The gang returns to Jamie's dimension, greeted by two excited dogs and a cat not pleased with the commotion, who hides under the bed. The plan, for now, is to go to the beach for the day. Perhaps camping on the training grounds. Hound makes something for Buddy — who does not stay with Jamie when off the leash — to play with Onyx and everyone in the water.
"Remember to clean his ears afterward," Drift says, "you going to be a good boy, Buddy?"
Buddy wags his tail and licks Drift's face.
"Ewe," Crosshairs comments.
Hound sets up what he made for Buddy as the others set up a few chairs and the bowl for the dogs' water. Buddy goes right into the water once allowed to, and Onyx joins him.
Jamie tries to get in the water, but Drift stops her.
"You burn easy," he says and makes her sit on the grass.
Jamie doesn't know Bee and Cade have been blowing up a few floats as Drift puts the sin screen on, moving in a motion as if he's giving a message which Jamie secretly enjoys. Jamie goes to play with the dogs once he's done. He lets her play with the dogs for a while.
"Are you ok?" Crosshairs asks as he sits next to Drift.
"Maybe I'm just finally realizing the scrap we've been through, I don't know."
"I don't think this didn't traumatize Jayce and J.R.; we'll be here to help them. Come on, it's supposed to be a happy day."
The two join the others in the water.
The dogs enjoy having eight people in the lake playing with them. Everyone is laughing and having fun. The gun lasts an hour, with the dogs running out of the water and back in, before everyone — but Drift and Jamie — decides it's time for lunch. Drift takes Jamie deeper in the water. The others know he wants time alone with her without leaving.
Unfortunately, this is the only way to be alone at the beach.
Drift smiles as Jamie rests her head on his shoulder. He doesn't know what to say, but maybe he doesn't need to say a word? There's just something about walking around the lake holding Jamie that he likes even though she's been out of the coma for twenty days. There are some floats to allow two or more people, but this lake area is full of rocks and doesn't leave much room for a big float.
Unfortunately, as the minutes pass, a sense of fear replaces happiness.
"Let's go eat lunch," Drift suggests, hiding the fear that's filling him.
He makes sure Jamie is distracted before going to the parking lot, unaware Crosshairs follow d him.
Drift leans on his alt mode, knowing too well he's having an anxiety attack. He didn't know Crosshairs was nearby until he felt someone move him onto the ground.
"Easy, she's ok; it's over."
"F-for now."
"You remember what I said?" Bulma asks, crouching by Drift, " the last time this happened naturally was years ago, and while Jadin caused this, she wouldn't try this again."
It takes Drift a few minutes to relax. By then, Onyx comes running to them with a stick.
"Does no one else want to play with you?" Crosshairs asks as he takes the stick, "come on, let's go before anyone thinks we left."
Onyx happily follows Crosshairs, still carrying the stick.
"Give," Crosshairs instructs Onyx.
Onyx drops the stick and waits for Crosshairs to throw it. Crosshairs throws it in the water, and Onyx runs to get it. Buffy joins in, and the two dogs fight over the stick while everyone watches. It's a fun afternoon at the beach.
By three, everyone decides it's time to get dinner. The dogs are taken back home, and everyone gets ready to go out for dinner. Everyone feels they've been missing when things were happy, realizing how bad the past eighty days have been, even if things got much better when Jamie woke up twenty-one days ago.
Crosshairs watches how happy Drift is with Jamie and takes a few pictures even if they'll be mad at him later.
I just hope you won't become overprotective. I know it's hard to think we could have lost Jamie, but she's been doing this for seventeen years. We'll be ready for Jadin's next attack.
Everyone has fun, but all agree to let Drift take Jamie to a spot to watch the sunset alone. While the two are away, they'll setup for camping.
"Is he ok?" Cade asks Crosshairs.
"Are you ok?" He replies, "I don't think this did not affect any of us, but he watched the one he loves fight for her life. He knows she died three times, and you know we unintentionally returned the final time she flatlined — that we know of."
"It's scary knowing what Jamie has been through, that we lucked out and witnessed only a minor flare-up before this. To think, what could Jadin try next?"
"You know we'll protect her. I know you'll be ready to help, but you have to be careful."
Drift smiles as he holds Jamie on his lap as they watch the sunset.
"I love you so much," he says and kisses her forehead.
I don't care you're not ready for more than a forehead kiss. I never want to watch you go through that again. Drift thinks as he holds Jamie close to him, holding her hand.
They stay a little longer before going home.
The campsite is ready with a lit fire when they return.
"Ok, I know we had dinner two hours ago and brought leftovers home, but it's not camping without hit dogs," Jayce smiles, showing the hot dog packages and stuff for the hot dog.
Of course we're doing marshmallows and s'mores as well," J.R. adds, "yes, party pooper. I know you don't like either; I got your favorite candy instead," she adds, showing Jamie the candy.
Hound joins them with the dogs, "Buddy won't run off," he explains as he takes both dogs off their leashes.
It's a little celebration at the end of a nightmare situation.
