Thalyta-odr, Tim7531591 and Devin.conway.16, thank you so much for following and favoriting. I appreciate it a lot :) Nonetheless, this is last chapter of the story. Another hard goodbye. I am not sad though. I am happy actually, because now I can create another piece to my collection ;) But anyway, enjoy.

Again?

No... it wasn't possible. Why she was standing in this place? So early? The same jungle... the same path... his footprints leading in one direction... Elena once again looked around. But it was true. She was in her nightmare. How? It wasn't normal. The terror couldn't appear the very next night. Her brain would probably not be able to survive the attack. Maybe another reason... Why her mind came back here? But she noticed that her breathing wasn't as before. Futility and desperation began to absorb her. After a while, the journalist felt that her vision blurred. Tears formed in her eyes quickly, but it was just a reaction. Certain reaction to the future event.

On what was she waiting for? Elena realized that she had lost a few precious seconds and so the desperate run began. His traces were good indicator. Her legs competed with each other, the run escalated, and if she had wings, she would fly. Such speed was because of her husband. Only a few words still repeated in her head.

'I must save him. I must save him. I must save him...'

This phrase was her fuel every time, but had never fulfilled its purpose. She continued, concentrating on the way. Nonetheless, her lungs weren't able to supply the needs of the body and therefore, she started to get cramps. Especially in the legs, which were quickly sucking the last reserves of energy. Against all these enemies, Elena didn't want to give up. Nate was the reason. The love of her life. However, the moment became so powerful that she didn't realize one thing. The journalist ran longer than usual. The path wasn't over, no altar of stones, no golden statue of El Dorado. Something was different.

Suddenly, the jungle ended and she appeared on the beach. The waves played wonderful and tender melody of the sea. The sun was approaching to the horizon, glittering on slightly rippling surface. The sky was red and blue at the same time. Wasn't it the picture hanging in their bedroom? Was it possible that she was inside? But Elena didn't have much time to think, because she noticed a person standing upright. The body... those brown hair... his hands in his pockets... familiar clothes...

"Nate?"

It was only quiet confusion, but even so it was a surprise. Was she able to talk in this nightmare? Wasn't any sound banned? Was this the scary dream as before? Her hands quickly started to check her belt. The gun was gone. She didn't have it. But she had to protect against him, right? However, when the journalist looked at her husband again, she realized that it wasn't needed. He wasn't on his knees. He wasn't a victim of his own curiosity. No strange and monstrous sounds. Nate without words watched the sunset, as if he tried to use every beam of life. Tears dried up on her cheeks, her body calmed down after strenuous run and instead of fear and anxiety appeared courage. Elena decided to go closer to him. Carefully and slowly, because she still fully didn't trust this sudden change. And also, there was a possibility to escape back into the jungle because of his unexpected attack. With every step, she was closer. Nervousness or excitement? Foolishness or curiosity? She came up to him and Nate didn't even notice. The circle in the sky was probably more interesting. However, now was time to reveal the whole truth.

"Nate?"

When he heard her voice, he turned around and she couldn't believe her eyes. His gaze was friendly and affectionate, his smile gentle and warm. That's how she knew him. That's how she adored him. But the silence between them didn't last long.

"Hi, Elena." Those words went through her whole body. It was maybe a little shake of happiness and joy.

"You're all right," she said aloud with a big smile on her face and before he was able to answer, she threw herself into his arms. It was primarily an enormous gratitude which caused this sudden act. He hugged her around the waist and she pulled him to her even closer.

"Yes, I am."

"I can't believe it," and she pulled away from him, so she could look at him better. Nonetheless, there was no sign after the devastating curse. "How? How is this possible?"

"You." Strange to hear such explanation. Therefore, her expression changed into incomprehension.

"Me?"

"Yes, when you allowed me to come back into your life." She had done that before already. Or the love making sealed everything? "But... I owe you an apology, Elena... I was the idiot who left you... I was the idiot who almost ruined our relationship... and it was the biggest mistake I have ever made... I was dying inside without you... without your presence... without your touch... without your smile and eyes..." this time, it was a different kind of tears. It was visible consequence of his words because her heart was melting. "But now I'm happy again... I feel that I am alive... that fresh air goes into my lungs and my heart beats with new energy... because I'm with you..." Nate then looked into her eyes like never before. "... I love you, Elena."

Maybe it was their second wedding day or confession of deep feelings, which he had in himself and they needed to see the light of day. Anyways, she put her hands on his face. The touch was so powerful that Nate almost closed his eyes with happiness.

"I'm glad you returned," she said honestly.

Their lips met in a beautiful and unique ballet. Softness, lightness and euphoria were the main elements of the show. Choreography flavored with sweet and passionate love. The proximity of the two main actors became the domain of the beach. The intensity of the moment was bigger than the sea itself. Even the delight shone more than the sun in the sky.

Elena opened her eyes. At first, she was confused why was gloom around, but then she recognized the moonlight penetrating inside the room. That's why she was able to look around. Large shared wardrobe was the first clue. And that was enough, because her mind knew very quickly. Their bedroom. And when the journalist felt light movement behind her, she understood the situation completely. Her body was lying in the soft and comfortable double bed. Her sleep had been interrupted, but now she was in the real world, where emotions, feelings and sensations became stronger and livelier. Where she really lived. Where she was embraced by her husband.

Her head gently turned on him. Nate's expression was calm and relaxed as well as his breathing. His mind apparently didn't leave the realm of dreams, even though it was hard to tell if he was experiencing something as her. But being together was the most important thing now. Elena remembered that after their lovemaking she had decided to leave the guest room and went back to where she (according to his words) always belonged. At that moment something appeared.

"But now I'm happy again... I feel that I am alive... that fresh air goes into my lungs and my heart beats with new energy... because I'm with you... I love you, Elena."

These words he said in the dream, where the two were kissing on the beach. Accompaniment was the romantic sunset with the music of waves. Or not? What if he had said it before? When she had her eyes closed and this confession had been uttered quietly into her ear? Secret and perhaps even mysterious message about love. Did it matter? Journalist knew that words were only a helper of expression. Description of events and things. Actions most spoke for every human. And what they said about the retired fortune hunter? Just this connection showed what had been, what he had given up. Killing and sometimes even fighting for life just for some expensive, ancient and gold treasure. Even she had craved after that but besides visiting unfamiliar and unique locations, it wasn't anything great. Especially her experience from Shambala had changed her opinion. Presence was now exactly as she always wanted. Perfect and both of them secure in home. Maybe it was the typical boring urban life and frankly, Nate didn't know what to do next. Normal work was for him unthinkable, because since childhood he lived as a thief. However, such topic could wait. When Elena again realized his warmth and nearby presence, she smiled slightly.

"I love you too, Nate," she whispered softly.

Then, she took his hand holding her waist and Elena pulled him even closer. It didn't work, but their embrace became stronger and more pleasant. Her head returned to its original position on the pillow and she closed her eyes again, happy that they had found the way together again. But even before her mind left the reality, another thing was certain. The nightmare was gone for good. The scary dream was defeated. And why? Because she was with him.

I know that the last chapter is short and believe me I don't like it, either. However, I want to leave it as it is. No unnecessary stretching or lengthening. Less is sometimes better than more :) Anyway, this story showed me your interest which is so valuable and that's why I want to continue with Nate and Elena. I love them and I don't want to give them up after Uncharted series officially ended. I'm still at the beginning :) Also, I want to thank everyone for support, reading and reviews. It's really beautiful to be with you :)

Love,

SilverSiren4

PS: The next story (as always) will soon appear on my profile.