"This....this is not what I always wanted, I just wanted us to be safe and happy. Do you need this break? If it's for you I'll do it. But you'll have to promise you'll never leave my side, there will be people that will try to hurt you as soon as you are not on the top anymore, and I'll prove to you that I'll never betray you.."

Rose places her warm hands on your cheeks. She stares into your eyes with an amorous look before closing them and gently pressing her lips against yours. Your tongue and hers press against one another for a moment. Rose speaks,

"It's alright. This is for me. I do need a break from this.. When I was down by the river earlier it just made me realize how much stress I've been under. I felt like I've always had be strong no matter what. I've been so terrified to trust, and to show weakness."

Rose leans herself against you,

"But I want to trust you. And I want to be able to let my guard down around you."

"I wouldn't be Z1 for any one else Rose. Leadership is what will bring me closer to you but command is yours. I'll do it for you. Because of you. I hope it will help me help you."

Rose kisses you on the cheek. Her arm wrapped around your waist.

"I'll take you at your word then. I was under the impression everyone wanted to be Z1. Maybe that's not the case.."

"It's not. Maybe there are others who would be more hasty about taking your offer. But I at least never wanted that. Like I said, I just wanted us to be safe and happy. Sure it sucks when I don't have any power, but that doesn't mean I want to be at the top barking orders either."

"I see.."

Cabella walks over to the two of you.

"I uh.. I couldn't help but overhear a lot of what you said."

Rose looks down,

"Will you betray me then?"

Cabella nods no.

"Never. You've been a great help to me, you and Thorn both. I might not agree with the current order, but you're my friend, and there are far worse people who could be at the top."

Rose seems sad at that,

"I'm not so sure about that."

Musette is still in the tent warming up under blankets. Cabella calls out,

"Are you sure you don't wanna join us out by the fire?"

Shortly after Musette walks out in a blanket. She shivers sitting next to Cabella. Cabella wraps her arm around Musette. Musette seems surprised at this. Cabella seems happy,

"There see? Nice and warm."

Musette smiles a bit,

"I didn't think I'd meet another wealthy girl like myself."

Cabella speaks,

"Yeah, it's nice. But like I said, I'm not proud of it. A lot of people hear rich girl and think I'm spoiled. And.. Maybe to their credit I probably am.."

You remark,

"Aww come on, don't you start dragging yourself down too. Let's all try to be happy and just.. I dunno chill out."

Bits of rain are sprinkling down but the fire doesn't diminish. Jill and Britney return. They place the dry wood inside the tent.