AN: So, if anyone lives in the Toronto area, I`m sure you know about Fan Expo. I ended up going all three days and it was a blast! There were quite a few L4D chars, even the fallen survivor! If anyone went and saw a Tifa with a shiny costume, that was me, lol XP

Left 4 Dead is property of Valve.

Happiness Is Not a Smoking Gun -16- Bonding

Now that the group had left the island, it felt like a weight had been lifted. For Nick and Ellis, it seemed as though they had to be constantly on edge, but now they could finally relax.

"Feels good ta be back on the boat," Ellis sighed.

The boy lay stretched out on the boat's deck, his head resting on Cas' lap. It was the most comfortable he'd been in a while.

Coach laughed to himself. "I'm sure Nick would agree too, but..."

He let the lazy (or lack of) boat steering speak for itself. It was quite evident that the captain was distracted. It could easily be blamed on Nick.

"Either of you know how long it's going to take?" Cas asked. "To get to the island, that is."

Coach shrugged. "The girl had said a few hours." She gave a nod, watching as the man stood up. "I'm gonna go down to the cabin. The heat's getting' to me."

"'Kay."

Waiting for him to leave, Ellis sat up slowly and stretched.

"Hey Ellis, when we get to the island, can we get a dog?"

A perplex look washed over his face. "I don't think there' gon be any pets there..."

His statement put a frown on her face. He was quick to react.

"But maybe we c'n find a wild one. I'll catch 'im and train 'im myself."

He grinned at her, hoping it would be contagious. It was.

"Thanks," she said before pecking him on the lips.

"No problem Darlin'."

Nick finally parted from the blond, resting his forehead against hers. They hadn't gotten too serious, seeing as Sophie had to keep the boat in line with their destination, but they were still missing a few articles of clothing. In reality, Nick's sole aim was to just be close to his wife. After all that had happened with the pirates, he wanted to reassure himself. He wasn't quite sure if reassure was the right word for what he was feeling, but as long as Sophie and himself were happy, he didn't care.

"Never thought you were so insecure," Sophie teased.

He shot up defensively. "I'm not-" His body relaxed as he let out a sigh. He wouldn't win.

With a smirk, Sophie pulled him back. They were long from done.

In the end, the heat had taken it's toll on the pair outside and they opted to head to the living quarters. They had been laying side by side, just looking up at the bottom of the top bunk. That was, until Cas sat up with realization. Ellis shot up after her, slightly panicked.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothin, nothing," she waved off. "I just realized that we didn't have a honeymoon."

The boy's head tilted ever so slightly. Her jaw dropped.

"You're kidding..."

"Sorry."

With a sigh, she adjusted herself to be facing him, a twinkle of anticipation in her eye.

"It's something that newly weds do after getting married. We're supposed to go somewhere nice and... Bond."

"We c'n bond here," he pointed out innocently.

"Yeah, but..."

Leaning closer, he smirked at her. "Then we'll have our honey, uh, moon on the island. I'll make you a ham-ock."

She grinned at his suggestion and nodded. Considering the situation, they technically would be in an out of the ordinary(ish) area. That and the fact that they couldn't travel anywhere special.

"We c'n have bondin' time now too," he added.

Liking the idea, Cas leaned closer to him and pressed her lips onto his. Though, it only lasted a few seconds before she pulled away suddenly.

"Coach is over there," she pointed out quietly, her cheeks tinted pink.

After a quick glance down to the kitchen, he faced her again with a shrug.

"He a'int payin'ttention."

She bit her lip momentarily. She wasn't sure if he knew how badly she wanted him, but it wouldn't feel right with Coach just seconds away.

Before either could do anything else, the boat jolted suddenly and a loud crack echoed through the lower living area. Both instantly got up and scampered to where Coach was.

"What's goin' on?"

"Sounds like we hit something'," Coach replied worriedly.

The three managed to get back up to the dock, noting the lack of forward movement. They could feel it slowly tilting to one side.

"Shit! Sorry," Sophie called as she raced out of the cabin. "We'll have to take the row boat."

Nodding towards Nick, he moved to the side of the boat with Coach and started lowering the boat.

"Cas, Ellis, go gather the most important things we've got," the blond instructed. "Keep in mind we're limited on space."

With a silent agreement, the two headed to the lower level and started collecting items. Sophie moved to help with the boat.

"Great. It's what- a three person boat?" She mumbled to herself. "I should start ignoring you."

Her comment earned a glare from the conman. "You wouldn't be able to do it."

"Alright. I'm going to go help Cas and Ellis."

Nick felt his lip twitch as she sauntered off to offer her assistance. He just had to open his mouth. Coach's laughter only rubbed it in.

He turned to glare at the older man. "It won't last long."

At least, he hoped it wouldn't.

Twenty minutes into the collision, the five had boarded the small row boat, equipped with food, weapons, med kits, and a few other useful items. Sophie sat at the front of the boat with her map. She would occasionally look up to check her bearings, then bring her gaze directly back to the map. Nick scoffed as he pulled on the paddles handles. He had been stuck with the labour, while Coach, Cas, and Ellis sat back and watched. Both men had been sitting side by side with Cas on the hick's lap. It didn't seem fair, but of course, his wife had ignored any protests the man had come up with. He really needed to learn when to shut up.

"Looks like we're headed a bit too far East," Sophie commented.

Her statement wasn't directed to anyone in particular, causing a slight grumble to escape Nick's lips.

After an hour or so of traveling in the row boat, the group had finally made it to their destined island. As soon as he stepped out of the boat, Nick collapse into the sand.

"I'm never- rowing- a boat- again," he spat out between huffs.

Coach patted his back as he walked by. With a hand from Ellis, they were able to lift the boat and bring it over to the forested area. With a few leaves and shelter from the trees, they covered it for protection. That, and they'd need it for later if they ever felt the desire to leave. If not, it's main use would be for fishing. Hopefully they would be able to stay there. Seeing as no one could come up with any viable threats, it seemed to be the perfect safe zone.

"Let's get a move on, shall we?" Sophie questioned before grabbing some equipment and started walking down the beach.

The remaining four followed suit with the last of the gear. None of them really knew where they were going... Or what they were going to do when they got there. Well, aside from Sophie.

"Do you have a plan... Or are we just wandering?" Cas asked curiously.

Sophie didn't bother to turn around to answer. "We're going to find our friends."

"Then why don't we-"

Finally, the blond spun around, giving her friend a stern look. "If necessary, we're going to circle the whole strip of land."

By just the look, Cas knew she had no choice. "'Kay..."

It was hard to argue with her plan, even if they wanted to. No one could challenge her motives either. They all wanted to find their friends.

And they wouldn't stop until they did.

FN: Woooo! They made it to the island! About time! But will they find everyone else...? And will they all be okay...?