A/N: Little piece of scene from an old, long-discarded project, that I thought stood okay on its own. Not exactly sure if it does. So, let me know what you think. Is it okay as a standalone? More information needed? Want it continued? Only time will tell. In the meantime.. feedback? Pwease?

Scene: Natalia and Skye

SKYE is on the couch, looking through the open window at the moon, which is striking. A peaceful silence stretches over the tiny dorm-like apartment—everyone else is asleep in their rooms.

NATALIA stirs from her sleeping bag on the floor. She begins to thrash and mutter, caught in a nightmare. Skye jumps up and hurries to her side, shakes her awake.

Skye: Natalia? Come on, man, it’s just a dream, wake up…

Natalia jerks awake. She catches sight of Skye and visibly relaxes.

Skye: You okay?

Natalia: Y-yes. I had a n-nightmare. About one of the t-times they p-p-p—

Skye: Hey, it’s okay. You don’t have to talk about it.

Natalia lets out a relieved breath.

Natalia: Thank you. I’m g-going to get a g-glass of milk.

She extricates herself from her sleeping bag and goes to the kitchen. Skye stands there for a moment, sighs, and goes back to her spot on the couch. Natalia returns with a glass of water. She takes a sip, and leaves it on a table, catching sight of the moon.

Natalia: Wow. It’s b-beautiful.

Skye: Yeah, I know. (Remembering herself somewhat) Hey, man, sit down. (She shifts a little to make room on the couch. Natalia sits and looks out the window.)

Natalia: They didn’t have w-windows where I w-w-went. I m-m-missed the m-m-m— (She takes a deep breath and forces herself to start over.) I missed the moon.

Skye, horrified: Natalia…

She is lost for words. Almost reflexively, she reaches out a hand to Natalia and begins to stroke her hair. Natalia moves towards Skye and leans slightly back into her; Skye pulls her the rest of the way back, wrapping her arms around her. Natalia sighs contentedly.

Natalia: I didn’t think there would be a moon in Purgatory. But it is so… beautiful.(She is now speaking more confidently, without a stutter)

Skye doesn’t respond for a moment, running a hand down Natalia’s hair again.

Skye: You’re beautiful.

Natalia: W-what?

Skye: N-nothing.

They both go back to staring at the moon.

Skye, abruptly: I think I’m in love with you.

Skye is worried she’s said the wrong thing or messed something up. Natalia turns slowly to face Skye, and they hold each other’s eyes for a long moment. Then, Natalia turns back around and settles back into Skye’s arms.

Blackout.