Errored! A Glitched Sequel

Chapter Six: Pure Intentions

I stirred, moaning and turning in the most comfortable bed I have probably ever slept in before. I jumped awake, though, when my neck brushed the satin pillow and tinged the cut under the bandage underneath. I yelped groggily, standing myself up on my elbows and searching around the room.

I saw the dusk of the sky glow through the open window. The breeze from the ocean tossed the curtains this way and that as the smell of sea and salt filled the room. I took in a deep breathe, soaking myself in the moment. I looked down, then, staring at Cry who was completely knocked out, a small trail of drool slid from his parted lips. I smiled.

I shifted as slowly as I dare, moving out of bed and placing my bare feet upon the chilled tile. A shiver cascaded up my legs and into my spine, shaking off of my shoulders. I walked across the room and ruffled through my bag that was perched upon a love-seat that sat in front of the window, overlooking the sea. I quickly grabbed a change of clothes, one of the few I had left clean, and walked into the bathroom, gently shutting the door as not to wake up Cry. I swapped my clothes, eyes drifting to the shower, remembering last night. I begged Cry for a shower to wash off all the bloody even though he insisted I needed to lay down and conserve energy.

The water was warm, the first shower I've had since Autumn, let alone a warm one. The steam felt nice on my sore muscles... that's when Cry joined me and we relished in the warmth together.

I finished slipping on my clothes and taming my hair before I walked out of the bathroom, careful not to wake Cry. I, somehow, made it sneakily out of the room without stirring him.

I padded across the dark and empty house, putting my hands out in front of me in an attempt not to bump into any unfamiliar surroundings. I worked my way around the hallways until I made my way outside, shutting the door as quietly as I could.

Once I was out of the house, I let out a breath, touching a hand to the gun I had secured at my waist. I did a careful once-over of the area, checking for people, but more importantly, Glitchers. Once I deducted it was safe, I let my hand drift back to my side and I finally allowed myself to take in the scene around me.

It was breathtaking, as I was unable to think of anything but the gorgeous ocean around me that was barely lit in the pre-dusk glow. I yawned, feeling every muscle move and every breath I took teem with exhaustion. I wanted to curl up back in the warm bed, but I was still focused on the dream I had before I woke up, and I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep anymore.

"You're up early." A not-too-familiar voice crushed my thoughts as I reached for my gun and pulled it on the unsuspecting person in only seconds.

Zoh gasped and threw her hands up. I reeled back, quickly pointing the gun away from her. "I'm so sorry!"

Zoh, who recovered after a moment, laughed, "Don't be. Better safe than sorry, I get it. I guess if anything I should be the one apologizing to you."

She raised her voice slightly so I could hear her over the ocean's roar. I subconsciously touched my sensitive neck and nodded. "I know how it feels, that fear of losing someone you love, especially in this fucked up world."

She nodded like she completely understood and looked out thoughtfully at the sea, "How long have you and Cry been together?"

I glanced at her, then back at the sky, which was beginning to seep with dark oranges and reds that made the ocean look like it was on fire. "We met two years after they took over. How long have you and Roman...?"

She smiled to herself, it looked as though she was remembering a simpler time. "Twelve years. We met in high school."

I smiled at the short story, the connotation being enough to put a smile on both of our faces. She began to walk towards the water. Slowly, I followed her, keeping a foot or so from her. She seemed friendly enough, but as Roman so eloquently put it, I have trust issues.