It's been months since the virus swept the world and wiped out all the adults, leaving only children and teenagers, fending for themselves.
Alleia lives in the abandoned mall in Sector 10 with her younger brother, the safest place they've found, all...
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I return the smile, until he looks away, down to the young girl hiding behind me. He looks back to me in confusion, waiting for me to explain.
"This is Cloe, yesterday when Bray and I spoke to you at the train yard, she saw us, and I told her she could meet you first before the others and see if she likes you, because I promised that you were nice and not scary," I tell him slightly amused.
He makes a face of understanding before crouching down so he is below her level, making her feel more comfortable, and gives her a soft smile.
"Hi Cloe, my name's Martin, and I promise I'm not as mean and scary as I pretend to be when I'm Zoot. Most of that is so that Ebony doesn't get suspicious that I'm leaving the Locos," he speaks to her softly, and she peeks out from behind me more to give him a smile, and looks up at me and nods as if to say she trusts him.
"I'm Cloe, Alleia says you're nice. I believe her," she mumbles shyly, causing Martin's smile to grow, taking a liking to the girl.
"Wait, you're leaving the Locos?" I ask, extremely confused. Martin stands up straight, and takes Cloe's hand as she moves to his side with her hand out.
"I left Reg in charge. Most of the Locos are only there because I am, and the ones I trust know I'm leaving, the others are devoted to Ebony, or fanatics. They're gonna stay for a few days, let Ebony think they're loyal, then desert her and the other Locos. They've already found a place nearby to set up base as a new tribe, and they'll be allies to you whenever you need them, and to me," He explains, making me nod, still surprised but with more understanding.
"Come on, we'll take you to Trudy's room to meet the baby," I tell him, and I lead the pair out of the sewers, Cloe slightly dragging him making us both laugh fondly.
We reach the top of the stairs and walk into Trudy's room slowly, Cloe leaving us to join the rest and let them know her thoughts. Martin walks in nervously, eyes finding his daughter straight away.
"This is your daughter," Bray announces, getting up with her, ready to pass him the baby. Trudy sits on the bed looking borderline uninterested and watching anyway, mainly staring at Martin to see if he'll swoon over her. I roll my eyes discretely and turn back to the two brothers, watching the moment.
I show Martin how to place his arms to hold her, and he takes her from Bray. Like instinct, he knows how to calm her down when he begins to fuss, and smiles down at her for a while, soaking in the moment.
"Does she have a name yet?" He asks Trudy, without looking at her, leaving her disappointed.
"Not yet," she replies with a bitter tone.
The baby starts to gurgle happily, and as Martin turns to face me, she sees me and smiles a large, toothless smile at me. I return the smile easily, making a face at her causing her to laugh.
Martin watches the interaction, smiling as his chest spreads with warmth at the sight. He passes me the baby and I cradle her in my arms, rocking her softly back to sleep.
