A day passed and with no sign of Tobias, I could feel a growing dread making itself known in my stomach. Even though I had plenty of supplies to last me the next few days I couldn't help worrying that my new friend, a possible boyfriend, had been attacked by zombies or crazy survivors.
Sighing to myself I started to get ready to leave, grabbing water and as many bars as I could carry. I was all set to grab a weapon when I heard hurried footsteps and I froze wondering if it was Tobias or maybe even another survivor.
"Rachel, can you open the door?" Tobias' voice called out and I swallowed, stumbling over to the door to push the barricade away from it. As soon as I cleared the door Tobias shoved open the door and I blinked at the blood-splattered over his face and one shoulder. "I'm alright, Rach. Could you move over a little?" He asked and I quickly moved out of his way, helping him move the barricade back before he stumbled over to the couch.
"Geeze what the hell happened to you?" I asked as he sat heavily though when he didn't answer I stared at him. "Tobias?"
"Sorry just...give me a minute." Tobias coughed, brushing at his forehead and I breathed a sigh once I saw the blood come straight off with no sign of a wound. "Yeah, it's not mine. The zombies are a pain." He joked and I nodded though he noticed the look on my face and he sighed, patting the couch beside him.
"So the blood's not yours? Thanks a relief but I thought...never mind." I told him and he blinked as I sat beside him, rubbing at my own cheeks. "Doesn't matter."
"You were worried about me? I'm...touched. I thought you'd be long gone by the time I got back." Tobias pointed out and I blushed to notice his eyes on the water and the bars scattered on the floor. As I bent to pick them up Tobias sighed before he knelt, wincing as he helped me clean up. "Hey, it's okay. I wasn't going to leave you." He stammered when he saw me quickly turn my head as I wiped at my eyes with the back of my hand.
"I know you wouldn't but...I got scared. I've been attacked ever since I came here and if my only friend disappeared..." I trailed off, angrily wiping my eyes not that that stopped me from sniffling. "God I'm such a wimp." I sniffed and Tobias sighed, wrapping his one good arm around my shoulders.
"After everything you've been through that's the last word I'd call you. Maybe a little hotheaded but not a wimp." Tobias muttered as he pulled me into an awkward hug. I didn't move until he rested his head against mine and he gave me a weak smile when I sighed, rubbing my forehead against his. "Come on. Let's check your bandages and my own bite." Tobias offered and I nodded as he helped me to my feet.
Taking a seat on the couch I held out my hand so he could carefully unwrap the bandages covering the multiple bites. As he did I swallowed and he sighed, his other hand giving my uninjured one a squeeze. "Just take it easy, okay? I'll be very gentle." Tobias promised and I nodded as he revealed the skin underneath. "Hmm...think you need another shot."
"So you can tease me when I lose control again? Great plan, Tobias." I snorted and he rolled his eyes at me, a smirk on his face as he released my hand so he could move to the table with his medical supplies.
"Actually I could do with a shot too. Those infected bite hard." He answered and I blinked, eyes traveling to the blood on his shoulder. "Yeah, they got me a good one. Stings like a bitch."
"Looks like we're even then. Wonder what'll happen if we both start acting funny?" I muttered and he grinned at me, both eyebrows raised when I giggled.
"Guess we'll have to wait and see won't we, Rach?" He laughed and I nodded at him as he started to prep the needle, giving me a quick glance in time to see my cheeks redden. "Just what are you thinking about?" He asked as he picked up two syringes, carrying them over to me in time to see me hiding my face in one hand.
"Just give me the shot okay?" I grumbled and he sniggered as I held out an arm grimacing when I felt the needle slide in. In a few seconds, it was over and I winced as I rested my arm in my lap, watching as Tobias changed the needle before he gave himself a shot too.
"Still stings," Tobias muttered as he set down the syringe moving his chair towards me when I sighed. "You still need a shot of Antizin." He told me and I lifted my head my eyes wide. "So do I, Rach."
"Damn it. Fine, here." I groaned as I lifted my other arm toward him trying not to grimace at the sight of the needle moving towards my arm. I winced again when the needle pierced my skin though this time the needle didn't hurt as much probably due to the painkillers now flowing through my system.
Lying back I watched as Tobias pricked his skin with the Antizin, giving himself a shot. Setting the needle down he rubbed at the tiny welt and I gave the couch the pat, beckoning him over. "If you're sure but I can't promise to behave if..." Tobias trailed off when I snorted, waving him over when he raised an eyebrow at me.
"I don't care, Tobias. You've been missing for hours and I'd like the company." I admitted and he brightened as he climbed to his feet heading my way with a grin on his face. "Don't get a big head, Tobias. It's either you or a zombie and you smell a lot better than they do. For now anyway." I added with an eye-roll though Tobias could see a tiny smile on my lips when he sat beside me.
"Thanks for choosing me over the infected." Tobias teased and I just shrugged, leaning back against the couch. For once I couldn't think of anything to say so I sat there in silence instead just grateful that Tobias had returned still very much human. Pretty soon I began to feel a little warm and I shifted on the couch resting my head on one of Tobias' shoulders in an effort to relax enough to allow my body to sleep. It wasn't easy as the warmth in my lower belly grew but I tried my best to ignore it not even realizing that Tobias was having the exact same problem.
Just chill. You need to rest and not think about how close Rachel is right now. An attractive woman who you screwed senseless a few days ago...oh crap.
Hearing Tobias grunt I lifted my head from his shoulder in time to catch him grimace, his leg shifting on the couch though not quick enough to make me miss just how badly the cocktail of drugs flowing through his system was now affecting him.
"Okay, that is kind of impressive, Tobias," I muttered and he turned his head to see me staring at the seat of his pants with a tiny smile on my lips. Seeing his eyes widen my smile grew until I had to bite my lower to prevent my laughter. "Relax I'm not going to take advantage of you," I added with a wave of my hand and he let out a shaky breath, causing me to raise an eyebrow at him.
"I appreciate that, Rachel," Tobias answered as I crossed my arms lowering my eyebrow. "I mean I knew you wouldn't but it's nice to hear it from you." He added and I bit back a laugh when he shifted his legs.
"Is it that painful?" I asked and he turned his head to see me with one of my eyebrows raised and a smile on my lips. "You know I can help if it gets unbearable," I suggested and he snorted at me, shifting to the other end of the couch which just made me grin. "Suit yourself."
Tobias lay back against the couch closing his eyes as he silently hoped his body would relax. He had barely closed his eyes when he felt me move closer and he jerked. "Relax, Tobias. I'm just using you as a pillow. Did you think I was going to jump your bones?" I teased and he coughed, cheeks red as I rested my head on his shoulder. "Now could you sit still so I can actually sleep?"
Tobias just froze and I sighed, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "Um...okay, Rachel." He mumbled though by then I was already beginning to doze off and I didn't hear it anyway.
Guess I might as well do what you do and catch up on some much-needed sleep. Pretty sure I could use it a lot more than Rachel.
With that, he rested his head against Rachel who sighed and he felt the beginning of a smile as sleep overcame him.