The Irangel | Prequel Story |

Chapter 23 ~ Nate's Return

________________

~ In the glass building
Wachstyen Forest, Germany ~

________________

Justin woke up, feeling more relaxed and content than he had ever been in his life. He hadn't felt this good in so long, it was almost a strange feeling for him. He took a few moments to simply sit back and enjoy while it lasted. He closed his eyes, feeling wonderful. He opened his eyes when the sunlight showed warm orange through his closed eyelids, as if stopping in to say good morning. Justin breathed deeply, his relaxed eyes drifting towards the bed.

Tori was still sleeping. She was facing him with her eyes closed. Her long blonde hair splayed out behind her, making her look angelic. The sun gave her a soft glow, furthering her sweet, innocent look. She was wearing nothing but a white sparkly lacey Dream Angels Victoria's Secret bra and matching white lace panties, the soft white covers tossed back a little with one leg. There were tiny gold stars on her lingerie, alluding to her dreams of going to outer space and reaching higher than the stars.

Justin turned to fully look at Tori as she continued sleeping on her side. She's so beautiful, he thought, his heart full of warmth and admiration for the woman he loved. Last night was really sweet and loving, tender and unrushed. It had been a very special moment for Justin.

He leaned over and kissed Tori on the cheek, lovingly pushing back a few strands of her hair. He got up and stretched, then put on jeans and a white tank top. Wanting to make breakfast for Tori, Justin headed for the kitchen.

The other irangels were still asleep. Justin turned on quiet alternative rock music and set to work preparing breakfast.

When Tori came to the kitchen later in the morning, dressed in a blush pink top and white skinny pants, the irangels were already seated at the table, talking quietly and eating breakfast. The mood was cheerful and happy, like the sun that came in through the windows.

Justin turned and smiled at Tori. "Good morning, Tori!" he said happily. "I made breakfast for everyone."

Tori came over to Justin as he handed her a plate with fresh, steaming waffles on it, and a refreshing cup of orange juice. Tori stared at it in surprise, a brief flashback appearing in her mind as she suddenly remembered having the exact same breakfast with Nate. She took the waffles and orange juice from Justin, saying a heartfelt, "Thank you, Justin" and went to sit down at her seat, a faraway look on her face. Justin sat beside her as Camdren, Elisa, Keith, Eamon, Velo, and Millian continued eating and talking.

Eamon looked up at Justin and nodded, saying, "Thanks, Justin. You're awesome."

"Yeah, these waffles are the best," Keith chimed in.

Tori got up briefly to make herself some tea, pulling out one of the acai berry tea packets. She glanced at Justin, watching as he poured syrup over his waffles. A memory of Nate pouring maple syrup over his waffles hit her, making Tori freeze, stunned.

"Need help with that?" Camdren asked, his voice smooth and helpful as he took the tea kettle from Tori and kindly poured some water into her tea cup.

Tori looked at him with appreciation. "Thank you, Camdren," she said, a genuine note in her voice.

Eamon noticed her appreciative, caring behavior today and nodded to himself, liking this new Tori.

When they finished eating and were cleaning out the dishes, Eamon came up to Justin and gave him a high five. "I like what you're doing," he said. "Whatever it is, it seems to be working. Keep it going, man."