Fireworks
Part 2
4989 heard a piercing scream and needed a moment to realise that the voice was his own.
Sharp fangs and spikes ripped into and through his membrane, pain ravaging his body, as the germ started tearing at him like a crocodile. It was a miracle it didn't bite out a chunk from his shoulder.
Everything started to spin before his eyes and the germ tightened its grip even further.
"Let me finish him," the other mantis-like bacterium suddenly hissed.
The one holding 4989 growled threateningly. "I captured him."
"Only because I provided a distraction." It showed the spiked arm 4989 had managed to block, the neutrophil now seeing that his blade had actually cut quite deeply into it. "I want the final blow."
The other snarled again, its fangs sinking a little deeper into 4989's shoulder. "Fine," it conceded reluctantly.
No, not like this. Light as his head felt, 4989 refused to end like this, killed helplessly by two random germs. The very idea served to refuel his anger, clearing his mind again for the moment. Neutrophils died fighting for their worlds, not as captives. There was no one here to help him, he couldn't hope for a last second intervention; this was up to him alone.
After all, despite being trapped, he still had legs and one free arm.
The germ before him lifted its arms for the final blow. Now!
His first kick hit the germ before him in the abdomen, making it flinch and lower its upper body. Yes! 4989 threw up both his legs, wrapping the left around the insect-like head, while pressing the right boot against its face. With a loud, cracking sound the neck snapped and the bacterium's body slumped down lifelessly.
At the same time he readjusted the grip on his knife and blindly stabbed at the germ keeping him trapped. He groaned when the fangs finally let got, his left shoulder sagging, while the bacterium cried in pain. Its grip loosened without letting go completely, yet now 4989 could turn his head. It hurt like hell, but the neutrophil could finally see its face. His blind attack had managed to hit one of the large eyes, though evidently hadn't gone deep enough.
Using what strength he had left 4989 threw his entire weight backwards, making the germ stumble and fall. Joint as they were they landed on top of each other and this time the neutrophil tossed only his head back, hitting his opponent's face. The grip loosened a little bit more and 4989 tore himself free, snarling as the spikes dragged across his membrane, leaving long cuts in their wake.
Nonetheless he whirled around and brought his knife down, stabbing the pathogen right between the eyes.
Two or three times the bacterium twitched and then lay still. 4989 collapsed.
He landed on his left side, hissing when a new wave of pain burned through his body. Lying beside his last kill, 4989 turned slowly until he was on his uninjured back and as he gasped for breath, he felt his knife slip from his numb fingers. The large wound on his shoulder was pulsing, leaking cytoplasm. He was losing too much of it and his vision was already blurring.
He had to move, he was too close to the frontlines out here. 4989 tried to get up, only to find his body impossibly heavy; he just had no strength left. Everything was numb or hurt. And yet he didn't feel afraid, emotionally he felt strangely composed. He was just so tired.
Perhaps this was it. They were made to die defending their world after all.
At that thought his mind turned to AC. 4989 gulped weakly, sorrow constricting his throat, as an unexpected, sudden onslaught of emotion jolted him awake momentarily. He hadn't even gotten to tell her.
Watch yourself, all right?
A hot tear escaped one of his eyes. "Sorry," he whispered shakily, his mouth dry. "I really messed up, huh?"
Was she safe? They had managed to contain the infection, so if none of her deliveries had taken her too close…please, be safe. Nothing else mattered.
The world around him turned from blurry to dim, until he closed his eyes, a last couple of tears squeezing through before they were completely shut. Idly he wondered if he'd open them again.
All sensations dulled and eventually vanished, even the excruciating pain fizzled out. Was it just him or had it gotten colder? If only he could have held her one last time. If only he'd kissed her up there in the marginating pool, just once.
Finally he could no longer fight it. As AC's image faded, he allowed darkness to overtake him and exhaled.
Three more days came and went and still no news of the battle. Sure there were some rumours that things were under control and that the fighting was coming to an end, but no sign of 4989 or any of the other three. AC was truly starting to fear the worst, despite her best efforts to push those desolate thoughts aside.
Along with thousands of other red blood cells, AC entered the right atrium of the heart, bracing herself for how cramped it would soon become. More and more cells entered the dimly lit, shrine-like room and within seconds AC found herself pressed up against those around her. Hopefully the doors would soon open on the other side; it was really getting warm.
"I tell you, it's all in ruins."
Suddenly the auburn haired erythrocyte heard something that made her strain her ears.
"Last I was up there it didn't look too bad."
"Yeah, last week maybe. I was up there just this morning; some areas look like wastelands now."
"Those white blood cells don't mess around, huh?"
"Especially those lymphocytes; there were whole battalions. Still, it seems like the neutrophil bore the brunt of the invasion." AC flinched at those words.
"What makes you say that?"
"Pus." Her insides twisted, her body turned cold; no, please not him. "Can't say how many, but there were piles."
"Horrible. Oh, the doors opened."
AC felt so numb that her legs refused to move and she was simply pushed along with the crowd; if it hadn't been so cramped she surely would have fallen. She was all but carried into the ventricle and afterwards even further into the pulmonary artery.
Only there did she finally find her strength again and AC left the crowd as soon as they entered the lungs. Ducking her head she slipped by, no one apparently noticing her in the twilight, especially as most of her fellow cells were looking through the windows to their right, admiring the view at the numerous alveoli outside. She headed for a quiet corner by the side of the road, where after making sure she was out of view, the auburn haired erythrocyte simply slumped down. AC embraced the box of carbon dioxide in her arms, trying to calm herself.
Of course she'd assumed that there were casualties, she'd seen neutrophils sacrifice themselves, but that apparently so many had died made her feel sick. And what if he was among those who had…fallen?
AC bit down on her lower lip, her fingers digging into the box. No, she shouldn't go there, there was no proof that he was. Fear could not get the better of her.
Her mind however seemed to be working against her, as it summoned images of purulence, created by the bodies of countless dead neutrophils. She'd only seen it once before in her life, but it was something the young erythrocyte would never forget. AC couldn't describe how frightening the possibility was to go up there and find him as nothing but an empty husk with hollow eyes...
Hastily she covered her mouth with one of her hands, her sight blurring.
No, there was no proof. AC forced herself to take several deep breaths, clearing her eyes as she did, hoping they hadn't reddened. She had to go up there and see for herself; right now she was probably imagining things worse than they actually were, given that all she knew was word of mouth from other easily freaked out erythrocytes.
AC returned to the bloodstream and soon entered a large hall, needing to narrow her eyes at first as it was well lit, bright compared to the corridor. From here more hallways and elevators led to the countless capillaries spanning the alveoli, all three hundred million of them.
As usual they were a few leucocytes around, in this case about a handful of neutrophils. Hoping against hope she checked on each she passed, on the off chance to see him, but of course he wasn't among them. And then…
"U-2048!" AC almost stumbled as she started to run, the sight of a familiar face giving her a jolt.
The neutrophil turned his head upon hearing his name, greeting her with a kind smile, when she reached him. "Ah, AC 4293. How have you been?"
He seemed calm, collected, which was more consoling than he could possibly imagine. AC was sure that if anything had happened to his childhood friends, he would have greeted her quite differently. Or maybe he didn't know anything either. Had he even participated in the battle with his arm? "Oh I'm fine, thanks," she replied, forcing a smile of her own on her lips, only to see him frown and so she quickly continued. "I heard about your arm. Everything healed up?"
"Good as new, kind of you to ask," 2048 replied lifting the previously injured limb.
The auburn haired erythrocyte took a deep breath. "Listen, I was just wondering if you've seen 4989?" She clutched her box again, speaking faster now, almost tripping over her own words, as if she was trying to get everything out at once. "He was called in over two weeks ago and then there was talk of a virus infection, though some said it was bacterial. I'm just worried that…" Suddenly he lifted his hand, interrupting her midsentence.
"Hey, take a deep breath," 2048 told her with a calm voice and a steady look, placing a hand on her shoulder, before he told her what she wanted to hear most. "He's alright." AC breathed out in relief, her body at a stroke feeling limp as all the tension she'd carried vanished in an instance. "We were indeed called in to repel a virus invasion, but during the battle some bacteria exploited our weakened defences to make their move."
Secondary Infection
An additional infection to the still on-going, initial one (primary infection), by a different microbial agent of exogenous (external) or endogenous (internal) origin. In some instance such a case is also referred to as a superinfection.
"Both?" No wonder this battle had taken so long.
The straight haired neutrophil nodded. "Yeah; it took us about a week to get control over the situation and a week more to fully repel the invaders; the fighting actually only ended earlier today. 4989 did get injured," he squeezed her shoulder gently when she flinched at that. "But don't worry, he's been taken care off and was ordered to rest, so now he's sleeping it off under surveillance just to be safe. Trust me, he wasn't too happy either, but he'll be back in no time."
"So he's fine?" He'd already said it, but she needed to hear it again. Hopefully he didn't notice her eyes welling up.
"A little annoyed and tired, but yes, he's alright," 2048 confirmed and winked. "And I'm sure he'll be glad to know that you didn't get caught in the crossfire."
"Thank goodness." He couldn't know how much that meant to her. But she still wanted to see her friend. Feeling her cheeks warming, AC asked another question. "Ahem, you don't happen to know where he's recovering?"
…
2048 had known, including the room-number, and so as soon as time permitted it AC went to one of the immune cell infirmaries across the body. Aside from the bone marrow they could be found at the same locations where neutrophils also received new clothes and equipment, like spleen and liver.
It was a busy place, with leucocytes almost constantly coming and going, though a few seemed curious as to why a lone erythrocyte was coming to this facility. None stopped or even addressed her though, as she made sure to walk purposefully, like she knew exactly where she was going.
In truth, once she entered the clean, white corridors she turned to a macrophage and asked her for direction, which the motherly smiling white blood cell gave without hesitation. She didn't even seem surprised or puzzled to see a red blood cell, or maybe she just didn't show it.
Finally the auburn haired erythrocyte found the right room, yet hesitated before entering. From what she'd gathered his injuries weren't too bad, still she braced herself as she put her hand on the silver doorknob and quietly opened the door.
Beyond she found a room painted in the same white as rest of the building, though the only light illuminating it fell through three windows, the view blocked by thin curtains. As far as furniture was concerned there were only a handful of beds and while two showed signs that they had recently been used, only one was currently occupied, the one furthest away from the door.
AC stepped closer, trying not to make a sound, as the person was clearly sleeping or at least resting. She couldn't express how much it lightened her haemoglobin to see that it was indeed 4989, fast asleep, his uniform missing and his already fluffy hair a mess, but it was him.
And he looked so adorable. 4989 was lying on his right side, facing her, but apparently he didn't quite know how pillows worked, as his arms were hugging the small one he'd been provided with, leaving his cheek to lie on one of the corners. It was admittedly strange at first to see him without the uniform, a short-sleeved shirt revealing most of his well-toned arms, which she couldn't help but noticed featured a few scars, though barely visible on his already pale skin.
More troubling however were the contours of bandages beneath his shirt, apparently covering his left shoulder all the way to his neck and the entire chest. Maybe it was her lack of experience in these matters, but this just didn't look as minor as 2048 had claimed.
"Didn't I tell you to watch yourself, you idiot?" she whispered, rubbing one of her eyes when her vision got a little blurry, yet she couldn't help but smile as well as a sense of relief once more washed through her. Injured or not, he was still alive, he was here.
As far as she could see he wasn't injured anywhere else, though with his legs covered by the blanket it was difficult to say. AC wanted nothing more than to hug him, talk to him, but she didn't want to disturb him. After everything he'd been through, from the fighting itself, to his injuries and losing fellow leucocytes, he deserved a good long rest. Waking him would only hinder his recovery.
For a while she stood at his bedside, reassuring herself that everything would be fine, before she reluctantly decided to leave again. There was nothing she could do for him here and if she lingered longer, AC feared that she would only wake him after all. Before departing however she placed a small paper bag in the table beside his bed. He'd probably be hungry when he woke up and after every time he'd brought her something it was only fair to return the favour.
The first thing he felt was the mattress beneath him and something soft in his arms. Slightly confused he squeezed it, slowly realising that it was his pillow. Oh right, he was in the infirmary.
Gradually 4989 opened his eyes, allowing them to adjust to the light in his room, far too bright for his liking after having slept for some time. It was just as bad as the last time he'd awoken. He remembered his friends having been there to check on him, but struggled to remember any details, as if it had been but a dream.
He recalled being confused about being still alive and in having been in quite a bit of pain. Relieved 4989 realised that his injuries actually felt a lot better this time around; sure he still felt them, yet there wasn't pain, more a tickle across his chest and shoulder.
Additionally this time his head felt clearer, he actually felt awake, and as he let his eyes roam he saw that on his bedside table now stood a little paper bag, a faint, yet sweet scent emanating from it. What quickly caught his eyes however was the small note sticking to it; Get Well Soon, he read in large characters and squeezed into a corner AC.
Within a second 4989 sat as straight as a pole in his bed, flinching when a sharp pain rushed across his chest where the bacterium had struck him. Okay apparently his wounds had still not completely healed yet, but that didn't matter right now. She'd been here, she'd checked on him, she…
"Glad you are finally awake."
Startled 4989 turned around, having not expected someone to be here. When he saw who it was, a smile spread across his face. "Sensei!" he exclaimed brightly, but nonetheless puzzled. "What are you doing here?"
"Can't I visit one of my injured students?" 1110 asked, smiling as well, having made himself comfortable on a chair at the other side of the bed.
"Of course, I'm just surprised. How long have you been sitting here?"
"Just a few minutes, my break's only just begun," the older neutrophil explained. "Last time I checked on you, you were still sleeping, but I saw your 'friend' AC 4293 on her way out."
4989 felt his cheeks warm, when he noticed his teacher's tone. "It really isn't what you think," he mumbled, yet glancing over to the note again.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw 1110 lean forward in his chair. "Perhaps, but you want it to be." Was he that easy to read? "4989, I raised you; don't think you can hide something like that from me."
The fluffy haired neutrophil's shoulders sank. "If you think it's a mistake, I already know a Memory-T Cell, who chewed 1146 out multiple times. I'm sure I'll too get a turn, so you needn't bother." It was something he expected, but not looked forward to.
His old teacher however shook his head. "I'm not going to advice you one way or the other. Just like with 1146, as long as you are happy and fulfil your duties I don't think I need to interfere," he smiled again. "And she seems to have taken quite a liking to you as well."
Grinning shyly 4989 rubbed the back of his head. "I guess I'm a lucky neutrophil."
For a moment 1110 seemed to be contemplating. "She seems to be a nice girl," he eventually noted, before giving his former student a rather stern look. "So treat her well; I'll hear about it if you don't."
4989 gulped. "Yes, sensei." It had been some time, but he'd learned to fear that look, back when he'd been a myelocyte, and as a troublemaker he'd gotten it a lot. That one time he'd almost hit 1110 with the makeshift arrow…
Clearly satisfied with his student's reaction the older neutrophil's features relaxed again. "Now, I actually came here because I had some good news. You've made a request to the hematopoietic stem cells, about meeting a class of erythroblasts."
How many weeks had it been? Frankly he'd lost track of time. "I just want to introduce them us white blood cells. I know the macrophages usually do that, but I feel like the children are getting the wrong impression, especially of us neutrophils, given how they react to us once they're erythrocytes. It's one thing if they are disgusted by the carnage, fair enough, but they shouldn't be afraid or think we're just savage killers." He looked to 1110, hoping he would agree.
"We're cursed with an abundance of negative stereotypes, true," his former mentor eventually agreed and studied 4989 with a pensive expression. "You think you can change that?"
"Maybe. It's worth a shot, so I want to try." He was determined, after his visit to the bone marrow with AC more so than ever.
1110 nodded. "Well, the hematopoietic stem cells have approved your request. They've asked me to tell you that you can discuss the scheduling with the resident head-macrophage as soon as you've recovered."
"Yes!" 4989 cheered, clenching his fists triumphantly. One step closer. Hopefully the macrophages wouldn't be offended.
Observing him the older neutrophil tilted his head, giving him a curious look. "Ever thought about going into teaching one day?"
"A troublemaker like me?" 4989 laughed. "Not exactly the kind of role-model they would want for the job." Besides, he wouldn't get to see AC as often, or be able to protect her.
"Probably not," 1110 conceded. "Which reminds me…you remember the myelocytes you saved a few weeks ago?"
"Of course, why?"
"Well, naturally they've found out where I was going and who I'm visiting," he explained. "Aside from wishing you a speedy recovery, they would also like to thank you again. They asked if they could visit, but I wanted to run it by you first, makes sure it's alright."
"Absolutely." Their request came as a surprise, but delighted him nonetheless. "How have they been?"
His old teacher leaned back in his chair. "Well behaved; encountering a real germ seems to have left quite an impression. They've been more diligent with their studies too."
4989 chuckled. "Reminds me of 1146, although he always took his training seriously." Still, following his encounter with a Pseudomonas, U-1146 had become even more dedicated to his training, incidentally spurring his friends on in the process.
Before 1110 could reply, the door was cautiously opened. "Oh, I didn't expect another visitor," 2048 admitted smiling as he entered. "Good to see you again, sensei."
"You too, 2048," the older neutrophil replied in kind.
Then his friend's eyes wandered to 4989 and the smile became an amused grin. "Ah, I see AC found her way here."
"You met her?" 4989 all but exclaimed. He was desperate to know how she'd been; had she managed to stay away from the upper respiratory tract, or had she encountered a stray germ that had made it through their line of defence? What if she'd gotten hurt while he'd been away and unconscious?
Thankfully 2048 didn't keep him waiting. "At the lungs. Frankly she seemed a bit agitated to me, probably because she hadn't heard from you all this time, so I figured I should tell her something."
Now the fluffy haired neutrophil was worried for a different reason. "How much exactly did you tell her?"
"Relax, hardly anything, just enough to ease her mind." 4989 breathed a sigh of relief as his friend continued, now standing by his bedside. "I downplayed your injuries as much as possible and that's about it. Given how worried she already was, I didn't think describing how we found you all torn up and unconscious, would have been a good idea."
"Thanks." The first thing he had to do once he got out was to find her, let her know he was okay. That and apologize for not keeping his promise; he shouldn't have gotten separated during the fighting, such a band cell mistake.
2048 shrugged, pulling closer a chair for himself and sat down beside their former teacher. "Don't mention it. But you can tell her yourself; I'm sure she'll ask for details."
4989 sighed. "Guess you're right; that's not gonna be a fun conversation. Still, how was she? She didn't get hurt?"
"Physically she was perfectly fine; if she's been to the upper respiratory tract, she's gotten away without a scratch."
Closing his eyes 4989 sank back down, head landing on the mattress, as the pillow was still under his arm. "Thank goodness."
"But as I've said, she's a bit stressed out and with all the rumours going that's hardly surprising," his friend noted.
Things had looked bad even to the immune cells, which probably meant that it must have appeared even worse to all the other cells. "I wish I could give her a transceiver," the fluffy haired neutrophil lamented. "It would make things so much easier."
"You really ought to tell her," 2048 remarked after a moment of silence. "At this point you're worse than 1146."
Sitting back up, 4989 brushed through his hair, yet averted his now warm feeling face. "I was gonna, but then I got the call, which kinda ruined the moment," he mumbled.
From the corner of his eye he saw his friend slowly nod. "Point taken. Still, unless you want us to intervene eventually, you have to make a move."
Suddenly 1110 chuckled, looking content. "I see you're all still supporting each other."
"Of course; can't keep your eyes off this one," 2048 joked, pointing at his still flushed friend, earning himself a glare.
"I almost died," 4989 reminded him. "How about some moral support?"
"Got that covered," the other neutrophil claimed and pulled a familiar looking envelope out of his jacket. "I got this from your locker."
Oh, no the photos. "Did you look at them?" They weren't exactly embarrassing, but they still showed some rather personal moments between him and AC.
2048 placed the envelope on his bed. "All three of us looked at them."
Covering his face with both hands 4989 groaned. "I need to get a new lock."
In a quiet arteriole AC was pushing her cart along the almost empty road, apartment buildings to her right and a little park to her left. Some cells were playing badminton there, she heard them shouting and laughing, while a few platelets cheered them on.
The erythrocyte stopped for a moment to watch the match; she'd never played herself, though wished to try it out sometime. Maybe after delivering the oxygen…AC looked at the address again and deflated a little. The detour would be too great to be justifiable. Maybe another time.
A little disappointed AC was about to continue on her way, when two arms wrapped themselves around her, making her jump for just a moment, until a very familiar voice addressed her. "Hi, there."
Warmth spread through her chest. He was back! Oh, how she'd missed hearing his voice. AC wanted nothing more than to turn around and hug him, but his arms were trapping hers, while her back was being pressed again his chest. Finding herself thusly immobilized, she instead leaned back into his embrace, managing to at least turn a hand far enough so she could place it on his arm.
"You're back," AC managed to breathe, being somewhat choked up.
"Sorry I took so long," he apologized sheepishly, almost mumbling those words into her beret.
She gulped, forcing her voice to remain steady. "You had me worried there." Part of her could have cried tears of joy, yet another part wanted to scold him for being careless and getting himself injured so badly. But she'd never been in battle, much less one lasting two weeks; who was she to judge? Still, she had asked him to watch himself.
"Sorry," he repeated, almost as if he'd guessed her thoughts. 4989 loosened his embrace, just enough for her to turn around and throw her arms around his neck. Just to be able to hold him again…she'd missed him so much.
"How are you're wounds? 2048 didn't say much," AC asked, suddenly thinking of the bandages she'd seen, hoping she didn't aggravate any of his injuries.
His arms remained around her however and 4989 hadn't shown any sign of pain so far. "Completely healed," the fluffy haired neutrophil assured her. "Still got some minor bruises, but I don't really feel them anymore. Maybe there will be a new scar or two, though it's a bit too early to say. Overall I'm just feeling a bit tired after everything. What about you? Did you have to go near the battlefield?"
She shook her head, as well as she could with it still leaning against his shoulder. "No; I had a delivery near the ear, but that was the closest I got. I did hear a bunch of rumours and a few reports from other erythrocytes, which didn't exactly put my mind at ease."
He squeezed her a little tighter, her beret shifting, as he apparently pressed his cheek against it. "I didn't mean to worry you," he murmured, sounding rather conscious-stricken.
But AC didn't want him to have a guilty conscience; the invasion was hardly his fault. "Hey, you're always gonna be out there fighting," she said, clutching at his uniform. "Of course I'll worry, but as long as you come back it'll be fine. So watch yourself, okay?" She couldn't, as much as she wanted to, so she would have to learn how to deal with this sort of thing in the future.
His head move, perhaps he tried to nod. "Promise."
For a while they stood there, embracing each other without saying a word. "You know, you're going to have to let me go eventually," AC noted, despite her own reluctance to move.
4989 hummed. "Afraid so," he finally agreed, not sounding like he wanted to either; after everything he'd probably gone through AC wasn't exactly surprised. He kept holding her for a few more moments before she felt him lift his head. "Hey, care to join me on a little project?"
"What do you have in mind?" she asked curiously, trying to look up, though unable to see more than his chin and jawline. He was already up to something again as it seemed, which amused and relieved her at the same time.
He shrugged. "Oh, just something we talked about a while ago. Still, I wanted to go over it with you first. Got time?"
"Still have to finish this delivery, but afterwards…"
"Alright." Suddenly he let go, snatching her beret as he jumped away and escaped her grasp. "Let's speed things up then."
AC's hand flew to her head as she saw him wave her red headgear, only feeling hair. "Hey!" He ran and without hesitation she went after him, spotting his wide grin when he glanced over his shoulder, making sure she was following. "Give it back!" And yet she couldn't help but laugh as she gave chase.
…
A little that day AC found herself waiting in line for tea, her beret retrieved and back on her head. 4989 meanwhile was waiting on a bench just around the corner with her cart. On the way he'd confessed that he was more than just a bit tired and actually felt quite drained after the two weeks of fighting and his recovery. Upon taking her first good look at him, she'd seen the rings around his eyes, which he'd tried to mask with his usual smile and by pulling his cap down a bit further than usual.
For a moment AC had been meaning to ask why he was here and not using the time to find himself a quiet marginating pool and get some more much needed sleep. But she already knew why; he was here because of her. He'd probably searched for her.
AC felt bad for keeping him up, but at the same time the thought made her haemoglobin flutter. It certainly gave further credence to what pretty much everyone else was already assuming about them both. And yet she herself was still uncertain concerning her own feelings; even if she knew what signs to look for in others, what was it supposed to feel like?
She needed advice, someone she could talk to about this, who had gone through something similar. Frankly among the very few erythrocytes AC knew to be in a relationship, there was only one; AE 3803. Not only had she stumbled into hers and suddenly came to the realisation that she was in love, at least according to the redhead's own account, but she was with a neutrophil. Certainly she would be able to help remove these ambiguities.
After all, the last thing AC wanted was to hurt 4989 and as much as she cared for him, the thought of taking the next step so to speak made her uneasy. She simply didn't feel quite…ready. Suddenly AD's and CT's words were ringing in her mind, making her chew on her lower lip. Was she actually letting herself be influenced by what they'd said? Sure, she appreciated their concern, but they were wrong about 4989.
"I can't help but wonder how you can be comfortable around someone who has so much blood on his hands?"
But she was. She was probably more comfortable around him than anyone else. However if he made a move, what if she suddenly found that she didn't return his feelings as strongly or wasn't comfortable with intimate gestures beyond hugs? What overall would it change between them?
AC tugged at some of the wild strands of hair framing her face and sighed. It didn't help that she might have encouraged him. She had pecked him twice and though it had been a spontaneous gesture of gratitude on her part, she admittedly had never thanked anyone else like that. It wasn't fair to him. She really needed to sort this out, before she did or said something she would regret.
Not right now however. Getting her two cups of fresh, steaming tea from the kiosk, AC returned straight to the bench she'd left her friend. He was finally back after all, instead of worrying and overthinking she should just enjoy the moment and make the most of their break together.
The auburn haired erythrocyte turned around the corner into the small street and stopped midstride, a gentle smile on her lips. 4989 really must have been exhausted.
He'd slumped down on the bench, now lying across it, with only his feet dangling off the edge. As he was lying on his side, facing her, she could see that he wasn't just dozing but actually asleep, his body completely relaxed, while one of the many trees lining the road casted a large shadow over the neutrophil.
For a moment AC considered waking him, but quickly decided against it and put the tea down. As quietly as possible she took off her jacket and folded it neatly into a square, making sure the zip was hidden and could not be felt. Very gently she then lifted 4989's head, just enough to slip the jacket under his cheek. Someone had to teach him how to use a pillow.
To her relief the fluffy haired neutrophil didn't wake up, his features merely twitched once before becoming utterly relaxed again. Satisfied that he was resting a bit more comfortably, AC sat down on the cool ground, so that her head was next to his and her back rested against the bench.
She looked over her shoulder, checking if he really was still sleeping, before reaching for her tea. He really did look cute like this, though she wondered about setting his cap aside, as it had already almost slipped off on its own, though ultimately deciding against it as to not risk waking him.
Instead AC relaxed and took a sip of her still steaming tea; she'd get him a new one once he woke up.
As she drank she could hear him breath calm and evenly, actually finding herself relishing the sound. It was strangely reassuring after those three long weeks. They were spending time together again, things were back to normal; that was better than any fireworks. Frankly, she wouldn't change this for anything in the world.
