Hailey just stared at Ellis; his smirk was slowly turning into a laugh. He couldn't contain himself; it was Hailey's bright red cheeks.

"Shut up," She smacked him against the chest.

"Argh, god damn woman," Ellis hissed clutching his shoulder.

"Oh whatever," She lightly teased.

Ellis tilted his head up and shot her his dashing smile.

"I reckon I can play that card once or twice."

"Come on," Hailey replied pulling the back pack higher on her arms.

They continued quietly through the cooling night as the moon gave them a dim light. The breeze was holding steady and Hailey found herself pushing her hair away from her forehead. There was nothing more irritating than having long hair in a humid heat. Most people from back home would have lavished in a heat wave, but Hailey was slowly learning that Georgia was not that quaint.

The bayous beside the highway slowly began to dry up and grass field grew into their place. The wind made a low hushing noise as it rolled over the grassland. Hailey glance up to the sky, the moon was almost overhead. It was surprising how the world was so quiet, she could feel herself relax. The darker the night became the less the bugs came to swarm around them. Ellis could be heard adjusting to his weaker side; his injury was slowing him down. Hailey stopped and spun around on her heal, she felt a little more normal.

"I'm coming," Ellis muttered before he faltered on his leg.

Hailey dashed over to him, her hands reaching out for him but he quickly recovered. She stood up and pushed her hair behind her ears.

"Think we could have that stop for the night?" Ellis asked, or more smiled.

It seemed impossible for this man to have dampened spirits.

"Yeah, I think there has to be a farm ahead," Hailey spoke while moving her eyes down the road.

They continued down the dark highway, the moon seemed to be dimming by the hour. Slowly barbwire fences popped up. Hailey was not wrong, as the grass fields turned to a small orchard they saw a small cabin on a gravel road that snaked off the highway. It seemed to be abandoned; their feet almost seemed to skip underneath them.

The gravel was almost ear piercingly loud compared to the pavement. Hailey made herself teeter more towards the side where the grass was soft, it was soothing. Ellis continued to trump on towards the cabin, all his mind could muster was that sleep was near.

"Wait," Hailey whispered; she motioned to a window.

Together they drew their weapons, they almost seemed foreign now. Hailey tested the weight of the barrel by gentle shaking the gun. It was strange to be back on high alert; it had been a while since her heart smashed against her ribcage. She brought her hands together again to hold the weapon steady, her breath was heavy.

Together they shared a glance and then turned it into the building. Although the night was darker now they could see nothing of danger inside the cabin. Ellis relaxed but Hailey could only bring her gun higher, she jumped when it smacked the window pane.

She could feel Ellis's eyes on her; she had to keep it under control. Closing her eyes she began to feel a returning sensation, the light inside had looked orange once again. It was a luxury to forget for a few hours, she'd been selfish to think of Ellis being hurt as a good excuse. She knew, the longer she stayed, the more he was in danger. It wasn't fair to the Georgian, but to have a companion was growing on her. The commitment issues in her real life were strangely solving themselves, who knew the answer was an apocalypse.

Ellis decided to let her be; he grabbed the handle and slowly let the door swing open. The low creak was enough to pull Hailey back. She watched as he disappeared into the house, she followed and clutched onto the doorframe.

"It's all clear," Ellis spoke while grabbing the handle.

Hailey stepped inside as he closed the door. The air settled around them, their eyes adjusted more and Hailey could see a lantern. It was a dim light but it helped in the small space. Ellis just stared into the flickering flame, it was hypnotic. The way it moved, twisting around its source and curling up towards the top.

"Let me change your bandages," Hailey spoke softly, it was enough to break Ellis's concentration.

He pulled his shirt from his body, his skin somewhat glistening from sweat. Turning to the light Hailey could see little improvement in his injuries. She wiped away the new dried blood from his side, he shivered slightly.

" 'is cold," He chuckled.

"Sorry," Hailey replied allowing a small smile break her lips.

She looked into his eyes, the gentle blue gazing back. They had never been this close in her sober state. It was almost a little hard to blame her dark side for forcing herself upon him. His face seemed to creep forward as the gravity of the space pulled her in. His breath was close and hot, she was sure he felt hers. She reached her hand to his claw marks; he watched her eyes travel over them again.

"I'm sorry again," She whispered.

"Like I said, it wasn't awful. My buddy Keith woulda' been proud of me," He pulled back to rest his back against the wall, "As strange as it was."

Hailey slapped a hand to her forehead, and let her head hang. She returned them to her legs before pushing up into standing.

"I'm not so sure what to think anymore."

"Shit girl, it's the end of the fuckin' world and you're atta loss for thoughts?"

His smirk rose from his lips, she caught the vibe and laughed.

"Are you sure you're okay?" She sat on a chair opposite to him, "Everything down belo—."

"Hey now," Ellis sat up, "My downstairs business is fine."

They exchanged smiles but let them wash away from their faces. It was different as it could be for almost strangers. Hailey crossed her arms and slouched down. They were exhausted but couldn't bring themselves to extinguish the light and sleep on the small double bed. The wind rustled the roof; it was a beautiful night for a hot summer eve.

"I can sleep on the couch," Ellis prattled after some time had passed.

"Don't be ridiculous." Hailey mused, "We both need the comfort."

She leaned forward and grasped the handle of the lantern. She waited for Ellis to awkwardly stand up. They approached the bed and in tandem collapsed against the soft fabric. The heat allowed them to leave the covers bunched up at the foot of the bed. Ellis sighed loudly and stretched his arms up to the ceiling, Hailey who laid against her stomach felt his eyes upon her. She peaked up at him from her hair. His shoulder pulled upwards and she quickly moved her hair from her face before he could lay his hand there. Pulling his hand to his chest he returned his gaze to the ceiling.

"I used to lay fer hours in my bed, thinkin' of the weirdest shit," Ellis croaked, he cleared his throat, "Like how I could make a truck rev the anthem or somethin'."

Hailey gave Ellis a look, his eyes slowly shifted towards hers.

"What about now?" Hailey whispered.

Ellis smirked and placed his hands behind his head.

"I don't kiss 'n tell."

Hailey frowned and rolled to her back.

"Come on now, don't be like that," Ellis said with a tone of tease.

Hailey rolled her head and stared into his eyes. Ellis gave her his earnest expression,

"You saved my life Hailey, and you keep savin' it."