Chapter Text
Jack saw the warm light from the desk lamp, which made it easier for Lizzie to see her homework late at night. He was sitting on his bed. His phone in his hand. The outline of the dark rectangle caressed his fingers as he listened to music through his headphones, his thoughts circled over his new surroundings. He let his gaze wander around the room and could see the many colours, lights and shapes dancing through.
He could see Lizzie's outline as she leaned forward to write on the paper in front of her. It had been a few weeks since he first noticed that he could tell the difference between light and dark. Since the familiar darkness no longer accompanied him and his vision had steadily improved. He could now make out the outlines of people and the newly gained sight suddenly enabled him to look at certain things in a different way. In his mind were now certain situations and specific people, like when he felt Rayane's breath on his lips as he got closer to him and when the moment of closeness was so violently broken by his mother interrupting them.
Jack thought a lot about Rayane. Probably a little bit
too much, but nothing he would ever admit in front of others. It was like a little secret, one of many, that he now carried with him. He was never one to have a lot of friends, hang out at parties, or stay up late. Jack was quiet, even shy and above all he was one thing: an introvert. Rayane was the first person he let look inside. He did it so naturally that Jack felt he could trust him with his deepest thoughts. Aside from Lizzie, who perhaps knew him better than anyone, it was now Rayane who felt his inner pain. He was the one who felt pain himself and in a way it connected them. Like two souls that were previously lost and now find peace in each other. At least that's how Jack felt.
His thoughts were soon interrupted by a loud notification on his phone and Jack lowered his head to see the message. It had happened automatically and yet despite his eyes Jack could only see the blurred outline of it.
‘Voicemail from Rayane‘ his phone's voice rang in his ears. The sudden movement of his hands ripped the headphones off his head. He wasn't about to start the voicemail before putting his headphones back on, so as not to disturb Lizzie with her homework, but when he tried to pause the music on his phone for a moment, he accidentally tapped it and the voicemail played itself.
"Hey Jack. You know when I asked you to go to the amusement park with me to cut the lines? You know what? I have some Disneyland tickets for this weekend. I'd love to go with you if you'd like," said Rayane's voice from the voice message Jack was hearing. His voice reflected some uncertainty and Jack smiled a little at the thought of going to Disneyland with Rayane. It was tempting. A day alone with Rayane. Laughing together, screaming and being close to each other. The thought made Jack's stomach tingle and a warm feeling spread through his body, making his face light up into a bright smile.
"Disneyland? Wow, his ideas are great. Did he forget that you can't see any of it? How thoughtless of him,” Lizzie said in a mocking tone. Jack could hear the irony in her voice from miles away and he couldn’t wrap his head around the hatred of Lizzie towards him. For Jack he was actually more than just a thoughtless person. He was caring. Someone who would do anything to make other people happy. Someone who would give all his love away for the right person. And someone who was more on the inside than you could see from the outside.
"I would like to do that. What day would you suggest?” Jack ignored Lizzie and answered his voice message by tapping his phone and speaking into it.
It didn't take long for a voice message to come back. "Saturday.. We could take the train to Paris and spend the night so we'd have all day," Rayane said in an excited voice, making Jack smile even more.
"We were planning to go out to dinner with the family on Saturday," Lizzie said unbothered while writing something down. Jack could hear the pencil scraping across her paper. His smile disappeared for a moment, but after re-prioritizing the weekend in his head he found his smile again.
"Okay.. You don't need me for that. We'll see each other all day. Mom will understand," Jack said in an happy voice and Lizzie didn't answered, leaving Jack thinking about spending more time alone with Rayane.
Jack leaned back. His head now rested on the pillow and his eyes fixed at the ceiling. A dim light from the desk lamp accompanied his view and danced through the darkness as his fingers brushed over the soft fabric of his covers while he thought about him.
Rayane was driving him crazy. He knew what his feelings were for him, even if he tried to suppress them. They were deep and accompanied him on his journey of healing that had began after meeting him. Rayane saw him. The real Jack. The one that was in a plane crash and lost his sight. The one that suffered, but also was longing for some normality.
And finally Jack was the center of someone’s attention while waiting so long to meet a person, who would do exactly what Rayane did. Making him smile, giving him all of the emotions he was feeling. Giving him happiness and gratitude. Rayane encouraged him to live his life like no other, and how could he not fall in love after all he did? Rayane was his savior. Not just some crush he had before. This time it was deeper. This time Rayane had gotten under his skin. He slipped into Jack‘s heart and left it aching just for him.
Rayane and Jack talked about the details at school and by the time it was Saturday he was so excited he could barely eat. For Jack, it wasn't just a meeting between friends at Disneyland. Rather, it was an opportunity to experience something different. For Jack Disneyland was something he associated with bright smiles. A magical place to be happy. To forget all worries and problems for a day. At least that was what Jack planned to do.
The doorbell rang as he was sitting at the breakfast table and when he heard the sound of it he jumped up immediately. The excitement was written all over his face.
„I need to go. Love you.. Bye,“ he told his mother who was eating early breakfast with him. He didn’t even waited for a reply as he grabbed his bag and left. He was actually so happy to spend the whole day and a night with Rayane. And with Rayane only. No family, no students or classmates. The wild beating of his heart accompanied his thoughts and made him realize how much joy he was actually feeling with it.
"Hey blindie!" Rayane greeted him happily in front of his door and grabbed his arm to lead him to the car because Karim would drive them to the station. Jack smiled back and greeted Karim as soon as they got into the back of the car together.
"Thanks for driving us to the station. We are more than grateful!" Jack said while trying to turn his head in Karim's direction, but the bright light of the morning sun in the car hid his outlines well. Instead he had now positioned himself comfortably in the seat and fastened himself with the seatbelt as Karim drove off.
"No problem. Rayane worked on me for so long and I just couldn't say no," he answered and Jack could hear the friendly smile in his voice.
"Ok, actually it didn't take long to persuade you. But yeah, thanks!" Rayane laughed and Jack could hear it all day. That natural husky laugh, that would light up Jack's world just for a moment. He could picture his smile in his head. A genuine one, showing his white teeth and his eyes crinkle at the corners from laughter.
„Are you ready for this trip?" he asked happily.
"I am ready," Jack said and Rayane got out of the car as soon as they arrived Karim found a place to stop.
He heard quick footsteps approaching him briskly and soon felt Rayane's hand grab his arms after opening the car door for Jack to help him out. Rayane was careful with him and they soon walked towards the train that was leaving just in a few minutes. They didn’t even had to wait a long time because the train arrived a little after they were dropped off by Karim.
On their little trip to Paris they mainly talked about school or Karim's job in the police force, which was a really interesting topic because both of them were already involved with police investigation.
A little touch of Rayane’s hand landed on him every now and then as Rayane talked. Nothing what could’ve meant more, just a quick brush of his fingertips on Jack‘s leg or shoulder to make sure he‘s okay. But for Jack it meant the world.
After they arrived in Paris and left their things in the hotel room, they went straight to the park.
When Rayane saw the big sign of Disneyland, he grabbed Jack's shoulder with a firm grip. „We're here.. are you excited?“ Rayane asked with an excited voice, his hands still touching him.
„Oh, you don‘t know how ready I am,“ Jack said in an teasing voice. If Rayane only knew how his heart was skipping beats for him.
Rayane led Jack to the check-in, and after Rayane insisted on leading him through the park by his arm, without his cane, they walked closely and Jack imagined what his reflection would look like right now. Jack hooked in Rayane's elbow. Their bodies close together so that Jack could already smell Rayane's perfume. A hint of sandalwood and he absorbed it as much as he could. Their closeness was almost unnecessary, but it gave him confidence and a familiarity he hadn't known before he met Rayane.
Jack saw the many shapes of people as they walked through the entrance into the park. Children's laughter and screams that were in the air accompanied him and he couldn‘t hide the big smile on his face after feeling the little squeeze of Rayane‘s fingers on his arm. He was grateful to be there with him and he could feel the happiness of Disneyland take a hold of him.
„We‘re walking through the main street and it looks like an American town with little stores left and right,“ Rayane began to describe for Jack. His voice a little childish and Jack thought about how happy his face must’ve looked just now.
Once again Jack felt that tingling in his stomach. The feeling of finally having someone who cares about him deeply. Even in his blindness Rayane tries his best to visualize everything so that he doesn't miss anything and Jack‘s heart couldn’t feel fuller of love as they walked through the streets of the magical kingdom.
Jack stopped for a moment to take in the impressions. He heard the loud laughter of people around him. The children's giggles. He smelled the sweet smell of freshly baked pastries that a light breeze of wind carried towards them. The sun wasn't strong yet, but Jack felt the light sunrays that the day offered on his reddened cheeks while Rayane waited close to him until they went on.
"So, what do we do first? We've got Frontierland to our left with a roller coaster and a haunted house, Adventureland and Discoveryland.. We can skip Fantasyland because there are definitely too many princesses in there and they’re kinda scary,“ Rayane laughed nervously.
"How about we start with Frontierland. I feel like starting this day with a bit action," Jack laughed at his own choice of words.
"Ok. Somebody's in a pretty good mood there. Frontierland it is..," Rayane laughed and led him to the first roller coaster by his arm. The waiting line wasn’t that long and after a short stop they could walk right into the roller coaster.
"Ok, you can sit here. We’re on the front row. You‘ll be save, but prepare to be thrown around," Rayane announced after they took their places.
"Wow ok, I will prepare myself," Jack laughed while Rayane helped him sit securely in his seat. His hands guided his when the safety barrier of the seat was lowered and Jack felt the tingling in them with every touch.
The loud sound of the starting signal soon rang out and with a short jolt forward they now drove with a brisk pace straight into the darkness. Jack felt the tingling in his chest from all the adrenaline and soon he heard Rayane out of all the screaming people next to him as they were thrown forward in their seats and back again. The loud sound made Jack laugh hysterically and while the wind blew in his face and his hair fluttered, he had to squeeze his eyes. The roller coaster didn't last too long and Jack enjoyed the last rush of adrenaline for the duration of the ride.
"You alright?" Rayane asked in a worried voice after they arrived back on steady grounds. His hair a little blown out by the wind.
"I think you were really scared. I could hear you scream from miles away,” Jack laughed wildly by answering Rayane's question.
“No, no, no. You are wrong. Those were screams of joy! ..Weren’t you scared?“ Rayane asked to distract from himself.
„Didn’t you hear me laughing? I obviously wasn’t,“ Jack giggled. He actually wasn't scared. Maybe it was because he couldn't see what it looked like or maybe it was because Rayane was by his side and made him feel safe.
„Ok.. so another roller coaster then?“ Rayane asked and bumped playfully his shoulder into Jack‘s. He could feel his cheeks redden as he smiled broadly back at Rayane. This day was clearly like a visit in heaven for Jack.
„Count me in!“ Jack said with a joyful voice, taking in the feeling of Rayane‘s slight touches on his skin.
"As you wish!" Rayane laughed and led Jack to the next roller coaster while he felt the warmness in his chest. Not just adrenaline, but more a safe feeling of finally doing normal things again and not missing out another moment of his life because of his (almost) blindness.
[Rayane's pov:]
Rayane had been nervous after sending Jack the voice message. He had pre-formulated it several times, but he had erased them and re-recorded them again and again. He was dying to spend time with Jack and had always been looking for an excuse to get him away from school and have him to himself.
He had taken a big risk with the tickets. He'd spent a little of his savings to buy them, not knowing if Jack even wanted to go. But when Jack said he was coming, Rayane was over the moon. The tingling in his chest had steadily increased and his attempts to ignore it had failed miserably. Rayane knew what he was feeling. That Jack was more to him than just a friend. Making him a better person without even trying. Their connection was special and Rayane appreciated having someone in his life who would accept him for who he was. Who asked no questions but sought answers. Someone who exuded the calm he needed in his turbulent life. For Rayane, Jack was the pure light that drew him towards as he walked at the end of a dark tunnel.
Rayane wanted to make Jack happy. Maybe it was even a bit selfish because when Jack was happy, Rayane was happy too.
As they made their way to the next roller coaster, Rayane reflected on that first ride at Disneyland and how free he'd felt. The emotions had overwhelmed him and while he looked at Jack he was looking forward to their time together. To the many moments they would experience while walking through the park and enjoy each other’s company.
Once there, Rayane immediately noticed the long line in front of the entrance. "Ok. We may have a problem. It's already a long line.. I'll ask the staff if there are any possibilities of skipping it, your blindness must also have advantages," he joked and after saying it out loud he was a bit afraid of being intrusive, but when he saw the big grin on Jack's face he knew it was ok for Jack.
"Act blindly!" Rayane said jokingly as he left him alone at the sidewalk and walked over to one of the employees.
"Hey, me and my friend would like to ride the roller coaster. He is blind and it's very tiring for him to stand in the crowd. Is there a way to get on it quicker?" he asked with a serious face.
The clerk looked at Jack and then nodded in agreement when she noticed how awkwardly he was standing there, his gaze fixed on the ground.
"Sure. We'll manage that.. follow me and I'll let you in front!" she answered with a genuine smile and led the two through the entrance.
Jack clung to Rayane's arm as the attendant led them past the long crowd.
"It was a great idea, Rayane. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way and wait in line for hours.. I could hear the line of people go until the front of the entrance," Jack whispered happily and Rayane's heart jumped a little.
Jack's encouragement settled in his heart, leaving a cozy feeling in there. He wanted to lift Jack up a little. After he saw what happened in the schools bathroom, Rayane thought a lot about taking Jack to a happy place and now it was time. Disneyland was the happiest place he could've imagined for Jack to think about anything but his blindness.
After a short walk Rayane helped Jack into his roller coaster seat. This time it was a bit higher and there were some loopings in it, but nothing Jack would be scared of. Jack was brave, like Rayane imagined him to be.
When both of them sat on the roller coaster Rayane could feel the excitement raging. The familiar tingling in his stomach before it started, just the thought of feeling the adrenaline again and enjoying the moment with Jack made him happy.
Before the roller coaster went off, Rayane started to describe his surroundings for Jack.
"OK. So we're about 20 meters up. We can see the whole park. There is water below us and people look like little ants from up here," Rayane laughed as he described further. "This time we have loopings and you should know that afterwards we probably are having a bad headache from driving with this one because I could already see it is REALLY fast!“ Rayane emphasized further.
"Thank you for doing this, Rayane!" Jack said in a warm tone and Rayane could feel his heartbeat fasten as his raspy voice echoed through the air.
Rayane just smiled and didn't answer. He touched Jack's hand to tell him he was still with him. But the touch didn't last long, because as soon as he took Jack's warmth in his hand he felt the tingling and at the same time he was afraid to be too pushy and quickly pulled his hand away. Already a few days ago he had gone too far and almost kissed Jack. He wanted it so bad it hurt when they were interrupted by Jack's mother. He didn't want to kiss Jack without being sure that he wanted it too, and with his blindness it was difficult to announce something that you hardly dared to put into words.
Rayane closed his eyes as the roller coaster made its way down the tracks and he pushed away the thoughts of Jack and his need for closeness as the rush of adrenaline washed over him. The tingling in his stomach no longer because he was thinking about Jack, but much more because a feeling of freedom broke through him. He looked at Jack and saw him smile. The wind blew wildly through his hair and what started out so calm quickly turned into gusts of wind that burned Rayane's face. His body was pressed into the hard seat shells as they traversed the first loop and while he heard Jack's laughter ring out beside him, only screams escaped from his own throat. He wasn't sure if it was the fear or the joy, but he didn't care. The freedom of having Jack next to him made him feel more secure than ever.
“That was great.. roller coasters are always so much fun. What do we want to do next?” Jack asked afterwards, grinning widely. Rayane was happy that he was able to put a smile on Jack's face with this short trip, but his throat was now hurting from screaming the whole time.
"I'd be up for a little snack and a short break," Rayane answered honestly with his raspy voice. He already had breakfast, but the roller coasters had turned his insides out so many times that he felt like he had lost everything along the way.
"OK. A little snack won’t hurt,” Jack smiled at him and Rayane threw his arm around his shoulders and led him back to Main Street to buy something to eat and drink.
While he let Jack wait outside, he walked into the small shops. He bought them two croissants and something to drink and just as he was about to walk back to Jack he spotted the typical Mickey Mouse ears that were known at Disneyland. He couldn't resist buying one for Jack before returning to him.
"Hey. I have croissants and a hot chocolate for you. Also, I have water and this…” Rayane said and carefully put Mickey Mouse's ears on Jack's head while he pushed the other things into his hands.
“What is it?“ Jack asked curious as Rayane placed it.
„It‘s a need!“ Rayane laughed and he could see Jack‘s hands feeling the ears on his head. A wide smile burned on his face as he brushed Rayane’s hand to say thank you.
"OK. Now that I have some, where are yours?” Jack asked him while he let his fingers carefully wander over Rayane’s hair. The sudden touch made Rayane move back a bit, but as soon as he knew his innocent intentions he moved a little forward, grabbing Jack’s hands to connect into his instead.
„I don‘t have one,“ Rayane answered his question honestly. He didn’t thought about buying himself a pair too. He just wanted one for Jack.
„No. That’s not gonna happen.. I will buy you some and you need to lead me the way to the next shop right now,“ he demanded while he giggled and Rayane could only stare at him. His hands caressing Jack‘s. The soft skin of his palm felt good under the touch of Rayane’s thumbs as he brushed over it. He could do it all day. Just them holding hands as if it were nothing, but actually it wasn‘t nothing. It was like a explosion of little fireworks in Rayane’s chest as they linked their hands again and he would hold on to it forever if it wasn’t weird after holding it for too long. Instead, Jack's hand went into the crook of his arm to lead him to the nearest shop.
“Well.. here are some of the ears. You can just choose one so we can go and eat finally our croissants,“ Rayane said. He was a little impatient while waiting for Jack to find the right Mickey mouse ears for him.
"Hey. How about that?” Jack asked, holding up a pair of sparkling glittery purple ears and Rayane watched him.
„Hell no. That one is way too shiny. It‘s sparkling all over. No way I‘m gonna wear that one,“ Rayane insisted. If he would wear a pair of ears it wouldn’t sparkle the hell out of him.
“Okaaay.. but you should know that adding a little glitter to your life would make you REALLY happy. I bet you would look hot with it,“ Jack laughed at his own remark and Rayane accompanied him with giggles.
“Thank you for saying I would look hot. I really appreciate it, but no. I‘ll pass on this one,“ he snorted.
“What a shame… how about this one?“ Jack interrupted himself and held up a pair of ears. They were the same ones Rayane bought some minutes ago.
“Okay. It‘s a good choice. We should go pay them now because I finally want to eat something,“ Rayane said and pushed his body carefully forwards as to make him leave.
Once there, they stopped to let the other people pay in front of them. Jack turned slightly and then almost tripped over a shelf that was standing next to him.
“Shit.. Oh.. What’s that?“ Jack asked him curiously when he suddenly held a small stuffed animal in his hand he inadvertently had picked up from the shelf.
“This is Stitch.. From the movie Lilo and Stitch. Do you know it? I loved it as a kid," Rayane smiled at him.
“Yes, of course I know Lilo and Stitch.. I‘ll buy it for you then,“ Jack grinned at him, holding onto the little stuffed animal as he greeted the cashier at the checkout to pay for his purchases.
Both of them were sitting outside the shop in a little less crowded area to eat their croissants and after Jack had finished his he picked up the mickey mouse ears he bought and put them carefully on Rayane’s head while smiling at him with a mischevious grin on his lips. He was so close that Rayane could feel his breath on his. The smell of chocolate laid in the air as Rayane locked eyes with Jack.
“I‘m sure we‘re looking cute with these ears,“ Jack said while he tried to sound positive but sadness was written all over his face and Rayane’s heart suddenly grew heavy. Jack couldn't see and Rayane couldn't bear the thought of Jack feeling bad about something he couldn't control.
“I‘ll take a picture and when you get your sight back, I'll show you!" Rayane tried to cheer him up while he laid his hand on his shoulder, his touch was gentle and affectionate, a slow and deliberate movement to sooth and comfort him.
Rayane took a picture while a soft breeze caressed his face. As he looked at it afterwards he could see Jack‘s slight smile. They looked good together, both with Mickey mouse ears that were matching. The stuffed animal in Rayane’s hand. In the background green grass with neatly arranged flowers that bloomed in all sorts of colors while the sun was leaving it‘s golden rays on their faces. It couldn‘t be more perfect. A warm feeling went through him. It was a beautiful, raw moment that he captured for eternity.
After a couple more roller coasters and a visit at the haunted house at the end of the park (and a couple more screams at the top of Rayane’s lungs while walking through it), they decided to eat something as it was already getting late and the end of the day was near. The attractions were already closing because the fireworks would be shown at the disney castle in just a few minutes.
“The day was really.. really cool. Thanks for taking me with you," Jack said as they walked towards the castle after dinner.
“Oh.. it‘s really nothing..,“ Rayane answered somewhat ashamed. He didn't want to admit that he planned all this just for Jack.
“No. I mean it. You really are nice and caring and I really appreciate what you do for me,“ Jack brushed his hand with a quick movement and a little tingling flared up in his chest.
This day was a hell of a ride for Rayane, and not just because of the roller coasters. All day they were touching each other at every possible occasion. Brushing each other. Longing looks and blushed cheeks accompanied him with every step he made and with every look he dared to leave on Jack. It was clear to him what he was feeling and he knew somewhat that Jack must‘ve felt something too, but as they were now standing in front of the castle, an epitome of love and happiness, he was too afraid to make a move. This day was perfect in Rayane‘s eyes, and he would do nothing to make it less. Jack‘s bright smile was enough for him to push his feelings inside and enjoy the life he could live right now. A life without sorrows, he was used to for a very long time. Instead it was a life with happiness. A life with Jack by his side.
[Jack‘s pov:]
Jack enjoyed the day with Rayane. He finally felt normal again. His blindness had faded into the background as they laughed and joked together all day long. He saw the darkness slowly settling and the many people in front of him waiting together for the fireworks that were about to start in a few moments.
He and Rayane stood sideways to the crowd of people, their eyes fixed on the castle in anticipation. Jack felt Rayane touch his arm as a warmth swept through him late in the evening, even despite the light breeze. The warmth that always flooded through him when Rayane was close. A sense of security and a slight tingling in his chest accompanied the feeling.
As the first lights appeared in the sky Jack could hear the crowd gasping. He himself only saw the colors and the many small and bright spots in the sky, but it was enough to know that what he saw there was breathtakingly beautiful. The music was ringing in his ears and he had to close his eyes for a moment because the many moments from the Disney movies out of his childhood were playing before his eyes. The many evenings he had spent with his family and the lightheartedness he had felt returned. Being a kid again, Jack thought, that would be nice. To feel free, to have no responsibility and not being judged if you make mistakes.
Jack opened his eyes. He thought of his future and what he saw in it filled his eyes with shallow tears. He didn't know what made him suddenly so emotional, but he knew that he wanted to tell Rayane what had been on the tip of his tongue for weeks now.
"I can see again, Rayane," Jack smiled hesitantly. He had blurted it out and at first he wanted to take it back. Rayane's face surprised, but unemotional until the emotions set in.
"Wow. That's great, Jack!” Rayane's smile grew. First a little twitch of the corners of his mouth, but it quickly developed into a grin that dug deep into Jack's heart.
Jack didn't move. He just stared into the distance, some light from the street lamps showing it was getting dark.
"It's not much yet, but I can see shapes and colors.. I wanted to tell you before, but I was afraid it's just my imagination.. my mother knows, she found out recently, but you … you're the first one I wanted to tell,” Jack broke out of his frozen state and shifted his weight from one leg to the other. He was nervous about his reaction. His heartbeat was getting out of pace.
"I.. I don't even know what to say.. I'm so happy for you," Rayane said, taking a step closer and finally took Jack's hands in his. Warmth enveloped him and the tingling spread throughout his body. Rayane pulled him closer and slipped one arm from Jack's hands to his waist. The touch was innocent. Careful, but yet so heavy against his body. As if every finger would sink into him. Rayane brushed his fingers from Jack’s waist over to his back. Goosebumps spread over him. A fire of emotion engulfed him as he waited for what would happen next.
Rayane approached with his face. At first Jack thought he was going to lean in and kiss him, but his face brushed his cheek in a gentle motion that made Jack close his eyes. He was sure his heart had stopped beating by now as he felt Rayane's curls tickling his cheek. A quick smile curled his lips as he heard the evening's fireworks continue rising in the background while the fireworks inside him had been blazing long before.
"Thanks. Thank you for confiding in me. It means a lot to me,” Rayane whispered in Jack's ear. A deep tingling in his stomach that filled him with life.
"YOU mean a lot to me," Jack whispered back. His cheek brushed against Rayane's to show him how deeply his words touched him.
Rayane didn't move and so they just stood there. Amidst the crowd of people watching the fireworks, and when Jack opened his eyes and looked up at the sky, he saw the multitude of colored lights illuminating the sky. No moment could have been more perfect than this one. The feeling of connectedness, in a sea of feelings. Surrounded by strangers amidst the darkness and the many lights in the sky, Jack could not have imagined anything more beautiful than being held by Rayane. For Jack, these touches were more than just an encouragement for a special moment. It was much more. It was an intimacy that not even a kiss could have given him. It was the feeling of being loved without ever having to use words. It was the feeling of being desired without feeling his lips on his. It was an unspoken acknowledgment of their infinite bond, between two souls who had found each other. Two souls that healed each other.