The Outbreak

Chapter 10

Stiles POV

Scott and I walk the rest of the way in silence. That conversation did not go the way that I planned it to. I internally groan to myself. I don't know what to do! Each time I want to tell Scott about what happened to me, something always pops up indicating that I shouldn't. The fact that Scott said that he would kill me if he sees that I have been bitten does not give me any confidence in telling Scott. I can't believe that Scott would be willing to kill me just like that. Would he really be able to do it if it really came down to it? Would I be able to convince him that I'm not infected? I already know that I wouldn't be able to shoot Scott. It would kill me on the inside. It would hurt too much. Scott means too much to me. No matter how much begging he tries, I would still not be able to kill Scott. I... I care about him too much. I've already lost too many people. I can't lose Scott too, not after I just got him back.

Finally, I spot the small targets and dummies that I set up in this area a few years ago. "We're here." I announce to Scott as we walk past another building to the clear bit of area between the building behind us and the next one. "Wow," I hear Scott say, which makes me smile. I've definitely put some work into this place for me to train. I've found some punching bags, I've set up obstacles to keep up my fitness and build up my strength and of course there are also dummies and targets to practice shooting. "You... Set this place up?" Scott asks in wonder as we walk further into the sectioned off space. "Yep. Thought it would be good to have a place to train, you know?" I reply.

"It's great, Stiles. I'm surprised that the infected haven't come to wreck it though." Scott tells me.

"Well, there was some close calls. Sometimes, they have destroyed some of the stuff, but I've always managed to set it back up again." I answer, happy that Scott seems to appreciate my efforts.

"Well, I think this is pretty cool. Better than what I've got, which is nothing." Scott chuckles and nudges me in the ribs.

"Haha. Come on, let's get to it." I say before walking closer to the targets. I set down most of the weapons and decide to start with the crossbow. I turn to Scott curiously. "Did Allison ever show you how to use a crossbow?" I ask, tilting my head curiously. "Uh, not really. Well, she did show me using it herself, but I never gave it a go." Scott smiles sheepishly. I chuckle at my friend. "That's fine. It took me a while to learn. My friend Bradley taught me... But he's not here anymore." I sigh, looking down for a moment. I feel a hand grab my shoulder. I glance back up at Scott again.

"I'm sorry for your loss, Stiles. I know it's hard, but it'll be okay. I've lost friends along the way too." Scott says in an attempt to comfort me. "It sucks when you have to shoot your own friend." I reply with the most fake smile ever, causing Scott wince slightly. "He begged me to kill him." I add with a sigh.

"You gave him peace, Stiles. He's in a better place now." Scott assures me.

"I hope so, Scott. I really do." I reply.

"It wasn't your fault, okay? Bradley's death wasn't your fault. The infected killed him, not you." Scott tells me in a firm voice. "I know, I know." I nod in response, feeling a bit better after Scott's consolation. I can't believe that I've let my emotional wall down so easily ever since Scott walked back into my life. Usually, I don't even talk about my feelings much. I push them aside and focus on everyone else. With Scott though, I feel like I can let my guard down a bit. I think that can be a good thing sometimes. Everyone deserves a little time to let guard down and allow themselves to feel what they need to feel. "Thanks, Scott." I say after a while, my tone expressing all of my emotions and feelings that I can't put into words for Scott, but want him to know. Scott nods in understanding and smiles.