chronometer

epilogue - rebirth

It takes Mitch and I ten minutes to get to the back of the burning mansion, his weight barely being able to support my own. We reach the beach and make to rest on the soft sand, watching as the waves brush against the shore, controlled by the gentle push and pull of the moon. The wound on my foot is long forgotten, pain dull and falling to the back of my mind.

We take these final minutes to enjoy each other before the police arrive. It was best for Avi escape without us. He is no longer at risk, and the last thing I'd ever want to do it put him in danger. He has a family to take care of, a little sister to watch return to health. Despite what's coming, I'm content. I'm proud. Mitch and I have gone to great lengths together when the odds had us dead long before the first strike.

Mitch's head rests on my chest, his favorite spot. He enjoys listening to the steady thumps in my chest, I've figured out. The rhythm sets him at ease, reminding him of the tranquility of life and the reality that it not only beats for myself but for him as well. He knows that heart is his. He's held it since the beginning, cared for it, brought life back to it when it was weak and strained. I wouldn't have it any other way.

"Do you think I was wrong to kill him?" He asks, glancing up at me with a troubled stare.

I shake my head. "Not at all. After how much he's put you, put everyone through, he deserves to meet his end in what Hell exists out there." He settles into my chest, nodding faintly. "You were protecting me, you were protecting yourself. What you did was perfect, hiding your gun I mean."

"I was thinking of everyone when I did it. How much safer people would be without someone evil sabotaging every aspect of hope that he came across."

"You made the right choice, Mitchy."

He responds by nuzzling into me even further. I cup the back of his head and allow my eyes to flutter closed. I breathe deeply, allowing the cool breeze of the lake to brush against my cheeks. It reminds me of when we met. I had watched Mitch make a similar face when he enjoyed the air. He was ethereal, at a calm state that I've always longed to find. I understand now why he loves this place so much. It's his safe space, where only his best memories came from. I feel privileged to be a part of it.

"Do you think we've made a difference?" He asks a while later.

"Absolutely, angel. Even if the time we've brought back doesn't last long, we've set the bar. An example. Someone out will be inspired. That's how revolutions start. A sign of hope, and we gave them more than enough."

He laughs, "We sure did. I didn't know I had it in me to go that far outside of my comfort zone."

"Honey, you have way more in you than you think."

"Is that a sex joke, Scott Hoying?"

I swat his arm, my face flushing with embarrassment. "Absolutely not!" I pause, rolling my eyes with a playful grin. "Only if you want it to be."

Mitch giggles again, kissing the dip in my chest over my shirt. "I like both implications."

My hand caresses the dark strands on his head. He sighs appreciatively, grinning into the cloth. "I don't think I'll ever be able to tell you how proud of you I am."

The boy can't stop smiling, and if that isn't the most beautiful sight alone, I have the pleasure of watching Mitch find complete peace next to me before another excellent view. It's fitting for him. The lakeside is gorgeous, but he is what pulls it together. The sun is setting, causing his skin to glow under the dimming sunlight. It casts shadows over him, accentuating his dimples, focusing on the joyful laugh lines delicately etched into his face.

I check my forearm, then find the sunset again. Leaning forward, I press my lips to the top of his head. There are still sirens, and judging by the volume they're probably just up the street. In the end, there'd be no getting away from them, eventually they would catch up. However. My concern ebbs away, there is time. I'm glad to know that Avi is more than likely in the clear at this point. He will complete what we started with the capsule. And in this way, they'll never be able to link us. He is out of danger. I truly could not ask for a better friend.

My hand moves down to cup Mitch's jaw, and he leans up. We share a tender kiss, holding no lustful intentions but more focusing on enjoying each other's company in our lasting adoration. This boy who strikes me so deeply, who owns my soul, renders me boneless under his presence.

I love him.

"Mitch?" I whisper when our kiss parts, finding solace in his beautiful brown eyes.

"Yeah?"

"I love you," I say, kissing him briefly again, "I love you so damn much. You've saved me."

He smiles, pressing his forehead against mine. "I can assure you Scott that I am more saved than you are. I love you infinitely."

I sigh with the utmost content, checking my forearm again.

[00:00:00:00:00:00:58]

"Scott?"

"Yes, angel?"

He rests his head on my chest and I wrap my arms around his torso, holding him tightly against me. He's silent for a few seconds, finding the appropriate words to bring forth.

"Do you know who has the key?"

My chest hiccups an aborted, happy sob. "Always, Mitch. I do." Always. Beyond our years, even when we become starstuff in the galaxy, even when our souls travel blindly through the universe. We are not apart no matter where we are, be it in this world or the next.

And even when I feel our bodies suddenly jolt with a moment of pain as every organ in our beings comes to a crashing halt, I am sure of one thing in my final breath.

With Mitch, I've found home.

[00:00:00:00:00:00:00]

end.

thank you all for sticking with me while i wrote this. being my first fic for the ptx fandom, i hold it close to me. i see where i've started and how far i've come in the passing months, how i've improved and how many friends i've made because of it. from the bottom of my heart, thank you! i can't wait to see y'all while i tackle "finders keepers" and write oneshots every so often for "canary". see you soon!

xo quinn

p.s. if you bribe me enough i'll write an alternate ending ;)