[isabell-uhh]

sergeantjhart​:

Prompt: ‘ oh … you got something on your shoe. ’ from TLOU starter meme Starter for: @isabell-uhh​

While they were fortunate to have showers and beds and generally a good supply of the necessities, that didn’t mean clothing was that easily to come by. Jesse didn’t expend much energy on his wardrobe, mainly cycling through the same few items of clothing he’d managed to hang on to and not bloody or destroy in some other means. 

His boots had been a pair he’d had since leaving home and while they definitely were wearing out at this point, he hadn’t had any plans to get rid of them - at least not until he found suitable replacements. His eyes cast down as Isabella spoke, noting the splatters of blood that coated and tried on the toe, likely from some point being outside the walls. He could only hope it’d wash off easily… 

“Not sure if it helps or hurts my case, but it’s not mine.”

“N-Not yours...” she whispered, her eyes growing a little wide, “Right...o-of course..sorry.” Why had she even mentioned there was something on his shoe? In a world run a muck by Z’s....she was telling this poor soul thaat his shoes were dirty. Of course they were dirty..

She bit harshly on her bottom lip before frowning, “That was a very silly thing of me to say... there are more important things to worry about than a little,” she peered back down at his boots, what was it? It looked a bit like blood....the sight made her feel a little queasy so she forced her eyes back up to meet his, “staining?” It wasn’t supposed to be a question, and yet it still sounded like one.

[isabell-uhh]

kaikings​:

Malakai stepped into the apartment, gaze flashing around as he took in the new atmosphere. Old habits died hard, he supposed. There were little things he noticed – none of which, obviously were not threatening. His attention was drawn to the book, though he didn’t catch the title, or much of anything besides the color of the cover, before she hastily removed it from an eye’s glance. The motion caused him to chuckle softly, shaking his head as he awaited her to find the instrument. She definitely seemed enthused and he wasn’t too sure how she managed to have so much energy. 

Reaching out his hand, he took a look at the ukulele from a closer glance. “Still shocked you found it. In one piece and all. No zombie blood in sight,” he joked, moving to take a seat on the edge of the bed as it seemed as it seemed to be the closest. He did a slight strum in attempt to see how it was tuned before making necessary adjustments. “It’s really cool that you have this. You like music, read, weirdly kind. Is your only flaw being over-emotional? Even then, that’s not really a flaw, just must be exhausting for you,” he thought out loud. It was odd to have gone through the literal end of the world and still be presenting as pretty perfect. “Tune wasn’t too far off, by the way,”

“Did I say there was no zombie blood in sight?” she asked honestly, not really remembering if that was a comment she had made, “She could’ve been in bad shape, but when Rafi showed it to me she was pretty clean. A little TLC goes a long way.” Her flaws? He was interested in her flaws? Her brows pinched together, “Hmm,” she thought for a moment, pursing her lips together, “I could go on and on about my flaws..like I’m a coward. I have a pretty weak stomach,” which was funny considering what they both had just done, it couldn’t have been that weak. “Oh, I’m clumsy when I’m not paying attention...I get jealous....I could on and on,” she ended with a slight frown.

“Well come on then,” she teased, “Let’s hear you play something!” Bella sat up, tucking her legs underneath her as she leaned excitedly towards him, a smile beaming on her features.

[isabell-uhh]

rafwagner​:

He tried to think back to recent years when Pete and Elliot had to take the family dog to the vet. He hadn’t been eating either and his adoptive dads were worried. It turned out the dog was only bored of his usual kibble- he wanted something else besides the monotany. Rafael thought maybe that was why the horse didn’t want to eat. There couldn’t be much variety to feed the horse in this world. “What does she eat? The same thing all the time?” The small colt was nearby and he had to smile at how cute the foal was. 

He knew enough about baby animals to know they needed mothers’ milk or replacement of it and they sure as hell didn’t have the replacement. He reached into his hoodie pocket and pulled out an apple. “I brought this for you, but I’m kinda thinking she might want it instead.” He pulled the knife from his waist belt and cut the fruit in half, then again, to cut the core out. He offered up two pieces to Isabella. “Give it a shot. Maybe she’s bored.” 

Isabella gave a sad nod, “It’s just whatever feed we have...” Was it even going to be enough caloric intake for the mare? Then again she was out in the field grazing..at least she was eating something. Bella shouldn’t have been so worried...

Her dark hues lit up as he pulled an apple from his hoody, they were honestly Bella’s favorite little healthy treat for herself. She watched him as he made quick work of the apple, even such a simple task as that made emotions swirl up inside the young woman. Reaching out she gently took one of the pieces he offered her and walked over closer to the fence, “Milly,” she called out giving a click of her tongue along with it, “Come on girl! We got something good for you.” Letting out a whinny Milly began to move over towards the fence line with her colt in tow, such a cute little thing. It brought joy to Bella to see him thriving the way he was. Which had to mean Milly was as well, right? “Hey baby girl,” Bella cooed out, “see if you like this,” she muttered as she reached her hand out flat, the apple slice placed neatly on top. For a moment the mare just sniffed the fruit before her lips carefully picked it off Bella’s hand, a soft crunch following soon after. An excited gasp escaped from Bella’s lips as she happily turned towards Raf, “She ate it!!” Her face lit up with pure joy as she threw her arms around raf to bring him into a tight hug, “Thank you Rafi!”

[isabell-uhh]

rafwagner​:

Rafael had offered manual labor in exchange for extra fruit which brought him to the farm a lot since fruit was a rare commodity. That wasn’t what brought him by right now though, he was meeting Isabella who was due to end her shift. He wore the silly smile he usually did when he greeted the girl until he realized that she was pacing and didn’t seem her annoyingly-cute, cheery self. Hearing her as he approached, he quickly looked to the horse then back to his only companion of seven months. He had kept her alive since the first moment they met but in some ways, she’d kept him alive too. Raf could reset his own bones, keep himself fed even if that meant a scrap with someone else and even kill a couple zombies at one time. What he couldn’t do for himself was muster the optimism to keep going. 

He could be that for her now, with this. “Hey, Iz, hey.” Stepping in her pacing path, he took her hands in his. “Breathe. What’s wrong?” He had no information or knowledge about horses so he couldn’t exactly help but he could help her try and think it through. And he would do whatever she couldn’t if it came to that. Was there even a vet here for the livestock? Raf had no idea but he knew he wanted to help Isabella. 

-----

The two may not have known each other very long...even if it felt like they had known each other for a lifetime already, Raf always seemed to know what to do when it came to Bella. As he took her hands in his she could feel all her worry melt away from her. She took a long deep breath before she gave a weak smile, “I’m just,” Bella paused, her brows still furrowed up, “I don’t want to lose her...if I lose her then Jasper..” She didn’t really want to speak it in case it spoke it into existence. “Milly hasn’t been eating for me when I do the feed rounds...do you think maybe someone else has been feeding her?” God she hoped so.

“She just had a baby...I want to make sure she’s getting all the calories she needs,” Bella found herself pushing herself up against his chest, a place that she like to think of as a home. It was a place she knew she would always be safe. “I’m sorry...I just got so worried.”

[accidentally-stealing-names-dea]

feeling bored, might imagine myself in unrealistic scenarios of love, idk

[isabell-uhh]

fletcherbailey​:

The suggestion made Fletcher think of Livia in a way. Just the reminder to fix how he was sitting so he wouldn’t in one of the million ways slouching could make him hurt. He did as Isabella said and sat up more, the corners of his lips curling into a subtle smile as he thought about how Liv’ might just be proud of him for his posture.

“Silly is such a nice way to say ‘reckless’, isn’t it?” His eyes squint in amusement as he skimmed the page. Fletcher used to be.. for lack of a better word, more often 'silly’ than not. Impulsive as hell and always seeking random adventures back home, he sure as Hell didn’t bring any of that into the apocalypse. That Fletcher had been backed into a dark corner and left there to shrivel into nothing while this Fletcher flinched at the idea of anything that could be considered brave or heroic. The familiar itch to get out and do something was there festering under his skin, enough that it drew him to the library to try to offer help in some way.

Fletch’ closed the book on his lap and leaned back on the bookshelf behind him, head lolled against the spines of the books there, and he just shrugged. “Honestly, I could use a distraction. I don’t think I’m retaining any of this, so a mental break sounds amazing.” In fact, Fletcher was curious then because he’d felt like he’d seen her before, somewhere, and in Fairvale’s small vicinity it was easy to keep track of most people. “What about you - are you thinking of doing something 'silly’?”

“Me?” she asked clearly astonished that he would think she might do something ‘silly’, “No, no, no,” she replied shaking her head, “I am far too much of a coward to do that..I would hinder them more than I would help.” Most likely she would end up needing help herself, or possibly she would end up dead. Plus Rafi definitely would not be happy to hear that she beebopped her way into a rescue mission.

“As for a distraction...hmm,” she thought, pursing her lips together slightly as she searched for an idea. Pretty soon she let out a small defeated sigh, “I got nothing for ideas of a distraction. Oh! Is there a chess board around here? Do you know how to play chess? Or we could play tic tac toe? Some silly little game.”

[isabell-uhh]

targetwho​:

Target raised an eyebrow, getting more confused as the other talked. Maybe being locked away all the time wasn’t always a good thing, even if it kept her safe from the walkers. Was something going on with the animals that she was supposed to know about? Not that she would understand what was going on if there was public knowledge. She may love animals, but in the sense of riding horses and volunteering at the animal shelter, not actually understand the things they could go through.

“Recovering? Did she get hurt?” She asked, concern in her voice as she looked at the animal. The thought of an animal in pain broke her heart. “Oh believe me, I know. I don’t get out of the house much so any little thing gets me worked up.”

“No,” she answered giving a shake of her head to go along with it. “Well,” she paused, “Sorta,” Bella smiled at Target, “She actually gave birth the other day. A healthy baby boy...well...We think he’s healthy.” She only assumed since he had been nursing, and had been fairly active. To be fair if he was nursing and fine, then that probably meant Milly was fine as well. “We named him Jasper.”

Her knowledge on animals mostly consisted of what she had learned after dead started walking, and that didn’t exactly include a lot. There was still so much to be learned.

[isabell-uhh]

kaikings​:

As the other seemed to question him and then stumble upon her words, he couldn’t help but to narrow his gaze at her, really having to hold back his smirk. “Well, it’s not as easy as it was, but, definitely easier than finding drugs. People can be rather desperate to feel any sorts of normalcy – don’t get me wrong, can’t say it’s much of a priority, but I’m not miserable due to some sort of celibacy,” he half-joked with a small laugh. Suppose he forgot this wasn’t casual talk for anyone. “Guessing you’ve had different experiences then,”

The flustered look at Bella, he couldn’t help but notice, was a cute look on her. She did carry quite the innocent attitude and probably had more important things to worry about. Such as naming the horses. If Kai was honest, he’d pick that any day if he wasn’t so stubborn on refusing to get attached. This was a step though. After all, he named a newborn foal, so he had to visit Jasper at least a few times a week. He owed him that much. He gave a chuckle as the girl tripped over herself, luckily not having to brace for impact. He continued to follow her to her room. “Oh, I wouldn’t dream of telling anyone else. Much rather keep your expectations of music mediocre – can’t have someone showing me up,” he spoke with a smirk. “A mess isn’t exactly on my list of things to care about love,” he reassured, though surely was curious to see where to resided on her free time. Someone’s living space always was a bit… telling.

Love? Did he just call her love? The small nickname cause her cheeks to flush pink as she quickly turned away from him, her eyes growing wide in shock as she bit down harshly on her bottom lip. “Oh ok,” she whispered awkwardly before pushing open her door. It may have meant nothing.

Her room was simple; her bed was unmade, she never made it. A small table was situated close to the window in her room, a leather bound journal splayed neatly upon it. She even had a couple plants scattered through out her bedroom, one being a succulent that she had bribed one of the suppliers to bring back for her. It was a cute little thing, she loved it. The other was some fern she had transplanted some weeks ago, but she didn’t think it was doing very well. On her bed laid a romance book, as her eyes landed on it she quickly rushed over and knocked it off into the floor...grimacing as she heard it thump on the other side. She didn’t dare take a peek at Kai until she leaned over the bed to produce a small ukelele. Slowly, she played a few notes, “Here she is!” Bella smiled happily as she held the instrument out towards her newfound friend, “Isn’t she a beauty?”

[isabell-uhh]

kaikings​:

A laugh left Malakai which – shocked him. As it was genuine and he didn’t caught himself short. Minus the almost panic-attack he had when finding out he was going to help a horse in labor, tonight was filled with many soft laughs and smiles. It was something he hadn’t felt in a while. It was a nice. So nice, in fact, that his smile lingered faintly on his features rather than being so quick to keep up his facade. Besides, they witnessed an animal giving birth together, it was difficult to wallow in self pity after that. “Yeah, ah, at least you know that one. Might think you lived under a rock before all of this if you didn’t,” he said before shrugging at her next comments. He had toxic traits, he knew that. He made it pretty obvious in attempt to deter anyone wanting to get close to him. Kai was pretty good at self sabotage. “Yeah, I mean, minus the drugs. They’re a bit more difficult to come by,” sadly. But, perhaps it was for the best as if he was all drugged out, well, he’d probably make a good meal for the walkers. He couldn’t help but be slightly amused at noticing the pink hue on her cheeks.

Still, he decided not to further comment on her appearance and instead, followed her lead. It wasn’t as if he had anything better to do. Besides, part of him was excited if she really did find a couple instruments. “I wasn’t that good – probably especially now. A years out of practice, I’m not too sure if it’s like riding a bike,” he said with a small chuckle. Though he did tend to simply grasp onto context things such as instruments. “Still, regardless if I can teach you anything or not, I think it’ll be fun,”

------

The sound of his laugh honestly completely and totally shocked Bella. It was not something she had expected...and it wasn’t something she had expected to enjoy the sound of as much as she found herself liking it. It made a smile of her own tug gently at the corners of her lips, “Hey, I could’ve still lived under a rock.” She was certain she had toxic traits of her own.. Her brows quickly shot upwards, “And people to have sex with are easy to find? Hmm,” she pondered a moment before her cheeks flushed an even deeper red color, “I mean, not that I’m--..not that I’m looking for someone to have,” Oh dear god. She thought to herself. Stop talking. Stop talking.

“It could be just like riding a bike..I mean it’s all muscle memory, I think you will be pleasantly surprised by how natural it still feels.” She continued to beebop her way up to the building nearly tripping herself as she started up the front steps, an awkward laugh forced its way out of her, “opps, heh, you didn’t see that...Oh,” she paused, her voice dropping down to a whisper, “You mind keeping this a secret? I’m not really ready to share this with everyone...” This time she moved carefully into the building and led the way up to her room, she stopped outside her door, “And,” she dragged out, “I haven’t cleaned so please..please excuse the mess.” It truly wasn’t as bad as she was making it out to be. It wasn’t like she even had a lot of valuables to make the room messy.

[isabell-uhh]

kaikings​:

Malakai wasn’t used to being asked questions – let alone answering them. He’d become so detached and he knew that, but speaking with Bella made it that more obvious for him. Luckily, with each question that passed from her lips, it became slightly more easier to open up. Slightly. At least around her. “I think I started with Blink-182. Started just from messing about. I’d stay at school after hours and just fuck around in the music department,” he gave a small laugh at the thought. “Y’know, drugs, alcohol, sex. The latter,” he spoke nonchalantly. He figured a lot of people probably chose similar coping mechanisms as him, but he doubted Bella was one of them. He was glad for that. She definitely deserved better. Him? Well, Malakai was just another statistic along with other foster kids.

Browns furrowed with interest as she spoke. “Did you?” He said, a small chuckle passing him at her offer. “Yeah, y’know, might be nice. I haven’t… came across any instruments since. I have a pretty good handle on string instruments,” he agreed with a slight nod. it was weird, thinking it’d be so long since he even heard the slightest bit of music,

“Blink-182, Oh!,” she squeaked, “How does that one song go?” Bella paused a moment before she started humming a short beat, bobbing her head in sync with it, she could practically hear the drums, “Ah! All the...small things, truth care, true brings,” she sang briefly before letting the notes fall off, “That’s the only song of theirs I know,” she chuckled giving her head a shake. Music had been the one thing that Bella had felt like herself listening to. She might not have chosen the same coping mechanisms as he had, instead she had things like overspending, which even happened now with her ration tickets. Or biting her nails.. “Sex,” she found herself repeating the word, she really should’ve known the answer. Despite trying not to have her cheeks turn a pink hue, she could feel the heat creeping along them. “I see,” sex had not been one of her coping mechanisms, though she saw nothing wrong with him choosing that as his...unless of course he hadn’t been happy with that. “What about now? Are those still how you cope?” She quickly added on with a stammer, “I-I mean..you don’t...you don’t have to answer that...sorry.”

Bella gave a quick no, “I did.” After throwing once last glace over at the new mom and baby she began to move out of the barn completely. If he felt any similar to the way she did with music, then she was a little too excited to give him a small piece of it. She had cried tears of joy when the found the small instrument...but then again....crying wasn’t exactly a rare event with her.  “Oh I'm so excited!” she chirped as she gave a little excited bounce on her feet, “I think I have it tuned right..but you might know better than me. It was pretty hard to figure out since I don’t have much experience with instruments. You will have to show me how its really done!”

[isabell-uhh]

kaikings​:

This experience was different to say the least. It felt as if things were almost normal. Having an open, casual interest of life and interest. Reminiscing was a weird feeling. He couldn’t help but have a lingering ache in the back of his throat, craving a taste of poison as the negative thoughts crept in the back of his mind that normal would never exist again. It was just natural for Malakai’s mind to wander into dismay. His thoughts were distracted as the woman stood up onto her tippy toes and peered into the stall. Her smile was infections, and he felt a smirk crease on his features even before he peaked over to catch a glimpse on what caused the grin in the first place. 

“I used to, yeah. It calmed me, sometimes,” he admitted with a shrug. Most times though, it wasn’t enough to subside his urges and anxiety. Still, it was nice to turn to sometimes. “Yeah, there’s something different about a live performance,” he agreed out easily. “Probably one of the only things that could make me forget everything without – y’know, other things,”

—–

Isabella turned happily towards him, a look of determination on her face, “What was your favorite song?” It would be a tough question for her to answer, so she wasn’t sure if he would have an easier time. Her brows pinched together, “Other things? Like what?” A pit formed in her stomach as thoughts of what he needed to even forget swirled around her head. Even back then in the ‘normal’ people already had a close relationship with pain and heartache...this world wasn’t that new to them she imagined.

“Before I came here I actually found something,” she wasn’t sure if this was a good idea, in fact it made her feel the tingles of anxiety start to pick up again, “I found a ukelele...at least that’s what I think it is. I’ve been practicing on it a little bit,” Bella chewed harshly on her bottom lip, “It’s back in my room if you would like to see it? Or play around with it?” It wasn’t a guitar, but it was something that they could still play. Plus it actually had a nice sound to it. “I have a harmonica as well...I just, I can not figure out how to play it. You’re welcome to it, if you want.”

[isabell-uhh]

kaikings​:

It was a cliche reminder, but a difficult one to remember. Kai surely, at this point, was losing any glimpse of hope he possibly had. Isabelle though, was quite the refresher. His blue hues were fixated on her, as if just being in her presence could somehow fix him. As if her positivity and optimism could be contagious. As she talked about the Earth, how nature had been blissfully persevering through all of this… it was something he didn’t think about often. Not unless he was blackout drunk, laying in a field somewhere and staring up at crystal blue skies above him. 

As Bella kept speaking, the more it made sense. The world simply had a way to fixing itself. And… it was beautiful. Suppose he’d try to notice it more often after this talk on the many aimlessly walks he took, but he didn’t want to admit it. Kai couldn’t help but stay silent, truthfully pondering upon her words. Digesting them. She could probably be a poet if she wanted. it seemed as if Bella had a way of aiding others to see the world as she did. Poets were immaculate with that.

The mention of what she missed made his heart drop. He could relate. He assumed that for anyone that had a creative bone in their body loved to just put music on full blast and feel a complete escape with whatever story was being projected. Still, he smiled, as the memories weren’t too sad. It was nice remembering the… better coping mechanisms he had, even if they weren’t readily at his fingertips anymore. “Do you play anything?” He asked out of curiosity, gaze now focusing back on Bella. “I liked music a lot too,” he admitted. “It’s weird, feels so long ago since going to parties every night, or concerts and being stuck in some mosh pit,” he joked with a short laugh. “I took that stuff for granted,”

—–

All that wasn’t to say that it was easy finding the good things. Some days it was harder than others. Bella definitely would not call herself a poet...by any means of the imagination. It would shock her to think someone associated her with the word. She didn’t mind his silence, she rather enjoyed knowing that he was soaking in her words. She wasn’t sure if they would help, yet, there she was spilling her thoughts out.

“I used to,” she muttered out softly as she leaned up on her tippy toes to get a better look into the stall. The sight Jasper suckling up to his mother made a bright smile dance on her lips, “Once upon a time I played the guitar...I wasn’t like a pro or anything...I also sang a little. It was fun.” She peered back over at Kai, it sure was an interesting experience being here with him. She didn’t normally talk like this. “What about you? Do you play?” A genuine giggle slipped out between her lips at his joke, “I can totally see you being stuck in a mosh pit...I remember the first concert I went to,” she was smiling, “I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It was just like a little dubstep concert, but like....to not only hear the music, but to physically feel it in my body. It was an unbelievable experience.”

[isabell-uhh]

juney-mooney​:

**~**

“I am,” Juney nodded with a smile. “Or I was but it’s still a need. There are still children, right?” She felt the need to explain for some reason. That her entire livelihood and most defining feature was still necessary. The woman hadn’t implied it wasn’t but she felt strangely defensive. It had been too long since she’d spoken with a living person and it was starting to show. 

“But you know, the diner is probably a good place to start. I didn’t think those existed anymore.” Her mouth was suddenly watering as she remembered what a good burger tasted like. It was unlikely they had food like that anymore but anything was better than nothing, which is what she’d had lately. “Have you eaten yet?”

—-

Isabella could feel the heat flooding into her cheeks, she suddenly felt embarrassed, but wasn’t sure entirely of the reason. “I’m sorry...I’m sorry for offending you,” she frowned, “I just...I guess I forget that kids are here.. What do you teach? I think it’s awesome that it’s something that’s still happening.” It would be a shame if the kids had to go without any education...no matter what it was, she was sure it was a much needed distraction for them.

She shook her head, “No, I haven’t eaten yet. Would you like me to join you? There’s no guessing what they have today on the menu...it’s kind of whatever is in stock, ya know? Come on though,” she smiled as she began to head towards the direction of the diner, “Let’s get a hot meal in you.”

[isabell-uhh]

kaikings​:

Malakai followed her lead, edging out of the stall as he knew the animals needed their nurturing time. Plus, with the cloud of pessimism wrenching off of Kai, it was probably best to retreat rather than let any malicious feelings linger in the one positive light of Fairvale. 

As Isabelle began to speak, each word tied in a perfect little bow of meaning, he couldn’t help but to be captivated by every sound that left her lips.  He didn’t know how she did it. To feel even remotely like he did. Not able to find their good out of this new normal, but still smile like that. Still care so deeply. It… caused the heart-strings to pull a brief workout. His gaze then followed hers, looking back into the stall that consisted of now, two horses, that were both healthy. He could bet this was the happiest the mother has been in a while too. The thought brought a returning smile to his features. It was scary, to feel that flicker of hope and personifying its dependence on something so fragile as a foal. “Ah, well, guess with that reminder I’ll have to learn to be a little optimistic,” 

-----

Bella didn’t know what the other had been through to get here, or even what he was going through now as they were both standing there together. It was moments like this when she wished she could wrap everyone up tightly to protect them from anymore hurt...but she knows she can’t, and that thought breaks her heart sometimes. “It’s ok...to not be ok,” she whispered softly, her dark hues flickering to look over at him, “The first good thing I noticed was how the Earth began to thrive...how nature began to flourish once again. I started to notice all the beauty it had to offer us..” She felt kind of lame saying it out loud, however, she meant what she was saying.

“Have you noticed how bright the stars are at night now? And how right as you wake in the morning there’s that stillness in the air? The air isn’t littered with all the noises of the city....” She let out a slow sigh, “but you know what I miss? Music...I never thought there would be a day when it wasn’t here....” Sure there were ways she could listen to some music. Rafi had made sure of that. It was different though, it wasn’t driving down the interstate blaring her favorite song..she still cherished the small bit she was given..

[isabell-uhh]

juney-mooney​:

“Well…I don’t really know,” Juney laughed nervously. The closest thing she could equate this situation to was when she went to college. Orienting herself on campus was not the same as a full town though. Especially without Google or really any technology. But here, she was on her own. She had to do something she had never done in her life and rely on the people around her. People that she didn’t know. Something about this girl seemed familiar though. Almost comforting. 

“I…uh…I guess I don’t really know where anything is,” she shrugged and turned her gaze around them. “I guess they kind of gave me directions to where I’m supposed to live but they didn’t really tell me where the school is or…umm…anything. So I guess any information you can give me would be helpful.”

----

“The school?” she asked, her brows slightly raised in surprise, “Are you a teacher?” Honestly, Bella didn’t even know there was a school around here. She hadn’t really taken the time to explore everything Fairvale had to offer, then again she didn’t really have any use for the school so why would she know? “I’m not sure I’ll be very much help,” she frowned, “I can show you to the diner, and maybe your living quarters.” Under her breath she quickly added, “I didn’t even know we had a school...”

Perhaps Bella needed to actually take a look around town....if she didn’t know there was a school, what else didn’t she know was there? 

[isabell-uhh]

kaikings​:

Kai had a feelings that he would regret naming the small, innocent creature. After all, how could he not? With all the bad things that happened… how could something bad not happen to the one thing that he decided to care about in the first time in forever. Still, it was almost refreshing. Feeling something, anything besides terror, dread, and hate. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking a longing breath in hopes it would calm his nerves.

His only fluttered opened his eyes when Bella decided to crack a joke. It really shocked Kai if he was honest. A small smile spread across his cheeks and he shook his head in a teasing disapproval motion from the irony of the joke. “was that a joke?” he was actually shocked. He wasn’t sure if the young woman even had the audacity to make jokes nowadays. The first impression of her was that she was a anxious girl that probably shouldn’t still be alive, quite frankly.

“I think this is one of the first good days I’ve had in a while,” Malakai muttered out quietly, looking up at her, actually grateful that she was someone that wouldn’t sit here and make fun of him for the comment, or at least he hoped. “ I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep either, and I usually treat that with couple shots or something. But maybe… I don’t know, not really looking forward to waking up considering that tomorrow will just be back in hell with no little horses been born … so are you really able to stay optimistic like this?”

----

The only reason Isabella even decided to crack a joke, even such a terrible one as she did, was because she was still high on the endorphins. A soft giggle slipped between her lips as she gave a quick shrug of her shoulders, “Maybe...maybe not.” It was easy in this moment to forget about the zombies and other monsters outside their gates..but it wouldn’t last much longer she was afraid.

She felt rather proud that the joke had taken the other by surprise and that it had earned her a smile, even if it was a small one. She had a feeling that Kai didn’t allow himself to feel like this often. To be fair, Bella wouldn’t been dead if she hadn’t found her companion, Rafi as early as she did. Maybe she could’ve survived on her own, but even she doubted that.

 Slowly, she began to back out of the stall to leave the new mom alone, “Really?” her brows stitched together as she asked, but at his question she drew quiet. A stillness grew in the air around her as she carefully thought out her answer.  “I’ve been having a hard time,” she softly began, “finding the good things of life lately.” She was sure he knew the feeling, “But I have found some. Some that actually make me feel.” A short chuckle left her small frame, “I guess, I guess I am able to stay optimistic....I kinda have to.” Bella didn’t normally talk like this...she didn’t normally open up to anyone, but here she was. She peeked back into the stall, “Tomorrow I guess I’ll just have to drag you back here to see Jasper...remind you that we helped bring life into this world,” she gave him a playful bump in his side.

[isabell-uhh]

targetwho​:

After a couple of weeks in the town, Target was finally starting to feel comfortable exploring more of what was within the walls than the same path from her shared house with half a dozen other people and the inventory warehouse where she worked. It helped that Oliver was back in town. And that since the last round of supply runners had been taken hostage, things had been slow in the warehouse. With nothing new to add to the lists, things were a lot easier to keep track of.

Today she had managed to leave the main part of town and explore the outer areas after trying for the last week or so. It was nice to be out in the fresh air, away from the hustle of the inner part of the city. It almost reminded her of what life used to be like before. Being out in nature used to make her feel so free. Hiking and gardening were two of her favourite past times.

When she spotted somebody by the barns, she debated for a second going back. But she was trying to push herself. While Oliver was gone, she had been an absolute mess since she didn’t know many other people in town. So she approached the anxious looking woman. Hearing her voice her concerns let her relax a little. At first she worried something else in town had gone horribly wrong. While she was now worried for the horse too, it was better than another zombie attack or more people going missing.

“I didn’t mean to scare you…Is it possible that she might be sick? Can horses get sick?” She asked, looking towards the horse in question.

“I’m not sure,” she commented, “Maybe she’s still just recovering.” She bit down harshly at her bottom lip, “I might just have to keep a steady eye on her...” Isabella hoped she hadn’t ended up being sick. She could also be missing the members that were still captured...how could she really know?

“I just need to relax...give her some time to gain her appetite back...I think.” Bella turned towards the other looking to see if she thought it might be a good idea as well. “You didn’t scare me, by the way,” she muttered out, “I just get myself so worked up sometimes....You know?”

She had always gotten herself worked up over things, but now it was even worse. She had to worry about everything. Anything could take any of them out now...it did nothing to help her anxiety.