Us Against the Apocalypse

5 - When We First Parted

Usually, whenever a life-changing reunion took place on TV, the two would embrace tightly and announce their undying love for each other.

Unfortunately, this wasn't the case for Bluebell and Arlo. If anything, it was the exact opposite.

Maybe Bluebell would've hugged him tightly and started sobbing if she wasn't too flabbergasted to move. Of course, the most Arlo himself would do was stand there, making sure the coast was clear, before lecturing her on staying safe in the wilderness.

For a few breathtaking moments, he was silent.

Then:

'You shouldn't have left the pool if you didn't think you could handle yourself.'

'It wasn't like I had much of a choice.' The stinging of Bluebell's eyes was finally beginning to subside, leaving her feeling dirty and violated but still oddly healthy. 'I would've stayed if I could.'

'You didn't have to leave,' Arlo pointed out defensively. 'I would've... fought to keep you there... if you or Leo asked me to.'

Bluebell tilted her head, astonished. 'Wait, really? Couldn't you have said that a day or so ago?'

Arlo briskly shook his head. 'No. I wouldn't have meant it.'

'Oh.' Bluebell still wasn't sure what to make of the whole situation but was still grateful that Arlo came after her. Whether he'd been prompted to by Leo or not, it'd still been a considerate thing to do, and a small flicker of hope burned within her like candlelight.

Maybe, after all, she'd be able to go back to the pool. But, before she had time to ask the burning question, Arlo interrupted her with an awkward cough.

'It felt like the right thing to do,' he explained smoothly, finally sitting down. 'And Leo wouldn't shut up about it, so it was honestly a no-brainer. It's not because I like you.'

'Right, sure, I'll keep that in mind.' Still occasionally checking that no zombie had re-emerged, Bluebell and Arlo exchanged wary glances.

'Well, we've established that you're useless on your own.'

'Clearly.'

'So that means that you have no choice but to come back with me.'

'How convenient.'

Bluebell raised an eyebrow, a gesture which embarrassed Arlo all the more, and finally clambered into a standing position. Her clothes were dusty and drenched in sweat, and she'd never felt more desperate for a shower. As she looked herself over, Arlo seemed to notice her miserable demeanour and tossed her his leather jacket.

'I know you have your denim one, but at least put this over your shoulders. It'll keep you warm and stuff.'

Bluebell caught it neatly and blinked questioningly. 'Okay,' she agreed, pressing the jacket against her chest. It wasn't as fluffy as she'd hoped but would definitely do her some good. 'Are you sure you don't-'

'Shut up or I'll throw it in the stream.'

'O-Okay.'

'Leo said that we needed to be quick, so I suppose we should get going,' Arlo announced with a nonchalant shrug, as though he wasn't bothered about the rules but had decided to follow them anyway.

When Bluebell had first met Arlo, she'd seen him as this aloof and unfriendly figure who definitely didn't want her anywhere near the pool. Just by saving her, he'd proved this first impression wrong and shown, in a way, a whole new layer of his complex personality.