30. (The End) Love That Unites

“So, we just have to make a report, huh?” Daniel asked, breaking the silence between them because Robert’s plane was no longer visible.

“A report as thick as a holy book,” Maria replied with a sigh.

“Hey. Should we include Robert and Luna in the report?” Nathan added.

“Maybe not. We should include reality and fiction, maybe?” Victoria suggested.

“Good idea. You should make it as real as possible so they can’t tell what’s fiction and what’s not,” Maria said and the two girls laughed.

“There’s still a few hours until morning. Come on, I want to get ready now, then go back, take a shower, and rest,” Daniel said as he turned back to the tent.

“It was just a dream. We still have things to do tomorrow,” Nathan said.

Daniel hissed as he remembered reality.

Maria followed the two men after patting Victoria’s shoulder who was still standing there with Sean.

A few hours ago, the man hadn’t said much, just stayed silent, until Victoria was confused about how to respond to the man because the situation between them had become awkward.

"Come on, we should go back too," said Victoria who preferred to follow the others rather than talk about personal problems.

Sean did not protest and followed the girl's steps.

They tidied themselves up while waiting for the pick-up to come. The announcement said that today they would clean up, set up a refugee post, hold a mass funeral, and so on which they just had to do now.

There were many things they had to do to be even busier. But at least, they were no longer in danger because of the invasion of strange creatures that came from outer space.

Ben was reported to have been arrested by the military for his plan that endangered many people and claimed lives and caused serious damage and also many losses.

After carrying out the cleaning, they held a mass funeral. The soldiers who died on the battlefield received awards, and they were buried in a special military field provided by residents next to the public cemetery for civilians around there. Many victims fell, and people started crying, a very unexpected departure without a proper farewell but thanks to those who were still alive, they survived safely.

Returning to her daily routine as a soldier, Victoria was given a month's leave, as were Sean, Nathan, Daniel, and Maria. Those on guard stopped the strange creatures. Of course, after they made a pile of reports.

The big incident became a kind of trend, many variations of alien-shaped dolls, even food. People seemed to start having fun, forgetting the bitterness that had happened, and starting to rise again from the slump because of the attack.

"Almost a month since we had a tense relationship with those strange creatures, and we have a week off, why does it feel so strange?" Maria said to Victoria when they met at a cafe at night.

"Right, right? Maybe, we are not used to holidays," Victoria said while sipping the kiwi juice she ordered.

"Right. For us, as soldiers, holidays mean duty," Maria said again.

Victoria nodded her head in agreement with what Maria said.

"However, this is also good. I will spend my vacation time dating, shopping, and travelling. Hopefully, when I return, my position will not be taken by someone else."

Victoria laughed at Maria's words. In fact, before being declared on vacation, they had been promoted because of their achievements on the battlefield.

"But who are you going on a date with?" Victoria asked carefully.

Maria stared at her, silent for a moment. They had not officially announced their relationship yet. Maria asked Victoria to come closer, then whispered a name, "Nathan."

Victoria's eyes widened at Maria's words.

"That's great," Victoria said. "Congratulations, I'm happy for you," the girl continued.

Maria seemed to smile proudly.

"Thank you. You too, try to talk. It seems like Sean is still in shock when he found out you weren't breathing at that time," Maria said, referring to the awkward relationship between Victoria and Sean.

The girl fell silent.

"You and him seem good together, Vic. I know I have no right to interfere. However, I noticed Sean's unusual gaze when he looked at you. So, try to get him to start talking. Given Sean's awkward character, it will be difficult for him and it will take time. So, there's no harm in it, right?" Maria said.

But Victoria was still silent, thinking about her feelings and relationship with Sean.

"I didn't know you were with Victoria," Nathan's voice greeted the two of them who looked serious.

Victoria's attention was diverted to Nathan who came and sat beside Maria after greeting Victoria.

"I forgot to tell you that Nathan will come to pick you up. So, sorry, shall we go first, Vic?" Maria said goodbye.

"Oh, okay, it's okay. Have fun," said Victoria.

"Okay. You too. Think carefully. Don't miss the opportunity, Vic, or you'll lose," said Maria before leaving.

Victoria chuckled, but what Maria said was true, if you were the slightest bit careless, you'd lose considering Sean was popular with women. Then Victoria remembered the reason why she survived. Victoria shouldn't have survived the plane. The reason Victoria got a second chance was because the girl wanted to love.

Standing up from her seat, Victoria ran out of the cafe towards a place not too far from there. The girl ran as fast as she could while imagining the memories of their time together. About Sean's attention, his mischief, his laughter, and everything about the man for Victoria.

Until the girl arrived in front of the apartment door with a gasp. Victoria pressed the doorbell impatiently.

Sean was stunned when he found Victoria in front of his door with messy hair, even sweaty.

"What's wrong with you? Why are you so messy?" Sean asked in surprise.

"I just wanted to meet you," Victoria answered while catching her breath.

Although confused, Sean invited the girl into the house.

This was the first time Victoria had come to Sean's house. If Nathan hadn't told Sean the address, she wouldn't have been able to come. That's why Sean was surprised.

"I didn't expect your house to be big," Victoria said while looking around the man's house which was quite spacious and neat.

Sean didn't say anything.

"Would you like something to drink?" Sean asked.

"Ice water, I'm so thirsty from running," Victoria answered.

Sean nodded and went to the kitchen.

Victoria took off her sweater, now she was only wearing a short-sleeved shirt. The girl approached Sean in the kitchen. There was a bar table there, Victoria sat on a chair.

"Is there something important you want to tell me?" Sean asked while giving Victoria a glass of ice water and sitting opposite the girl at the bar table.

For a moment Victoria avoided him, drinking her water first to feel more relaxed.

Sean watched Victoria silently, waiting patiently.

"I just want to know, do I still have a chance?" Victoria asked a little ambiguously.

Sean didn't answer, letting Victoria finish her sentence.

"So, I came to make sure," the girl continued, occasionally glancing at Sean who was in front of her. "I, so... I..." Victoria seemed to have difficulty saying it.

There was no excessive response from Sean other than remaining silent watching the girl who seemed to be stuttering to say something.

Victoria dared to look at Sean.

"This is too hard to say," Victoria admitted. "So, I'll do it with action. It's up to you what you want to think," the girl said then stepped forward, kissing Sean's lips just like that.

The girl moved away after pressing her lips to Sean's lips who were silent. Victoria's chest seemed to rumble, her heartbeat was heard so clearly, there was even a little ticklishness in her slightly hot blood.

"I like you, Sean. I love you, I-"

This time it was Sean's turn to crush Victoria's lips with a quick kiss, even crushing the girl's lips gently.

That was more or less Sean's answer to Victoria's statement.

The kiss got hotter, but his movements remained gentle. Sean moved closer to Victoria, hugging the girl's body tightly and warmly. The kiss stopped several times, but both of them seemed reluctant to stop so they continued with another kiss. Sean even kissed Victoria's neck which made the girl look up. The sound of a sigh coming out of Victoria's mouth seemed to trigger adrenaline for Sean who then both of them were carried away in the kiss.

Their love is now united after the war of the strange creatures.