{BOOK 1} I Thought We Would Be Safe - Paulkins/TGWDLM fanfic

Chapter 18 - Scars

A week later, Emma was finally starting to get used to her new life. She woke up on Thursday morning, stretching because the couch wasn't the most comfortable thing to sleep on.

Paul walked into the living room, breakfast in his hand. "Morning Em." he said after swallowing his mouthful of bread. Emma sat up and smiled at him. Paul sat down next to her.

Emma noticed a huge scar on his shoulder. She traced it with her finger, "How did you get this?" Paul shivered. "I'm sorry! Did I hurt you?"

Paul smiled, "No, Em, it's fine. I got this from blowing up the meteor." Emma stared at him. Paul laughed, "What? Did you really think someone could survive such a blast and without even being injured?"

"I hadn't really thought about that." Emma admitted, "But how on earth is it a scar already? It looks like it was a deep cut..."

Paul laughed, "Being infected had some perks. Injuries healed very quickly." Emma awkwardly smiled, she couldn't help thinking about the fact that she was hugging a man who was basically an alien less than two weeks ago. Paul pulled her closer to him, and she just curled up against him.

Professor Hidgens walked into the room. He seemed less traumatized than Paul and Emma, and he had gotten used to the fact that they were really close and went to each other for support. He smiled when he saw them curled up against each other. Emma smiled back at him. He cleared his throat. "I think we should make a better plan if we want to survive." Paul and Emma both sat up to look at him. "Of course we could stay home and wait for our death, but we also need to eat." Paul nodded. "Well, Emma." the professor continued, "I think getting food and other supplies should be something Paul and I do, that would be faster."

Emma sighed, "You're right. But I'm bored."

Professor Hidgens laughed, "You should focus on getting better first."

"If we don't die..." Emma mumbled.

"We won't. I promi- No, I'm not promising that because I don't know. But I'll do anything to keep you safe, you know that. And I'm sure Paul will do the same."

Paul's cheeks flushed red, "Yes! I mean, of course, yes. I'll do anything for you. Oh my god that sounded weird. I'm sorry, I mean-" Emma pressed a kiss against his lips, Paul froze, but soon melted into the kiss. After he pulled away, Emma smiled and rested her head against his chest.

Professor Hidgens stared at them. "So Emma, I think we should change your bandages and then Paul and I can go shopping?" he said, walking towards the kitchen.

"That's not necessary, those bandages are fine."

Paul sighed, "The doctor said you should change them every week."

"I don't know if you noticed, but he is dead. Everyone at the PEIP department in the hospital got killed."

Paul rolled his eyes, "That doesn't mean you don't have to get better."

Emma hugged him, "I know, I'm just scared." He kissed her forehead and Emma relaxed a bit. Professor Hidgens came back, holding fresh bandages.

Emma let Paul go and moved to face Hidgens, who was waiting for Emma to move her leg where he could reach it. He bent down after she stretched her leg and rested her foot on the table. It didn't hurt when he took off the bandages, but when he wrapped the new ones tightly around her leg, she could barely hold back her tears. She bit her lip, closed her eyes and squeezed Paul's hand like her life depended on it. Paul used his free hand to rub her back, and though it was comforting, it didn't take away the pain.

"Alright. That's it." the professor said while tying the ends together.

Paul kissed her cheek and stood up. "Do you want breakfast?"

"Yes, thank you."

He walked to the kitchen, and professor Hidgens went upstairs to brush his teeth. Paul came back a few minutes later. While Emma was stuffing her mouth full with the bread he made for her, he sat down next to her.

"Em, I want to ask you something."

"What?" she answered, swallowing her breakfast.

"Will you be my girlfriend?"

Emma's cheeks flushed red, "Yes! I thought you'd never ask."