Title: Whispers
Author: teenage-dirtbag
Summary: Amidst the crashing waves and the pale moonlight, two lovers pledged forever.
Rating: T

They walked along the seemingly endless seashore, their bare feet leaving impressions on the rough sand. The waves crashed silently, the sound of the moving water was soothing. He took her small hand in his, admiring how the moonlight shone on her delicate features; she was beautiful.

"I wish it didn't have to end," he said, suddenly stopping. He gave her hand a small kiss.

"It doesn't have to." She replied, smiling optimistically. "It's just college."

"I know." He reassured, holding her hand more tightly. "I just don't want to leave you."

"We'll always be here," she said, caressing his face. "This will surpass time and distance. We always find our way back to each other."

He sighed and took her in his arms, holding her softly, relishing the warmth of the moment. He knew he would not get to hold her when he leaves. "What if I stayed?" He asked, not letting her go. She broke away, surprised.

"You love basketball," she urged, "this is your dream. Remember?"

"Yes, but I love you more than I could ever love that game. I don't care about my childhood dreams, I'll make new ones with you." He answered earnestly. The thought of leaving her alone was too much to bear.

"I don't want you to have regrets about your life." She said. "I'll be here when you get back, I promise."

"I'll take you away from here," He replied, imagining the life he would make for the woman he loved the most. "We'll have a big house in the city, and our son—"

"Our son?" She asked playfully.

He smiled at her. "Our son will play basketball too."

"He'll be as good as you." She whispered, burying her head in his chest. All of his doubts were immediately put to rest.

"Karen?" He asked.

"Yes, Dan?" She replied, looking up, her body still entwined in his.

"I love you." He said, his deep gaze captivating her. She smiled and tilted her chin up for a kiss, conveying with actions what she meant with her words. A soft gust of wind blew against the figure of the two lovers, held together in a deep embrace, a sign of affirmation from the stars that bore witness to their pledges.

A/U: Very short, I know, but I just loved Dan and Karen! This fic was (as you may have noticed) set way back when they were in high school. In the show, you could really see how Dan loved Karen, and how he tried to change for her. Pity there had to be the whole you-killed-Keith issue. They would've been great together (or maybe they could still be great together, I don't know.) Anyway, hope you enjoyed it:D