Blood And Ashes

chapter 14: childhood

Lucy's POV:

The desolation of Birmingham's streets evaporated as we stumbled upon a miraculous sight—a store untouched by the apocalypse, its shelves lined with pristine clothes. A spark of excitement ignited within me, and for the first time in ages, a genuine smile graced my face. "Guys, we hit the jackpot!"

They all looked at me as if I was stupid - I'm not stupid... however my silly idea of making my dream a reality might be...

Maisie's POV:

The sight of untouched clothes was a beacon of hope in this bleak world. I watched Lucy's eyes light up, and the contagious joy spread through the group. It was like Lucy was a kid in a candy store, and it was cute seeing her like this for the first time since... what? July, when I first met her? It felt like we were just a bunch of teenagers stumbling into a forgotten treasure trove.

"Crazy idea, but can I pleaaaaaaase make you my models for... a teeny fashion show!!"

Kas looked dumbfounded. "Wha- Now!?"

"Yes now, Kassian! Please!" she begged, and we all laughed at the idea we can't say no to her stupid little puppy dog eyes. My knife twirling in delight as we entered the store, Lucy's excitement only growing by the second. The prospect of shedding our tattered uniforms for something new lifted the heavy weight off our shoulders.

Jace's POV:

Lucy's newfound enthusiasm was infectious. We rummaged through the racks, the sound of laughter replacing the usual tension. I picked up some off-white cargos, a pair I used to adore wearing before the apocalypse and it reminded me of home. Home with my dogs, my birds, my rabbits. Home with her. Lucy was running everywhere, she was just like a hyper puppy and it was something I never realised I missed till it was gone. "Jace, this is perfect for you!" she declared, throwing a pair of sunglasses on my face as well as a princess tiara. I couldn't help but grin as it reminded me of when me and Lucy would just go up to our local Tesco's and try on stupid headwear and sunglasses for the sake of it. It felt like, even just for a second, the weight of the chainsaw on my back feeling a little lighter.

Mel's POV:

The clothes were a frivolous luxury, but Lucy's happiness made it worthwhile. As the others picked out outfits, I noticed Lucy's subtle glances in Tallon's direction, causing him to blush and fidget with his old bloody clothes from America. He lit up as Lucy gave him clothes, the majority being black with white on it in some places and a light pink hair tie. His favourite colour. My puppet seemed less burdened, and for once, just once, I decided to let my control waver for the sake of Lucy's genuine joy, a sight I haven't seen in quite a while.

Lucy's POV:

As the laughter echoed through the store, I couldn't help but notice Mel standing on the side lines, her arms crossed and a smirk playing on her lips. A mischievous glint sparked in my eyes as I approached her. "Mel, your turn to join the fashion show!" Mel's eyes narrowed in suspicion but the inner teenager inside her made her cave in, stepping forward. I rifled through the clothes, looking for something that matched her persona, the persona I knew and loved deep, deep down. Finally, I found a sleek black set that screamed confidence and a small bag for her knives.

"Et voila!" I declared, holding it up. "The queen of darkness has arrived!" I couldn't help but giggle at the exaggerated flair of it all.

Mel's POV:

The unexpected gesture caught me off guard. Lucy handed me the outfit with a sly grin, and for a moment, I was disarmed. The black ensemble seemed almost fitting, a stark contrast to the chaos of the world outside. "Lucy, you have a knack for surprises," I admitted, my usually strong accent softening. The tension that usually clung to me like a second skin momentarily lifted, and I found myself donning the outfit with a smirk. Maybe this can work out after all.