The next morning, Scorpia wakes up with a wildly beating heart, full of expectations for this new day. She's in bed alone and stretches out slowly before covering the tattoo of the name of the man who owns her heart with her hand.

After a minute, she gets up for a shower, softly singing as the warm water streams down her body. It doesn't take long for two big hands to run down her body too and she smiles. "Good morning, handsome Scot."

"Guid mornin, lass."

A shiver runs down her spine when his deep voice speaking Scottish reaches her ear. The more he talks to other Scots, the stronger his accent gets. And there's nothing more beautiful. Those rough words and those sounds, so full of emotion.

She turns around and cuddles up to him. He strokes her hair and kisses her forehead, "I ran to the store for some rations, a backpack, and a thermos. To make sure we have all we need for a relaxed day together. I hope you're looking forward to it a little."

She looks up at him, her eyes shining with excitement and he smiles. "Aww, you're not feeling like it at all I see. Such a shame."

They laugh, shower quickly, and put their leather pants on, with a T-shirt on top. Scorpia braids her hair and applies a little mascara and lip balm.

Logan made coffee and fills the thermos with it, puts it in the backpack, and adds chocolate, shortbread, a can of IRN-BRU, bottles of water, and a few macaroni pies to it. He toasts a couple of slices of bread and puts butter on them.

Scorpia dances into the kitchen and he catches her in his arms for a hug. They eat buttered toast and drink a cup of coffee in silence.

"Ready Bonnie?"

"No, I have to pee again!"

She runs off while Logan chuckles. Her enthusiasm is contagious, making him look forward to today too. He asked in the shop for the best spot to watch the bikes and they don't have to travel as far as yesterday. Halfway down, on a hill is the ideal spot. And according to the owner of the store, there's a picnic bench to sit on.

He gathers the dishes in the sink, zips his jacket closed, slides the gift he bought in his pocket, and makes sure that's zipped too.

Scorpia walks into the kitchen and puts her jacket on as well. She looks at the backpack, "I hope you didn't buy it for yourself because you won't be using it much." She laughs and strokes the Scottish flag. "But you can carry it on your back today, it's easier on the bike. We do have to stop for gas somewhere but knowing you, you've already thought of that."

Logan nods and slides his arms through the straps of the bag. They walk over to the shed, connect the communication system before putting their helmets on and pushing the bike towards the road. Scorpia shoots him a bright smile and then closes the visor.

She starts the bike and Logan finds his spot on the back. They fill the bike up and drive to the lookout point smoothly. And to Logan's relief, they are the only ones there. They park the bike, hang their helmets on the handlebar, and look at the winding road at the bottom of the hill.

A long string of Harleys in all sizes and colors and with the most unique people on them moves down the road. Scorpia sits down on the table and rests her feet on the seat, unzipping her jacket before watching the bikes with a wide smile on her face. She leans back on her arms and lets out a relaxed sigh.

Logan takes a picture of her without her noticing and studies her thoroughly. She's so beautiful when she's enjoying herself. He has to thank dad when he sees him because he wouldn't have known about this without him. Logan sits down behind her, placing his feet next to hers on the bench. He lays the backpack on the table, takes his jacket off, and wraps his arms around her.

They sit like that for at least an hour, Scorpia enjoying the bikes, Logan enjoying her company. A beautiful, silent moment, lacking action but filled with a relaxed kind of love.

Logan pulls the backpack closer and takes the thermos out of it. He pours the coffee into a mug and hands it to Scorpia. She takes a sip right away, hands it back to him to trade it for shortbread, and nibbles on it while watching the endless stream of motorcycles.

Logan takes a few sips of coffee and tries to steal her cookie. She pulls it away from him and laughs, eating it quickly and taking the coffee from him. She drinks it all and shoots him a naughty look.

"Oh Bonnie, I feel like punishing you when you look at me that way."

She giggles and rubs his legs as she rests her head on his shoulder. He kisses her neck and strokes her tummy.

"Mmm, Logannn."

He scrapes his teeth over the skin of her neck, followed by a hard sucking.

Scorpia squeals. "Logan!"

He grins as he looks at his masterpiece and licks it slowly.

"Mmmm, Logannnn. I'm trying to be mad at you... Mmmm..."

He chuckles and whispers in her ear. "I have a gift to make it up to you."

He pulls his jacket towards him and takes the little box out of the pocket. She accepts the box from him, opens it, and stays silent. The only sound heard is the roaring Harley engines in the distance.

He tries to see her face but she's looking down. And then he suddenly sees it; a tear lands in the box, quickly followed by another one. He holds her chin and turns her face his way, seeing her eyes full of tears and feeling completely lost.

The necklace in the box is nothing special; silver with a charm on it. There's an image of Nessie on the charm with the words I believe above it. It wasn't expensive and he bought it on a whim.

He cups her face with his hands and wipes the tears away with his thumbs. "Bonnie... why are you crying?"

She wraps her arms around him and cries on his shoulder. He rubs her back and waits for her to calm down. She sobs one last time in his neck and then takes a deep breath. When she looks at him, he sees a whirlwind of colors in her eyes; golden specks fighting with an orange glow and the deep, warm brown.

She smiles shyly and whispers: "Sorry."

He brushes a stray strand of hair from her face and looks into her eyes, waiting for her to explain.

She sighs. "Of all the things you could have bought me... Nessie represents so much more than a so-called made-up monster in a loch. They don't believe she's real because they can't see her. She's hiding in the shadows of the water but she's right there.

In the hearts of the Scots, the hearts of the children. As a reminder that there's more than you can see with the naked eye. A fairytale that you're allowed to believe in, even when you're a grownup tourist. As something to hang onto when you've lost hope."

She wipes the new tears from her cheeks and continues. "I've been teased a lot for my fascination with mythology and sages. Beautiful stories about special creatures. And where they are considered bullshit or are even hunted in most countries, Scotland puts them on a pedestal and honors them, writes books about them, makes movies of them, turns them into jewelry. And all you have to do is believe. In Nessie, in yourself."

Logan wipes his own tears away, picks up the necklace from the box, and fastens it around her neck. He cuddles her and lets his mind wander. This beautiful, sweet woman. His Bonnie, so damaged but still full of love and hope. He'll never be able to live without her and will never get used to how special she is.

He followed his heart when he bought the necklace, didn't really think much of it. But he should have known that his heart would know exactly what hers needed. His attention was drawn to this charm and the text on it makes it more valuable.

They stay seated like that, enjoying each other's company until Scorpia softly asks: "Logan? Can we go see Nessie now?"

He smiles, kisses her cheek, and gets up to put the thermos and cookies back in the bag. Logan puts his coat on, zips it up, puts the backpack on his back again, and helps her down from the bench.

She beams, grabs her helmet, and puts it on. Logan does the same and they drive off, towards Loch Ness.

They park the bike at Urquhart Castle and Logan takes her into an elevator that goes down. The doors slide open and Logan starts walking towards the cafe.

A woman rushes up to him and jumps into his arms excitedly. She rambles on in Scottish and Scorpia tries to understand some of it, which doesn't work at all. She tries to decipher their body language but she can't figure that out either.

Logan takes Scorpia's helmet and hands it along with his own to the young woman. She walks off to put the helmets behind the bar and turns her attention to Scorpia. Her eyes wander over Scorpia's body and a smile appears on her face. She says something in Scottish and Logan's laughter echoes through the cafe.

Scorpia raises her eyebrows, looking from Logan to the girl and Logan says: "Ava just asked me if she could borrow my magic potion."

He stays silent for effect before adding: "Because it's impossible that such a drop-dead gorgeous woman would want to be with a lanky, ginger Scot and she wants a beautiful girlfriend like you as well."

Scorpia laughs. "That would be something, a potion like that, but I doubt it will make you truly happy if it's not true love."

Ava puts her hand on her heart and kisses Scorpia's cheek. "Have fun. I'll make sure the helmets are safe." She winks and walks off.

Logan asks: "What do you want to do first, Bonnie?"

"Pee."

He laughs and shows her where the toilets are. He patiently waits for her and repeats the question when she's done.

"Go outside. Walk, smell, see, touch, breathe."

He smiles and grabs her hand. They walk to the edge of the water and Scorpia gazes across the loch. She takes it all in; the mountains, the water, the rocks, the sky, the smell and sounds before crouching down and moving her fingers through the water.

Logan studies her facial expressions and movements and his heart swells. He has never seen a 'tourist' act this way. So full of respect and wonder.

An old man saunters over and Logan gives him a friendly nod. The man places his hand on Logan's forearm and asks if Scorpia's with him. Logan nods and the man says: "Her soul is connecting with the soul of the land. People like that are remarkable, especially when they weren't born in Scotland."

The man nods and continues on his walk. Logan watches him leave and doesn't even wonder how he knew she wasn't born here. He could tell by looking into the man's eyes that he was a free spirit, like his Bonnie.

And you don't ask, you accept and appreciate. That's what his mom taught him, listen, remember, and don't ask unnecessary questions.

He looks at Scorpia and she turns to him with such a delighted look on her face that he can't resist taking a picture of her.

She comes closer and kisses him softly when she reaches him. "I can't believe I'm actually here. With Nessie."

Logan wraps his arms around her and hugs her. He asks her if she wants to discover the castle and she nods excitedly. They stroll through the remains of the severely damaged castle, holding hands.

Scorpia uses all her senses to take everything in. She doesn't utter a word but Logan hears her loud and clear with his heart. He has walked around here so often and thought he'd never enjoy it again. But with Scorpia it's more captivating than it's ever been.

They look at the exhibition inside and he lets go of her hand. She walks around on instinct and reads everything with attention. When they've seen it all, Logan asks: "Do you want to eat inside or enjoy our rations outside?"

He already knew her answer and looking into her sparkling eyes he's even more sure. "Outside of course. Come with me, Bonnie."

They walk outside and find a good spot looking over loch Ness. Scorpia stares over the water and waves. Logan hugs her, "Did you see her?"

Scorpia nods, "Yes. I thought it would be nice to wave. She doesn't come out for just anyone."

Logan gets the IRN-BRU can from his backpack and opens it before offering it to Scorpia, who's looking a bit worried. Logan chuckles and encourages her to take a sip. She carefully tries it and pulls a face. "Ewww! This tastes like Enzo's bath bubbles!"

Logan laughs, "You're right! I never connected those two. Maybe I should drink the bathwater too."

Scorpia laughs too and Logan says: "All the Scots drink it. It's every Scots favorite soda."

Scorpia shakes her head, "Yeah, because it's Scottish. Bunch of stubborn, proud weirdos. Cause it tastes horrible."

Logan tickles her and her giggles fill the air. He leans over her and stares into her eyes before kissing her lips softly. She wraps her arms around his neck and pulls him closer. They kiss slow and deep, Scorpia moaning softly against his lips. "Logannn."

He grins, sits back up, and retrieves a bottle of water and the small macaroni pies from his backpack. He gives Scorpia a pie and she bites right into it. Logan shakes his head, "I thought I bought something 'Scottish'. Something I ate till I was sick as a kid and I suddenly realize it's just pasta."

Scorpia already ate hers and sticks her tongue out at him. "This Italian thinks they are very yummy. And I don't think I ever ate it as a pie. I had it from the oven as a casserole but the dough on top of that is different. These are very good and have a lot of cheese on them."

Logan hands her another one and eats one himself. They share the bottle of water and enjoy their surroundings. The wind is cold and it's starting to drizzle but they don't seem to notice.

When it starts to pour, they decide to go inside to pick up their helmets and make their way over to the bike. Scorpia asks about Ava.

"She was my neighbor. I was a bit in love with her. She was totally not into me, sadly. And she's into girls as you noticed", he concludes with a laugh.

"Don't you mind driving in the rain, Bonnie?"

She shakes her head, "No, and now that I'm used to the bike even less. If it was the first time riding it, I would be nervous because you're on the back. Which is kind of special in itself, because you truly don't care, do you?"

Logan shrugs, "No, why would I? I get to sit on the back, close to my girl, and hug her. And you're an excellent driver."

She smiles, "An Italian wouldn't do that, my beautiful Scot, letting a woman take the lead. But you didn't doubt it for a second. Beautiful. Where are we going now, Logan?"

He kisses her and says: "Nessieland."

He tries to etch the expression on her face in his brain forever. Because he sees the girl that did her show-and-tell about Nessie in her eyes.

She can't seem to get the bike on the road fast enough. Logan laughs, pushes the helmet over his head, and sits down on the back. He wraps his arms around her and she drives onto the road. Logan shows her the way and when they reach Nessieland, she's euphoric.

They park the bike and take their helmets off. Scorpia stares at the entrance as she jumps up and down. She blushes when her eyes connect with Logan's, a shy expression taking over her face.

He smiles at her, "Don't be ashamed of it, Bonnie. Let it go. Enjoy yourself."

She can't hide the wide grin on her face any longer and pulls him along with her. Logan holds her hand and follows her on her journey through the world of Nessie. Her enthusiasm rubs off on everyone that gets to witness it and he loves her response to the pictures and videos.

She obviously climbs the huge Nessie statue outside and he takes pictures of her ecstatic expressions. They end in the gift shop and Scorpia immediately adds a Nessie plushie to her basket. She looks at Logan and he sees it for a second, he squeezes her hand and she shakes it off.

She picks up a mug and a small stuffed animal on a key chain. Logan grabs all the children's books about Nessie and they make their way to the cash register. They pay for it all and put it in the backpack.

They walk outside and Scorpia turns around, holding her hand on her heart as she whispers: "Dreams do come true."

Logan holds her in his arms and gives her time to work through her emotions. He sent the picture of her on top of Nessie to Bruno and his phone vibrates in his pocket. Scorpia sits down on a bench and smiles with her eyes closed. Logan gets his phone out and reads Bruno's reply.

Logan, I think you don't even realize.
But I am 100% sure you made her happier than she's ever been.
I see my little sister in her eyes, on her face...
Only you are good enough...
Thank you.

Logan swallows and slides the phone back into his pocket. He walks up to Scorpia and sits down next to her. She cuddles up to him and sighs happily. He plays with her braid, enjoying the feeling in the air and her relaxed, loving company.

He's never loved the quiet moments this much before then right now, on this trip with his Bonnie. He can easily sit with her in his arms, in silence, and be happy for every second of it.

Scorpia looks at him and says: "Thank you."

"For what, Bonnie?"

"For everything. Your love... and that I can be myself... always... that you understand me... that I'm allowed to love Nessie and believe in her. That you get on the back of my bike without a second of doubt..."

She takes a deep breath, "Maybe I should thank this land for you. Because you're way more beautiful than all the myths and sages together. I love you. Infinitely."

Their kiss is filled with love, gratefulness, and promise. They stare deep into each other's eyes; Stormy gray, like a threatening thundercloud in the night, and warm brown, mixed with gold and orange, like the sunrise on a fall morning.

They smile and get up to find the bike. They drive back to the cottage, while the rain colors the road dark and the drops drum on their helmets.

They get changed into sweatpants and a sweater and Logan starts the fire in the fireplace. Scorpia sits down in front of it and puts warm socks on. They drink whisky, eat cheese, sausage, and bread, talk about their day, looking at the pictures Logan took, and snuggle.

Scorpia yawns and rests her head on his leg. He strokes her hair and watches her fall asleep.

Logan's fingers run through her hair, staring into the flames as he sips his whisky. 

⊱ ────── {⋅.♏︎.⋅} ────── ⊰

I've been sick so this chapter was a struggle.
But it's up!
I hope you enjoyed this one.
XO Hankie.