Howling in the dark

Chapter 6. A brand new adventure.

Sam closed his eyes. He couldn't believe his own happiness. He'd got all he needed. A friend. And most importantly, he had his brother. He wished the moment lasted forever. The moon was round, the sky was cloudless, clear, covered with stars. A strange, long forgotten feeling came over Sam. It was a feeling of comfort. At the same time he was eagerly waiting for the sun to rise; then the brand new adventure would begin. Him and Nathan, on their way to find Henry Avery's treasure fulfilling their childhood dream... What else could he even ask for? He then thought of Dana. The sweet girl, his best friend. Sam had never seen her so happy. Just as he had never seen her so miserable only a few hours ago. A part of Sam wished Rafe was, to some extant, involved. Then he could kill him, to free Dana of that monster... For Rafe really was a monster. Why would she be with him? Just why? Surely not for money. She had been there for the bastard when he was at his weakest, with nothing to offer her but his black, rotten heart. Good God! Why is love so damn cruel? Why does such a nice and gentle soul suffer so much because... because of someone like Rafe? Anyway. The sun had risen now. It meant that soon enough, the two brothers would be on a plane to Italy... to steal the crucifix, in front of hundreds, if not thousands people. But it also meant saying goodbye to Dana. "Agh those sentiments..." Sam thought, annoyed. "Goodbyes are not forever, are they?" and on that... relatively happy note, he fell asleep. They had several hours left. Nathan's slow calm breathing was almost the only sound in the room. It was so quiet! Peaceful!

- Hello...- a soft voice woke them up.- G'morning!
- Mm? Morning.- Nathan muttered. Dana smiled.
- I've made some coffee for you...- she whispered.
- Sweet!- Sam smiled, stretched himself.- We are coming.- he said.- Thank you for your hospitality.
- Oh, my pleasure.- Dana said.- How'd you sleep?
- Well? Fine. Really. No nightmares, surprisingly!
- I am glad for you.- she smiled and left the room.

Nathan looked at Sam, with pity in his blue eyes.
- Why'd she stay with such a jerk?- he asked in a hushed frustrated voice. Sam chuckled nervously.
- Oh boy... You have no idea how many times I've asked this very question to myself. Love's a bitch!

Dana placed the food on the table and poured tea in big cups but as always, they were only half full.
- You could pour some more.- Nathan whispered.
- It's etiquette...- Dana smiled.- See, if I only pour half the tea, means that I love spending time with you and want you to stay, and I will be constantly pouring tea as we talk... Now, if I filled your cups entirely, it would basically mean the same, as if I said "finish the tea and get the hell outta here, ya bastard!"- she yelled, and the three of them burst out laughing.- Alright. So? Now please, eat, guys!

- Holy sh... it's so tasty! How' do you call it again?
- Ачашә.- Dana smiled widely.- Like, dough with cheese.- she said. Nathan took another bite.- Yes, it does taste better when you fry it. Actually... I'm so sorry, maybe you would like some sugar, Sam?
- I am sugar. Want me, anyone?- Sam smirked as he saw Dana's reaction.- Ha! I made you blush...- he chuckled.- You are gorgeous... especially when blushing. Oh Christ! Did I say it out loud? Sorry...
- Are you trying to flirt with me? With... with me?
- No, of course no! I'm trying to flirt with Nathan!
- Sure.- Dana smirked.- Either way... want sugar?
- Yeah. Two teaspoons, okay?- Sam said.- Please.

Sam sighed heavily. It was time to leave. None of the brothers wanted to. They felt wanted. They... they felt as if they were finally... home. But, alas!
- We gotta go.- he said solemnly. Dana looked as if she was about to cry.- Hey, we've spent a night here, a whole night!- Sam raised her chin with his thumb.- Goodbyes aren't forever, are they, sister?
- Sometimes they are.- Dana said, hugged Sam so tight he could barely breathe.- Goodbye, Sammy!
And... Oh Nathan...- she pulled away and sobbed. 
- C'me here.- Nathan whispered, clutching her to himself.- It's alright.- he rubbed her back.- Shhh!
- Promise me you'll come again. You. Both of you.
- We promise...- Nathan kissed her on the back of  her head ever so gently.- Shh. We will meet soon.

By the time they made it to the airport, Sam had sobered up completely. During the flight he never took his eyes of Nathan, scared that the moment he blinked, Nathan would be gone for goof. But it didn't happen. Nathan looked as happy as he had ever been. It'd been two days and Sam still could not fully comprehend: his baby brother was back. 
- Anything I can get you?- a cute stewardess in a mini-skirt bent over to take the empty paper cup.
- Nah.- Sam smiled.- I've got all I need. Thanks.