A/n: I'm so sorry for the long wait! I hope you guys enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own anything from Dying Light.

A reaction from the Antizin was unheard of, that much was known. Maybe he had lost too much blood and passed out, or perhaps the medicine had been administered late into Rahim's system while the infection did its damage. Either way, the moment the group scrambled to the first floor, they were quickly followed by worried and confused gazes, and word of Rahim's state quickly spread amongst the inhabitants.

Crane had been the one to carry Rahim to the sick bay despite Brecken's insistent offer to help and plead for him to rest.

"You did all that you could," he said as he placed a hand on Crane's shoulder.

Crane's eyes quickly traveled from Rahim's blood- stained face to Brecken's worried one- a thin veil of wavering hope in his eyes desperately trying to cover up the guilt. Brecken sighed as the door opened and took one last look at Rahim before hesitantly parting from the group and making his way back to headquarters. Crane knew that he wasn't responsible for Rahim's actions, but the irrational feeling of responsibility had him holding Rahim's head to his chest in some futile attempt to make things better.

Lena was already more than a leg's length away from the group by the time Crane's eyes had stopped following Brecken down the hall. He quickly caught up to her as they entered the sickbay, Jade following close behind but stopping just before the doorway.

The bleeding had stopped long ago, and the fabric of Crane's shirt stuck stubbornly to Rahim's pale face as he set him down on the nearest bed. Where his shirt stuck, Rahim's dry blood came off in dark crumbling clumps. Lena turned from him to grab the nearest pair of scissors and a medkit as he stood at the edge of the bed, watching Rahim's chest rise and fall with shallow breaths. Crane leaned in to give Rahim's shoulder a pat for good measure and turned toward the doorway as she began to cut the fabric around his wound.

With soft strides, he made his way over to Jade, whose far off expression remained glued to her brother. As Crane closed the door with a soft click, she was coaxed out of her worried thoughts. A soft breath of air slipped between her parted lips and her eyes trailed to the floor, her arms hanging limply at her sides. Sounds from the tower and its inhabitants occupied the space between them as Crane leaned against the wall and stared at the blotches on his shirt.

With clutched arms, she turned and began her trek to headquarters, but stopped after taking a few steps. Crane watched her warily.

"Thank you.." She whispered away from him. Had she not stopped, he might have not heard her.

He said nothing, guilt keeping the words trapped in his throat. Instead, he settled to picking at the scab-like dried blood on his shirt.

With her gaze aimed toward the floor and fingers digging into her forearms, she made her way to headquarters.

A day passed and the windy afternoon brought heavy storm clouds over Harran. A heavy rain provided a temporary relief from the smell of decay, smoke, and everything in between. As the rain pelted the ground and its inhabitants, the heavy drops of hit the window of the sick bay, causing some of the patients to stir from their pained dazes. A bright strike of lightening scraped the sky, illuminating the room, the light ghosting over Rahim's closed eyes. His body jolted from the thunder that followed.

He came to with a heavy head, stuffed sinuses, and a parched throat- which clicked softly as he swallowed. Pain buzzed behind his eyes, and he lifted a shaky hand to his face, wiping at the crust that had accumulated around his nose. He didn't bother to look at his hand, just assuming that it was snot. Maybe he got sick, it wouldn't be the first time he woke up with a cold.

He let out a dry cough and shifted his weight, reaching for the edge of the mattress as he looked around the room. He's in the sickbay. How did he get here? He took a few moments to observe the room when a sharp breath suddenly escaped his mouth. The plan. The bombs. The accident. Crane. He remembered very few details. His hand flew to his wounded leg, the momentum of his startled movements causing his blunt nails to scrape at the area. He jumped at the contact, hissing between clenched teeth.

It wasn't as bad as he had anticipated. Sure, his pants were now ruined, but it was better than chewing on someone's kneebone. The area was a dull mix of reds and purples, the actual bite beginning to develop a thin scab.

Carefully throwing his legs over the side of the bed, his heavy eyes traveled around the room.

"Lena?" He strained.

No reply came. Even Aman was gone. Did something happen?

With trembling legs, he pushed himself off the bed, keeping himself steady with the frame of the bunk.

Making his way to the door was a challenge, sharp pain shooting up his thigh with every step. He poked his head out the door and looked around the vacant hall. His eyes drifted to a chair near the door. It seemed they had set up a guard to keep watch but the chair was now empty. It appeared that the whole floor was vacant of its guards and runners as he slowly limped his way to headquarters.

Crane and the others must be there.

Even if Crane wasn't there, at least Brecken would be. Or Jade. Rahim's stomach clenched knowing that his sister would lash out for his decision. He didn't think he would make it this far.

From behind the closed doors of the headquarters came many voices, frantic and worried. This couldn't all be because of him, could it?

With cold hands, he opened the doors slowly and was met with silence. The room was filled with half the tower's guards and all eyes glued to him in surprise.

"Rahim!" Jade cried and ran to her brother, her eyes quickly scanning him up and down and her hands smoothing down his hair in certain spots. Tears pricked at her eyes as she pulled him into a soft embrace. With his head over her shoulder, he scanned the room quickly for Crane, but before his eyes could land on him, she gripped him by the shoulders and held him at arm's length.

"What the hell were you thinking?!" she yelled. "You could have gotten yourself killed! You're lucky Crane was there to save your ass!"

Speaking of him, she glared in his direction. "Your promised me, Crane!" she growled, whipping her head in Brecken's direction next. "And why wasn't someone watching him?!"

Brecken removed his hands from the map on the table, about to retort when Rahim spoke up.

"I'm not a little kid anymore, Jade! I can make my own decisions!"

"What, and you suddenly decided to commit suicide?!"

A moment of silence stretched across the room.

"Do you know what I do all day, Jade? I sit around and do nothing! I sit on my ass on that damn roof all day long while you guys risk your lives out there! And that's not even the half of it," he said as his finger shot up accusingly. "All my life, I've had to walk in your shadow while you were showered with praise, awards, and titles- Jade the Scorpion, Jade the champion, and who am I..?" his hand shook and lowered slowly. "Just your little brother… I just wanted to do something for once without you holding my hand!" He yelled, eyes filled with hurt.

Jade's eyes mirrored her brother's and she faltered. "Rahim.." she said softly as she reached out to him, but he stepped back, clutching at his leg with one hand and scrubbing hastily at his eyes with the other.

Upon lowering his hand, movement at the corner of his eye caught his attention, and he found his eyes finally locking with Crane's. His hand had twitched at his side, as though he subconsciously wished to reach out to him. Rahim wasn't sure whether to feel thankful or disgusted. Screw his helpfulness.

"I don't want to be trapped in here, Jade," he said sadly. "I'm not a little kid anymore… I need to get out there!"

Jade tensed, clutching at her arms.

"Absolutely not" said Brecken as he placed his hands back on the table.

Rahim's mouth opened in protest, but Crane was faster.

"I'll take him" he said with finality. All eyes were on him."Rahim's right. We can't keep him inside and treat him like a child. If something happens here in the tower and we have to leave, he has to know how to survive out there."

Rahim's eyebrows pinched as he looked at him thoughtfully.

Brecken's lips pursed into a tight line before he exhaled a heavy sigh and crossed his arms.

"Crane couldn't even keep him away from the bombs in the first place," Jade said softly.

"Look, I can't make decisions for him, alright? He made his decision the day we brought those bombs from the school. The only thing that matters right now is that he's safe.." he said softly, his eyes pleading with Brecken's stern ones.

Brecken sighed softly. "He needs to rest."

"The bite wasn't as deep as we thought," Lena said suddenly as her hand fished through the pockets of her scrubs for a pack of cigarettes. "He's lucky he didn't need stitches, so he should be able to go when the wound scabs over," she said as she now searched for her lighter. "He would still need to take it easy when he gets better. Only when he gets better," she shot a challenging look in Rahim's direction, who looked at the wall almost shamefully.

With soft strides, Jade made her way to Crane and stared at him hard before poking him hard in the chest. "You better keep him safe, do you understand?" she said threateningly.

"I promise, Jade" he said softly. Her eyes narrowed in response before she made her way toward the door. She stopped in front of Rahim, and before he could avoid her grasp, she pulled him into a firm yet gentle hug. He hesitated before hugging her back.

With that, she left the room, the door clicking behind her softly.

Brecken watched her leave with a hint of sadness in his eyes, his brow wrinkling ever so slightly. "Crane, let's finish this up before you go, yeah? The train yard is crawling with Rais' men and we may have trouble on our hands soon," he as he returned to the map on the table. All were focused on the task at hand again, and Rahim turned to leave the room.

"That means you too, Rahim…" Brecken said softly.

Rahim turned to face him, surprise written across his features. As though for confirmation, his eyes wandered to Crane's yet again, whose eyes softened as a smile of encouragement spread across his face.

Rahim felt his face bloom with heat as he limped to Crane's side.

Evening approached as the meeting came to a close, the group slowly dispersing from the room. Crane and Rahim stuck around as the last few trickled out.

"Rahim, will you give Crane and I the room please?" Brecken asked.

A flicker of disappointment flashed across Rahim's eyes, but he nodded either way and slowly exited the room.

Crane watched Rahim warily as he limped out, watching as he stumbled toward the stairs. His path up would take him to the roof, and Crane hoped that whatever Brecken wanted to talk about would be brief. He didn't want a repeat of Rahim's drunken slip, but he held tight onto a sliver of hope that he wouldn't do anything stupid. Why sabotage his freedom, right?

"Where do you plan on taking him exactly?" Brecken began, leaning against the table.

"I ah… didn't exactly have a particular location planned out, but I'll give it some thought."

Brecken nodded. "Well, with Rahim's recovery time, you have a few days to think about it. Be extremely cautious with Rais, Crane. Avoid the trainyard if you can. I have a feeling that they won't be as… "welcoming" if they see your face around."

Crane could see the worry in his eyes and hear the breath that left him. He already knew what he was going to say, interrupting him just as he opened his mouth.

"I'll keep him safe, Brecken…"

Brecken closed his mouth with that and stood straight.

"We appreciate what you're doing here, mate… Don't let Rahim too far out of your sight." Crane nodded.

Brecken turned and walked toward the glass door that lead to the balcony, the late evening sunset staining the sky a spectrum of orange and red.

Taking his leave as his cue, he tried not to let his heart race too fast while he exited the room, his pace just a bit faster than usual as he padded up the stairs to the rooftop.

With a firm push, the door to the roof squeaked softly on its hinges. The illuminated spot in which Rahim usually sat was now vacant, and even the car seat that he fancied was empty too. Worry began to creep up Crane's spine as he searched up and down the roof, checking every possible spot. He was certain that Rahim had come up here. Where else could he have gone? The question lurked in his head as he stood in the middle of the roof. The last light of the evening was slowly starting to fade into darkness, and almost as a morbid beacon of hope, the crane glinted in the fading light. His stomach churned at the possibility of Rahim crossing the crane with that heavy limp. He tried not to let the image of him slipping and falling cross his mind as he balanced his way over the creaking metal structure.

Movement near the gap of the railing caught his attention- the figure lifting a can to their mouth. Crane sighed, the kid must really love his drink, even when he gets what he wants. Rahim was seated with his legs hanging limply over the side of the gap overlooking the garbage bags and mattresses below. The moment Crane's boots hit the metal platform, Rahim's head lifted lazily.

"Rahim, what are you doing all the way over here?" he asked, trying to mask his worry.

Rahim waved him off with one hand as the other brought the can to his lips, taking a lazy drink. "Hey Crane," Rahim slurred. "What does it look like I'm doing?" he said with a smirk.

Crane stood behind him for a while. Getting him back to the tower may prove difficult.

Rahim bristled as Crane loomed in the background.

"What's the rush?" he said, grabbing another can. But instead of opening it, he motioned it in Crane's direction. Crane wrinkled his nose.

"What, you a lightweight?" he teased. Crane's eyes narrowed playfully as he took the can and sat beside him. One drink wouldn't kill, right?

The two sat in silence taking their drinks as the last bit of light faded. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched Rahim's face and noticed the specks of dried blood on his cheeks. Crane's stomach squeezed.

"You could have gotten yourself killed out there…" he managed.

Rahim lowered his drink.

"You made everyone so worried.. Especially Jade. I can't imagine how she would have reacted had you…" he trailed off.

Rahim didn't respond, his eyes fixated on the body of water in the distance.

"I'm sorry…" Rahim said softly.

"Everyone makes mistakes, Rahim.. The one you should really be apologizing to is Jade. Next time, don't leave without telling someone… without saying goodbye.." he said softly. The fear and beer made his stomach churn at what could have been disastrous.

His statement hung in the air, thick and heavy.

"... Would you have cared?" Rahim asked. Crane nearly choked on his drink.

"Would I have cared? Rahim... " He didn't finish. Of course he would care… maybe more than he would like to admit. The hairs on his arms bristled at the thought, and in some attempt to push them out, he focused on the way the moon ghosted Rahim's features and the fizzle of beer on his tongue. He gripped the can just a bit tighter and huffed.

"You know that I try to help you as much as I can. Even when you make stupid decisions… You're not useless, Rahim," he stressed. Rahim's gaze dropped to the building below.

"You taught so many runners how to survive out there… me included… I just want to say thank you."

In response, Rahim began to swing his legs softly over the edge. Despite the darkness, the faintest color rose to his ears and cheeks. A fluttering feeling rose in Crane's chest and a warmth rose in his belly as Rahim averted his gaze. It definitely wasn't the beer.

"Well.. You're not that bad… for a noob," Rahim chuckled, raising his can to his lips.

A soft laugh rumbled out of Crane's chest and he reached over and gave Rahim's shoulder a small squeeze.

A sudden jolt from Rahim at the contact forced Crane's hand away, leaving him to wonder if he hurt him. Rahim reached up to lightly touch the spot as realization slowly dragged across his features.

"I remember..." he said softly. Crane looked at him curiously.

"I don't remember much… only bits and pieces.. But just before I passed out… I felt you squeeze my shoulder…"

Now it was Crane's turn to feel the warmth on his face as he gazed at Rahim, who gave him a lopsided grin as he tossed his beer can to the clutter below.

With that, night descended upon them with the simultaneous beeping of Crane's watch and the cries of the night-dwelling infected. The crane vibrated with the sound- sending a chill up Crane's spine. He took that as his cue to stand up.

"Ready to head back?" he asked.

Rahim gave him a lazy nod before lifting his legs from the gap and crouching to get up- his many beer cans toppling and swaying with his effort.

He heard it before he saw it. The creaking of the metal and slip of rubber as Rahim lost his footing.

Rahim yelped, and Crane just barely managed to snag his hand before he fell backward. In a frantic attempt to pull him in, he set his weight on his heels. The mixture of Rahim's weight and the mild buzz of the beer sent them toppling in a heap, Crane's back connecting with the platform with a heavy thud while Rahim's drunken weight kept him pinned by the stomach.

"Woah, you alright there?" Crane panted, a playful smirk rising to his cheeks, but Rahim didn't mirror his reaction, not even giving the usual snarky comment. Instead, he stared at Crane with half lidded eyes and an expression he couldn't read as he loomed over him.

Crane's smirk fell, worry settling into his gut. "Rahim?"

He could feel Rahim's weight shift on his stomach- maybe he was getting up? He took that opportunity to sit up on his elbows, but when Rahim didn't move from his position, Crane felt a wave of heat rush up the back of his neck. Deciding it best to not have Rahim loom over him, he pressed a palm to his chest and nudged him into a sitting position. His hand trembled ever so slightly at the feeling of heat through Rahim's shirts. Upon contact, a shuddering sigh puffed passed Rahim's lips, brushing over Crane's mouth the moment he sat up- the scent of beer heavy on his breath.

"I just really want to say thank you…" he murmured, sluring his words. His hands pressed into his chest softly and slid up to his shoulders. His nose brushed against Crane's softly.

He was drunk, but.. when was the last time he was this close to someone? Rahim's heat was tempting and inviting. They say that drunk people don't lie.. Did Rahim really want him? Crane's hands twitched at his sides, tempted to grip his hips. No. Rahim is just a kid who couldn't hold his drink. It would be wrong.

Rahim's weight had him shifting uncomfortably. He couldn't just shove him off without risking pushing him into the pit of garbage bags and mattresses.

"You can thank me later kid… I-.. I think we should head back now," Crane said softly, inching back from his face.

"Why do you treat me like a child?" Rahim spat.

Before Crane could open his mouth, a particular volatile cry ripped through the streets below, followed by others echoing in response. Rahim jumped in his lap.

They had to move now. The crane was a dangerous place to be without the safety of the UV lights. Digging his palms into the platform, he slid himself far back enough for Rahim to safely shift off of his lap. Crane couldn't help but worry as Rahim stumbled to the neck of the crane and lifted himself up.

Crane quickly scurried behind him, ready to grab onto him if he slipped.

Rahim's shoulders tensed at Crane's close proximity. "I can do it myself!" He spat.

Crane tried to ignore the way his heart sank. Rahim will be fine tomorrow.. he hoped.

They managed to make it to the other side without incident. Rahim stormed off to his illuminated spot, but just as he entered the light, a sudden explosion ripped through the air. Not a second later, his radio buzzed to life.

"Crane! Zere's lab has just been hit by Rais's men. We can't let them take him!" Brecken shouted.

Rahim looked at Crane with wide eyes.

"Stay. Here." he said sternly. Rahim settled into his spot with rigid shoulders. The uncertainty and fear taking over his previous anger.

With his blood suddenly rushing in his ears, Crane ran to the roof exit. He'd deal with Rahim later.