Settled back at base, the gang sat around a campfire as usual after having a short meal.
Zara glanced at Orea sitting by her left, as she recalled their earlier discussion.
I still can't believe you guys found a portal, she spoke up seeming impressed,..Nice looking out.
Yeah, Orea smiled and I'm glad you guys found the equipments we need or we wouldn't be able to do anything with it, it'd just be a large hunk of steel, she glanced subtly at Valtor beside her who nodded in response.
Rowynn looked around from face to face as she heartily sat up, that being said;
Congratulations everyone!, she smiled. We did it, we're going home, for real this time!
Everyone began to cheer as she spoke while she moved towards Kymani, holding on to him as she hopped in excitement.
Kymani who seemed equally excited joined in the exercise while their friends watched.
Leaning against Orea, Zara subconsciously smiled, as she observed them,
'They look so happy'. Is it just me or they kind of look good together?
They do, Orea agreed
Where's Lynx by the way, Zara wondered as she sat up on noticing his absence.
probably sitting alone again...Orea thought to herself.
I'm sure he's fine, Zara waved him off as she stood up, 'i'm going to join the kids in celebrating', she added as she moved towards the excited pair.
'Kids', Orea chuckled at her description of their friends.
So, Valtor spoke up, gaining her attention as she faced him
How about an evening stroll?
They walked a little farther away from base, hustling along the low grass as the full moon's rays brightened up the sky while a cool breeze gently blew.
You think this is it, for real?,Valtor asked as he glanced at her, his blue eyes glinting with a silvery shade.
I do, she replied, don't you?
Yeah, it's just, he paused..
'It seems to good to be true', I guess
I get it, Orea smiled, it's not our first time hoping, so you find it hard to believe, she glanced at him, meeting his gaze.
But I really believe we've found our way out this time, she sent him a reassuring smile.
Valtor nodded, shifting his gaze to the their path as he continued, I remember when it was just two of us in that forest, we would walk everyday for long hours trying to find our way out.
Orea chuckled as she recalled,
'then we ended up getting stuck in an open grassland with four extra people', she added
That's right, he laughed before continuing. Only one thing kept me going all those times.
And that is?, she wondered as he suddenly stopped talking
He gazed softly at her before replying..'You'
Me?, she repeated
The thought that I wasn't alone, that I had you by my side, he added. It was enough and it still is. It didn't matter where we were, as long as we were together, I had hope, I 'have' hope.
That's really sweet Valtor, Orea smiled
Instead of a reply, Valtor's footsteps slowed, as he drew closer, his hand subtly wrapped around hers.
Orea's gaze remained fixed on his as they now stood face to face. His fingers began to brush against her cheek, sending a shiver down her spine.
He stopped, cupping her chin while his gaze intensified
Orea's pulse quickened, her heart pounding in her chest, as she felt the intensity of his gaze. She subconsciously bit her lower lip as a thousand butterflies began to fill up her stomach.
Slowly his gaze rested on her lips for a short while before gazing back into her eyes, but this time he had a different look in his eye, one she had never seen before.
Her breath caught in her throat as she suddenly began to grow anxious
While still holding up her chin, his deep voice suddenly spoke.. softly
May I?, he asked
The question in his eyes seemed clear as she could sense his nerves mirroring hers.
Unable to speak at this point, Orea only nodded in reply.
Slowly but steadily, the little distance began to close up as their lips made contact, brushing softly against each other, with eyes closed, their heads tilted instinctively, deepening the kiss as they savoured the warmth of the moment.
..............
Lynx could feel the cold air hit harshly against his skin as he walked back to base, craving the warmth from the campfire.
Glancing towards his left, he came to a stop on noticing a pair locking heads from afar
Narrowing his eyes for a while trying to recognize the culprits, they eyes suddenly widened on realization.
The cold seemed to bite harder as he stood frozen in surprise, a flicker of envy flashing through his face for a second before he assumed his composure and continued on his way.