The heat wasn't as bad as first expected, but it sure cause the group to sweat into their light clothing. Delta invited Matt and Isabella out to his place in inland California, driving past unassuming sands, palm trees, and small housing. Miranda was waiting for them in Del's kitchen with a pitcher of tea, unsweetened as she liked it. The two couples hadn't hung out since their big get-together months back, and Delta wanted to show Matt his new offroads.

"Man, you always style for wherever you go? You're looking sharp as heck, brother!" Delta said, examining Matt's choice of clothing, crisscrossed with pouches and a bandolier. Matt always carried anything he need in case a car broke down or he needed to Macgyver a solution. "Yeah, he tells me he gets his utility focus from his father. Matt wouldn't accept changing 'Stripes' to 'Pouches' since his mom already called his dad that." Isabella explained, holding onto Matt's arm as he smiled at her exposition. Isabella noticed Miranda would be trying to examine her from a distance, trying to avoid getting caught.

"So, Del, you've been with Miranda for awhile, right? I never asked where you two met. Was it your trip east?" Matt asked, gesturing an open palm to his two hosts. Miranda smiled and was about to get to her explanation, getting cut off by the dinging of the oven. "Oh, sorry, just a second and we'll get to that." Miranda said, excusing herself around the corner. Delta watched as she went out of sight, smiling and lost in her movements. "She's kinda regal, isn't she? Well, I was actually up north when we met. She was a little lost and was pulling her luggage along from the airport. Her flight was a minor detour, she was in Cali to photograph some landmarks." Delta was explaining as Miranda came back with a rectangular pan between oven mitts. "I see you started without me to dote on you. You get one less cookie for that." Miranda said, feigning a pouty look at Del, patting his head when his ears dipped.

She retook her seat, and revealed the treats she had prepped, chocolate chip cookies, but uniquely square shaped. "I cut them as a plan for brownies, but cookies seemed better." She said, gesturing towards the pan. Everyone got a treat and proceeded to enjoy. "Now, my turn. Like Delta was telling I was here to photograph the sights, and my bus never showed. Lo and behold your boy here to save the day. It was just a simple ride to begin with, but he was just so sweet so we kinda hit it off as he took some photos with me." Miranda said, occasionally looking at Isabella but quickly shifting her gaze when her eyes were met.

They polished off the pitcher and pan, settling for more talking and tales of life. Miranda asked Isabella aside while Matt and Delta stepped off to the garage, keeping the door ajar as they spoke. "I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable earlier. I just had a big question I wanted to hear, girl-to-girl." Miranda nearly whispered, looking over at the garage door. She gestured Isabella to some chairs and they sat. "I know how much you two love each other, but you've known each other for so long. I haven't had the same level of connection, but I know Delta is a great guy, but it's about myself that makes me unsure." Miranda explained, almost distressed. "Well, first, there's a trust between you two. Secrets really shouldn't be a thing, unless it's a birthday party, a fancy dinner, or you know him getting on one knee..."

Matt returned from the garage alone, settling on a day he and Delta would tear up some dunes with his close friend. Miranda and Isabella were sitting at a corner table, and Matt couldn't help but smile. He was happy for Delta, that he'd found someone who liked his quirkiness, his humor, and him in general. He was quickly spotted as the two ladies hushed and looked toward him. "Hi Matt, I just wanted to thank you two for coming to hang out. Isabella and I were just gushing about you boys." Miranda said, her reserved demeanor replaced by what seemed like relief. Isabella stood up and had Matt hold onto her, Miranda pulling out her phone for a picture of the two.

"And done! Thanks! Now if you two excuse me, I have an important question of my own wolf." Miranda said, hugging Isabella as she walked towards the garage door, looking back and smiling. The door shut behind her and Matt and Isabella waited outside on the porch chairs. "What was that about?" Matt asked, arm over Isabella's shoulder. The girls seemed to have gotten along for their second time meeting. "Seems that girl needed some motivation to go grab her own treasure. Now, why don't we get back to us, mister, I think you've got your own treasure to hold onto." Isabella replied, moving her seat as close as possible. "Anything for you, miss."

This YCH piece was done by: https://www.furaffinity.net/user/szaris/

Uncharted is owned by Naughty Dog/Sony

Matt and Isabella are Mine