Pact

Carson catches the pack of cigarettes with one hand, a look of surprise crossing his face. He follows back towards the cell, flipping his lighter on the way to relieve his craving, despite Nate’s fair warning.

Back in the cell, he gives a slight nod of acknowledgement and sinks back down on the cot, surrendering to the fact that it would be a long and lonely night.


Jason’s grin spreads just a little as Katie brushes his hair from his forehead. He reaches out to run a thumb along her cheek. Not long ago he would have guessed that a moment such as this would have changed too much…it would have created an awkwardness…it would have severed some part of the friendship that he and Katie already shared. But it hadn’t… Instead, it was almost a relief…as if he’d finally been let free and no longer needed to hide. There was no one he’d ever known with whom he felt as comfortable. Katie knew his heart…something he shared with no one else.

Saying nothing, Jason straightens to get to his feet. Reaching down, he easily scoops Katie up in his arms, his leather jacket creaking just as little with the movement.

His eyes seem to smile as he carries her to a sheltered spot on the beach right before the large rocks begin. He eases down to sit on the sand with his back leaning up against the rock, facing the moonlit lake. Positioning Katie in front of him between his legs to face the lake as well, he provides himself as her back rest, letting his arms fall over her shoulders to draw her back against his chest.

Taking a deep breath of the crisp evening air, he plants a light kiss on the back of her head. “You realize I just broke my own pact,” he says quietly.