then go open it so Maura could come in. He hadn't cleaned his face, there were still smudged of ash on him and he did still have that tell tale scent of smoke. But he was obviously unharmed. And on the bar in the back of the room there was a cup that held some water and a happily swimming turtle.



6/4/2013 22:02 Chase Benjamin
Nope. It definitely wasn't in his agenda to go breaking mothers' hearts and setting their illusions differently. Still, in response, he gave another grin-- even if it could have easily been confused with a smile. Just a small one, before Archer shifted to look at the door. Then, the scrambling, he scowled faintly even if it slowly morphed into a smirk as he sat himself up and even attempted to rub the still lingering black off of himself to no avail. Yeah, it'd require a shower, no doubt. For both of them. Especially to get rid of the smoke-smell. Gripping the neck of the bottle again, he brought it up and lifted his other hand in a much more polite two-fingered salute to Maura once the door was opened. "Got 'em outside?" God forbid something else happen in one night. Eventually, Chase stood and arched into a slow stretch that caused the bones in his lower back to pop soundly before taking a swig from the bottle.



6/4/2013 22:09 Maura Blake
As soon as she walked inside, she smelled it. Smoke. With Mel being in a coma, he did not wear the telltale scent of it on his suits, and the only time she was hit with any smoke was when she crossed the front of the hospital where people gathered to indulge in their nicotine habits. Hazels focused on Archer first since he opened the door, and just as she was about to ask, Chase drifted into her line of vision. "What? Oh, yes, they're outside in a blue sedan. Why?" Immediately suspicious, especially at the sight of them --and the lingering scent of smoke, she eyed the both of them for answers. She didn't suspect that they went to a celebratory bonfire, and if there was some elaborate BBQ that she missed, she'd be insulted to not have been given an invite. "What's going on?"



6/4/2013 22:14 Archer Keating
One thing that Archer was pretty good at was the innocent act. It had gotten him out of tickets and at least one ride to jail. He turned a completely normal grin on and nodded to the couches and chairs. "Come on in, have a seat. Are you hungry?" Why he was suddenly bound to keep things normal and ignore that faint smoke scent and the ash marks and .. well .. all the little details that screamed 'hey we were in a fire!' he really couldn't say. It was probably just trying to keep things normal so Maura wouldn't have one more thing to worry about. Dodge and pull out the host skills. He was pretty good at that too. It had been quite a ride and he may have just slipped up a little when he said, "We're just relaxing a little. Why?"



6/4/2013 22:19 Chase Benjamin
Not a celebratory bonfire in the least, but it sure as fuck smelled like they'd had one - or at least, - a barbecue. Her immediate suspicion wasn't lost on him, of course. "Jus' makin' sure.." he claimed, and even gestured for her to sit down before he even said anything else. Yeah, let Archer toss out them hosting skills. Chase moved and leaned against the edge of the bar counter, as if there were none of those little details lingering about the both of them. He held the same regard, honestly; he didn't want to further worry her, but.. he took in a deep breath and turned the bottle up again, causing that watch around his wrist to slide further down as it went bottoms up for a longer pull. Next to follow was one of those infamous Camel wides of his, though-- nope, not trying to mask anything at all, right? Right. "..Someone found Archer's apartment." Nonchalantly said, as if it didn't hold the same meaning it implied. Or, he meant for it to imply, rather. "Fuckin' put a hole in th'buildin' th'size of the grand canyon." So much for subtlety.



6/4/2013 22:26 Maura Blake
Setting the bag down first, she was grateful to be without the heavy weight on her shoulder. It rolled back once, twice, then shrugged a little arch when Archer asked 'why.' Taking a seat, she slumped into the cushion and rested her hands on the tops of denin-covered thighs. "Nah, I'm not hungry." Before either one could lecture her --she was fluent in that kind of mothering -- she explained. "I had something to eat with Annie." And they all knew the vivacious nurse wouldn't let Maura starve. Not getting any answer from Archer, her gaze drifted to Chase when he volunteered the information. Her brow shot up high and whatever slumped lean she had in the chair ended when she bolted into a straight posture. "Oh my God, you're not hurt are you?" Renewing her attention on the two, she regarded them up and down, looking for any sign of injury on them under the ash and soot. "I swear to Christ, I will kill him." No suprise where her mind jumped-- or, rather, on whom it jumped to in the assumption.



6/4/2013 22:32 Archer Keating
He rolled his eyes when Chase just dumped out his paranoid ideas into the room. Archer put up both hands and said, "Now wait, it's an old building. Maybe it was just coincidence." He wasn't sure it was but anything to calm the girl down. "My turtle's fine." He pointed to the bar and the cup. "Wanna see?" Guess who was not being given an option. He went to the bar, smacked Chase in the chest with the back of his hand and then carted the cup over to Maura so she could see that the little baby turtle was indeed fine and had suffered no ill effects of being that close to the gas fire that had turned the apartment into a charred and blast open mess. "Isn't he cute?"



6/4/2013 22:41 Chase Benjamin
Coincidence. Paranoid. Archer was given a light shake of his head, but he didn't say anything at first-- and even went as far as letting him show off the baby turtle that was quite fine and swimming in that cup. Even after the smack to his chest was delivered, Chase merely watched on from his prop against the counter. "Nah, no ones hurt-- not even th'turtle," he said, almost sardonically, waving a hand in it's direction before that bottle was bumped up once more. "Just smokey 'n smudged." But in the next second, he rested the bottle down on the bar and folded his arms loosely over his chest -- perhaps in attempt to fend off any more of those smacks that really.. didn't phase him. "Wasn't him. Jack'd still be playin' hide 'n go seek with us." Paranoid or not, this wasn't something he'd pawn off on that little snake. "..Th'place is ruined. Totaled." ..No, Chase, it wasn't a car. "So I was thinkin'.. I gotta figure out how t'get into that account. Y'remember, right?" Oh, the secrecy. Someone should've smacked him upside the head.



6/4/2013 22:47 Maura Blake
"Wait--what? Turtle?" Maura's head was spinning. Still seated, afraid to move, she waited for Archer to deliver the cup and she peered down to the baby turtle swimming around. "I'm glad all three of you are safe but..." Hazels lifted away from the cup and lingered on one face, then the other. No matter how many assurances they gave her, she didn't trust anything except her own eyes. Again, she swept a slow regard over each, double-checking their arms, legs, chests and faces. "I'm really sorry about your place, Archer," the sincerity in her voice matched the warmth of her gaze, and she could only pray that Chase was right -- that it wasn't Jack, the Bastard. When Chase continued, referring to the account, there was a very slow nod of her head. "Considering what just happened with Mel, it might be time I call in a big favor." Chase could assume (and be correct) as to who she was thinking about at that juncture in time.



6/4/2013 22:56 Archer Keating
He shrugged as he took a seat after being scrutized. Archer watched the little turtle for several second. "It's all right. It was just stuff." He wasn't as attached to stuff as Chase might be but that's because his memories were inside his head, not prompted to make appearances by stuff. His gaze went to Chase, eyes lingering for several more seconds. But then he realized there was conversation he needed to catch up on. "Wait, what aacount?" He pushed up from the couch to return the cup to the bartop. A look was split between Maura and Chase.



6/4/2013 23:03 Chase Benjamin
He wasn't attached to stuff, per se, but the thought of it all just being gone - even if he'd since reclaimed the spurred memories - was infuriating. But it hadn't just been those boxes-- it'd been everything in the apartment; and the fact that Archer, or the both of them, could have been in there. When Maura agreed with that nod - and Archer questioned the account - Chase reached up to scratch at the back of his neck. There was no real easy way to just spill the beans on that. "..Yeah, think so. Big favor time." But he paused there and slouched; even went as far as to tuck his hands into his pockets. "M'sittin' on a pretty penny or two. ..Or ten digits.. but.." There was always a but! "Cant get to it. I think I mentioned it, but didn' really go inta too many details." He lifted a shoulder in a half-hearted shrug. "If m'gonna do what m'thinkin' of doin'.. I gotta get to it. Without plastic." Debit cards were absolutely out of the equation. "..Think he'd know of'a hacker? A good one; none'a that 'for fun' shit.." he trailed, reaching up again, but this time to scratch at the scruff at his jaw with his thumbnail.



6/4/2013 23:09 Maura Blake
"I know stuff can be replaced, feeling secure is another thing." Maura lost that sense of security a long time ago, and she learned the hard way what happens every time she let her guard go lax. When Archer passed the chair to bring the turtle back to the bar, her hand rose to brush a swift touch to his arm. She wasn't about to admit anything about Chase's account -- that was all his to divulge if and when he thought the time was right. Her mouth softened into an expression that wasn't quite a smile. The discussion of the account (or what was in it) prompted memories of banter about vacations. "He's got to know someone. If he doesn't then he'll know someone who does. Favors aside, he's a good man. I know he'd help." And if she had to play the your-son-shot-the-love-of-my-life card ... then so be it! "I can call him later when I go back to the hospital... later tomorrow," adding as an afterthought even though she meant within the next hour.



6/4/2013 23:12 Archer Keating
He paused to look at her when she mentioned security then his eyes swung to Chase. Ever since Chase had come back into his life, Archer had not had anything but a secure feeling. Even with gang riots, shootings and well the explosion. He honestly couldn't imagine being injured and maybe that was a bad thing. He smiled at the touch to his arm and gave a quick wink just to say 'it'll be okay'. At the bar he left the cup set back far enough that the painted turtle inside the cup would not end up free because the cup got tipped over. "Ten?" He rolled his eyes. That was a pretty penny for sure. "What do you mean not on debit? You want cash? That much cash?" Surely that's not what Chase meant!



6/4/2013 23:17 Chase Benjamin
He couldn't help but watch the silent exchange between the two, and was grinning in no time, even if he'd swung his hand back up to snatch the bottle before Archer had ever reached the bar once more. Again, it was turned up and practically drained - there was a sip or two left, but other than that, the entire bottle was demolished. "S'what I was hopin'.." he admitted, shrugging again. Sure, Chase knew the guy was a good man -- otherwise, he wouldn't have been standing there right then, but he was still skeptical. He was a government official after all, and he'd tip toe around them all day long if he had to, just to ensure no one was working against him. A quick glance was given to Archer just in time to see that roll of his eyes, and he couldn't fight the smirk nor the snort of a laugh that followed not a second later. "Yeah ten. No, not cash. I need it transferred; I can't withdraw it.. can't walk in 'n take th'money out. Gotta have a third party. Someone unseen." Hence the mentioning of a hacker. "But jus' imagine all th'girls I could get by flashin' that kinda cash 'round.." he teased, and flipped the bottle - quite literally - into the air, just to catch it again. Yeah. He wasn't interested in that. He had other motives.



6/4/2013 23:23 Maura Blake
"Well, that cash can get this girl to Hawaii," she sighed, lounging back in the chair for a moment. A very faint smile tugged the corners of her mouth, letting her attempt at humor be seen and heard. Just as quickly as she went back in the chair, a forward lean had her plucking the cell phone from the bag's pocket. No incoming calls or texts, she kept it positioned on the top of her thigh, the purple case resting against the pale denim. "I'll see what I can get from Jack," obviously referring to the father, not the son. "As soon as I know something, you'll know."



6/4/2013 23:27 Archer Keating
He stopped at the mention of girls and just started at Chase before finally shaking his head and saying, "Shut up." Then he chuckled and took a barstool muttering, "Asshole." Having Maura joking was a good thing. She seemed to be the type who laughed more than anything else but she hadn't had much reason to do so, had she? Archer was realxing until Maura mentioned Jack. That was the guys name that shot the detective and the horror on his face was loud and clear. He missed the part where there was a good Jack to balance out the evil Jack. He put his hands up in the time out gesture. "Wait a second. You're asking who what?"



6/4/2013 23:33 Chase Benjamin
"It'll do that too," he chimed, when Maura went and reminded him of the Hawaii trip they were all supposed to up and go on. But, the chuckling and muttering from Archer was what did him in, and quite honestly the only reason he dropped onto a nearby stool himself. "Tha's me," he said, but at the same time extended his leg to tilt Archer's stool back a bit before letting it rock right back onto all four legs. Yeah, right. Like he wanted girls hanging all over him-- no. "That sounds like'a go." The whole.. getting in touch with Jack, then relaying it. Until, of course, Archer seemed so horrified. "..No, not that one.." he said quickly. Hell no, not that little bastard. "Jack's dad is named Jack, too. He's 'n FBI agent. Pretty good guy from what I can tell." Nothing at all like the littler one who went around intentionally starting fires so he could sit back and watch the world burn beautifully around him. Regardless. "He's th'one that got me outta there." Wherever 'there' was.



6/4/2013 23:39 Maura Blake
"He also saved my life a long time ago," with her right hand covering the cell phone, her left palm absently settled by her hip where a few patterns of scars were hidden under some denim. Those memories were almost as vivid as the one from the pier. "So, I trust him. Whole-heartedly. He's nothing like his son, that's for sure." Nodding to Chase that their plan was a go, she glanced to the pair and smiled at the way they were together. "Will the two of you be staying here, then?" For once she wasn't just being nosy --well, maybe she was-- but most of all, she was concerned for the two of them.



6/4/2013 23:41 Archer Keating
He flailed his arms when Chase tipped his barstool a little then leaned forward to smack Chase in the chest again for that little trick. He was visibly relieved when it was explained by Chase and backed up by Maura that this Jack was a good juju Jack. He rested an arm on the bartop and listened then, liking this guy already considering he got Chase free and had saved Maura. Sounded like he walked on water and Archer figured that having a friend like that was a good thing. As far as staying here. "I hadn't thought to ask Paddy. I doubt he'd mind." He looked to Chase, brows up a little. "What do you think? Or do you think a hotel somewhere?"



6/4/2013 23:47 Chase Benjamin
That time, he smirked at the smack to his chest. So trivial, but had he yet to even try to block one of 'em? Nope! It was just a wonder he wasn't retaliating more than just lodging the toe of his boot beneath that bottom rung again, and this time, tipping it forward. Just enough to have it jump a bit before it stopped. "Stayin' here?" he parroted, amber eyes settling on Archer just before he'd given his answer. "I got a big house tha's sittin' empty, 'n you're sayin' hotel.." he said, deadpan. "..Just has'a broken window." In his defense, he shrugged again. "Don' matter, I guess. Wherever you wanna stay." Truly, it didn't matter to him. Apartment, house, .. loft.. hotel. Whatever. "S'long as there's th'chance'a not-so-empty bottles bein' 'round, I'm game for sleepin' in th'truck for all I care." Probably not, but hey.. it'd work if it had to.



6/4/2013 23:54 Maura Blake
She was about to suggest that a hotel might be safest but then another memory flooded her mind. It hit her like a wave. Not only did Mel find out that Chase was still alive -- it was the very night Maura admitted (to no one but herself) that she cared for the detective more than she ever realized. Her gaze instinctively dropped to the phone, and even though there was no message prompting her to move, she started to gather up her bag and rose from the chair. "Let me know what you decide. I'm gonna head home, take care of a few things, then head back to the hospital. After I rest," adding the last bit despite the fact that it wasn't necessarily true. "Just be safe, okay?" Closing the distance between them, she graced each of their cheeks with a tender kiss. "And a shower might do you both some good. Ya'smell like ashtrays." "Once I get in touch with Malone, I'll call you -- actually, I'll call you tomorrow regardless." Stepping back, she lifted a hand to give Chase's shoulder a light little poke, the manner of which all but screamed I know what tomorrow is.



6/4/2013 23:58 Archer Keating
He lifted his hands and quickly said, "Don't most spy guys stay in a hotel?" He was openly giving a friendly poke at Chase but in a non-threatening way. "I think we need a soundtrack or something. And sunglasses." Although he was teasing a little, there was an undercurrent in his eyes. The sparkle that was usually there was not present. Then he turned a little more serious. "Bottles that aren't empty? Well I guess that means we are staying here." He chuckled softly and let Maura give his cheek a kiss. He patted her shoulder and said, "Be careful." Then, yeah, okay, so what he ruffled her hair a little just to be a shit. Cue the innocent grin. For Chase and Maura's benefit he said, "And there are a couple of bathrooms with showers down the hall. Kept clean for the nights the poker games go too long. Paddy lets the guys clean off the smell of booze and cigars before they go home." Convenient, huh?



6/5/2013 00:03 Chase Benjamin
Yeah. Hotels. Not exactly the best idea, but it would've worked in a pinch. The poke given by Archer drew his attention in, and all he could do was grin. "A damn good soundtrack, if we're gonna do that," he pointedly suggested. Sunglasses, though? It could happen. Yep, looked like they were staying there in the loft tonight, hm? When Maura started gathering her things, he glanced over and watched for a moment.. then tilted his chin up some when she'd added that 'after I rest' in there, but.. didn't push it. The kiss to his cheek was accepted, and he even caught her with one before she'd gotten far enough away. "..Yeah, showers too." Even if he personally didn't mind smelling like an 'ashtray.' And then Archer piped up with Paddy letting the guys clean up before going home, and he couldn't deny it.. it was convenient. "Think we'll stay here--" but then that poke to his shoulder that said more than she did, and he gave her a fairly daring look. ..Nopenopenope. Not tomorrow. He wasn't even going to acknowledge it with anything more than a tauntingly-goofy grin. "G'night, Maura." Hah! He couldn't help it. Just.. no.



6/5/2013 00:10 Maura Blake
The ruffle of her hair was met with a wrinkled nose, quick to tidy the wayward strands when they flopped in front of her brow. "I'll be careful, I have my tails." A cheeky smile was very nearly lopsided as she looked from one to the other. By the way Chase looked at her, she suspected he knew she was full of shit about resting at any point. In truth, while she liked being home to sleep, she slept more soundly on the cot provided by the hospital. She was accustomed to being close to the cop, especially at night. "Good, stay here, shower, rest..." what a little hypocrite she was! "I'll check in tomorrow." Oh, Chase's grin prompted one of her own --and yes, there was a glint of mischief in her hazel eyes. Humor her, she needed the distraction! Turning to leave, she started to hum something that sounded a lot like Happy Birthday. Through the red door, she backtracked down the stairs and found the two cops waiting for her in their car. Rather than walk anywhere, she asked them for a ride and together they went straight to the hospital.


********************************************************

[Archer Keating]

Instead of copy the logs and paste them in here now that we're caught up, I will record what room and date (and the focus of the play) to search using the chat logs page. The link for the chat logs page is on the landing page of the forums.

If we post live play, I will put a URL in here to the log so things are kept in order.

********************************************************

06/05/2013 .. Murphys Law Pub .. Birthday for Chase
06/06/2013 .. The City At Large .. Street Fair Fun
06/08/2013 .. The City At Large .. Meeting the Hacker
06/09/2013 .. The City At Large .. Chase/Archer General Stuff
06/09/2013 .. Hospital .. Mel Wakes Up! (Welcome Back Mel!)

I will probably stop recording the posts here now since Mel is back.