Where one storm passed, it became quite obvious to the pair as the days progressed that more clouds were on their way. Now forced to make the trip out of the city on foot, faring only marginally better than two humans would have on the account that Tori was infected, they faced long days of rain and discomfort broken up only by short trips to relatively dry safe rooms that were scattered all over the city.
It didn't take long for Ruby to become so exhausted their stays in the safe rooms were getting longer and longer, and while Tori felt terrible for pushing her, he knew better than most that staying in one place too long wasn't good for them.
The storm found them again the day he made the choice to take an entire day to rest, a storm that began with the sound of weeping outside the safe room door when his eyes opened that morning. Edging towards the door in the dim light of the dawn, Tori eased himself against the wall beside it and peeked out, his amber eyes searching the immediate area.
The Witch was close, and she was already on her feet, wavering as she wandered the narrow alley outside the safe room. Her head was hanging so that her white hair disguised her features, her clothing tattered and stained heavily with blood. The arms that hung at her sides ended in hands laden with those tell tale knife like claws.
Tori breathed out a barely audible curse, pushing away from the door and hurrying back to the seat he had slept in the night before. His amber eyes shifted to Ruby, the sudden sadness that filled him at the thought of making her push hard again today a frustration to him. She was making him soft…
Tori reminded himself that he needed to continue on the way he always had, told himself that he needed to continue being a hard ass so that both of them could make it out of this alive.
The Witch outside the door, he had recognized her immediately, and it was a ghost that he wasn't yet ready to deal with. This meant they had to go back the way they came, out the other door and around the long way to reach the next safe spot, and he was sure Ruby wasn't going to be thrilled with the prospect.
He just hoped he could keep her from asking too many obnoxious questions.
Crouching down next to the girl, Tori put his hand on her arm to rouse her, the disgruntled noise she made sending a sharp stab of emotion through him that made his mouth twist. Upon hearing the sound of the Witch outside, however, Ruby slowly sat up, blinking her eyes in the dim morning light and protesting loudly when Tori stood, dragging her to her feet.
Tori pressed his hand over her mouth and leaned close to hiss near her ear.
"Be quiet. Remember what I said about things that should remain sleeping."
Ruby took in a slow breath, letting it out as she nodded, now completely wide awake. She looked awful, but there was little that could be done about it right now.
"Get your things." Tori whispered, pulling his hand away from her mouth and moving to unblock the back door.
"Couldn't you just go out there and-" Ruby began, Tori's rough, blunt response making her blink in surprise, cheeks coloring.
"No." He shoved a heavy table aside and glanced over his shoulder at her, eyes still amber. "We're going to take the long way."
"Why?"
"There is an immediate possibility of several things happening, Ruby." His tone of voice let her know he was heading steadily in the direction of one of his rants, so she folded her arms beneath her breasts and fixed him with a stony stare. She had very little time to deal with this childishness, especially first thing in the morning. "I'm going to leave you here to suffer the crying of that girl sitting outside. Or I'm going to pick you up, throw you over my shoulder and run away with you whether you like it or not."
After a moment of silence, the glare she offered him turning no less intense, Ruby turned her back and began to gather her belongings, listening to the Witch as Tori continued to shift the objects blocking the door. Her wavy brown hair was a mess after all the rain, but she managed to wrestle it into a ponytail to keep it out of her face, slinging her sweater over her arm after shouldering her backpack and standing to look expectantly at the infected man now guarding the unsecured door.
"I don't appreciate you manhandling me." Ruby muttered, Tori looking at her and raising an eyebrow.
"You've never complained before."
"That's because you were manhandling me to save my life."
"This was no different. That Witch is very capable of making this door explode off its hinges, you know?" He rasped, wrenching the door open and holding his hand out to her. When Ruby's hand closed over his, he gripped just a little bit too firmly, pulling the door closed again behind them as they moved back out onto the street. The smell was worse during the day… especially the days when the sun managed to break through the clouds.
Tori's skin was warmer than a human's skin, probably because of the infection, and today his hands were trembling, setting a little growling worry to life in the pit of Ruby's stomach. She didn't bring it up, and from what she had learned of Tori in the week that she had known him, she doubted very strongly that he would discuss with her the reason for him being so freaked out.
Tori wasn't a very emotionally or verbally personal person. He did, however, have very little concept of "personal bubble" and had no qualms with getting into hers. For the most part, Ruby didn't complain or argue about this, but when he got uncomfortably aggressive, she put her foot down. She had very little tolerance for his bullshit, and he knew it.
There was a good chance that if the topic was breached at all, it would be in a thoroughly inappropriate manner. That was the only way Tori seemed to know how to deal with things. For some reason, Ruby had stopped getting offended.
"I'll make this all worth your while." Tori muttered as they turned the corner to exit the alley they had come down the day before to reach the safe room.
"How do you plan on doing that?" Ruby replied dryly, Tori's eyes gleaming in a peculiar fashion when he looked over his shoulder at her, tugging on her hand to make her step a little closer.
"By making sure you sleep well tonight." He continued with a chuckle of amusement. Ruby came to a sudden stop, dragging him to a halt along with her, and he blinked at her over his shoulder.
Her expression was murderous.
"Itoria." She said with a warning note in her voice, the infected man letting his eyes flutter closed and letting a rumble from deep in his chest escape his throat.
"I love it when you use my full name." He growled, Ruby jerking her hand away.
"Damn it, Tori, why do you have to be like that all the time?! I understand something is bothering you, but do you have to be such an insufferable asshole?!" She cried, her pretty blue eyes shining a little, an indication that she was going to start crying if he continued pressing. She was tired, probably hungry, and sick of everything that was happening around her… he really didn't need to be pushing her so hard.
Tori, however, needed an outlet. He was scared and anxious and felt that familiar rage that came with this damn infection welling up in him. He had no infected to direct it on, so tormenting those in his company was the only way to regulate.
So he caught her hand and pulled her close to him again, but she pushed against his chest rather firmly, shaking her head.
"Don't try to sweet talk your way out of it this time, I'm not in the mood." Ruby's voice was choked, another sharp stab of emotion running through him that made him feel hot and uncomfortable. "Maybe I should have let you leave me back there. You broke your promise to me after all."
"Some things can't be predicted, Ruby." Tori rasped in reply, frowning. "And I feel this is an appropriate time to point out to you the fact that you still owe me your life. Trust me, if I could have let you sleep all fucking day, I would have-" He broke off suddenly when a fit of coughing gripped him, leaving him completely breathless while Ruby struggled to hold his weight as he sagged against her.
It took him longer to recover this time, but Ruby felt that was partially her fault for taking his bait and fighting with him. The color of Tori's eyes seemed cloudy when he looked down at her, but the argument didn't continue once he finally caught his breath. His hand found hers again, only this time, she didn't jerk it away.
There were times she might have questioned whether or not he was coughing like that just to get out of an argument or to get her to stop being angry at him. This wasn't one of those times.
In truth, Tori looked as awful as she did.
"I think you need to stop assuming I want to sleep with you." She said after they travelled about half an hour in silence, Tori glancing back at her and snickering.
"Don't you?" He gasped, Ruby frowning at the back of his head.
"Not particularly. While I enjoy your company from time to time, you're more of a necessity for survival than an object of my affections." She replied, Tori letting out a rather indignant grunt and glancing back at her again.
"It's because of the infection, isn't it?" He muttered. "Or wait… are you a virgin?"
"That's not up for discussion. Stop being a jerk now before you make me angry again."
"Have you ever been kissed before?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact, Tori, I have been kissed before. Multiple times." The conversation stopped there, though she could practically see the gears in his head turning, a little smirk on his face as he lost himself in thought. Ruby's cheeks felt hot, but she thought that was understandable.
Sure, she had been kissed by guys before. Had she ever been kissed by one as good looking as Tori was? No. And then there was the matter of Tori's tongue… she was damn sure he was capable of doing very interesting-
Ruby gave her head a shake, cheeks now blazing and heart hammering in her chest. She reminded herself that giving into Tori's prodding and suggestions would mean the end of the game. This was one game she wasn't ready to end, not just yet.
…
The rest of the long trip to the next safe room was uneventful, a long walk that was punctuated by simple conversation, the constant feeling of Ruby's hand in his own a comfort for Tori. It made sure he knew he wasn't alone, and her level headedness kept him from getting lost in the rage when they fought a horde he unknowingly attracted after jumping on the hood of a car that happened to be armed with an alarm.
When they both collapsed inside the safe room, which was much bigger than their last one, with actual room to move and lay down, Tori removed his hat and dragged his fingers through his long black hair, glancing over at Ruby to make sure she was alright. She was sitting with her back against a wall, head leaning back and eyes closed, her breathing a little more labored than he would have liked.
They had run the last few feet to the safe room, and his chest was burning. He couldn't imagine how the exhausted girl must have felt.
"We rest here. Witch or no." He murmured to her, her pretty blue eyes opening to regard him suspiciously. "I promise, and this time I won't break it to tuck my tail between my legs and run."
"I sense a story in the future." Ruby's voice was tired, but the little smile on her face made his heart pound a little faster.
"Only if you wish it, Ruby." Tori replied, the girl closing her eyes again and sighing.
"Maybe after I get some rest."
"You should eat first." He shifted from where he was sitting, opening his pack and rummaging around for something. Ruby stifled a yawn behind her hand, knowing he was probably right about eating. No use going to sleep on an empty stomach. "Hrm. We'll need to go and find some more food for you tomorrow, Ruby. There's not much in here."
He offered her a power bar, snatching her hand in his when she reached for it and pressing a soft kiss to the back of it. Their eyes met, her cheeks blazed, but whatever it was that she grumbled as she pulled her hand firmly back with the power bar in it was lost in the blood rushing in Tori's ears as he grinned at her.
At least this time, she didn't get angry.
Ruby ate her food then lay on her side on the floor, soon falling asleep and leaving Tori to take first watch. He didn't mind staying up all night if it meant she could get some real rest, and besides…
He had a feeling that Witch would be back. Telling Ruby the story of why he knew her in the morning would be interesting, to say the least.
If Tori was completely honest with Ruby, perhaps she wouldn't be as angry as he figured she would be. All the chocolate and sweet talk in the world wouldn't be able to soothe her feelings if she got angry at him about this.
He hoped her blind understanding would hold out. Hell, he would even take more of her foolish pity if it meant she would forgive him for what he did to that girl, the one who became the Witch.
"… something to remember me by…"
Tori closed his amber eyes and grimaced deeply, his short, hard claws digging into the metal floor and leaving marks. The sound wasn't quite enough to wake Ruby, but she stirred ever so slightly and that was cause enough to stop doing it. Instead, Tori sat back against the wall with his eyes closed and began to plan the speech he was going to give her in the morning.
…
Again, Ruby found herself having strange dreams, the cold sweat on her skin and the flush of her cheeks making her hope she hadn't been talking in her sleep when she finally woke up again. It wouldn't have mattered anyway, Tori was fast asleep against the other wall, his hair down and spread in a raven colored halo around his head, his breathing slightly labored due to the position he had fallen in.
She shifted to rouse him or push him into a more comfortable position, a shuffling noise at the door drawing her attention. Hand halfway to Tori's arm, Ruby brought her eyes to fall upon the ghostly face of the Witch peering in through the bars of the door.
Glowing red eyes met pretty blue ones briefly before the Witch looked to where Ruby's hand was reaching, a terrible growl escaping her throat.
Ruby's mouth had gone dry, and there were several heartbeats that passed as if in slow motion as she opened her mouth and let out a scream.
The scream was echoed by the Witch, who pulled one hand back and punched the door. Metal buckled under the blow, but the door held. By this time, Tori was on his feet and looking about in a panic, eyes wide. Another blow hit the door, and he had Ruby by the arm, dragging her behind him for protection.
"What did you do?!" He gasped, coughing violently. She shook her head, flinching when the Witch managed to drive her fist through the door, razor sharp claws raking at the air as she continued to screech like a wounded cat.
"I didn't DO anything! It's a Witch, do I even need to do anything?!" Ruby cried in protest, fumbling for her gun.
"I'm going to need to ask you to trust me, Ruby." Tori said hoarsly, Ruby being given no time to protest or agree before Tori reached out and opened the safe room door.
Ruby ducked down behind him and covered her head with her arms, anticipating a swift death for them both…
But the finishing blow never came. Tori fell heavily on the floor beside her, but instead of pouncing on him and shredding him with her claws like Ruby had seen many a Witch try to do, this Witch stood over him and stared down at him with her glowing red eyes, the feral growls that escaped her eventually fading to soft whimpers, then mournful keening cries. The Witch slowly sank to the floor on her knees in front of Tori, reaching one hand out to touch his arm, his leg, his shoulder, the cries continuing.
Ruby remained very still, though she stared at Tori in confusion and shock, the infected man letting out a small, sheepish laugh.
"Tori, what's going on?" Ruby whispered, Tori's shoulders rising and falling in a slight shrug. The Witch had now crawled forward and was leaning over him with her hands on his thighs, her face a map of anguish. "What is she doing?"
"I… er…" Tori began, shifting so he was propped up on his elbows. "Her name is Ashley."
"You know her?" Ruby thought her eyes would pop out of her head if she widened them anymore. She took another look at the Witch, a sudden stab of jealousy coursing through her.
"… Funny story." Tori's voice was very soft, and Ruby had a feeling the story wasn't going to be funny at all. "I should tell you."
"Please do. I'm terribly confused as to why we're not dead."
"I'm getting to it. Just… give me a minute to get her off of me, this is a very uncomfortable position and isn't helping my state of mind." Tori mumbled, his cheeks coloring ever so slightly. The Witch was now straddling his waist, staring at him with those intense red eyes, utterly silent and still. "Oh fuck me sideways, you are far creepier than I remember you being."
Ruby tried to get up, but as she rose, the Witch did too, making her crouch back down on the ground again to avoid those claws. She stared at Tori imploringly, willing him to do something to rectify this situation. Tori was simply staring at the Witch, face showing he was clearly at a loss as to what to do without getting them both killed.
"Do Witches sleep?" Ruby whispered, Tori's shoulders rising and falling in a shrug once again. He began to cough nervously, Ashley the Witch letting out a concerned gasp and putting one hand on the center of his chest. The positioning of her hand made those claws come dangerously close to Tori's throat, but Ruby didn't see any sign in Ashley's face that she understood this danger. "Tori… I think you better start explaining what's going on."
"I gave her something to remember me by." Tori admitted, mouth twisting when Ruby groaned. "I guess she did."
"Did what?"
"Remembered me." Tori looked around slightly, careful not to move in a way that would put his neck in anymore danger than it was already in. "I need you to get my axe."
"How?" Ruby bristled with irritation. "She gets pissed if I try to move."
"I'll distract her."
"And when I get the axe, then what? Hit her with it?"
"Just enough to hopefully knock her out." Tori muttered, shifting uncomfortably beneath Ashley. "I need her to get off of me quickly before I do something I will regret."
Reaching up with one hand, Tori put it over Ashley's eyes and shifted into a sitting position, the Witch uttering a warning growl. Tori gestured to Ruby, who leapt to her feet and hurried to where Tori's axe was leaning against the wall by the door. The growls began to get more high pitched and frantic, Ashley raising her clawed hands slowly.
"Do it now, Ruby." Tori said in a soft voice. Ruby looked down at the axe, then at the Witch, swallowing a few times as she lifted it. She didn't know how hard to hit Ashley to keep from killing her but still knock her out… Part of her questioned the necessity of keeping the girl alive at all. There was no doubt in Ruby's mind this girl would kill her in her sleep in a heartbeat. "Ruby…"
Tori's voice was a little more frantic now, with good reason. Ashley had decided something fishy was going on and was beginning to slowly get to her feet.
Ruby swung the flat side of the axe into Ashley's head with a cry, the dull thunk followed by an enraged scream proving she hadn't quite swung it hard enough to do the job she intended.
"Uh oh." Tori gasped, his tongue shooting out to wrap tightly around Ashley's body as the Witch leapt to her feet and spun to face Ruby. Ruby was already backing towards the door with the bloodied axe still in hand, her eyes wide, but when Ashley fell to the ground wrapped up tightly with no possible way to escape, she dropped the axe and hurried over to help Tori to his feet.
He had a look of intense concentration on his face as he struggled to stand, leaning against Ruby for a moment once he was on his feet. Ruby stared up at him, then looked down at the form of the gasping, weakly struggling Witch on the floor, realizing that because the plan with the axe failed, he was now attempting to suffocate her into submission.
Every breath Ashley breathed out, Tori constricted her a little tighter, until at last she fell still and silent. Neither of them moved for long moments after Tori retracted his tongue, both of them staring down at the bleeding, silent form of the Witch. The tension in the room became thick and terrible, Tori grimacing as he finally turned away from Ashley to face Ruby.
"I suppose… I owe you an explanation?"