Two hours later, Rarity finally found herself able to somewhat relax as she drove her and Spike away from the monastery. At first, they had both remained quiet, tense and alert. They both more than expected another attack to occur. But finally, as the endless white landscape rolled on and the warmth of the van’s heating system eased the tension in their muscles, they both let out sighs of relief.

Rarity broke the silence, saying, “I think it’s safe to say we’re, well, safe, Spike. At least for the time being.”

“I guess so,” he agreed with a nod. “If anyone was after us now, we’d be dead already.” His hand wandered down to his thigh, and he rubbed at it, wincing. “When we get back, I gotta get to a doc. I know you know, but still. This thing is starting to make me mad.”

“I just hope there won’t be any lasting damages,” Rarity said, her words gentle but concerned. “Things are going to be rough enough without any physical disabilities to get in the way at this point. We’ll all need to be at our very best.”

He nodded, letting out a small humm of agreement. Another long pause passed between them before Spike spoke once more. “Listen,” he said. “I know we’re not going to let it happen if we can at all, but… well, like I told Twila, I want to help on the field more, if I can. And that’s why I want to teach you how to work behind the scenes, how to operate the coms, computer.” He crossed his arms. “That way, if I ever get hurt, or…”

For a moment, Rarity said nothing, just focusing on the drive. Finally, she said, “It’s a good idea, Spike. And I’d like to learn.”

Smiling grimly, Spike looked over at her. “I know what they mean about an adrenaline high now, I guess.”

“It’s something else, isn’t it?” Rarity asked, giving him a grin.

He nodded, turning on his seat to look towards her. “I mean, I was always close to getting sick from nerves when I was just supporting you guys. Now that I tasted it up close? I…” Spike frowned, leaning against the door. “Is it bad that I liked it, it a strange kind of way?” He glanced toward the front. “I mean, not Geoffrey's men losing their lives, but being like we were, with every second mattering. Knowing that we trust one-another to act without hesitation. I dunno.” Spike shook his head. “Sorry. I-I shouldn’t feel like that.”

Resting a hand on his thigh, she gave him a gentle squeeze. “It’s OK, Spike. I completely understand. There is a certain addictiveness to it. That rush that seems to fill every second, when any one of those seconds could be your last. Life just explodes and everything becomes so much more clear, and yet confusing at the same time. Like it’s too much focus for the mind to handle.”

She thought for a moment, then added, “I think that’s the key point though. It feels good at the time, but it really isn’t something you should get too hooked on. It’s still your life at risk, you know?”

“Yeah, I understand. I’m glad you know where I’m coming from at least.”

She smiled warmly at him, sliding her hand a little farther up. “Of course, there are other ways to experience pretty similar feelings, love.”

Spike let a small, nervous laugh cross his features as a blush formed on his cheeks. He winked and did his best to continue the banter.

“I think you might have to show me exactly what you’re talking about. I always said you were a great teacher, after all.”

“Well, we’ve completed our objective. I think we’ve earned a long, private break.” This time her smile was smoldering as she gave Spike a promising wink in return.

“A vacation from our vacation. Yeah, I like the sound of that.”

“We’ll trust the girls to themselves for a little while longer, then,” she replied, nodding. But a dark thought crossed her mind, I want to enjoy this time while we have it… With you, Spike.

She looked to her left, out the window at the snowy forest where they had come so close to the end; remembering the cave where they had discovered such a wonderful new beginning. Adventures of the cold and the heat, moments of life so precious and under the whims of a force much greater than it. Far in the distance, the grey sky turned dark, and the first flurries of another storm could be seen, coming right for them. The trees shook and bent as the wind paved a path for the coming cold wave.

Shivering, Rarity turned up the heat and went back to talking to Spike, wondering what the other girls were up to. The storm was coming, whether they liked it or not, but it wasn’t here. Not quite yet. Their test would come, but for now? For now, she felt the warmth in her heart from the love of a lone boy-turned-man. And that was all that mattered in that moment, as the van drove on through the bitter wilderness.

Author's Notes:

And another one down, gents. Was fun. Expect more from us soon, like the continuing adventures of Macintosh in Big Red, a tale of what's going on with Jack and Dash after the events of Diamond in the Rough, plus part three of the main heistverse series. The ride's not ending anytime soon, that's for sure. I hope you guys stick around for more, 'cause you ain't seen nothin' yet.