Just escapism - Fantasia one shots

The stars above the campfire.

"The stars are pretty tonight."

"Beautiful."

Sam looks down from the sky. His eyes are drawn to Corby as he gazes at the night sky, lit by the swirly light of the campfire. A quiet moment, but it meant more than anyone could know. Sam watched with a faint smile; if the world ended that precise moment, he would go content and at peace. But alas, he is quick to look back up before being noticed.

"You know, sometimes I wonder what life would be like for both of us if I stayed."

Corby slowly turns to face the man. He seems to wonder the same as he leans back, resting on his paws, staring at the fire with a smile across his face. It was a rare and beautiful sight seeing the vulpine worry-free, simply smiling at a nice thought. But, short lived, his smile fades.

"But you can't possibly be considering staying, are you?"

"Pfft, of course not!..."

"You must have a life waiting for you."

The two look in opposite ways with the truth caught in their throats and unspoken wishes filling the atmosphere.

Not expecting a reply, Corby gets up, dusting his suit off carelessly, like his mind is somewhere else. He heads to the tent, silently.

"What if I didn't?."

Corby pauses and ponders, his paw holding the tent's entrance open.

"That's unlikely."

"What if it's true?"

As they both turn around in search of each other, their eyes meet, exchanging very different sentiments; Corby is confused and Sam looks saddened, but, deep inside, they both hope this is true.

"I have nothing to go back to. My life... or my family... Here I have a chance at something."

Sam averts his eyes.

"Here I have you."

A moment of silence as their minds finally quiet. Corby's tail starts wagging lightly as he immediately grabs it behind his back, holding it still. His eyes seem to shine a little brighter than before, reflecting the dancing fire.

The fox gazes at the sky once again with a smile, and then back at Sam.

"Then the stars will always be pretty."