"Congratulations to all of you for completing the trails. Be proud that you made it this far. Those of you who made the top ten will be assigned a team in the coming days. Until then go off and enjoy yourself. You are all dismissed!" Captain Williams said to the remaining volunteers.
Attempting to maintain their air of professionalism those who made the top ten saluted the captain and walked away. Once they turned the corner and were out of eye shot an immediate pop of cheers emanated and bustled through the street.
To the surprise of the new exploration team people from the city had gathered to celebrate their accomplishment and were cheering them on. One by one some of them ran to their friends and family.
Through the crowd Jude immediately spotted his parents. Running to them he hugged them both. Looking over their shoulders and saw Elise not far behind and beamed to his parents. "Mom, dad I actually have someone I need you to meet" he said as he went and reached for Elise's hand.
"This is my girlfriend Elise, El these are my parents" he said nervously. "Oh so you're the reason our son hasn't been home as much. Take care of him for me swetie" Judes mom said pulling them both in for a hug with his dad.
Brodie felt a bit disappointed in himself for coming in second after all his hard work but now was no time for self pity. "Great job Willow!" he said beaming towards Willow. "Pfft thanks coach" she replied rolling her eyes. "Oh you're actually happy now?" he asked with a chuckle. "Yeah but your dad's over there don't need you going to him crying" she replied pointing to Brodies dad in the crowd.
Waving back to his dad he quickly turned back to Willow and scooped her up in a big hug. Flustered and surprised she protested his affection "Put me down you brute!" she shouted unsuccessful in stopping him. Placing her down he looked at her sheepishly "did I hurt you" he said concerned. "I..no just go celebrate with your family he's been waiting for you I assume" she replied looking down. "Oh alright see you later" he said walking away.
Straightening herself up Willow looked at the masses of people celebrating with their loved ones and internally lamented being an orphan. She was suddenly grabbed from the side by a shrieking blonde woman. "Oh my days! You were so cool!" the woman in a lab coat said with adulation.
Still somewhat confused and frazzled Willow put some space between them and blushed when she saw the beautiful and petite woman she was mere seconds away from punching. "Oh I'm so sorry I startled you" the woman said.
"No no it's alright I was just in my own head a little bit" Willow replied flashing a warm smile. "Alright I'm really sorry though I can be a lot and I should have been more calm and just walked up to you and said hi I'm Jenny" she finished off with an awkward wave. "Oh hi Jenny I'm Willow...wanna get a drink with me?" Willow said spontaneously.
"I um uh like a date?!" Jenny said as her pale face lit up and turned red. "Not like a date, a date" Willow said with a smoldering gaze. "Uh um yes please" Jenny said unable to maintain eye contact. "You free now?" Willow asked with a shrug. "Oh wow yes" Jenny replied.
"Alright let's go get some food you'd probably taste better though" Willow said with a smirk as she slung her arm around Jenny's shoulders and the pair walked away together.
Back at the government building steps Captain Williams extended a hand to Kosi. "Like I said congratulations Mr Blue you've proven me wrong in more ways than one. Welcome to The Exploration Project" he said. Kosi firmly shook his hand "Thank you captain" was all he said as he went to rejoin the festivities.
Despite his disdain of being the center of attention seeing people accept and applaud him made Kosi misty eyed to say the least. All the cheers were immediately rendered to background noise in his mind when he felt a sudden weight leap onto his back. With a kiss on Kosis cheek Rue leaned into his ear and chimed "Hey you".
Now standing before each other they smiled and embraced. "Congratulations K you did it" she said into his chest. "Thanks babe" Kosi replied feeling the lab coat she was wearing. "Wait a second why are you wearing that?" he asked looking at her.
"Oh this" she said coyly twirling in it. "Just a little gift from Dr Raya I'm working for the Exploration Project too no biggy" she said flashing a mischievous smile. "Oh you actually applied and got it congrats babe" Kosi said beaming.
"Shh" Rue said placing a finger on Kosis lips. "Your day your celebration your congratulations" she said. "Alright shut me up then" he replied with a grint. "Don't have to tell me twice" she replied with the same mischievous glint in her eyes
Sharing a tender kiss they walked through the parading crowd hand in hand beaming. Unsure what the future may hold now was not the time for questions but rather euphoria.