And that's it! I hope you enjoyed this story. :)

Later, in the early hours of the morning, Luka woke up with a scream. She jumped, almost to her feet, before collapsing back into bed, panting, her heart racing.

"Darling?" Miku's groggy voice asked. A hand reached out to the bedside table, and moments later, the lamp there clicked on, bathing the room in light. Light that Luka blinked at, as it snapped her back to reality.

She took in her sparely furnished room: the king-sized bed, each side capped by a bedside table, the wardrobe in the corner, the bookcase under the window, and the small desk, above which hung a corkboard with her favorite sketches.

She forced herself to breathe. Panted, really, heaving for air, covered in sweat, her tousled hair a mess.

She'd had a similar experience aboard the aircraft only hours prior, but this was far worse. In this moment, she was miserable, on the edge of tears.

A hand touched her back, and she recoiled in surprise, but only for the moment it took her to recover her wits. She looked over her should to find Miku staring up at her, barely covered by the blanket.

"Miku," she croaked. "Oh..."

"What's wrong?" Miku asked gently.

Luka gulped as she fought to control her breathing. She put her therapy into practice, focusing for a moment, then gasped again, putting her head in her hands.

"A nightmare," she explained briefly. "That's all it was. A nightmare."

Miku scooted closer and embraced her. Luka closed her eyes, took in the feeling of warm skin against her own, focusing on the arms around her, on her breathing, on bringing herself back to reality.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Miku asked, voice hushed.

"I don't know."

"Do you need anything?"

Luka swallowed hard. The next word she said was physically painful to pronounce, but she requested it nonetheless, "Water."

She felt Miku nod, and then the form against her back vanished. The bed shuffled slightly as Miku moved to get out of it. Luka watched her stand, took in her form, so lithe, so alive, and watched her disappear through the door.

Then she was alone with her thoughts. Luka fought to keep her breathing even, but it took her full focus just to do that.

When Miku returned moments later, Luka had barely calmed down. The pilot was so focused on applying her therapy, trying to get herself under control, that she barely heard the other woman come back in. When a hand rested on her shoulder, she jumped again, but less violently.

Miku held out a glass of water.

"Thank you," Luka managed, barely avoiding choking on her own spit. She took the glass and eagerly swallowed the contents, partly because it was parched, partly because she needed to see the water vanish. "Fuck."

Miku got back in bed, tucking herself under the covers.

"Luka," she said, softly.

"Hm?"

"Come here."

Luka could only obey, first resting her glass on the floor, then lying back down in the bed, onto Miku's awaiting arm. It guided her to rest on Miku's shoulder, and she obliged her, curling into her frame.

The warmth surrounded her, grounded her. Luka felt herself finally beginning to relax.

"Thank you," she whispered, holding onto Miku like her life depended on it.

"Talk to me."

She cleared her throat. "I was the one stuck in the cockpit this time."

"Oh."

"I watched Gakupo go without looking back. I never looked back, Miku. He never did, either. And I saw the water come in. I was stuck. I couldn't move. I don't know why. And it came up, up, up... Then I was surrounded by water, by darkness, I couldn't breathe. I sank. The pressure of the water, it squeezed me..."

Miku held onto her tight, kissed her sweaty brow. "It's not real."

"But it was for Gakupo. It happened to him. He saw me leave, maybe. If he was conscious, then... Then he was very aware of the fact that he was going to die. His last moments..."

The younger woman sighed, but not out of exasperation. She continued to hold onto Luka, stroking her hair.

"We cannot fix this," Miku said suddenly. "He's dead. He's not suffering anymore."

"I can only hope he never did. If what I felt was only a fraction of what he felt, if my experience was just a pale imitation... I can't live with what I did to him."

"You didn't do anything to him," Miku reminded her. "You did nothing wrong. You did your best."

Tears began to roll down Luka's cheeks and onto Miku's shoulder. "Miku..."

"Hm?"

"It's called survivor's guilt," she whispered. "Do you... Do you not have this?"

Miku was quiet for a moment, until she adjusted her position slightly, to account for Luka's weight on her arm.

"I do have nightmares, sometimes," she admitted. "Not really about Gakupo. I was never close to him. I didn't see what happened."

"I understand..."

"I dream about the way you screamed," she said, quieter. "The way you called out his name. The way you begged. I never saw you so small, so powerless. You... Do you remember that you almost jumped in the water after him? I had to pull you back in."

Luka blinked; she couldn't really recall that happening. "Oh..."

"I dream of you falling in. I dream of being alone on that raft, your screams echoing around me. Sometimes there are no screams, but you float next to me in the water."

"God."

"And I dream of the part when I fell in," Miku went on. "That you... that you never woke up. Or that you don't care. That you stand there, watching me drown. That you let me die."

"That's awful."

Miku let out a shuddering sigh. "I've been going to therapy, too," she quietly confessed.

"Oh, Miku..."

The younger woman sniffled and held onto Luka even tighter. "This isn't about me, though. It's you. You had the nightmare."

"I... I feel less alone, now. Less foolish."

"Good." Miku sniffled again. "Save for my therapist, nobody knows I still struggle with this..."

Luka sat up. "Nobody?"

"No."

"Not even your friends?"

"No," she repeated. Her hand played with a free strand of Luka's hair, but she didn't seem focused on it at all. "They would never understand. How could they? They never wanted for anything. Not truly, desperately wanted for a single thing. Not for a warm blanket, not for dry socks, not for drinking water or reprieve from the sun. Not for an ounce of safety as you watch water rush into a plane."

Luka nodded. "It was a lot, wasn't it."

"It was so much, darling. It was so, so much."

Luka sighed. "We're alive, now."

"And we're safe. And all our desires are sated. There's nothing we need right now," Miku said. She opened her arms, wordlessly inviting Luka back in. The pilot smiled and listened, laying back down between her lover's arms, nestling against her chest.

"When I don't think about it at all," she said, her voice muffled by Miku's torso, "then I'm really happy."

"I'm happy too, darling," Miku whispered, running her hands through Luka's hair again. She breathed deep, and Luka felt the rise and fall. "I have everything I could ever want."

"So do I." She sighed. "I'm sorry I had to have a nightmare tonight, of all nights."

"Don't worry. It's nothing that can be helped. You flew through a storm earlier today, didn't you?" Miku said. "It's normal that it's still on your mind."

"I wish I'd had other things on my mind. Like you."

"Hm, it can't be helped. The subconscious mind is mysterious," Miku muttered. Sleep was coming back to her. "You were definitely on my mind, though."

"Yeah?"

"Hm. I was dreaming that we were doing it again."

Luka chuckled. "A very different kind of dream. Sorry I interrupted that."

Miku stuck out her tongue, then grinned. "Don't apologize, darling. The fact that you interrupted it probably means I get to remember it."

"Hm. Anything good?"

"I'll share eventually. How are you feeling?"

"Better. Distracted."

"Good. Do you think you can sleep?"

"I don't know. It'll be morning soon, so I'll probably wind up staying awake."

"Even though we stayed up for most of the night?"

Luka shrugged. "I was never good at sleeping during the day."

"Hm. Well, I hope you don't mind if I try and catch some extra sleep," Miku almost slurred.

"Of course. Get some rest. I'll be here."

"Good."

Luka lay quietly, listening to her companion's breathing. Within minutes, it evened out, and she was positive Miku was deep asleep. Luka smiled to herself and nestled into her a little more, admiring the parts of her that she could see, from the well of her throat, the curve of her neck, the swell of her chest.

She sighed happily and closed her eyes. Life might be a struggle at the moment, but overall, it was still good. Better than it had ever been, honestly.

Before she knew it, she was asleep too.

When Luka awakened the following morning, bright sunlight was shining through her curtains. She blinked, and sat up, finding Miku still asleep at her side.

They had moved around in their sleep, as to be expected: instead of Luka being curled against Miku's side, they'd changed roles, and a little bit of distance had come between them. But Miku was still close enough that Luka could feel her warmth, so the pilot sighed and sank into the sheets with a happy smile.

The memory of the nightmare was now far behind her.

She embraced the younger woman, making sure not to disturb her slumber, and let her eyes close once again so she could take advantage of the quiet of the morning. It didn't take long before Miku stirred, then sat up slightly to look around.

"Hm, my darling," she whispered, nestling into Luka's form. The pilot surprised her by embracing her close. "Ah, you're also awake."

"I am."

"You scared me a little there, darling," Miku said, before letting out a contented hum. "Do you have any plans for the day?"

"Nope. Unless Meiko's inviting me to something."

"Has she?"

"I don't know. I haven't looked at my phone," she said simply. "And I don't plan to for quite a while."

"You expect to stay in bed for a while longer?"

"I do." Luka blinked sleep away. "Don't you?"

"Hm, I never was one to waste time sleeping," Miku mused out loud. "But I suppose I can indulge you in some morning cuddles, if you'd like."

"I'd like that very much."

Luka grinned and held on to her, strength renewed, as Miku sank into her arms. The younger woman held her in return, and nestled against her neck, under her chin.

"I never understood cuddling," Miku mused. "But I think I get it now."

"It's nice," Luka said with a sigh.

"It is. Not very productive or fun, but enjoyable nonetheless."

Luka laughed. "Are you calling cuddling dull?"

"Not dull, not quite yet. But it will be in a little bit. I'd like to get my day started eventually."

"Do you have plans?"

"No, not at all. I suppose I could meet some of your friends, if the planning works out. Otherwise, I'd be happy to spend the day with you.

"We'll find something to do."

"I suppose we shall."

"There's plenty of things I can show you. I grew up around here."

"Oh, interesting. I'll look forward to that."

They bathed in the silence for a moment, happily soaking each other's presence and the fact that nothing in the world was requesting anything from them. At least they did for a time; eventually, Miku grew restless, fidgeting in Luka's arms, before she declared very suddenly that she was standing up. Already half-asleep again, Luka let her go, half-listening to her pace around the room.

"There it is."

"Hm?"

"I was looking for my phone," Miku said getting back into bed.

Luka opened an eye and saw that she hadn't gotten dressed yet, which prompted a smile. "Something important?" she asked, once again getting closer to the younger woman.

"I suppose. I had a plan for telling my father about you."

Luka was instantly wide awake. She supported her weight with her arms, almost sitting upright. "Now?"

"I don't see why not," Miku said, fiddling with her phone.

Luka gulped and sat next to her, resting against the headboard, pulling the covers to cover herself.

"It's not cold," Miku said, eyes glancing at the covers.

"I'm maintaining decency."

"There's no need to be decent around me," Miku said smugly.

Luka rolled her eyes, but did relax, leaning more openly against the younger woman.

"So what is your plan?" she asked.

"It's quite simple. I ask him what if, and I move forward based on his reaction."

Luka thought for a moment. "I was going to say, 'that's it?', but it turns out that I can't come up with anything better."

"I've been thinking about it for a few days," Miku muttered. "This seems to be the wisest course of action."

"What about not telling him?"

"My friends know. If we don't act now, he'll learn through them at his birthday party next month."

"Okay, that's definitely not better."

"My point exactly. We're better off breaking the news ourselves." Miku drafted a message and showed it to Luka.

Daddy, what would you do if I started dating my pilot?

"Well, that's pretty direct," Luka said with a frown. "Will he know you're talking about me, and not, I don't know, Lily?"

"He'll make the connection."

"Because we spent four days on a raft together," Luka deadpanned.

"Partially. You're also the pilot that served me the longest. Me going out with Lily would hardly make sense."

"It's not entirely out of the blue; what if it was love at first sight? You could date her instead of me. After all, she just joined the team. I've been working for you for a year but you didn't date me. "

"No matter how much I wanted to," Miku said wistfully. "But I suppose you have a point."

She added a "Luka" at the end of the message to identify her.

"Would he know my name?"

"Of course he knows your name."

"That's right. We met."

"And we were all over the news. If there's one thing my father absorbs more than anything, it's the news." Miku sighed. "Is this good?"

"I don't see anything wrong with it, other than it could absolutely ruin my life. But sure."

Miku kissed her cheek. "We'll figure something out, darling."

"If you say so."

With the tap of a finger, the message was sent, and Miku put her phone to the side.

"Now, are we ready for round...I lost count. How many rounds did we do yesterday?"

With a chuckle, Luka gently deflected Miku's attempt at an embrace. "I'd love to, but my anxiety is at an all-time high right now, so I think I'll have to pass."

"Aww. And here I wanted to provide some distraction: it'll likely be a while before he replies."

"Darn. Sorry. I'm not in the right mindset. I'll be, as you say, dull."

Miku blew a raspberry. "A fair point. Could we make out instead?"

Luka laughed. "You're not one to give up."

"Certainly not." Miku grinned impishly. "That's what you like about me."

"The fact that you're a little bit of a brat?" Luka asked. "Absolutely."

Miku beamed, approaching Luka. "Pretty please?"

Luka rolled her eyes with a grin, but she relented; she didn't put up much of a fight in the first place. "Fine."

"You make it sound like you lost something, darling," Miku teased.

"Perhaps my dignity."

"Darling, after last night, I don't think either of us have any dignity around each other anymore," she teased some more. "Now are you going to kiss me?"

Luka did as she was told, closing the distance between them as soon as she could. Miku melted almost immediately in her arms, slowly moving closer towards her so that the folds of the blankets that had pooled between them didn't separate them anymore. Their legs found each other, arms were thrown over each other's forms, and it wasn't long until Miku was moaning softly, melting under Luka's ministrations.

"Darling, I thought we were just making out," she protested.

"We are."

"Not if you keep that up," Miku said with a whine, loving the way that Luka's hands roamed her body, lingering in her favorite places.

"I'll tone it down then."

Miku huffed but didn't protest further. The teasing exploration slowed, and Luka contented herself with holding Miku close as they kissed. Miku returned every gesture, perhaps with a little more urgency. From time to time, Luka's eyes opened to glance at the phone—to glare really—before returning her attention to Miku.

Very suddenly, just as Luka was starting to relax, the phone did vibrate, and both women jumped to turn towards it.

"Is it him?"

"It is," Miku whispered, opening the message and studying it for a moment. "Ah, typical."

"Well?"

Miku turned the phone towards Luka. There, the screen read, Nothing. Date who you want.

" Does he really care that little?"

"I suppose he considers it to not be his business. Or it's beneath him," Miku mused.

"Huh."

Luka laid back, then checked her nightstand for her phone. It wasn't there, which prompted her to stand up and sift through their discarded clothing. "Where is my phone...?"

Miku was busy staring at the screen of her own phone. "Your suit jacket. You hung it in the hall."

"I'll be right back, then."

Luka quickly padded towards the hall, and sure enough, there was her phone, right where Miku said it would be. She returned to the room before looking at it, her heart in her throat.

There was a text. She'd felt it when she'd picked it up.

"I think he wrote to me, too," she said when she returned to the bedroom. She almost dove under the covers, clutching her phone to her chest. "I don't know if I can look."

"We have to look sooner or later," Miku said. "He doesn't care. It's fine."

Luka steeled herself, then peeked at the screen. "He's asking if I'm dating you."

"Well, he knows now. I just told him that I am dating you."

Luka gulped and opened her phone. Right that second, a second text came in.

My condolences.

She laughed. "He really doesn't care at all."

"See? I told you: never cared, never will," Miku mumbled, placing her phone on the nightstand. She sighed and sank back beneath the covers. "I don't suppose it'll be worth introducing you to my parents, then."

Luka imitated her, putting her phone to the side and joining her where it was warmest. "Maybe not, not when he's so blasé. Is she any better?"

"No. She once told me not to bother telling her about my relationships. Perhaps I was to blame for having so many at one point, but now that I'm serious..."

Luka sidled up to her. "Maybe in due time. When they realize we mean business."

Miku smiled. "Yes. We can do that."

"In the meantime, do you want to meet my parents? Not right away, of course, but—"

"Darling, I'd love to. I can't wait to meet the people who made a person as wonderful as you."

Luka rolled her eyes. "Okay, someday soon, then. But my friends first, perhaps. You could do with some practice in sincerity."

"Yes, I suppose you're right." Miku sighed happily. "Now, though, everything is fine."

"Almost everything is fine."

"Almost. It will all be alright, in due time."

Luka smiled. "Yeah. In due time."