Bliss

A slight smile remains on Scott's face and he lets Katie settle in next to him, one arm still around her shoulders. Stretching out his legs, he leans his head back into his pillows, opting to just let the moment go without ruining it by talking any more. The movie would suffice...the card game is forgotten.

Domino's head pops up a the foot of the bed and she looks at her master and Katie as if asking if they're finished yet.

Scott chuckles and just gives a little gesture with his hand to let her know it's alright. Her ears flop back with pleasure and she hops up onto the bed, crawling up between Scott's legs to find a nice warm place to curl up, resting her head on his knee.

The movie plays on...the only noise through the quiet infirmary. As the credits begin to roll, Scott's form is still and peaceful, his breathing quiet, signaling that despite his desire to stay awake, he couldn't fight the drugs any longer.


Laura sinks into Nate's arms as he returns for a second kiss. Timidly at first she accepts it, then gradually returns it until she is completely lost in the moment, giving back to him equal passion.


As Con and Jamie make their way back to his car, his eyes drift over the parking lot, then down to the beach. He catches sight of two figures. Though he can't see them well from this distance, he knows who they are. He watches for a moment, not because he wants to invade their privacy or pick up the habit of staring...but because his little sister that he'd raised on his own since she was seven...she was that young woman out there right now.

Cocking his head, his mind is flooded with memories. His sister was finding a new protector now...someone else to take care of her and be there for her. Con was so very proud of her, and his love for his sister would always remain. But he couldn't deny the small bit of melancholy that seeped into his heart. It was good seeing her happy...and Nate was a good man. It was just...different. It would be different switching roles.

Turning away from the scene, he continues the route to his car, with his arm draped over Jamie's shoulders.


Laura wouldn't care if the night lasted forever and if she never had to withdraw from Nate's arms. There was something about this night...something about this beach. But though time may stand still in the heart, it is forever turning, never allowing as much bliss as one would desire.

Finally and slowly, Laura pulls her lips from Nate's, shifting her head to rest on his shoulder, remaining safely tucked away in his grasp. She finally felt free...she could finally trust.


"Well..." Wyatt sighs, not liking the late time his watch shows as he and Aerith sit at the outside table. The crowd was dwindling, the night getting chillier. "I suppose I better get you on home."