End Of Heartache (OC x Canon)

Girl's Day Out

A/N: Accidentally deleted this one while reindexing... >_>

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Damion had deployed to the Philippines while Zoe had stayed behind and been tasked with maintaining the facilities at Yokosuka. Despite her busy schedule, she was finally given a day off.

"Saki! What up, girl?" She giggled. Saki was surprised to see Zoe dressed in nothing but denim short-shorts and a metallic gold bikini top as she walked out of her bedroom, "Look...I know Dame's feeling down about the things that happened between you and him but he just wants what's best for you, he really cares about you. Now, why don't we hit up the beach, hmm?"

Saki's eyes widened at the sight of Zoe's skimpy attire, a familiar hint of envy stirring within her. The carefree nature with which Zoe adorned herself was a stark contrast to the layers of fear and self-loathing that Saki had come to wear as a second skin.

"I don't know, Zoe...I'm not really in the mood for a beach trip," Saki replied, her voice laced with a weariness that belied her true feelings. The thought of exposing her body, of being seen and judged by strangers, filled her with a deep-seated dread.

Zoe's expression softened, her eyes filled with an understanding that Saki had come to cherish in their brief friendship. "Hey, it's okay," Zoe said gently, placing a comforting hand on Saki's shoulder. "I know it's been rough for you, and I can't even imagine what you've been through. But maybe...maybe the beach can be a chance for you to start over, you know? To be someone new, someone who isn't defined by her past."

Saki's heart clenched at Zoe's words, the sincerity in her voice a beacon of hope in the darkness that had become her world. She knew that Zoe was right, that the beach could serve as a blank canvas upon which to paint a new version of herself.

Yet, the fear of exposing her scars, both physical and emotional, held her back. She had become accustomed to the shadows, to the anonymity that her life as a prostitute had afforded her. The thought of stepping into the light, of being seen for who she truly was, filled her with a profound sense of vulnerability.

"I don't know if I can do it, Zoe," Saki admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know if I can be that person, the one you're talking about."

Zoe's eyes shone with a fierce determination, a fire that seemed to ignite within her. "Then let's find out together," she said, her voice filled with a conviction that Saki had come to admire. "You and me, we'll make this a day to remember. A day where you can be whoever you want to be, without fear or judgment. A real Hot Girl Summer." She laughed.

Saki's heart swelled with gratitude, the weight of her past momentarily lifted by the unwavering support of her friend.

The powerful rumble of Zoe's Mustang Cobra echoed through the city, drawing attention as she maneuvered the muscle car through the traffic. The top was down and the volume was cranked all the way up with Bad Girls by MIA adding to the vibrant atmosphere. As they cruised, the wind whipped through the cabin, bringing with it a sense of freedom that felt invigorating. The bright sun shone down, promising a day filled with fun and relaxation at the beach. When they arrived at the beach, Zoe parked her Cobra and removed her denim shorts revealing her full physique.

"Like what you see?" Zoe laughed.

Saki couldn't help but stare at Zoe's confident display, her own insecurities and fears momentarily forgotten. The sight of her friend's unabashedly bold and sexy appearance was a stark contrast to Saki's.

Zoe's laughter echoed across the beach, drawing the attention of several appreciative onlookers. Saki felt a pang of envy at the ease with which Zoe commanded the spotlight, her own struggles with self-confidence and body image weighing heavily upon her.