Disclaimer: everything belongs to Michael Grant :)

Title: Support

Characters: Astrid & Sam

Summary: It's strange how when you most need support, you end up giving it to someone else

Inspired by "Use Somebody" – Kings of Leon


"And no one wants to help out. It's like no one cares enough to even listen," Sam said, exasperation clear in his voice. "And it's not like they're, like, stupid, you know? Everyone knows we're short on food, so why the – ''

"Sam. Sam!" I interrupted. "I know it's tough, Sam. But we've discussed this all this afternoon; we agreed to have a meeting in the church tomorrow. So for now, let's just relax." I brushed my fingers over his jawbone to emphasize my words. It was tense beneath my fingers.

"I can't just sit around! There's more than just the food to worry about – we haven't heard anything from Caine in months. For all we know he's planning a full-scale attack right now," he cried. I leaned back on the sofa, letting out a resigned sigh. From behind, I could see the muscles straining in his back; especially over his shoulders.

A few uncomfortable moments later, he exhaled forlornly and leaned back, lowering his arm around my shoulders in the process.

"I'm sorry, babe." I flinched slightly at the word. He'd never called me any type of pet name before. I felt both a surge of happiness, and a sinking, disappointed kind of resignation at his choice of pet name. "I guess I kind of take it all out on you, huh?"

"Nothing like being a scapegoat," I muttered. I felt him cringe slightly next to me, and instantly felt guilty. I turned my body towards him, deliberately catching his eye.

"That was uncalled for, I apologise. Sam, I want to be here for you. What you go through, I go through. We do it together." His eyes glowed for a moment, so bright and honest, and he pulled me closer.

"I love you." His breath was soft in my ear, but it still managed to send tingles to my toes. He tucked my head under his chin and I caught the faint thump-thump of his heart in the silence of the night. So beautiful.

And then the moment was over; he turned his head as the stress returned to his features.

"I love you, too," I murmured, but he was in another place already.