Flesh Eaters

Up in the Rafters

Chapter 39 - Up in the Rafters

*Grey's POV*

Hours pass with half hour shifts of sleep and keeping watch. Finally the time we have all been dreading arrives. The sun begins to sink below the horizon. The sky beautifully reflects the suns brilliant orange and red colors in the cotton candy swirls of clouds.

I gaze up at the colors as I head out of the station to let Murphy know his shifts over. The cold fall air nips at my skin and small goosebumps raise along my arms. I shiver and rub my hands together. Letting out a breath I see the white fog swirl up in the air. There's no denying it now, fall has truly set in.

I find Murphy sitting in the middle of the road. He stares ahead, looking lost in thought. Reaching where he sits I plop down beside him.

He glances at me before looking back down the road. "Three days away," he says, "three more days 'n' we're there."

Catching a note of sadness in his voice I glance over. His dark eyes stare into the shadows forming before us. Within them I catch something between loss and hope, while his face shows no emotion.

"What do ya' think its gonna be like inside the wall for us," he asks, putting extra emphasis on the word, us.

Sensing a sort double meaning in his words I fiddle with the loose threads on my jeans. "Well, we'll be safe for once," I offer.

He sighs and looks at me, "not what I meant." He leans back and stares up at the sky. "Just before the hoard came, I was gonna tell ya' somethin'. Remember?"

"Yeah," I say staring at the pavement. Even though my fingers still fiddle with the loose strings, my palms grow clammy. In my chest, my heart beats nervously as I wait for him to continue.

"Did ya' know what I was gonna say?"

Afraid to speak I shake my head.

"Hmm," Murphy grunts as he returns his intense gaze to me. "Before I tell ya', you need ta' look at me."

I swallow thickly and slowly meet his eyes. The dark brown depths of them swim with an emotion I can't quiet read.

"Grey, I was gonna tell ya' that. That I," he pauses and swallows nervously. "Grey, I love you, 'n' maybe ya' don't feel the same bu--"

"Me too," I blurt cutting him off. I feel my chest tighten as I realize what I confessed.

"What?"

"I love you too." My voice shakes as I continue, "I hate you so much that I love you. It hurts and am afraid I'm going to loose you and be alone again and--"

Instantly Murphy silences me by roughly pressing his lips against mine. My mind goes blank as my eyes droop close. My heart hammers excitedly as I return the kiss. A warmth I've never felt before spreads though me as my hands instinctively draw him closer.

And just as quickly as it started it's over. Our lips disconnect and we're both left breathing heavily. Murphy's forehead rests against mine. His warm hands hold my head against his. His long hair tickles my eyelashes but all I feel is a giddy numbness flowing through me.

"Alright you two, you can continue this some other time."

Surprised by the voice we both jump apart and quickly stand. I feel my face flush red when I meet Matt's gaze. He stands stiffly in front of us, arms crossed over his chest. He smirks at the embarrassment on my face.

Beside me Murphy awkwardly clears his throat and stuffs his hands in his pockets. "Well," he grumbles, "We need ta' get up in the rafters before the smart ones get here. Come on." He grabs my hand and pulls me toward the stations entrance.