[FIC] Cross the Line - Part 9
Title: Cross the Line 9
Rating: M (cursing)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Pairing: 8059 (Yamamoto x Gokudera)
Spoilers: None
Summary: 8059 College fic. Yamamoto and Gokudera end up in the same university as roommates, much to Gokudera’s disdain. With conflicting personalities, will this roommate arrangement work out? College life, tension, denial, sap, and silly boys’ miscommunication abound.
Author Notes:
a. Next update may take a while b/c I'll be out of town.
b. Happy Holidays!
“Dude, you look like shit,” Ken commented as he let his sort-of roommate into his dorm. “and where the hell's your shirt? It's not good for your fan club's hearts. You should head back to your dorm and change or you'll get sick.”
“Haha...” Yamamoto laughed humorlessly. “Sorry... can I stay here for now?” He stepped inside, carrying two bento boxes in hand.
“...you saw Haru?” Ken suddenly asked, looking curiously at the bento boxes.
“Huh? Yeah... how'd you know?”
Ken paused briefly. “... no reason.” The blond turned away to grab an extra shirt for his teammate. He tossed the largest shirt he owned to his kohai. “At least dry yourself and put a shirt on. You'd better take care of yourself since we have indoor practice tonight. Remember, a big game is coming up.”
Yamamoto nodded listlessly.
“And we're holding the inter-collegiate dance party for our fund raiser soon,” Ken reminded him.
Yamamoto nodded again.
Ken stopped pushing the issue. He quickly glanced at the two bentos Yamamoto was holding, then turned away.
XXXX
Days passed, and Gokudera didn't see the baseball idiot at all. He wasn't sure how he was doing it, or where he was staying in the meantime, but the idiot was pretty much non-existent that whole week.
Probably bumming with some of his baseball idiot friends... Gokudera thought.
The dorm was quiet - a little too quiet sometimes. Lately, the solitude wasn't as invigorating; it was more stagnant and... lonely. On more than one occasion, he'd remember the annoying habit of the baseball idiot making some stupid, excitable comment about a game. He'd also remember how the idiot would talk to himself as he did his math homework, and making sounds that only made sense to him when explaining his logic on solving a problem. These habits weren't any of his good points, but, for some reason, it was the annoying idiosyncrasies that were the most memorable.
It was odd. Gokudera was scared to see him. In a sense, he was grateful he didn't have to face the man. Recalling that night was embarrassing and nerve-wracking. However, as time went along, that feeling became immersed in a mix of sadness and melancholy, as if he himself was also thrust aside in return. He felt a slight pang on his chest.
I'm not making sense...
Gokudera sat on a bench outside the lecture hall. He cursed when he found that his pack of cigarettes was empty.
“You're smoking more than usual,” a voice stated.
“None of your business, nosy woman,” Gokudera growled. He tossed the empty box into a nearby trashcan.
Haru sat next to the silverette. “I don't know what he sees in you. You're rude, you're a chain smoker, you're totally not a team player, you never smile, you aren't even a cute girl, and being near you is like being with a walking path of destruction.”
“What do you want?”
“Oh, nothing really.” Haru replied with a hint of bitterness in her voice. “Just like you, I'm just waiting for class to start.” She shrugged her shoulders with exaggeration. “Honestly, if you really wanted to see him, you'd put more effort into finding him. It's not hard to know where he is.”
Gokudera didn't respond. He rubbed his fingers together, itching to hold a cigarette.
“There's a baseball game this evening at six by the field house. The team's also hosting a dance party at the end of the week. If you want to talk to him, just do it.”
Gokudera furrowed his eyebrows.
Haru stood up furiously, then pointed a finger at him. “Someone actually really really likes you. You know how hard it is to find a person who loves you enough to worship the ground you walk on? The least you can do is give a straight answer.”
“Why are you...?”
Haru turned away. “You were right,” she responded quietly. “I am a stupid woman. He never wanted to go with me.”
Gokudera stared. He didn't understand what she was saying but chose to remain silent.
“It's nothing,” Haru said to herself, walking away. “class is starting.”
XXX
“AH-CHOO!” Yamamoto's sneeze echoed across the bench.
“Er, you ok?” a baseball teammate asked. His teammates all stared at him with worry. They were in the middle of a big game, and they all sat together on the bench waiting for their turn to bat. All was well, but most were concerned with the way their ace player was constantly sneezing, sniffling, and spacing out.
“I'm fine,” Yamamoto lied. He felt his forehead. He was burning up.
“Yamamoto, if you aren't feeling well, you should sit this game out.” a senior member suggested.
Yamamoto gave the brightest smile. “I'm fine. Really.”
A man with a clipboard came by the benches and motioned toward the baseball star. “Yamamoto, you're up,” he said.
XXXX
Gokudera was watching the game. He couldn't explain to himself why he was there in the first place. He tried to deny that he was checking up on Yamamoto, yet he knew inside that it was all plain denial. The storm guardian didn't sit the stadium seats. Instead, he remained on the sidelines, leaning against the side of the bleachers as he smoked a cigarette. When Yamamoto went up to bat, he heard a number of girls squealing in annoying, high-pitched voices. He rolled his eyes and heaved a large puff of smoke. Once the baseball ace readied his stance, the athlete's countenance changed from his usual easy-going demeanor into a heated, unbending determination. The raven-haired man's eyes were darker, sharper, and dangerous. Gokudera felt a tingling sensation down his spine.
He's better not strike out. he thought. Don't fucking embarrass the Tenth.
With only the first pitch, the baseball ace hit the ball into an immediate home-run. The crowd cheered loudly and Gokudera couldn't help but smirk. He was just happy the idiot didn't embarrass the Vongola. That was all.
Yamamoto ran across each base. As soon as the raven-haired man reached third base, his step wavered a little. Gokudera quickly observed the slight difference then straightened up and squinted. Something was not right. Before he knew what was happening, the rain guardian's tall frame buckled and fell on the dirt ground.
XXX
The field was in chaos. The crowd murmured loudly amongst themselves, and the other baseball players crowded around their ace in concern. Coaches were slowly talking to Yamamoto's barely conscious form as the baseball team captain tried to calm everyone to go back to their seats.
Gokudera quickly made his way toward the benches. “Get the fuck out of the way,” he growled as he tried to push through the crowd.
“Hey wait a minute,” a baseball player said. “You're that guy from the bar.”
“Yeah, it's him!” another chimed in.
“It's your fault,” a freshman player spat at the silverette.
A small group formed a wall, blocking Gokudera's way. “What the fuck is this?” he sneered at them. “Get out of the way.”
“Or what?” a player retorted. “You're not a player; go back to the bleachers.”
“Yeah, you probably did something to cause all this anyway.”
Gokudera's hand twitched. The back of his mind knew he was at fault; yet he didn't really care. He just wanted to get to the idiot no matter what, even if he had to take out some dynamite against such nuisances.
“Let him go,” a voice commanded. The other players recognized the blond baseball senior and reluctantly stepped back. Ken walked closer to the storm guardian then glared daggers at him. “If it's your fault,” the blond said, “then you take responsibility.”
Gokudera's and Ken's eyes met for a brief moment. Gokudera gave a small nod then made his way to the unconscious rain guardian.
XXX
“It's not that...”
“You're an idiot...”
“... didn't do anything...”
“...your fault... make sure he doesn't...”
Yamamoto heard voices floating in the air. The conversation didn't make sense, though he knew that the atmosphere's tone was a little confrontational. And the voices sounded awfully familiar. He struggled to figure out what was going on, but his eyelids were stickier than molasses.
Open up! he scolded his eyelids, even if he knew it didn't make sense to do so.
“You're overreacting,” an exasperated voice said.
“Shut up and just give me the meds,” came a gruff reply. The rain guardian was sure that was Gokudera.
Yamamoto slowly opened his eyes. His senses gradually cleared and he noticed that he was back in Gokudera's dorm. A soft comforter kept his body warm, and a mixture of the smell of salty soup and bitter medicine wafted through his nostrils. His body still felt heavy and lethargic, but his mind had become alert. He rolled his eyes to the side. Gokudera's small back came into view. Silver hair on the back of his head stood on end, like a cat annoyed by something before of him. Yamamoto immediately surmised that the silverette was arguing with someone in front of him.
“He's awake, by the way,” the other person pointed out in a familiar, deadpan tone.
Gokudera turned around and stared, his green eyes unusually dark and his eyebrows furrowed closely.
Yamamoto opened his mouth to speak, but only a raspy breath came out. His throat was so swollen and dry, it hurt to talk.
Shamal's face came into view. “I bet you still feel like shit,” the doctor surmised. “Let me guess... chills, fever, coughing, snot, and a sore throat.”
Yamamoto gave a small nod.
Shamal sighed tiredly. He tossed Gokudera a pill bottle. “Twice a day after a full meal and a glass of water. No stress allowed and - ” Shamal looked straight at Yamamoto. “ - no running around half-naked in the rain.”
Yamamoto blinked up at him. How did he know?
“College students talk,” the doctor responded, as if reading his thoughts. He turned back to the right-hand man. “It's just a fever. Don't fucking call me again unless it's an emergency, or unless it's a checkup for some college girl.”
“Whatever,” Gokudera said, rolling his eyes.
As soon as the older man left, awkwardness filled the room. Gokudera leaned next to the window sill, staring off into the afternoon sky as he rubbed his thumb on the cap of the pill bottle.
Yamamoto mouthed something. Once again, only a rasp came out. I'm sorry, he wanted to say. I'm sorry for the other day. You were drunk. It's my fault. Please forgive me. I'm really an idiot. I'm so -
“Sorry,” Gokudera quietly said without turning away from the window.
It took a minute for Yamamoto's brain to register the one word. Did the stubborn, proud right-hand man just apologize to him? The baseball player's mind went blank. He must be hallucinating. Just as his thoughts rapidly went through possible reasons for Gokudera's actions, the silverette turned back around and sat on the edge of his bed. The shorter man placed a hand on his still-feverish forehead. Yamamoto stared, entranced, as he noticed Gokudera's softened countenance and darkened eyes. It was a side of him the baseball player rarely saw; the last time he did see this was when they once had a tutoring session that went really well.
So beautiful... the raven-haired man thought, mesmerized. I want to hold him.
Yamamoto sat up and immediately felt a firm hand on his chest.
“Don't push your body, idiot.” Gokudera growled in a low voice, then pushed harder.
The baseball player resisted. He shook his head and mouthed something as he waved his hands around. Again, only empty air came out.
Gokudera's lips quickly morphed into a scowl.
Yamamoto panicked, remembering how easily Gokudera got frustrated when he tried to explain anything. He reached over to the dresser next to his bed and grabbed a pen and notepad. He quickly scribbled a few words on the paper and showed it to the man in front of him.
'Go out with me', was all the paper said.
Gokudera's face turned beet red. “W-WHAT?” he sputtered. “What are you thinking right now!? Y-you--- This isn't high school that you'd ask shit like that.”
Yamamoto, realizing what his words potentially meant, shook his head vigorously. His cheeks pinked a little in embarrassment. He scratched out the words vigorously, hoping Gokudera wouldn't run away again.
“Oh, I see...” Gokudera grumbled, his pretty mouth now an irritated pout.
Gokudera seemed mad now. Yamamoto ran a hand through his hair. Ok. Now I'm confused. he thought. He took to the scribbled sheet of paper and ripped it out of the notepad. On the fresh lined paper, he wrote slowly and carefully, then showed it to the silverette.
'I meant, come to the dance.'
Gokudera was silent and still. Yamamoto could see the depths of those green eyes, as expected from such a brilliant man, thinking and calculating in rapid succession. The shorter man bit his lower lip in continued thought.
Yamamoto wrote some more on the paper. 'Just meet me there. One last request. I'll leave you alone then. Please.' He turned the notepad around for the other man to see. His heart beat wildly against his chest. He wasn't even sure why he was doing what he was doing, and he wasn't even sure why Gokudera himself was doing what he was doing...
Gokudera remained quiet, but he wasn't angry or irritable. The storm guardian gently pushed the taller man down on the bed, and took the notepad and pen from his hands. He placed the items back on the dresser.
Yamamoto's heart nearly jumped when suddenly he felt a head laying on his chest and a warm body snuggled on his side. G-Gokudera? his mind reeled. The rain guardian shifted his head so he could see the other man's face. A warmth spread across his body when their eyes met.
Yamamoto wanted to ask a lot of questions; he wanted to say a lot of things. Yet, he didn't. Even if he was able to speak, it wouldn't have made a difference. He was afraid of breaking such a rare event. He immersed himself in this moment of serenity, enjoying the unspoken connection they experienced as they stared calmly at each other's eyes.
XXXX
End of chapter
Rating: M (cursing)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Pairing: 8059 (Yamamoto x Gokudera)
Spoilers: None
Summary: 8059 College fic. Yamamoto and Gokudera end up in the same university as roommates, much to Gokudera’s disdain. With conflicting personalities, will this roommate arrangement work out? College life, tension, denial, sap, and silly boys’ miscommunication abound.
Author Notes:
a. Next update may take a while b/c I'll be out of town.
b. Happy Holidays!
“Dude, you look like shit,” Ken commented as he let his sort-of roommate into his dorm. “and where the hell's your shirt? It's not good for your fan club's hearts. You should head back to your dorm and change or you'll get sick.”
“Haha...” Yamamoto laughed humorlessly. “Sorry... can I stay here for now?” He stepped inside, carrying two bento boxes in hand.
“...you saw Haru?” Ken suddenly asked, looking curiously at the bento boxes.
“Huh? Yeah... how'd you know?”
Ken paused briefly. “... no reason.” The blond turned away to grab an extra shirt for his teammate. He tossed the largest shirt he owned to his kohai. “At least dry yourself and put a shirt on. You'd better take care of yourself since we have indoor practice tonight. Remember, a big game is coming up.”
Yamamoto nodded listlessly.
“And we're holding the inter-collegiate dance party for our fund raiser soon,” Ken reminded him.
Yamamoto nodded again.
Ken stopped pushing the issue. He quickly glanced at the two bentos Yamamoto was holding, then turned away.
XXXX
Days passed, and Gokudera didn't see the baseball idiot at all. He wasn't sure how he was doing it, or where he was staying in the meantime, but the idiot was pretty much non-existent that whole week.
Probably bumming with some of his baseball idiot friends... Gokudera thought.
The dorm was quiet - a little too quiet sometimes. Lately, the solitude wasn't as invigorating; it was more stagnant and... lonely. On more than one occasion, he'd remember the annoying habit of the baseball idiot making some stupid, excitable comment about a game. He'd also remember how the idiot would talk to himself as he did his math homework, and making sounds that only made sense to him when explaining his logic on solving a problem. These habits weren't any of his good points, but, for some reason, it was the annoying idiosyncrasies that were the most memorable.
It was odd. Gokudera was scared to see him. In a sense, he was grateful he didn't have to face the man. Recalling that night was embarrassing and nerve-wracking. However, as time went along, that feeling became immersed in a mix of sadness and melancholy, as if he himself was also thrust aside in return. He felt a slight pang on his chest.
I'm not making sense...
Gokudera sat on a bench outside the lecture hall. He cursed when he found that his pack of cigarettes was empty.
“You're smoking more than usual,” a voice stated.
“None of your business, nosy woman,” Gokudera growled. He tossed the empty box into a nearby trashcan.
Haru sat next to the silverette. “I don't know what he sees in you. You're rude, you're a chain smoker, you're totally not a team player, you never smile, you aren't even a cute girl, and being near you is like being with a walking path of destruction.”
“What do you want?”
“Oh, nothing really.” Haru replied with a hint of bitterness in her voice. “Just like you, I'm just waiting for class to start.” She shrugged her shoulders with exaggeration. “Honestly, if you really wanted to see him, you'd put more effort into finding him. It's not hard to know where he is.”
Gokudera didn't respond. He rubbed his fingers together, itching to hold a cigarette.
“There's a baseball game this evening at six by the field house. The team's also hosting a dance party at the end of the week. If you want to talk to him, just do it.”
Gokudera furrowed his eyebrows.
Haru stood up furiously, then pointed a finger at him. “Someone actually really really likes you. You know how hard it is to find a person who loves you enough to worship the ground you walk on? The least you can do is give a straight answer.”
“Why are you...?”
Haru turned away. “You were right,” she responded quietly. “I am a stupid woman. He never wanted to go with me.”
Gokudera stared. He didn't understand what she was saying but chose to remain silent.
“It's nothing,” Haru said to herself, walking away. “class is starting.”
XXX
“AH-CHOO!” Yamamoto's sneeze echoed across the bench.
“Er, you ok?” a baseball teammate asked. His teammates all stared at him with worry. They were in the middle of a big game, and they all sat together on the bench waiting for their turn to bat. All was well, but most were concerned with the way their ace player was constantly sneezing, sniffling, and spacing out.
“I'm fine,” Yamamoto lied. He felt his forehead. He was burning up.
“Yamamoto, if you aren't feeling well, you should sit this game out.” a senior member suggested.
Yamamoto gave the brightest smile. “I'm fine. Really.”
A man with a clipboard came by the benches and motioned toward the baseball star. “Yamamoto, you're up,” he said.
XXXX
Gokudera was watching the game. He couldn't explain to himself why he was there in the first place. He tried to deny that he was checking up on Yamamoto, yet he knew inside that it was all plain denial. The storm guardian didn't sit the stadium seats. Instead, he remained on the sidelines, leaning against the side of the bleachers as he smoked a cigarette. When Yamamoto went up to bat, he heard a number of girls squealing in annoying, high-pitched voices. He rolled his eyes and heaved a large puff of smoke. Once the baseball ace readied his stance, the athlete's countenance changed from his usual easy-going demeanor into a heated, unbending determination. The raven-haired man's eyes were darker, sharper, and dangerous. Gokudera felt a tingling sensation down his spine.
He's better not strike out. he thought. Don't fucking embarrass the Tenth.
With only the first pitch, the baseball ace hit the ball into an immediate home-run. The crowd cheered loudly and Gokudera couldn't help but smirk. He was just happy the idiot didn't embarrass the Vongola. That was all.
Yamamoto ran across each base. As soon as the raven-haired man reached third base, his step wavered a little. Gokudera quickly observed the slight difference then straightened up and squinted. Something was not right. Before he knew what was happening, the rain guardian's tall frame buckled and fell on the dirt ground.
XXX
The field was in chaos. The crowd murmured loudly amongst themselves, and the other baseball players crowded around their ace in concern. Coaches were slowly talking to Yamamoto's barely conscious form as the baseball team captain tried to calm everyone to go back to their seats.
Gokudera quickly made his way toward the benches. “Get the fuck out of the way,” he growled as he tried to push through the crowd.
“Hey wait a minute,” a baseball player said. “You're that guy from the bar.”
“Yeah, it's him!” another chimed in.
“It's your fault,” a freshman player spat at the silverette.
A small group formed a wall, blocking Gokudera's way. “What the fuck is this?” he sneered at them. “Get out of the way.”
“Or what?” a player retorted. “You're not a player; go back to the bleachers.”
“Yeah, you probably did something to cause all this anyway.”
Gokudera's hand twitched. The back of his mind knew he was at fault; yet he didn't really care. He just wanted to get to the idiot no matter what, even if he had to take out some dynamite against such nuisances.
“Let him go,” a voice commanded. The other players recognized the blond baseball senior and reluctantly stepped back. Ken walked closer to the storm guardian then glared daggers at him. “If it's your fault,” the blond said, “then you take responsibility.”
Gokudera's and Ken's eyes met for a brief moment. Gokudera gave a small nod then made his way to the unconscious rain guardian.
XXX
“It's not that...”
“You're an idiot...”
“... didn't do anything...”
“...your fault... make sure he doesn't...”
Yamamoto heard voices floating in the air. The conversation didn't make sense, though he knew that the atmosphere's tone was a little confrontational. And the voices sounded awfully familiar. He struggled to figure out what was going on, but his eyelids were stickier than molasses.
Open up! he scolded his eyelids, even if he knew it didn't make sense to do so.
“You're overreacting,” an exasperated voice said.
“Shut up and just give me the meds,” came a gruff reply. The rain guardian was sure that was Gokudera.
Yamamoto slowly opened his eyes. His senses gradually cleared and he noticed that he was back in Gokudera's dorm. A soft comforter kept his body warm, and a mixture of the smell of salty soup and bitter medicine wafted through his nostrils. His body still felt heavy and lethargic, but his mind had become alert. He rolled his eyes to the side. Gokudera's small back came into view. Silver hair on the back of his head stood on end, like a cat annoyed by something before of him. Yamamoto immediately surmised that the silverette was arguing with someone in front of him.
“He's awake, by the way,” the other person pointed out in a familiar, deadpan tone.
Gokudera turned around and stared, his green eyes unusually dark and his eyebrows furrowed closely.
Yamamoto opened his mouth to speak, but only a raspy breath came out. His throat was so swollen and dry, it hurt to talk.
Shamal's face came into view. “I bet you still feel like shit,” the doctor surmised. “Let me guess... chills, fever, coughing, snot, and a sore throat.”
Yamamoto gave a small nod.
Shamal sighed tiredly. He tossed Gokudera a pill bottle. “Twice a day after a full meal and a glass of water. No stress allowed and - ” Shamal looked straight at Yamamoto. “ - no running around half-naked in the rain.”
Yamamoto blinked up at him. How did he know?
“College students talk,” the doctor responded, as if reading his thoughts. He turned back to the right-hand man. “It's just a fever. Don't fucking call me again unless it's an emergency, or unless it's a checkup for some college girl.”
“Whatever,” Gokudera said, rolling his eyes.
As soon as the older man left, awkwardness filled the room. Gokudera leaned next to the window sill, staring off into the afternoon sky as he rubbed his thumb on the cap of the pill bottle.
Yamamoto mouthed something. Once again, only a rasp came out. I'm sorry, he wanted to say. I'm sorry for the other day. You were drunk. It's my fault. Please forgive me. I'm really an idiot. I'm so -
“Sorry,” Gokudera quietly said without turning away from the window.
It took a minute for Yamamoto's brain to register the one word. Did the stubborn, proud right-hand man just apologize to him? The baseball player's mind went blank. He must be hallucinating. Just as his thoughts rapidly went through possible reasons for Gokudera's actions, the silverette turned back around and sat on the edge of his bed. The shorter man placed a hand on his still-feverish forehead. Yamamoto stared, entranced, as he noticed Gokudera's softened countenance and darkened eyes. It was a side of him the baseball player rarely saw; the last time he did see this was when they once had a tutoring session that went really well.
So beautiful... the raven-haired man thought, mesmerized. I want to hold him.
Yamamoto sat up and immediately felt a firm hand on his chest.
“Don't push your body, idiot.” Gokudera growled in a low voice, then pushed harder.
The baseball player resisted. He shook his head and mouthed something as he waved his hands around. Again, only empty air came out.
Gokudera's lips quickly morphed into a scowl.
Yamamoto panicked, remembering how easily Gokudera got frustrated when he tried to explain anything. He reached over to the dresser next to his bed and grabbed a pen and notepad. He quickly scribbled a few words on the paper and showed it to the man in front of him.
'Go out with me', was all the paper said.
Gokudera's face turned beet red. “W-WHAT?” he sputtered. “What are you thinking right now!? Y-you--- This isn't high school that you'd ask shit like that.”
Yamamoto, realizing what his words potentially meant, shook his head vigorously. His cheeks pinked a little in embarrassment. He scratched out the words vigorously, hoping Gokudera wouldn't run away again.
“Oh, I see...” Gokudera grumbled, his pretty mouth now an irritated pout.
Gokudera seemed mad now. Yamamoto ran a hand through his hair. Ok. Now I'm confused. he thought. He took to the scribbled sheet of paper and ripped it out of the notepad. On the fresh lined paper, he wrote slowly and carefully, then showed it to the silverette.
'I meant, come to the dance.'
Gokudera was silent and still. Yamamoto could see the depths of those green eyes, as expected from such a brilliant man, thinking and calculating in rapid succession. The shorter man bit his lower lip in continued thought.
Yamamoto wrote some more on the paper. 'Just meet me there. One last request. I'll leave you alone then. Please.' He turned the notepad around for the other man to see. His heart beat wildly against his chest. He wasn't even sure why he was doing what he was doing, and he wasn't even sure why Gokudera himself was doing what he was doing...
Gokudera remained quiet, but he wasn't angry or irritable. The storm guardian gently pushed the taller man down on the bed, and took the notepad and pen from his hands. He placed the items back on the dresser.
Yamamoto's heart nearly jumped when suddenly he felt a head laying on his chest and a warm body snuggled on his side. G-Gokudera? his mind reeled. The rain guardian shifted his head so he could see the other man's face. A warmth spread across his body when their eyes met.
Yamamoto wanted to ask a lot of questions; he wanted to say a lot of things. Yet, he didn't. Even if he was able to speak, it wouldn't have made a difference. He was afraid of breaking such a rare event. He immersed himself in this moment of serenity, enjoying the unspoken connection they experienced as they stared calmly at each other's eyes.
XXXX
End of chapter