Chains of the Cosmos

Fell In Love with Hunter

(In Dream)

In the ephemeral realm of dreams, reality's harsh edges blur into softer, more vibrant hues. Nora finds herself far from the sterile confines of her cell, transported to a glamorous nightclub in Paris. 

The setting is intoxicating—a fusion of old-world charm and contemporary chic, all bathed in a warm, golden glow. Crystal chandeliers cast a sparkling light over the dance floor, where she and Hunter, unburdened by the roles they play in the waking world, move together in perfect harmony.

The music envelops them, Stephen Sanchez's "High" pulsing through the air like a heartbeat. Hunter pulls Nora closer, his hands firm on her waist as they sway to the lyrics:

Pull you underneath the slumber into the light before the thunder
Tell me, is there any wonder about where we stand?

Their eyes lock, a silent exchange of smiles brimming with a joy that feels both profound and impossibly light. Nora feels herself drawn into the moment, the nightmare of her reality momentarily suspended.

Little honey, in the summer, fell in love with Hunter
Oh, I can't have this

As they dance, the world outside the club seems to fade away. There's only the music, their synchronized steps, and the electric connection between them. Hunter's smile is genuine, his usual calculating gaze replaced by a warmth that reaches his eyes.

I'm gonna get you so high, it's gonna send you reelin'
Baby, gonna feel it, baby, gonna feel it
I'm gonna go down all night, it's gonna get you kneelin'
Baby, can you feel this? I'm gonna make you feel this

The beat of the music matches the beat of their hearts as Hunter spins Nora out and then pulls her back, her laugh mingling with the lyrics, a sound of pure happiness. In this dream, there are no tubes, no experiments—just the two of them, lost in a dance that feels like it could last forever.

I couldn't let go of the sonnet, look how out of hand it's gotten
Is it wrong for me to want this? But, baby, all I do is want it
And, if I knew that I could have you, don't you know that I'd be glad to
Show it?

As the song builds, so does the intensity of their connection. Hunter's gaze is tender, his touches gentle as they move together, a stark contrast to the man who controls and manipulates. Here, he is just Hunter, and she is just Nora, and they are just two people in love.

I'm gonna get you so high, it's gonna send you reelin'
Baby, gonna feel it, baby, gonna feel it
I'm gonna go down all night, it's gonna get you kneelin'
Baby, can you feel this? I'm gonna make you feel this

As the final verse of the song echoes in her dream, the atmosphere shifts subtly, the shimmering lights of the Parisian nightclub blending seamlessly into a more intimate setting. Hunter pulls Nora close, his voice a soft murmur in her ear, "Happy anniversary, Mrs. Percy." The words are tender, filled with genuine affection and a hint of playful reverence for the life they share in this dream.

"You too, Doc," she responds with a smile, warmth spreading through her as they lean into a kiss—a perfect moment of connection that feels achingly real.

Suddenly, Nora is jolted awake, gasping for air. The transition from the dream to the harsh reality of her cell is abrupt, leaving her disoriented. The cold, hard edges of her surroundings are a stark contrast to the warmth and love of the dream, making her heart ache with the loss of it.

As she lies in her bed, trying to catch her breath, an unfamiliar sensation begins to take over her body. Without her conscious command, her limbs start to move in smooth, flowing patterns—movements she doesn't recognize but feels compelled to perform. It's as if her body remembers something her mind does not, a physical memory ingrained in her muscles and nerves.