Cameron was disgusted. Well, disgusted may have been a strong word; he looked out the window and saw the two of them canoodling. Nope, he was disgusted all right. Sighing, he tried to focus his attention on the kids. Can he please go to work already? he thought. He got it, newlyweds lived in their own world, but could they please keep that world to themselves? He startled when he heard the door open and Zas walked in to grab his things for work. 

“Off to work?” Cameron asked. The children let out little squeals of happiness and rushed Zas all at once. After he finished hugging and kissing the little ones he nodded. Then grabbed his stuff and walked out the door.

 

 

Cameron and Ezza had the kids and the dog wrangled into the general living room areas, happily playing when a rapid, light knock in sequence sounded on the door. Ezza looked up in curiosity, as Cameron leapt up from where he was sitting and rushed to answer it. It was the networks urgency signal, something was happening.

Cameron opened the door with a belied calm, laziness he didn’t feel. On the door step stood Akira. He smiled at Cameron and asked politely if he could come in. He tried to message Cameron with his eyes. Cameron stood back with a small nod.

When Akira came into the family room, Nigel Su smiled and got up and ran to Cameron, waving shyly from behind his legs he started running back to the family nook. Akira watched him as he ran away, a smile on his face.

“He truly is a beautiful child Cameron.” Akira said as he turned back. Looking around he spotted Ezza, and gave her a greeting. She nodded back with a smile and went back to playing with the children.

“So, what brings you to my doorstep.” Cameron asked.

“Nothing, I just thought I’d visit. Oh, I brought that list of songs you couldn’t figure out at the wedding. I know it’s been awhile but with work being so busy, I just haven’t had the time.” Akira said handing Cameron a small slip of paper.  Cameron took the slip and glanced at. He lost his composure for a moment feigning surprise.

“Thanks, I’d almost forgotten about it.” Cameron said. He pocketed it. 

“Did you wanna stay and play?” He asked, a slight tremble in his voice. Akira smiled and shook his head.

“I’d love to but I’m afraid I can’t. I just thought I’d spread a little sunshine in your day. I know it doesn’t mean much, but I did love you. I hope you and the boy find happiness Cameron. You too Ezza, you and your family.” Akira smiled as Cameron nodded and looked away, his eyes shimmering. Ezza looked at Akira in confusion, she wasn’t sure what was happening, but it felt wrong to her.

“Ezza, you’ve been found. They scouted you at the one festival. Su didn’t think they’d left, he’s continued the search. You need to leave.” Akira was gasping for breath by the last sentence. He had known this would be painful, but knowing and feeling were two totally different things.

“Black ground 2335.” He managed to gasp out. Then with a final twinge he felt his heart collapse in on itself.