Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Seriously? They went home together?

Jen eyed the vanishing tail lights of the car, her gaze slowly returning to Sammy, before pinching his arm. "Sammy, am I seeing things?"

Sammy winced, flashing a pained smile. "Jen, next time, can you pinch yourself?"

Why was it always him getting hurt?

Jen stood her ground. "You're younger, you'll bounce back faster. It's just a pinch."

Sammy could only sigh inwardly. If only gratitude was his to give.

Stoddard chuckled, not adding to the conversation, simply turning on his heel and strolling back home.

Liz's expression was beyond sour, not waiting for Sammy before she hopped into her car and left.

Sammy cast his gaze downwards, hiding the flicker of disappointment in his eyes.

It was okay; he was used to this by now.

comforted himself, believing that persistence would eventually pay off, and one day... She would

...

oblivious to the reactions of

walked up the stairs one after

lights lit up with each step they took, casting long, overlapping shadows of them both on the walls, giving Roseanne the illusion

it echoed

good mood, though she couldn't see his face, she could hear the relaxed tone

smiled, replying, "Both. I'm grateful for the meal, the ride, and for letting me use

the dinner table: "Roseanne is Ms.

turned to watch her as she caught her breath, taking the last step to stand beside

remember, a pearl covered in dust is still a pearl. It just needs to be cleaned to shine again." Roseanne felt a warm flutter in her chest as their eyes

deliberately,

the future, but we do have control over the present. It might be late, but I still want to say, welcome

to my lab."

twinkled with a smile

as she gently shook his hand, "Thank you. I