Song for this chapter: Elijah Woods - Where We're Going on the multimedia.

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| P a s t |

Sign

The Halloween party was buzzing with energy, the kind that made the entire mansion come alive. Laughter and chatter echoed in the grand hall, accompanied by the occasional scream from someone reacting to the costumed performers weaving through the crowd. I was in the middle of it all, dressed in my vampire costume, my camera slung around my neck, moving like a shadow between the revelers. My cape billowed with every step, the fake fangs in my mouth feeling slightly uncomfortable, but that was the price of blending in with the night's theme.

The venue was stunning—an old, refurbished mansion that had been turned into an event space for the evening. It had that perfect blend of eerie elegance, with dim lighting casting shadows across the polished floors and elaborate chandeliers dripping with cobwebs, both real and artificial. Pumpkins and carved skulls adorned the tables, while a fog machine sent mist curling around the guests' feet, giving everything an otherworldly vibe.

"Hey, can we get a picture?" A group dressed as a pirate crew stopped in front of me, grinning wide, their faces painted with dramatic skull makeup.

"Of course!" I smiled back, raising my camera and taking a few steps back to frame the shot. "On three... one, two, three!"

Click.

The flash illuminated their faces for a brief second, capturing the moment in sharp clarity. They cheered and moved on, the music from the live DJ blaring loudly behind them as they disappeared into the crowd. I glanced at the display screen to check the photo. Perfect.

Moving through the crowd was becoming a bit of a challenge, but the party was in full swing, and I still had a few more hours to go. My job was to capture the night—the fun, the costumes, the memories. It was exhausting, though. The hours were creeping into the early morning, and my body was screaming for rest, but the adrenaline kept me going. I'd been on my feet since 7 PM, and now, just past midnight, I knew I had a long night ahead.

The DJ announced the costume contest, and the crowd surged toward the stage, giving me a little break from the constant moving. I positioned myself near the back, snapping a few photos of the guests as they cheered for their favorite costumes. A group dressed as the Addams Family caught my eye, and I zoomed in, capturing the uncanny resemblance they had to the original characters.

As I lowered the camera, I let out a long breath, my mind already racing to the next task—editing. Once the party wrapped up, I'd have to head straight to a café nearby to upload and start editing the photos. My apartment was too far, and the client needed the final shots by 8 AM. That meant no sleep for me tonight.

I felt a wave of fatigue wash over me just thinking about it, but I shook it off. The night wasn't over yet.

"Hey, you good?" A fellow photographer, Jake, who had also been hired for the event, sidled up to me. He was dressed as a mummy, with only his eyes and hands peeking out from beneath the layers of bandages.

"Yeah, just tired," I replied, forcing a smile. "It's going to be a long one."

"I hear you," he nodded, adjusting the camera strap on his shoulder. "Just a few more hours, and then we're free... until we have to edit."

"Don't remind me," I groaned, though there was a hint of humor in my voice. "I'll be camping out in a café for the rest of the night."

"Well, good luck with that," he chuckled, giving me a playful salute before disappearing into the crowd again.

I checked my watch—1 AM. Just a few more shots and I'd be able to call it a night. I made my way toward the exit, capturing the last few candid moments as the guests started to thin out. The party was still going, but most people had either left or were too busy enjoying themselves to notice me anymore.

As I stepped outside, the cool night air hit me like a welcome relief. I took a deep breath, savoring the quiet after the chaos of the party. Seattle was always calm at night, the streets empty save for the occasional car passing by. I pulled out my phone and checked for nearby 24-hour cafés. There was one just a few blocks away—a place I'd been to before. It was quiet, with a great atmosphere for late-night work.

Perfect.

I set off down the street, the sound of my boots clicking against the pavement the only noise in the stillness of the night. The walk was quick, but my tiredness was starting to catch up with me. By the time I pushed open the door to the café, I was running on fumes.

The inside was warm and cozy, with just a few customers scattered around. Most of them were either working on laptops or hunched over textbooks, probably students pulling all-nighters. I ordered a large coffee—black, no sugar—and took a seat in the corner, far enough from the others to have some peace.

I pulled out my laptop and camera, setting up for what would undoubtedly be a long night of editing. As the coffee cooled beside me, I started transferring the photos, reviewing each one carefully before selecting the best shots. The soft glow of the screen illuminated my face, and I could feel my eyelids growing heavy. The exhaustion was relentless, but I knew I couldn't stop. Not yet.

The café was quiet, save for the faint clinking of cups and the low hum of conversation from a few tables over. It was almost peaceful—until the door chimed, signaling a new customer.

I didn't look up at first, too engrossed in my work. But then, something familiar caught my attention. The sound of a voice—deep, calm, and unmistakable.

I glanced up, and there he was.

Linc.

I froze, my breath catching in my throat. What was he doing here? It had only been two weeks since we'd first met at that reunion, and now, here he was again, like fate had decided to drop him into my life once more.

He was on the phone, standing at the counter as he placed his order. His back was turned to me, but I knew it was him—the way he carried himself, the calm yet commanding presence he exuded. He was wearing a simple jacket and jeans, nothing elaborate like the costumes from the party, but he still looked effortlessly put together.

I should've looked away, but I couldn't. My eyes were glued to him as if drawn by some invisible force. Then, as if sensing my gaze, he turned—and our eyes met.

Everything seemed to slow down in that moment, like a scene from a movie. My heart pounded in my chest, and for a second, it felt like the world had narrowed down to just the two of us.

Linc's expression shifted, a flicker of recognition crossing his face. He said something into the phone, his gaze still locked on mine, and then he hung up. Without hesitation, he made his way over to me, his movements smooth and purposeful.

"Sign," he greeted, his voice low, almost amused. "We meet again."

I offered a tired smile, trying to suppress the flurry of emotions swirling inside me. "Seems like it."

Linc glanced at my outfit, raising an eyebrow. "Vampire?"

"Yep," I nodded, tugging at the collar of my cape. "It's been a long night."

He chuckled softly, glancing around the near-empty café. "I can imagine. What are you doing here?"

"Working," I sighed, gesturing to my laptop. "I have to get these photos edited by morning, so... no sleep for me tonight."

He nodded, looking thoughtful for a moment. Then, without asking, he pulled out the chair across from me and sat down.

"Mind if I keep you company?" he asked, though there was a quiet confidence in his tone, as if he already knew my answer.

"Sure," I said, surprising myself. Part of me wanted to say no—I was exhausted, and the last thing I needed was more distractions. But there was something about Linc that made it hard to say no.

He leaned back in his chair, studying me with that calm, observant gaze of his. "You always work this hard?"

I laughed softly, shaking my head. "Only when I have to. And tonight's one of those nights."

"Well, don't let me distract you," he said, though his presence was already doing exactly that.

I returned to my editing, trying to focus on the screen in front of me, but I could feel Linc's eyes on me, watching, waiting.

Linc leaned back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips as he watched me edit. "It's good to know you've got work," he said, his tone light but with a hint of something more—genuine interest, maybe.

I glanced up from my laptop and gave him a tired smile. "This isn't a permanent job, though. I was just hired for Halloween," I clarified, trying not to let my fatigue show too much. "Seasonal gig. Once the night's over, I'm back to freelancing."

Linc raised an eyebrow, his expression thoughtful. "Well, at least it's something. Keeps you busy, right?"

I shrugged, not really sure what to say. Busy was one thing, but living gig to gig wasn't exactly what I'd call stable. Still, I didn't feel like diving into all that at the moment.

He must've sensed my hesitation because he stood up slightly, his hands tapping the edge of the table. "Tell you what, I'll leave you to it. I don't want to be the reason you miss your deadline and don't get paid for this job."

I laughed, genuinely amused for the first time in hours. "Are you really worried about being the reason I don't get paid?"

Linc smirked, that familiar air of cool confidence settling back over him. "Maybe. I don't want to be the one responsible for you pulling an all-nighter without getting something out of it."

His words somehow lightened the weight of my exhaustion, making me feel just a little more awake. I shook my head, still chuckling. "You've got a point. All right, I'll get back to work."

Linc nodded. "I'll talk to you once you're done. You finish your job, then we'll catch up."

There was something about his tone that made it sound like a promise, not just a passing comment. And as he moved back to his own space in the café, I couldn't help but feel more alert, a little more focused.

Maybe I was still running on fumes, but Linc had a way of making things feel less exhausting, even in the middle of an all-nighter.

The hours flew by in a blur of photo editing, the rhythmic clicking of my mouse and keyboard the only thing keeping me awake. By the time I hit send and the photos made their way to the client, I let out a long yawn, stretching my arms above my head. My body felt heavy with exhaustion, but a wave of relief washed over me. It was finally done.

I glanced around at the mess I'd made during the night. Camera gear, lenses, my laptop, and a half-empty cup of cold coffee were scattered across the table. With another sigh, I began clearing everything away, packing it all neatly back into my bag. Once everything was zipped up and in place, I stood, rubbing my eyes.

It wasn't until I was about to leave that I noticed Linc was no longer there. My eyes swept the café, hoping to see him sitting at one of the other tables, but no—he was gone.

A pang of regret hit me. I hadn't even thought to ask for his number, and now it seemed like I'd missed my chance. I felt a little foolish, wondering if maybe that was it, our strange, brief encounters over before they'd even begun. I sighed, slinging my bag over my shoulder, accepting that it was just one of those nights.

But as I stepped out into the cool Seattle air, I stopped short. There he was—Linc, casually leaning against the brick wall outside the café. His hands were in his pockets, his dark hair a little messy, and his eyes were on me the moment I appeared.

I blinked, completely surprised. "You're still here?"

Linc pushed himself off the wall, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah. I saw you wrapping up inside, figured you were done, so I went out first to wait for you."

I couldn't help but smile. The idea that he'd waited for me was... unexpected. "I thought you'd left."

"I don't leave that easily," he said with a soft laugh, eyes flickering with something playful. "So, where to next?"

His question caught me off guard, and I hesitated for a second. It was almost 6 AM now, and the weariness of the all-nighter was beginning to sink in. "Honestly? I really just want to go home, take a bath, and change out of this costume," I admitted, gesturing to my vampire get-up, which had been comfortable enough earlier in the night but now felt constricting and out of place in the early morning light.

Linc gave me a nod, his expression thoughtful. "Fair enough. Need a ride?"

I blinked again. "You'd do that?"

"Why not? I've got nothing else going on, and you look like you could use some rest," he said, already pulling out his car keys.

I didn't argue. The idea of a ride home sounded a lot better than navigating public transport while half-asleep in a vampire costume. "Okay. Sure."

The drive was quiet at first, Seattle's streets still dimly lit as the sun slowly began to rise. I rested my head against the window, trying to stay awake but feeling oddly at peace with Linc behind the wheel. It felt easy, almost like we'd done this a hundred times before, even though we'd only just reconnected.

He glanced at me from the corner of his eye. "So, where exactly am I heading?"

I shook myself awake, realizing I hadn't given him any directions yet. "Oh! Right, sorry. Take a left at the next light, then keep going straight for a few blocks."

Linc nodded, following my instructions. "You live far from the venue?"

"Yeah, kind of. It's about a twenty-minute drive," I said, sitting up straighter, trying to fight the wave of exhaustion. "Next turn's going to be a right, after the grocery store."

He slowed down, spotting the store up ahead, and smoothly made the turn. "And then?"

"Just keep going straight for a bit. You'll pass a park, and then there's a green apartment building on the right. That's me."

He gave me a quick nod, his eyes flicking toward me again. "Got it. You always work this late?"

"Not usually," I replied with a small laugh. "Only when it's a special event like Halloween. Most nights, I'm editing from home or doing daytime shoots."

Linc gave a soft chuckle. "So I'm guessing a ride home from a vampire party isn't your usual routine?"

I laughed at that, the fatigue making me more giggly than usual. "Nope, this is definitely a first. You're lucky you didn't run into any werewolves or ghosts out there."

"Yeah, I'll count my blessings," he said with a grin as he pulled up in front of the green building I'd pointed out.

Before I knew it, we were pulling up in front of my apartment building. I blinked, trying to shake off the fog of sleep. "You didn't have to do this, you know."

Linc shrugged, a half-smile on his face as he turned off the engine. "I wanted to."

I stepped out of the car, fumbling for my keys, and noticed he wasn't making any move to leave. I raised an eyebrow at him. "You're coming up?"

He gave me that teasing grin of his. "Is that an invitation?"

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the laugh that slipped out. "Fine. Come on up."

As I led him up the stairs to my small apartment, I started to feel a little self-conscious. The place was probably a mess. Between all the work gigs, I hadn't had a chance to tidy up properly. But when I unlocked the door and pushed it open, Linc didn't seem to care. He stepped inside, looking around the cozy space with its mismatched furniture and cluttered shelves.

"Nice place," he commented, though I could tell he was being polite.

I tossed my bag onto the couch and stretched. "It's not much, but it's home."

Linc stepped further inside, his eyes still scanning the room, and there was something surprisingly comfortable about his presence. Like he fit in, even though his polished look didn't quite belong in the world I'd carved out for myself.

"So, you've seen my place. Guess that means we're officially not strangers anymore," I joked, making my way toward the bathroom. "You want some coffee or something? I need to shower."

"Nah, I'm good," he replied, leaning casually against the kitchen counter. "Take your time. I'm not in a rush."

I paused, my hand on the bathroom door, and glanced back at him. He was here. He had waited for me. And now, he was standing in my apartment like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Thanks," I said quietly, feeling a strange sense of comfort wash over me.

Linc gave me a small nod, his gaze soft. "Anytime."

I disappeared into the bathroom, the hot water cascading down over me. As I showered, I couldn't help but think about the unexpected ease between us, how he'd stayed with me when he didn't have to. It was becoming clear that something had shifted. And maybe, just maybe, this was starting to feel... normal. Comfortable, even.

When I stepped out of the shower, feeling a little more human but still utterly exhausted, I found Linc right where I'd left him—leaning against the kitchen counter, scrolling through his phone. He looked up as I towel-dried my hair, a small smirk playing on his lips.

"Feel better?" he asked.

"A bit," I admitted, pulling on a loose sweater and jeans. My mind wandered to the thought of food, my stomach rumbling slightly. "I was thinking... I could cook you breakfast as a thank you for waiting. But honestly, I'm so wiped, I might burn the kitchen down."

Linc chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't worry about it. How about we go somewhere? We can grab breakfast on the way. I want to get away for a bit... escape everything for a while."

His words caught me off guard. Escape everything? I knew the feeling. Sometimes you just wanted to run, to leave it all behind, even if just for a few hours. And the way he said it, it felt like he wasn't just talking about a simple breakfast.

I hesitated, glancing out the window at the still-dark sky. "Go where?"

Linc pocketed his phone and stood up straight, eyes gleaming with that same sense of spontaneity I had seen when we first met. "Doesn't matter. Somewhere quiet, far from all this noise. We'll figure it out along the way."

I chewed on my bottom lip, considering it. Every part of me screamed that I should say no. I barely knew him. But there was something oddly comforting about Linc, something that made me want to trust him, even though we were practically strangers. Maybe it was the way he talked, or the fact that he had waited outside the café for me. Either way, I found myself nodding.

"Okay," I said softly, "let's go."

Linc grinned, a genuine smile that reached his eyes. "Great. You ready?"

I grabbed my bag and slipped on my shoes, giving him a nod. "Ready."

Before I could overthink it, we were back in his car, driving through the quiet streets of Seattle. The city felt like a ghost town at this hour, the early morning still cloaked in darkness. Neither of us spoke much, but it didn't feel awkward. Instead, there was a strange calm, a sense of peace as the city lights blurred past us.

Linc glanced over at me, his voice low. "You have any place in mind?"

I shook my head, smiling slightly. "I'll let you decide."

And just like that, we drove off, leaving behind the tiredness, the mess, and the chaos of our separate lives—at least for a little while.

As we drove down the highway, the world outside was a blur of lights and shadows. I felt the exhaustion weighing me down, and despite the adrenaline of our spontaneous adventure, sleep was creeping up on me.

"Feel free to sleep," Linc said, glancing over at me with a casual smile. "I've got the driving covered."

I barely managed a nod before I slumped into the passenger seat, my head resting against the window. The rhythmic hum of the engine and the soft glow of the dashboard lights were like a lullaby, coaxing me into a light, restless sleep.

I drifted in and out of consciousness, feeling the gentle sway of the car and the occasional turn of the wheel. The next thing I knew, I was fully awake as the car slowed to a stop. I blinked groggily, taking in our surroundings—a quiet, desolate stretch of road, with only a few scattered lights in the distance.

"We're here," Linc said softly, pulling into a parking lot of a small diner. He looked over at me with an amused grin. "You managed to sleep through half the trip. How was it?"

I stretched and yawned, feeling the stiffness in my muscles from the awkward position I'd slept in. "I guess I really needed that," I said, rubbing my eyes. "Thanks for letting me crash."

Linc chuckled as he turned off the engine. "No problem. I figured you might need a break."

As we got out of the car and headed into the diner, I tried to shake off the fog of sleep. The diner was the kind of place that looked like it hadn't changed in decades. The sign above the door flickered, casting a warm glow against the early morning sky. Inside, it was quiet, only a few other customers scattered in booths, sipping coffee or reading newspapers.

Linc found us a booth by the window, and we slid into the worn leather seats. I still felt the weight of exhaustion in my bones, but being here, away from everything, was strangely comforting. A waitress came by, dropping menus in front of us with a tired smile. I barely glanced at mine before deciding on something simple—pancakes, eggs, and coffee.

Linc ordered the same, and once the waitress left, I leaned back in my seat, glancing across the table at him. The quiet between us lingered for a few moments, comfortable but curious. I figured I should start the conversation. After all, I barely knew him, and he had just gone out of his way to make my night a little better.

"So..." I began, breaking the silence. "What do you do for a living?"

Linc chuckled, as if he'd been waiting for the question. He looked down at the table, rubbing the back of his neck. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Try me."

He leaned forward, elbows resting on the table, and met my gaze. "I'm an actor."

I blinked, surprised. It wasn't what I expected at all. "Really?"

"Yeah, I know. No one ever believes me. And to be fair, no one really knows me either." Linc shrugged with a self-deprecating smile. "I barely have fans. But, you know, I'm trying."

I studied him for a moment, taking in the calm way he said it, like it didn't bother him much. Or maybe it did, and he was just used to it. "That's... pretty cool, actually," I admitted. "I mean, even getting your foot in the door in that industry is hard."

Linc nodded but didn't seem too eager to dive into that topic. Instead, his eyes searched mine, as if he wanted to know more about me. Maybe because I hadn't shared much about my life yet.

And for some reason, I found myself opening up.

"Did I ever tell you that my father died a year ago?" I asked, my voice softer than I intended.

Linc's expression shifted, his brows furrowing slightly in concern. "No, you didn't."

I let out a slow breath, staring down at the table, tracing a finger along the edge of the napkin. "It was so sudden. A heart attack. I didn't even get to say goodbye."

His eyes stayed on me, and I could feel his attention, his patience, like he was giving me the space to talk if I wanted to.

"All I had was my dad," I continued. "My mom... she left when I was a kid. Just walked out. So, it was always me and him. When he died... I didn't know how to handle it. I lost myself for a while. I messed up pretty badly afterward."

Linc didn't interrupt, but I could see the empathy in his expression, the way his hands folded together, resting on the table as he listened.

"I used to be so focused on my career," I said, a small, sad smile tugging at my lips. "I had goals. I was driven. But when my dad died, everything kind of fell apart. It's like I forgot who I was supposed to be."

The waitress returned with our food, placing the plates in front of us. I gave her a weak smile, but my mind was still wrapped up in the memories I had just shared. I hadn't really opened up to anyone about my father's death, not like this. But something about Linc's presence made it easier to talk.

"I'm sorry," Linc finally said, his voice quiet, genuine. "Losing someone like that... it changes you."

"Yeah," I whispered, picking up my fork but not really touching my food. "It does."

We sat there for a moment, the sounds of the diner filling the space between us. I wasn't sure why I had told him all that, but somehow, it felt like the right thing to do.

Linc glanced out the window, then back at me. "You're stronger than you think, Sign."

I looked up at him, surprised by his words. There was something in his eyes, something real, that made me feel a little less alone in that moment. I didn't know where this road trip with him would lead, but for now, it felt like maybe I could keep going—one step at a time.

After breakfast, we decided to keep the adventure going. Linc suggested we head to Glacier National Park in Montana. It was quite a drive from where we were, but the idea of seeing such breathtaking scenery was exciting. We both needed a break from our routines, and this spontaneous road trip was just what we needed.

The drive was long, stretching out over several hours, but it gave us ample time to get to know each other. We talked about everything and anything—our favorite foods, childhood memories, and even our most embarrassing moments. It felt surprisingly easy to open up to him.

"I grew up in Los Angeles," I said as Linc drove. "I went to college in Rhode Island, but after graduation, I moved back to L.A. for work. When things didn't work out there, I moved to Seattle. That's where I've been for the past couple of years."

"Interesting," Linc said. "I'm from D.C., and I still live there. But I'm always in Seattle because my manager lived there. So I rarely go home to D.C. because it's too far from Seattle."

"Seattle, huh. Small world," I laughed.

As the miles passed, we slipped into a comfortable rhythm. I decided to put on some music—just a playlist of random songs I liked. I sang along softly, the sound of my voice mingling with the hum of the engine. The music filled the car with a lively energy, making the drive feel less monotonous.

I glanced over at Linc and caught him stealing a glance at me, a small smile playing on his lips. It made me chuckle.

"Hey, don't think I don't see you staring," I teased, playfully nudging him. "I'm not your personal concert performer."

Linc's cheeks flushed slightly, and he laughed. "What can I say? You've got a pretty good voice. And it's a nice change from the usual radio stations."

I grinned, enjoying the playful banter. "Well, if you like my singing, I'll be sure to keep the playlist going. Just don't expect me to go on tour anytime soon."

"Good to know," Linc said with a wink. "I'm not sure I could handle that much fame."

The hours seemed to fly by as we drove, the landscape changing from urban sprawl to open fields and winding roads. We continued to chat about the most random things—favorite books, strange hobbies, and our dream vacation destinations. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and the drive became an opportunity to bond in ways I hadn't expected.

At one point, Linc turned to me with a thoughtful expression. "You know, it's weird how some of the best connections can come from the most unexpected places."

"Yeah, it really is," I agreed, feeling a sense of contentment. "I'm glad we met. It's been nice to have this break."

As we neared Glacier National Park, the excitement was palpable. The towering peaks and sprawling forests were exactly what we needed to fully escape from our hectic lives. We didn't talk much as we approached the park; instead, we both took in the beauty of the landscape, soaking in the tranquility.

When we finally arrived at Glacier National Park, we were greeted by the stunning view of snow-capped peaks and pristine lakes. The scenery was even more breathtaking than I had imagined. We decided to take a short hike, just enough to stretch our legs and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

As we walked along the trail, the beauty of the park seemed to put everything into perspective. The stress and confusion of our lives seemed to fade away, replaced by a sense of peace and wonder.

"It's amazing, isn't it?" Linc said, his voice filled with awe.

"Absolutely," I replied, taking in the view. "It's exactly what I needed."

We spent the day exploring the park, taking in the sights, and enjoying each other's company. The long drive, the conversations, and the shared experiences had brought us closer in a way I hadn't expected.

By the end of the day, as we sat on a bench overlooking a serene lake, I felt a sense of calm and happiness. The road trip had turned into an adventure filled with laughter, new memories, and a deeper connection.

"This was exactly what I needed," I said, leaning back and closing my eyes. "Thank you, Linc."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the serene lake, we sat together in silence, savoring the peace of the moment. I felt a deep sense of contentment, but there was still something on Linc's mind. He seemed to be contemplating how to share something significant, and the shift in his demeanor caught my attention.

"Sign," he began, his voice hesitant but earnest.

Linc took a deep breath, looking out at the tranquil water before meeting my gaze. "The reason I wanted to become an actor—it's not just about the fame or the craft. It's about my father."

I frowned slightly, sensing the gravity of his words. "Your father? What about him?"

Linc's expression grew serious, and he ran a hand through his hair. "My father, Rick Mahone, is a famous and successful actor. He's incredibly private, and hardly anyone knows about me. He's never acknowledged me, not even on paper. I can't even use his surname."

I was taken aback by the revelation. "Why? What happened?"

Linc's eyes were filled with a mix of sadness and determination. "My father and my mother were involved in a relationship, but they were never married. When I was born, he refused to acknowledge me as his son. He's always kept me a secret. Even though I've grown up knowing who he is, he's never been part of my life."

"That's... that's really tough," I said softly, feeling the weight of his words. "But why become an actor? Why follow in his footsteps?"

Linc's gaze was intense, a flicker of longing in his eyes. "I wanted to work in the industry he's in, to prove myself. I thought that if I could become a great actor, then maybe he'd acknowledge me. I wanted to be seen by the world, hoping that if people recognized me as a talented actor, my father might finally see me too."

His words hung in the air, and the depth of his pain and ambition was palpable. I reached out and placed a hand on his arm, trying to offer some comfort. "You've worked so hard to make a name for yourself. I'm sure he's noticed, even if he hasn't shown it."

Linc gave a small, rueful smile. "Maybe. But it's hard not knowing for sure. I guess I wanted to believe that if the world acknowledged me, it might change things."

I nodded, understanding the complexity of his situation. "It sounds like you've been carrying this weight for a long time. But from what I've seen, you're more than just your father's legacy. You're a talented actor in your own right."

Linc looked at me with a mix of gratitude and vulnerability. "Thanks, Sign. It means a lot to hear that."

We sat in companionable silence, each lost in our thoughts. The day had been full of revelations and shared moments, and as we watched the last light of day fade into twilight, I felt a deep connection with Linc. His honesty had opened up a new layer of understanding between us, and for the first time, I felt like we were truly starting to understand each other on a deeper level.

As the stars began to appear in the sky, we continued to talk and share stories, the warmth of the day lingering between us. The road trip had turned into more than just a getaway—it had become a journey of connection and self-discovery. And as we looked out over the lake, I knew that this moment would be one we both would cherish for a long time.

As we made our way back to the car, the conversation from earlier hung between us. Linc was quiet, his usually composed demeanor returning. He glanced at me, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes.

"Forget everything I said back there," Linc said suddenly, his voice low and hesitant. "I'm not really the type to open up like that. I regret showing you that side of me."

I stopped in my tracks, looking at him with a mixture of surprise and concern. "Linc, it's okay. You don't have to—"

"No, really," he interrupted, his tone firmer now. "I'm not used to this."

I watched him, feeling a pang of empathy. "You don't have to put on a mask with me. I understand if you want to keep some things private."

Linc gave a small, grateful smile and nodded. "Thanks. It's just... it's easier to be distant sometimes."

As we reached his car, I suddenly felt a surge of honesty. I took a deep breath, feeling a strange sense of vulnerability myself. "You know, I dated my ex-boyfriend for eight years. It took us a whole year before we even had our first kiss."

Linc looked at me, intrigued. "And?"

"And..." I hesitated, then continued, "When it comes to you, even though it's only our first date, I already want to kiss you."

Linc's eyes widened slightly, and then a slow, charming smile spread across his face. "So this was a date, huh?"

I laughed softly, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "Seems like it."

Without another word, Linc stepped closer, his gaze locking onto mine with a mixture of warmth and curiosity. There was a moment of silence, filled only with the soft hum of the car's engine and the distant rustle of leaves.

Linc gently cupped my face in his hands, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. His fingers were warm and reassuring, and I could feel his breath mingling with mine as he leaned in. His eyes fluttered closed, and so did mine, our faces inches apart.

The world seemed to narrow to just the two of us. Linc's lips met mine in a kiss that was both tender and intense, a perfect blend of passion and gentleness. It started softly, as if he was testing the waters, but soon deepened into a kiss that spoke of longing and connection.

His lips moved against mine with a careful, deliberate rhythm, and I responded in kind, feeling the electric charge of our shared moment. The kiss was slow and savoring, each movement filled with the sweetness of new beginnings. I could taste the hint of the morning's coffee on his lips, a reminder of our journey together.

As we finally pulled away, our foreheads rested against each other's, our breaths mingling in the cool night air. Linc's eyes were open, filled with a tender light, and he smiled softly.

"That was... incredible," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

I nodded, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me. "Yeah, it was."

We stood there for a few more moments, basking in the afterglow of our kiss, the connection between us deepening with every second. The night was still, and the world outside seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us wrapped in our own little bubble of warmth and intimacy.

The drive back to Seattle was marked by a serene quiet, each mile bringing a sense of both anticipation and solemnity. As we arrived at the cemetery, the late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the landscape, stretching long shadows across the rows of gravestones. The gentle rustling of the autumn leaves created a soft, almost soothing soundtrack.

We parked the car and walked to the secluded corner where my father's grave rested. The grave was modest yet lovingly maintained, with a headstone surrounded by a garden of vibrant flowers and green moss. The colors of fall added a touch of warmth to the somber setting.

Approaching the grave, my heart tightened with a wave of emotions. I touched the headstone lightly, feeling its cool, solid surface beneath my fingers. The tears that had been threatening to fall now welled up in my eyes, unbidden. The reality of my father's absence hit me with a raw intensity.

The silence around us was deep and enveloping, punctuated only by the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant call of a bird. Linc stood quietly by my side, his presence a comforting anchor amidst the sea of memories and sorrow. Though he said nothing, his respectful stance and the silent support he offered were a balm to my aching heart.

As I stood there beside my father's grave, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for the journey that had brought Linc into my life. From the first time I met him to this serene moment in the cemetery, the time we had spent together had been a surprising and deeply comforting reprieve from the chaos of my life.