The Last Saint

15: Connections

Adam was in shock for the whole day, after Eve's confession. However, he had no time to discuss it with her since they were with people. Besides, another thought played out in his mind; what was it that Baum and Shadow were talking about? Baum thought Adam could be persuaded to join the Saints and convince Eve of something, but Shadow thought otherwise. And his comment about history repeating itself was also unnerving. 

Still, the next morning, Eve woke Adam up before everyone else. He yawned, and stretched, blinking at her absentmindedly. She smiled sweetly at him.

"What?" he muttered.

"Wanna go on a date?" She asked cheerfully. 

He looked at her blankly. "What?" He repeated.

"A date! We can't hunt the Saints or train with your arm like that, and it doesn't hurt to get you some fresh air once in a while." Adam noticed she had a pleasant warmth to her, as if basking in happiness.

"What about your injuries?" He asked.

She shook her head. "I'm ok!" 

"Well if you're alright, I guess it's ok. Where do you wanna go?"

She made a face of mocking annoyance, though to Adam it just looked irresistibly cute. "It's a date, you're supposed to be the one planning it!"

He shrugged. "Alright, you have a point. Let me get dressed and showered."

She eyed up his broken hand, and grinned devilishly. "Need help?" She asked seductively.

Adam got shy and turned red, shaking his head. "I-I'll manage!"

She pouted in return, while he gathered some clothes from his bag and went up to the shower. In his mind, he mused that he probably should have accepted Eve's help as he struggled to take off his shirt and pants one handed.

He put on a nice pair of jeans (which he reluctantly asked Eve to help do up) and shirt, and they strolled out of the house. They started their date off with a nice relaxing walk through town. As they walked, Eve bumped into his uninjured side gently and seemingly unintentionally, until he caught on, and nervously grabbed her hand.

A quick glance at her happy face told him he made the right move.

He decided, for their date, to take her to the lake. On their walk there, he stopped at a pet store, to show Eve the animals. First, they visited the cat cages. Eve excitedly introduced herself to the three cats in the shop, even opening up the Orange Tabby's cage and petting her soft first, nearly squealing with delight as the creature purred affectionately. Next, they saw the baby bunnies, who were incredibly friendly and affectionate to them both. 

Finally, Adam showed Eve to the store's puppy; a chocolate lab named Cocoa. Eve fell in love at first sight, and it seemed Cocoa returned her feelings. She took him out of his crate and played with him until the store clerk noticed and gently reminded her that the pets are not supposed to be let out. Begrudgingly, she vowed to return to see Cocoa soon, and put him back.

Adam smiled and took her hand, leading her to a small cafe for their late breakfast/early lunch. They got sandwiches, which proved to be a challenge for Adam's one good hand. However Eve helped him hold it, moving her chair as close to his as possible.

After their lunch, they walked towards the lake. On the way, Adam told her all about how he used to go almost every weekend as a child with Ryan. He shared with her his memories of stargazing there with his parents, swimming and fishing in the lake with Ryan, and of climbing trees and exploring.

The lake was just as Adam remembered. There was a path leading around the south side, but the north side was all the natural coast. They walked over to the north side, and sat on the grass, watching the ducks, and throwing food to them.

He put his arm around Eve, who cuddled up to him closely, and rested her head on his chest. He smiled, feeling more at peace than ever before. 

"It's strange," he said finally. "It feels like I've known you my whole life."

She giggled a little. "Maybe we were lovers in a past life?"

He tickled her ribs a little, and she laughed and grabbed his hand. "You think so?"

She turned to face him, kissing his lips tenderly. "I know so."

"Did you mean it?" He asked. She looked at him quizzically. "When you said you loved me, I mean."

She turned bright red and looked away, silently nodding, and holding her hands to her chest. Adam pulled her closer and kissed her cheek.

"I love you too," he whispered in her ear, and he meant it. "I know it's probably way too early to say that but its how I feel."

She simply looked at him, blushing, and he blushed back. And she could no longer contain her happiness, throwing her arms around him and accidentally knocking him over in the process. They looked at each other and laughed, sharing another kiss.

They stayed at the lake all day together, cuddling and talking, watching the sun set, before finally returning to Garamond's home.

The others were angry. Garamond had organized over 30 officers to comb the city for Adam and Eve, and Ryan and the girls were worried sick that something had happened. They got a stern lecture from Garamond, but the entire time they held hands. Liz thought it was sweet, but Ryan and Beth both looked displeased.

Adam thought back to his conversation with Ryan the day before. It was obvious Ryan didn't trust Eve. That night, Adam and Eve stayed up late cuddling and talking on the couch, and fell asleep together.