The next morning, Richard was fishing when Aqua woke up; he actually wanted to surprise her by having breakfast ready for her. She sat up and looked at him, all his focus on the task, and he couldn't look more handsome. Aqua remembered how tender his voice had been last night and how concerned he had seemed. But she whisked away these thoughts, embarrassed at her schoolgirlish crush on him.

During the next two days, they managed to hold actual conversations. There were still boundaries they didn't dare crossing; Richard didn't ask about Aqua's family, and she avoided talking about them; Richard never revealed much about his people, and despite dying of curiosity about the other, very important task they were taking care of, Aqua didn't ask.

Aqua learned that Richard had lived 'a very long part of his life' on the island. He knew it pretty much by heart, as proven by the several times he had pointed out exactly where a creek was located for them to refill their water canteens, or the type of fruit they could find around to eat. He knew how to hunt wild boars and birds with a bow and arrow and how to fish with a spear. He told her about the time a spider bit him and paralyzed his right arm for a week. He told her about setting traps for animals and about how he had tried to dismantle the traps the Army had scattered around ("You're lucky you didn't come across one of those when you were alone," he had said to her). He told her many things, and she earnestly listened to his every story.

On his part, Richard let Aqua talk ceaselessly about herself, paying genuine attention. He asked her about her degree when she mentioned she had just graduated college that year. He made snarky remarks about her ex-boyfriend when she talked about their breakup, and even gasped when she mentioned that she had seen him a week later, smooching one of her friends. With every sign that Richard was listening, really listening, Aqua's heart grew fonder. From time to time, she used words that he didn't quite understand, but he didn't ask for clarification, not wanting to interrupt the beautiful flow of her voice.

They had a connection, and they both knew it; sometimes they'd exchange glances and immediately look away, blushing, smiling at themselves like a couple of teenagers. Neither brought up the first night, but it was the ever-present turning point of their relationship. And on the third night, they had a conversation that would bring them closer.

They had set camp a little earlier than before, for Aqua had gotten too tired after they had walked across a rocky beach. The sun was already hidden in the horizon, but there was still light, the kind of light that strains the eyes. Aqua was siting on her ankles, facing the ocean, when she remembered something. She counted the days she had spent on the island, plus the days on the life raft, and then the days on the yacht. It had been three weeks since the Lindstroms had sailed off, and it was today when they were supposed to have reached their destination. Aqua's heart ached, and concealed by the sound of the crashing waves, she cried for her family.

Richard noticed when he went to bring her water, despite her looking the other way and wiping away the tears. He didn't say anything, he just sat in silence with her, and Aqua was grateful for his company. The light was all gone when she felt good enough to talk to him.

"It's my parents' anniversary," she whispered. "As of today, they've been married for thirty years." Richard showed his genuine interest, and Aqua gave him a warm smile. Looking down, she said, "That's why we were on the yacht; they bought it, called it The Pearl," she chuckled sadly. "We were supposed to get to the resort today for our vacation together." Richard could almost hear the broken pieces of her heart in her voice. They sat still for a few more minutes, Richard unsure of what to say, and Aqua looking expectantly at the ocean.

"Do you want to tell me about them?" Richard finally asked. "Your family, I mean. What are they like?" Aqua gradually smiled, hoping she wouldn't burst into tears in the middle of a sentence. She took a deep breath and began.

"My parents are the most amazing couple I've ever met," she said, nostalgic. "They've never been apart, and they love each other very much. They really are wonderful parents, gave us all we could ever wish for, without spoiling us.

"My older sisters are twins, Gaia and Aria. They're twenty five. Gaia's engaged, getting married next June. Aria wants to be a neurosurgeon; she's the smart one. And my baby sister Kay just turned twenty. We look alike the most. She's a drama queen, but I love her with all my heart, and I'd give my life for her," her voice cracked. She couldn't go on, and Richard didn't push her.

"They sound wonderful," Richard's unfeigned words warmed Aqua's heart, and she gave him an honest smile.

"Thank you for listening," Aqua said softly.

"Thank you for telling me," replied Richard.

They gazed at each other. Oh! How badly she wanted to kiss him! She would've dared, if she'd known he wanted to kiss her too. But neither made a move, and the moment passed. They just smiled and looked away. Richard went back to tend the fire, and they were each left with their thoughts.

Aqua finally admitted to herself that she had real, romantic feelings for Richard. She wanted him to touch her, to put his strong arms around her, and just hold her, dry her tears and kiss her face. But this was all wrong, she had just met him! He was a leader and older than her; he couldn't be attracted to her. She didn't want to come across as a desperate, immature girl. But he was so attentive, he cared about her… Did he really? Perhaps she was just making it all up and Richard didn't like her that way.

But he did. Richard liked everything about her. From the moment he first saw her, from her first words to him, those almost arrogant words that concealed such a sweet heart, he knew she was special. She was as lost as he had been once, and he wanted to protect her, to deliver her to her family safely and unharmed. He wanted her. But he was old, he had already scared her once, and because she was vulnerable, Richard didn't want to come across as an opportunist taking advantage of her. So he didn't touch her, he didn't kiss her, and it ached, but it was for the best.

That night, as they slept on opposite sides of the bonfire, they dreamed of each other.