a twisting path through the roses

He is dreaming. It is one of those surreal dreams, where he knows he is dreaming. It started out as a nice dream -- him and Jim walking hand-in-hand on the beach. And then a storm comes up. And they are running for shelter. But instead of it taking a rom-com turn, where they end up kissing under the boardwalk -- the storm just gets worse and worse.

And then the darkness of the storm rips Jim away from Hunter. He is almost awake with a scream at his throat.

But there is something that keeps him asleep. A presence. The familiar sensation of Kendra's magic that keeps him in the dream.

"Find me. Find me." Her voice is so faint. And Hunter feels himself climb out of bed, half-asleep, but aware enough to walk. To try to follow the voice.

( He leaves the apartment )