Pain

Seated on the couch, River, Finn, Sage and Cove delved into a discussion about Han's visit. Finn, cool and composed, described Han's kindness to them.

"I hope this means this nightmare is about to end", Cove exclaimed, his optimism soaring as he clung to the presence of a benevolent adult.

River's expression grew pensive, his voice tinged with a touch of realism. "I don't think so. He advised we stay here and wait, and you know, when an armed guy with a gas mask comes and checks if you're okay, it probably means the situation is not the best", he reasoned. Cove's hope began to falter, replaced by a flicker of disappointment.

Sage reached out and placed a comforting hand on Cove's shoulder, offering an encouraging smile. "It will be over eventually. In the meantime, we have food, water, a safe place and new friends", he reassured. Cove returned the smile, though a touch of uncertainty remained.

Breaking the silence, Finn interjected. "Han also gave us a newspaper, but I think it's fair we wait until we're all together to read it." The group nodded in agreement. Finn put the white bag the man gave him on one of the kitchen's counters without opening it.

"Cove, I'm actually going to take a shower this time. Are you joining me?" Sage asked, holding the clean clothes in his lap.

Concern flickered across Cove's face as he noticed the slight furrow in Sage's brow. "Are you feeling alright?" he inquired, his worry evident.

Sage nodded, a gentle smile gracing his lips. "I just have a bit of a headache, but I'm sure it'll fade away after a shower", he reassured.

"I'm sure there's some aspirin in the meds they gave us. Why don't you take some?" Cove suggested, his concern lingering.

Sage giggled. "If I wasted the few medicines we have on a light headache, I think Raven would kill me for real", he teased. "But really, it's not worth it. I simply want to freshen up and change into clean clothes", he explained calmly.

Cove nodded, understanding Sage's perspective. Excusing themselves, they made their way to the spacious locker room that preceded the showers.

River and Finn remained on the couch in companionable silence for a few moments. Breaking the quiet, River let out a small chuckle.

"Well, that was intense. I almost peed my pants when I saw him up there", he admitted with a playful grin.

Finn laughed softly, his gaze meeting River's. "At least now we have some help from the outside world", he remarked, a note of relief evident in his voice. Han's presence really comforted them, and the wild journey they were on suddenly felt a bit less scary.

River settled back on the couch, his posture relaxed. A contemplative expression crossed his face as he continued their conversation. " We've been, like, besties here and we still don't know anything about each other. What was your life like before ending up here?" he asked Finn, his curiosity genuine.

Finn looked surprised by the question for a moment, but he kept his kind and friendly smile. It was like the world outside, the real stuff, and the strange situation they were in at that moment were totally different things that shouldn't have been mixed.

"I come from a big family. We live on St. Elias Street", Finn began.

"St. Elias Street?" River echoed, eyebrows raised in surprise. In just a few words, he learned two new things about Finn: he came from a big family, and he was most likely very poor.

Finn chuckled softly. "Don't worry, I know what you are thinking. And you're right, our financial situation has never been the best."

River nodded respectfully. "But at least you have your siblings, right?"

Finn smiled again. "Yes, you're right. I have my family, and they all mean everything to me, but my sister Lily and I always shared a special bond."

"Do you think she'll be the first person you'll look for when we finally get out of here?" River inquired with innocent curiosity.

Finn's smile dimmed, and a hint of sadness crept into his eyes. "I don't think so. She died two years ago."

A somber atmosphere settled in the room, and River's voice softened. "I'm so sorry to hear that."

Finn acknowledged his condolences with a nod. "She had a rare condition we discovered just a few days before she passed. I never really cared about not having money, but that was the one time I wished we could have afforded the facilities and treatments that would have kept her alive." His voice trembled slightly, and he cleared his throat to regain composure. "How about you, River? Who are you gonna search for when we get out of here?"

Ravish's brown skin shining under the sun and his soft, warm voice flashed in River's mind, and he felt like a stab in the stomach all of a sudden. "A friend", he mumbled, his voice slightly trembling as the memory of Ravish's absence weighed heavily on his heart. The ache of missing someone he cared about deeply felt almost unbearable.

Meanwhile, Sage emerged from the shower, clad in the best-fitting clothes he could find in the old closet: a slightly oversized white T-shirt, a pair of red checkered sweatpants, and some black socks. Though the attire wasn't ideal, and he felt pretty uncomfortable wearing that, it was enough for the moment. However, his headache, if anything, seemed to intensify despite the shower, causing him to instinctively press his hand against his forehead.

Cove, entering the locker room a bit later while draped in a light blue bathrobe, immediately noticed Sage's distress and grew concerned.

"Sage, what's wrong? I told you to take some aspirin!" he exclaimed, moving closer to offer his support.

Sage attempted to downplay the situation, but Cove's worry was palpable. "It's nothing, Cove, just a headache. You don't need to--"

"I do need to worry! Please, just listen to me. I hate seeing you in pain." The last words slipped from his lips, a slight flush of embarrassment coloring both their cheeks. "I'll just... assist you to the other room, and you can take some aspirin, alright?" Cove stated with determination.

Sage nodded in reluctant agreement, his lips curling into a smile at Cove's genuine concern.

At the same time, in the wide and unfriendly bedroom, Nima slept peacefully next to Raven. However, Raven's sleep was far from serene. He tossed and turned, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, and he let out muted grunts, his features twisted in anguish.

The nightmares were back again.