[IC] Closed

[Wick]

Ari ducked down behind the car and hoped the soldiers wouldn't see her. Mid Spring in Chicago was still in the 50's during the day and 30's at night so her coat was heavy and warm. She had been inside the store room of the local Walmart stocking up when she heard the store parking lot becoming the latest casualty of war. She filled up the shopping cart and headed out to the back where she was now hiding behind a car as the soldier's jeep patrolled. Ari didn't move.

Fear gripped her as the jeep stopped and she felt like she was being stared at. She moved her hand inside her coat pocket slowly and pulled the gun out. She hadn't had to use it yet and she was afraid she would screw it up. The soldier rummaged through the cart that was visible about six feet from her. If he were to look up he would see her. She closed her eyes. When the other soldier in the jeep said something in another language the one by her cart laughed and jumped back in the jeep. They hurried up and went around the side of the building.

She watched for a minute and loaded up the car and climbed inside of it looking for more soldiers. After a minute or so she started it and took the back way out of the area. She was thrilled that there was a truck entrance for the bigger stores so she didn't have to drive past the war in the front parking lot.

Ari pulled up to the house. It was in the middle of a brand new subdivision. It had a fireplace and she had been pulling wood from the construction site when it was extremely cold. It was the furnished model home and she was glad to have come across it. She had broken into a couple of the pre war occupied homes and stolen some cookware and dishes.

Ari was getting used to walking past dead bodies. That was something she had never thought she would have to do. Once the car was unloaded she locked the door. All the curtains were pulled and blinds were closed. She hadn't seen anyone besides a few soldiers here and there since the beginning of the week. A lot more people had died. She was wondering why she wasn't sick yet. Chicago was a direct target and her family was gone in an instant but she was still there. She had no idea why. She put the groceries away and kept thinking about it. She hadn't done anything differently. What about her, and the others that were still not sick? Why weren't they sick?

[King Tai]

Hiding in an abandoned building, formerly an office building that was destroyed by the fire, Malik was breathing a bit heavy while peeking out one of the broken windows, where the smell of ash filled his nose. having a hand one his cleaver just in case someone was to have a run in with him. His clothing, stained with speckles of blood from an altercation he was in the middle of before.

Three days ago, Malik was on his daily run to find more food when he was sneaking into a store to rummage through anything that may have been left behind. Grabbing snacks and such, looking to stock up on beverages, Malik quietly and cautiously looked around a little more before getting ready to head out. That was before he walked up to the back door only for it to fly open with 4 guys with machetes and baseball bats walking in to catch Malik.

This was indeed too good to be true. No way in hell could he get out of this place with no problem. Seems that's not the way the world works. It was like life was telling him, he needed conflict to become stronger. Your earnings are not rewarding unless you go through some struggle. it was interesting that these men were not sick like others and that they weren't caught by the military yet. That was usually the scene around them in this war-torn world of today.

As these men surrounded him, Malik did have his knife and cleaver but a gun would have been favorable and he prayed that his antagonists didn't have one. As the fight was initiated with the men surrounding him, Malik didn't hold back. he had to be brutal. Killing was not something he wished to do but this was survival. lodging his cleaver into on man's skull, stabbing another to death, slitting one's through and breaking the other's neck while sustaining cuts and bruises himself, the fight for his food looked to be won until 2 soldiers showed up at the end of the intense fight.

Tired and not wanting to continue, malik ran and was being pursued by the two men as they separated. malik knew he couldn't simply get out of this without encountering one of them. While hiding in the cut deep in the alley, Malik grabbed one of the soldiers killing him and taking his gun. Shortly, running into the other, Malik shot him in the head. hear the shots, 3 other soldiers went to check it out and found Malik near their comrade's body as they yelled in their language at Malik to stop but Malik fired at them, running off.

Ever since then, the soldiers have multiplied near the area to look for him for the murder of the 2 soldiers.

Now....
Still in hiding and watching trucks go by, Malik knew he needed to keep going as he had to find the back way out where he would not be spotted. He figured that he would be safer in a less populated area, thinking the new subdivision would be his best bet to lay low for a while before needing to head off again. On the way, he picked up his supplies that he had hiding and headed to the subdivision.

[Wick]

Ari was able to take the coat off in the house as long as she stayed in the back of the house where the blinds were open and the sunlight was hitting the windows liberally. When she had first occupied the house she ripped the model home sign out of the ground. She had forgotten about it. The sign wasn't standing but it was still there. She had been confronted by a sick and hungry dog. It hadn't been aggressive just very sickly looking and she had run into the house. Dog bites could be bad enough when they weren't laced with radiation. She didn't want to tempt fate.

Ari was looking out the back window feeling the heat on her face when she saw movement. She quickly grabbed the curtains and pulled them shut. If she would have had her eyes open she might have seen who it was but she only saw movement out the corner of her eye which meant they were close. She didn't know if it was a soldier, a gangmember or another sick animal. She was definitely on edge. She went back to the window and peaked out. She couldn't see anyone or thing moving around. She was hoping it had been a bird. Although she hadn't seen any birds in two weeks.

Ari made sure her gun was loaded and she waited.

@king tai

[King Tai]

@Wick

Malik was finally in the clear, well, as close to clear as you could get in this new terrible world. He still needed to watch his surroundings and cautiously move about. After the ducking and dodging he did, he came upon the subdivision while holding on to the strap of his backpack on his shoulder that was filled with what he could collect.

Now, once he made it to the subdivision, he scanned the area to determine where he should start. Some of these houses look broken into and he didn't want to risk running into another altercation but what choice did he have? The first two houses, he was sneaking into, they were damaged all around. dead bodies and the rotting smell definitely gave him a "hell no" answer in his mind as he went to check another house.

After his other attempts from the next two and coming up short with what he had in mind, staying in, he came upon a home that looked relatively okay. What kept his attention was the model home sign that was in the yard, feeling he had to check this place out but...if he could find a place like this, was there possibly others that found it too?

He walked around the yard quietly to see if there were any signs of anyone staying there but he did notice the car, not knowing if it could be used or not but he would check on that in a bit. First, the house. Malik Didn't know what he was going to find inside but like what he did before, he pulled out his stolen revolver as he grabbed the door nob, noticing it was locked. Looking around, he pulled out two metal pins to jimmy the lock on the door as he managed it open but he did so quietly. He was at the side door of the house, keeping his gun in hand, not knowing what to expect. Making his way inside, he peeked around to see if there were any movements before quietly closing the door.

He didn't know whether he was walking into a trap or not but he was not going to go down easily.

[Wick]

Ari was in the shadows of the room and when he closed the door and looked back he was staring at a young woman in a sweater and jeans with a semi-automatic handgun about six inches from his face.

"This house is taken. You need to leave." It was obvious that she was a little frightened. There were very few healthy people around and the soldiers that were here were masked.

"Are you alone? Are you one of those gangbangers?" Ari said as she eased closer to the window. She glanced outside to see if there were others outside. Seeing the sign on the ground she swore. "Shit. I forgot to move the sign."

She looked at Malik closer. "Are you here to rape, rob and or kill me?"

@king tai

[King Tai]

Great, just what he was trying to avoid, another gun in his face. He looked at the gun and the woman behind it. He heard what the woman asked and didn't answer at first but stared at the female to read her if she was the type he could take the gun away from easily or not. Leaving was not really an option. For all he knew, this was probably the only place he could stay without dealing with sleeping in a rotten smelling house or out in the open of the world.

This woman did indeed look frightened a little, as Malik was calm and collected, not intimidated by the gun in his face after having many encounters with people point guns at him from the beginning of the war. It's too bad.....this house looks too good to pass up. he answered in an accent that sounded like he was from the caribbean.

He didn't answer if he was alone or a gangbanger, feeling that he was going to go out on a limb here and believe this girl did not want to shoot him unless she had no choice. When she went to check the window, Malik took the moment to point his gun at her face as well when she turned to notice him. Cocking the hammer of his gun. If you wanna survive in this world, stupid mistakes like that needs to be avoid such as "forgetting things". he answered back as both had their guns on each other.

If I was a gangbanger, don't you think I'd have a gang with me? I'm only here to seek a place to stay for a bit and then move on. and for your last questions, if you really felt I was going to do any of that, seeing how crazy this world is, I would think you wouldn't hesitate to kill me and ask questions later....hell....I believe this is your first time being given an opportunity to kill someone but you're wrestling with your inner self wondering if you could through with killing me. but then again...if I was really going to rape, rob or kill you, you know deep down, I would've done it instead of just standing here pointing guns at each other. Malik said.

His expression was serious as if he wanted her to try and attack him but a smile came upon his face There have been enough death as it is....and with you being the only healthy person that I'm assuming not part of a gang and not of the military and pretty much the only one in this house pointing a gun at me, I'm going to let you know, I'm not here to harm you or behave like a pathetic rapist....but I'm only requesting that I stay here for a day or two...nothing more. He said lowering his gun to show he was not going to harm her and hoping she gets the hint.

@Wick

[Wick]

Ari did not trust this man but she felt like she had already screwed up. Now it was too late to shoot him. If she did there was a good chance he would overtake her before she could do any real damage to him. He looked strong enough. He was tall and fit so she knew he could probably fight or he wouldn't have gotten this far. She lowered her gun but she didn't put it down.

"What's your name?" She offered her hand. "I'm Ari King." She put some water on for hot chocolate. She hoped he couldn't tell how nervous she was. She decided to ask him the question she couldn't figure out the answer to. "Why are we still healthy? We are supposed to be dead like everyone we know. I've gone over it so many times and there was nothing different. Why are we stuck here?"

Frustration and nerves were getting to her and she went into the living room and sat on the couch. She put the safety on her gun and laid it in her lap. She wiped the tears from her eyes and looked at him as he entered the room. "Have a seat. I've taken the master bedroom upstairs. There are two other furnished bedrooms. If it gets too cold though I've been lighting a fire in the fireplace and sleeping down here. So far I've been lucky but we can't do it every night. Eventually I'll have to leave but how do I know that there are others like us that aren't getting sick and where are they? You are the first healthy Non soldier person I've seen." The tea kettle screamed through the room and she got up to get it. "Do you want some hot chocolate?"

@king tai

[King Tai]

Seeing that she lowered her weapon, a feeling of relief come over on Malik. He didn't have to fight nor kill another person, especially this woman. It was a waste to kill of someone who was still healthy like them and if they'd work together, they could have a better chance at surviving.

Asking his name, he was hesitant but since she spoke of her's first, it was only courteous and respectful to share his as well. Malik feeling that to keep her from feeling threatened, he went to put away his gun and grabbed her hand to shake it Malik....Malik....Treco.... he said not comfortable with telling her his name but he would get over it.

The whole time, Malik was staring at her to read her actions, he could tell that she was either uncomfortable or nervous but he wasn't going to bring that into light. With the questions she asked, Malik didn't quite know the answers either. He wanted to know those things too. I wish I knew....but all we can do now is survive....I felt that maybe some people like us must have some immunity towards the chemicals...but still don't know.

Malik still didn't trust her as he continued staring at her and around the house. When she went to the living room and seemingly frustrated while he watched her wipe her tears, he could tell that she was indeed alone. From his experience, if she did have anyone in the house, it would've been more than just her pointing a gun at him and also, she did look a bit nervous despite having a gun and the advantage at the time. He walked into the living room to take a seat and placed his back pack on the floor next to him.

Hearing about the bedrooms in the house, Malik nodded but he didn't mind sleeping on the floor or couch...he was used to it. I imagine that we can't do it every night because you either don't have enough material to keep doing it or that you don't want to gain the attention of the enemy? And...more than likely, I'll sleep on the floor down here or on the couch. He gave a slight chuckle about her running into someone who was not sick for the first time since the war that were not a soldier. I've ran into a gang that were not infected....but...well I had to survive when they attacked me. I'm sure those people like me and you are doing the same thing....spreading out and hiding. he said feeling bad about what he did but what choice did he have.

He nodded to hot chocolate as he grabbed his back pack Yeah....I uh...I have some meat if you want some. I assume you have running water here? May need to bathe... he said opening his back pack and pulling out the meat if she wanted any.

@Wick

[Wick]

Ari got out two coffee cups. "Yes we have running water and because it's a gas water heater it's hot water. There are towels in the closet in the bathroom upstairs. I've been using the master bath. We can cook too we just have to light the burners manually."

"Sure bring it in I'll show you what I grabbed today." She realized that she left her gun in the living room. She opened the cabinet and showed him all the canned foods and canned meats like vienna sausages, spam corned beef in a can and tuna and chicken. "I'm trying to keep going for more everyday. I figure who knows how long before we have to eat contaminated food and what that will do to us."

@king tai

[King Tai]

@Wick

Giving a nod, Malik took the meat and laid it on the counter. Alright...I'll go and bathe in a bit. he said. Thank goodness there was some fresh water around this time around.

Noticing that she left her gun, Malik chuckled to himself that she was now a bit carefree. Not that he didn't like it but she was being trusting and quick. When he noticed the canned foods, he thought in his mind, from when he was witnessing that maybe he'd need to stick around with this woman seeing how she had better luck with stocking up on food than he did. But what really surprised him is that she more than likely, have not been attacked getting these supplies and that left him wondering what her secret was.

An idea popped in his head The next time you go, mind if I tag along? Malik thought about what his dead father's words, give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man how to fish, he eats for a lifetime. He wanted to know where she went to get her food. It's getting a bit worse out there. If I came with you, I can provide protection and we can look after one another. he said, taking off his jacket to reveal on his long sleeve shirt, dirt and blood that seemed to be from him and whoever he fought.

He shirt had cuts from when malik was cut in his fight. He had a large bruise on his neck nearly getting strangled. He had cuts bruises and scars around his body that some were visible as Malik turned around to head up the stairs to get his shower I have jerky, water and cookies as well...if you want some?

[Wick]

Ari turned as he took off his shirt and she saw his muscled torso riddled with cuts and abrasions from fighting. "Malik, how did these happen? Some of these gashes are pretty deep. They need to be cleaned and bandaged. The bruising by your neck is really bad. What happened?"

She was beginning to wonder how he had survived these last weeks. It appeared it hadn't been easy for him. She really had lucked out finding this place. "I saw a first aid kit up in the bathroom. There are a few of these you shouldn't get soap into. Come on, I'll clean them up for you." She headed toward the stairs and didn't pay attention to if he followed her or not. She could feel his eyes on her going up the stairs so she figured he was there. She pulled open the closet and pulled out a first aid kit and a wash cloth. She rummaged for the Hydrogen peroxide in the closet. "Okay, this might sting a bit." She winced as the burning made him jump a little. "Sorry" She mumbled. Ari cleaned the wounds on his back and the two that were larger and deeper she cut some butterflies out of the medical tape and closed them.

"There, all set." She smiled, happy with her handiwork. "Any bad ones on the front?" She looked. She was really concerned. She didn't think he should take chances like infections when nether of them could do anything about it. Who knew what the medical world looked like now. He had one that was worse than the others but it was higher up on the side so it would have been difficult to reach on his own. She made sure to keep her mind on the task at hand. "Now that one would be a real bitch to get at on your own." After butterflying it shut she washed her hands and declared him all done.

Ari smiled and walked out of the room and into the master bedroom where she was obviously spending lot of time. She rummaged through her bag and finally dumped it all onto her bed. She fumbled through it all til she found what she was looking for. It was one of those wallet picture holders. She opened it and looked sad as she flipped through the photos. Ari had grown up with two brothers and a sister. The four had all been born one after the other so they were all really close and she missed them terribly. Her parents had been taken in a car accident just after her 19th birthday five years ago. Bandaging Malik's wounds reminded her of her brother Alex. He was constantly getting into fights when they had been in high school. He never knew when to shut up and he always said the wrong things.

Ari just lay on her bed looking at her family and wishing they were there. Alex had been her protector. Now she was alone and didn't know what she was supposed to do without them. She shoved everything else into her bag and pulled her feet up on the bed and turned herself inwards so she was facing the inner part of the room. She closed her eyes and fell asleep with the photo holder in her hand.

@king tai

[King Tai]

Malik turned around from the question Ari asked him as he looked down at his injuries. He didn't make a big deal out of it being that he's a fighter, he don't cry or complain about injuries as it comes with the territory of being warrior-like. He didn't want her to help him but since she insisted, he simply followed Got them from fighting....I'm lucky this is all that happened or otherwise I wouldn't be here now. he responded to her going up to the bathroom with her and sat on the toilet to let her work on his cuts.

Taking his shirt off, he was not only showing his injuries but the a ripped, athletic, torso in which Ari started working on. he did jump a little from the stinging but he managed to go this long without passing out and acted as if he weren't hurt but with adrenaline and the will to live ever so strong, who has time to worry about injuries.

As his wounds were cleaned and bandaged, Malik stared at her. He did take a peek at her breasts and then at her face. When asked about the ones in the front, the worse one was near where they tried to stab him in the heart but missed. He groaned from the pain and also should a bullet flesh would on his side as well. He looked up at her once more trying to block out the pain Why are you being so nice to me? he asked curiously after she was done but watched her walk out and into the master bedroom.

Malik quietly walked to the door frame of the master bedroom and watched her for a moment as she laid there looking at a picture. He didn't bother her as she ended up going to sleep. He thought for a moment about his girlfriend as Ari reminded him of her. She never really liked it when he fought in matches but because she was a nurse, she was always willing to take care of him and help heal him. He and his girlfriend were engaged before the war broke out and after it did, his family, he never heard from him, especially his brother, who he lived with, he was shot in the head. His girlfriend, she was raped and murdered as he remembered cradling her dead body that was 4 months pregnant.

Those thoughts haunted him which kept him from sleeping most of the time. He left to go down stairs to make something to eat for the night and saved some meat for Ari for when she woke up. He spent the night cleaning his blades and checked out the gun Ari left behind as he took it and placed it on the counter so just in case they got an unwanted visitor, he could defend them without getting close. He was still not very sure if he should stay with Ari, feeling she would slow him down but then again, she looked like she needed all the help she could get. He waited til morning when she wakes up to figure what to do next. But....for the time being, he needed to exercise.

@Wick

[Wick]

Ari hadn't meant to fall asleep. When she awoke she looked at her family once more and tucked the photo holder into her pants pocket. She looked at herself in the mirror and she picked up her hairbrush and ran it through her hair. She could hear Malik downstairs. She figured he could have killed her so many times and didn't that she would just trust him.

Ari came downstairs and peaked out the window and opened the front door carefully. She skirted the building making sure to look all around. She darted out to the front yard and grabbed the model home sign. She brought it in and set it in the garage after locking the front door back.

Ari looked up as she heard vehicles outside moving around. Soldiers?"Malik!" She said almost frantically as she watched a few men who were more than likely gang members breaking into the houses that weren't already showing signs of looting. Ari ran up the stairs and grabbed her bag and then to the kitchen quietly. "Where's my gun? There are looters out front. " Ari kept her coat on the couch in case she had to make a break for it quickly.

@king tai

[King Tai]

@Wick

Malik was done with his workout as he had another spare of clothing as he changed before Ari came down stairs. He still had his shirt off but he watched when she came down and it was a little amusing how she was sneaking outside like a child who was forbidden from going outside, hoping her parents wouldn't see.

After bringing in the sign and putting it up while locking the front door, Malik smirked Must've slept good. but the smirk went away when Ari called for him as he could hear a vehicle outside. Malik went to check and seeing how frantic Ari was acting, Malik wondered whether they should fight or run. He didn't know how Ari would act if she saw him in action but then again, would they be able to get out of there without being seen? Shit....

When she asked for the gun and said there were looters, Malik went to get her gun off the counter and tossed it to her as he pulled out his gun that had enough ammo for to empty out his gun twice. Malik went to grab his blades and slid the handles on the back of his pants. He looked back Ari...I'll tell you now....if the house is surrounded....we may have to fight it out but if we have an opening, we can run. If they manage to break in, I'll make a pathway for you and cover you until you're gone and I'll be behind shortly...okay? Whatever you do, don't look back if you hear a gun fight... Setting up Maybe you should stand back and let me be the front line... He initiated as if a protecting husband.

[Wick]

Ari had the car keys in her pocket. "I'm not leaving you. You'd never catch up. We have a car and if we need to leave. It's packed up for a quick getaway." There was laughter and banging on the door in the kitchen and another at the front door. She headed to the kitchen and he was ready in the living room.

When the kitchen door busted open Ari didn't hesitate, she shot the guy straight in the neck and she watched as he gasped as he tried to stop the bleeding. He dropped his gun and she kicked it away from him. It took a minute for him to die but she had another gun. She kicked him outside more and shut the door. She pulled a table in front of it to hold it closed. Ari grabbed the gun and saw that it had a full barrel and luckily was the same ammo as hers. It was only a minute later when she heard more noise in front and another person hitting the windows with a stick. Ari's adrenaline was flowing freely at this point. She pushed the nearest piece of furniture she could find up against the back door.

She peaked around the corner to see the front door burst open and Malik was immediately attacked. There were three men coming in. Ari shot one of them and the other two were on Malik and she was afraid to hit Malik. She reached over and grabbed a lamp and unplugged it. The one she shot was still alive so she hit him with the lamp and knocked him out.

She had not seen the fourth guy come in. She didn't know he was there til he grabbed her from behind and lifted her into the air. "PUT ME DOWN YOU FUCKER!" Sparring sessions with her brothers had been good for showing her how to get out of bad situations. She headbutted the guy once and he almost let her go but he recovered quickly and put a gun in her back. She took a chance and yelled into his ear and bit it and held on. The man started screaming and let go of her. His ear lobe was barely hanging on. She raised her gun and shot him in the chest.

@king tai

[King Tai]

"I'm not leaving you." Malik remember those words his girlfriend used to say. He looked on at Ari and with a sigh but also understanding, he nodded. With the laughing and the banging of the door in the living room and the kitchen, Malik was ready to attack anyone who would come in.

As Ari went into the back and took out the first guy that broke in. Malik was about to join her to help take out the guy but she seemed to be able to handle herself but the banging in the front intensified. He brought his attention back to the front as three men broke into the house, one being shot by Ari and being knocked out by her.

Malik Was about to shoot the first guy but the other threw a knife at Malik and the first one went for the tackle on Malik. That was quite stupid as even though Malik dropped his gun, He went for a shooting knee to his face dazing him and knocking a few teeth out but then Malik was punched in the face. He was used to getting punched as it didn't phase him that bad. As the man went for another punch, Malik, swiftly moved and grabbed the man's arm twisting it to break it and used the same arm to sling the man down as the guy was screaming in pain. The other man stood up after the knee shot and went to get Malik's gun and pulled it up but Malik, using his speed and quick reaction, kicked it out his hand.

After the gun was kicked out the man's hand, Malik went to give the man two elbow shots to the face, then a kick to his chest and then a leaping knee attack to his chin knocking him out as the other man with the broken arm came at him. Malik heard a gun shot again, wondering if Ari was okay and as the man with the broken arm came at him, Malik dodged and made his way around him to german suplexed him on his neck breaking it and knocking him out.

Malik rushed to check on Ari Ari!! he called and found her next to a dead man with a ear hanging off. He walked over and knelt down to check her You okay? he asked as several shots from a shot gun went off at the kitchen window and Malik pushed Ari down and covered her as he reached for the gun She had and kept her down as he lifted the gun up and shot back until he didn't hear the person outside anymore. He wondered is he was killed or simply ran off but right now, he needed to make sure they were safe once again.

Ari stay down until I say it's safe... he said standing as it got quiet and looked around for a moment to check if the coast was clear I think we are good...

@Wick

[Wick]

Ari stayed on the ground on her stomach until he got off of her and then fear drove her to get up and start looking for how that fifth guy had gotten in. She found the broken window and as Malik checked the front part of the house and outside. Ari looked out the window and she could see at least two bodies outside. She went back to the front and watched out the front door for Malik or anyone else.

Ari closed the door because it was making it colder in the house. She kept her eyes open for Malik. After several minutes she checked her gun and went outside to see what was keeping him. She left her coat inside and started to regret that decision almost immediately.

@king tai

[King Tai]

As Malik went outside. He went outside, he was checking on the other guy wondering if he hit him. As he was checking to make sure they were not going to get any visitors, malik was attacked from behind as someone placed a plastic bag over his head to try and suffocate him. The person pulled him to the next yard over and bring him into the other looted house to try and kill him but Malik used his elbows to hit the man on his sides.

The struggle continued and Malik was finding himself getting a little weaker but he needed to get the guy off him so using a shift of equilibrium by swinging his legs forward and flinging them back to bring the force forward, he flipped the man over as he lost his grip and Malik was coughing but was tackled through the front door of the house he was about to be killed in. Elbow and kicking the guy, who was in fact, bigger and stronger than Malik, the guy fought back, using his weight to slam on Malik and punch at him and occasionally tried choking him as Malik was reaching trying to blind the guy but with his arm length, Malik couldn't reach and do enough damage.

Malik was now in real trouble needing help. Ari must've been still inside as he didn't return yet. He noticed out the corner of his eyes someone walking and it looked like Ari, coming out there to check on him. Either this was a good or bad idea but whatever happened next was going to be life or death.

@Wick

[Wick]

Ari headed towards the house next door. She had a good feeling that Malik was in trouble. Betting that he had gotten jumped she was trying to be cautious but quick. She peaked in the doorway and saw Malik and he was in big trouble. Ari raised her gun at the man whose back was to her. She shot him in the shoulder and when he fell sideways she moved closer and shot him in the face. She reached down and tore the bag off of Malik's head and helped him get to his feet. "Come on. Let's get back inside the house."

She got him into the house and locked the house down. She left him gasping for air on the living room floor. It would take a few minutes to get him breathing normally. During that time she went upstairs and pulled the shower curtain liner out of the main shower and sealed off the broken window. Then she blocked it with a large hutch that was in the room.

She had the medical stuff with her when she came back. "Are you alright?" She didn't know this man except for the last few hours but they had already become very dependent on each other. She reached over and wrapped her arms around him in relief. They had made it. They were both alive, so far.

She looked at him and the look in his eyes spoke to her. She blushed a little. "That broken window is going to get cold in here. We need to start a fire and I'll go get the blankets from upstairs. There is firewood in the garage."

A few minutes later they were sitting in front of the fire with their coats and blankets to help keep them warm.

@king tai

[King Tai]

Receiving the help he needed, Malik was now safe, no longer out in the cold and was coughing but was getting his breathing back to normal. He answered Ari's question as he sat up on the floor Yeah....I'm fine... he said feeling a little ashamed to have been caught like that but he was also very grateful that Ari was there to have his back.

He watched as she went to cover the window and then came to hug him shortly after as he didn't know what to expect at first but he softened up a little for the fact that she trusted him enough to stay with her and that she saved his life. He gently hugged her back as he looked down.

This feeling....comfort...something he have not felt in weeks. Despite how Ari may have displayed her nervousness, he saw strength in her that was admirable. He looked her back in the eyes when she spoke to him Alright...I'll get the fire started....I can see if I can board up the window to try and keep the heat in. he said as he went and grabbed the wood. Starting the fire, he made sure it was nice and blazing, looking back as Ari brought the blankets.

As they sat there, Malik could see Ari was shivering a little. Malik was cold but wasn't responding as much as Ari If you want... Malik said as he got a little closer to Ari and opened his blanket to invite her to cuddle You can join me to warm up faster. He was going to wrap his arms around her along with the blankets and he already had meat cooking again to at least have something hot to eat. The pictures you were looking at....were they pics of your family....siblings...parents? Just curious...but....before the war started....what did you do for a living? he asked wondering a little about his "partner"

@Wick