Koutai:…I am sad…it is over after this…But this is a longer chapter, so enjoy!

I don't own anything JONAS, though I wish I did. Devi, the Boss, and Lamia are mine.

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NICK'S POV

I opened my eyes tiredly to see Lamia shaking me awake. She undid my ankles from their chains, and took my hand. She pulled me up, and led me out the door. I did nothing to stop her out of sheer curiosity and exhaustion. She stopped at a black door in a white hallway, and unlocked it.

I looked at her, but she kindly gestured for me to enter, which I did, but slowly and cautiously. She followed me and turned on the dim lights. It was a small bathroom, complete with a mirror and a shower.

"You didn't expect to go through this looking like that, did you?" She asked in a laughing way. But I could hear uncertainty and a small edge of loathing in her voice. I wondered what had brought that on. "Fresh clothes for you are under the counter. Come out when you are done." She left abruptly.

I starred at the closed door, in confusion. Should I trust her?

'Nick?' I couldn't help but smile as Devi's silent voice entered my head.

'What's up?'

'I forgot to mention, we get a shower and new clothes every three days. A bit disgusting, but better than nothing.'

'I found that out. So I can trust the showers?'

'Yes, they won't go and kill you…death by shower, what a way to go.'

I chuckled and shook my head as I turned on the shower. (Mind out of gutter people!!!!)

I'm not going to lie, but the shower felt so good. I was finally able to get all of the dried blood, sweat, and grime that had accumulated this past week. The warm water seemed to not only wash away filth, but the weight of last week's memories.

I found the clean clothes Lamia had talked about and examined them. The shirt was a white tee shirt, and the pants were just boring jeans. Stella would faint if she saw me wearing this. She would call it a crime in fashion. I smirked just a bit at my fantasy of her yelling at the Boss for such an obvious atrocity.

I looked at myself in the slightly fogged mirror, and winced. I was as pale as the paper I wrote songs on, and my eyes had a dead and somewhat pained look behind them. I ran my fingers through my damp, already curling hair, and touched the dark circles under my eyes, those made me look like a ghost. The white tee was only a little loose, and the jeans were the tight kind I always wore. But the light colors only succeeded in making me seem paler. I sighed, and ran my fingers through my hair again before walking outside.

Lamia led me back into my cell, and didn't even bother to restrain me. I waited about 30 seconds, then Devi entered, and Lamia pushed the door closed, and bolted it.

I looked at Devi, and was lost in her beauty again. Her brown curls were no longer limp and frayed, but shiny and full of life. She was still paler than I was, but her smile told me not to worry about that. Though I tried not to think about it, I noticed how her white shirt hugged her curves, and how her jeans looked like a second skin on her lags. Snap out of it Nick. No time for raging hormones. We've got a plan to start.

She laughed slightly at my silence. "So you survived the shower?"

I just rolled my eyes, causing her to snicker. She walked over to me, and sat down on the floor, and I followed suit, not caring if I got my jeans dusty.

"Today's the day." I breathed out. I hoped she would understand the hidden meaning behind my words.

"Yeah. It's a day you will never forget." I think she did understand my meaning. Though her tone was dark with animosity, I could see the petite gleam of anticipation behind her eyes.

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JOE'S POV

We arrived at a small valley, 1 hour before the exchange. Kevin and Bob were in their positions, and now it was time for me to live up to what Nick calls me: annoying and stubborn.

"Joseph! How could you do such a thing? Why do you always insist on acting before you think and living up to your nickname of Danger? Don't you realize how dangerous this is? You should have stayed home!" My dad screamed at me. I could see his face turn red from his anger. I never said my dad wasn't an exceptionally good actor.

I stayed silent and ignored his persistent glare.

"Joseph!"

I looked at him, and then at Big Man, who was standing about 2 feet away, his arms crossed.

"ANSWER ME, YOUNG MAN!!!"

I sighed dramatically, and let my bottled up emotions of anger and fear explode out into my voice and my face. "Well dad, I did it because I care about Nick! If you think I was going to sit in some hotel room, worried sick about you and Nick, then think again! I am not about to wait another minute in worry about Nick! I need to be here!"

"Joseph, you stowed in away in the trunk! I have half a mind to have Big Man take you back!"

"I wouldn't stay back! I know where this place is now! And yes, I rode in the trunk! You weren't supposed to look in there!"

"You are in so much trouble mister."

"Well, dad. Getting in big trouble is worth it to see my little Bro again." I could feel real tears sliding down my red face. I put on my defiant face, and turned my back to my father, and sat down, proving to him that I wouldn't be going anywhere.

"Um, Joe? It might help if you face the other way, towards where the exchange will be happening."

I went stiff. That was the code. Kevin and Bob were in. But instead of saying or doing anything that would give that away, I just turned to face the empty valley, and watched the sun swiftly start its decent.

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KEVIN'S POV

Ok, I had no idea that my dad was such a good actor, and Joe's reaction was so typical of him, that I almost started cracking up. We found the door without a problem, and Bob unlocked it from the string of numbers Stella read to him via an earpiece. We were in. Here we come Nick. Hold on, and please don't do anything stupid!

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DEVI'S POV

I looked at Nick, my eyes set and ready. He nodded very slowly, I could see the fear in his eyes, and squeezed his hand. He gave a small shadow of a smile.

A very composed Lamia, in her disguise, opened the door, and led us both out into the hall.

"You know the plan. Stick to it and you both will get out of this alive." Nick and I just nodded calmly. 'Step one, begin.'

Nick didn't acknowledge my message, but he did send me one. 'I hope my brothers don't do anything stupid.'

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NO POV FOR SAKE OF LOTS GOING ON AT ONCE!

Devi closed her eyes and concentrated on the open minds of the non-mutated security guards. The alarm started flashing red and lights dimmed, and a loud beep came from the intercoms. Lamia looked around startled. A guard ran up to the, and Lamia put Nick and Devi in his care. But she was so shocked by the alarm, that she did not notice the glazed look the guards' eyes held. 'Step one, done.'

Devi caused the guard to fall unconscious, and we ran down our carefully planned route, listening to all of the confused thoughts of guards. Nick stopped running, alarm in his eyes. He pulled Devi into a small, narrow, and shaded hallway, just in time.

A large squad of maybe 10 armed men went running silently past them, and four of them stayed in front of them. 'Nick, I hate to ask this of you, but you have to learn. You have to control one of those men, or multiple of them, so if they do look at us, we are invisible to their confused minds.'

Nick looked at Devi, and nodded. He promptly closed his eyes, and focused on one of the stationary guards in front of him. He reached out with his mind, and touched the man's consciousness. He felt an array of emotions that did mot belong to him enter his heart. But Nick ignored them and focused on his mission. He imagined his mind was like a hand, and this guards' was putty. He made his 'hand' manipulate the putty, and to Nick's amazement, it worked. The guard was under his control, and Nick hated the feeling of suppressing a human's will, but did what he had to, and tried the same thing on the next guard, but all the time, never letting his hold waver on the first one. In less than 5 seconds, Nick was in control of two minds that were not his own.

Devi nudged Nick and whispered for him to make them walk on, which he did. Nick opened his eyes, to see all four guards to stagger down the hall, as if drunk. 'A side effect.' Was Devi's only explanation. Nick nodded again, and pushed down his mental tiredness from taking over two men's minds. Then, he and Devi ran again.

At the same time Nick was learning to manipulate peoples' will, Kevin was walking silently down a hallway, searching for his brother. Bob was looking for the Nameless One. Kevin ducked into a small and dark hallway when he heard someone walking his way. He spotted four guards that walked like they were drunk, stumbling past him, mumbling something about mutants. 'And my brothers think I am weird.' Kevin thought.

Kevin continued forward, and found himself following distant and quiet footsteps that belonged to two people. He stopped for a quick breath, and then a hand short out from a small hallway, and pulled him into the shadows.

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AGGH!!!! I CAN'T WRITE IN THIRD PERSON ANY MORE, SO…

KEVIN'S POV!!!!!

I wanted to shout out, but a strong hand was covering my mouth, and long arms were restraining me from running. I struggled with all my might to get free and I ended up kneeing my captor in the stomach. I heard a hiss of pain, and a small 'ow.' I know that voice.

"Geez, Kev, watch it, will you?" came the much winded sounding voice that I had known all my life.

"Nick?" I dared whisper. I turned my head, and the lights in our hallway brightened a little. My eyes widened as my little brother came into view. "Nick!"

I pulled my bro into a tight embrace, and I could feel his arms come around my back. Tears fell from my eyes as I stroked his hair. He was finally here. I pressed my face into his curls, and I felt him take a few shaky breaths. I never realized how much I missed Nick until this very moment. We sat like this for a few moments, then I remember the picture of him getting whipped, and quickly pushed I back, so I could get a good look at him.

I held Nick at arms length, and my eyes scanned all over his body for injuries, but I found none. Yes, he looked pale, and extremely exhausted, but no physical injuries could be seen. I heard a slight cough of impatience behind Nick, and I instantly tensed, and pushed him out of the way. But Nick just smiled, and moved on his own.

Behind him, was a girl, about 16, with unnerving and knowing eyes. She smiled and whispered, "Hello Kevin. I am the Nameless One. Or, now know as Devi Amal." For some reason, she glanced at Nick when she said her name, and I saw the corners of his mouth twitch upwards.

Then, the atmosphere of our meeting turned icy, and Nick and Devi tensed. I was about to ask what was wrong, but they both silence me with a finger to the lips. Devi looked at Nick, and something seemed to pass between the two. She was looking at him with big pleading eyes, but his were hard and determined. He shook his head and glared in a bossing way at her. I was completely confused when she nodded slowly at the harsh look on Nick's face. His features softened, and he brushed his finger along her cheek before getting up and unscrewing a vent.

Devi went in first, and then Nick pushed me in. I turned to wait for him, but only saw him replacing the cover. I heard footsteps approach and Devi's fear filled blue eyes gazed at me. What is he doing? We can't leave him there! I just got him back! I looked as Devi, but she shook her head in a way that told me we have to go and leave him.

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DEVI'S POV

I felt tears of fear threaten to overspill from my eyes, but blinked them away. I had to be strong, like Nick. I pulled a very unwilling Kevin away from his brother, and towards safety. We reached the door Kevin had come from and I pushed it open. We were free.

"Nick…" He said looking back at the closed door.

"No Kevin!" I said, rather meanly. "He knew what he was doing. We can't do what you are thinking..," Crap….

He looked at me funny. "How did you know what I was thinking?"

I bit my lower lip. "It is not mine, but Nick's place to tell you. Now come one! We have to get away from this door! We don't want to be anywhere near this place when it self-destructs!"

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NICK'S POV

I almost took back my decision to stay when I saw the heart break in Devi's eyes, and the fear in Kevin's mind. But the plan had to be finished. I ran from the footsteps, and took control of a guard in the control room. I had him press a big button for self-destruct. Ok, now I can leave.

I ran for the exit, but found it blocked by Lamia and the Boss. They each held a gun, but only the Boss was pointing it at me.

The Boss grabbed my neck, and dragged me outside, away from the building. He asked no questions, because I knew that he knew everything he needed to know. He led us toward the place of exchange, and I suddenly knew what he was going to do once we got there.

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NO POV…

After Kevin and Devi made it back to the group, and questions were answered, like where are Nick and Bob, and the group was silent. It was Devi and Joe who first saw three people coming towards them.

"No…" Devi whispered, fear growing in her voice. The Lucas family knew enough to decipher that fear. Nick was being walked to them, by a large, white man with white hair, and black mask covering all but his blue and silver eyes. On the other side of Nick, was a lady with long raven hair, hazel eyes, and wrinkles on her forehead. The Boss and Lamia, they all realized.

The Boss stooped, 20 feet away from the group, and forced Nick onto his knees. Nick raised his head, and looked at his shocked family. Silent tears coursed down each of their faces; Joe looked as if he was restraining himself from running towards him, and his mom was running her eyes up and down, looking for injuries. But Nick only looked into Devi's eyes for more than a few seconds. It was like he was trying to tell something, with only his gaze.

"Did you honestly think that I was dumb enough to believe your little plan?" The Boss's face was maroon from his anger, his breathing was ragged and his pupils dilated. He looked insane. "Well, you will pay for your ignorance!"

He raised his gun and put it to Nick's temple. Nick's eyes were calm in the face of death and he starred silently into Devi's. No words were needed, his gaze told her everything. No one moved, no one breathed. Tears streamed down every face, waiting. The wind picked up and made the foot long grass sway and ripple like waves in an ocean. Nick closed his eyes and the Boss pulled the trigger.

"NO!" Devi's heartbroken voice screamed, as Nick went rigged and fell sideways, never to breath or move again.

The Boss was laughing and the shock broke. Joe started running forward, rage in his eyes and sadness in his heart, only to be restrained by his dad. Big Man started to raise his gun, but the Boss promptly ripped off his jacket exposing a bullet proof vest. He pointed to his mask and we knew that was bullet proof too. He raised his gun again, and shot at Nick again and again, laughing more manically with every shot. Big Man raised his gun again.

BANG!

We all starred at Lamia, who held her gun, directly at the Boss's unprotected leg. He screamed in pain.

"You lousy little cretin! I saved you from our parents, and this is how you repay me? Will I will kill you, like I did them. And this time, no one can save you!" The Boss' eyes were angrier than an erupting volcano.

"It is time for me to save myself." Answered Lamia, raising the gun to aim at her brothers unprotected back head.

BBBBBBBAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!

The Boss and Lamia fell at the same time, and we realized they had each shot, and killed each other. Shock held us in place as we watched Lamia's hair change from black, to white, and then to red from blood. Her face changed back to normal, and her golden eyes lost their shine. The bullet fired from her brother had hit her in the middle of her forehead, instantly causing death.

Devi started running towards Nick and we followed. But she suddenly stopped and Joe and Kevin crashed into her outstretched arms. At first, nothing seemed different, but then, we heard the approach of many men.

A little over 20 armed guards zoomed out of the not so secret door, and aimed their weapons at us. Joe looked at Devi, whose eyes were closed, and a look of pure concentration was on her face.

She stretched her control to its breaking point, but it was not enough. She felt like her head was being pulled apart, atom by atom, and she couldn't stop. Then, the pressure was alleviated, as another presence entered the minds of the guards. Devi was too tired to complain, or identify the presence.

All this time, Joe was intently watching the young teens' actions. Her body was tensing, and her breathing became quicker. A vein in her temple bulged. Joe shifted his eyes to the guards when he noticed Devi relax, and saw the glazed and distant look in all of their eyes. Joe turned back to Devi, only to see that her blue eyes were open, but they were no longer blue, but black, and filled with power and also had a far away look to them.

The Lucas family watched, as one by one, the guards put the safety on their weapons and threw them at Big Man's feet. Four of the guards produced rope, and they all tied themselves in groups of 5, to a tree.

Joe caught and steadied Devi, for she just took a sharp intake of breath when she had returned to her own mind, and swayed unsteadily. In a second, she was out of Joe's arms, and ran, faster than lightening, toward where Nick had fallen. We all walked over to her, dreading what waited for us.

Devi knelt by Nick's form, tears cascading down her cheeks, and whimpers escaping from her mouth. She pushed Nick's bloody hair from his eyes, and her hand covered his icy one. She didn't need to check his pulse, nor could she bear to. The only person that cared for her, and that she loved, was once again taken from her. Her heart felt as if it had died, and her soul was cast into an eternal night. She put her head to his and his hand to her heart, and sobbed. His numerous bullet wounds were healing, but Devi disregarded that, he was still gone.

Joe, Kevin, Mr. Lucas, and Big Man were silently standing around her. Joe was buried in Kevin's embrace and their dad was holding both of them.

'Nick, you can't be…please don't be gone…'But only silence answered Devi's equally silent pleas. She felt Nick's fingers curve around her own, but dismissed it was a reflex. She felt a hand rest in her hair, but thought it was Joe, and the abrupt silence around her meant nothing.

"I thought I told you, that I would never leave you." Only that kind and love filled voice could have caused Devi to force open her eyes, and cast a light as bright as the sun in her soul. She starred into Nick's open eyes, and hugged him closely, still sobbing.

Nick sat up a bit, and grimaced, his free hand went his side. Devi pulled back and inspected his side, but only found flawless skin. Nick pulled her close again and felt her shaking. He looked at his family, and smiled as they went on their knees their arms going around him, and their tears soaking his shirt.

An explosion shattered the wall of silence, and they all started as the ground beneath us shook. The building below was no more.

…….

The hugging was far from over and questions were still unanswered, but no one wanted to pressure Nick. He looked so tired and every time he moved, he winced in pain, and his hand jerked to one of the spots on his shirt that was covered in blood.

Big Man inspected his wounds, and was amazed, shocked, and a bit scared when he found no bullets, or damages what so ever.

"It's alright guys," Nick said, for not the last time as he moved wrong and winced again. "I am just sore. I expect anyone in my position would be." Everyone looked at Nick, worry and love in their eyes. But they nodded.

Nick got tiredly to his feet and pain flooded his eyes. Devi watched him closely and Joe sighed. Before Nick could protest, Joe was carrying him, bridal style, back to the limo. Nick allowed a small smile to appear on his lips. He secretly enjoyed this; the comforting warmth of his brother, and the tightness of his embrace. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, but was actually a week, he felt safe. He leaned his head against Joe's chest, and closed his eyes. He fell asleep to Joe's heartbeat less than 10 steps later.

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Joe's POV

I looked down at my little brother, and smiled when I saw that he was asleep. Happiness filled my heart, giving it new life, as it finally set in that I had my brother back. I held Nick a bit tighter, and looked at the people around me.

Kevin had his hand on Nick's shoulder, and he was smiling slightly. Dad and Big Man were talking quietly ahead, and dad kept on shooting glances toward my sleeping brother. I turned my head and starred at Devi. Her eyes were now a pleasant aquamarine color, and were filled with raging emotions that I couldn't sort out. She glanced at Nick for a second, and a small smile lit up her face, and the emotions in her eyes died, and the only one left, was love.

I turned my gaze away from her, and smiled. She really likes Nick. And from that small moment before, it looks like he does too. This one is going to last.

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DEVI'S POV

I couldn't help but feel lonely as I watched Nick and Joe. He had someone, a whole family, actually, and I had no one like that. I also felt confusion about what happened. How is he alive? I felt anger, sadness, happiness, and fear; not a happy mix.

We got to the limo, and Kevin helped Joe put Nick in between them. Dad went in the front, and Big Man stayed behind to look for Bob, and to take care of the guards and bodies. I sat in the seat farthest away from the three brothers. I knew this was a time for family, and I had no right to intrude.

I made the mistake of looking at them. Nick was still asleep, leaning against Kevin, and had a small smile on his face. Kevin had his head on Nick's and was holding his younger brother close. Joe held Nick's hand and stroked his hair. Both of their eyes were filled with so much love, that my heart all but shattered. I looked away quickly and felt the loneliness mount back on my chest.

We arrived at the hotel, and Kevin carried Nick in. There were squeals of happiness heard all around. Nick was awoken by Stella's, Macy's, their mom's, and Frankie's bone crushing hugs. Mr. Lucas explained a few things to them, and they all nodded. Joe, Kevin and Nick were on the couch, and Frankie was standing next to them. I stood off to the side and listened to Nick explain, in chocked and tired voice, what he had gone through. He explained to them about the experiments and the shots, and he even forced himself to talk about the torture. Then he got to the part about his mutations.

"I left that place a changed man." He began. "I am no longer what anyone would define as normal. I now live a life only one other person lives." He looked at me and concern filled his eyes when he saw how far away I was. But I shook my head, and cursed my eyes for clearly showing my emotions. He sighed, and motioned me over, and I slowly came. Before I could react, is hands enclosed my arms, and he pulled me onto his lap. He held me close before continuing.

"Devi is the only person to live this life with me. She is more changed than I am, but we still are both mutants."

The silence that followed those words was ear shattering. Then Joe laughed and put his hand on Nick's shoulder.

"Come one dude, your not mutants. What would posses you to call yourself that?"

I felt Nick look at me, and I took the hint.

"It's true. Our genes have mutated. The best way I can explain it is really hard to follow, so just try to keep up. Humans use less than 10% of their brain in their whole life time. Imagine what life would be like if we used just 1% more, or 5, or even 10! That is what the Boss did to us. He changed our genes, and manipulated our brains. We can do things normal people can't. But, now we are the only two to survive." I explained, tiredly.

Joe was silent and Nick's parents were shaking their heads with disbelief. 'Should we show them?' Nick just nodded.

We both stood up, and leaned against the opposite wall, in full view of the astonished people in front of us. Nick closed his eyes, and sent thoughts to everyone in the room, and they stiffened and their eyes widened.

I did the same, and then proceeded to close my eyes. When I opened them, I was Estelle Malone's twin. Everyone all but fainted. As the finale to our act, I made my nails long and made a cut on mine, and Nick's exposed arm. Everyone's eyes were the size of watermelons as they watched our scratches heal.

Nick's mom quickly sat down.

"So that's how you are alive." Stated a very white Kevin. Nick nodded.

"Even though the shots were deadly and should have killed me, they did not. The bullets were almost instantly dissolved by my changed blood, and my wounds healed before they were fatal. Yes, it hurt like no other, but here I am."

"What's your story Devi? Nick told us about you being there for a year, but nothing else."

I closed my eyes and took my time with answering Mrs. Lucas' question.

"It all started when my mother died when I was born. My father was so torn up over this fact that he never bothered to name me. I wasn't born at a hospital, but rather at home, in my mothers' bed. Years went by, and I became known as, 'Hey you,' or 'runt.' I grew up without a name, and I never bothered to give one to myself, because no name I came across seemed to fit my lonely personality.

When I was 5, my dad started drinking to ease the pain of my mom's passing. He started blaming me for her death, and would constantly beat me, in hopes that I would die, and she would come back. One night, the night of my 6th birthday, and the night of the 6th anniversary of my mothers' death, he was so drunk, that he pulled his gun out, and shot at me. I finally took the hint that I wasn't wanted, and I ran away.

I lived as a shadow for 3 years, watching everything, and always alone. When I was 9, I joined a gang of other runaway, who were not much older then I. The oldest, Jane, was 15. They were my family for years, but they stole for a living, and I started stealing too. One night, when I was deathly sick, my 'family' went out to try and steal some medicine. They never came back. I realized later that they died on my 13th birthday. They were all shot to death by a very startled woman, who was never convicted of killing my only family.

I left the state, alone again. I felt like a ghost, barely living, and living only in pain. It was like no one could see me, and no one wanted me.

I was 15 when I was found. I was walking around a forest, to the tree I called home, hoping to celebrate my 15th birthday by staring at the stars and wishing for someone to care for me, wishing for my mother. But before I could take another step, I was surrounded and a sickly smelling bag was forced over my head.

I woke up in the same small cell I am in now, but then, I was terrified, and I knew I would die there. No one cared for me, and no one knew I had been taken. That is when Lamia walked in. She seemed nice, and she would hold me and comfort me, like a mom should do. But I know now that that was an act.

Then I met Nick, and he gave me hope and a name."

I didn't need to open my eyes to see the shocked faces in front of me. I felt Nick's arm hold me tightly and comfortingly.

"Well, then you need a place to stay!" I opened my eyes and looked at the determined and caring face of Macy Misa. "You'll just have to stay with me! My parents won't mind, and I won't tell them anything about your secret! They have been waiting for an excuse to adopt a girl my age, and I found one!"

I walked over to the athletic fan, and gave her a huge hug.

……

We all decided to relax to a movie that night. Joe, Kevin, and Nick were on the couch, and Nick was holding me in his lap. I looked up at him, and he looked down at me.

'I love you.'

He smiled at my words, and leaned forward, closing the small distance between us. His lips gently brushed against mine before he pulled back.

'I love you too.'

I smiled, and for the first time in my life, I was content and peaceful. I was still smiling when I fell asleep in my Nick's arms.

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NO POV

Big man was too busy talking to Bob and the police about what had happened to notice a large figure stand and walk away, leaving a black face mask with two eye holes behind.

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Koutai: (crying) It is the last chapter!!!!! Waa!!!!!

There may be a sequel…hint hint.

"For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul."
-Judy Garland