mellifluous (life is strange 2)

EPISODE FIVE / stars

David and Karen looked over at Sean and Juli as they approached. Both of the adults grinned. "Hey, what's up?" Sean asked.

Juli hugged Karen. As she pulled away, Karen whispered in her ear, "How did the town escapade go?"

"Awesome." Karen squeezed Juli's shoulder and Juli gave her a wide smile. Damn...I wonder how different life would have been if Mom had been like Karen.

"Howdy, Sean!" Karen said. Although both of their expressions were pleasant, Sean didn't go in for a hug like he did with David. Juli hadn't seen him hug Karen since they got to Away.

"How was the town trip?" Juli asked.

David laughed. "Hate these trips," he said, putting emphasis on the first word. "People look at us  as if we're aliens. 'Here come the Sand People...'" He walked to the car and began to open the trunk.

"The deserters have returned with offerings from Das Kapital!"

Karen gasped as Joan came up behind Sean and Juli. "Joalie!" She hugged her friend tightly. "I missed you. Next time, you're coming with us."

"Ha! We'll see." 

They pulled away. "Looking good!" Karen exclaimed as she cupped Joan's face. "What's your secret?"

"Defying Death on a daily basis." Juli glanced at Sean and saw him grinning at the two as they interacted. "And hydrating."

"Oh right." Karen hurried to the trunk and pulled out a tall paper bag chock full of groceries. "Can't forget your goodies!"

"Hey, thanks, angel!" She accepted the bag and gave Karen a kiss on the cheek. "Ah, you're the man, Karen. Catch ya later!"

"See ya." Karen turned to Sean and Juli. She clapped her hands together. "Hey! So, how'd you like your night in the canyon?"

"It was amazing," Sean said. "So many stars...And so quiet...Not to mention I got to get away from this one for a while." Juli rolled her eyes and elbowed Sean as he pointed at her. "Good call, Karen."

"I knew you'd like it, Stargazer." Karen's eyes grew wistful as she said Sean's nickname. "Glad you got to see that."

Daniel sprinted out to meet them. "Hi, Mom!" Karen embraced Daniel tightly and spun him around in a lazy circle before setting him back down. "How was the town?"

"Townlife always sucks, but we got something for ya." David turned around and tossed something to Daniel. "Think fast!"

"Whoa!" Daniel used his power to catch the baseball and bring it down into his hand. "Yes! Thanks, David!"

"You wanna play catch, Danny Boy?" Karen asked. Daniel perked up.

"Totally!" They went over to the open space next to the car. "Me and Dad always used to play. But I'm way better now!"

Juli wandered over to stand next to Sean as they watched Daniel and Karen play catch, with Daniel using his power and Karen (of course) using her bare hands. 

"No matter what he's been through...he just wants to be a kid and play," David said.

Sean laughed. "Yep. Daniel hasn't been like this in forever...you've all been a good influence on him."

"About time you boys went camping. Hope Daniel didn't get scared by all the critters."

Sean shook his head. "Yeah, not anymore. He's seen a lot worse, and that made him tougher...And he can defend himself."

"You're right. And he does like to show off...maybe too much." David turned to watch Karen and Daniel and put his hands on his hips. "You three have been here for two months, and I still can't get over Daniel's...skills."