Eve's eyes fluttered open, blurry from sleepiness. The light in the room was dim, losing the battle against the darkness outside. It could not have been more than a few hours into the morning. She was lying on her back, her legs bent at the knees, pointed to the wall. Gally's arm lay across her torso, his fingers brushing her chest. He was sprawled on his stomach beside her, his breathing deep and rhythmic. Eve smiled softly and turned her head to watch the rise and fall of his bare back.

Only then did she begin to notice the pain.

It was not unbearable and not nearly as sharp as before, but it was definitely noticeable. She grimaced. An achy, throbbing sensation emanating from between her legs. When she adjusted her hips, she nearly cried out loud as the pain sharpened, her overworked muscles cramping in protest. Eve stretched her legs out flat, squeezing her eyes shut as the movement caused another bout of sharp pain. After she had laid still for a few minutes, the pain lessened, but the throbbing continued. She bit her lip so as not to make any noise. Gally was still sleeping and she hated the thought of waking him.

Eve smiled again as she looked back at the blonde, remembering how gentle he had been. He had behaved so differently, sweet and caring. It was an entirely new Gally and Eve could not help but berate herself. How could she have judged him so harshly?

All he had needed was for someone to listen.

A gentle breeze shuttered across her exposed body, bringing her attention to something entirely different. The distinct, yet subtle, smell of sweat and dirt. She had never gotten the chance for her nightly bath. Unfortunately, she could not imagine getting up now to do it. Eve took another deep breath, trying to relax her body to go back to sleep. The pain between her legs continued to throb and her lower back began to feel strained. Eve groaned and opened her eyes; she would have to find a more comfortable position. Slowly, she sat up, groaning inwardly as the ache deep within her reared sharply. She hiked her hip gently and turned on her side, squeezing her legs together. She curled up into a ball and tried to forget about her pain.

"Mmm?"

Eve didn't open her eyes but felt the movement at her side. Gally's hand slid off her waist.

"What's wrong?" His voice was deep, sleepiness making it croaky. Eve burrowed her head into the pillow, the pain was beginning to wear off. After a few moments, Gally opened his eyes, his question left unanswered. He looked over Eve's face, noticing her body position and pained expression. Gently, he brushed his fingers against her cheek, sliding his hand down to wrap around her shoulder. He tried to pull her closer to him but she whimpered. Confused, Gally propped himself up on his elbow, turning his body about to face her.

"What's wrong, Eve?"

Eve pushed her face into the pillow. She whimpered again and Gally shifted closer, covering her back with his arm.

"Tell me," His gruff voice did not flow as smoothly as he would've liked. Eve turned her head to him, her eyes shining.

"It hurts,"

Gally raised an eyebrow, the new information did not register. Eve closed her eyes again, squeezing herself into a tighter ball.

"Inside, I don't feel right. It hurts…" She whimpered again and Gally finally clued in. Guilt passed over him like a wave. Tenderly, he pulled her closer, running his fingers up and down her back gently. Gally lay his head on Eve's neck hoping that his warmth was of some comfort to her. She sniffed softly and took a few shaky breaths. Gally squeezed her shoulder, muttering into her hair as he tried to soothe her.

"Shhh, just relax Eve. What can I do?"

"I don't know," Her voice was high, desperate. The fear was unsettling and Gally lay down at her side again. He took her chin between his fingers, trying to catch her eye.

"Is there anything that I can get you? Jeff may have something in his stores for pain,"

Eve opened her eyes, sparkling with unshed tears.

"I don't want him to know," Her cheeks were red, her embarrassment seeming to outweigh her pain. Gally frowned, it was his fault she was in pain and it only seemed fair that he did all he could to ease it.

"I have to be able to get you something," His voice was becoming gruff.

Eve grimaced, a surpassed whimper causing her to squeeze her eyes shut again. Gally sat up, his hands hovering over his skin, scared to touch her as she squirmed. He had no experience with her situation and he was becoming nervous. Had he damaged her? Was she going to be able to walk again?

"Water? Can I get you some water?" He was grasping at anything, his voice rising frantically.

Eve nodded, her eyes remaining closed.

"Please,"

Gally backed up from her, careful not to shift the bed too much. Standing up, he walked through the room, pulling the curtain aside. The morning was still early and it would be some time before the light would make an appearance. He looked to his left and his right, unsure of where he might find water. As a Builder, he didn't spend much time in the hut, unless he'd sustained an injury. The markings on the boxes and cupboards all looked the same to him. There was a small cup on a wooden ledge just at eye level and Gally grabbed it. The Med Jacks kept a small cooler of water in the hut for medical emergencies and cleaning wounds. It sat on the floor behind a larger box turned on its side, a makeshift cupboard. Surely they wouldn't mind if Eve drank some, right? Gally didn't put much stock into the worry and bent down to fill the cup. He carried it back into the small room, placing it on the ledge over the bed before he sat down. Eve had not moved but her face looked smooth, all signs of pain were gone. With a soft smile, he brushed a strand of hair out of her eye and she blinked at him. He handed her the cup and she gratefully raised her head to take a sip. The cold water suddenly made her realize how thirsty she was and she emptied the cup in a matter of seconds.

Gally remained quiet as she finished, staring at the pillow.

"I'm sorry," His voice was hoarse.

Eve handed him the empty cup and laid her head back down.

"For what?"

Gally didn't meet her eye.

"I didn't mean to hurt you. I really didn't,"

Eve closed her eyes, sighing lightly. She reached out her hand and grabbed hold of his fingers. Gally's hard eyes didn't change and Eve shook her head.

"I know you didn't. I don't think we could have avoided this. It's… just the way it is… I guess,"

Gally rubbed his thumb on her finger, staring down at her hand. He didn't find much comfort in it. He had hoped the event would be painless for both of them. It was never a part of the plan for Eve to suffer. He turned his gaze to her, his eyes wandering over her body.

"Do you feel anything?"

Eve opened one eye, glancing at him strangely. He ducked his head, rubbing the back of his neck with a free hand. He gestured vaguely down to her stomach.

"Did it work?"

Eve smirked and shut her eye again.

"I don't think I'll be able to tell right away. It may take some time,"

Gally frowned, he didn't know what was supposed to happen. He understood the basics, but everything after was a blur.

"How long?"

Eve shook her head.

"I don't know, this is my first time too,"

Gally shut his mouth, suddenly flustered. They were silent for some time, each with their own thoughts. Gally didn't move, merely resting his hand on her fingers, keeping them warm. Eve kept her eyes closed, her legs pulled up to her stomach. She did not grimace anymore and soon, she let her legs relax, breathing deeply as if she was asleep. Gally was about to lay down next to her when she stirred.

"Gally, will you help me with something?"

Gally leaned forward, eager to do all he could for her.

"What is it?"

Eve blinked open her eyes, smiling lightly at him.

"Will you help me get to the pond? I want to wash this dirt off me," Her tone was gentle, almost playful, but Gally couldn't help being concerned.

"Should you be moving right now? Won't it make it worse?"

Eve pushed herself up, slowly, onto her elbow.

"I think it might help. The cold water could take away some of the pain,"

Gally frowned, unsure of the best route. In any other circumstance, he would ask one of the Med Jack's, but who knew where they were right now. Besides, Eve did not seem too keen on involving them. Finally, he made up his mind, his authoritative nature returning to him.

"I'll carry you down, but I'm not letting you walk,"

Eve nodded, agreeing only to ensure his help. She crawled crab style to the edge of the bed while Gally pulled his shirt back over his head. Gently, he took her up in his arms, letting her wrap her legs around his waist. The stretch to her middle cost her another throbbing ache and she stifled a cry in her fist. Gally lay one hand over her head and the other around her low back and stood still until Eve relaxed. Slowly, he walked out of the hut and across the shadowy, shrouded Glade. The sky was slate grey, with a touch of white in the corners, the new morning light was slowly picking up the pace to start the day. Gally slowed to a stop beside the pond and Eve pulled away from him.

"Thank you, I can take it from here,"

"Are you sure?" Gally hesitated before kneeling to let her sit on the ground, just before the water's edge. She stood up on her knees for a moment, taking a few deep breaths.

"I'll be fine, I promise. Just watch out for anyone,"

Gally nodded and turned away, allowing her to have a moment of privacy. It was hardly needed now, but he respected her enough to do it. Eve took off her shirt and shorts, standing up only to slide into the water. The chill made her shiver, but she had been right. The cold water dulled the pain and calmed the red-hot inflammation around her legs. She closed her eyes and rubbed the bar of soap around her shoulders, chest, stomach and down her legs. It felt marvellous to be clean again, but she could not help but feel like she was still dirty.

They had had little choice in the matter, but she was not married to Gally and somehow, the thought did not make her feel better. But they were trying to escape and in some twisted way, this could be part of the puzzle. She sincerely hoped it was not, but they could not turn back now. In the end, it would only answer the question one way or the other. Whoever put her here had to have had something in mind, right? It may take a few months, but she could already be with child. She brushed her fingertips along her stomach, the thought causing mixed feelings. It would be her child, her's and Gally's. Hopefully, the child would understand why they had to try, why they had to bring them into this cruel, dissolute world.

It was something they had to try.

After a few more moments, Eve crawled back onto the shore, her legs feeling stiff and heavy. Gally had left the towel on the shore for her and she wrapped it around her shivering frame, glad for the comfort. Gally saw her emerge from the water and came running, kneeling beside her, encircling her in his arms to help her warm-up.

"Did it help?"

Eve nodded, burying her nose into the towel.

"It did, I think I'm ready to get back to bed,"

Gally smiled, the first since he had woken up. Relief flooded through him, Eve was going to be fine. He had not damaged her. Silently, Gally hefted her up, towel and all, bridal style, and carried her back into the hut. Eve wrapped her arms around his neck, her legs too stiff to curl around his waist. Once they had returned to the little room, he let her change before he re-entered the room. He lay down on his back, beckoning Eve to him as she crawled in beside him. She lay her head on his chest, pulling the small blanket up to her chin. Gally's arm wrapped protectively around her back and he kissed her firmly on the forehead, his eyes closing. The sound of her contented sighs soothed him.

The two soon fell asleep.