AN: This was wrote forever ago with the prompt of the word 'Dream' in mind. It's nothing special, just something that I found in the depths of my folder's before I even knew of CT's fate.
I'm tempted to expand upon the idea, and I really do need to get used to writing about CT rather than as CT. washisforeveracrazycatlady.

"We won't be fighting forever you know." His soft voice had followed a frustrated sigh. Wash found himself sat next to Connie, both dejectedly staring at their hands, trading meaningful mumbles. "The war will end eventually and we'll head home." Connie's hands were clenched tightly, the slightest trembles running their course. "We could all live happily, settle down, have kids, and spend our lives happy." His eyes were fixed, unseeing as his words continued to paint a picture of their possible futures.

"Connie, we could all keep in touch, you, me, Lina, York, Maine, the twins, Wyoming. And we wouldn't have to go by those names. I could be David again; York can be James, Wyoming can go back to Reggie." He couldn't keep the smile from his face at the amusing name his comrade held. Eyes flickering to the brunette next to him, relieved to see that she had graced him with the delicate smile he had hoped to earn.

"Wash, please don't call me Connie." It wasn't an angry voice like it normally was. Just exasperated; almost tired.

Still he ignored her; simply continuing to spin their later lives with the simplest of words, sometimes swaying to the more complex. "Just think about it. Can you imagine us, with young kids of our own, married and sending them on play dates while we catch up?" He lifted his head, and turned to face her, grasping her hands to bring her into the painting. "Sat in a park, drinking tea and just chatting with the sun shining down. Not a single care. A home to go to, not worrying about life or death, or the chance that those you love and care for being dead. Late mornings, stumbling down the stairs at mid-day, half dressed and just chucking bacon on a frying pan. Having cats…"

"Cats!?" He did it. Connie had interrupted him with an exclamation. He couldn't help but let his smile grow at her surprise.

"What can I say?" A casual shrug accompanied his nonchalant comment "I love cats. I plan on having five when I get back." He watched her face grow more amused. "It's my dream to become one of those crazy cat people." Of course he was joking and merely wanted to get a laugh, but he was serious about the future being one big dream. Her gentle chuckle was reward enough for the chance of his reputation failing. A comfortable silence fell.

How Wash always managed to make her laugh or gain a smile from her when she was feeling down was beyond Connie. Why he always sought her out and actually did make her feel better was even more confusing. She felt she didn't deserve him or the kind words; he just didn't see things the same way as her, and as infuriating as it was, it was what made him so sweet. The ability to see things in a gentler light was what made Wash, Wash; or David, David.

Perhaps one more nudge would be all she needed to open up and say what was truly on her mind. That's all he wanted, and being so close this time, Wash wasn't about to let her escape without telling him just one part of it. His mind was flying, whirring and clicking in an attempt to get what he wanted. For some reason, the moment he had gotten so close, he failed; again. She stood up, face closed against him again. All softness was wiped from it; her eyes had pulled up their shields again. He had lost her.

"Connie…"He reached out as she began to walk away again, but his voice faltered. He had no idea what he was going to say still, but he just needed more time. That's all anyone ever needs though. More time. Time was all anyone needed to make dreams come true. "Don't call me Connie."