Some sort of date at night.

Bernard and Grace are by themselves in the middle of a park. there is no one else in there, but the two of them. it is about to hit twelve o'clock. even when it is late, it isn't too dark.

Bernard looks at Grace. he wants to say something. but he doesn't find the right words as he feels like the right words can't be find. a floral aroma and hints of alcohol hit him. Bernard looks around. he then looks down. Bernard feels nervous.

Grace is just there to pass the time. tomorrow would be eventful. there are things that can't be avoided nor forced to be. Grace was called by Bernard. it is obvious that his feelings for her are truly honest. but Grace is afraid of emotions like love.

the two of them stare at the moon. the night was cold, but somehow, they felt warmth. it was calid the sensation in the depths of the heart. Bernard trembles. he knows that if he was to say anything inappropriate, he may lose her. he knows that she isn't his to own. but the idea of her leaving him behind is too tragic to him.

she just came in here to fulfill a single mission. but things had become too complicated. there are so many issues and struggles to face. there are duels to overcome. at times a scorching rage or a winter like fear. 

"What it feels like?" asks Grace.

"Not sure if I follow you." said Bernard confuse.

there is a second of silence. Bernard has an idea of what she wants to ask. Grace is staring at him as she waits for an answer. she then asks the same question. Bernard smiles feeling some conflicted emotions. 

"It is beautiful. it is awful. it is magnificent and insignificant. the most gorgeous brutal emotion that you could ever experience. love is like nothing else." said Bernard smiling.

"I still don't understand. but I want to experience emotions like those." said Grace.

"The most interesting thing about love is the fact that it is something you don't control. it controls you. love is a beautiful thing or a cruel thing. it all depends on you. it depends on how you see it. love will be whatever you want it to be." said Bernard.

"It sounds scary. but it also sounds beautiful." said Grace smirking.

the two of them laugh. there are many other things they could talk about. the passing of time is slow as they allow the heart to be exposed. Bernard blushes. the emotions he feels deep inside are honest. but who knows how long it will last or if those emotions would ever be accepted by the one, he loves so much.

Bernard contemplates the idea of running away alongside his beloved. but it is clear and obvious that she won't do it. she has dedicated all this time to hunt down the one who killed her parents and ruined her childhood.

Bernard graves a plastic bag. he gets a soda from it. he opens it. some of the soda falls on top of his shirt. he laughs. he pretends to be fine.  but then the moment their eyes meet. he feels cold deep inside of his heart. even when they talk now. she feels so far and distant. she feels like a ghost who would disappear one day.

"I love you. for real." whispers Bernard with teary eyes.

"What did you say?" asks Grace out of curiosity.

Bernard feels a strange emotion. there are things that are hard to show in words. there are things that you can only show. Bernad comes to think that maybe Grace won't ever come to understand those emotions. he can't blame her.

"I often wonder if we came to be in a world void of all things that life has to offer, for us to claim those things as we grow and gain knowledge. or maybe there are things that are meant to be given to us since the beginning, but it is to us to claim those things as we grow. as we learn and come to be who we are meant to be." said Bernard.

"What is the difference if you will claim those things either way." said Grace.

"In one scenario nothing is predestined, all can be and will be possible. but in the other scenario it is predestined. meaning that no matter how hard to work or try. there are things that you aren't meant to have or avoid." said Bernard trembling.

there is a moment in which they think seriously about the subject. Grace doesn't seem to find the difference as she has no control of her own life. she grows up in a scenario in which her every action was dictated. so, either way she is destined to live certain way.

that question was personal for Bernard as he questions if there is an alternative timeline in which he didn't killed his own father. he questions if there is a time and space in which Grace and him are destined lovers. Bernard feels frustrated as he feels like fate has kept him in a cage in which he is meant to lose no matter how hard he fights back.

as the night got darker and colder. the two of them get closer. they stand close to each other at a distance in which their hands touch. Bernard gets nervous as he thinks and imagines multiple outcomes that include a kiss. while Grace can only wonder what kind of world is one in which Hannes no longer exists.

"There is a Japanese phrase I learned from Martin. I am sure there would be a day in which I will be able to say it properly." said Bernard smiling.

"What kind of phrase. I hope it isn't something stupid." said Grace.

"Not now. but someday in front of your parents I will say, 'make me miso soup every day.' it will be once the dictator is dead." said Bernard blushing.

"I hope that doesn't mean something stupid." said Grace laughing.

they laugh. they eat some snacks. they heard the voice of the other kids. they are coming from the convenience store. from the distance stands Pierre observing them. he feels deep jealousy to see another one next to Grace. he screams silently.

"Tomorrow is going to be a great day. I can feel it." said Bernard.

"Of course. I will protect you from anything no matter what happens." said Grace.

Alice is sharing some ice cream with her boyfriend Josh. Hanna is walking behind them looking up at the moon. Timothy and Patricia are also there. it didn't take longer than five minutes for Martin to come running to join them. Martin is smiling and laughing.

Pierre doesn't find the right timing to join them. he stays hidden behind a tree. he jumps feeling desperate to become a part of their group. he then turns around and leaves. he kicks a can of soda that was on the ground. he then looks at a shadow.

Bark comes out of the darkness. he smiles while he whispers something. Pierre reacts looking around nervously making sure that there is no one else in there.

"Yes. that is the name of your little dictator. tomorrow we will kill Mr. Ward. or how he calls himself in our timeline. Hannes Assmann." said Pierre smirking diabolically.