Cautiously

Zan wasn't sure he could put his finger on whatever it was that made him smile, but whether he could label it or not, Destiny had it. Following her out and into the little park, he stood with her and looked up at the sky. There was enough light around that it was hard to see the stars, but a few twinkled here and there. 

He glanced back down at her and had to chuckle. "Yeah, slowing down is... not something I'm very good at." He took a sip through the straw of his chocolate shake and sighed with content. "You're right though... This is nice." 

Starting forward, his pace was slow, just letting the minutes pass gradually, while listening to the mixed sounds of traffic and crickets. As bored as he'd been with the movie, one might think this would be even worse. But for once... slowing down didn't seem so bad. Maybe it was the company. 

Walking next to Destiny, his arm brushed hers. Then his hand. Without saying anything or even turning his gaze from the little path, he curled his fingers around hers, ever so cautiously. 


Sam's arms around Hal felt... nice. Retreating after a moment, he nodded. "Thanks. I, um... might take you up on that."

Finally letting her go, he stood in the doorway to make sure she made it down the hall to the stairs. "Goodnight, Sam."


Jason hadn't thought of it that way before, and he wondered if it was true. Dylan seemed a lot more settled and a lot more mature - almost too much - since the last time he'd seen him. But that didn't mean he wasn't perhaps lonely. It couldn't be easy living out here in the middle of nowhere, especially if you were used to more activity. 

With Katie winning the next round, then Travis then Katie again, it was finally time to call it a night. As they filtered out one by one, the tables were cleared, and the lights were turned off. 

Walking hand in hand with Ashlee, Travis didn't walk too fast. It was getting late, and morning would come way too fast, but he didn't care. As they reached her bunkhouse, he stopped at the bottom of the porch and turned to her, smiling under the moonlight. "Think your mom is watching?" he teased. Regardless, he leaned down and gave her a warm kiss on her lips, letting it linger for just an extra moment or two. 


Back at the main house, Dylan stood off the end of the porch, leaning back against the railing. His eyes were on the row of bunkhouse. One might have a hard time making out the figures a ways away, but Dylan knew good and well it was Travis and Ashlee, and he knew good and well they were kissing goodnight. And he hated the little twist in his stomach. He had no right to feel this way. 


Walking with Katie towards the back path to go home, Jason paused their route as his eyes caught Dylan's figure, which was almost hidden in the shadows. Then he squinted to see what the young man might be looking at. 
Hmm. I think you might be right about him... Still wonder what he wants to talk to us about, though.