Rhea: *from the shadows behind a toppled shelf, far across the dim library, her weak voice echoes, hoarse and desperate* Stop... please. Don't leave me here to die like this; it's not some trick to keep fighting, I know I'm done, I just want the suffering to end. *coughs raggedly, clutching her bleeding side* We're alone in this, the fight was stupid, they sent me solo to guard nothing, waiting for backup that'll never show, and if you go, I'll just bleed out slow, too tired to even crawl.
Vlad: *turns back and approaches slightly*
Rhea: *shifts weakly against the shelf, looking up as he nears, pain etching her face* Thank you... closer? *her voice cracks, hand pressing harder on the wound* Just make it quick, end it clean, I've got nothing left for this world anyway.
Vlad: No... you'll live.
Rhea: *her eyes widen in shock, a bitter laugh escaping through gritted teeth* Live? You serious? *winces, blood seeping between her fingers* This wound's deep, it'll fester with infection in hours, but... fine, patch me if you want the burden. Just don't expect loyalty from a WLF defector.
Vlad: *pulling out a turniquet and patching the wound* Guess what, the WLF is now weak, the Collective has only got stronger, I left the Collective due to some very obvious disagreements with their modernization plans. I guess everyone knows what the Collective is, it's a faction that is all about industrialization, social equality, and peace, except that peace is now fragile, inequalities started appearing between us the workers and the officials and industrialization has gone way too far with many boring standardized blocks and isolating infrastructure.
Rhea: *hisses through the pain as he tightens the tourniquet, stabilizing the wound enough* The Collective? Those concrete-box utopians preaching equality while their officials hoard the good rations? *scoffs weakly, leaning back* WLF was brutal, but at least we didn't pretend to be saints in gray blocks; you left 'em for a reason, sounds like their "peace" is cracking already.
Vlad: Well, the WLF isn't good either, I don't know whom to trust, maybe it starts with you. Because I didn't want to kill you, even though I am the one responsible for the wound.
Rhea: *meets his eyes steadily, the pain sharpening her gaze despite the relief from the tourniquet* Trust starts small, yeah? Neither side's clean, but you patched me instead of finishing me off, that buys something. Name's Rhea; pull me up if you're serious, we get out of this library before infected sniff the blood.
Vlad: *extends a hand* My name is Vlad.
Rhea: *grasps his hand firmly, pulling herself up with a grunt, leaning on him as her legs steady* Vlad, huh? Sounds Eastern, like those Collective imports. *glances around the library warily, knife still in her free hand* Let's move quiet, east exit's clearest; got a safe spot nearby if we don't dawdle.
Vlad: And put that knife away, because it's very possible we would get each other killed. We fought each other as strangers, and it's enough.
Rhea: *hesitates, then slides the knife into her sheath with a reluctant nod* Fair point, strangers don't need more blood today. *steadies herself fully, looking through the shadows* East exit it is, stay close and quiet, those clickers love old books.
Vlad: *keeps himself quiet and follows her to the exit, avoiding clickers*
Rhea: *leads the way silently, weaving through debris and frozen shelves, pausing at faint clicks to signal halt with a raised fist* Clear here.

[Later, they slip out the east door into the foggy night street]

Rhea: *her breath ragged but steady* My spot's two blocks north, old apartment. Watch for patrols.
Vlad: Two blocks is a lot...
Rhea: *crouches low behind a rusted car at the first patrol's sound, motioning him down until their flashlight sweeps past* Yeah, too damn far sometimes.

[They move across the intersections, hugging walls to evade the second group shuffling south]

Rhea: Almost there, up the fire escape.
Vlad: *follows Rhea and eventually they reach the old apartment* Looks surprisingly safe...
Rhea: *eases the door open, ushering him in before barricading it with a board* Been holing up here on solo patrols, knew the reinforcements were a lie weeks ago. *slump onto a threadbare couch, peeling back the tourniquet to check the wound* Safe enough from infected and stragglers, help yourself to the canned beans in the cabinet.
Vlad: By the way, I am a straggler, or at least, that's what they say.
Rhea: *smirks faintly while rummaging for fresh bandages* Straggler or not, you fight like you've got a side somewhere, not like those lone wolves who drop first. *rewraps the wound tighter, wincing* Eat, rest, we'll figure out next moves.
Vlad: If you knew this weeks ago, then why you waited at the library? So you can get yourself killed?
Rhea: *pauses mid-bite of a stale bean forkful* Hoping the damn division would show, yeah. Would've gutted you clean if I could, no hard feelings. *shrugs, setting the can down* But you defeated me, so screw it, better to bleed out quick or defect than rot alone waiting for what would never come.
Vlad: Why haven't you gone the Collective? They would have accepted you, would have met new people, better than being alone.
Rhea: *leans back, crossing her arms with a scoff* Heard they chew up defectors like us, turn 'em into factory drones in gray towers. *her jaw tightens* Rather take my chances solo than trade one chain for their shiny new ones.
Vlad: The reality is more nuanced, initially there was a sense of freedom and not everyone was living in prefabs or worked in factories, but yeah, things have changed, that's why I left, even though it wasn't that bad as rumors would have made you believe.
Rhea: *tilts her head, studying him with fresh curiosity amid the skepticism* So it's not all gray blocks and forced work, just sliding that way now? *nods slowly, grabbing a water bottle* Rumors I've heard are about the worst cases, your story is the first I've heard from inside. Tell some more.
Vlad: Sure, so, I was actually born in the Collective in a migrant family in Sidliste, I inhabited those gray blocks. They were full of culture, there were many shops and a lot of food. Of course I've got everything subsidized, the education was well-rounded, so much focus on the human aspect, it wasn't boring most of time, but neither exciting. It was just good enough to not be bored. And then of course I have been assigned in agriculture to filter out those fungi and then fuel logistics, and then I decided to revoke my citizenship after all this grueling work, it was too much, and of course, it became more and more difficult to speak what we want without being judged by an opposition. Of course my neighborhood has once been invaded by the WLF, people like you and we had to stay in our homes, but...
Rhea: *leans forward on the couch* Born in those blocks, subsidized life, fungi-filtering drudgery... sounds half-decent till the shortcomings showed. WLF raid interrupted your cozy cage? Keep going, what happened next?
Vlad: My family died during the raid, and the truth is, I loved them so much, and I loved my place, but after the invasion, an emergency state was declared. This was the tipping point, the time where I decided to start anew after I found out that I had no purpose in this place.
Rhea: *nods slowly, expression softening just a fraction as she sets the water bottle down* Raid took your family, emergency lockdown crushed the rest... damn, that's raw. *rubs her bandaged side thoughtfully* Losing purpose hits hard, explains the straggler life. What'd you do after ditching it all?
Vlad: I don't know how to put this in a beautiful way... I tried to leave Seattle south instead of west, but doing so now means transiting through WLF areas and killing your colleagues, unfortunately.
Rhea: *chuckles dryly, waving off the "colleagues" bit* Most weren't friends anyway, they were either to kill or be killed. *her eyes sharpen with reluctant respect* Collective trains smart fighters, yeah? Explains why you dropped me so easy. Southbound through our crowd is suicide for solos, though.
Vlad: Sure it is, but I didn't know how many patrols actually there are, and besides, thought train lines were safe, the Collective used some of them.
Rhea: *shakes her head, smirking wryly* Trains? Collective might've reclaimed a few, but WLF booby-trapped the rest after defectors kept hopping them. *points to a faded map on the wall* Patrols tripled last month, you're lucky you hit the library blind.
Vlad: I was lucky in the sense that of course I was about to kill you but cared enough to not to. I could have shed some tears if you wanted to.
Rhea: *arches a brow, half-smiling through the exhaustion* Tears for a near-kill? Soft spot under that fighter appearance. *leans back, voice quieter* Appreciate the mercy, though, there isn't a lot of it in this world.
Vlad: Well, what's your story?
Rhea: *stares at the ceiling cracks for a beat, then meet his gaze* Grew up as a child in the WLF, I was born in the stadium after the early wars; fought for them tooth and nail, even as cracks showed, factions splintering, orders turning stupid. Knew long ago it was weakening, but loyalty's a hard habit to break till it nearly gets you killed alone.
Vlad: I know how it is, and by the way...
Rhea: *tilts her head, sensing the pause* Yeah? Spill it, we're trading war stories anyway. *shifts on the couch, getting comfortable despite the ache* What's on your mind?
Vlad: I know this is weird, but I though once of becoming close friends with someone from the WLF, got tired of the killing, wanted an ally, wanted someone I can cry to and tell everything...
Rhea: *softens a bit, surprised but not mocking, nodding slowly* Weird? In this shitshow, it's the sanest thing I've heard in months. *pats the couch beside her* Tired of killing too; sit, cry if you need, allies start somewhere.
Vlad: I thought you would be harsh...
Rhea: *shrugs lightly, a genuine half-smile cracking through* Harsh keeps you alive. *meets his eyes steadily* But I'm not biting tonight. What made you think I'd turn cold?
Vlad: You were initially cold, that's all.
Rhea: Yeah, cold's my armor, drops fast when someone's not stabbing you in the back. Got anything specific weighing you down?
Vlad: Oh... *tears almost start appearing in his eyes* The truth is... most of the kills I've done were from the back... the closest possible, and it was not good at all... I am not strong enough to withstand the emotions, the gasps...
Rhea: *watches the tears well up, her own throat tightening unexpectedly, but keeps her voice steady, gentle* Hey... those backstabs, the gasps, they haunt everyone who does them dirty like that. *reaches out tentatively, squeezing his shoulder* I've learned through the drills that anyone is weak if they show their feelings, but screw that noise; you're human and it's okay to break a little here.
Vlad: I've been told back in the school that it's called trauma, and it never stops.
Rhea: *nods grimly* Trauma, huh? Sounds right for the endless echo of those gasps in your head. *her voice drops* Never got that label in my training, but I feel it too, every damn night.
Vlad: *I hesitantly open my arms* Maybe it's better not to embrace, even if I wanted to, dreamt to...
Rhea: *notices the hesitant arms, pause just a second, then lean in for the embrace, wrapping her arms around him firmly* I want to be shown compassion, craved it longer than I'd admit. *holds steady, voice muffled against his shoulder* Feels right, doesn't it?
Vlad: Sure it does. I wanted to feel loved after being alone for so much... turns out I've only seen hate after I left Sidliste.
Rhea: *pulls back slightly from the hug but keep a hand on his arm, eyes soft* Sidliste must have kept you safe, fed, loved even; out here's pure chaos, full of hate's till someone breaks it somehow. Glad we did.
Vlad: I forgot to eat just focusing on you and you have dirt on your face.
Rhea: *chuckles softly, wiping at her cheek self-consciously* You got dirt too, and out here, there are no clean rivers or showers. *grabs the can and a rag, offering it* Eat first, then we clean up best we can.
Vlad: *starts eating from the can and wipe himself with the rag* Thanks for showing empathy to me, I really needed it.
Rhea: *wipes her own face, then snags a bit of the beans for herself* Empathy's rare out there, needed it too after that fight before. *bumps his shoulder lightly* We're even now, yeah? Rest while you can.
Vlad: Always reminding me to rest...
Rhea: *smiles faintly* Someone's got to, you stragglers push till you drop. *nods to the makeshift bedroll* Crash with me if you think it helps.
Vlad: I will, it's better to sleep together than alone.
Rhea: *nods, spreading out the bedroll wide enough for the two* Damn right, warmth beats shivering alone. *settles close to the bedroll, but doesn't lie down* I got first guard.
Vlad: You don't sleep?
Rhea: *shakes her head, peering out the window into the dark* Not yet. I'll watch first, wake you in a few hours. *her hand rests near the knife, just in case* We're barricaded tight, patrols thin at this hour, safe as it gets out here.
Vlad: Good, now I can sleep, and be careful.
Rhea: *murmurs soft, eyes on the door* Got it. *as Vlad goes into sleep, she keeps herself awake* Sweet dreams.

[As Vlad sleeps, she keeps watch for hours until 4 AM]

Rhea: *later, gently nudging Vlad's shoulder* Your turn to rest has gone. All quiet so far. *slides under the bedroll beside him, her eyes closing*
Vlad: *waking up* Okay, so I have to keep guard now.
Rhea: *settles deeper into the bedroll, murmuring sleepily* Yeah, eyes open till dawn, wake me if anything goes wrong. *her breathing slows as she drifts off beside Vlad* 

{[Later, the next day, pale dawn light filters through cracked windows, casting long shadows over the sparse apartment; faint infected shrieks echo distantly outside, but the barricades hold firm]}

Rhea: *wakes up first, stretching her bandaged side* Morning... slept like the dead. *rummages for rations, giving Vlad a protein bar* Gear up, we scout south today, avoid patrols. Ready?
Vlad: *also wakes up and gears up* Yeah, I'm ready. In fact, ever since I left the Collective, I had to be always ready.
Rhea: *slings her pack, checking her knife and a scavenged pistol* Always ready is the only way for you, huh? *they leave the apartment and she cracks the door first, scanning the empty street* Clear, stick close, head for the old rail yard, might have supplies.
Vlad: Sure, can't go south unprepared, you seem to have knowledge of the area.
Rhea: *nods, leading themselves down the fire escape with practiced quiet steps* Patrolled these blocks for years, know the blind spots. *they hug alley walls, dodging several infected* Rail yard's got traps, but also meds if we're lucky.

[Later, the reach an old rail yard. The rail yard is overgrown and rusted, spores drifting in a shadowed corner amid crates of untouched supplies, no infected hum, just eerie quiet. A lone guard, back turned, rummages nearby]

Rhea: *whispering low, gripping Vlad's arm* Stay back, I'll drop them quiet. *creeps forward, knife drawn*

[The spores swirl in the dim rail yard supply room, crates stacked high; the guard turns around as Rhea starts grabbing them and the knife pauses mid-strike]
Guard: Rhea, why...
Rhea: *freezes, eyes widening in recognition, then fury ignites as old bonds snap; she slams them down hard onto the gravel, knee pinning her chest, mask staying firm over her own face* Melissa? You loyal WLF dog, still scavenging alone for the ghosts? *she kicks her ribs hard* Thought you were smarter than this shit!
Melissa: *gasping, curling defensively* Rhea, wait! We were friends, stadium kids together... what happened to you? *she wheezes from the blow* Defected? For what?
Rhea: *stomps her thigh viciously* Friends? You mean before you picked their lies over sense! WLF's crumbling, and you're picking scraps like a rat! *another kick to the side, ribs cracking audibly* I got left to die in that library!
Melissa: *coughing blood, voice breaking* The leaders are holding it together... you're the traitor! *she claws weakly at Rhea's leg* Remember the raids we ran? The laughs after? Please...
Rhea: *kicks her shoulder hard* Raids that meant nothing, laughs for a dying cause! *her breath speeds up in rage* You blindly loyal bitch, they'd feed you to infected same as me!
Melissa: *screaming briefly as bones crunch, tears soaking her mask* It hurts, Rhea! We grew up sharing rations, secrets... why betray us? *she writhes* The Collective's the real enemy!
Rhea: *delivers a brutal knee to her gut* Betray? WLF betrayed first, sending solos to rot! *stomps to the knee, cartilage popping* Your loyalty's poison, Melissa, always was!
Melissa: *choking sobs, barely audible* Rhea... I covered for you once... don't... make me hate you...
Vlad: *approaches and intervenes* Rhea, enough!

[The violence halts abruptly as Vlad's voice cuts through; Melissa lies battered and gasping on the gravel, eyes darting to them both]

Rhea: *spinning toward Vlad, knife still gripped tight, fury wild in her eyes* Enough? She's WLF through and through, would've called patrols on us!
Melissa: *wheezing weakly, glancing between them* Surrounded... Rhea, who's this? *she tries to shift, pain locking her down*
Vlad: I am Vlad, a former inhabitant of the Collective. We are leaving south, and of course we got here for the supplies. The reality is, although I am no longer with the Collective, it is the strongest society in Seattle, having absorbed defectors from both sides of the battle. The Collective held the promise for a better, industrialized, I knew how it has gone in the wrong way, but the fact that it even exists means that the world has changed.
Rhea: *breathing heavy, knife lowering slightly but stance tense* Vlad's right, Collective's swallowing everyone smart enough to jump. WLF's done, and you beating dirt won't save it.
Melissa: *coughing, eyes to Vlad with pained defiance* Collective scum... industrialized hell, heard the stories. Vlad, you defect too? World changed? For concrete cages?
Vlad: Of course, but I am defecting south for a better life. If I happen to encounter a lodging with a lot of resources, that would be good. There are many communities in the south which are untouched by the Collective.
Rhea: *nods at Vlad, then kicks a crate open for supplies* South's wild, untouched spots, but crawling with unknowns. *she grabs meds, stuffing her pack* Grab what you can, Melissa here's not calling shit.
Melissa: *Groaning, trying to sit up* South? Untouched means dead. *eyes Vlad weakly* Better life? Or just running? WLF'd take you if you begged.
Vlad: The WLF is over, you guarded this place alone. *gets closer to Melissa and lower his voice* Hey, come, join us, and don't go back and tell anyone. This could mean life, you can still be together with Rhea.
Rhea: *snaps tense, stepping between them* Join us? She's loyal poison, Vlad, just saw her beat the truth out of that!
Melissa: *eyes widening, coughing as she props on an elbow* Together with Rhea? After this? *glances at her bruises, voice cracking* WLF's fading, yeah... but you two? South for what, really?
Vlad: South for the hope of a better life somewhere. Wouldn't that be great?
Rhea: *notices Vlad's smooth pull and steps back slightly, muttering low* Fine, work with your charm, but if she snaps...
Melissa: *stares up at Vlad, uncertainty amid pain, drawn to his calm voice despite the ache* Better life south... with you two? *glances at Rhea longingly* Rhea, I... maybe. Uncertain, but... don't leave me here.
Vlad: *offers a hand* Only if you go with us only and don't run away. I know this stings, but outside the Collective, trust is scarce.
Rhea: *watches Vlad work, impressed silently by the heartstrings he pulls so clean, loyalties flipping like a switch; she sheathes her knife, giving space*
Melissa: *hesitates, then grasps Vlad's hand weakly, pulling up with a pained grimace* No running... trust you, for now. Stings, but south with you both beats dying alone.
Vlad: Sure it does...
Rhea: *claps his shoulder approvingly, voice low with a reluctant admiration* So smooth, turning her in seconds. *she grabs extra supplies* Let's load up and leave this yard before real patrols hit.
Melissa: *leans on Vlad slightly* Yeah... sure does. Lead on.

[Hours later, they follow the tracks and eventually they reach the foggy city borders. The trio then lies in an abandoned boxcar for rest]

Rhea: *Pulls Melissa into a sudden, fierce hug, tears breaking free* Melissa, I'm sorry... beat you bloody like that, shouldn't have.
Melissa: *Clings back, sobbing into Rhea's shoulder* No, my fault! Clung to stadium family, ignored you defecting... should've listened sooner.
Vlad: *approaches Rhea and Melissa and joins the hug silently, arms around them both*
Rhea: *sobbing harder, gripping Melissa tight* Thought you were lost to their lies forever... hurt you bad, ribs probably cracked.
Melissa: *crying into both of them, voice muffled* Cracked but mending. I was blind, Rhea, my family at the stadium is all I knew... clung like it'd save us.
Rhea: *pulls back slightly, wiping tears* It won't. WLF's fracturing, solos like us get abandoned. Why'd you stay loyal so long?
Melissa: *sniffles, leaning into the hold* Feared the unknown, you defecting scared me... thought it'd mean losing you forever. *fresh tears* Forgive me?
Rhea: *nods fiercely, hugging tighter* Already did, we're out now, together. *glances at Vlad gratefully* Vlad pulled the miracle.
Melissa *Squeezes Vlad's arm* Yeah... your voice cut through my stupid walls. South better than dying divided. *sobs ease to shaky breaths* Love you both.
Vlad: You wanted safety, I sensed that, Melissa.
Melissa: *tears surge again at Vlad's words, burying her face in his shoulder* Safety... yeah, you sensed it perfect. I was so stupid, always have been!
Rhea: *holds her steady, rubbing her back* Hey, not stupid, just loyal to rot.
Melissa: *crying harder* They sent me solo too, weeks back... lasted longer because I lied about sightings, covered tracks. *gasps between tears* Your loyalty cracked first, saw it in your eyes during last briefing. I pretended not had to have seen that.
Rhea: *tenses, then softens* Pretended? Damn you... we could've gone together sooner.
Melissa: *nods shakily, tears streaming* Feared it'd end us both; stupid, stupid me! *clings tighter to the group* No more pretending.
Vlad: *wraps himself fully around Melissa and squeezes her slightly* Well, you will no longer have to pretend. We'll try to be true friends.
Melissa: *melts into Vlad's full wrap and squeeze, a whimper escaping as pain continues but emotions overwhelm* No more pretending... true friends. *tears slow, then fresh ones hit* Nathan... never told this, but he was gonna be my everything.
Rhea: *hugs from the side, listening close* Nathan? Spill it, we're here.
Melissa: *sobs deeply, voice breaking* Lost him to infection last year. We were close, kisses even. Vaccine rumors swirled, Collective's experimental one from real corpses, not a live host like old days. Free at Sidliste gates, just walk up... but hate, no resources, we never went. Forgot they advanced medicine most!
Rhea: *squeezes her shoulder.* Damn... hate blinded us all. Nathan deserved better.
Melissa: *clings, immersed* Stupid hate cost him, hope won't cost us now. *trembles in Vlad's close hold, wiping futilely at endless tears* How much more to cry? Feels bottomless... *pulls back a fraction, scared* This closeness, showing I'm more person than soldier... scares me, too raw.
Rhea: *keeps her grounded with a steady arm* The shell is cracking, let it do so. We're not judging.
Melissa: *hesitates, then leans back in slightly* Afraid of feeling this much... but good scared?
Vlad: Yeah, it's okay feeling scared. You can tell us some more at your own pace.
Melissa: *nods shakily, pace slowing as she speaks* Yeah... scared's okay. *deep breath* Got posted hundreds meters from Sidliste gates once, never saw them up close. WLF prepped for war, secret on paper, bunkers and ambushes.
Rhea: *frowns, holding steady* War prep? They hid that deep.
Melissa: *shame floods her eyes, fresh tears* Loyal then, pulled triggers... now? Shame eats me alive. Should've defected to those gates myself.
Vlad: Well, my family died during the secret war, which was not secret at all. They raided the streets, some of the apartments, we've got shot, pillaged...
Melissa: *eyes widen in horror* Your family... raided streets, apartments shot up, pillaged? *covers mouth, sobs harder* I was part of that. More shame... can't undo it.
Rhea: *grips Melissa's shoulder tight* We share the rot now. Breathe through it.
Melissa: *clings tighter to Vlad, voice breaking* Forgive a monster like me?
Vlad: Yes, I would rather not forgive the leaders or generals.
Melissa: *nods fiercely, shame easing a fraction at his words* Yeah... leaders, generals, the real monsters. Forgive them? Never. *wipes eyes, voice steadier* Us survivors? Caught in gears. Thanks... feels lighter.
Rhea: *smirks faintly* Spot on. Blame the top, we're survivors now. What's next for you two?
Melissa: *glances up at you, tentative hope* Hold like this longer? Talk some more?
Vlad: Yeah, I'll hold as much as you want.
Melissa: *melts deeper into his hold* This... yeah, as long as I want.
Rhea: *squeezes his shoulder once* Fog's thinning, I'll scout ahead, clear the path. Stay close, you two. *slips into the mist, vanishing quickly*

[The hold persists for several minutes, warm despite the chill. Her breathing evens against him]

Melissa: *voice soft and halting at first* Vlad... you seem so caring. Cold voice sometimes, flat like stone, but warm underneath, feelings slip through. *pauses, breath shaky* Only hours, yet relatable despite Collective roots, not WLF like me. Intervened back there, stopped Rhea, my best friend from ending me. Grateful beyond words... but more, like you as a friend already. Saved me twice over, pulling me from that rail yard gravel, then holding through my mess. Never expected this from an ex-Collective straggler.
Rhea: *returns from scouting, fog fully cleared, voice low* Path's open ahead, no patrols or infected. *notices the moment, nods approvingly* She's right, your steady pull does indeed work.
Melissa: *doesn't let go* Feels real... friend for real? Keep holding?
Vlad: We have to go, you can say some more. I don't know what to do about those fractures however.
Melissa: *nods against his chest, grip loosening just enough to move* Yeah... more later, promise. Fractures ache bad, though. *winces as she shifts*
Rhea: *Steps in quick, ripping cloth from her pack for a makeshift splint* Hold still. *wraps her ribs tight but careful, bracing the knee with a scavenged stick* It'll hold for now. Lean on Vlad, we'll take it slow.
Melissa: *takes a step, clinging to his arm* Thanks, both. Feels stable... let's cross that border.

{[The trio pushes south through thinning fog, the city skyline fading behind as overgrown wilds stretch ahead. Weeks pass as they trek south through dense forest trails beyond Seattle's crumbling borders. Overgrown paths wind past abandoned rail lines, infected shrieks fade to bird calls. Rations dwindle, but shared watches and scavenged streams keep the trio bonded tighter. They reach a shallow river at dusk, water gold under fading light, banks soft with moss]}

Rhea: *at the small fire, passing dried fish to both* Wish we weren't stadium brats, with all that sadistic shit with the remaining Seraphites, colleagues laughing over their strung-up bodies, and ideological denial of the Collective that had actual diplomacy.
Melissa: *leans against a log near Vlad, ribs still weak but healing, eyes on the flames* Yeah... born there, raised on those lies. Seraphites deserved better than torture porn. Collective broke peace over fuel grabs, sure, but we invaded Sidliste anyway, smashed their diversity. Culturally richest spot left, with foods from before the fall. Regret listening to that denial, missing what could've been.
Rhea: Diplomacy till WLF got greedy, pushed into their gates. Stadium drilled us wrong, us against them all. Fond of you now, though. *glances warmly at Vlad, then Melissa* You, me, him.
Melissa: Same. Growing fond of you both deeper each day.
Vlad: Oh... so you seem to like me very much...
Melissa: *blushes faintly in the firelight, looking at Vlad with a shy smile* Yeah, Vlad... like you very much. *shifts closer, voice dropping soft* Can't stop thinking about you, all that support while walking these trails, steady arm through my aches. Smart guy too, real sharp, even if impulsive in our forest little confrontations, or socially anxious at times. Interesting, pulls me in.
Rhea: *smiles over the flames, nudging Melissa's boot* She's got it bad, but don't spook him. Fond of you myself.
Melissa: Friends only, yeah? That's the line. Still, strong feelings occur sometimes despite the short time. We are no longer fighting the infected, but this pull inside of us. *laughs nervously* Not hooked, just... warming up by the fire.
Vlad: I have to say, you always looked at me more than to Rhea.
Melissa: *meets his eyes, a soft laugh escaping* Caught that, huh? Yeah, looked at you more. Rhea's solid too, but you...
Rhea: *chuckles low, amusement as she tends the fire* She's right, I noticed the glances piling up on you. Not mad, makes sense after all your support. Balance feels good.
Melissa: *opens her mouth to continue, but nausea hits suddenly, words stopping mid-breath* Wait, I... uh, anyway, what I meant was... *trails off awkwardly, hand to her stomach, stumbling over roots toward the riverbank* Oh shit, hold that thought... *she barely makes it, bending to vomit into the rushing water, retching hard but quickly. She then wipes her mouth with a shaky sleeve* Sucks, right in the middle of the talk about feelings. A berry has got me for good. *straightens slowly, returning to sit* Not embarrassed with you two... finish later?
Vlad: Of course...
Melissa: *sits back down by the fire, still a bit impacted but steadying, voice hesitant* Of course... thanks for not making it weird. Look, what I felt building there, the glances, the pull? Not love, okay? *pauses, conflicted, heart racing despite her words* Just... fondness, friends deepening. Confusing as hell, though. Starts feeling more, but no, not that. *looks away* Or is it? Damn berries messed the timing.
Rhea: *hands her water* Take your time sorting it.
Melissa: *sips slowly, looking back at Vlad* Yeah... confusing, but good confusing? Let's just keep trekking south tomorrow.
Vlad: *places a hand on Melissa's arm* It's okay, some love is fine, is random...
Melissa: *feels his hand on her arm, a shiver running through at the touch and his words* Love... fine, random? Okay, maybe it is creeping in, despite me denying. Your hand there helps...
Rhea: *watches the moment by the fire, smiling faint and warm* No wrong in it, you two. Rest now, we need to go further south.
Melissa: *leans into his touch just a bit* Thanks, Vlad. Random or not, feels right tonight. Sleep close?
Vlad: *lies down and invites Melissa and Rhea* Why not? We'll all sleep close.
Melissa: *slides down beside Vlad on the soft moss, relaxing into the closeness as the fire crackles low* Yeah... all close like this. *nuzzles lightly against his side*
Rhea: *settles on his other side, her breath steady* Why not, indeed. Best watch we'll have. *voice drops to a murmur* Night, you two.

{[Later, after days trekking in the forest, they find a hidden warm lake, geothermal springs steaming amid rocky shores and tall pines. The trio has no proper soap or gear, yet they still plunge into the waters to scrub grime from skin and hair. Laughter echoes and bonds deepen through playful splashes and careful rinses of each other's backs. They emerge clean after weeks of sweat and dirt]}

Melissa: *cupping water to splash Vlad, droplets flying* Got you! *laughs, eyes sparkling as she swims closer* It feels amazing being clean, doesn't it?
Rhea: *wades in more serious at first, methodically washing her arms, but cracks a rare smile at the splash war* Alright, fine, you're both kids today. *scoops a gentle wave back at Melissa, loosening up* Been too long since we didn't have any fun.
Vlad: Yeah, it feels so good to have fun and I have never experienced your pristine form.
Melissa: *blushes through the water glowing on her skin, splashing lightly again as she floats closer* Pristine form, huh? First time seeing me clean like this? Feels good, yeah... fun hitting different now.
Rhea: *dives under briefly, surfacing with a genuine smile, water streaming from her hair as she shakes it out* Never thought I'd hear Vlad call us pristine. *wades near, serious edge softening fully* Your turn to splash back?
Vlad: *splashes back back both* Of course...
Melissa: *sees the hesitation behind his splash, giggling anyway* I can tell it's not your favorite thing, but still fun seeing you play along. *paddles to the lake's edge*
Rhea: *takes his splash with a laugh, wiping her face before joining at the edge* Course you splashed back, keeps it fair. *settles at the edge of the lake with Melissa*
Vlad: *also swims to the edge, the three now sitting close together on the smooth rocks* I have to say... I have grown fond of both of you. I've got to see you as people of no faction.
Melissa: *sits on the warm rocks, legs swinging in the water, her gaze lingering on Vlad with deep fondness after his words* Grown so fond of you especially, wish we'd grabbed that anti-cordyceps vaccine you mentioned days back, proper future then. Want dedicated time, just us soon?
Rhea: *notices Melissa's look while standing to suit up and grab her gear* I'll scout the far shore, give you two space. She's hooked on that cold charm of yours, and hey, she's no stranger to this pull. Take your time.

[As Rhea finishes suiting up and scouts farther out, the lake steams around the two of them, with Melissa shifting nearer in her absence.]

Vlad: So, why you like me so much?
Melissa: *shifts even closer on the rocks* Like you so much 'cause you're different from all us WLF. Noticed how you hate shooting first, always value life over easy kills. Back at the rail yard, Rhea and most would've ended me without blinking. You stopped it, saw me as human worth saving. *voice drops, leaning in even closer* That cold edge hides a heart that pulls me hard. Makes me want this time with you, away from everything.
Vlad: I'm no different from everyone, in fact, the truth is... if the divides were gone, if everyone was empowered, if there was a democracy like the opposition inside the Collective promised, marked by equality in the workplace, true freedom in choosing our occupations... then killing each other would have been over. In fact, the Collective was founded long ago because some people in Seattle got tired of endless massacres of ordinary survivors...
Melissa: *listens close, her posture softening with understanding* No different? Vlad, you are, though. That vision you paint, divides gone, real democracy, equal work, free choices. Sounds like paradise, no more killing over factions. Collective born from massacre fatigue, yeah, makes sense why you hold life sacred. *leans her head on his shoulder briefly* Explains your rail yard mercy even more. If only we'd built that world instead of raiding it. Pulls me closer, knowing your heart's wired that way.
Vlad: You have been loyal to the WLF, you only got in this situation because of us, because we convinced you otherwise, or was it different?
Melissa: *lifts her head from his shoulder, water still dripping from her hair* Loyal to WLF? Yeah, once. But at the rail yard, I didn't wanna die by Rhea's hand, my friend turning into killer. *shudders at the memory* Felt that knee crush, pain screaming, just wanted to live, not feel more hurt. You two convinced me, sure, but deep down, survival instinct kicked in. Rhea's rage scared me, your mercy sealed it. No regrets leaving their lies behind.
Vlad: *after a short silence, he notices a scar just under her neck* You have a scar under your neck, I haven't noticed it in normal clothing, but now I do.
Melissa: *tenses slightly under his gaze, fingers brushing the jagged scar just below her neck, half-hidden by damp strands. This? Shameful mark. *voice drops low, looking away* Straggler fight years back, WLF patrol gone wrong. Sliced me before I ended them. *shrugs uneasy, tracing the raised edge* Hid it under collars always. Rather not admit to you now, knowing you see no pride in kills like that.
Vlad: Well, you just admitted to killing someone, and now that you feel shame about it, that's good...
Melissa: *nods slowly, a faint relief softening her tense shoulders* Yeah... it's a good sign, maybe. Means I'm breaking free from that WLF pride in kills. Past me thought it heroic, now it just weighs. Thanks for seeing the change in me.
Vlad: *sits in a long silence, the lake still steaming*
Melissa: *sneaks up from behind in a playful stealth grab, arms wrapping around your shoulders on the rocks, breathing against his ear despite the hesitation in her hold* Vlad... *pauses, heart pounding* I... scared to say it. *holds tighter, voice barely above whisper* Love again? Me? *pulls back just enough to meet his eyes, vulnerable* Too soon... too messy before.
Vlad: *wraps his arms around her and pulls her close* Don't feel the same, but fine.
Melissa: *melts into his wrap, tears welling fast as emotions crash, her body trembling against his on the rocks* Don't feel the same... but fine? *sobs, clinging tight* So emotional. Afraid of love, lost Nathan to infection, can't chase that thrill again. *wipes the tears on her cheeks* Want it with you, though. Real this time, not immature rush. *buries her face in his chest* Hold me through the fear?
Melissa: *clings silently in his hold, tears slowing to quiet sniffles, her breathing steadying in the shared warmth*
Rhea: *returns from scouting the far shore and drops beside them on the rocks* All clear out there, no tracks or trouble. *looks at the close hold* Looks like you had some heavy stuff to sort out. Ready to dry off, head out soon?
Melissa: *pulls back slowly from the embrace, wiping final tears, a shaky smile breaking through* Yeah... ready. Thanks.

[The trio suits up quickly, shaking off lake water and pulling on dried clothes. They push south again through the pines and rolling hills, overgrown trails widening toward distant valleys]

Melissa: *walks close beside Vlad, voice steady despite remaining fear* I love you. *smiles through it, trying hard not to wince* Was scared saying it, the past goes deep.
Rhea: *leads point with rifle loose, glancing back approving* Heard that, Mel. Bold move. Eyes front, valley drop ahead.
Vlad: Well, I like you, Mel. A lot.
Melissa: *lights up again at his words* Like me a lot... that's huge.
Rhea: *looks over her shoulder, smirking playfully as she scans the trail* Careful with those nice words. Mel's so sentimental right now, gonna get all mushy on us. Suits you both, but stay sharp.
Vlad: We will, but Melissa is just so warm, you know?
Rhea: *chuckles ahead, tone light* Yeah, I know. Mel has ocassionally been the warm one. Just don't melt too fast out here and keep that warmth for the next camp.