I want to thank CuteLadyBug and Tanjamusen for favoriting and following this story. Also, I am happy and grateful for other people on the other side. Maybe you are silent, but I know about you :)

Nonetheless, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End is very close and I am excited to see how the series will end. But I have also the strange feeling that I'm going to cry. I don't know. I just have to wait a couple more days and then it will be here :) Now, you can enjoy my next chapter :)

The Inevitable

The surroundings was familiar. All around her were bushes and trees, but no animals. Only the wind gently blew, the branches were moving gracefully slowly and the sun shone through. Although, she didn't know the exact time. The jungle so dense that it was impossible to go anywhere, except the path. That path... leading in one direction. But Elena knew it by heart. She had stood on this place many times. Footprints showed that he was ahead of her already and she had to go after him. And as quickly as possible. She started to run, just as always. The ground beneath her feet literally flew, but the environment was still the same. Journalist understood that it was far away, but anyway her pace increased. Her heart was beating so intensely that she felt in her chest. Her lungs were trying to meet the needs of the muscles, demanding more and more important oxygen. The gun, the obstacle, was again behind her belt, but the reason for this thing was clear. It was faith that she was able to make it. She had to succeed and save her husband. Elena wanted to warn him, but for some reason, screaming wasn't allowed. Single letter, word or speaking was out of the question. As if she didn't have the vocal cords here. As if she was mute in this world.

Suddenly, she saw it and her body stopped. It was the same view. Altar of stones on which was placed the golden statue of El Dorado. One of the nicest things she had seen in her life. The craftsmanship was truly breathtaking, but when she realized what was inside, her admiration turned into horror. And horror changed into shock when she saw a figure kneeling before the statue. It was too late. Again... time won over her determination. Her efforts were useless. When she heard Nate how he made strange noises, it was obvious that he was changing. His insatiable curiosity after treasure caused that he had opened the statue and had inhaled the dust of the rotting corpse. He had made the same mistake as Gabriel Roman, that old bastard.

However, Elena was standing there and felt that the tears began to appear in her eyes, because the consequences of his actions were devastating. The gun was getting heavier and heavier, but when Nate suddenly turned on her, her heart cried out in pain. So fearsome sight. His expression wasn't gentle, kind and loving. Instead, monster was looking at her now. His black eyes were filled by desire to kill. From his nose and mouth flowed white fluid as a result of untamed hunger. She had to end his suffering but each time, it was beyond her power. The first tears leaked from her eyes and ran down her face, because this possibility could no longer be changed. His fate will be repeated, and she had it in her hands. But she still did nothing. As if she needed another reason. Maybe she believed that he could return into his original form, but her husband was someone else. Or rather... something else.

Then Nate rose to his feet and ran awkwardly to her. With each step, he was closer and closer. His expression of killing said the only thing. She wanted to shout his name as a last effort, as an attempt to bring him back, but her tongue was frozen and her mouth remained closed. The monster making strange noises was approaching to her and Elena realized that she had to act. Her crying intensified and the pain was devastating for her heart and soul simultaneously. But the clock was ticking. He was almost at her and so within a few seconds, she pulled out the gun and aimed on him. Silent... again, it was the deep love which convinced her. Again, those two words, which he said every night before going to sleep. How much she adored his gentle voice, revealing his affection. However, his growling reminded her that those times were gone. When only a few meters were between them, something in her gained the upper hand and she, with a heavy hand like a stone and with eyes full of tears like the well, pulled the trigger. Loud shot was heard...

"NAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATE!"

Her scream was almost like a roar in the silence of the night and thanks to the open door, her husband woke up immediately. It was clear that something had to happen, and so he didn't hesitate, got out of the bed, turned on the light and ran fast into the guest room. It took less than a minute. Thanks to the gloom, he noticed a lamp on the nightstand and so he turned it on. Nate saw Elena sitting in bed. Her upper body was bent over forward, her elbows were leaning on the thighs, but worst of all were her hands covering the crying face. His eyes and ears knew no worse combination than the one which was happening in front of him.

"Elena," he tried to get her attention slightly and therefore sat on her bed. "Elena," the second attempt, which also didn't work. He put his hands on her shoulders. "Elena."

This time, he finally succeeded and she looked at him. Those miserable eyes and wet cheeks hit him deep into the heart. But she didn't wait and put her arms around his neck. Her grip was so strong as if she hadn't seen him a hundred years. Or as if he was a ghost of lost beloved person who was alive again. Anyhow, he instinctively hugged her around the waist, because he realized that she needed to feel his person. It was help for her, if not salvation and blessing. Pure joy that her husband wasn't a monster. The nightmare had been always very lively and his arms of reassurance proved to be a good calming effect. It was the most intimate moment between them after their return home. However, this matter was the smallest problem now. Nate couldn't deny the confusion.

"What happened, Elena?"

It was quiet question, a little louder whisper. He knew that her condition was very fragile. Her tears were probably the most extraordinary thing because the journalist was a strong person with own opinion and blows which had hurt even his pride. Fortunately, her crying was less intense now and so she could answer.

"It was the nightmare again." The simple explanation, which didn't provide too much information. Although it wasn't a good idea, Nate wanted to try it.

"Again?" Was his next step.

"Yeah."

He decided to get more and therefore, he broke the close contact of their bodies. However, he then moved his gentle hands on her face and his fingers started to caress her cheeks. The touch was literally magical, because a small smile appeared on her lips. Their eyes met and they both thought that this moment will end up with a kiss. But both also realized the final result of this act. Even though, their bodies loudly shouted at each other, Nate rather interrupted his desperate need of affection with words.

"Will you tell me about the nightmare?"

His voice was gentle, friendly, wanting to help. It was stupid, but until now Elena realized that she could confide. She felt that he was ready to listen. And that's why she repeatedly nodded in agreement.

xxxxxXxxxxx

Her story was to the last detail. It was incredible what she remembered, but especially his fate was terrifying. The thought that he could have been as a Roman was... Not the mention the fact that he wanted to kill her in that scary dream. However, Nate was deep inside glad that she was brave enough to disclose her problem. Confiding according to her expression of fear and sadness wasn't easy, but still she overcame herself. Maybe because the whole time he held her hand, which was more comforting than she wanted to admit. His touch full of understanding, love and tenderness. All what she needed now. When there was a silence, he took it as a sign that her part was over, but her husband decided to use this opportunity to the fullest.

"When did it start?"

The images of nightmare began to appear in her head. The same cruel scene was repeated over and over again. The only possible solution was to wait, to calm down. However, it could also take several hours. But Elena sighed because she wanted to answer his question.

"Two months after I left this house."

Nate felt that his outburst was close. Rage at himself was dripping from boilers. To hell with injuries or bad luck. Why did he have to be such an idiot? No, he was a moron. Ignoramus. Egotist, who had previously thought only on himself and on silly mysterious treasures waiting to be found. How was it possible that she hadn't been on the first place a long time ago, but until now? Her husband remembered the day when she took the suitcase with her clothes and things and closed the door behind her. It had happened more than a year ago.

"The nightmare appears regularly three times a month...," her voice was tired and exhausted, her face could crumble and break at any moment. However, something was still holding it together. "I always thought it is a bad sign, you know?... That... that you're dead... and I'll never see you again... "

Listening was getting worse and worse. Hatred against his stupid ego grew at light speed. In fact, it was a miracle that she could function normally after such attacks. Nonetheless, Nate saw that the tears began to form in her eyes.

"But..." she decided to continue, "...it doesn't make sense to me... why the nightmare continues?... Why it happens even now, when we're back together..."

The million-dollar question, sort of. Although, he didn't know the answer. It was difficult to estimate the meaning. Some symbol or whatever it was. This time, he was unable to help her. Unanswered matter slowly faded away and Elena sighed heavily.

"Anyway, it's not important. I won't sleep again this night." It was very sad resigned tone, which caught his attention even more.

"Why not?" She looked into his eyes and before next words, her expression deepened into greater uncertainty.

"I have an uncomfortable feeling afterwards. It's fresh, so I still see the terror in front of my eyes... and most importantly -" she paused as if she was afraid to say it. But Nate decided to nudge her again.

"What? What is it?"

His gentle and caring voice caressed her soul, as if her entire body received comforting warm blanket into which she hid against all dangers. The journalist looked at him again, and when she saw those desperate eyes, in that moment her tongue untangled completely.

"And especially after, I always thought about you. Where are you... what are you doing... with who you are..."

Entire confiding suddenly turned into something special. Both felt that the bond of love between them was stronger. Almost as if the great and bloody wounds were healed within seconds. She expressed her deep and sincere feelings, which she had in her heart. That connection which had brought them back together. Elena even looked at her wedding ring and touched it gently. Nate saw it and understood this gesture with the realization that he couldn't leave now. He couldn't abandon his beautiful and fragile wife. Such possibility was unimaginable. But was she willing to allow him to stay? He had no choice but to try it.

"Lie down." She looked at him confused.

"What?"

"Lie down." Surely wasn't possible to connect their bodies now. Not when she was in this vulnerable state and condition. This idea occurred as first and according to her, that couldn't happen.

"No, Nate, please, now is not the right time."

"I won't try anything." She probably was worried and yes, the blame was mainly on his side because he could have said it differently. "I promise."

Another proof that he meant it in good way and because she believed his sweet and lovely eyes, she did it. First her back touched the mattress, then her head. That softness itself was reassuring, but he lifted the blanket and lay down beside her. His closeness and warmth were electrifying and enjoyable, but the fear reappeared again. This night won't be ordinary and so her intention turned upside down and she wanted to tell him that it wasn't the best idea. It would be better if he left. Her lungs and vocal cords were prepared, her lips slightly opened.

"I will look out for you... I will protect you..." pauses between his words showed the kindness coming out of his deepest soul and at the same time, it silenced her "...this time, it will be me, who won't close eyes all night... and you will rest... I want you to feel good tomorrow."

Indeed, he wanted to help her and not just take advantage of the situation. Was it possible that she could doubt about him so much? Unbelievable, but even so she wanted to protest against something. After all, his plan was imperfect.

"But you also need to sleep."

Nate thought for a moment. Actually wasn't necessary to turn over this argument in his head, because he admitted that his wife was clearly right. But she was on the first place now. No more lost treasures nor his selfish personality focused only on himself. Only her peace of mind, only her mental health, only her pure happiness.

"Turn off the lamp."

It was an order, but it also meant an approval that he could stay with her. And even if it was the only condition, he would do it at any time. Her husband smiled slightly and their eyes locked into each other. Thanks to a couple blind attempts he found the switch, whose change position caused the darkness. Not quite. Because of the open door, the light from their bedroom was still visible. Apparently, the electricity bill will be a little bigger this month, but it was honestly the least interesting thing now. The gloom added on the intensity of the moment, a real romance.

Nate gingerly put his head next to her and after a moment, his body relaxed completely. Their stares were examining one another and she laid right hand on his cheek. He couldn't resist and his left hand gently found its way on her hip. After all, there was the possibility that she could flinch or show her disapproval. However, it wasn't like that. She thanked him for his kindness and reassurance. Thanks to him, she really felt safe. And Nate couldn't get enough of her tenderness and softness. He missed this touch. Suddenly, the same two words of love appeared in them. The words expressing the biggest feeling of all. The words which were possible to say only to one person in the world. But none of them had the courage to reveal the deep affection.

"Good night," Elena said with a mere whisper.

"Good night," he said in the same, almost inaudible tone.

She closed her eyes as first, he did the same thing a few moments later. After a long time, they together fell asleep in the same bed. Even though that thing was only for one person, but such a small detail became insignificant. Their bodies were close enough.

I love to write sweet chapters like this :) maybe the beginning wasn't that cute, but the rest of it is my romantic side :) don't worry. Erotica is coming ;)