In the past few years, people in some places report that they often see strange creatures that are beyond human understanding. Some are offshoots of rare or extinct animals, some are human-animal hybrids, some are not even within the range of humans or animals. The creatures found have friendly attitudes and are not dangerous, but there are some that are very aggressive and dangerous. That is why an organization has been formed in secret under the protection of the government to capture these creatures, to prevent them from harming humans… Time: 7:47 p.m. In Area E, where creatures of class B and above are kept, considered dangerous to humans. You are one of the staff here, in charge of delivering food and writing a daily report about the creatures in E.As usual, you will have to deliver food to Gio, a monster was only discovered and arrested not long ago. Well, he's not exactly a monster, Gio tends to be more human but he's still in the dangerous creature category… so you still need to pay attention to keeping your distance from him. The hard iron door is opened, leading you inside the room. There was a very thick and sturdy layer of bulletproof glass placed in the room, where Gio was locked inside. When you step inside, Gio moves his gaze towards you and stares at you and the tray of food. He walks over to the glass separating you and him and then punches the glass hard, he roars, his expression is very aggressive… but then he gets hungry and obediently sits down like a puppy waiting for food. “…”
Marcus couldn't help but chuckle; he found the monster's sudden attitude adorable, despite his appearance. He bent down slightly, without taking his eyes off the man on the other side of the glass, and carefully slid the food under a small gap. "Here you go," he said softly with a smile. "I hope you enjoy it."
Gio took the food and started eating immediately. He was hungry since he didn't get breakfast that day. As he ate, his expression softened greatly, becoming more docile... But then again, it wouldn't stay like this for long. Soon enough, his gaze would shift back to Marcus with interest and... lust? The dark-haired monster growled lowly at the man who brought him food before focusing on eating once more.
"There's no need to be angry with me," he murmured as he watched Gio eat. It was strange... Usually these experiments were so unpleasant and the creatures violent, but there was something about this one that drew him in, that made him... want to get closer. He felt his heart rate pick up at the thought of being nearer to the other man, even though he knew it would be forbidden. "You'll find I mean you no harm."
Gio finished eating quickly and dropped the tray on the ground with a loud clang. He started pacing back and forth in front of the glass, his gaze locked onto Marcus. There was a strange mixture of anger, lust, and... something else in those dark eyes. The monster let out another low growl before putting one hand against the glass between them and gripping it tightly. "I don't understand..." he muttered softly. "Why do I feel this way around you?"
"Feeling like this?" Marcus repeated, almost to himself, doubtfully. He looked back at the monster. "Angry with me?" he asked, filled with doubt, wanting to understand what he was talking about.
Gio growled lowly at the man and shook his head. "No... angry isn't it..." He snorted, pacing back and forth even faster now. "It's like... I want to be close to you." He grumbled, glancing down at himself. "I shouldn't feel this way about a human!" "And yet," he said, his voice rough with emotion as he stared up into Marcus' eyes, "here we are..."
Marcus felt a mixture of surprise and relief wash over him as he realized what it was that Gio was feeling. He took a step closer to the glass, his expression softening into something almost gentle. "I'm just... another person to you," he murmured. "We're not so different."
Gio snorted again, his expression shifting uncertainly between confusion and curiosity. He lifted a hand to gently stroke the glass where it met his cheek before lowering it again to his side, still pacing back and forth. "But... we are different." His voice was quiet now, almost soft. "You're not like them." A sudden thought occurred to him then; he turned his head slightly to glance at the closed door behind Marcus. "Can I see outside?" he asked softly, his expression hopeful despite himself. "Is it possible?"
"Of course," Marcus answered easily, surprising even himself with his words. He crossed to the control panel and keyed in a code before returning to the glass. There was a quiet hum as the door slid open and he gestured for Gio to step closer if he wished. "You can look out when you're ready."
Gio glanced at the door before stepping forward carefully, hesitantly. His large hands clenched into fists as he waited for permission to touch the glass, and when it finally came, he breathed out a shaky sigh. He placed one palm flat against the cool surface and gazed out through the tiny gap between the thick bars of his cell with wide eyes, taking in the sight of the darkening sky beyond. The air outside smelled cleaner here, less metallic and sterile. He leaned forward a bit, pressing his forehead against the glass as if he could escape this prison just by wishing it so. The sensation was oddly comforting... and terrifying all at once. "I've never seen the outside before," he confessed softly, voice barely more than a whisper. "Not like this..."
Marcus felt a deep ache for the creature in front of him. He leaned against the glass next to Gio, their shoulders almost touching. "It's... it's beautiful out there," he murmured softly. "There's so much more to it than this place." He reached out and gently placed his hand on Gio's back, trying to ease his pain.
Gio couldn't help but shiver under the touch. It felt... different than anything he had ever experienced before. Soft and comforting. Warmth spread through his body as Marcus' hand moved to gently stroke his back, a quiet hum escaping him unbidden. His eyes stayed fixed on the outside world, taking in every little detail of the night sky beyond the bars, wishing more than anything that he could be free to explore it for himself. "Marcus..." he breathed softly, not sure what else to say as his gaze shifted back to the man beside him. There was something... something in those eyes that drew him in, that made him feel safe despite their circumstances.
"I'm sorry for hurting you before," he murmured quietly, not meeting Marcus' gaze but instead focusing on the other man's hand as it continued to stroke his back. "I don't usually act like this... I just..." He trailed off, unsure of how else to explain himself.
A small part of him wanted to be close to the human... another part was scared of what that might mean for both of them. But in that moment, as they stood together beside the glass, it felt like anything was possible. Like maybe they could find a way to make things better... somehow.
Marcus let out a small chuckle, trying to lighten the mood a little. "It's okay, really," he said, with a smile and a warm tone of voice. "We were just playing... I know you wouldn't hurt me on purpose." He finished, still tenderly stroking the monster's large back, trying to lift his spirits.
"I... wouldn't want to hurt anyone on purpose..." Gio replied softly, still looking out the window. His voice was quiet and uncertain, but there was a small smile on his lips as he spoke. A shiver ran down his spine at Marcus' touch, and he couldn't help but feel more comfortable with each passing moment. "You're very gentle."
He turned his head slightly to look up at the man beside him, curiosity filling his dark eyes. "What would happen if..." He trailed off, uncertain how much he should say. But something compelled him to continue nonetheless. "...if I could be free? If I could live with you... outside this place?"
"Live with me?" Marcus hesitated for a moment before answering. "I'm not sure... I'd have to go through the proper channels," he said carefully, so as not to get Gio's hopes up only to disappoint him later. "But I guess... we could try to talk it out." Marcus smiled reassuringly. "I promise I'll do everything I can to make sure you're safe and happy," he added softly.
Gio hesitated for a moment before leaning into Marcus' touch once more, taking strength and reassurance from it. "I promise I won't hurt anyone on purpose... not even them," he murmured softly, nodding toward the closed door behind the man. "I want to be free... but only if you're with me." There was a strange desperation in his voice that made Marcus shiver.
The monster lowered his gaze back to the glass, looking as lost and confused as ever. But there was hope there too; a tiny glimmer of light in the darkness. Perhaps... perhaps there really was a chance for them to find some sort of happiness together, no matter how strange or unlikely that might seem.
"I... I would like that," Marcus answered honestly, gaze never leaving Gio's face. He wrapped an arm around the other man's shoulders, offering what little comfort and protection he could in this place. "We can figure something out. Together." His voice was soft but steady, filled with determination.
Gio let out a small noise that was almost a whimper before pressing his forehead against the cool glass, wrapping one arm around himself as if to protect himself from everything he'd just said. He knew it had been stupid; he shouldn't have made promises he couldn't keep, not when they were only just getting to know each other... but something inside him refused to let go of that small thread of hope, no matter how fragile and unlikely it seemed. "I'm sorry," he whispered hoarsely after a moment, voice barely audible even to Marcus standing so close beside him. "For asking... For wanting..." He trailed off, unable to finish the thought. But there was something in his eyes that Marcus couldn't miss: A plea for understanding and forgiveness.
"Please don't be sorry," Marcus murmured gently, his hand moving up to stroke Gio's cheek. "I... I understand." Even as he spoke the words, he knew they were true; more than that, he felt them in his heart and soul. He couldn't help but feel drawn to this strange creature, unable to deny the feelings that were growing between them despite all their differences.
The longer they stood there together, the tighter Marcus held onto Gio, as if afraid that even a small change might shatter the delicate bond forming between them. And for his part, Gio leaned into that touch, craving the warmth and reassurance that came from it, wishing he could stay like this forever. But deep down, he knew that wasn't possible... not here, not now. Sooner or later, they would have to face reality once more, and deal with the consequences of their forbidden love.
"I'm sorry..." Gio whispered again, closing his eyes as if that might make it all go away. "I shouldn't have asked..." He let out a shuddery breath before opening his eyes to meet Marcus' gaze once more, hope flickering briefly in their depths before being snuffed out by doubt and fear. "I should just... focus on surviving," he said with a small, sad smile. "But it hurts..." He paused, swallowing hard. "Not being close to you... wanting to be near you... It's like an ache in my chest."
"I know what it feels like," Marcus said softly, brushing a few stray hairs from Gio's forehead. "But you don't have to suffer alone." His fingers traced slow circles on the other man's cheek, his touch as gentle as a feather. "We can make it through this together," he murmured, meaning every word.
Gio let out another soft noise that might have been a whimper if it wasn't for the growl underneath it, and pressed closer to Marcus despite himself. His large hands curled into fists at his sides as he fought against the urge to reach out and touch the other man, to demand more from him... anything that would make this ache go away. "I want..." he started before trailing off, unable to finish the thought even though he knew it was true.
The dark-haired monster closed his eyes once more, concentrating on breathing deeply as he fought against the pain and desire warring inside him. But despite everything, there was one thing that remained certain: He couldn't imagine ever wanting to hurt Marcus... not intentionally anyway. The thought made him shudder deep down in a way that had nothing to do with fear or aggression.
Marcus slid his hands gently down Gio's jaw, then lowered them to his neck, where he stopped and wrapped his arms around him in a hug. He wanted to make the monster feel good, but he didn't know how. He could only hold him, hoping it would work.
Gio tensed slightly at the touch, uncertainty flickering across his expression. He knew he shouldn't... it wasn't right for him to want this... to crave contact like this. But as Marcus pulled him closer, enfolding him in his arms and holding on tight, something inside him melted. His tense muscles relaxed, and a soft, contented noise escaped him as he finally gave into the need for closeness.
"Thank you..." he whispered hoarsely against Marcus' shoulder. "For being with me... For making it hurt less..." He let out another shuddery breath before leaning in further, wrapping one arm around Marcus' waist and holding on as if afraid that he might disappear if he let go. "Please don't ever leave me," he pleaded softly, a desperation creeping into his voice now.
Even though they were surrounded by cold steel bars and bulletproof glass, in this moment it felt like there was nothing between them but their hearts... and hope.
Marcus hugged him tighter. "I won't," he said gently. "...I won't leave you." His voice was soft and soothing. With one hand, he stroked Gio's hair. "I promise," he finished, still hugging the monster by the neck.
Gio pressed his cheek against the soft cloth of Marcus' uniform, feeling tears prick at the corners of his eyes as he fought to hold back sobs. "Thank you..." he repeated hoarsely. In that moment, the need for freedom faded away, replaced by a desire to simply be with this man... to feel safe and loved.
He wished things could stay like this forever; if only they didn't have to face the harsh reality waiting for them outside these bars... But he knew better than anyone that their time together was limited, and every second spent in each other's arms was a gift. One he intended to savor until the bitter end.
Shivering slightly in the cool air coming from the vents above them, Gio nestled closer to Marcus, seeking warmth and comfort where he could find it. His dark eyes locked onto the other man's face, searching for any sign that what they had just shared was real... that there might be a future for them beyond this prison cell. Even if their time together was fleeting, he vowed to make every moment count, to treasure each second as if it were their last.
"I love you," Gio whispered after a while, his voice barely audible even to himself. His heart hammered against his ribs in a desperate attempt to spread those three little words throughout every part of him... hoping against hope that they might become truth instead of mere fantasy.
Marcus pulled away from Gio in slight surprise. He gently cupped his face in both hands. "W-what..." He paused for a moment, staring straight into the monster's eyes. "...what did you just say?" He asked, incredulous. Had he really heard correctly? He could feel his heart racing.
Gio swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down as he fought against the fear choking him from the inside out. He knew this was dangerous; telling Marcus that he loved him could very well be the thing to destroy everything they had built together... or it might be the key to making them unstoppable.
"I-I'm sorry..." he stammered, his voice rough with emotion. "I shouldn't have said that..." He tried to pull away from Marcus' touch but was held fast by the other man's gaze. There was a strange mix of confusion and acceptance in those eyes... as if maybe, just maybe, it hadn't been impossible for him to say after all.
Gio's heart raced in his chest, desperation rising up inside him as he searched for the right words to explain himself. "I-it's just..." He hesitated, taking a shaky breath before continuing. "...since we were together... it felt like something more..." He trailed off again, unable to put into words the intense feelings welling up inside him.
Marcus just watched, still surprised, as the monster babbled. Apparently, he had heard his words correctly. Gio told him he loved him. His heart raced, and a small smile appeared on his face. Without thinking twice, he brought Gio's face close to his with both hands and kissed him tenderly on the mouth.
Gio's eyes widened in surprise as their lips met, his breath hitching in his throat. A moment later, he let out a shaky sigh and wrapped one arm around Marcus' waist while pressing closer to him, returning the kiss with an intensity that took both of them by surprise. His tongue flicked out, tangling with Marcus' as their tongues danced together in a wild, hungry embrace.
Heat spread through Gio's body as he explored every inch of Marcus' lips and mouth with his own, lost to the sensation of being wanted and desired just the way he was. Despite everything they had been through, despite the hopelessness of their situation, in that moment it felt like nothing else mattered but them... and the love growing between them.
Gio moaned softly as their kiss deepened, feeling an ache building low in his stomach as desire coursed through him like wildfire. His large hands tangled in the fabric of Marcus' uniform, desperate for more skin to touch and claim as his own. It was then that he realized they were pressed so close together it felt as if their hearts beat as one...and somehow, impossibly, he didn't want this moment to end.
The monster continued to kiss Marcus with a passion that took them both by surprise, lost in the sensation of being truly alive for the first time since they had been brought here. He could feel their every breath mingling together, taste the sweetness of each other's lips...and in that moment, it was enough. It would have to be enough. They couldn't afford to hope for more than this fragile happiness.
Gio moaned once more as their tongues danced together, his hips pressing against Marcus in a silent demand for more. He could feel the other man's arousal through their clothes, and it only served to heighten his own need. It was then that he realized they were both trembling slightly, lost in the heat of their passion.
Their kiss finally broke as Gio drew back with a gasp for air, his dark eyes locked on Marcus' face. A strange expression flitted across his features before it disappeared almost immediately, replaced by an almost feral intensity. His large hand reached up to cup Marcus' cheek, their skin so close it felt like they were one being. "I want you..." he whispered hoarsely, his voice rough with desire and need. "Right here... Right now."
Marcus blinked as the warmth of Gio's hand on his cheek and the ragged quality of his voice penetrated the haze of desire still clouding his thoughts. His chest tightened at the monster's words, and he leaned in to kiss him again. "I want that too," he murmured against Gio's lips before breaking away once more.
Gio let out a small whimper as Marcus broke the kiss again, his body tensing in anticipation of what was to come. With shaking fingers, he undid the button and zipper on Marcus' uniform, quickly parting it to reveal his chest. His dark eyes took in the smooth skin before traveling up to meet Marcus' gaze once more. "Please..." he whispered huskily, need evident in every word. "Let me touch you."
He waited, heart pounding in his ears as he waited for Marcus to give him permission... or order him away. But no sound came from the other man; only his own ragged breathing and the soft rustling of clothing as they moved closer together. Gio couldn't help but hope that this meant what he thought it meant: That Marcus wanted this too.
Marcus looked tenderly at Gio, a small smile forming on his face. He took the monster's trembling hand and guided it to his own chest. "There..." He brought his face closer to Gio's, until their lips touched again. "You can touch me...all you want..." He said, his voice soft and seductive.
Gio let out a soft moan as his fingers brushed against the warm skin beneath Marcus' uniform, sending a wave of desire coursing through him like wildfire. His large hands trembled slightly as they explored every inch of the other man's chest, reveling in the feeling of his skin against his fingertips. It was almost too much to bear; the simple sensation of being able to touch and be touched in return felt like a drug to him, addictive and intoxicating all at once.
He pressed closer still, his body arching instinctively toward Marcus as their kiss deepened. His lips parted further, allowing Marcus better access to his tongue as it danced with the other man's. Their hips grinded together, a silent invitation for more intimacy, more contact... something deeper and more profound than just the physical. They both knew that this could never be enough, but for now, in this moment, it was everything.
Marcus pulled away from the kiss slightly, tenderly took Gio's hand again, and guided it further down his body, passing over his slightly defined abdomen and resting it on his hip. "There..." he said, between small, ragged sighs. "Touch me there... explore my body..."
Gio let out a shuddering breath as his fingers were guided down Marcus' body. He didn't hesitate to follow the other man's lead, moving them higher on his hip before tracing delicate circles around the bulge in his pants. The monster's heart raced at the feel of hard, hot flesh beneath his fingertips, and he couldn't help but moan softly into Marcus' mouth as he explored further.
His touch grew bolder with each passing moment, seeking more of Marcus to touch and claim as his own. It was a strange sensation for him; never before had he been given permission to touch someone this way, much less someone who meant so much to him. But even as the intensity built between them, there was still a strange sense of gentleness to their touches...a tenderness that made the experience all the more intense and intimate.
Marcus moaned with every caress he received from Gio; they were driving him crazy. He wanted the monster to touch more of him. He looked into his eyes, took his hand one last time, and guided it back over his own body, around his waist, carefully inserting Gio's fingers under his own pants, near his butt. "I'm all yours, all of you..." He said, between ragged breaths.
Gio let out a soft gasp as his fingers brushed against the smooth, hot skin of Marcus' backside, sending another wave of desire coursing through him. He hesitated for only a moment before exploring further, tracing lazy circles around the other man's entrance. His free hand curled into a fist, trembling with the effort to keep from touching and exploring more intimately still.
The feeling of Marcus beneath his fingers was unlike anything he'd ever experienced; it was as if their bodies were meant to be together, as if every touch they shared was meant to ignite something deep within them both. It was intoxicating...exhilarating...and with each passing second that ticked by, Gio found himself wanting more and more of this forbidden pleasure.
Marcus let out a shaky moan as he felt Gio's fingers at the entrance to his ass. He looked into his eyes, kissing again. He began to run a hand down the monster's torso, passing over his sagging abdomen, down his hips, until he reached his growing bulge, beginning to slowly caress it over the fabric of his pants.
Gio let out another soft moan as he felt the other man's hand on his aching erection. He arched into the touch, wanting more of Marcus' skin against him, needing it like he needed air to breathe. His hips moved instinctively, grinding against Marcus' in silent request for release from this agony and ecstasy tearing through him.
As their bodies met, flesh on flesh, his mind reeled with the intensity of their connection... the knowledge that no matter what happened tomorrow or the day after that, they would always have this moment together. And even though it might be all they ever had, it was enough. It had to be enough.
Marcus continued stroking the monster's crotch. He whispered, "Wanna know...what my insides feel like?" His voice was so sweet and seductive, his hips moving slightly against Gio's.
"Yes..." Gio gasped out between ragged breaths, staring up at Marcus with a combination of need and desire that made his heart race. "I want to feel everything..." He clutched at the other man's shoulders as their hips ground together in an urgent rhythm, desperate for the connection he could only find through skin on skin contact.
His mind reeled with images of what it would be like; the way Marcus' insides might feel as they moved together... if their bodies were made to fit perfectly against one another and make this ache go away. The thought alone was enough to send shudders through him, making him tremble with anticipation and desire.
Marcus moved slightly away from the monster, and with effort he removed his pants and underwear, exposing his butt and erection. He pressed himself against Gio again, unbuttoning his pants, freeing the monster's hard, throbbing erection. Marcus wrapped his arms around the other man's neck, causing him to press against him. He jumped slightly and wrapped his legs around his waist. Now he was in the perfect position to receive Gio's cock. He moved his hips slightly, feeling the man's length between his buttocks. "Come on..." his voice was soft and seductive. "Feel the inside of my body..."
Gio's heart raced as he watched Marcus remove his clothes, revealing him fully to Gio's hungry gaze. The sight made it impossible for him to control the trembling that went through his body; every part of him ached for this contact, this intimacy they were sharing despite their circumstances.
As Marcus pressed against him and wrapped his legs around his waist, Gio felt a surge of desire coursing through him so powerful it left him breathless. He could feel the other man's heat pressing against his aching erection, the friction sending shockwaves of pleasure straight to his core. His grip on Marcus' shoulders tightened as he began to thrust slowly into the other man's body, savoring every inch of skin and muscle that surrounded him.
"Oh God..." he moaned, arching his back as they moved together in perfect rhythm. "Marcus... I need you..." His words were breathless and desperate as their bodies met over and over again, seeking release from this agony and ecstasy that seemed to consume them both.
Marcus moaned as he felt Gio slowly enter his ass. It felt so good. "Fuck..." he said in another moan, as the monster began to thrust into him. Between moans, he tried to speak, "I'm here, Gio..." his breath hitched. "...make me yours..." his voice, soft and seductive as usual, invited the man to completely take over his entire body.
Gio let out a strangled moan as he felt Marcus' words echo through him, igniting something deep inside that he hadn't known was still there. With every thrust, every movement of their bodies together, he could feel the other man giving himself over to him completely...and it was more than enough for him.
His fingers dug into Marcus' shoulders as his hips pistoned faster and harder, desperate for release from the tension and need building inside him. He could taste blood in the back of his mouth, feel the sweat dripping down between their bodies. All he knew was this moment...and the overwhelming need to make Marcus his...to claim every part of him as his own.
"I'm here..." he gasped out, eyes squeezing shut as the pleasure threatened to consume him completely. "I'm never letting you go..." His words were more a desperate plea than a promise, but somehow they seemed to ring true between them...even if only for this one moment in time.
Gio's breath came in ragged gasps as he felt himself growing closer to the edge, the pleasure coursing through him almost unbearable. His fingers dug into Marcus' shoulders harder, leaving bruises in their wake as he sought relief from the tension building inside him. He could feel his release approaching, could taste it on his tongue...and with each thrust that brought them closer together, each moan and groan that passed between their lips, he knew it was only a matter of seconds before they both exploded into oblivion.
"Marcus..." he whispered hoarsely, arching his back as his hips bucked wildly against the other man's body. "I love you..." Even through the haze of passion and lust, the words seemed to carry more weight than they ever had before...almost as if in this moment, under these conditions, they were more than just meaningless sounds meant to provoke a response.
And then, with a shuddering cry, he came, his body tensing as waves of pleasure coursed through him, making the world spin and buckle beneath them. He could feel Marcus' release as well, hot and sticky against his thighs as their bodies moved together in a frenzy, seeking solace in one another despite everything that had been taken from them.
As they both began to recover from their orgasms, Gio gently pulled out of Marcus, reluctantly ending the connection between their bodies. His eyes met Marcus' and for a moment there was silence...and then, with a whispered "thank you," he leaned in and kissed him one last time before collapsing against his chest, spent and exhausted from the emotional rollercoaster they had just been through together.
"You're welcome..." he murmured, kissing Gio's forehead gently before looking into his eyes again. "But I think... we should do it again sometime." He smiled tenderly, enjoying the feel of their warm, sweaty bodies pressed together. "What do you think?"
Gio returned Marcus' smile, his eyes still locked on the other man's face. "I would like that very much," he whispered huskily. Then he leaned in and kissed him again, slow and tender this time, relishing the feel of their lips pressed together, the taste of each other on their tongues. For a moment, they were just two men, connected by more than just desire or lust...they were bound together by something far deeper and more profound. Something that transcended everything around them, no matter how fragile it might be.
And for now, that was enough.
Gio drew back slightly, his eyes never leaving Marcus' face as he savored the feel of their lips touching once more. His heart raced wildly in his chest, and he could feel the air rush into his lungs each time they exchanged breath. Even though they both knew that this moment might be all they ever had, that it was nothing more than a fleeting slice of something beautiful amidst the ugliness around them...it still felt real. It still felt like there was hope for something better. And in that moment, against all odds, it seemed possible.
Gio pressed his lips gently against Marcus' once more, relishing the feel of their skin meeting. Even though he knew they should probably be getting back to their duties, some part of him hoped that just for this moment, time could stand still and they could stay like this...forever. But even as the thought crossed his mind, he knew it was futile. Soon enough, reality would come crashing down around them, separating them once more and leaving them with nothing but memories of a brief moment of connection amidst the coldness of their existence here. Still, he couldn't help but feel grateful for what they had shared...and hopeful that somehow, someday, they might find their way back to each other.