It takes hours to make the cabin as safe as it can be, all sharp objects discarded, all windows and doors boarded up, all electronics unplugged, etc. And they're exhausted, the last few days weighing on them heavily, but they can't stop now, not if they want to have some sort of shot at keeping Alex alive. And Carter isn't ashamed to admit that he gets distracted quite a few times, eyes always wandering until they land on Alex. And there's something like intent whenever their eyes meet, a tension that passes through some sort of invisible wire between them. It takes everything he has not to reach for the other, but he knows (hopes) that there'll be time for that later.

Their dinner consists of whatever canned items they could find in the cabin, mainly baked beans and corn, but it's better than nothing. His back is on fire, and he knows that he'll eventually need to head back to his house to get some antibiotics, but for now, he's stuck in this miserable shed with the boy of his dreams. They sit next to each other, huddled around the single lantern that they found with some oil left in it. He can't help but put his arm around Alex's shoulders, pulling the smaller teen into his side. The other responds by burying his face into the flannel that Carter has on, a find from their earlier investigation of the cabin, and putting a hand on his leg, gently squeezing his thigh as if to say that he was okay. They sit there in silence for hours, Alex's head eventually ending up in his lap.

"Did you mean it earlier, that you would take me on a date?" Alex's voice breaks the silence with a whisper, drawing his attention.

"Yes, if that's what you would like," he murmurs fondly, tone gentler than he can ever remember it being before this, before Alex.

"Hmm, I don't know, tell me what you are planning for our date," Alex teases, turning to look up at him expectantly. He thinks for a moment, trying to imagine what sort of date he would take Alex on. Somehow just taking the other to the movies like he did with Terry didn't seem right, didn't seem like them.

"Well, first I'd pick you up in my new car and we'd go for a drive, get the fuck away from here. We'd stop at some hole-in-the-wall diner with the best burgers in the state, and you'd steal half my french fries. I'd pay for us because I'm a gentleman, but then I'll expect some head once we get back to the car," at this Alex snorts, shoving an elbow in his ribs in mock offence, "Then we'd drive some more, out to the middle of nowhere. We'd lay in a field and stargaze, trying to see who could name the most constellations. And it would be perfect."

"What a romantic," Alex teases, though there's some genuine awe to his tone, "I think I'd go on that date."

"And then we'll finally make it to Paris at some point, go on the trip that Terry and Tod couldn't."

"Maybe we'll take a cruise there, I don't know how I feel about trying to fly again," he jokes, but there's a seriousness underlying his words.

"I mean, after this, we won't ever be afraid of anything ever again. And I don't know, I think it would be somehow fitting, us sitting together next to each other on a plane," he mused, all honest thoughts that he would have never shared with anyone else.

"Hmm," the other hummed noncommittally in response, eyes closing. He thinks that's the end of that conversation when suddenly Alex tenses, sitting up in a panic, eyes wide.

"I forgot that I switched seats," Alex stresses, scrambling off the floor. Carter followed, just a bit slower due to his back.

"Okay?" he says hesitantly, trying to the follow the other's train of thought but clueless.

"I'm not next, Clear is," he explains, meeting his eyes. And he can feel something settle in his stomach at the explanation, something cold and heavy like dread. And then he's running to the door, tearing the boards off, already knowing that they have to try and save the other member of their trio. Without jealousy negatively affecting his thoughts, he finds himself desperate to keep her alive as well. They are all bond in ways that no outsider will ever understand, and they can't afford to lose anyone else. When they make it outside, the thunder that suddenly booms sounds like a warning, like a promise. He can feel a tightness in his chest that tells him that death is coming. They start to make their way towards the driveway when they see lights approaching in the distance, the blue and red announcing the feds. Alex is quick to grab his hand, pulling him towards a canoe on the beach of the lake. Getting the idea, he follows, both of them jumping in the small craft. Alex takes the oars and clumsily begins to row, taking them away from the shore just as multiple vehicles pull up. It's hard to hear the feds over the sound of the pounding in his ears, but he knows that they're calling for Alex to stop, to come back, to keep himself safe.

They make it across the pond and into the woods just as the feds pick up on their trail. It's not the smoothest run through the woods, with Alex nearly getting himself killed twice, but they do make it to Clear's house relatively unharmed. Once they arrive, they quickly spot Clear, stuck in her car as live wires clearly try and fry her. Alex tries to soothe her as Carter notes the smell of gasoline. Everything is going to hell, and he doesn't know how they're all supposed to make it out alive. But he decides that even if he can't make it, he'll make sure that Alex and Clear do. Plan in mind, he runs into the garage and finds a pair of rubber gloves, quickly donning them before running back outside. He can tell that Alex puts together his intentions the moment he lays eyes on him, but Alex is currently busy being dragged off by the feds, who are now paused and staring at Clear in the car with horrified expressions.

"Carter, don't!" Alex screams at him, demanding, pleading. He maintains eye contact and smiles sadly, though he knows what he has to do.

"I'm sorry, Alex," he calls out, guilt filling him as he watches Alex begin to cry.

"What about our date?" It hurts more than anything he'd ever experienced, the accusation and anguish in Alex's words. And any words that he wants to say back won't come out, the knowledge that these may be his last words to the other making them get caught in his throat. He breaks the eye contact with Alex and directs his attention to Clear, trying to ignore the wails of agony from the other boy.

"The moment these wires are clear, get out of the car and run," he orders, Clear merely nodding, fearful eyes watching him carefully. He picks up the wires and watches as she bolts from the car and towards Alex and the feds. He carefully turns, wires in hands, to face the garage. He throws the wires away from himself, quickly turning and hauling ass away from the house. He doesn't get too far before something explodes behind him. He isn't even conscious to feel when he hits the ground.

Carter comes to slowly, the feeling of floating dissipating as he registers his own existence again. He hears so many voices and something that sounds like screaming. He can't feel anything other than an uncomfortable pressure on his back. Every time he tries to open his eyes, they roll back of their own accord as if he has no control over them. He feels like he can't breathe, and when he tries to call for help, nothing happens. He's stuck inside his own body. He feels a pinch in the crook of his arm before he slowly fades back to black.

He awakes this time suddenly and all at once as he comes out of sedation. His eyes fly open and immediately close again as the bright lights around him overwhelm them.

"Carter?" Alex croaks from next to him, and he registers a hand squeezing his own. He blinks in the direction of Alex's voice, eyes trying to adjust. He squeezes back weakly and tries to say something, anything, but it only serves to make him cough. A straw is pressed to his lips, and he doesn't hesitate to drink, now managing to squint. At first all he can make out is an outline, but he'd know Alex's silhouette anywhere. More details come into focus, Alex's eyes, his hair, his lips, the black smudges on his cheeks, the bags under his eyes; he's never looked more beautiful to Carter. He looks like he wants to say something, but all that comes out are sniffles. His other hand moves to run through Carter's hair affectionately, as if he can't believe that other is there in one piece.

"How are you feeling, you moron?" Clear asks softly from the other side of his hospital bed, startling him slightly. She's watching them with fondness, the cup of water that he'd been sipping on in hand.

"Like shit," he manages with a smirk.

"Well, no surprise, you look like shit," she deadpans before continuing, "I'm going to go find a nurse and let them know he's awake, I'll be back shortly." And she isn't subtle about the fact that she's leaving to give them privacy, winking as she closes the door behind her. He looks back to Alex to see that the other hadn't even looked away to acknowledge Clear, eyes still trained on Carter with something manic in them.

"Hey there, blue eyes," he teases hesitantly, trying out a rather fitting nickname. Alex looks like he wants to smack him, kiss him, and cry, not necessarily in that order. Instead, he just lets out a watery laugh and moves to place his forehead against Carter's, eyes squeezed shut to hold back tears. He gingerly reaches up, careful of his IV, to hold the back of Alex's neck. If he tries, he can hold Alex together and stop him from falling apart. He may not be able be able to do it for himself, but like hell he'll let anything happen to the other teen.

"You scared the hell out of me," Alex admits after a moment, pulling back slightly so that they can make eye contact. His voice is hoarse, likely from all the screaming earlier, and it breaks Carter's heart that he did this to the other.

"I know," is all he can say.

"What was I supposed to do if you died, huh?" he asks rhetorically, continuing when he sees Carter about to answer, "And don't you dare say that I should live my life or some shit without you."

"Alex, you are the strongest person I've ever met, you don't need me-"

"Don't you ever say that, of course I need you," he insists vehemently, as if he can wipe away any self doubts that Carter may have about where he stands in Alex's life. Before he can respond, there's a knock at the door before a nurse enters with Clear in tow. Alex moves back to his seat, though he still doesn't let go of his hand.

"Hello, Mr. Horton. I'm glad to see that you're awake! You sustained some nasty injuries rescuing your friend here, but you should make a full recovery. We contacted your parents to let them know what's going on, but they unfortunately can't come home early from their trip. Do you have anyone who can stay with you?"

"Yeah, I can stay with him," Alex answers immediately, something final in his tone, as if there would be no question that he would be at his side.

"Oh, good," she responded, slightly startled by the determination in Alex's voice, "Now that you're awake, and with your parents approval, we should be able to discharge you today. We're going to send you home with some pain management medication, antibiotics, and bandages." She went on to explain how to care for his cut up and burnt back, but Carter stopped paying attention. He hadn't even been awake that long and being stuck in a hospital room was already starting to make him anxious. Alex gave his hand another squeeze to get his attention, concern written on his face. But Carter couldn't articulate how he was feeling, what was wrong, so he just shook his head slightly.

"What's wrong?" Alex asked the moment the nurse left the room to go contact his parents for permission to discharge him.

"I don't know why, but I just really don't like being here," he gritted out, already looking around for a change of clothes.

"It feels like death," Clear supplied with something like understanding, something somber settling over them momentarily.

"We can get you up and moving, but we can't leave without permission or they'll just track you down and bring you back in," Alex reasons, sounding as exhausted as he looked. Carter just wanted to wrap him up in a blanket and let him sleep for a week. Clear supplied them with some clothes that she must've had the foresight to bring for him, another damn flannel and some nondescript sweatpants. She drew the line at helping him put them on, though, instead leaving the room to allow Alex to help dress him. Alex helped him out of his hospital gown and into the pants first, touching Carter as if he expected the other to crumble into dust if he wasn't careful. Eyes briefly swept him over, more so checking for any other wounds than in an appreciative manner, not that either of them had any energy to initiate anything. The flannel was ridiculously over sized, but with his severe back injuries, he appreciated it. They managed to find the boots he had come in wearing, though the clothes had been trashed. Looking himself over in the mirror across from his bed, he didn't really look like Carter Horton, but he did look like a normal teenager.

"Alex, stop fussing and come here," he demanded gently, the other complying and taking a seat neat to him, though he was careful not to touch him. It gave him something like whiplash, for Alex to go from super clingy to distant, but he understood that this was the other trying to take care of him. With a sigh, he threw an arm over the other boy's shoulders, pulling him into his side.

"Carter, your back-"

"My back is under however many layers of bandages and I'm heavily medicated, now let me hold my boyfriend."

"Boyfriend, huh?" Alex prods, though it almost seems like he's savoring the word, trying it out on them.

"Partner, lover, significant other, soulmate, whatever you would prefer," he lists, going for nonchalant but being betrayed by the blush appearing on his face.

"Have you thought about after this, when we go back home and have to tell our parents that we're together? When we go back to school for graduation? Super popular jock Carter Horton suddenly gay and dating local outcast, Alex Browning."

"Alex, we have seen so much death in the past month and come close to dying ourselves how many times? I don't really give a shit about other people's opinion anymore," he answers bitterly, before hesitating, "But if it isn't something that you're comfortable with-"

"Fuck what other people think, I never cared before and I don't care now," Alex cut in venomously before he could finish, which Carter found to be adorable.

"So we all good?" he asked to confirm, something so soft and vulnerable in his tone.

"We're great."

Alex squeezes his hand tightly as the plane touches down in Paris. It feels like everything has come full circle, like they can finally put the past behind them, like they can finally move on from the deaths of their friends and classmates. They can see Clear across the aisle, a similar expression of relief and melancholy on her face. Carter thinks of Terry, of how things would've been if they had made it to Paris the first time. But he can't say that he's angry or disappointed with how things have turned out, can't say that he would change anything if it means getting to be with Alex Browning. Things haven't been easy for them up to this point, what with coming out to their parents and being the only gay couple at their school, but it was worth it. They were an inseparable trio, and though they have never talked about how Clear used to feel for Alex, he knows there's no jealousy or resentment on either end. Carter doesn't feel like a completed different person at this point, more so like he's finally been able to be himself. No more obsession over his own death, no more insecurities about being the popular guy at school; he's just Carter.

"I can't believe we finally made it," Clear says to them as they retrieved their carry on bags, something like awe in her tone.

"I can't believe we got on a plane again," Alex jokes, though there's something serious buried underneath. They disembark the plane with the rest of the passengers, heading to the baggage claim to grab the rest of their bags. Carter, the gentleman that he is, grabs all three of their bags as they pass by, handing them to their respective owners. He can feel the scars on his back pull slightly, still fresh as they are, but it doesn't really hurt anymore (something to do with some destroyed nerves). They had healed up quite nicely, especially under Alex's constant care. He had basically moved into Carter's house to take care of him, not that his parents were around long enough to notice. The other's parents had been skeptical, but hadn't voiced any worries after seeing how the odd couple interacted with each other, orbiting around the other like they were each other's entire world.

"Come on, we're going to miss the shuttle to our hotel," Clear reminds them, ushering them away from the mess that was the baggage claim and towards the exit of the airport. It's easy to find their shuttle, a bus with the name of their hotel emblazoned on the side. They get there just before the driver can shut the storage area, quickly adding their stuff to the pile and hopping on the bus. They had opted for a decently nice hotel near the center of the city in order to see the sights, finding the increased price to be worth it. It was slightly awkward at check-in, as the receptionist had assumed that Clear and him were sharing a room, but she didn't seem off-put when it was made clear that he was instead sharing the one bed suite with Alex. Alex just seemed chagrined, blushing when Carter put his arm around him and led him to the elevator, showing off his boyfriend to all the people mingling in the lobby of the hotel. The other still had some reservations about being so open about their relationship, but Carter had no such issues.

"Oh, get a room, you two," Clear laughs at his show of affection.

"That's the plan," Alex teased, moving a hand to rest in Carter's back pocket. Clear gasped mockingly at the scandalous action, earning a hip check in return as they piled into the elevator.

"So we'll drop off our bags in our rooms and meet back up for food and drinks?" she asked once they were in the privacy of the elevator.

"Sounds good me," he agreed, Alex quickly giving his approval as well. As their rooms were right next to each other, they were able to ensure Clear got to her room safely before they entered theirs. As Carter dragged in the brunt of their luggage, Alex instead opened the curtains to allow in some natural light before flopping down on the king bed. As his boyfriend relaxed, Carter immediately began preparing for a night out. Combing his hair back, he admired his reflection in the mirror. He looked so different compared to all those months ago; more mature, more handsome, more tired. Something about all this had taken something precious from him, something like youth or maybe his dreams, left him worn thin. While he didn't miss who he had been before, he missed when things were so simple, when all he had to worry about was what college he was going to get into.

"Man, I miss my Letterman," he mourned the loss aloud, watching in the mirror as Alex turned over to look at him properly. The jacket had been trashed after the incident with all the metal shards and blood. Even if his parents had bought him another car, just as he had predicted, things hadn't ever quite managed to get back to normal, the jacket being representative of that.

"I don't know, I quite like how your leather jacket looks on you. It just seems more you, I guess," Alex mused, tone light despite the way his eyes were clearly tracing up and down his body. He scoffed at the obviousness of the action, even as he was filled with a level of confidence at the other's appreciation.

"You're not wrong. I never even liked playing football anyway," he admitted, something like acceptance settling in his bones. He moved to sit next to the other, Alex immediately using the opportunity to use his boyfriend as a pillow.

"So what do we wanna go after this trip, where do we wanna go?" Alex asked seriously, fiddling with the zipper of Carter's jacket as a distraction. They had only ever talked about their plans for the future briefly, never really finding themselves prepared for the conversation. He wondered why Alex was ready now all of a sudden, but he didn't pry into the other's thoughts, despite how sorely tempted as he was.

"I mean, I can't really see college being an option. We may have our GED's, but it doesn't really seem right," he voiced his thoughts.

"Yeah, I get what you mean," Alex agreed before he became a lot more hesitant, "How about moving to NYC when we get back? Together?" He looked so sheepish and hopeful, his deep blush making Carter smile out of reflex.

"I think that would be wonderful," he responded immediately, not even needing to consider the offer. He in turn received a blinding smile before the other moved to sit in his lap, peppering his face with kisses.

"You guys ready? I'm starving!" Clear called out as she knocked on their door, ending the moment for them.

"Yeah, we're on our way out," he called out, picking up Alex as he stood, the other squeaking at the unexpected action. He spun them around a few times, both of them laughing like idiots before they grabbed their wallets and key cards, joining Clear in the hall. She rolls her eyes at how ridiculous they are, but Carter knows she loves them.

"There's just something I can't figure out," Alex suddenly states, later, when they're all drinking together. He's looking at them seriously, the mood dramatically changing.

"About what?" Clear asked cautiously, sharing a confused look with Carter. Silently they were both asking each other if they knew what this was about, only to receive negative answers.

"The design." The moment the words left his mouth, a chill went down Carter's spine. He tugged his jacket around his body just a little tighter, but it did nothing to fight off the dread.

"Just let it go, all right?" he all but begged his boyfriend, not liking where this was heading.

"Hear me out, all right?" Alex insisted, that familiar look of mania in his blue eyes, the same look that had Carter jumping out of his seat on flight 180, the same look that had started all this.

"Oh, my God," Clear muttered, but they made no move to stop Alex from voicing his thoughts.

"Just listen. The explosion path determined the order of our deaths. When I intervened and saved Carter, it skipped him and went to the next person, Billy. Then it was Clear. But you intervened and saved her, so it went to me. But in my case, no one intervened, right?"

"So why did it skip you?" Carter extrapolated from Alex's psychobabble.

"How do we know this isn't what was meant to happen? That out of everyone on flight 180, you, me, and Carter were meant to live? Maybe that was the design all along," Clear argued, but there was something like desperation settling around them as they all realized the implications of no one intervening for Alex.

"We haven't felt or seen anything weird since Clear's house, it's gone," Carter tried, and while this was true, it meant nothing.

"Until now. Something doesn't feel right," Alex insisted, looking at him with imploring eyes.

"Let's figure this out-" Clear insisted as Alex stood up abruptly, looking like he had just seen something. He looked scared, and Carter wonders if he saw the shadow from the car, from the garage.

"I'll meet you back at the hotel," he muttered, backing away from them while looking around wildly.

"I'll go with you," Carter tried, getting up to follow him. He didn't get very far before the other stopped him.

"No!" Alex yelled, focusing on him, "Just stay here, Carter." His voice was soft and fragile, and his eyes were watery. The looming feeling intensified, and Carter didn't know what to do, what was going on. All he knew was that his boyfriend needed him, and he would be there if it killed him. He watched in slow motion as a bus swerves, something ringing in his ears as he sees the neon sign above Alex begin to fall.

"Alex!" He's not sure who screamed it, probably both of them. He ran for all he was worth, running towards his boyfriend who was looking at him, frozen like a deer in the headlights. He tackled him to the ground at the last moment before the sign could collide with him, shielding Alex for all he was worth. It was second nature at this point for him. He went to get back up instinctively, trying to be ready for the next danger.

"Who's next?" he found himself asking in a daze even though he knew the answer; it was his turn again. He heard the sound of metal creaking, and he turned his head to see the sign beginning to swing towards them again. He was frozen, stuck in place as he saw the neon lights coming towards him, so similar to the lights of the train from death's other attempt.

"Carter!" he looked down just in time for Alex to lurch upwards, grabbing him and dragging him back down on top of the other. Seconds later, the sign swung through where he had been a moment ago. In sync, the couple turned their heads to look at Clear, who was still by the table they had been enjoying their drinks at minutes ago, staring at them with horror all over her face.

"Get down!" he screamed at his friend, but she wasn't fast enough and they weren't close enough to intervene. The sign swung back through one last time, finally coming completely detached and landing on the other member of their trio, killing Clear in a shower of sparks. The lights flickered before losing power, darkness falling over the street. Horrified onlookers ran towards them to help them up, the rushed French not even registering as they got up and immediately made to go towards Clear.

"Let me go, that's my friend. Let me go! Clear!" Alex screamed, trying to breakthrough the crowd that was screaming around them to no avail. Carter wrapped his arms around the other, trying to hold his boyfriend together while stopping him from attacking some innocent bystander.

"Alex, she's gone!" he shouted, grabbing Alex's face and forcing him to look away from where Clear disappeared under the sign and into his face. Tears were streaming down both of their faces, and he forced his forehead against his boyfriend's harshly, trying to shield him from the world.

"She can't be, we fucking made it. We made it to Paris, it was supposed to be over," Alex cried out in anguish, arms coming up to wrap around Carter in an iron grip, as if he was expecting Carter to just disappear in front of him.

"I know. But we're all we have left now, and we need to watch out for each other, okay?" he insisted, trying to be comforting to little success.

"It's never going to be over, we're always going to be running from death. What kind of life is that, running and hiding and living in fear?" he raged, angry but not at Carter; more so at fate, at death, at himself.

"Hopefully it's a long life that I get to spend with you, because any time that we get together is worth it, do you understand me?" he chided gently, wiping Alex's tears away even as his hands shook terribly, as he tried not to think about the gory path they've walked, as he tried to ignore the sounds of approaching sirens.

"I know, I know," Alex murmured, reaching up to return the gesture, wiping away the tears on Carter's face with hands that were oddly steady. There was his boyfriend, Alex Browning, the strongest out of all of them. Carter knew in his bones that Alex would outlive him, that he was always meant to be the sole survivor, but that wouldn't stop him from trying to cheat death over and over again with the other.

"Let's get out of here, grab our bags and travel somewhere, anywhere else."

"That sounds like a plan to me. I hear Provence is lovely this time of year. And you can finally take me on that date."

With that, they disappeared into the crowd who quickly forgot the boys had ever been there, more focused on the pool of blood that was beginning to spread farther and farther outwards on the patio.

And so they live semi-happily ever after, always moving, always running from death. They are ghost stories in their hometown, the final two flight 180 survivors. But the world slowly forgets their names, the names of their classmates, as other tragedies occur over the years. They enjoy the chance to just be Carter and Alex, the strange couple who live in apartments covered in bubble wrap. They save each other over and over again, always managing to be there in time. They think they have the hang of the whole thing, that they can keep this up forever.

At least until a girl named Kimberly finds them.