In the fall in Oahu, the weather was not so idyllic as usual. The sky had been gray, but the day was calm. Yet that evening, Mother Nature seemed to be unleashed. It was raining and the wind was blowing hard enough to bend some trees. The two cars parked side by side in the parking lot then the quartet ran to the entrance of the building.
"My God, it's been a long time since we last had a storm like this," Natano Reigns pointed out as he entered the restaurant. All the doors and windows that used to lead onto a terrace near the ocean were now closed. The room was only filled with a few regulars. The lights were dim and soft, uniquely Hawaiian-sounding music echoed between the walls. They were greeted by Rick who began to lead them to their table and then brings them the menus. After several minutes of thought, Junior's parents ordered.
"For us, you just have to put the same thing as usual," the sailor added, returning his cards to him without having glanced at them.
"Do you want anything else?" Magnum's friend asked. All nodded negatively.
"No, that'll be all since you've finally decided to invite Quinn to dinner," the pretty Hawaiian whispered, making sure only he heard her. Only her partner also understood the meaning of her words. It immediately made him smile. The bar owner rolled his eyes and left to prepare the meal.
The four friends chatted while their dishes arrived. The atmosphere was relaxed and the conversation light. Junior was thrilled to have such a good time with the people who mattered the most to him. It also relieved him to see Tani relax after the complicated two days she had just gone through.
At one point, the sailor and his father went to get dessert and coffee from the counter leaving the two women alone.
"Now that we are between us, I sincerely wanted to thank you for having accompanied my son to the parole hearing. More generally for having been there for him since his return from Afghanistan."
"You're welcome. This is more than normal. We are a teammate. We watch over each other. He's done the same for me more than once," Tani assured most naturally. Throughout the discussion, the elder quickly realized that the relationship between the two young people was stronger than she thought. Mostly she realized that besides working together they also shared values and probably many wounds, such as the loss of a loved one. Madame Reigns was just praying that all this pain would bring them together rather than destroy them. After all, she knew a lot about it. Although she had done her best to survive her daughter's death while helping her son, the mother was aware that he had suffered tremendously.
For their part, the two men also took the opportunity to discuss. They were much more modest than a father and son should be, but they gradually reconnected. That was already a great sign. Slightly curious and without doubting his wife's instinct, Natano Reigns decided to go fishing.
"Your teammate seems to me to be a very nice person and perfectly competent," he began, observing his boy.
"Yes, Tani is great. She performs at work. I couldn't ask for a better partner and he is an amazing person," Junior explained enthusiastically.
"I see that," he breathed with a slight smile on his lips. His wife was right, once again. The policeman immediately perceived this change of expression.
"What?"
"Nothing, I was just thinking of a little thing your mother said."
"I see you coming. We are friends that's all ... Well, I think so," the young man admitted after a moment of hesitation.
"I know that it is none of my business, but if I can give you any advice it is not to remain in doubt. Especially with your job. After all, it's always best when things are well established, and you might have a nice surprise."
"Okay, I'll take it into account," he concluded, taking back the controls before returning to the table with his thoughts full of thoughts. His father was right, and he knew it, but there was a lot at stake. The meal continued in joy and good humor just at the end of the evening.
Around eleven o'clock in the evening, the four friends decided it was time to go home. Outside the situation had worsened. The storm was raging.
"Be careful on the road, children. You must be careful with the weather like this," Madame Reigns said, slightly worried.
"Of course, as always but so will you, and let me know once you've arrived. You must be careful too. Finally, I take Tani home and go home," Junior finished. With these kind words, they greeted each other before getting back in the car.
During the trip, the two friends chatted while driving carefully. The weather made traffic very difficult, and it took them twice as long, as usual, to get to the young woman's home. As soon as they arrived the two friends took shelter inside the house, soaked to the skin.
"My God, what weather!" Tani cursed, taking off her jacket and shoes.
"Yeah, I know the storms in the Pacific are the worst," Junior announced. He had sometimes intervened in very difficult conditions with the Seals, but the intensity of the storms in Hawaii would never cease to amaze him.
"Are you sure it's safe to go home? You could stay," the policewoman suggested seeing him ready to hit the road and without even realizing the ambiguity of her words. As soon as she saw the sailor with that smirk that she loved so much, the young woman understood her mistake.
"Partner, I did not know that ..."
"Oh, shut up ... It's doggy weather outside. It's not safe to drive. Besides, Koa's room is empty. You just have to sleep there tonight," she reframes him with slightly rosy cheeks. Suddenly a huge squall made them jump.
"Okay, you're right. I'm just going to send my mother a message, so she doesn't worry," Officer Reigns conceded, not wishing to take any unnecessary risks. After all, an accident quickly happens.
Tani smiles once again at this remark. He was lovely and so caring with his loved ones. These little touches made her melt every time. She was also happy to see that the situation was working out with his family. After all, while it hadn't always been easy the young man was lucky to have them. It was more than obvious that they all loved each other deeply.
Completely soaked, they decided it was wiser to change clothes. The policewoman went to her room to put on shorts, a white sweater and tie her hair up in a bun. Her partner left to look for a sports outfit that he kept in his car. Once dry, the duo settled down comfortably on the sofa. They discussed for long minutes but Junior, who immediately sensed the change in atmosphere, decided to try his luck again.
"I know I told you that I would not bring the subject back on the table but on the off chance that you would want to ..."
"No, really not. I sincerely appreciate it, but I don't want to talk about my parents. I know you are all trying to help me, and I appreciate it, more than you can imagine, only it is too long and difficult. I just want to move on."
"Okay, I understand but I'm here for you, no matter what. Finally, I'm going to wish you good night."
"Junes, I know all that, don't worry you. It's just that I can't ... It's too much ... Well, I can't but thank you and good night to you too," she concluded, turning on her heels to go to bed.
That night, when they fell asleep, the two young people couldn't help but think that maybe, both, they weren't that alone anymore.