It was a cold night, for an August. The sky was clear and you could see the stars shining. The young man closed his laptop, tired. He opened the window to let some fresh air enter into his room. He was staying in an abandoned house in the countryside. He usually hid in the city. But, after what happened in Duskwood the place was surrounded by the police and FBI. Plus, this little corner of the countryside was on his way to a way bigger city where one of his only allies waited for him.

He wasn't in a hurry, though. He knew his friend didn't expect him before a few days and he also knew who lived in this area.

He promised her they would meet. But after the mine incident, he had to go into hiding again. He warned her that he was safe, but he couldn't talk to her frequently because it would have endangered her. But now that he was staying very close to her place, Jake needed to talk to MC. He missed her, he missed her messages.

He opened the door of the abandoned house, stepped outside and started walking on the desertic road that crossed the countryside. He didn't put on the hood of his hoodie, he wanted to look at the sky.

When he was a child he and his mom stargazed a lot. His mother used to put a blanket on the ground of their garden, and always prepared huge mugs of hot cocoa.

She taught him how to recognize the constellations: the little bear, Orion, Cassiopeia or Andromeda; he knew them all. His mother also told him she believed that when someone passed away, they'd join the stars and watch over their loved ones from above. Jake wasn't a believer, he always had a logical mind pushing away anything approaching spirituality. But when his mother died, years ago, he couldn't help but think about his mother when he looked at the stars. Especially when the sky was clear, he felt closer to her.

Walking on these empty streets reminded Jake that he was looking at the same sky that MC. Without noticing it, he took his phone from his jeans pocket and opened the chat he had with her. His fingers danced on his screen while he typed the message.

Jake : Hello MC :) it has been a while since we last talked.

He looked at his screen for a moment, wondering if it was a good idea to contact her. But they were so close. They had never been this close. It was now or never. He closed his eyes as he clicked to send the text. A few seconds later, a light sound indicated he received an answer.

MC : Jake ❤️ How are you? Are you safe?

His heart skipped a beat when he saw the lovely emoji she sent. They had confessed their love to each other a few weeks ago, and he still couldn't believe it was true. When did he get so lucky to have this wonderful woman loving him? A light smile crossed his face and he felt heat rise in his cheeks. MC was the only one who could make him feel like this.

Jake : I'm safe for now. Do not worry about me. :)

MC : Of course I'm worried!

He smiled. Of course he knew she would be worried. The woman was so caring for the others. He brushed his thumb on his screen where MC's message appeared, as if this small gesture made him feel be with her. Until now, it was all they had, the only things they could share, words through screens.

He could see in the distance the shadow of houses forming. He was approaching the small village where MC lived.

Something caught his eyes in the sky and he looked up just in time to see a shooting star crossing the firmament. It was the time of the year when there were the most visible shooting stars. A slight feeling of curiosity took over him.

Jake : May I ask you what you are doing, MC?

The woman took a little time to answer him. Jake stared at his phone screen, longing for the words of his beloved to appear.

MC : I'm on a beach next to my house, stargazing. I never miss this time of the year, I love shooting stars too much 🤭

A soft laugh escaped the man's lips. They had a new thing in common. His steps became faster as he approached the houses. He checked his map and his legs led him to a sandy path that headed to the beach.

The strong scent of iodine hit his nostrils indicating he was close to the sea. He stopped when he arrived on the beach. He could see the rollers formed by the waves crashing on the sand accompanied by the familiar sound of the undertow. As much as he loved this sight, it wasn't what he was looking for. His eyes ran along the huge sandy place before he spotted a small figure resting against a cement bench. Jake grinned and walked slowly toward MC.

Jake : Have you seen any shooting stars yet?

He was coming closer to her and as the sand absorbed his footsteps she didn't hear him. He saw her lifting her hands up slightly to write him an answer but at the same moment another shooting star crossed the sky. MC looked up with a shy smile. Jake leaned over her so his mouth was right next to her left ear, "Make a wish," he gently whispered.

-

The young woman jumped when she heard an unknown man whisper in her ear. The heat of his breath made her shiver. She turned around and stepped back, looking at the man in front of her. He was about her age, maybe a few years older than her. He was tall and wore a large sweatshirt and dark jeans. His pitch-black hair was messy, lightly twirling with the cool wind. His eyes were a deep blue, like the sea behind her.

MC stared at the young man, detailing every aspect of his face. From his pale skin that slightly blushed because of the cold air, to the dark circles under his eyes. She had never seen this man, but everything about him seemed familiar. Her whole body felt at peace next to him. His aura emanated from confidence and kindness. Her legs wanted to get her closer to the young man, seeking safeness and comfort from him. Her instinct told her he was the one she was waiting for so long, and her instinct was rarely wrong. With a soft voice she spoke, "Jake?"

The black haired man slowly nodded in response to her question. But she frowned. She wanted to believe him and deep inside her she did, but she needed proof. Proof it wasn't a trick or dream. As if he had understood, he showed her his phone and started typing.

Soon, she felt her own phone buzz in her left hand and she looked at the screen.

Jake : It is me, MC :)

"Jake!" This time, without waiting for an answer, she rushed to the hacker and wrapped her arms around his tall body, sliding her hands under the backpack he carried and clenching his hoodie. She buried her face into his chest, inhaling his reassuring scent. Small tears of relief started to form in the corner of the eyes when she felt two arms embracing her. Jake rested one hand on her lower back and the other between her scapula, pressing her closer to him.

They remained silent a bit, only listening to the sound of the waves and enjoying each other's warmth. Then, she planted her chin in his chest and looked up deep inside his eyes. "My house is close. We can to there."

Jake looked down, his eyes tried to memorize every inch of her face and he gently brushed a strand from her cheek with his thumb, tugging it behind her ear. "Only if you want to," he said in a low voice.

MC felt Jake's hot breath tickling her skin as he spoke. He rested his forehead against hers. They were so close. She had never been the kind to make the first step, but this time it was different. She had the man she longed for so many weeks, even months, in her arms. Slowly, she stood on her tiptoes, leaning closer to him. The more she approached her face from his, the more her heart pounded in her chest. Their lips met and she felt Jake slightly stiffen. But he immediately relaxed and placed a hand behind her head, crashing his lips against hers.

Their mouths opened slightly and she felt his tongue invade her mouth, dancing with her tongue. Her whole body was burning. She felt like a teenager, experiencing her very first kiss. But this time, it was more than that. It wasn't any kiss. It was the first kiss she shared with the man she loved, the man she chose, the man she wanted to spend her entire life with.

They pulled away and a small giggle escaped her lips. She could see Jake smile and look at her with loving eyes. She took his hand and the two lovers walked the streets to MC's house. When they arrived, she opened the door for her guest. Jake gave her a gentle kiss on her hair and entered the house.

She stepped in but stayed at the door a few more seconds, glancing at the night sky. Another shooting star appeared. She enjoyed the beauty of the golden trail tearing the darkness but she didn't make a wish. She didn't need it because this time, her wish came true.

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