Celestial Love (Tsutey x OC)

Chapter 14

"I look forward to seeing the success rates once the experiment phase starts". Karina looked over the reports thoroughly. 

They continued to catch up on the progress of their study and how their data could lead to the advancement of restoring plant life on Earth.

A loud thunderclap made her look up from the tablet in her hand.

She sighed heavily while staring at the roaring storm outside the shack.

"I'm really sorry, Kari. We thought we could come back tonight, but with all this heavy downpour, No aircraft is allowed to fly out".  Grace glanced at the screen with concern. 

Knowing her niece felt more secure with her presence nearby when around others, she couldn't help but worry about tonight.

"It's okay, Aunt Grace. Besides, No one saw it coming". Karina concealed her apprehensions with a grin. "Don't forget I have the lovely Jacob Sully".

She focused the camera behind her to catch Jake mid-bite on his dinner. He smiled goofily while chewing on his microwaved beans.

"Sleep tight, kids. Call me if something happens. Am I clear, Kari?". Grace looked sternly at the camera briefly before smiling back.

Karina's smile dropped into a slight frown when the screen blacked out after saying goodbye. 

A presence behind her made her turn her head slightly.

It was no other than the marine she was stuck with tonight. 

Jake beamed as he passed her a bowl of baked beans that she gladly accepted.

"Worried about nightmares?". He wheeled closer to tuck loose strands of hair behind her ear.

Their sibling-like friendship was strengthened while Karina looked after his injury daily.

Though she is still suspicious of his intentions now and again, she makes sure he keeps himself out of trouble. 

They looked after each other instinctively after their fateful encounter with the Palulukan.

"I'm sorry. I know it wakes you up too". Karina smiled apologetically as she met his gaze.

Due to his elite training, the slightest sound would be enough to wake him up from deep slumber.

"Hey, you don't need to apologize about that". Jake had a slightly grimaced expression and patted her shoulder reassuringly. "I used to have them too".  

Karina smiled at him. His effort to comfort her was more than enough to cheer her up.

"Used to?". She curiously peered at him. 

He always had that carefree personality that it was hard to imagine him struggling with bad dreams.

"With time, I learned to accept that it was my reality". Jake squeezed his knee with a sad smile. 

After sustaining a spinal injury in Venezuela, he was dismissed from the US Marine Corps. 

Not only did he lose his ability to walk, but he also lost his sense of purpose.

The first few days after he woke up were the worst.

His father, a veteran himself, was tough on him. Even though he visited every single day, he only spoke a little. 

Probably to avoid dealing with the overwhelming emotions his son was going through. 

He expected Jake to be grateful to be alive, get over it, and move on.