Zia was so comfy in Brooks arms. She hadn’t even noticed he got up out the bed. She was having a really good dream.
Zia's Dream
Zia dreamed of water. It wasn’t the ocean she knew, but something quieter — endless and glassy, reflecting a sky painted in soft pinks and golds. She stood barefoot at the edge, the hem of her dress grazing the surface, watching ripples bloom outward from where her toes met the light. Each ripple shimmered with fragments of memory — laughter, shared glances, the weight of his hand in hers.
Across the water stood Brooks. Not distant, but just far enough that she had to reach for him. He smiled — that small, steady smile that had always felt like home — and held out his hand. When she stepped forward, the water didn’t sink beneath her; it lifted, cradling her weight like trust made tangible. Every step she took drew them closer until the horizon between them disappeared.
When she finally touched his hand, the world around them shifted — the water turning into sunlight, the sky dissolving into petals that drifted down like soft rain. They were surrounded by a garden now, wild and overgrown, roots curling around their feet, flowers blooming where they stood. She realized the vines were twined between their fingers, gentle but unbreakable, like the quiet promise of something built over time.
In the distance, she heard bells — faint and far away, but full of hope. And when she turned toward the sound, she saw a small house nestled in the light, its windows glowing warm. Two shadows moved inside — laughing, dancing, living. The sight filled her chest with a calm that felt infinite.
Brooks whispered something — though the words were lost to the wind, she somehow understood. It wasn’t a vow, exactly, but it felt like one: no matter where life takes us, we’ll find our way back here.
The dream began to fade then — the garden dissolving, the water returning, the light dimming — but the feeling lingered: not longing, not sadness, but certainty.
When Zia woke, her hand was curled around nothing but the sheets… yet her heart was full, as if she’d carried a piece of that dream into waking life.
While she was sleeping and dreaming she felt Brooks Hyun-Jae climb back in bed and get under the sheets with her. He pulled her into him and she just smiled in her sleep. Then he buried his face in her neck. She heard him say I love you and that he was sorry for leaving. He was kissing her neck which only made her want him again. His lips felt a little different, but she just thought maybe it was because she had been drinking. She turned to face him eyes still closed and kissed him. She wondered if he could tell she was n^ked. She reached down with one hand rubbing gently along his chest and stomach to his pants line.
@Kate
@Kbail
@SotaForgotten
Kuri listened as Scottie said “I’m not family so they wouldn’t tell me anything. Though I suspect that they may want to keep you for a few days… for… you know…” She looked down tears threatening to fall, “But… I don’t want to stay here. I’m fine honestly…” She said as she stayed looking down. She felt this would probably end her and Scottie… Who would want to be with someone like her anyways. Maybe he didn’t really like her. Maybe this was all some sick game to him. They sat in an awkward silence for a moment. Her mind started racing. Then a nurse came in and started talking. She was zoned out.
They had said her name a few times, and she didn’t respond. It wasn’t until Scottie said her name that she looked up and noticed the nurse. “Sorry. I was just thinking about something.” She said to the nurse. Then they asked Scottie to step in the hall so they could talk to Kuri. Kuri watched him walk out and thought maybe he would be leaving her there. The nurse and her talked. Kuri finally made them see it wasn’t done on purpose and told the nurse she was fine and that she should be allowed to leave. Finally after lots of convincing they agreed to talk to the doctor on her behalf. The nurse walked out and told Scottie he could come back in. Kuri was shocked he was still right outside her room. It made her feel that maybe they would be okay. Kuri was a little sad that Kai didn’t show up, but she was happy the nurse was going to try and let her go.
@SotaForgotten
