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This Forsaken World

By Mantrid Brizon

Episode Fourteen: Rekindling

Slowly opening his eyes, Grey finds himself staring at a ceiling. Amber light trickles in through a window. Turning his head, he's surprised to find April sitting beside his bed. Wearing a strange, shiny, brown and white bodysuit, she hums the song he often sings, her feline nose buried in a book. With the parchment blocking her view, she doesn't notice his motions; he can only see her ears and pigtails. Struggling to sit up, the springs of the old medical bed squeak. Swiftly lowering the book, April's eyes bulge and she smiles wide, showing off her teeth.

“Hi! How're you feeling?" She asks, leaning in.

“Hungry... And like shit." He croaks.

“I bet! It's good to see you up, little bear."

“... Little bear?" He raises a brow.

“I'll be right back! I'll fetch the doc and something for you to eat!"

Springing to her feet, April dashes out of the room, disappearing in seconds. After only a few minutes of waiting, he hears the footfalls approaching his room. An older Voeldahn man, a brown furred otter with streaks of gray on his chin, enters the room accompanied by April, who carries a plate, and a large, plastic cup of water.

“Well, good morning! Grey, is it? I'm Dr. Khanti Shaw."

“What's going? Where am I?" Grey looks around the room.

“You don't remember?" April asks, a disheartened look on her face.

Using a penlight, Dr. Shaw checks his pupils and performs basic tests.

“I remember some things." Grey answers, staring into the penlight.

“Such as?" Dr. Shaw asks.

“Uh... Being lost in a swamp, waking up from a nightmare, holding April, and then having another, er, strange dream..."

“I see. Well, you seem all there. How do you feel?"

“My side hurts a lot, and it's cold in here."

“It's actually quite warm here, in Florida, but you still have a bit of a fever. We have some antibiotics for that." Dr. Shaw remarks, his hand against Grey's forehead. “You're lucky we found you when we did. I was able to treat your infection, clean the wound and sew it properly. Any longer, though, and you might've gone septic."

“Thanks, doctor."

“What was it?" April asks.

“Gunshot." Grey murmurs.

“Did my men shoot you?" Her tone swiftly changes, growing concerned.

“No, but that other human and his wolf buddy were pretty eager to beat me to death." Grey remarks.

“What?!" April gasps.

“I think they just wanted to fight me for entertainment. I don't even remember being brought in here. Is it dawn or dusk?" Grey continues.

“Dawn. You were brought in here yesterday morning."

“What about that other girl you were with?" April asks, sitting beside him on his bed.

“... She's dead."

“I'm sorry. Here... You need to eat. It's probably been days."

Passing him the plate and cup, April watches as Grey stares blankly at the food. Reaching out a hand, she gently pets his head, her claws running through his hair. He takes a few bites of food and guzzles the water, pausing once more to look toward April's smiling face.

“Thanks..." He murmurs.

“You're welcome. I just want you to get well; I'll stay with you until you do."

“You don't have to do that."

“I want to. I want to be here." April insists.

“Hm... Do you think you're well enough to walk?" Dr. Shaw suddenly asks.

“I don't know."

Extending a hand, Dr. Shaw guides Grey to the edge of the bed. Grey slowly lifts himself from the bed, with April beside him and the Doctor ready to catch him should he falter. He winces from the pain in his side, a chill running up his spine as his bare feet touch the icy tile floor. Rising slowly, he stands precariously on his own two feet. After a moment, however, he finds his bearings, growing more stable with each passing minute.

“Take a few steps for me."

Walking slowly, Grey shows considerable progress. Dr. Shaw can't help but grin, while April watches with childlike glee.

“Looks like you're walking right out of death's door." He chuckles. “That infection isn't gone though. I have some antibiotic pills that will help fight it; we only had the one I.V. unfortunately. You'll need to rest and take every pill I give you, understood?"

“Sure."

“You can stay here until-"

“I'll take him!" April interrupts.

Both Grey and Dr. Shaw turn to her with surprised looks. With her hands on her broad hips, her bodysuit shimmering and her Micro-Uzi sitting snuggly in her holster, she grins from cheek to cheek, her big blue eyes fixated on Grey.

“You don't need to do that." Grey replies.

“I want to." April insists.

“I don't want to be a burden."

“Nonsense! I'll take good care of you!" She chirps.

“She is living in the tower lofts. You'd be hard pressed to find a better place." Dr. Shaw remarks.

“Come on! I'll show you!"

Taking hold of Grey's hand, April squeezes, interlocking their fingers. Leading him down the hall, she's mindful of his pace, looking back and watching his feet to make sure she doesn't move too fast.

“What about my things?"

“Don't you worry about those. Leave everything to me."

Walking barefoot and shirtless down the hall, Grey is led through the nearly abandoned clinic by April, who seems to know her way quite well. Recalling how she was there when he awoke, he can't help but feel a tinge of guilt. After failing Monica, he doesn't feel as though he deserves April's care. He can't even understand why she gives it so freely. Heading through the lobby, Grey notices a person sitting at a reception desk, flipping through a medical journal and taking notes. His eyes grow wide as Havana turns her head, smiling strangely and waving at him with her fingers.

Her lips are curled into a sinister grin; while it's a warm smile, it's more lustful and devious than anything. To his surprise, she wears a plain, black t-shirt and tight fitting, black running shorts, identical to the clothes he'd seen her removing in his dream. He looks at the mouse girl, but he's soon pulled along by April. He develops a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. He isn't sure why it's there, but it is. Dragged outside, he sees his surroundings for the first time. He raises a hand and shields his eyes from the sunlight. April gives him only a moment to adjust before she pulls him down the concrete steps and along the sidewalk, heading for the two-lane blacktop streets.

Wherever they are is startlingly pristine. The buildings show little sign of damage and looting, and the technology he witnesses, although deactivated from a lack of power, is the most advanced yet. Most of the vehicles lining the streets are early model hovercars, whereas most automobiles he's seen were conventional, wheeled craft. This must be a place that was either built just before The Ending, or was a high-end town. Pulling him along, April's boots thud along the ground, while Grey's bare, human feet thwap on the hot asphalt. Turning a corner, the streets are bustling, with scores of people reclaiming shops, and cleaning both buildings and streets.

They turn to look, eyeing the human and the Voeldahn woman who leads him. Their gawking unnerves him, though April seems oblivious. A few point and make comments. From the way they look to April, Grey is certain that she's their leader, and not just another citizen. Turning another corner, April pauses to look skyward. Seeing a large, opulent tower down the street, his white tigress guide grows a little more forceful, pulling him roughly and increasing her speed as she heads for the structure.

“Can we slow down?"

“Hm?" April glances back.

“It's just that I'm not wearing shoes and my legs are a little weak." Grey explains.

“Oh, I'm sorry! I'm just excited."

Slowing her pace, she smiles warmly, but something feels off. They pass a building where April's soldiers establish an armory. Inside, Damian spots the human, tapping Rodge's shoulder.

“Hey, Rock."

“What?"

Pointing out of a window, Rodge Rock and Kane stare in shock as Grey walks down the street, dressed only in scrub pants and pulled along by April; she holds his hand and leads him as if he were her pet.

“I thought you said he was dead?!" Rodge turns to Kane.

“He looked dead... Hey, if I thought he was going to make it, I'd have killed him for you!" Kane insists.

“And afterward, you would've gone back to your boyfriend for a kissy-kiss?" Damian teases.

“Listen here, you little-"

“Shut up!" Rodge growls, resting a hand on his stitches. “We'll deal with him later... For now, get back to work."

Entering the lobby of Searchlight Tower, Grey looks around at the decadence of the sitting area and the dusty manager's office.

“Is Searchlight the name of the town?" He asks.

“Yeah. It came to me in a dream. I remembered what you said; I listened to my dreams!" April replies.

Walking down the hall, they stop at a staircase.

“I'm on the top floor. I'll help you climb, okay?"

Nodding his head, Grey grips a railing with one hand, while April holds his other arm. Slowly but steadily they climb the stairs. With each level, his strength increases, though the pain remains. Finally reaching the fifth and final floor, April unlocks the door with her key. To Grey's surprise, the entire top level is one massive penthouse. Laying on a red couch in the living room, her bare feet dangling over an armrest, Augustine hears the door. Setting aside her book, she sits up. Surprised but excited to see her mother and the human from her dream, she leaps from the bed and bounds toward them.

“Hi mom!"

“Hey, sweetheart."

“Hello! Uh, Grey, right?" Augustine turns to him.

“Hi, again."

“He's going to stay with us." April remarks.

“While he heals?" Augustine asks.

“Er, yeah?" April replies.

Leading Grey by the hand, he watches as April removes her boots and sets them beside the door.

“What? ... I like keeping the floor clean."

“Noted." He murmurs.

Pulling him down the hall, Augustine follows them but suddenly stops when she sees where April is taking him. Looking back and seeing the expression on her face as the pre-teen girl turns around, Grey becomes nervous. This would be a perfect time for the voice to return and assure him of his safety. Opening a door and pulling him inside, Grey finds himself standing in a well-established bedroom.

“This one's mine. Do you want to sleep with me?" She asks, turning around and facing him. “No one else has been in my bed."

“Uh, are sure?" He cautiously asks.

“... Why not?! I don't bring just anyone up here."

“It's just-"

“I'll keep to my side! I can be good!" She interrupts him.

“Uh, I don't know if that'd be-"

“N-no, y-you're right!" April interrupts him again, a look of embarrassment on her face. “Th-there's also a guest bedroom!"

Pushing him from her room, April races toward another, only a few doors down. Looking back, toward the living room, Grey can see a surprised Augustine watching them as she stands beside the couch.

“Here." April leads him inside another bedroom.

“April."

“You can stay here. I'll be down the hall if you need anything, and I'll bring you dinner later." April continues, speaking a mile a minute.

“April."

“What?" She looks up at him.

Grey takes a step closer, a little smile on his face as he looks down at her.

“Thank you, for all you've done. You've come a long way."

Sparked by his praise, April suddenly throws her arms around him, hugging him tightly. A startled Grey lifts his arms, unsure of what she's doing. As she nuzzles him with her snout, he lowers his arms, giving her a rather benign hug.

“It's nice to see you again too." He softly chuckles.

“I've missed you so much, Grey! It's so good to have you back! I thought about you all of the time!"

“You did?" He asks with surprise.

“Uh-huh! You were always on my mind!"

“... Why?"

“Because I love you!" April exclaims. “I never stopped loving you!"

“Oh... Listen, April..."

“I've been good, Grey! I've tried real hard to change! I haven't been killing people since you've last seen me – well, not many – and I've tried to be nice, like you. I've built this whole tribe from next to nothing and found us this place. I've even tried to be a nicer mom for Augustine."

Grey, flabbergasted, has no idea what to say or do.

“I could've robbed them all and found you a lot faster, but I wanted you to be proud of me."

“And I am proud of you." He finally replies.

“You are?" April sniffles.

“Yes. How could I not be?"

Pulling back and looking up at him, she flashes a warm smile. Leaning in, she shifts her ankles and toes, lifting herself up and planting a kiss upon his lips. One becomes two as she wraps her arms around his neck, pulling him down tow her level. Seeing how quickly she's progressing as she kisses him over and over, he now understands why Augustine didn't follow them; she fully expected her mother to have sex with him. Resting his hands on her hips only makes April more passionate, as if he found an invisible switch. It takes some effort to push her body and pull his head away; she almost doesn't let him.

“What's wrong?!" She asks, a startled look on her face.

“Wait, April."

“What? Are you hurting?!" She looks him over with concern.

“A little, but that's not it."

“Then what is it?" She cocks her head.

“I'm thankful for everything you've done for me, but I'm not ready..."

“... Why not?"

“I'm in a bad place, April. I failed Monica..." He sits at the edge of the bed. “She died recently and I'm still dealing with that... Besides, you still don't know me."

“I know enough." April sits beside him.

“But I want you to know more."

“How much more?" She asks.

“I appreciate all your help, and I am happy to see you again and doing so well, but whatever this is... Can we take our time? Please?"

“... Okay..." April mutters, lowering her head.

Her ears prick and her tail sways as Grey suddenly embraces her, holding her rather snuggly.

“Thank you."

“I-I'll bring you food later, and find you some new clothes."

Pulling away and rising to her feet, she seems quite nervous as her eyes dart around the room.

“Y-you just wait here, okay?"

She takes a step, only to feel Grey reaching out and taking her hand.

“April?"

“Yes?" She turns to look at him.

“Thank you." He says again, a warm smile on his face.

“You're welcome."

Releasing her hand, April powerwalks from the room. Her claws click on the floor as she darts toward the stairwell. She opens the door, seemingly forgetting her boots before turning back to slip her feet inside and lace them. Augustine watches her mother's odd behavior, tilting her head as she witnesses her mother fumbling with her boot laces.

“Mom? Are you alright?"

“I'll be right back, sweetheart. I just have to run an errand."

“Is Grey okay?" Augustine presses.

“He's fine." April replies, suddenly sniffling. “Be back soon."

Her mother darts out of the door, slamming it shut on her way out. With worry creeping in, Augustine turns her head toward the hall. She takes a step toward the bedroom were April had left Grey, pausing to reach into her pocket and check for her pistol. Unsure of what to make of the situation, and cautious as to who Grey is, she leaves her hand in her pocket, her fingers wrapping around the purple, synthetic grip. With methodical steps, she inches forward, her claws clicking on the hardwood floor. Reaching the door, she gently raps her knuckles against the frame.

“Yeah?" Grey calls out from inside.

Augustine breathes a sigh of relief; her mother didn't hurt him. Taking hold of the knob, she slowly opens the door, peeking her head in through the crack. Looking inside, she finds Grey lying down on the bed, a hand resting over the wound on his right side.

“Are you alright?"

“Everyone keeps asking me that." He sighs.

“I'm not sure what else to say." Augustine admits.

“You don't need to say anything."

“Then I wouldn't know how to ease the tension."

Turning his head, he sits up in bed, grimacing somewhat from the pain.

“Augustine, right?"

“Uh-huh." She nods her head.

“You're looking well."

“I'm doing well, especially now. Searchlight is a nice place; the nicest place I've ever seen." Augustine replies.

“Me too. You seem a little different. Less timid."

“I am." She smiles, her hand holding her concealed pistol.

“That's good." He murmurs.

“You seem a little different too..."

“It's been a while, and a lot can happen to a person in three months." He replies.

Stepping further into the room, Augustine sits on an ottoman near the bed, keeping her front facing Grey.

“What happened while you were out there?"

“A lot." He answers in a subdued voice.

“I read in a book once that talking helps."

“Yeah? You like to read?"

“Uh-huh! It's about all I can do for fun."

“Do you have a favorite book?" He asks.

With a wide grin, Augustine rises to her feet. Motioning with her head and free hand, she draws him from the bed, being mindful of his weakened state. The young girl leads him from the room and down the hall, revealing the study to him. Standing in the room, he stares in awe at the wall of books.

“I like history the most, but I also love adventure stories!" Augustine chirps, heading for the wall. “Look at these! Treasure Island, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Robinson Crusoe, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Treasure Island is my favorite so far."

“There's so many." He remarks, looking over the shelves.

“What do you like to read, Grey?"

“I don't know. I didn't do a lot of reading before the road, and when I was on the road, I couldn't spare my eyes. I only have two books anyway, and one of them is horror."

“What's the other one?"

“Something else." He smirks.

“Ha-ha... Is it one of those magazines with naked ladies in them?"

“No..."

“Oh. I figured that's what every guy carried with them! I know I would if I was a guy. Those women are so pretty!" Augustine exclaims.

“You've read them?!" Grey chuckles from surprise.

“Some."

After briefly scanning the bookshelves, Grey walks away from Augustine to examine the sparse but quality furniture inside of the study. Behind the desk is another, smaller desk. An enlarged end table of sorts, it bears a small bar of crystal decanters and a strange device. Turning her head, Augustine watches Grey as he picks up a portion of the device. His lips curl into a little grin as he takes the MP3 player from the combined charging base and speakers.

“What's that?" Augustine asks.

“It stores and plays music. This box plays the music, but it also charges a battery, so you can take it with you and listen to music from your pocket with little ear speakers." He explains.

“Wow. You know a lot!"

“I have my moments."

“I didn't know you saw one of those before" She remarks.

“A long time ago, when I first started walking, I found a guy on the road. He was being beaten by four guys who wanted his stuff."

“Did he hand it over?"

“Yeah, but they decided to beat him anyway... For fun, I guess." He sighs.

“Oh..."

“I scared them off, and I pretty much carried the guy all the way back to his house. He liked playing with electronics and had a small power station he built on his roof. He had one of these." Grey says, slipping the iPod back onto the base. “It was the first time I'd ever heard music."

“Well, maybe you can hear it again!" Augustine remarks.

“You have spare batteries on you?"

“No, but mom says that there are windmills nearby, and something called a 'solar farm' that makes power. She's got people trying to figure out how to turn them back on."

“That'll be nice." He says through clenched teeth, taking a seat in the chair.

“Yeah... I'm sorry about my mom."

“Sorry about what?" He turns to her.

“Come on, Grey."

Approaching Grey and walking around the desk, Augustine pulls her empty hand from her jacket pocket. Setting her palms atop the desk, she hops up, sitting atop the furniture and gently swaying her bare feet.

“Don't pretend to be stupid, and don't act like I'm stupid. I know you aren't comfortable here. I could see it on your face when you walked in the door, and when she pulled you down the hall. For a second I thought you knew she wanted to have sex with you."

“They say never to underestimate children." He softly chuckles.

“They're right, whoever they are. I've been paying attention. The very day she came back for me, she burned Coalton down, took what was left of the village, and made us all move south. She never had plans and never knew the route, she just pointed south and we started walking. She doesn't act the same either. She started being nicer to me, she's saved people who were in need, and she kept them all, even the less helpful ones. She brought in lots of people, making our tribe strong. I haven't seen her kill anyone who didn't deserve it, and she put up with that other, creepy human we have in our tribe, Rodge.

My mom really likes humans, but she completely ignores him, even though he likes her a lot. I wasn't sure why at first, but everything makes sense now. Sometimes I'd find her crying, and sometimes in her sleep, she'll say your name. My mom is obsessed with you. This whole trip south, and the tribe she's built; it's all because of you."

“She told me once that she was in love with me, but I thought after this long, she wouldn't even remember my name." Grey replies.

“Maybe she is?" Augustine suggests.

“I just don't understand how she could be. I don't even love myself."

Sitting slouched in the chair, Grey turns his eyes toward Augustine. Her brow is soft, her shoulders slumped and her lips curl down. She appears somehow saddened by his words.

“Maybe she sees something you don't?"

“Even if she does, we weren't together long enough; she doesn't even know me."

“So, get to know her!" Augustine exclaims with a little grin.

“Why do I feel like you're playing matchmaker?" He chuckles.

“She marched us for months to find you. She had a dream about Searchlight while we were on the road, and here it is. I know she only did that because you told her she should listen to her dreams; my mom doesn't listen to anybody, not even me, but she listens to you. She's trying to be a different person, Grey, and she has since she met you. I can't think of any explanation for why she would do all of that other than she loves you. Don't discount her feelings. I know you must've been through a lot, but who hasn't? Maybe that's something you two could share?"

“Just when I think I've heard it all... I guess there's no harm in trying to get to know her. She's the only friend I have left."

“I'm your friend too!" Augustine insists.

“Damn... I guess I'll have to get to know you as well, won't I?" He smirks.

“Shut up!" Augustine grins.

She slides from the desk, as Grey pushes himself out of the chair.

“You've got a good head on your shoulders, Augustine."

“Is it pretty?" She asks.

“Yeah. Pretty, and pretty smart."

The two share a little smile.

“How's Treasure Island?" He asks.

“Want to read it together?!"

“Sure."

Walking up the stairs, April feels a tension in her stomach and an invisible weight on her shoulders. She turns her eyes toward the upper floor, her arms tremoring. Having already been rejected by Grey, she's almost afraid to look upon him; she hasn't been afraid in years. Looking at the bundle she carries, she hopes that maybe, with the right set of words and a proper gift, she may win him over. Taking a deep breath, she closes her eyes and exhales, preparing herself for the arduous march up the staircase. Slipping her key into the lock, she trembles, jingling her keys in her palm as she turns the tumbler. With a firm push, she opens the door and steps inside.

“The old fellow's fury was awful. He sprang to his feet, drew and opened a sailor's clasp-knife, and, balancing it open on the palm of his hand, threatened to pin the doctor to the wall." Grey dramatically reads.

“Oh! Hi, mom!" Augustine pops up from the couch.

“Hi. Where'd you go? Off killing dinner?" Grey asks, rising from the cushion.

No sooner than she lay her eyes upon Grey, she recalls his rejection. He denied her love for a second time, displayed in the only manner she understands; sex. Unable to find the words, she devolves into her base emotions, tightly gripping to the strongest among them.

“Not quite. Here." She grumbles angrily.

She tosses Grey a bundle of clothes, striking him in the chest and landing in his arms.

“Try those..."

“Thanks. My old shirt is feeling a little worn." He quips, tapping his bare chest.

April doesn't reply, her lips contorted in frustration. With the tension as thick as molasses, Grey clears his throat and walks slowly down the hall, toward his bedroom.

“No peeking!" He remarks.

“Pfft." April rolls her eyes.

Taking a seat on the couch, she looks down the hall as he disappears into the room.

“Uh... Are you okay?" Augustine asks, her brow furled in visible concern.

“I'm fine..." April grumbles, still staring at Grey's door.

“No, you're not." Augustine says as she steps in front of her, blocking her view. “You're acting the opposite of how I thought you would."

“Why are you trying to guess?" April raises a brow.

“Because I want to help the two of you."

“This isn't your business." April retorts.

“Considering you hauled us down here for him, I think it is." Augustine nods, her tone and expression quite stern.

“What do you want from me?" April sighs.

“For you to stop acting like a bitch and talk to me."

April can't help but chuckle, a grin forming as she's scolded by her twelve-year-old daughter.

“Why are you being mean to him? I thought you wanted to see him again."

“Maybe I did..." April murmurs, crossing her arms before her chest.

“And you don't anymore?" Augustin raises a brow.

“Perhaps..." April speaks under her breath.

“You're a terrible liar. Feelings don't change that fast, and you're not that crazy." Augustine snickers.

“What do you want from me?" April asks again.

“The truth. What's wrong?" Augustine presses.

“He rejected me!" April nearly shouts.

Augustine swiftly turns her head toward his door at the end of the hall. Surely, he heard that.

“Maybe you just need to be patient?"

“I've been patient for months." April pouts.

“He's had a rough time. Keep being patient." Augustine retorts.

“For how long?"

“Longer..." Augustine growls.

April and Augustine briefly stare each other down. To April's surprise, her daughter doesn't flinch. Yet another surprise is revealed when she turns her eyes down.

“I'm asking nicely... Don't make me ask mean." Augustine warns.

With the back of her pistol's slide visible from her pocket, her hand holding firmly to the grip, April can't help but crack another smile.

“I guess you really are my daughter." She jokes.

“You don't want to guess, mom..."

“You're right..."

The doorknob turns loudly down the hall.

“Fine. You win." April whispers.

“I know." Augustine smirks.

Emerging from the room, April and Augustine both turn their heads, wondering why they don't hear him. Standing in the hall, Grey wears the clean, black hooded jacket. Unzipped, it reveals his dark purple t-shirt, which clings to his athletic frame and hangs over the waistband of his pristine black jeans. Not too tight but not too lose, they show off his form. April's eyes scan him from his long, brushed hair, down to his feet, freezing temporarily over his groin, and the subtle bulge beneath his zipper. Walking on socks he'd found in a drawer, he holds the brown hiking boots in his hands, the laces neatly tucked inside of the boots.

Turning her eyes toward her mom, Augustine can hardly hide her grin as she watches April ogling Grey from her seat on the couch. April shifts her body, resting a forearm of the armrest of the couch, while a hand grips the red fabric cover.

“You didn't want shoes on in the house, right?"

April doesn't answer him, lost in a daze.

“... Mom?"

“Huh?" April blinks, snapping out of it. “Oh, uh... Right. Scuffs our new, stolen floor." April grins.

“And we can't have that!"

Grey sets his new boots beside April's, placing the footwear close to each other in a subtle gesture. Walking closer, Grey passes Augustine and April, taking a peek inside of the attached kitchen.

“Does any of this stuff work?" He asks.

“No, but I put a camp stove over the big one." April replies.

“Classy!"

“Whatever." April grins.

“Do you think I could cook something for you two? To say thank you for putting up with me?"

“Sure."

“Good! ... What do you have?"

“A better question is what do we like." April retorts.

Rising from the couch, she enters the kitchen, showing Grey the foodstuffs she's found inside, all while Augustine watches them with an amused grin. As April digs through a cabinet stuffed with canned food, Grey can't help but eye her figure. Only Augustine sees his head tilting as he looks April up and down, her lips curling with delight.

“That bodysuit is very pretty." He suddenly speaks.

Freezing solid, April's head swiftly turns as she glances back at him, her pigtails swaying. With eyes wide and her lips pursed as if from embarrassment, she looks as if she's never received a compliment before.

“Th-thanks!" She exclaims. “I like how pretty I feel in it."

“You were just as pretty in your old clothes." He replies.

Again, April freezes. After a pause, she takes a series of cans from the cupboard, clutching them tightly against her breasts as she turns to face him.

“What do you like more?" She asks, looking back at him with an innocent smile.

“Of the cans?"

“... Of my clothes." She sheepishly corrects.

“Oh! Whatever you like more. It all looks good to me."

“Okay." April softly replies, her smile growing.

Setting the cans aside, April fiddles around in a drawer, eventually finding a manual can opener. She prepares to open a can, but the blade slips as she trembles, the can thumping on the counter.

“Here." He steps forward. “I know how to do the rest."

Heading back to the couch, April sits beside Augustine, whose visible grin seems to taunt her. Clearing her throat, Augustine is the first to initiate a conversation, asking Grey about his travels during the past three months, and sharing their own experiences in kind. With her nerves calming, April swiftly joins the conversation, taking over for her daughter and sharing a back and forth with Grey. For every good deed she's done, he compliments her, and for every negative deed, he's quick to spare judgement. After cooking a simple meal of ground beef, canned mushrooms slices and pinto beans on the two-burner camp stove, Grey sets a table with the apartment's flatware.

Dinner is peaceful and enlightening, with Grey and the girls sharing much of their ordeal, though Grey specifically glosses over the more painful portions. At certain points of his journey, he hesitates to speak at all, taking deep breaths as though to calm his nerves. It's then that April can truly see the deep pain he hides; it makes it easier to understand his reluctance to be with her when he has something weighing so heavily on him. Once they've finished their dinner, Grey wipes the plates clean with a damp cloth before returning to the couch with Augustine.

With April taking the space across from her daughter, Grey is left in the center. Returning to the book, Augustine suggests they start over, to be fair to April. Taking turns, April, Grey and Augustine dramatically read Treasure Island to each other, not stopping until the sun has long since set. Growing drowsy, April walks Augustine to her room, leaving Grey in the hall. Augustine pulls off her top and slides down her pants, switching her day clothes for an adult's XL t-shirt, which makes an adequate nightgown. Climbing into bed, April sits at the edge, pulling the bedsheet up for her.

“Today was nice." Augustine remarks.

“Yeah, it was... Thanks, sweetheart."

“You're welcome, mom."

“I guess you did know what you were talking about."

“I have my moments." Augustine grins.

“Goodnight, sweetheart.

“Goodnight, mom."

Stepping into the hall, April warms upon seeing Grey leaning against the wall, holding a lantern and waiting for her. She swiftly subdues her visible emotions before he notices.

“M'lady?" He holds out an elbow.

“Put that away, sir." She grins, silently chuckling.

“Yes, ma'am."

After walking April to her room and wishing her goodnight, Grey borrows the lantern and heads to his own room, dimming the light but leaving it sitting on a decorative table in the hallway. Stripped out of her clothes, April lay naked in her bed. She tosses and turns, struggling to sleep. She opens her eyes, which have slowly adjusted to the darkness. Why is she still awake? Looking over her shoulder, she examines the large, empty space where she wishes Grey would be. The fact that he's in the loft, a few rooms away, only makes it more difficult to be patient, though she can see her daughter was right.

Sometime, during the dead of the night, April feels a familiar urge. Not the urge to cut flesh or mate with Grey; she merely has to use the bathroom. Slipping on an oversized shirt and panties, a method learned from her daughter, April wanders the hall. Though the loft has several bathrooms, including one in every bedroom except for Grey's, they use a hallway half-bath, which has no shower or tub. They chose this bathroom because, without running water, they've rigged a hand pump system; the hallway half-bath is the only one the system functions with.

After doing her business, April uses the hand pump to flood the toilet basin, allowing her to wash her hands and then flush it. Drying her hands thoroughly with a rag, she walks quietly down the hall. A sudden noise draws her attention. Her heart stops as she can hear Grey softly weeping. Approaching his door, she gently raps her knuckles against the frame.

“Yeah?" He asks with a sniffle.

“Are you alright?" April asks.

“I'm fine. Everything's fine." He says, sniffling again.

She hears his words, but feels the pain in his voice. Maybe this is a time to not be patient? Taking the lantern from the table, she brightens the wick and returns to his door. Gripping the doorknob, she turns it and slowly pushes the door open. Poking her head inside, she extends the lantern into the darkened room, finding Grey seated on the floor, his back to the footboard and his knees brought to his chest. He turns his watery eyes toward her, struggling to hold back, though it's clear he's trying.

“Hey... Did you want to talk?" She asks.

Taking a deep breath, Grey wipes his eyes and sniffles yet again. Nodding his head, April steps inside of his room, closing the door quietly behind her.