The City (Merome AU)

22

~*Mitch*~

"Your safety." I start blushing after I say those words. My mind is racing. What is he going to say? Did I say too much? What if he finds out what happened? Why am I such an idiot...

"You don't have to worry about me Mitch." His voice was reassuring; his hand on my shoulder. "I can handle myself."

"Right! It's just," I can't find the words to tell him. Why can't I just say it? How is it so hard to tell someone three simple words?! Sighing softly, I close my eyes.

"It's fine. I want you to relax though. You don't need to stress. Stress isn't good for your heart." He pokes my back, where my heart should be. I let out a small chuckle.

"You sound like my father," I mumble, rolling my eyes at him.

"Great minds think alike," Jerome teases, poking my head.

"Whatever you say Jerome." Shaking my head, I turn to look at him. "So. Is that all you wanted to know?"

"Just about," He pauses. "I can teach you." I raise my eyebrow at him. Teach me what?

"What?"

"I can teach you to read; if you want to learn that is." My eyes widen in surprise as his cheeks turn a light shade of pink. Why is this man so sweet?

"Alright, but only if I can teach you something I know."

"Which is?"

"How to protect yourself." He rolls his eyes at me.

"Very funny Mitchell."

"I'm not kidding. You might be able to withstand a fight against city folk, but not against a wastelander. It'll help me with some of my stress." Jerome sighs.

"Fine. I'll accept your deal. Would you like boar jerky or boiled chicken?" I let out a small laugh at his joke.

"Boiled chicken please. I've been living off boar jerky my entire life."

"Good choice my kind sir." He pokes my nose before standing up and stretching. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be downstairs. If you need my help with anything, just shout."

"Right."

~*Star*~

I stand, looking at the large buildings of the city. One of the few things that actually stands among a sea of dust and debris. Home to 98 percent of the remaining population of the world. Everyone else scavenges the wasteland to live. You're either born to have an easy and effortless life, or born to never know what tomorrow will bring.

"Star." My train of thought is interrupted by Craft's voice. "What do you want to do now?"

"I don't know." I sigh and turn to look at the tall blonde to my left.

"I've heard rumors that Benja, Woofless, and Frags are all in the city." Craft nods toward the large buildings in the distance.

"Three far northerners? Strange. What are they doing there?"

"To Earth if I knew, but I've heard rumours that Benja has been spending a lot of time with a city brat."

"Probably trying to trade off that compass before anyone else figures out he's there." I sigh and shake my head. "You wanna go see some old friends Craft?"

"Did you even have to ask?" Craft chuckles at me.

"Just making sure you're the real Craft."

"Though we should avoid Woofless. Apparently he's joined a clan." My eyes widen slightly; just slightly.

"Interesting. He's probably waiting for the right moment to kill all of them. But yes, it would be wise to avoid him."

"Sometimes I think you were actually born in the city for how smart you are."

"It's called being experienced Craft."

"Sure it is." He rolls his eyes. "And I'm a city brat." If only he knew.

~*Frags*~

Why did Woofless join a clan? Did he really think that nobody would notice?
Sighing, I look out the window beside me at the swarming crowd of people. So many wastelanders could be hiding in that crowd. What are the odds one of them are Woofless? Slim to none most likely.

Sighing softly, I lean back against the wall behind me. I wonder what he's doing right now. Knowing him, it's probably something that would get him in trouble with city authorities.
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I know it's a bit shorter than average.

My response to any comments about that: My birthday is in 2 days from when I post this chapter. I DO WHAT I WANT! xP

(2018: Oof)

Anywho...

Much Luv and Appreciation,
Mickey-Kenzie