fallen | ✓

Chapter 6: "Goodbye"

Hazel's POV

I woke up with a warm, strong pair of arms wrapped around my body. It gave me a sense of comfort and safety. I smiled and snuggled down, suddenly freezing and turning to see Zak in deep sleep. What the hell happened last night? I was desperate to get moving. I was hungry and needed to find John and Clara, but I couldn't get out of his hold.

I wiggled reaching for the ladder, but he pulled me further into his warm body. He grumbled against my neck, and sighed, falling back asleep, letting out a small snore. I tried wiggling free again. I flinched when I heard his voice. "Don't go," He croaked. This didn't sound like him. He must still be asleep.

"Zak," I grumbled.

"No," He pleaded. "No," He tightened his grip.

"Zak, come on," I rolled over, tapping the side of his face. His breathing was heavy and his heart was beating fast.

"You can't... Go..." He mumbled lazily, sobbing slightly.

"Aye." I tried coaxing him out of sleep, but I knew better. An abrupt movement wouldn't be smart right now. He could shove me off by accident or hurt me.

"You'll die. I need..." He sounded strangled. I guess he shares more emotions in his sleep. But this wasn't good. He was experiencing a nightmare, so I gave up on trying to wake him up kindly.

"Zak!" I shouted. He jumped, returning to his body. His eyes darted to me and he immediately let go, coughing and pulling his arms into his body, shaking a bit. I rubbed his head, sliding off the bed.

"H-Hazel.." He whispered. I hummed in return, pausing and looking back. He was still shaking and his hair was covering his eyes. He hesitated before letting out, "Never give up on me." My features softened.

"Of course, Zak, of course."

~~~

Clara scratched her head, grumbling, biting down on a pear. I joined her in breakfast, nibbling on an apple. John had deer meat over the hot coals, waiting with Zak. I sighed, rubbing my mouth with my sleeve.

Zak coughed awkwardly, his hair in his face. He turned the meat over for John, swallowing and opening his mouth, ready to speak, but decided against it with his better judgment, bringing his knees to his chest.

Clara tossed the core over her shoulder, grumbling. I looked down at my apple, sighing. "Plan for today?" I suggested, breaking the silence. "Well, you're not going anywhere.." He mumbled. 

"Wha- Huh? Me?" I pointed to my chest, staring at him. Clara popped up her head, looking over. 

"Yes... Your arm?" My brow creased and Clara narrowed her eyes, looking at me.

"You told him?" She folded her arms, looking at the coals. "Y-Yes. I had to." I let out. "You saved me though." She shrugged.

"I understand. As long as he won't cut my head off." She smirked at Zak. 

"Tsk.." Zak looked at John, twiddling his thumbs nervously. 

"I better bounce." Clara got up, dusting off her shoulders. I took a double-take. Is she going to leave?

"Huh?" I stammered. She looked at me and her face softened a bit. "Yeah. I have unattended business at Terminus." 

Zak glanced up, his ears perking. "Terminus?" 

"Yeah. Terminus." Clara confirmed, tightening her gloves and cracking her knuckles. 

"Cannibals are there.." Zak warned, leaning back against a crate.

"I'm aware." Clara rolled her eyes, walking down the slope. "See you later if you don't die." She waved, running off. I looked back at the hot coals, rubbing the side of my face.

"She's fucked.." Zak mumbled. 

"No, she's not." John stared at him, then slowly slumped back down, turning the spit. "The meat is ready.." Zak perked up, his eyes flickering. "You want some, Hazel?" John glanced at me. I shook my head.

"She's vegetarian," Zak said, biting into a leg. "So what now?" 

John moved to the side, pondering. "We can go as well..."