Okay, having trouble on what to write and summer vacation has taken its toll. Sorry for the long, long wait so I hope this makes us for some of that time till I get chapter 13 up.

Chapter 12: Dog tags

Hannah's P.O.V

Everyone had fallen asleep in the living room, leaving Aaron and I still wide awake. Everyone seemed to take Aaron's presence quite well now so I don't need to worry about him getting shot anymore. I sat on the floor near the fireplace that warmed the atmosphere around me. Aaron was curled up in a ball next to me, leaving no space between us. All was quiet, but it's safe here so the quiet was actually peaceful for once.

I looked down at my parents' dog tags that hung around my neck. There hasn't been a day that's gone by when I haven't thought about them. Sighing, I looked at the fire that warmed everything around me. The flames danced as the fire cracked and smoke rose from the chimney. I wish things could've been different that day, but that's in the pass now, I can't do anything about it.

{Are you alright, Hannah?} Aaron asked.

I looked down at him as I stroked his arm. "Yeah, I was just thinking."

{About…?} He urged me to spill my thoughts to him.

I scooted over as he sat up to look at me. "My parents." I answered as I lowered my head.

{Hannah,} Aaron came closer to me before pulling me into his arms. {It wasn't your fault; you and I both know that.}

I took a deep breath to calm down my nerves. "I know but…I just wish it could've ended differently."

{I know.} He whispered to me before continuing to hold me in silence.

I relaxed against Aaron as he held me. Who knows where I be if I hadn't met him or the others? I can just see my parents' faces right now. Why an infected, especially a Hunter? Well, Aaron cares about me, he understands, and he has this way to melt down my barriers and make his way to my heart.

I felt something lightly hit my head and look up as best as I can to see Aaron had fallen asleep. Giggling, I free myself from his grip and slowly lay him down on the rug we were sitting on. Then I get to my feet and make my way to the room I shared with my parents. I opened the door and flipped the light switch. There are three cots, three chests to hold our personal items, and shelves with white walls and a wooden floor.

I kneel in front of the chest that sat in front of the smaller cot before opening it. It held things from my childhood ever since I was born. However, a small green box caught my attention that had a black ridden tied around it. Picking it up, I examined it before opening it. A note was the first thing I saw so I picked it up before placing the box down as I read it.

Dear Hannah,

Your dad and I are sorry for missing your 13th birthday and we wish to give these to you personally, but I hope this good enough. We watched you grow from our baby girl into a strong soldier. Wear these with pride.

Love, Mom and Dad.

I smiled before looking back to the box, my eyes widen at what I saw. There were two golden dog tags attached to a black chain. I slowly picked it up and read the black writing 'Hannah Burns'. Placing them around my neck to hang next to my parents' dog tags I whispered.

"Thank you."

I then turned off the light and slowly crawled onto the cot before turning to look up at the ceiling. Tomorrow will bring a new day which means a new adventure. Slowly, I closed my eyes.

There you guys have it (I know it's short and I hate it as much as you do), if you have any ideas what the next chapter should be based on, let me know. I'll see you later!