"Hello...Rachel Gardner."

The man began to step towards the small blonde, her eyes wide with panic. How? How was this man finding them? How had he followed without their noticing? None of it made sense…

Stepping back towards the edge Ray shouted Zack's name as loud as she could and prayed he heard her and would be able to locate her position swiftly. She didn't know this man's intentions. Surely they weren't good. All she knew was that she trusted no one. No one but Zack, the only person who has always been there for her.

Soon as she shouted, the man's calm composure waivered. His dark eyes glanced around alert to his surroundings, his attention shifting to some device he wore around his wrist. .

"Please...calm down." he cautiously approached her hands in the air. Meant to be a non hostile gesture...a trick more than likely.

"Stay away!" Ray was already formulating her escape. She wouldn't be able to over power him; but she was quick and Zack had taught her a basic move about using her small size to her advantage. Her weak appearance could actually be a valuable asset. No one would ever expect someone like her to attempt to put up a fight. She would ask him to teach her more later..especially seeing as her running away got her into another dangerous predicament.

"I just want to talk..." he continued walking towards her nervously checking his device.

Ray noticed his distraction she could also use that to her advantage. His guard was not up towards her, he was far too worried about something else. More than likely he was afraid of Zack. Not that she could blame him if that was indeed the case.

When this new threat was within 4 feet from her; a gloved hand began into reach into his coat pocket. Rachel was taking no chances. The small blonde lunged into action giving him a quick sharp kick to the groin sending him to his knees with a yelp.

"You BITCH!"

Rachel wasted no time dashing to the ladder. In her frantic hurry she missed a step causing her to fall half way down. Though it wasn't super high pain shot through the hip she landed on and her knee stung. It hurt but was more than likely only bruised thankfully. She had no time to worry about that though all that mattered was escaping and finding Zack.

"I'M TRYING TO HELP YOU DAMN IT!"

Ray had taken cover inside an empty box by a dumpster; large enough for her to squeeze inside. She wouldn't fall for it, there was no one with a logical reason to help them(well except maybe Gray but even that wasn't certain). It had to be a trick...a lie.

"SHIT!" she heard hit shoes hit the ground but his furious shout followed by more curses was fading into the distance.

Her thought was that he had to be tracking them. However given that he didn't seem to know where she was that must mean...he was only able to track Zack. He must've been watching them and waiting for an opportunity to get her alone. Reasoning being obvious...she was a much easier target than her serial killer companion who probably would've cut him down before he could mutter a single syllable.

Maybe he would give up for now. Well at least for a while anyway. Ray almost relaxed but tensed up all over again as another pair of footsteps was headed in her direction. At this point there was no telling who she might encounter back here. She could see just a little through a small hole in the box. Whoever was there now had stopped in front of her; unaware of her presence. It was dark however, there was just enough light from a nearby street lamp to see just enough. Through the hole she could make out familiar boots and crimson trousers. Her heart jumped in her chest. ZACK! Now she knew she was safe.

"Zack!" Ray popped out of her hiding space. Reaching out to hug her friend because she was so relieved, unfortunately landing painfully onto the rough pavement instead. Her antics had startled the killer causing him to jump back against the wall; his knife raised ready for another fight.

"WHAT THE FUCK! Ray? GEEZ! Ya can't go leapin' out like a damn jack in the box! Ya tryin' to give me a heart attack or somethin'?" the hooded killer huffed in annoyance.

Ray, rubbed her sore knees, they were probably skinned pretty good. Even so she couldn't help but smile at his reaction.

"I'm sorry. Did I scare you, Zack?"

Zack ruffled his black hair irritably, mumbling inaudibly under his breath. His expression shifted to one of concern as he studied her frame. She looked pretty roughed up.

"What happened? You look a bit banged up.'" His amber eye was always even more intense in the darkness almost as if it was glowing. Narrowing his eyes at her the serial killer reached a bandaged hand out to help her to her feet. Rachel had been so relieved to see him she'd almost forgotten the danger they were in.

"I ran into that man from the house…" She held a hand up to stop Zack from speaking "I'll explain later for now we need to get to find a place I know we are low on funds...but I'd like to find a motel or something."

Zack didn't like the idea of running again. "If he's out here, then let's just take care of the bastard!"

Ray shook her head. She could tell he was very uncomfortable with the whole situation. Not that Rachel liked it any better than he did, but she had no idea where the man might have gone. She just recalled him nervously checking that device after she called Zack's name. It was really suspicious. He was definitely tracking Zack. Assuming her hypothesis was correct he would be impossible to find as he was able to know their position and they had no way to know his.

"He's gone. Though I am definitely sure now that he is not a cop. We need to get somewhere safer. Go get your scythe. I think I might have an idea how he knows where we are."

Zack scowled "Even more reason to go after him then! Last time...we just ran away you got shot."

He did not want to repeat the same mistake. Had they gone with his idea and tracked Danny down things might've gone a hell of alot different. Not that he was blaming her for what happened, it really didn't matter now. He just knew the longer that asshole was alive the more chances he would have to pull some shit. Ray was lucky to have gotten away at all.

"I know...but just trust me on this...we won't be able to find him. I'll explain when we are someplace safe." Rachel kept her voice down incase they were being overheard.

Zack looked about to argue more, but in the end he agreed to at least hear her out. However if he didn't agree with her he WOULD hunt that asshole down if it took him all damn night.

The motel was just on the outside of the back alley. No doubt it was the shabbiest place they had stayed in so far. Not surprising considering the whole area was super rundown. Probably a real hotspot for prostitutes and drug dealers. Though at this time of night the street was pretty empty. Even so Zack surprised her by holding her tightly against his side.

The intensity of his mismatched orbs daring anyone to try to get near her. Long as he was by her side she knew she would be safe even in the shadiest of places.

At least the rooms had outdoor access allowing Zack to sneak into their room with his weapon unnoticed. It really would be easier if he'd just settle for his knife. She knew better than to suggest her opinion on it though...after how that conversation went last time. Needless to say it was a pointless argument and a waste of time.

She couldn't deny it was weird the times she would see him without it. She'd been so used to him always having it. Before Zack asked her to live for him, she had been certain it was that blade which would end her life. She recalled feeling a tinge of sadness when his original weapon broke before they had completely escaped.

Ray turned to face Isaac. Ready to divulge what happened and her suspicions, a blood stained bandaged finger touched her lips before she could utter a word. An indication for her to hold her thoughts.

"You can talk in a bit, need ta take care of yer wounds first." Her companion commented adamantly; scanning over her bloodied knees.

Ray nodded, and speaking of wounds now that there was more light she realized that he was covered in blood and really needed to clean up. Sighing she couldn't help shaking her head. He just couldn't seem to help but make a mess of himself.

"You need to shower...your really dirty Zack. None of that is yours right?"

Zack rolled his eyes his silent way of saying Duh.

"Course it ain't!" his eyes lit up a huge grin on his face "But damn ya should've seen their faces Ray! I haven't had that much fun in ages!"

Ray sighed shaking her head once more and shoved him towards the bathroom.

"You shower first Zack…your way dirtier than I am"

"Tch, why yes ma'am boss lady!" Isaac dug through their bag for the pj pants she had gotten him this past December.

Deciding to clean up before addressing her legs, she stepped out from the shower. It seemed the adrenaline had faded she could really feel her now throbbing herself in the mirror she could see the skin from her hip to half down her thigh was discolored in black and blue. Definitely swollen but she was fairly certain that nothing was broken. It was going to hurt to walk for a few days.

Just great….

Dressing herself in a baggy t shirt and pajama shorts she brushed her hair and teeth to get ready for bed.

Zack was waiting on the edge of the bed with the first aid kit. It was his turn to help her out with her injuries. Something he had taken to doing every now and then since they'd been on the run. He wanted to confirm with his own eyes that her injuries were not severe. Not that she could say much on the manner; Ray was essentially the same when it came to him getting hurt. Both might be a tad bit paranoid after nearly losing the other at one point.

"Geez Ray! The hell happened to you? That asshole do that to you?!" He was pretty upset. In one swift movement, Zack grasped her arm and gently pulled her towards him. He angled her to the side staring disapprovingly at her leg.

Ray stumbled a little; reflexively steadying herself by placing her small hands on his shoulders.

"Ah!" Ray jumped a little in surprise. She had not been expecting his hand reach out to push up the side of her shorts so that he could see the full extent of her bruised leg. Unlike her, he seemed unaffected by the gesture; his eyes and mind focused only on her discolored skin.. A bandaged thumb tracing over her to check the extent of her swelling.

"N-no...I-I got away before he could do anything...I..fell down a ladder from one of the buildings." she blushed feeling a little embarrassed.

Zack rolled his eyes and sat her down on the bed. Kneeling in front of her on the floor he began tending to her palms and knees. "What were ya doin' on top of a building?"

"Well...I kind of ...got lost." she twiddled her thumbs, ashamed by her inability to navigate the alleyways on her own.

"Geez Ray...can't even run away on your own huh?" Isaac bonked her on the head lightly then finished bandaging her injuries.

Ray stared down at the ground, bangs hiding her eyes "I guess not...I'm sorry".

"Tch. Well you're alright for the most part so I guess it's okay...so.." he placed himself on the bed beside her "What happened with that guy?"

Ray recounted how she was on the roof and the man had just come out of nowhere. How after she called Zack's name he seemed nervous and kept looking at a device on his wrist. He was so distracted checking it that he'd let his guard down. Which was what allowed her to incapacitate him so easy.(Zack praised her swift thinking)

"He is tracking us somehow…well you at least"

The question was how...what was he using to do it? While Zack had been in the shower she had carefully inspected all of his clothing and found nothing. Ray doubted it was a chip implant, the man was not with the police that much was very clear. He would've had no way to insert one without being noticed. More evidence that he was not a cop was that they otherwise would have been caught a long time ago. She shuddered anytime she thought about what would happen if they were to ever be captured by the authorities.

"The hell?! What a creep…" the serial killer scowled.

Ray agreed.

"I'm pretty sure that's what he was looking at on his wrist. He didn't pay it much attention til I called for you. He must have been trying to watch to make sure you weren't nearby."

He hadn't found her when she was hiding though, he had run off in the complete wrong direction...that or maybe he saw that Zack was nearby. No, he didn't get even close to where she had hidden he didn't know where she was.

"Smart guy." Zack smirked "He would've been dead already had I gotten to ya sooner."

Rachel nodded, nervously chewing her thumb "I don't know how he could be tracking you though I checked your clothes...found nothing...that worries me."

"Well...we'll just find the guy...well wait for him to show up anyway and I'll slash the fucker. Problem solved." Zack was grinning devilishly at the idea."

" I'm pretty sure he is only able to track you. When I hid in that box he had no idea where I was."

Which still made her wonder how he might be tracking Zack. There'd be little point trying to examine her companion for a chip. Isaac Foster had so many scars one new one would be impossible to pick out. Not to mention she doubted he would allowed her to try.

"For now I guess ya just gotta stay close." Zack stretched releasing a yawn. All the excitement must've made him a little sleepy. Rachel watched him move to the opposite side of the bed.

Ray followed his example getting under the covers. Zack as usual turned away from her. Though it wasn't cold anymore, Rachel scooted back to press her back against his out of habit. It made her feel more secure and he never seemed to mind. At least not anymore.

Pondering the events of the night had the young girl feeling what she supposed was sadness and also helplessness. Mostly the latter.

Ray felt a bit useless in the world of the back alleys...in Zack's world. She had a good head on her shoulders sure...but when it came to fighting she was useless...what if one day Zack needed help and she failed to save him because she couldn't fight? She felt bad having to rely on him so much when it came to street smarts and dealing with the dark sinister things that dwelt in his element. Afterall he himself would be lumped into said category of dark sinister things...to most people anyway. Not for her though...for her he was just that she was or ever had been blind to who he was. She just saw past it and accepted him as a whole. Plus she had her own darkness anyway which he had accepted as well.

However she couldn't help but think if only she had something to defend herself with or knew how to fight. More than basic cheapshots to help her get away anyway. Not that she'd be able to do much...but it would at least help her to feel somewhat more useful. With a handgun she would definitely feel more at ease.

"Hey, Zack?"

"Mmmh?"

He sounded close to sleep.

"I want to know how to actually fight...I know I won't be able to do much,but I would like to be able to do more than just run away when there are problems. If nothing else a gun would be nice." she was a good shot after all.

Sighing and probably slightly annoyed, Zack rolled over and turned her so she was facing him. His face was inches from hers. She wondered if he noticed how the color in her cheeks changed when he got close to her like that. Probably not. Luckily the lighting was pretty poor so he probably wouldn't be able to tell right now anyway.

"I can try to teach ya...a gun would be a good idea incase ya needed it. But...ya really don't need to be putting yourself in those situations. It's better for a brat like you to just run."

Ray pouted, making Zack chuckle a little.

"I just want to be more helpful…"

Zack flicked her forehead causing her to flinch.

"Then be helpful by makin' so I don't have to worry about needin' to save your weak ass!"

The little blonde broke eye contact. She really was useless in this instance wasn't she? Right she couldn't even locate herself earlier that night. Her getting lost could've have been way worse than it had been. Next time she might not be so lucky and she might get hurt or worse. She had gotten lucky with that guy. If she has to face him on her own again...well he probably wouldn't fall for the same trick twice.

"I'm sorry...I promise I'll do better next time."

Ray's eyes dimmed with regret for being so weak. So useless unable to defend herself. Zack was quick to pick up on her lowered self esteem. Bandaged fingers firmly gripped her chin forcing her to look him in the eyes.

"Don't look so depressed about it. I said I'd show ya. Doubt a brat like you would be able to do much...but you'll be able to at least defend yourself a bit better. "

Her spirits seemed to lift just a little. The thought of being able to be more useful made her happy. Zacks eyes widened caught off guard once again by Ray throwing her small arms around his neck.

"Thank you, Zack" her voice was slightly muffled by his chest. There was silence for a few minutes. Her expressions of gratitude still caught him off guard. Gratitude towards him...a killer was not something he felt he would ever get used to.

"Yeah…" Zack grumbled in response. "Now go to sleep…eh? Seriously? Damn brat!"

Ray had already passed out against his chest. He was getting used to being a bit more tactile. Before her he never let anyone so close. Huffing he couldn't help but acknowledge it was kind of cute.

Alright….just this once.

Just this once he'd let her sleep like that against him with no real purpose behind it. Yet still it felt awkward as hell. When they were outside and she was leaning against him while he was sitting up and it was cold it never felt awkward...well maybe a little at first.

Probably because there was a valid reasoning for it. Either him helping her be more comfortable or for warmth. It was for survival occasionally comfort… but this was...he didn't even know what he thought of it. Annoying. At least that's what he would have liked to tell himself. But what really was annoying to him was that he didn't find it annoying at all.

His amber eye scanned the small females face...still looks like a damn doll when she sleeps.

"Whatever…" He scowled rolling his eyes turning the lamp off.

With the sun barely starting to rise, Ray was slowly waking up. Her left side felt really sore from her fall. Even more notable was the heavy warmth enveloping her, and the warm light breath on the crown of her head. She vaguely remembered hugging Zack last night...had she fallen asleep that fast? As her senses began to awaken more she realized he was facing her with one arm over her shoulder and his face buried into her hair.

He must've just let her stay as she was. Her cheeks flushed a little, she felt kind of touched. Zack mumbled a bit in his sleep as she quietly slid from under his arm. To be honest she was a little reluctant to move.

Ray examined his features surprised at what she saw. His face was so peaceful. She'd never really paid much attention to how different he looked when he was a sleep. He didn't look like someone who could slash a person in half with no remorse. He looked gentle, which she knew he definitely had that gentle side. She may be the only person who knows that though. No she was definitely the only person to know that because she was the only one he was comfortable enough to show those sides to. This realization came to her on several occasions and each time she couldn't help but smile.

Ray allowed Zack to continue sleeping while she flipped through the channels on the television; stopping on the local news. She turned off the volume and put on subtitles to make sure she didn't wake him on accident.

Of course the killings from last night were a huge topic of concern. Lucky for them this far out it was unlikely for the murders to be attributed to Zack. Which they weren't. Police assumed it was just typical gang violence. Reason it had gotten so much attention was the number of bodies and the brutality of the murders.

Even so it would be best for them to leave soon. Cops would surely be patrolling the alleys in an attempt to get to the bottom of the crime.

To her dismay Ray had found it to be rather painful to walk when she had gone to the restroom to brush her teeth earlier. Her leg was throbbing from the pressure. Her injury was definitely going to slow them down. It was relatively manageable at the moment but she knew once they really got going the pain would more than likely worsen. Zack really wasn't going to be happy about it. It didn't matter she would just have to deal with it.

They still needed to find a place where they could get the directions to the church. That was the whole point of being in this city in the first place.

A regular map would only help so much. It would be best for them to know exactly where to go once they got back to the city they started in. Wandering around struggling to search for the place would not be smart; seeing as there was probably a great abundance of people who would recognize them at this point.

Ohhh right.

She recalled sometimes motels had internet access and a printer. Checking a brochure that was left on the nightstand she was greatly relieved to find that this shady ass place did indeed have a guest computer and a printer.

New map in hand the pair decided to sleep as much as they could during the day and took off in the night.

Ray tried her best to conceal her limp, the further they went the more it hurt and the harder it was to hide the extent of her injury from Zack. She was really beginning to lag behind.

Zack stopped slinging his scythe across his shoulders using it to rest both of his arms, once he'd noticed he was several yards ahead of his companion. His eyes narrowed at her noticing her obvious limp and the pain written all over her face. It kind of annoyed him that she hadn't told him how much she was hurting.

"Ray...you okay?" his eyes staring at her intensely.

No she wasn't okay. Her leg and hip hurt. Really really hurt. She didn't want to be an inconvenience though. She would keep going as long as she had to.

She looked up at him and nodded. "I'm okay Zack."

She lied. She knew he hated lies but she just didn't want to disappoint him. Too late, because his glare said it all.

"Don't lie to me Ray…." his eyes were so intense she felt even smaller than she already did in the first place.

"Sorry Zack...my leg and hip hurt...but it's okay I can keep going. I don't want to slow us down." She really didn't.

Ray wanted to hurry up and complete their mission and hopefully they would be rewarded with some peace of mind.

"Tch. Well ya kinda already are...we aren't going to get far at this pace."

He ruffled his hair in annoyance. Not that he wasn't concerned for her; but he was also just as eager as she was to get a move on.

Even though it was dark they had still had to be really careful sneaking out of the city. Flashlights of the city police lit up the alley. Even if he personally was not on their radar; they still posed a danger and he really didn't feel like dealing with the aftermath of slicing up a bunch of cops.

Not to mention they both felt on edge knowing there was an unknown threat tracking them down. They wouldn't be safe until the threat was eliminated. Fuck… Zack had felt really irritable since Ray had told him about that guy, and even more so that she'd hurt herself that much trying to get away.

But the girl needed to heal before they could really get moving. That much was obvious. They were barely outside the city and needed to distance themselves much as possible.

Ray stared down at her feet frowning. "I guess that true. I'm really sorry...I didn't mean to."

Zack ruffled her hair. "Shut it. I ain't blaming ya. Not your fault. But ya can't keep walking around like that."

There didn't seem to be any abandoned buildings around. Looked like they would be spending an unpleasant day or two of time camped out in the woods again. He grimaced at the thought. It was never comfortable out there. However they were low on money; Zack hadn't gotten much off those stupid thugs, and he wouldn't have Ray panhandling in her condition. So unfortunately they really had no choice. At least they now had a small tent and other camping supplies, Ray had thought it a good idea to get a hiking bag from the last store they were in.

"Well...into the woods again I guess…"

***June***

After just over two months to both their relief and dismay no sign of the man in grey. Though there had undeniably been several moments in which they felt certain they were being watched. The pair made sure to never seperate for long. That man really must've been too afraid to approach them when Zack was present. Which was unfortunate because Zack would love to cut that fucker down. He wouldn't risk Rachel's safety though. She even offered to act as bait an idea he shot down immediately.

Sadly they really hadn't made much progress, only having walked 400 of the 1800 miles they had to go. Several hold ups had come about, Ray's injury had kept them camped out in the woods for almost three days.

Towards the end of April, Zack had gotten overly agitated and butchered a group of cheerful young adults returning drunkenly from a bar. One of the men in the group had been stupid enough to mock Isaac's bandaged appearance; not knowing that he was insulting an infamous serial killer. Rachel didn't even have a chance to try to talk him out it. Took several weeks of laying low to get the cops off their tails.

Now once again they were forced to hide and were held up in an old abandoned farmhouse about three miles from the nearest sign of civilization. Zack had kept his promise to teach Ray a little self defense, and even managed to cut down a thug getting her a relatively small handgun as well as a knife to call her own.

Ray had lost the knife he had gifted to her originally as they came to the end of their journey through the murder tower. She had known how precious it was to him. She really treasured it, and was very upset when she lost it. It had been a piece of her best friend that she was able to carry with her. The new knife wasn't exactly a replacement but it made her happy nonetheless.

Back in town just last week, Rachel had wandered a little far from Zack. A real scumbag thought she would be an easy target for his pedofiliac tendencies…

The man had tried to grab Rachel, his intentions obvious due to the way he was eyeing her up and down with no shame. He had not expected a small girl like her to fight back, striking at sensitive areas of the man's body stunning him, just as Zack had taught her. A cheap shot to the groin, a chop to the throat, take advantage of the attackers surprise to get behind them if she could. Quickly whipping out her blade while yanking the man's head back by his hair while he was on his knees finishing with quick slice across the delicate arteries in the neck.

Ray didn't particularly want to kill anyone, however she was not going to let someone try to touch her like that. No way. Unfortunately a female passerby screamed seeing the small blonde standing over the pervert his blood draining from his neck. At this point Zack came from what felt like nowhere; Ray was just standing didn't even notice the woman's head roll by her feet.

Zack then had to scoop her up and haul her ass out of there; Ray was paralyzed amazed that she had just managed to save herself all on her own. He cursed at her at first for being dumb and just standing there staring, then burst out laughing. The realization of what she had done sunk in, he couldn't help but praise the little blonde ruffling her hair in amusement.

The previous day, the pair headed to a gas station to restock on food and drink. Rachel also purchased a newspaper, the photo of her attacker had caught her eye. "Renowned Surgeon, Erick Shaw Slaughtered" was on the front page. Lucky for for them Zack had beheaded the only witness. Dead people can't talk after all. The 2nd thing she noticed with a frown on her face was the date. Yesterday had been June 8th; which means today was June 9th. That made tomorrow June 10th...a day that she mechanically came to dread. For years it had always only ever been the absolute worst day of the year.

Pain, all she could feel was pain.

She was too weak to stop it from coming….helpless, she couldn't fight back because it was her fault anyway.

She was the reason her dad was a bad father. It was her fault mom was a bad mother. They told her so everyday. She deserved the slaps that stung her face. The kicks that at times caused her to vomit.

It wasn't always like this...when she was really little they were a happy, normal family. She only vaguely remembers that though. It changed probably when she was 4...maybe 3; she didn't even know.

Things just suddenly changed...dad started drinking. Scared...she remembered being scared her parents were fighting….dad was drunk. She watched him strike her mother...it escalated and she herself became a target for beatings from both parents.

Her heart squeezed in her chest, for many nights she slept curled up under her bed. She cried every night not understanding what had changed. What had gone so terribly wrong?

One day the tears stopped...the beatings and the screaming became 'normal'. She was used to it now. Physically it hurt, but emotionally...she felt nothing. She cared about nothing. Her only escape was her books.

But once a year...the screaming and the beatings would be the worst. June 10th was just a reminder to her parents of the little abomination they created. Her 'presents" resulted usually in a bloody nose...multiple bruises, sometimes it was so bad she'd have to go to the hospital because one or more bones was broken.

People suspected...they knew something wasn't right. They did nothing to help her though. Her dad was a cop, there was nothing they could do even if they tried.

"I hate you Rachel."

"It's all your fault Rachel"

"I wish you had never been born!"

"Why don't you just die?"

The sad truth was...the only time she had a clear memory of even the illusion of a perfect family...was when they were dead...sewn together.

Pain...more pain. One year was particularly bad, most of it a blur...at first it was just the usual...insults, kicks and slaps. Dad was extra drunk...he had her pinned punching her over and over. When she tried to run away he kicked her down the stairs...it was a miracle she hadn't died...he just came at her again and again...that was the only time her mother came to her rescue.

"STOP! You don't want the neighbors to hear! If she dies then people will ask questions! We'll be found out!"

Oh….of course that was the reason. It wasn't because she wanted to be a good mother and save her daughter. It was just to protect their own hides.

She must've blacked out since she woke up in the hospital. The nurses and doctor had tried to get the truth out of her. She didn't tell them anything…she wouldn't...it would only be worse for her….plus she didn't hate her parents...she still clung onto when they were a happy family…

Maybe one day they would be a happy family again...maybe…

But right now...

She was numb...so numb...

"Ray? Raaay? RAY!" A familiar voice called to her. It was a rough male voice...but one that brought her peace and made her feel safe...Zack.

"Ray? Raaay? RAY!" Zack shook the little blonde. Her whimpers and cries had woken him up. Ray slept on a mattress that was on the floor pushed up against a sofa where he slept.

Rachel opened her eyes and looked up at his concerned face. Her sapphire orbs were wet with tears. Hollow like she was haunted and filled with pain. It wasn't a face he liked on her. It didn't suit her at all. She sat up hugged her knees to her chest, cradling her small frame.

"Are ya okay?" he asked though the answer was obvious.

"I...no….I guess not…"

"You guess?"

"Okay...no. I'm not okay Zack." she was rocking back and forth in an attempt to soothe herself.

"Okay...so whats up?" Zack slid down onto the mattress with her.

"Today...is June 10th..." she stared blankly ahead.

Zack was confused. What the hell did June 10th have to do with anything?

"I don't get it."

Ray took a deep breath.

"June 10th is my birthday."

Birthday? Zack didn't know much about birthdays aside from the obvious. Hell he only had a guess when on when his own birthday was. He knew sometimes he'd see families having get togethers at the park singing happy birthday like a celebration. Normal kids were happy on their birthdays right? Not that Rachel was normal.

"Kay...so why would that make you so upset?"

More tears ran down her cheeks.

"Birthdays...are suppose to be happy. Kids at my school would always talk about how great their birthdays were. They'd get gifts and have cake."

"Yeah...I don't know much about that but I've seen it. But what do they have to do with you?" Isaac's eyes were soft and concerned.

"What do they have to do with me? Nothing really...just my birthdays weren't like that. I-I was abused. Everyday I was abused and insulted...my parents hated me. They would have prefered I had never been born…" Her voice was strained...her throat tight. Seemed now that she had been opening up to more emotions, she was feeling the pain from her past that she had fought so hard to block out.

Zack understood how it felt to be unwanted. To be hated...to be looked down on, to be treated like trash...how it felt for no one to care... "C'mere."

He motioned for her to get in his lap, so he could wrap his arms around her. Her safety blanket. Leaning against him gave her the courage to continue.

"My birthdays were always the worst day of the year. My dad almost killed me one year...he just kept hurting me. He kicked me down the stairs. Mom stopped him...but only because she was worried about their reputations. Not because she cared about me. I blacked out and woke up in the hospital...so I guess I had a dream about that...and it made me sad…" one of his hands gently pressed her face into his chest stroking her hair. The other snaked around her small waist.

"Ya don't need to remember that stuff anymore. They aren't around to say or do anything to ya. No one is around to hurt you like that anymore." Isaac rested his chin on her head. She nodded a little between sobs.

It must've been hard for her to reveal that part of her past to him. He understood having his own past which he didn't particularly want to share...not that there was anyone who would ask. Well...except her, only she had ever bothered to show interest in knowing about his past. All he had ever shared was the source of his burns.

Ray grasped onto his sweater, still sobbing. Zack allow them to remain in their position until she managed to gather herself.

Rachel leaned back so she could look at him. "Th-thank you...Zack."

He looked away ruffling her hair. She knew that was just him saying "no problem".

The serial killer sighed, wheels turning his head. Glancing out the window he could tell it was early morning.

"Alright let's go." He stood reaching out to help the petite blonde to her feet.

She cocked her head at her companion quirking her brow.

"Where? I thought we were going to stay here a while?"

She felt bad watching him hesitantly put on a newer hoodie. It was lighter than the others, but he still ended up sweating profusely in this summer heat.

Ray felt it might be best to stay put until summer was over. The farmhouse had no utilities obviously...but there was a deep stream nearby and it was heavily wooded, so not much sun got through.

"We ain't leavin'. Just gonna go to the store real quick."

"But we just went…"

"So? There's something we didn't get that I want."

Zack had wanted Ray wait outside, which surprised her. Zack typically avoided interacting with anyone aside from herself. They didn't separate often out of worry of the man in the grey coat coming at them. However during the day and at a busy location they should be safe. At least they were fairly certain that he did not have a tracker on Rachel.

Her companion walked out qo minutes later scowling with a brown paper bag. Rachel approached him concerned. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine...damn cashier just wouldn't stop talkin' or smiling…"

Ray chuckled a little, "Well...that is part of their job…you find what you wanted?"

Zack nodded; poor guy looked miserable. Despite being early morning it was still pretty toasty out. Ray had a tank and shorts on with her hair thrown up into a high ponytail, and she was feeling the heat.

"Let's hurry up and get back."

Ray agreed. He really needed to cool off. She doubted that even Isaac Foster would be immune to heat stroke.

Zack was sweating so much his bandages were wearing out and looked as this they might come off by the time they returned to their temporary home. "Fuuuck. I'm sweatin' balls!" he whined shrugging his sweater off. His hair was almost completely drenched.

Ray could see some of his discolored skin between his wrappings that were bunching up from the moisture. "You'd probably feel better without the bandages...it really wouldn't bother me Zack."

The serial killer stiffened before plopping down onto the couch. He was still holding the brown bag.

"Eh.. naw I'll be alright."

Rachel shrugged. It was worth a try. Zack motioned for her to sit next to him. Once she had sat down he dropped the bag into her lap. Ray blinked and cocked her head at him. He looked away...she thought she could see him blushing through the gaps of his bandages. It was probably just the heat getting to him though.

Shifting her attention back to the bag in her lap she reached in and pulled out a small chocolate cake with 2 plastic forks. "Zack?"

The 21 year old ruffled her hair, and gave her an awkward smile… "I think this is where normal peeps would say happy birthday...so...happy birthday, Ray."

Rachels throat tightened, all of her blood seemed to rush to her cheeks. "T-thank you...this really means a lot...I mean it."

Zack looked off to the side and scratched at the back of his head.

"It's nothin' really."

Ray set the cake to the side and threw her arms around his neck.

"H-hey! Don't get all emotional about it!"

Ray nuzzled his neck and thanked him again. She didn't even seem to care that he was a disgusting sweaty mess. As if he wasn't already hot enough.. now he was certain his skin would start melting off from all the heat in his chest. There she goes being all cute again.

Damn brat

He thought to himself stroking her couldn't help but notice something though; when she pulled away and went to put the cake between the two of them to share.

Not sure I can really call her a brat anymore though…

As if he'd just noticed...because honestly he hadn't thought about it til now. Ray was changing; she was growing up her shape was morphing from a brat to a woman. It was very subtle but definitely there.

Ray poked him, trying to hand him a fork. "Zack? Is something wrong?"

Shit.

He'd been gawking at her like an idiot. "Yeah...sorry." He rubbed his forehead to try to clear his head.

The awkwardness faded quickly as they dug into the cake. Each commenting on how delicious it was. They both had a real sweet tooth.

"Hey Zack?" Ray asked.

"Mmm?" His mouth was full.

Ray swallowed the bite she had just taken. "I remember your profile back on Eddie's floor said your birthdate was unknown...but do you know what your birthday is?"

"Uhhh...I'm not entirely sure...I think July 24th. Feel like I remember the woman who gave birth to me saying that. I don't really remember."

"Oh. Well...guess we can just say its on that day then." Ray smiled. Today was really good. For the first time in who knows how long, she got to be happy have cake on her birthday just like anyone else. She even felt like she had been a gift...and that gift was the man sitting beside her sharing her cake.