The Gift of Hope (DCStuck)

[ParamountKeymaster]

"Got that right!" Patrick chuckled, giving Evan and Swift a thumbs-up.

Kendall smiled at them, then at Lagola, who was watching them with keen interest.

"Well," Jen continued, "We have sandwiches if you want one. You can sit down and eat, you can go wash up, whatever makes you happy."

Evan didn't speak. He simply kept a protective arm around her.

[Pink Moon Wolf]

"Yeah, I uh... I think I'd actually like to wash off first, if you don't mind..." Swift laughed halfheartedly.

Ace smirked and nodded, not really blaming her. Swift was looking particularly dusty and tattered... and her hair looked like a Tribble.

Swift's smile widened, though there was still shyness and exhaustion evident in her eyes. Above all, though... she was just happy to be back. She quickly bounced up to give Evan a peck on the cheek, then she stepped away, down the hall and into their bedroom.

Finally... sweet relief. Lord knows she needed it.

[ParamountKeymaster]

"Heheh... You do that, beautiful," Evan chuckled, beaming at the kiss, then nudging Swift onward and watching her disappear into their room.

He then sat back down in his chair with a giant sigh of relief. "Th... Thank God, she's back." He smirked at the angel sitting next to him. "You knew, didn't you?"

"I thought it would be the best gift you could receive today," Kendall softly replied, patting Evan on the shoulder.

"It... It really is." He beamed at Kendall, then turned around to smile at Brendon. "This wouldn't happen to be your gift, would it?"

"Nah." Brendon grinned back and shook his head. "Mine's still yet to come. This was all Aaron."

"O-Oh...!" Evan smiled and stared down the hall as he finished his sandwich. He had hoped that he and Alex had made amends back on the Battlefield, if only slightly. Now... Now he felt like they really could make this work. With Swift back on his side and mutual understanding between teammates, finally, Evan felt peace amongst the people he would be fighting alongside. They were doing it. They were making this happen.

Jen walked up behind Evan and ruffled his hair. "Well, bro... Whenever you're ready, we have places to be!"

Evan chuckled. "Sounds great."

He was ready for anything. He really was having the best day he could have.

Finally, Evan had his hope back.