In the weeks since he'd returned, he'd felt as though he were spiraling uncontrollably into an inner darkness. Things that had once seemed so bright now felt clouded by an unshakeable haze. His actions no longer felt like his own, as if he were watching himself play out a role in a movie.

As he stood staring at the images on the wall before him, he heard the delicate sound of Deanna's footsteps on the carpeting in the hallway and smiled softly.

Deanna: "So this is where you've been hiding- I've been searching high and low for you!"

Tristan: "Not hiding, just thinking."
Deanna: "And I assume that lights distract you from your thoughts."

Tristan: "I have to keep up the whole 'brooding rock star' thing. How would people react if they found out I use electric lights?"
Deanna: "They'd be utterly devastated, I'm sure of it. Anyway, I had an idea."
Tristan: "What sort of an idea?"

Deanna: "Don't worry- it doesn't involve being sociable. I thought we could go see a movie tonight, just the two of us."
Tristan: "What did you have in mind?"
Deanna: "Something that doesn't require a lot of thinking, but doesn't completely insult my intelligence."

Tristan: "I think you're asking a bit much."
Deanna: "There's a special screening of 'Donnie Darko' playing at the Neptune tonight at midnight. We have plenty of time to drive down there if we leave soon, otherwise we could check the paper to see what's playing here in town."

Tristan glanced briefly back at the pictures hanging on the wall, his eyes focusing unconsciously on Emily's signature for a fleeting moment. He felt a strange pull deep in his soul before he returned his gaze to Deanna's ice-blue eyes.

Tristan: "I'm ready to go if you are."
Deanna: "It'll be good for you to get out of the house for a while. Did you want me to drive?"
Tristan: "No, I'm good."

Deanna: "I'll tell you how to get there- it's pretty easy but parking might be a bitch."
Tristan: "I'm sure we can handle it."
Deanna: "If not, it'll be an adventure at any rate."

Tristan & Deanna made their way quickly to the car, the rain beginning to fall harder. It was just a short walk from the porch to the driveway, yet they both were fairly soaked by the time they got in. Tristan let out a bemused laugh before starting the car and turning the heat on.

Tristan: "Remind me to have a garage built one of these days."
Deanna: "Fully-clothed cold showers don't appeal to you? I can't imagine why not!"

Deanna's laugh was light and airy, a sharp contrast to the pouring rain and ever-present weighted feeling Tristan had been feeling smothered by. He was overwhelmed by its incongruent sound and couldn't help but pull her close to him, kissing her deeply before pulling away slowly.

Deanna: "What was that for?"
Tristan: "Sorry, I just-"
Deanna: "Don't be sorry! I'm just a little surprised. You're a strange one, Tristan Payne."

Tristan smiled awkwardly for a second before putting the car in gear and backing down the driveway. He'd only managed to make it partway when he suddenly slammed the brakes on.

Deanna: "What's the matter?"
Tristan: "I just realized I don't have my cell phone with me."
Deanna: "Did you want to go back for it?"

Tristan glanced at the rain, which was now falling in sheets, then back up at his house.

Tristan: "You have your phone, right?"
Deanna: "Yeah, it's in my purse."

Tristan: "We'll just use that one if we run into any problems. Besides, I can't imagine who would be calling me tonight."