Author's note:

This is actually the last chapter before the epilogue. It's quite short if you're comparing it to the others but it's my favorite and it completes this story so nicely. The song above is also one of my favorites and let's just say it describes Nikki and Daniel's relationship. I suggest you listen to it while you're reading.

Warning: Light LGBT material.

-

Nikki was lying on her bed in her hotel room, smiling while talking with Marina over the phone.

Marina: „You're joking, right?"

Nikki: „No, I'm serious. I don't know what exactly they're up to but I guess Dan is pretty convincing because Aline started to be really infatuated and enthusiastic. That's the only thing they're talking about and, I swear, they're giving me headaches."

She heard Marina chuckle on the other side of the line.

Marina: „Well...whatever it is, I want you to tell me everything later. I wonder if he can reconcile them. And I want to know Maia's reaction."

Nikki: „Deal. Tell me, how are the things in Tallahassee?"

Marina: „Great. I'm truly thrilled with the city. It turned out that I and Javier are getting along a lot better than we thought. I'm really happy here."

The woman could hear the enthusiasm in her friend's voice. She was happy for her and Javier.

Nikki: „That's the most important thing, right?"

Marina: „Yes! What about you and Dan? When are you going back to Seattle?"

The question kind of ruined Nikki's mood and it was once again dreadful.

Nikki: „Next Sunday. You know, I don't even want to think about it. I'm so happy here, in Naples. He finally told me he loves me."

Marina hollered excitedly. So loud that Nikki had to remove the phone away from her ear for a bit, in order to protect her earpiece. She remembered the evening when she finally heard these three small but so significant words. He took her to a night surfing on the beach and at one point when he was at the very top of the wave, she screamed: „I love you!". Nikki was a little shocked but as soon as she registered what he said, she jumped out of the board and swam toward him, pulling him in a tight hug.

Marina: „You don't know how happy I am for you. I knew from the very beginning that you're going to be the one who's going to make him live his life again. You saved him, Nikki."

She smiled broadly.

Nikki: „He saved me. I'm scared of what's going to happen once we're going to be on the opposite sides of the States."

Marina: „Everything is going to be fine, don't worry. If you really love him, then nothing bad can happen."

Nikki: „I hope so. I really fucking hope you're right."

Marina: „I am and you know it. Anyway...how's Brian?"

Nikki paused a little. She didn't know what she is allowed to say or reveal and at the same time, she didn't want her words to hurt Marina. But she didn't want to lie to her either.

Nikki: „He is...he's happy. He's dating again. It seems that he and Addison really like each other."

There was a complete silence on the other side of the line for a few moments and then Nikki could hear a sigh.

Marina: „Well...I'm glad for him. He deserves to be happy."

Nikki: „You're hurt?"

Marina: „No...no. Just...sometimes, the feeling is still weird. You know...the fact that we'll never be together again. But...I kinda accepted that. Besides, I love Javier."

The other woman understood her.

Nikki: „It's for the best. I mean, I don't know what they're going to do when I and Addy get back to Seattle but I'm sure they have some plan. We haven't talked about it yet."

Marina: „Avoiding the topic?"

Nikki: „Kinda. You know, I'm so sorry I wouldn't get to see you one more time before I go."

Marina: „I know. Me too. I'm sorry I can't come home but it's a madhouse here. We should run the office as soon as possible so we're both very busy with that."

Nikki: „I understand. You don't have to explain. We'd already find some way to see each other."

Marina: „Of course."

Nikki: „I have to go. Dan is waiting for me on the beach and I'm sure he's already impatient. Take care of yourself, okay?"

Marina had briefly teased her about the supposed obsession with Daniel and then the two women said goodbye. Nikki smiled at the phone screen where just a few moments ago Marina's name was written.

With a satisfied sigh, she started getting ready for the beach and meeting with her boyfriend.

-

Nikki was sitting at her favorite club's bar, holding a cocktail and looking toward the stage, where Daniel, Gavin, and two other men were adjusting the instruments. The club was really crowded with both, known and unknown faces. The tall man was currently busy with adjusting the wires of his guitar. She still couldn't believe she would be able to hear him sing and perform live, on stage today.

„Excited?", Brian asked.

She faced her smiling friend.

„Very. I don't know where this idea came from?"

He took a sip of the beer as Nikki was observing her friends, standing at the bar. The whole squad was here tonight to gather and have fun once again before she and Addison go to the airport tomorrow and return to Seattle. Brian was holding Addison around her waist while she was talking to Diego and Patricia.

The other woman approached Aline.

„Hey...I know you and Dan are working on your reconciliation with Maia but I'm leaving tomorrow and I won't be able to see what you guys came up with. Can you tell me? I want to know."

The Latina just smiled mysteriously.

„Wait just a few minutes and everything will become clear.", she said briefly as Nikki looked at her, totally confused but she hasn't had time to ask anything because Brian elbowed her, pointing toward the stage.

As soon as she returned her gaze to the stage, she could see Daniel and the boys settled in place. The tall man was sitting in a chair, with his guitar in his lap as the waiter was showing him thumbs up. The music, blasting through the speakers soon quieted and Daniel leaned forward, to the mic.

„Good evening to everyone.", he said, smiling and earning an applause. „I know this might be a little odd because there are no live performances in this club but we're here tonight for another reason. You see...I have a friend who I love dearly. Lately, she has made some mistakes and she would like to make up for them. Aline...please, come up and explain everything to them."

Nikki's eyes, as well as the eyes of all the others, widened in surprise and total shock. She put her hand on her mouth, facing the nervous Latina who took a deep breath. Then, she looked at Nikki.

„Wish me luck.", she said quietly, moving toward the stage.

„What the...", Brian asked. Nikki just shook her head, understanding why he was so surprised.

„I can't believe this.", she heard David's voice somewhere in the background.

The applause followed Aline, as she stood behind the mic, adjusting the stand to the right height.

„Hey...", she said, at the same time checking the loudspeaker and greeting the audience. In return, she received several loud screams of support. „I'm Aline. I've never done this so please, don't be very sharp in your critics.", she said, making them laugh. So far, the audience was having fun waiting for what would happen next. „So...all this mess. Two months ago, I made the biggest possible mistake and let the person who means everything in the world to me go. I suppose the fear of obligation and judging of society made me insecure about my own feelings. Umm...Maia, I know you're here somewhere and I just want to say that I miss you and I'm sorry...I hope you're going to like the song. This is Without You, by My Darkest Days.

Nikki was still shocked, just looking at Aline. Then, her eyes fell on Daniel who just lightly smiled at her and then gave Gavin the sign. His friend pressed the first key on the keyboard. Lightweight sounds filled the room. Aline took one last nervous breath and then started to sing. Nikki felt goosebumps rising on her skin.

If I had my way, I'd spend everyday right by your side

And if I could stop time, believe me, I'd try for you and I

And each moment you're gone is a moment too long in my life

So stay right here, right now

'Cause without you I'm a disaster

(the moment you go)

And you're my ever after

(just thought you should now)

'Cause I need to know your answer

(just say you'll stay with me)

I want you to say you're gonna stay with me

(just say you'll stay with me)

I die every day that you're away from me

While Aline's melodic voice which completely changed this song was breaking all over the room, Nikki was sitting motionless, totally in the trans and dotted with words. She saw Daniel and the others helping her harmonize the chorus. That made her smile. Aline wasn't just good...she was great. So much, that she paralyzed the rest of the audience in the club. Everyone was completely lost in her voice. Nikki let her eyes linger on her friends. They weren't in much better condition. Then she looked for Maia but the Australian was nowhere to be seen. She could also see Aline searching the room with her eyes.

If the world cease to spin, you could start it again with just one smile

And if the seas turn to sand, with the wave of your hand, it would rain for miles

But the thought of you gone makes everything wrong in my life

So stay right here, right now

'Cause without you I'm a disaster

(the moment you go)

And you're my ever after

(just thought you should know)

'Cause I need to know your answer

(just say you'll stay with me)

I want you to say you're gonna stay with me

(just say you'll stay with me)

I die every day that you're away from me

Aline continued to sing and then Nikki could see the familiar brown curls standing right in front of the stage.

It was Maia.

She appeared.

Her chest was heaving like she had breathing problems and when, for a moment, the club's lights shone on her face, Nikki could see a wet tear traces on her face. She also heard loud hollering coming from her friends.

„Aline really has balls! Unbelievable.", Diego said.

Yes, Aline had balls. Bigger than any of them. Nikki looked back at the girl who wore a big smile on her face but her eyes were showing regret and her real feelings. Aline was full of emotions just like the girl she was trying to apologize to. Daniel looked excitedly at Maia, his hand touching guitar strings.

My heart breaks with every beat

I can't, explain, what you do to me

So just say, you promise me please, take, me

If you ever leave

But the thought of you gone makes everything wrong in my life

So stay right here, right now

'Cause without you I'm a disaster

(the moment you go)

And you're my ever after

(just thought you should know)

'Cause I need to know your answer

(just say you'll stay with me

I want you to say you're gonna stay with me

(just say you'll stay with me)

I die every day that you're away from me

So just say, you promise me please, take, me if you ever leave

My heart, breaks, with every beat

I die every day that you're away from me.

Aline slowly finished the song as the remaining sounds of the music were still ringing in the air. For a moment, there was a complete silence but then the room filled with cries of delight and applause. Nikki stood up, almost jerking in place, while the rest of the squad was screaming, giving the support to the Latina.

Aline's face showed a tremendous relief. She dropped the breath she was holding and thanked the audience. Then, she came down from the stage, going toward Maia. Nikki and the rest of them were carefully observing Maia.

Aline stood in front of her, staring right into her tear filled eyes.

„Maia...", she started. „I'm so sorry. I know I was a bitch but, please, forgive me. I can't live without you."

Maia swallowed a few tears, let out a shaky breath and then did something unexpected. She threw her arms around Aline's neck and kissed her. The Latina widened her eyes in shock but she quickly closed them, letting the feeling get in her heart.

Daniel who was still on the stage excitedly raised his fists in the air. This meant victory. The rest of the people went completely crazy. They got the reaction they wanted from the Australian.

„This is it, Aline!", Daniel shouted.

As soon as the two women moved away from each other, the squad, along with Nikki, flew toward them. Diego hugged Aline tightly, lifting her from the ground.

„You're a mystery. Who'd have thought that you have such a voice?", he exclaimed cheerfully, making Aline laugh. Everyone wanted to get closer to her. While Patricia was excitedly hugging Aline, Brian approached Nikki.

„Your boyfriend is really...I have no words. This was brilliant.", he said, gesturing to Daniel, who was quietly observing his friends from the chair.

Nikki smiled softly at him, her finger showing him to come closer. The tall man wasn't hesitating. He immediately approached her and she hugged him around the neck.

„You're...impossible.", she said. „You don't know how much I love you."

„No...I'm a genius.", he replied, smiling widely. „And I love you even more."

He gave her a soft kiss but someone quickly pulled him away from her. It was Aline.

„Thank you for everything, Dan! I would never be able to do all this without you."

He hugged her before looking at Maia.

„Don't let her do any more shit. Maybe I won't always be here to save her ass.", he said, causing them to laugh. Aline hit his shoulder.

„Don't worry. If she ever pulls that shit again, I'll kill her personally.", Maia replied but the Latina just pulled her in her embrace, softly kissing her temple.

Nikki wrapped her arm around Daniel's waist and then carefully observed her friends. People, who changed her life so much. David, Patricia, and Diego were still discussing tonight's events, Aline was quietly talking with Maia about something, which made the Australian smile broadly, glancing at her softly and Brian...Brian was exchanging kisses with Addison.

The woman smiled softly...appreciatively. Seh sighed, knowing how much she is going to miss all of them. She felt Daniel's thumb gently caressing her upper arm and looked up into his eyes which were already on her.

„Do you want to go out to the air with me? We could take a walk on the beach.", he suggested.

Nikki nodded. They greeted their friends who stayed in the club and then came out to the clear air. Nikki took a deep breath.

Daniel took her hand, intertwining their fingers. They were slowly, in silence, separating from the noise of the crowd. The loud screams were soon replaced by soft waves, breaking against the shore. Although it was dark, Nikki could still see the foam that was created when the wave would touch the sand.

Daniel took her to the part that was somewhat quiet and lonely. There were no passers-by, no tourists. The tall man took off his shoes, then sat on the sand, pulling Nikki between his legs. Her back was leaning against his chest. She allowed him to wrap his arms around her waist. Daniel leaned his chin against her shoulder, taking a deep breath. They both were watching the darkness, hiding the open sea.

„I'll miss you...so much.", she finally uttered in a shaky voice. Her being emotional wasn't such a surprise. Daniel put a few light kisses on her naked shoulder.

„I love you!", he replied. „You know this isn't a goodbye."

At his statement, Nikki felt a lump getting stuck in her throat. She let the tears fall down.

„What if it is? I don't want to leave, Dan."

He put his palms on her cheeks, slowly turning her head toward himself and wiping wet traces.

„Hey...hey. We promised we wouldn't think like that, yeah?", he asked as Niki tried to calm down. „It's just another obstacle for us to overcome...just like all the others. Time will fly, you'll see. Before you hope, we'll be together again."

The woman took a few breaths, trying to calm her emotions who were flying all over the beach. She put her forehead against his.

„I love you. Don't leave me, okay?"

He nodded and then kissed her, in hopes that his affection will calm her down. He managed to do it.

„And I love you too, Nikki Hamilton. We'll fight for this. I promise."

Visibly relieved, she returned her gaze to the dark, invisible open sea.

„When are you going to Miami?", she asked after a while. Her voice stopped shaking but it was still somewhat tense. Daniel only pulled her closer to his body.

„I have a few more days and a few things to deal with and then I'm leaving. I'll probably miss the orientation lessons but it's not so important.", he replied.

There was silence for a while and then Nikki faced him again.

„Will you go to the hotel with me? I really don't want to sleep alone tonight. Stay with me.", she pleaded.

The tall man just looked at her, smiling lightly.

„Okay...I'll stay with you.", he replied, once again giving her a soft, shooting kiss, while in the background were heard the noises of the waves...the noises of the summer.

The best summer of their lives.

-

Author's note:

There you guys have it. Although this isn't an epilogue, I think I can say that Daniel and Nikki got their happy ending, regardless of the fact that she's leaving for Seattle. The happy ending is manifested in Daniel finally letting go of Sofia, grief, and sorrow and finally learning to live and love again just as Nikki getting over her struggles because she was being cheated on. At the very end, they both learned they can survive no matter what problems life brings them. It's a good lesson for each and every one of us.

Like I've already said, this is my favorite chapter in Runaway and I want to take the chance to say a huge thank you to people who were sticking with me through this story since the very beginning. I would never finish it without your support and constructive criticism. So thank you so much.

If you liked the chapter, please don't forget to vote or comment. It makes me very happy.

Next and the last update: Friday!

Stay true to yourself and have a nice day!