Gold Wings and Sparrowhawk - Chapter 6

Chapter 6

September 1990

Dear Harm,

I was so happy to hear your voice in my helmet this morning. I'm stationned in Saudi Arabia, with no hope of joining Naple anytime soon, so that was good.

I'm not seeing combat, I'm strictly on recon and patrol, but I get to fly almost everyday. And I got promoted to Captain, which means you still outrank me... Sir !

How are you guys doing ? Virginie kept talking about Loki, it seems they had a nice time in Naples (which he proably talked to you about in details...). I heard him call her « Ginny » several times, and after talking to my squadron, we decided to make it her callsign. At first she wasn't sure she liked it, but now she doesn't want to be called anything else !

The heat is unbearable here, I hope you have AC on your carrier !

I can't wait to hear from you !

Fly high !

Nell

October 1990

Dear Nell,

Congratulations on your promotion !

The heat is unbearable here too, but at least we have the AC inside and the sea winds to cool us down a bit.

From what I've heard, Loki hasn't been in touch with « Ginny », but yes, he told us about Naples. Tell her congrats too  !

It was nice to hear your voice too, I enjoyed flying with you mostly because you didn't try to shoot me down this time !

Take care of the Dragon !

Harm

December 1990

Dear Harm,

The problem with flying with you is I can't tell you personnal stuff, since everything is recorded.

Ben is finally out. He graduated from harassement to attempted rape last month and got sent to jail. I'm breathing easier ! The Colonel said nothing about all this, but I know he feels responsible, as he should. I'm sorry for the girl he attacked, so I started a karate class on the base. It's for women only, and it gives me a sense of purpose (and something to do between training and missions). I have five pupils, Ginny is one of them.

And as for trying to shoot you, if I remember correctly, YOU were the one trying to shoot me down after you had Gecko !

A happy new year in advance !

Fly high !

Nell

January 1991

Dear Nell,

I heard a french pilot crashed in December, and I got scared it was you, until I got your letter. I'm glad you're okay ! I'm also very sorry for your squadron. Losing a man is always hard, I know.

Just wanted you to know I'm all right. I went to Naples for three days between Christmas and New Year, and thought about you.

Happy new year !

Harm

February 1991

Dear Harm,

Your turn to scare me ! I had a mission scheduled with you today, and Swan explained to me what happened. I'm so sorry about Wedge. But I can't belive it was pilot error, that you screwed the pooch. I've flown enough with you to know you're an excellent pilot. I hope the guys in your squadron don't turn their backs on you, that would be so unfair !

Swan told me you didn't get hurt, that's a relief. I hope you're back in the air as soon as possible, once you're cleared. I'll be waiting to hear your voice in my helmet again !

Take care of my Flyboy !

Nell

February 1991

Dear Nell,

I'm grounded. Definitly. The doctors diagnosed me with night blindness, which led me to miss the ball and hit the deck. I killed a teammate, so the squadron was relieved, if not happy, to see me go.

But I hate it. I hate being back on the ground. I hate that I can't fly again. I can tell you that because I know you'd understand. I miss flying like I miss breathing. It's like they cut my arm or my leg. I have no idea what to do now with my life. And I feel like I've let my father and grandfather down. They went down flying. And I have bad eyes.

I'm so jealous that you still fly. Take me with you up there, be my eyes and ears. Tell me all about how the skies are. Here in Norfolk it's dull and grey and cold. I miss the sun at twelve thousand feet.

Take care of my Dragon

Harm

PS : I don't need my wings anymore, you might as well have them.

March 1991

Dear Harm,

My heart aches for you. I can't imagine what you're going through. I carry your wings on every mission I fly, so you are up there with me.

I've been back in France for a couple of months now, but I have a deployment coming up, I'm going to Djibouti. Any chance of seeing you there ? Any idea of what you'll be doing next ?

You know you can talk to me.

Your friend,

Nell

March 1991

Dear Nell,

I'm at my grandmother's farm at the moment. I'm staying in my childhood room, and it brings back a lot of memories. My collection of model airplanes is displayed on the walls. It's a reminder I can't fly anymore, and it breaks my heart, but at the same time I have happy memories of making them.

So yesterday, I took out the family Stearman, Sarah (named after my Gran). My grandfather bought it before the war, but he was shot down in '43 and never fixed it. My dad worked on it a bit, with the intention of restoring it with me, but he went MIA in '69, so it didn't happen either. I started to take on the repairs when I was in high school, after I went to Laos to try to find him, and now it's in perfect condition.

A few years back, I brought it to an airfield not far and it's always available. At first, I didn't want to take her out this morning. But the sky was so clear, and the winds so perfect I couldn't resist.

I'll never fly jets again, I'm slowly coming to terms with that, but I can still enjoy going up in Sarah. I never thought I could. Thank you for your encouragements, and your friendship.

I've talked with someone from the career bureau, I'm thinking law, JAG. Not sure about it yet, but with my night vision impaired, I can't pilot a ship either. I'll think about it some more, let you know.

Fly high !

Harm

April 1991

Dear Harm,

I hope the letters we exchange are not too painful for you. I'm still flying and I know how much you miss it. Tell me if it is, I'd be sad to stop writing to you, but I'd do it for you.

I'm glad you're finding a way to trim your sails. Lawyer for the Navy should be interesting. We don't have those in France, military people are judged by civilian courts.

I'm still in Djibouti, and it's getting hotter by the day ! Four months to go, it's going to be a long summer !

Take care of my sailor !

Nell

April 1991

Dear Nell,

Please keep writing ! I miss the sky but I love hearing from you. What is there to do in Djibouti when you're on the ground ? Do you still teach karate ?

I moved to Washington to attend Law School in Georgetown. I got a spring admission, so I'm already taking classes. I think it's the best career path for me, and who knows, I might even enjoy it one day ! For the moment, I spend my nights buried in books. Reminds me of my Academy years !

Fly High !

Harm

Gold Wings and Sparrowhawk - Chapter 5 (MA rated)

Chapter 5

Nell and Virginie were sitting on their towels in their bikinis when Harm arrived with his shipmates. They were talking and laughing and Harm thought Nell had a happy nature, despite the harshness of her life.

Swan whistled softly. « Nice ink ! »

Nell turned back and smiled to him. « Thanks ! I like yours too. I get why you got your callsign. » On his right pectoral, he had a beautiful rendering of a pelican nourishing his young from its flesh, that unfortunatly looked a bit like a swan.

« It's not a swan ! »

« I know. I did a bit of heraldry. It's the symbol for paternal love. »

Swan was taken aback, as were the others. « You know that ? »

« I know a lot of things about a lot of things. »

Mace sat down at Virginie's side, while Loki tried to cham Nell. The three others dropped their gear and ran to the water.

« So... what else do you know ? » He was clearly in flirting mode, and Harm wasn't having it.

He pulled Nell's hand to get her up and lead her to the sea. When they were waist deep, he pushed her slightly, making her loose her footing and sink with a shriek. He dived after her and they emerged with a laugh.

The five men and the two women spent a long time playing in the waves. When hunger became too much, they went to the little restaurant in the corner. The afternoon was spent much as the morning had been, between water games and rests on the sand. The mood was light, the atmosphere pleasant.

When the sun started to descend on the sea, they went back to the beach. Harm sat down on a towel, and Nell settled between his legs, her head resting on his chest. It was the first time they had displayed any kind of intimacy since the morning, but time was running short, and Nell wanted to enjoy their last hours together. They talked about what they wanted to do that evening, and settled for dinner and beer at an Irish pub situated half-way between them and their accomodations. Virginie and the Americans took cabs to go back to the city, while Harm and Nell stayed behind.

Alone at last, still sitting together, they watched the sea for a moment. They sun wouldn't set for a long time, and they couldn't stay until it did, but they could relax and savor the moment. Harm put a kiss on Nell's temple and murmured a few words in her ear. That brought a large smile on her face and she looked bewitchingly at Harm. They grabbed their belongings and walked quickly to the hotel.

*****

As soon as they enter the room they went at each other.

Harm pushed her against the wall and put his hands under her dress. Her skin was warm under his fingers. They kissed passionately. With her arms around his neck and her lips on his, she raised her leg and wrapped it around his thigh. Harm lifted her up and rubbed his hardened cock against her. She made throaty moans that excited him.

Still carrying her, he went further into the room and they fell onto the bed, with Nell on top. She opened his shirt and dropped kisses on every bit of exposed skin. Once she reached his belt, she pulled the shirt from his pants and licked his skin. He shivered under her touch.

She sat up on his thighs and opened his fly. He was hard already, and became harder under her touch. She moved back a little and bent over. Harm groaned when she took him into her mouth. She worked him gently at first, licking and kissing, then harder and faster, nipping and biting. It was taking Harm all his strength not to explode here and there. He grabbed her hair and pulled her head towards his. He then proceeded to ravish her mouth.

But there were too many clothes between them. She tore herself from the kiss and got up. While she was standing, she looked straight in Harm's eyes and stripped seductively. He was lying on his back, motionless, captivated. He remembered he had still clothes on and took them off quickly without taking his eyes off her. He sat back on the bed, waiting for her.

When she finished, she picked up a packet from the nightstand. She straddled him again and opened the casing. Harm took the condom and put it on himself. Then he took a hold of Nell's hips and brought her down with a sigh. She pushed him on his back and put her hands on each side of his head. They started moving in rythm, eyes locked, mouths a breath from each other.

Harm fastened his arms around her and rolled over until she was lying under him. He moved slower, and she started coming. Her orgasm ripped through her and she cried softly. Harm took her lips in a fierce kiss and pushed in her once, twice and came in turn. Unable to move, he stayed on top of her.

« I'm too heavy, sorry ».

« No, it's okay, don't move. »

Nell strocked gently his back and he felt himself drifting. After a moment, he rose and went to the bathroom to wash up. Nell stretched out lazily and yawned.

*****

The sky was greying in the west when Harm woke up the following morning. He turned to go back to sleep, but felt an empty space beside him. At the same moment, he caught a movement near the door. Nell was facing away from him, practicing her kata in her pyjamas. She was very focused, every movement very precise, her breathing even.

He just laid there, watching her. He was fascinated by the way she moved, she had to have practiced the kata a thousand times or more.

« Hello Harm. »

She surprised him by greeting him without looking at him, and without skipping a beat.

« Hey. How did you know I was awake ? »

An inspiration. « Your breathing changed. » A kick. An expiration. « Did I wake you ? »

« The bed is cold. »

« Sorry. I'm almost finished. »

A few more movements, a final bow, and Nell turned to Harm with a smile. « Let's warm up this bed. » She knelt on the bed and advanced towards Harm. He put his hand out to her, hooked it behind her head and put his lips on hers. Nell melted against him, snuggling in his arms.

« We haven't emptied the box. »

Nell smiled. « We can keep the rest for next time. Naples is not very far from France and I don't have a deployment scheduled yet. »

Harm grazed her mouth with his. « I'd like that. » He rolled over her and proceeded to make love to her one last time.

A few hours later, they left the hotel, both dressed in their uniforms. They didn't smile. Inside the cab, Nell put her head on Harm's shoulder, she looked a bit sad. Harm inclined his head and took her lips. They shared a long and tender kiss that the driver had to interrupt when they arrived at the airport. Time was up.

Harm exited the cab, closed the door and Nell scooted over. She leaned through the open window for one last look at her lover. Harm smiled warmly at her. It took her a second or two, but she ended up smiling as well. She was a little blue to break up like that, but they would get in touch. Harm bent and they kissed one last time.

« So long, Sailor ! »

« Bye, Dragon ! »

And as the taxi took Nell to her destination, Harm watched her go with a pensive air, wondering what the future would bring them.

*****

Gold Wings and Sparrowhawk - Chapter 5 (K rated)

Chapter 5

Nell and Virginie were sitting on their towels in their bikinis when Harm arrived with his shipmates. They were talking and laughing and Harm thought Nell had a happy nature, despite the harshness of her life.

Swan whistled softly. « Nice ink ! »

Nell turned back and smiled to him. « Thanks ! I like yours too. I get why you got your callsign. » On his right pectoral, he had a beautiful rendering of a pelican nourishing his young from its flesh, that unfortunatly looked a bit like a swan.

« It's not a swan ! »

« I know. I did a bit of heraldry. It's the symbol for paternal love. »

Swan was taken aback, as were the others. « You know that ? »

« I know a lot of things about a lot of things. »

Mace sat down at Virginie's side, while Loki tried to cham Nell. The three others dropped their gear and ran to the water.

« So... what else do you know ? » He was clearly in flirting mode, and Harm wasn't having it.

He pulled Nell's hand to get her up and lead her to the sea. When they were waist deep, he pushed her slightly, making her loose her footing and sink with a shriek. He dived after her and they emerged with a laugh.

The five men and the two women spent a long time playing in the waves. When hunger became too much, they went to the little restaurant in the corner. The afternoon was spent much as the morning had been, between water games and rests on the sand. The mood was light, the atmosphere pleasant.

When the sun started to descend on the sea, they went back to the beach. Harm sat down on a towel, and Nell settled between his legs, her head resting on his chest. It was the first time they had displayed any kind of intimacy since the morning, but time was running short, and Nell wanted to enjoy their last hours together. They talked about what they wanted to do that evening, and settled for dinner and beer at an Irish pub situated half-way between them and their accomodations. Virginie and the Americans took cabs to go back to the city, while Harm and Nell stayed behind.

Alone at last, still sitting together, they watched the sea for a moment. They sun wouldn't set for a long time, and they couldn't stay until it did, but they could relax and savor the moment. Harm put a kiss on Nell's temple and murmured a few words in her ear. That brought a large smile on her face and she looked bewitchingly at Harm. They grabbed their belongings and walked quickly to the hotel.

*****

The sky was greying in the west when Harm woke up the following morning. He turned to go back to sleep, but felt an empty space beside him. At the same moment, he caught a movement near the door. Nell was facing away from him, practicing her kata in her pyjamas. She was very focused, every movement very precise, her breathing even.

He just laid there, watching her. He was fascinated by the way she moved, she had to have practiced the kata a thousand times or more.

« Hello Harm. »

She surprised him by greeting him without looking at him, and without skipping a beat.

« Hey. How did you know I was awake ? »

An inspiration. « Your breathing changed. » A kick. An expiration. « Did I wake you ? »

« The bed is cold. »

« Sorry. I'm almost finished. »

A few more movements, a final bow, and Nell turned to Harm with a smile. « Let's warm up this bed. » She knelt on the bed and advanced towards Harm. He put his hand out to her, hooked it behind her head and put his lips on hers. Nell melted against him, snuggling in his arms.

« We haven't emptied the box. »

Nell smiled. « We can keep the rest for next time. Naples is not very far from France and I don't have a deployment scheduled yet. »

Harm grazed her mouth with his. « I'd like that. » He rolled over her and proceeded to make love to her one last time.

A few hours later, they left the hotel, both dressed in their uniforms. They didn't smile. Inside the cab, Nell put her head on Harm's shoulder, she looked a bit sad. Harm inclined his head and took her lips. They shared a long and tender kiss that the driver had to interrupt when they arrived at the airport. Time was up.

Harm exited the cab, closed the door and Nell scooted over. She leaned through the open window for one last look at her lover. Harm smiled warmly at her. It took her a second or two, but she ended up smiling as well. She was a little blue to break up like that, but they would get in touch. Harm bent and they kissed one last time.

« So long, Sailor ! »

« Bye, Dragon ! »

And as the taxi took Nell to her destination, Harm watched her go with a pensive air, wondering what the future would bring them.

*****

Gold Wings and Sparrowhawk - Chapter 4 (MA rated)

Chapter 4

Harm got up to open the window. The night was warm enough and they were facing the sea. He turned on the light on the nightstand and stretched out near Nell who was lying on her stomach with her eyes closed. He pulled down the sheet that was covering her back until he saw the dragon. It was sprawled against her pale skin, blue and red and gold, looking fierce. Harm brushed his fingers on the tattoo, tracing the coils. He'd never seen such a beautiful work of art. Nell sighed.

« Did the callsign bring the dragon, or was it the other way around ? »

Nell turned her head to face Harm and rested her cheek on her hand.

« I told you I was in a military high school ? »

« Yeah. »

« It was the hardest time of my life. There are very few women there, and the guys try to weed us out. Either they harass us, treat us like dirt, make us do all the chores, or they just ignore us, pretend not to see us. I was a bit apart because my dad's a Colonel in the Army, but it was so hard. »

« He is ? »

« Yeah, he's CO of the Train and Logistics School. »

« Cool. He must be proud of you. My father and my grandfather were aviators too. »

« I'm fourth generation. My great grandfather was a military vet and my grandfather was also in the Train and Logistics. Anyway. I turned eighteen in April, and the day I graduated I went to the tattoo parlor. I wanted something to remember I'm stronger than anything anyone can throw at me. »

« It's beautiful. And how did you get the callsign ? Someone saw you in a bathing suit ? »

« I wish ! » Nell paused, lost in her memories. « Different school, same treatment. When I entered flight school, I was one of the very first females to attend. I got all kind of hazing, practical jokes, you name it. Since it was common occurrence since I was fifteen, I played duck. You know, water on my feathers. One day, we were coming back from a training session that had been particularly hard. I was exhausted, sweaty and cold, I just wanted a hot shower and a meal. »

« Yeah, I know the feeling. » They looked knowingly at each other.

« At the time, there was only one locker room for everyone. So I usually took my clothes with me in the shower, put everything on a chair, and I was alone enough. Six years of coed dorms, I was used to the lack of privacy. But this time, I turned to get in the shower and there was no more curtains, on any of the stalls. »

Harm looked appalled. « They didn't ! »

« Oh, they did. I was so tired I just walked in, put my clothes on the chair and undressed. I just made sure to keep my back to them, so they wouldn't get a full frontal. And I walked under the spray. After a minute, I felt a presence behind me, the guys had gathered to watch me take my shower. So I told them I had nothing they hadn't already seen, and asked them not to bother me anymore. There was movement again, and the light changed. I turned my head a little, and I saw the curtain was back in place. » Nell falls silent again.

« I'm sorry you had to live through all this. »

« It made me stronger. When I got out of the shower, I was alone. I got back to my room and headed to the mess hall. Business as usual. I got my tray, sat down alone at a table. »

Nell turned in the bed, looked at the ceiling and smiled.

« The guys came up to me, snapped to. I got up, a bit uncertain about what was happening. And they presented me with my newly painted helmet. They never called me Nell again, I was always Dragon from that moment on. »

« Nice ! »

Nell snickered. « The only nice thing about it is they never played any pranks on a female aviator ever again. »

Harm traced the little tattoo she had on her breast. « And that one ? »

« It's the shadow of sparrowhawk. The emblem for aviators in France. We all got one when we graduated. »

« And why did you get it on your...chest ? »

Nell has a small laugh. « It's not on my chest, it's on my heart. »

With a smile, Harm bent over and kissed the tattoo. « I like it. »

« You like where it is. »

He smiled against her skin, and heard her yawn. He settled beside her, put his hand on her belly and closed his eyes. They both fell asleep with a smile on their faces.

*****

The sun was up when Harm woke up. His arm was asleep, for being too long under Nell's head, so he dislodged it gently and got up. She sighed and rolled on her stomach. He went to the bathroom, relived himself and splashed water on his face. When he came back to the room, Nell hadn't moved.

He put a condom on and slid back in bed. He laid against her and started kissing her neck, her shoulder, glided his hand on her breast. Nell smiled sleepily and stroked his hair. Harm caressed her body down to her sex, heard her sigh of pleasure and pushed slowly into her. She stuck her fingernails in his nape with a small cry and turned her head to claim his mouth. He wanted to move slowly, but she kept urging him to go faster. He paused, withdrawed.

Nell took the chance and rolled him on his back. She straddled him, planted her hands on both sides of his head and kissed him hard. Harm grabbed her hips. Nell straigntened up and took him in her hand. He closed his eyes, savoring the feeling of her fist, and she descended slowly, enjoying the way he was filling her. They started to move in rythm. Nell's head was bent back and Harm was watching her pleasure.

He sat up straight, so they were face to face. She put her arms around him and held on tight. He took her mouth hungrily and she started to peak. He heard her moan on his lips. A tear escaped her eye and she trembled. Harm got afraid for one second he might have hurt her, but she kissed him passionately and kept moving on his lap. Harm came with a strangled cry.

They stayed embraced for a while. Nell slowly removed her arms from around Harm's body and put her hands on his face, kissing him softly. Harm lifted his own hand and brushed the trace left by the tear on her cheek.

*****

When he entered the bathroom later that morning, Harm shook his head with a smile. He didn't know how they could have showered together in the small tub, much less have a bit of a snuggle. But the spray was still hot and plentiful.

In the bedroom, Nell was examining her dress. It was stained, crumpled, no way she could wear it to go back to her hotel. She took a look at Harm's uniform and sighed at the sight. She put on his t-shirt and wondered how to get some clean clothes. She unhooked the telephone.

« Ricezione ! »

« Hello, this is room thirty-one. »

« Si, the americans. What can I do for you ? »

« I have two questions. First, how can I make a call outside the hotel ? »

« You dial zero, and then the number that you want to call. »

« All right. Do you have a phone book I could look into ? »

« What number do you need ? »

« The Hotel Joyfull, in Poggioreale. »

« You stay on the line, I will call them and connect you. Do you want to call the reception desk or a room ? »

« I need to call room fourteen. »

« Perfetto. And what is your second question ? »

« Do you do room service ? We'd like to have two breakfasts delivered, if it's possible. »

« Si, I can arrange that, but there is a... supplemento. »

« All right. »

« What do you want for breakfast ? »

« Whatever you have, with a big pot of black coffee and extra cups, please. »

« No problem. Is that all ? »

« Yes, thank you. »

« I'll make the call now, please hold. »

After a minute or so, a sleepy voice answered.

« What ? »

« Virginie ? It's Nell, sorry to wake you up. »

« Nell ? Where are you ? I saw you get in the garden with the American, and then I lost you ! Everything's all right ? »

« I hope you didn't look for me too long. »

« No. You know Ben is in the hospital ? »

Nell's tone froze. « Yes, I know. He fell down the stairs and broke his nose. »

Virginie stayed silent.

« Tell me, did you have plans for today ? »

« I wasn't planning to be awoken at nine freaking thirty. Seriously, Nell ! »

« I'm sorry, I didn't look at the time. What do you say about spending the day at the beach ? I'll pay for the taxi and I'll invite you for lunch, what do you say ? »

« Yeah. What's the catch ? »

« Ah... »

« And where the hell are you ? »

« I found a little hotel to spend the night. Long story... anyway, I need my pack. »

« What do you mean, you need your pack ? »

« Well... I don't have anything to wear beside my party dress which is in no condition to be worn. »

Virginie sneered. « You had a crazy night, didn't you ? »

« I had an... opportunity, and I seized it. »

« I see... six three, brown hair and a thousand watts smile. »

Nell had a wide grin. « And Dress Whites and Gold wings. »

« Do I bring you just a change of clothes, or your whole pack ? »

« The whole pack, you're gonna be alone tonight as well. »

« No kidding... give me the address. »

« Hotel Mare Blu, in Bagnoli. It's on the waterfront. Take your bathing suit. »

« Your hotel has a private beach ? »

« No, but there's a strip of sand a few hundred meters from there. And the water is delicious ! »

« All right. Give me time to get up and come. You better have some fresh coffee when I arrive ! »

« I will. And it's good coffee. »

« How do you know ? You don't drink coffee. »

« My six three brown hair opportunity seems to like it fine. »

Virginie hangs up with a shake of her head. During their conversation, Harm had finished showering and opened the door for the waiter carrying the breakfast tray. Nell sat down and helped herself with some tea.

« I got in touch with my roommate, and she's bringing my pack over. I'll be able to give you back your shirt. »

« I like the way you wear it. »

Nell has a flirtacious smile. And told him how the desk manager had helped her. She tasted the tea, jerked when she burnt her tongue and started on her cornetto. Harm took the receiver and called the clerk.

Once they had finished their meal, Harm and Nell sprawled on the bed and spent a quiet time talking, cuddling, and just enjoying the moment.

Nell jumped at the knock on the door and let Virginie in.

« Thank you so much for coming ! »

Virginie dropped Nell's bag on the floor. « You owe me one hundred and twenty seven francs. Is that coffee I smell ? »

Harm was wearing only a towel around his hips, and he made sure it was secure before getting out of the bed.

« Virginie, this is Harm, Harm, this is Virginie. »

Harm handed her a freshly poured cup of coffee.

« Hi ! »

« No talking before coffee. » Virginie sat down and sipped her brown dose of revival with her eyes closed.

Nell grabbed some clothes from her bag and left for the bathroom. « Be right back ! »

Harm didn't move, or talk. He thought he was stuck with the brunette who looked like she was having a coffee-induced orgasm. She opened her eyes and looked at him.

« So, you're Harm. You don't hold a grudge, do you ? »

« Why should I ? »

« Because she shot you down. »

Harm had a smile. « It was a game. »

Virginie's smile was even wider. « Still. »

« I don't see the point in holding grudges. It holds you back. »

« I suppose you're right. » She took another sip of coffee, watching Harm suspiciously.

Nell stepped out of the bathroom, wearing a sundress over a bathing suit. « You're alive again ? »

« Barely. »

« Let's go for a swim. Harm, you'll join us a the beach when your pack arrives ? »

« Sure ! »

Nell pecked Harm on the lips, took a towel and left with Virginie.

*****