You dunce. (Whitty x Ruv)

Someplace to go.

"Wh-" It took a moment for Ruv to realize that this person looked terrified. He blinked, responding, "What's wrong?"

The stranger's voice cracked as some tears slipped from their eyes. "I-I'm being chased- I.. This guy- Updike, he's chasing me. He wants me dead, dude. Please, help." He choked out more tears, which were an orange-ish color, and got closer to Ruv.

Ruv backed up, though a worrying expression made its way to his face. "I'll help," He said, not giving it a second thought. "Follow me."

The Russian grabbed the other's hand, dragging him out of the alleyway with him. "Who are you, anyway?" Ruv asked sooner or later, looking up at the bomb.

"My name's Whitmore. Whitty, for short." Said the other, his crying stopping by now, as he felt a bit safer.

Ruv nodded, "Ruvyzvat, or Ruv. My friend went out a little while ago to look for a place to stay for the both of us, we-" He cut himself off, not wanting to share too much information with a stranger. "If she's around, you can stay with us."

Whitty just nodded thankfully, pulling his hood onto his head. It was still raining cats and dogs. So much so that it was starting to flood in some places. The two were quiet for a while before Ruv found somewhere dry for the both of them to stay for a minute while he pulled out his phone, dialing Sarv.

Soon she picked up. "Hello? Ruv? What's wrong?"

Ruv sighed and let go of Whitty's hand, rubbing the back of his neck, "Hey. I just met this guy in the alleyway, and- well, he's being chased because he's wanted dead. Where are you?"

"I'm close to these apartments by a bar. I'll send you the address, and lay low so you two don't get caught by.. Whoever is chasing the other guy."

Ruv hummed in response, hanging up and turning to the other, "My friend said we can go find her and stay with her for now, alright? Do you have anywhere to stay afterwards, though?" Whitty would look down almost shamefully. "Yeah, but.."

"But what?" Ruv asked, peeking around the corner to make sure it was clear. The bomb-headed man sighed, placing a hand on his forehead. "I live with my roommate, named Carol. I don't wanna go back there until it's safe. I would hate for anything to happen to her, especially if it's because of me."

Ruv frowned a little, nodding slightly as he led Whitty to the address Sarv had sent him. They traveled in a zig-zag pattern behind buildings to avoid anyone following them, and soon found their way there.

Sarv was waiting inside the lobby of the apartments, but she seemed just as intimidated by Whitty as Ruv was when he had first found him. "H-Hello." She spat out, which just made Ruv roll his eyes. She was definitely tiny compared to both Ruv and Whitty, Sarv only standing around 5'5.

Ruv would look around, noticing the front desk with a bored looking woman just sitting there. "What's the situation?"

The ex-nun cleared her throat, beginning to fidget through her clothing. She pulled out a wallet. "Well, I checked the pricing and rent of this place, and it's not half bad. We could afford it for maybe 3 months if we split our money. I'll probably get a job at that bar down there."

Ruv nodded, "Sounds good. Have you already found an apartment to stay in, then?" Sarv smiled in response, "Yeah! It's actually pretty nice in there. It has two bedrooms."

Whitty stood there, clearing his throat. Ruv looked at him, "Oh, right. Um, you can stay with us for a while if you'd like. Just until you feel safe to go back home. Ah, Sarv, this is Whitty, the guy I met in the alley."

Sarv just grinned and waved, "I'm Sarvente, feel free to call me whatever you like, though." She would walk off to the front desk, soon coming back with a pair of keys. "The apartment is all ours!"

-----

The apartment wasn't empty like Ruv had thought, but it had at least some furniture inside. There was a small couch in the living room, and a bed in both rooms. "Make yourself at home," Ruv said to Whitty, "We'll be doing the same."

Whitty nodded, opening his mouth to speak. He took a minute to get anything out though, "I-.. Thank you, for all of this. I can't explain how grateful I am. I'm just a complete stranger, after all, I-" He was cut off by Sarv walking into the room.

"Take out for dinner? I can't really afford much right now." Ruv just huffed, "That's fine, as long as it's decent."

The rest of the night went on pretty quickly. Ruv had lended the blanket and one of the pillows that was on his bed to Whitty, as he figured his jacket would keep him warm throughout the night. Although, insomnia would keep the man awake. It was nothing out of the ordinary, he dealt with this stuff at the church as well.

It did get to him though. He tossed and turned for a while before just getting up, sneaking out of the room. Maybe a midnight stroll would help clear his mind, as something hadn't been sitting right after he'd met Whitty. He felt out of it. He would put on his boots at the door, taking the keys and opening the door as quietly as possible. He took the elevator down, going outside and noticing the rain had stopped. 'Finally.' He thought, breathing in the air.

He liked the smell of rain.