ZRP-2 Chapter 7: Mutation

"Yeah....rest would probably be best for now. We've still got plenty of daylight left, so waiting a bit won't hurt." James walked over to Hibiki, pulling her against him as he hugged her.

Hibiki smiled, cuddling against James.
"I guess not."

James nuzzled against her hair gently, relishing the warmth of the contact. "Probably not enough time for anything fun though."

"Cuddling isn't fun? Sheesh." Hibiki swatted his arm playfully.

Grinning, he stepped back. "Well, not the really relaxing fun, you know what I mean?" Before she could respond, he walked off to the couch. He was really going to need to sit for a bit.

Drying her hands further, Hibiki smiled and went ocer to sit on James' lap. Sideways, she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Oh, so you already want more? Well you get to wait." She smirked. "Eve comes home happy, you'll get all you wanted." She kissed him with another slight smirm.

Flicker had chosen her approach, a fence that few could see her from unless they looked out of a window. She climbed it slowly, careful to try and minimise the rattling of the chain links. She swung herself over the top and landed lightly, sprinting softly into the shadows.
She was in... Now it was time to find the food. Flicker did not drawn any of her weapons, she was not here to harm the survivors who lived here, merely help herself to their food rations. She was not above stealing from others, she would even take from the dead. Flicker would survive by any means. She stopped careful, listening for voices. Hearing none she moved forward, Flicker's green eyes gleamed from the shadows like that of an observant predator.

I could feel my face flush at the slight mention of it. "U-uh... yeah. Gotcha. I'll get dressed and we could... go for a walk maybe?"
I scratch the top of my head as I thought about it. "Maybe we can get some food, maybe go by the river. I don't know."

Jennifer smiled.
"A walk sounds nice."

"All I wanted huh? So does that mean you've got a plasma screen tv and a copy of the next Grand Theft Auto somewhere?" he said with a smirk.

"Don't push your luck. I can give you a child, sex, and sparring lessons. Or conversation. Pick your poison." Hibiki retorted.

"Nice to know the kid, sex and sparring lessons are poison," he chuckled. "I'm not so sure. They all seem tempting."

"Pick one and call back later." Hibiki sighed.

"Is that your final answer?" He grinned, brushing some of her hair back.

"Yes Cedric. Final answer. Do I win a million dollars and bankrupt the show for awhile now?" she teased.

"Something like that," was all he said before giving her a kiss on the cheek and then slumping back on the sofa. "Now.....give me a few minutes, then I'll be ready to take Eve out looking for a bow."

Hibiki nodded, cuddling up to James' side. "Don't stay out too long, ok? I know she wants a bow, but you have to be back here before dark. Or I'll get worried and mad at you. Got it?"

"Don't worry, we'll be fine. We won't be going alone, that's for sure." Sighing in contentment, he thought about who to bring. "I'll check with Tyler, see if he'd like to get out and stretch his legs a little."

"Alright. Keep our girl safe." Hibiki slid off of James' side.

"I'll do what I can. And....she can see just how healed she's become." He felt rested enough to get off the couch, and head for the back door. "I'll....see if I can find anything for you while I'm out."

"It's about Eve. Don't worry about me; making her happy is all I really could want." Hibiki replied.

I stood up and stretched my arms. "Alright. I'll need a sec." I went over to where I tossed my normal clothes, for now I was just wearing shorts.
Quickly pulling them on along with my boots. "Ready?" I asked as I made my way to the stairs.

Smiling, Jen took his arm. "Yep."

"Okay," was all he could say before he left out the door. James found Eve talking with Sam, the latter standing by Nomad. I smiled a little, and figured I'd give them some more private time before actually collecting her, so I left for where Tyler was housed. It wasn't that long of a walk, and I soon reached the house he and Jennifer, along with a few other people from the caravan, currently shared. Knocking on the door, I waited for a response.

I lead her up the stairs and down the hallway to the front door. I heard knocking coming from it so I yelled, "I got it!" up the other flight of stairs.
Not a moment later I was opening the door, finding James on the other side. "Oh. Hey James, what's up?"

"Tyler, hey," James said, smiling a little. It was good to see someone else beyond the usual crowd. "Listen, I'm heading back out into Owensboro to check for a few specialty items and I was wondering if you'd like to join. More the merrier right?"

"Oh. Uhm. Sure, what're we looking for? And can she go too, if she wants?" I gestured to Jennifer.

"Sure," James said, looking at Jennifer. "More people we have, more eyes on the look out. So long as you're up for it of course."

Jen smiled. "I'd love to come."

Eve hugged Sam, nuzzling her shoulder. "Love you...I should get going."

"Yeah," Sam said. "You probably should." I stepped back, continuing to pet Nomad.

James smiled a little, glad for the extra company. "Great, glad to hear it. Get ready, and meet us by the east gate." Then he left, heading back for his house.

Eve was sitting on the porch railing, staring across the ground.
"Daddy? Thank you."

Jen smiled. "Alright."

As he approached, he arched a brow at her. "For what? I mean, I haven't done anything yet."

"For agreeing to take me." She giggled a bit.

"I'm your dad. How could I say no?" He walked up the steps onto the porch, patting her on the shoulder. "So, Tyler and Jennifer will be joining us. Should be fun."

I closed the door behind him after nodding my goodbye. "Alright. Since we're looking for something, grab a knife or two."
I said to her as I made my way up to our room. Quickly I grab my M9 and my combat knife. I wonder if they have a spare silencer...

"Yay!" Eve smiled. "More the merrier."

"And the more the safer," James added. "Alright, grab your stuff and let's head out." He left Eve on the porch, walking towards the east gate. He already had his gear on.

Eve gravved her temporary shoulder bag, resting it on her good shoulder. Making sure her handgun was holstered, she jogged after James.
"Will Ella be let out soon?" She asked innocently.

"Heh, not sure," James said as the pair of them headed for the gate. "She might get out tomorrow, or the day after if she's lucky. Not sure about the other two."

Eve nodded. "Ok."
She took James' hand after that.

They both walked to the gate, hoping Jennifer and Tyler would be there to meet them. Secretly, James was worried. The runners were still out there, and he hoped they didn't encounter them for fear Eve wouldn't be able to outrun them.

Jennifer was by the gate.
"Hey!" She waved.

Eve smiled...shyly, pressing against James.

"You okay?" he asked, looking down at Eve.

"Haven't...been out with people I sont know well really." She admitted.

"Well, now you have time to get to know them."

Eve nodded. "Ok."

I followed after Jen soon after she left and got there a little bit after James and Eve did. "Sorry about that. I'm here though."

James turned to look at Tyler, who was just now showing up. "No problem Tyler, we just got here." He looked from the each of the people there. "So, we all good to go?"

Eve nodded as Jen smiled. "All set!"

"Yeah." I added. "What are we looking for again? I would rather I didn't miss it."