~*Jerome*~

I lead Benja upstairs and toward the guest room, which just happened to be right across the hall from mine. Is it weird that a man I just met is sleeping in the same home as me? Yes, it is. Even if he saved my life.

"This is your room here," I say, opening the door for him. "I'll lend you some of my clothes. The ones your wearing now are disgusting." Benja looks down at his dirt covered shirt before looking back at me.

"I don't look that dirty! There's no blood, so no worries." I roll my eyes before shoving him into the room.

"You can clean yourself behind the door on the left wall, and I'll leave clean clothes on the bed for you."

"What about the ones in wearing now?"

"I'll be throwing them away."

"Why?!" He sounded shocked.

"The stains are probably impossible to get out of those, so it's best to just get rid of them." I state plainly.

"No."

"Why no?"

"I said so." I groan and hit my head on the wall beside the door.

"Whatever." I mutter, walking into my room. That guy is really weird. But, it's pretty funny that my grandparents call him Benjamin. I wonder what his actual name is?

As my mind wanders, I gather some spare clothes for him. I think he can fit my stuff. We're about the same height... I shake my head before walking out of the room. Why am I thinking so much about him anyways? He's just some random, good-looking guy from the wasteland who saved my life.

Wait... Did I just consider him to be good-looking? Since when did I think men were like that? I sigh quietly before opening the door to "His" room. This guy is making me question everything. Setting the clothes down on his bed, I walk out of the room and close the door behind me.

Do I like this guy?

~*Mitch*~

Jerome seems like a cool guy. It's too bad everyone here is straight. He's right up my alley. Reckless and stupid, but charming.

My thoughts were briefly interrupted as pulled on a pair of shorts and dried off my hair. What is this white, fluffy cloth anyways? I'm absolutely positive it has another name. Shrugging, I hang the cloth around my neck before walking into the main part of the bedroom. I look around the room before my eyes stop on a pile of neatly folded clothes on the bed. A small smile grows on my face from the sight. He wasn't joking. Nice guy. I should thank him later.

Sighing, I set the clothes down on the floor before climbing into the bed. As soon as I'm laying down, I feel odd. Has a bed always been this warm? I should have known this by now. Do I even remember the last time I've slept in a bed?

My thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. "Hey, Benja?" Jerome's voice was muffled. "Are you pleasant?"

"What?" I sit up in the bed and stare at the door in confusion. Wha?

I hear him sigh. "Are you wearing clothes?"

"Oh! Yeah. Just not a shirt."

"Good enough." He opens the door and looks in. "Anyways, I just wanted to say..." His voice trails off.

"What's wrong?" I ask, my brows furrowing in confusion. He shakes his head at my question. What's up with him?

"N-nothing. Just, if you need anything, just ask." His words came out quickly before he went to close the door again.

"Wait! Before you go, I wanted to thank you for the spare clothes."

"N-no worries. They're old anyways." With that, he closes the door behind him. Still confused, I lay back down and stare at the ceiling. Did I say something wrong?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Remember Benjamin, whenever you're in the area don't hesitate to stop by! It was wonderful having a friend of Jerome's over for dinner." The grandmother says with a giant smile as I throw my bag over my shoulder.

"I'll keep it in mind." I flash her a smile before looking over at Jerome. "See you around?"

"Y-yeah!" He clears his throat. "See you." I nod before turning and walking toward the city center. Away from Jerome and his grandparents. Nice people. I wish everyone was as kind as them.

My train of thought was interrupted by someone wrapping an arm around my shoulders. My heart skips a beat and I duck away from them.

"Oi Benja! Shouldn't an old friend be welcomed?" No... Why does it have to be him? Of all the times, why now?

"We aren't friends, Woofless," I mutter before turning to walk away. Before I could escape, he roughly grabs my bad wrist and pulls me back. I wince quietly at his actions.

"You sure? Because last I checked, I saved your tail." I let out a sigh and turn to look at him.

"What do you want?"

"Geez. So pushy. Maybe a guy just wanted to chat with a friend." He pulls out one of his knives an starts to twirl it around with his fingers. My eyes scan the area, noticing everyone else in the area was looking at us in fear. Of course they're scared. What is more terrifying than two wasteland freaks in broad daylight? Two wasteland freaks with a past in broad daylight.

"So," Woofless speaks up once more, the knife in his hand going still. "Tell me, who was that cute boy you were with?"
______________________
I'm sorry!!!! /;~;\

I never meant for this update to be so late!

My reasons why:

1. I went on a trip where there was no cell phone service, OR INTERNET! I wasn't able to get on.

2. My mom is in the hospital....

3. And this weirdo who kept on barging into my room!

So, yet again, I'm very sorry.... Plz have forgive!

Much luv,
Mickey-Kenzie

(2018 Mickey: No excuses.)