coming up for air

Jacob Shaw. 26. Leon's Group.

[beyondrxpair-blog]

dawn--sparks: 

“It’s our group. I earned my rightful place in this group. You haven’t.” She said bluntly. “No. Knowing that I get to see the sun come up for another day is what drives me to survive.” She explained. “I’ve done my fair share of caring. And I’ve done my fair share of loss and there’s no point going through it again. It’s a waste of time. Everyone is temporary.” She continued, folding her arms across her chest. “Oh! You are? Hm…Weird. I could’ve sworn I saw Mackenzie wasting our water on washing her already clean face from the spring, all because poor little baby can’t put up with a little broken past.” She said, giving a mocking pouty lip. “Then, because she did that, I had to take time away from reinforcing the wall, to go get her. Then when she went back to camp…She didn’t even bring what she was sent to bring. That. Right there. Is a freeloader.”

“You haven’t even given us the chance to prove ourselves. You’ve immediately shut us out before we’ve shown you what we can do,” he pointed out. “How does that make you want to survive? Who cares if you get to see the sun come up if you don’t have anyone to share that with? I can’t honestly understand what you’re saying.” Jacob was typically a reserved, rational man, but when Dawn started speaking about his sister, it made his blood boil. Mackenzie had been put through things this girl probably couldn’t even dream of and she had the audacity to talk about it like it was nothing. She had disrespected his twin and that was something he did not take kindly too. “You have no idea what she’s been through, what any of us have been through, so I suggest you don’t talk about things you know nothing about.” He was verging on dangerous territory. There was no need to start a fight. Not when they had just arrived. “We’re still getting used to this place. I have a difficult time believing you did everything perfectly when you first got here, so a mistake as small as that is something you have to let go. Once we’re adjusted, I can assure you that you won’t see us as freeloaders.”

[beyondrxpair-blog]

g-danvers:

“Well excuse me; could you’ve given me five more seconds to put my shirt on?”

Jacob spun on his heels and turned away from the woman as she dressed herself, his eyes widened at the accidental invasion of privacy. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you there. I was looking for the showers. Don’t quite know my way around here yet, evidently.”

[beyondrxpair-blog]

survivormackenzie:

Mackenzie felt selfish in these moments. Jacob had gone through just as much as her, but it seemed that he was able to hold himself together much better, as far as she knew, at least. “I just…I don’t think I really trust anyone here. We don’t know them and the only people keeping me here are you and Leon.”

Mackenzie wiped her face and stood up. “I know. And I’m sorry. I’m still getting used to everything.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t know if they’ll help, I don’t like the way they make me feel.” Mackenzie walked passed Jacob and began headed back to Readville. “I promise I’ll try and make light of this.”

Jacob nodded at her words and looked down at his feet. The two had the exactly same feelings on the situation. There was no one here they could trust besides each other and Leon. “I don’t either. But we have to try.” That was much easier said than done. He felt like a hypocrite for saying those words. Ever since he had been rescued, he had done nothing but keep other people away from him. “You know that Leon won’t let anything happen to us. He would kill anyone who dare lay a hand on us, so we have nothing to worry about.”

Jacob shrugged, finally letting himself glance over at her when she stood up. “We all are. Don’t apologize for that.” His face softened at her words. He knew exactly what she meant, but he also knew that no sleep would be much worse than the temporary discomfort of sleeping pills. “However they make you feel will be a million times better than the hallucinations, delusions, and overall craziness that comes with not sleeping for a long time. Just try them, please? For me,” he pleaded. Jacob paused briefly before following in her footsteps and beginning his return to Readville. “That’s the only thing we can really do in this situation. Otherwise we’ll stay miserable for the rest of our lives.”

[beyondrxpair-blog]

leonkin-g: 

“Well, it’s not untrue, Austin has us outnumbered by quite a lot but we’re not unimportant, that’s for sure. We’re human lives, that puts us on the radar of importance if there ever was one,” Leon shrugged. “Dawn seems to be making the rounds with our people, I haven’t talked to any of us that she hasn’t gotten to already. I mean I don’t blame her for being wary but…” he sighed, “I hear you. That might actually be a good idea, his people listen to him, respect him. Maybe some of them could be convinced to tone down the harassment if they just knew what was going on. It’s still early but I’ll bring it up to him the next time I see him.”

Leon frowned a little when Jacob tells him he’d been staying away from people and mulled over how to regard the situation for a moment. He decided to settle with placing a hand to Jacob’s shoulder, giving a firm squeeze before dropping the grip, “You’re right, there is no need to provoke anyone. It is probably best for us to keep our heads low till things simmer down but don’t keep yourself shut up for too long. You can actually take walks and feel the breeze for once without having to watch your back. Try to take advantage of that.”

Jacob nodded enthusiastically. “I agree with you completely. But I’m not the one you need to convince of our importance. They are. And I’ve got the feeling that they’re going to be much harder to explain that to.” He scoffed and shook his head. “That girl is going to be a problem if she keeps that up. Our group is generally pretty good, but if she sticks with that attitude, someone is going to fight back. I can imagine that isn’t going to be too pretty. The last thing we all need right now is conflict between us all.” They had all seen enough violence to last a lifetime. There was no need to add any more. “Good to hear. I hope that goes well.”

It had become instinct for Jacob to tense up when someone touched him. He had gone years without someone touching him without intent to harm him. Things like that don’t just go away. Though he had been able to deal with it much better than his sister and began to relax when he remembered it was just Leon. Jacob knew that man would never hurt him. “Can I though?” he questioned. “It’s not like all the bandits in the world have disappeared since we got here. How do I know there aren’t any lurking just outside here? I’m going to have to watch my back regardless of where I go.”

[beyondrxpair-blog]

bellamy-tara: 

It had been so long since Tara joined Leon’s group and she had arrived around the same time as the twins, only arriving a few months after them. She remembered how quiet they were and while Jacob is slightly more quiet than Mackenzie, they are both equally as helpful. Tara knew that if she ever needed anything, Jacob and Mackenzie would be there. It was why she loved Leon’s group – they all did care about each other, even if they wouldn’t have known each other otherwise. She nodded, now able to tug on the flap that had gotten loose to tighten it. After a few pulls, she placed it against the hook and tapped it a few times to make sure it wouldn’t budge. “It’s okay.” She shrugged, knowing she should have been more grateful for the shelter. “I don’t think most are happy to see us though.” She glanced at him, her head tilting slightly. “What about you? What do you think of it here?”

Jacob waited patiently for her to finish securing the flap, then removed his hands and let them fall to his sides. He scoffed softly and nodded. “I’m almost certain the majority of the group hates us already. It’s understandable though. We just walked in here with no warning. I just wish they’d try to look at it positively--more people to help out.” In all honesty, the boy had mixed feelings about being there. On one hand, there was a place for him to settle down. It was the first time he had a place to potentially call home since he was a child. On the other hand, he was surrounded by strangers he didn’t trust and who didn’t seem to like his presence. The thought of them finding out about his past terrified him. It would only drive Jacob further away from other people, possibly risking his survival there. “It’s alright. I’m just hoping it gets better once people get used to us being around here. There’s quite a bit of hostility from their side, so I’m a bit worried about there being fighting among the groups, you know? Hopefully it all blows over.”

[beyondrxpair-blog]

dawn--sparks: 

“No. It isn’t. Instead of there being one cumulative group living in harmony in this town, there’s now two, completely separate groups. Leon’s…And mine.” She put it simply. “Maybe the old human. The ones that didn’t need to shoot their loved ones in the face, but we aren’t that human anymore. There are new rules, new laws, new ideas and new ways to survive. Everything that existed twenty-five years ago…It doesn’t matter anymore. It’s completely insignificant because none of that will save you when a horde of monsters knocks down your door.” Dawn felt that she was smart. She felt like she knew what she was talking about and that any other ideal was wrong. “You’re so unimportant because you’re freeloaders. You show up to someone’s camp without any invitation and just expect to be accepted as if you didn’t just make our lives for difficult?”

“And you think it isn’t possible for these two groups to come together to form one group? I thought it was Austin’s group, not yours,” he said, tilting his head to the side. “But isn’t caring about people what drives you to survive? If you have people you love and who love you, that’s what makes you fight to stay alive. If you didn’t have anyone like that, then why would you even bother fighting? It will save you from a horde of monsters. Indirectly, yes, but it will save you nonetheless.” The only reason Jacob survived the bandits who tortured him for years was because of his love for his sister. If it weren’t for her, he would have given up long before he was rescued. “We aren’t freeloaders. We are working and contributing to the society you’ve built, just the same as you are. Austin invited us in here when we showed up. He could have easily turned us away and we would have left and found a new place. But he decided that we should stay. That’s an invitation if I’ve ever heard one.”

[beyondrxpair-blog]

survivormackenzie: 

Mackenzie was glad it was her brother who had come. Although a part of her wished it was someone else, someone who she could continue to act tough for. She finally turned to him, trying to hold herself together, but faltering.

“Clearing my head. I…I can’t sleep.” She choked, closing her eyes a moment to collect herself. “God, I was doing so well. Can’t we just catch a damn break?!” Mackenzie rested her face in her hands a moment, rubbing her watery eyes. “I’m sorry, I’m just so tired.”

There was nothing Jacob hated more than seeing his sister cry. She was a good girl--a strong girl--who had dealt with things most wouldn’t even dream of. And he felt so helpless when she broke down. All he wanted to do was walk over and hug her, hold her and tell her it was all okay. But he couldn’t. He was more than aware that Mackenzie hated being touched and he couldn’t even force himself to lie and say they were okay. They weren’t. And they probably never would be.

“I know,” he nodded. “If you haven’t noticed, sleep hasn’t exactly been the easiest thing for me either ever since...” He paused, unable to say the words. Jacob forced himself to tear his eyes away from her in fear of losing himself too. “Hopefully all of this will be our break. We finally have a place to stay. We don’t have to move around so much anymore. That has to count for something, right? This could be a new start for us.” He wasn’t sure if he even believed the words he was saying, but he prayed it gave her even a hint of comfort. “You should go see the doctor and see if he has any sleeping pills. You need to sleep.”

[beyondrxpair-blog]

leonkin-g:

“Who did you talk to?” Leon frowned hearing Jacob express that their stay might be difficult. He sighed at the rest of the younger man’s words, “I know, I know. They do have a right to know but I’m not looking to fight, you guys aren’t looking to fight. I’d be willing to talk and explain if people just let me before they edged us out.” Leon sighed again, looking elsewhere momentarily, lost in thought before glancing back to Jacob. “Other than that you’ve been okay? Nobody actually terrorizing you aside from the ones that run their mouths, right?”

“Just some girl named Dawn. She started giving me shit for introducing myself and then went on to tell me that we’re the weaker group of the two and that we’re unimportant. I guess that’s what I get for actually trying to make a friend for once,” he shrugged, forcing a smile. “You should see if Austin will let you call a sort of ‘town meeting’ or something and explain the situation. Maybe that’ll help get rid of some of the tension. Couldn’t hurt to try.” Jacob shook his head, looking back up at Leon. “I’ve been okay. No, I’ve been trying to stay away from most people. No need to provoke anyone looking for a fight.”

[beyondrxpair-blog]

dawn--sparks: 

“Yes. You are correct. I did say that. I don’t like anyone in your group. I have plenty of friends in mine though.” She replied in a light and mocking tone. “Which is exactly what makes him weak. He let an old friendship interrupt his survival. If it weren’t for them being friends, you’d be out there begging for us to help you. – And we wouldn’t, because you. Are. Not. Important.”

Jacob somehow doubted that she had plenty of friends. She didn’t exactly seem like the most warm-hearted person. “Well, our group is apart of your group now. No need to make a distinction between the two anymore,” he shrugged. “Caring for others doesn’t make you weak. It’s what makes you human.” He shook his head and let out a small chuckle. “If Leon didn’t know Austin, we wouldn’t have come here at all. We’ve come across many other survivors and didn’t choose to stay with them because we didn’t know them. We never would have begged for your help. And what makes you think that we are so unimportant?”

[beyondrxpair-blog]

leonkin-g: 

“Well, I don’t know about you but I’ve been hearing some mouths about us being here. Doesn’t matter though because we’re doing our part and we’ve been welcomed here so…in the words of someone I met earlier today, it’s none of their business.”

“Yeah, I’ve met one person who isn’t exactly too keen on us being here. I just hope the rest don’t act the same way. If that’s the case, then it’s going to be difficult for us to find a place here.” Jacob nodded, looking down at his feet. “I guess you’re right. But I understand why they think it’s their business. We’re strangers that have moved into the place they built unannounced.”

[beyondrxpair-blog]

dawn--sparks: 

“So, the shy boy does have some balls.” Dawn said cheerily. “And I don’t reject every single one of you. Just the ones I don’t like. I still have Layla, Ian, Austin and if it really gets down to it, my dad’ll protect me. So I’m not really concerned.” She shrugged casually, crossing her own arms. “Oh trust me. I’ve already figured it out. Just wait until Austin sees how bad you guys really are. Then you’ll all be out on your asses.”

“Don’t mistake quietness for weakness,” he said, shaking his head. “I get the sense that you don’t like quite a few of us considering you called me ‘one of the slack-jawed asshole that is going to bring you and your group into the ground.’ It’s good to see that you have people there to protect you, but it couldn’t hurt to have more,” he pointed out. “Austin and Leon are friends. I have a difficult time believing your leader would just betray a friend like that. He’s not much of a leader if he did. And you underestimate us. We can help you more than you realize.”

[beyondrxpair-blog]

dawn--sparks:

You’re only as strong as your weakest link, our group…Was strong. Having you guys barge in here like this only makes that weakest link, someone weaker than our weakest, meaning that our weakest link, is now at an all time low. All because you guys couldn’t find your own place to hide. Me and my group built this place up from the ground. And you guys just get to come in and relax after all the hard work has been done? Nuh-uh. Not happening.

“Who’s to say our group is weak? We’ve survived just as long as you have, don’t forget that. You rejecting every single one of us is only going to make it harder for someone to stay on your side should it come down to that. We are only looking to help you all around here. It’s not like we’re planning on just sitting around while you guys do all the work. We’re planning on working to help you build this place further as well.” Jacob folded his arms across his chest and shrugged. “Like it or not, Leon wants us to stay here, so we’re staying.”

[beyondrxpair-blog]

leonkin-g: 

“Ah, I’m alright…getting used to the place the same way you are. It’s weird not having to constantly be on the lookout and walk five hours a day, don’t you think?”

Jacob let a faint smile spread across his lips. “It is strange, but I’m not going to complain about it. We finally having a place to settle down. There’s nothing bad about that. It’s a huge change, but a very welcome one. I’m just curious to see how people are going to handle all of us coming here.”

[beyondrxpair-blog]

dawn--sparks: 

“Oh right. You’re one of the slack-jawed, assholes that’s gonna bring me and my group down into the ground with them. I forgot you guys were here.

“We all want the same thing as you--to survive. Our intention isn’t to bring you or your group down. If anything, we’re here to help you. There are bandits and infected everywhere and there is strength in numbers. The more people on your side here, the better.”

[beyondrxpair-blog]

dawn--sparks:

Okay. Yeah. That’s cool and all, but unlike you, I’m actually trying to get some work done around here, so either help me, or get out of my face. Is that clear?

Jacob was instantly reminded why he tended to stay quiet and away from people when the girl spoke. “Sorry,” he said with a sigh. “I just wanted to introduce myself. I’m Jacob. What is it you need help with?”

[beyondrxpair-blog]

bellamy-tara:

With the wind picking up, Tara was hoping for rain. Not that the group was low on water but Tara knew it’d be better to have an abundant, just in case. As she walked by the water tank, she noticed a bit of the plastic sheet hanging off. Worried that it might sink in a bit, Tara made her way over to latch it back on properly. Unfortunately, the wind was blowing the flaps a little too much and she couldn’t hold a section of it whilst also clasping it back in place. She immediately lifted her head, eyes focusing on the person she saw first. “Hey -” She called out, motioning them over. “Can you do me and favor and just hold this part here while I latch this back on?”

Jacob could feel the wind changing in the air, hinting at the potential for rain. He understood the need for it--it would give them water--but he couldn’t help but dread the idea of it. Rain usually meant thunder and darkness. There was nothing Jacob feared more than it being dark. It reminded him of his time before Leon found him. A chill ran down his spine at the memories. The boy could feel his hands beginning to shake as the memories flooded back, so he began to head back to where he had set up his home. He had almost arrived back when he heard a voice call out to him. Looking up from the ground, his eyes landed on Tara, motioning him over to her. Jacob walked quickly over to her and did what she told without question. “Sure thing,” he said coolly, masking the shakiness in his voice. “You settling in okay here?”

[beyondrxpair-blog]

leonkin-g:

“How’s everybody holding up?”

“I’m doing alright, I guess,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Just trying to get used to the place. How are you holding up?”