Todd Wants Key's Face

*and so they patrol*

Harry: *is bored*

Paul: So.... "us?"

Claire: *groans* Are you really going to bring that up again?

Harry: Seriously, Paul - let it go.

Paul: I'm not letting it go until one of you admits it.

Claire: Admits WHAT?

Paul: That you two are in a relationship. :P

Claire: *sighs* Really, how old are you, TWELVE...?

Harry: just because we're haning out doesn't mean we're together - it means we're FRIENDS.

Paul: Mhmm. What guy invites a girl up to his room?

Claire: A FRIEND?

Harry: Y-You read too much into this! D8<

Paul: Getting a little defensive there, Harry.

Claire: Paul, just give it a rest. >:/

Harry: *his face is getting hot underneath his mask* f-frack!

Paul: a-HA! I KNEW it.

Claire: *facepalms* That... doesn't prove anything.

Paul: Yes it does. :3

Harry: *is quite silent now*

Claire: *goes silent as well*

Paul: Ahaha... hah. I don't even know why you hide it, there's nothing wrong with being in a relationship.

Claire: There is when it's a soldier with their superior.

Paul: ...Oh, shoot, you're right. I am TOTALLY not publicizing this. But... you could have TOLD me you know. D:

Harry: Not really, no. Who knows who you might've told?

Paul: I can keep secrets!

Claire: mhmm.

Harry: Sure. Whatever.C'mon, we should be patrolling.

Paul: We ARE patrolling!

Claire: No, WE'RE patrolling. You're acting like a thirteen-year-old girl.

Paul: ....ouch.

Harry: Haha... *to Claire* nice.

Claire: heh.

Paul: ...that was mean. D: *doesn't bring up the subject again*

*they continue the patrol until night. Then they head back*

Harry: Let's hope that we CAN go out, tomorrow.

Claire: I'll come down early to see what their decision is...

Paul: I hope they say yes. I'm getting kinda bored of this place already.

Harry: Same.

*they enter the locker room*

Harry: *he takes off his armor, and puts that, and his gun away*

Claire: *does the same* ...Harry, can I talk to you real quick?

Paul: *putting his own armor and gun away* mhmm. "talk."

Claire: *shooting him a sidelong glare* Paul...

Paul: I know, i'm sorry, i'll stop. D: See you guys tomorrow. *hurries out to avoid her wrath*

Claire: *sighs* I swear, he acts like such a child sometimes...

Harry: So... what did you wanna talk about?

Claire: Walk and talk. :P *heads out of the CEDA building with Harry* I got someone to fix your window. I'm pretty sure he said he would work on it tonight...

up

Harry: Exactly. She doesn't have to say anything if she doesn't want to.

Paul: Okay, whatever. You still said "us."

Claire: No he didn't, Paul. :/

Harry: Right. So I guess I'll just go, then. Good night, guys.

Claire: Good night...

Paul: seee ya...

Claire: ... *grabs her coat and leaves after Harry*

Paul: ...yeah, definitely not fooled, guys. :/

Harry: *notices her walking with him* Well, that was embarrassing. Sorry about that. D:

Claire: That's okay. Though I don't think we fooled Paul. D:

Harry: Ugh... he's not gonna let it go, will he?

Claire: not until we admit it.

Harry: THAT'S great.

*they reach the apartment building*

Harry: Well, I guess I'll, uh, skip anything that requires me taking off my mask and head for bed. I'll see you tomorrow, Claire.

Claire: ...okay. Goodnight. *goes to her apartment*

*the next day*

Harry: *after spending a night sleeping in the freezing cold, he decides to wake up extra early in order to cover his window by taping a sheet over it - at least until he could actually get it fixed. Then, he walks down the stairs and out the door to the CEDA Building*

Paul: *catches up to him* Mornin', Harry.

Harry: Morning. The gas mask was uncomfortable as HELL last night.

Paul: Figured. You might wanna call someone to fix that for you, who knows how long it'll take for this gas stuff to wear off. Where's Claire?

Harry: *checks behind him* Uhh... I dunno. Do you think she's late? That's not like her. *immediately gets worried*

Paul: Who knows? Maybe WE'RE late. Let's hurry up.

Harry: Uh... right.

*they arrive at the CEDA Building*

Claire: *is already there, putting her armor on* Good morning. :)

Paul: Aw, I knew it! We WERE late. *rushes to his locker*

Claire: No, I just came in early. ^^;

Paul: ...why?

Claire: I was submitting the request for patrols outside the walls, to start picking up ex-Infected.

Harry: Oh, hey! Right! Awesome... for some reason, I feel kinda happy to be getting out of the Safe Zone. I dunno why.

Paul: *putting his armor on* Maybe you don't like being cooped up in here. :P

Claire: *grabs her gun, and waits for the other two* In any case, we should be receiving orders tomorrow, if this goes through... Being an officer helps. ;)

Harry: Ah, but of course. :P *gets his armor on, and takes out his gun*

Paul: *grabs his gun* Obviously. Let's go.

Claire: *nods, and leads them outside*

up

Harry: *smirks a bit under his mask*

*Nothing happens on their patrol. Night hits them fast, like a train. They head back*

Harry: I wonder how the infected feel right now... if it's a slowed down process, are there STAGES to being cured?

Claire: It's likely.... and it's also possible that some people are cured more slowly than others...

Paul: So, common infected are cured first while the Specials might take longer?

Harry: I would think so. If anything, the Smokers are gonna be extra slow, since their breathing isn't exactly the best.

Claire: ...we'd have to start taking people out as they get cured, then... if the Specials take longer, they might go after people who've already been cured...

Paul: ...that is a good point.

Harry: Should rescue teams be sent out? The commons might not know where to find the Safe Zone, or what it even is.

Claire: ...we probably should send soldiers out. I'll report it to Lieutenant* Crowe as soon as we get back.

*is that rank correct or is it General? substitute correct rank if i'm wrong.

Me: the rank is correct.

Harry: Well then - good thing I said something.

Claire: *nods* Yeah, thanks for pointing that out.

Paul: *gives Harry another thumbs up* :P

Harry: Hell, maybe WE could be one of the groups sent out there. It would give us something to do, that's for sure.

Me: that was subtle. XD

Claire: Hah! Sounds like a plan! I'll put in a request for that. :)

Paul: SWEET.

Me: XP

Harry: Awesome. It'll be nice to be helpful again :D

Claire: ^^ *opens the door to the CEDA Building, and holds it open for them*

Paul: *goes through* Thank you. :P

Harry: *goes in after Paul* Thank you, Claire. <3

Claire: *follows him in* You're welcome. <3

Paul: *raises a hidden eyebrow at their tone* ...?

Harry: *takes off his armor and puts away his gun, unable to see Paul's reaction* So, yeah. I guess I'm gonna need to SLEEP with the gas mask on - I've got a broken window that needs fixing.

Paul: *taking off his armor* That'll be kind of uncomfortable. D: How'd you break a window anyway?

Claire: *taking off her armor* ....Hunter attack.

Paul: Whoah, you're serious?!

Harry: ... It jumped through the window. Threw us off guard. I... I took care of it. They're getting smarter.

Me: Harry made a mistake here. Can Paul find it?

Paul: ....."us?"

Claire: ...err... o__o;

Harry: What? "Us"? I never said "us".

Paul: Yyyyyeah you did. You said "Threw US off-guard." You definitely said "us."

Claire: >.> *realizes that he's probably already figured it out. she turns and puts her armor away, along with her gun*

Harry: I completely deny this. Maybe you just heard me wrong.

Paul: mhmm. i'm going deaf. okay. i'm sure Claire's silence has nothing to do with anything.

Claire: Huh? oh, i wasn't contributing to the discussion, so i didn't add anything.

up

Harry: Hopefully with no more bumps in the road.

Claire: ...hopefully.

Me: timeskip? D:

Me: sure, go ahead :P

*The next day*

Harry: *wakes up wondering if he still had to go on duty today. He figures that he would have to either way, and gets ready for it, making sure to put on his gas mask before stepping out the door*

Everyone: *wore their gas masks*

Claire: *catches up to him as he left the apartment building, walking with him to the CEDA building. she also wore her gas mask* Hey, Harry.

Harry: *turns his head towards her* Hey, Claire. This'll probably be a pretty uneventful day.

*it's extremely fogging out, though the fog is slightly green*

Claire: *nods* Mhmm. With all this fog everywhere--i assume it's from the missiles--the infected attacks will definitely drop...until everyone within range is cured, at least.

Harry: *he nods* Those poor people, though... when they find out what had happened - what they've DONE... man...

Claire: ...well... they could probably take refuge in the fact that they had no control of themselves... but yeah, you're right... this is going to be tough.

Harry: *nods and holds the door to the CEDA Building open for Claire* Therapists will have a BLAST, though.

Claire: *goes through* Thanks-- Ha! They would if they were making any money off of it.

Harry: *grins under his mask* My comment could've been taken sarcastically too.

Claire: *tries not to grin, but does so anyway* My comment was meant to be a snarky response anyway.

Harry: *shrugs, amused by the conversation* Somehow, I figured that. XP

Claire: You didn't think I was serious, did you? :P

*they reach the lockers*

Harry: Not for a second. *he opens his locker and puts on his armor, then takes his gun*

Paul: *arrives a little after the other two* That fog outside... is crazy. *opens up his locker, and pulls his stuff out*

Claire: *almost done getting ready--she grabs her gun* It's just the cure. Just make sure you keep your gasmask on.

Harry: Right. You wouldn't want to end up like I did the other day.

Paul: ... *nods, and finishes putting his armor on*

Claire: Are we ready?

Paul: *grabs his gun, and nods* Yep. Let's get out there.

*they walk out into the green mist. Most people were back at home, not wanting to wear their gas masks all the time. All was quiet in the eerie green fog*

Harry: ... *patrols with Claire and Paul*

Claire: *stays alert, keeping her guard up as if nothing had changed* ...

Paul: ...so... how long do you think it'll take for infected people to be cured?

Harry: *shrugs* maybe it'll take a couple of days for it all to get into their systems.

Claire: That's likely. Since they have to breathe it in, it'll take longer for it to take effect...

Harry: Exactly. As opposed to a vaccination, which would take immediate effect. Hooray, I remember stuff from high school.

Paul: good job. *gives him a thumbs up* :P

Claire: *laughs at this*

up

Harry: *his voice is shaky, as well as his breathing, but the images are going away* Y-yeah... I'm fine, now... frack, I thought there'd be only that one...

Claire: *now very much concerned* This happened before?!

Harry: ... y-yeah, no big deal... maybe just some remaining delusional crap, or however that shoot works... I'm fine...

Claire: ....Are you sure?

Harry: Yeah. I got get used to it, in case it pops up again, but I'm fine.

Claire: *relaxes a bit, but is still worried* ...was it because of the overdose...?

Harry: Uh... yeah, I think so. *he scratches the back of his head* I thought that doctor got all of it out...

Claire: I thought so too, considering the fact that you even started turning before he came back... *picks her gasmask back up off the floor* ...

Harry: Maybe it's shock? What if its just been imprinted in my brain, or something? Like post-traumatic-stress-disorder victims?

Claire: That's possible... unfortunate, but possible. <:/

Harry: ... I guess. I dealt with too much shoot. I wish I didn't have to deal with it AGAIN.

Claire: ...You'll be fine. I'll try to help you, if you let me.

Harry: *smiles a little at this* And why wouldn't I let you help me? If you can, I mean?

Claire: *smiles back* Dunno. Sometimes people don't want help. Guess you're not one of those. :)

Harry: Well, I don't trust a whole lot of people. I'm only comfortable with YOU helping me.

Claire: I'm honored. :) *looks past him for a moment, out the window* !! They're launching the missiles! Come on! *runs to the window*

Harry: ! *runs up next to her and looks out the window*

Several Missiles: *shoot up into the air in different directions*

People: *cheer loudly*

Todd: *winces at the noise*

Key: *holds onto Todd's arm a bit more tightly, watching the missiles fly with a look of wonder on her face, hidden by her gas mask*

Claire: *follows the missiles, glancing at the different paths they were taking* ....we finally have some hope, huh?

Harry: Yeah. Maybe life can be normal again for us.

meanwhile

Todd: *still wincing at the noise, but, despite the fact that the missiles were risky, and shot off by the military, he was glad that maybe - just MAYBE, life would be normal again*

Key: ...This is it, huh? This is our chance to make a comeback.

meanwhile

Claire: *echoes Harry* Normal again... *looks up at him* I think I'd like that. :)

Todd: *tries scratching his face, but ends up tapping his fingers against the gas mask* ... nrf. A comeback for what?

meanwhile

Harry: *smiles down at her*

Key: Everyone. The human race.

meanwhile

Claire: *holds her hand out to him, smiling warmly*

Todd: Oh. Yeah, let's hope we can last that long.

meanwhile

Harry: *takes her hand with his own, rubbing her palm with his thumb*

Key: ... I think we will.

meanwhile

Claire: *lightly squeezes his hand, then turns her gaze back outside* .....

Todd: ... *he needs* To a brighter future, right?

meanwhile

Harry: *also watches outside*

*Soon, there is an explosion in the distance, followed by several others*

meanwhile

Everyone: *cheers again*

Key: *smiles under the mask, and nods* right.

meanwhile

Claire: .... And so it begins.

up

Harry: I... I'LL move it... just hang on... *he picks the body up and flings it over his shoulder. He was speaking in a quiet voice. He was upset with himself* I'm sorry you had to see that... you can leave, if you want... *he leaves with the body, trying to find some place to dump it*

Claire: *watches him leave... then glances back at the bloody spot on the floor* ... *leaves the apartment, pausing first to watch Harry walk down the hall, then goes in the opposite direction to her own apartment*

Harry: *after dumping the body, he returns to the apartment, not surprised that Claire left. He takes a few steps forward, before reaching the patch of blood on the carpet. There, he fell to his knees, and pounded his brow with the palms of his fists* ... such an IDIOT...! *that was it. Claire wasn't ever going to speak to him again - he just HAD to frack it up - just HAD to be like his father... he was trying to protect themselves from the Hunter - he hadn't meant to go so far... and now she was gone*

Me: timeskip? i believe it's bomb time.

Me: Why, yes.

*The next day began for Todd and Key with a loud siren wailing outside, and the announcement to "begin wearing your gas masks immediately", as the missile - or rather, SEVERAL missiles - were being launched very soon*

Todd: ! *not wanting to suffer the same fate as Harry, he combs through the apartment until he finds his and Key's gas mask, and hands one to Key. He puts his on, and puts his up, making him look almost like an alien* C'mon - if they're launching their damn bomb, we might as well not miss it.

Key: *nods, and pulls her gasmask on* Where are we gonna watch from?

Todd: *shrugs* Who knows. We'll know when we hear it, though. Let's go outside.

Key: Okay. *takes Todd's hand, and pulls him along, all the way out to the street. she looks around* Guess we just wait now, right?

Todd: Yup.

*other people come out to watch this historical event*

Key: ... *holds to Todd's arm, looking up at the sky expectantly* ...

Todd: *also looks up, making that low growling sound so that he can see at all times*

meanwhile

Harry: *stays in his apartment, depressed. He sat alone at his kitchen table, playing the events of yesterday over and over in again in his mind. He couldn't even think straight, and his throat was tight with grief*

Claire: *opens the blinds and looks out the window, down at the street, at all the people gathered there. she had considered joining them, but decided against it. She was off-duty, and she'd rather not be down there if the crowd decided to panic. she turns away from the window and grabs her gasmask off the kitchen table, then sits down on her couch, looking at it. yesterday had definitely been an interesting day... the horrific scene she had experienced the night before was still fresh in her mind... she wonders what could have driven him to act that way, then remembers what she heard him say while he was overdosed on the cure...* ...

Harry: *He was extremely disappointed in himself, and he bit his lip when he felt a sob come. He was so close - SO CLOSE! He had been with her for a DAY! She was the only one who truly made him not feel like some freak of nature*

Claire: *stares at the gasmask as she thinks. she knows Harry's a good person, she's seen it, more than once... she stands and heads out of her apartment, taking the mask with her. she doesn't know what she's going to say to him, but... she wants Harry to know her opinion of him hasn't changed. not quite yet. she reaches his apartment, and takes a deep breath before knocking on his door* ...please open up...

Harry: *he nearly jumps when Claire knocks on the door, and moves to open it. His gas mask wasn't on, and his eyes were red-rimmed from the crying he had done. He wears a look of genuine surprise when he sees her there. He opens his mouth, but no words come out*

Claire: *looks up, and is somewhat taken aback by his appearance--she hadn't thought of him as the crying type--she tries to find the right words, but fails. she averts her eyes to the floor and clears her throat with a quiet "ahem," looks up at Harry, then speaks, hoping the short phrase would get her point across* Hey, Harry...

Harry: *looks down at her for a few more whole seconds, then he, himself, answers. His voice is quiet, almost a whisper* H... hey, Claire... I thought you'd want to see the missiles launch...

Claire: *lowers her voice to match his, never breaking eye contact with him* You can see better from up here... there isn't anything in the way.

Me: I see what you did there?

Harry: ... I'm sorry, Claire... I'm sorry about last night - I don't know what that was...

Me: YES. *fistpump of victory* you caught that!! :D

Claire: *shakes her head. she wasn't about to try to figure Harry out all at once--she didn't want to.* It's... it's fine. You defended us, we're alive, and that's what matters...

Harry: ... I just feel like I've told you something about myself... something that I really shouldn't have...

Me: Well, he technically DID...

Claire: ...well... it had to come out eventually... and better that only one person sees than the entire world...

Harry: ... So are we still... okay? Us?

Claire: *nods, and gives him a small, reassuring smile*

Harry: *smiles back at her, when suddenly, his reality is interrupted by a flash of those horrifying visions* AAH!! *backs away in surprise, nearly stumbling over, then puts a hand of his eyes, teeth bared, trying to keep form screaming again*

Claire: *is startled by his sudden scream* Aah!! *goes into the apartment after him, closing the door behind her. she drops the mask, and approaches him* Harry..! Are you alright??

up

Harry: No kidding. Hey - do you want to hang out at my apartment, or something?

Claire: Sure, why not? :)

Harry: Cool. :)

*they arrive at Harry's apartment, and enter it*

Harry: Right, then...

Claire: *enters the apartment, and sits down on the couch with a sigh*

Harry: *sits down next to her* So, uhh... what now?

Claire: You invited me over, you decide. :P

Harry: *twiddles his thumbs* well shoot, there's not a whole hell of a lot to do... I know, I'll try to make some kind of dinner or something. Hopefully one that I can actually make successfully. Like microwave stuff. If you're into that.

Claire: That's totally fine. XD

Harry: Well, okay. *checks the fridge* Weee haaave... hot pockets. Want a hot pocket?

Claire: Sure. :) *knowing that they'll be done quickly, she stands up off the couch and goes towards the kitchen table*

Harry: *makes hot pockets LIKE A BOSS*

Claire: *leans on the counter, waiting for them to be done*

Harry: *finishes microwaving both hot pockets, and gives one to Claire. He sits down across from her with his own* Ta-daa.

Claire: Heheh. *sits down with her own, and takes a bite out of it* ^^

Harry: *bites into his carefully, as the contents are quite hot* Man... if Todd or Key knew about us, I don't think they'd believe it.

Claire: It's that far-fetched, huh?

Harry: Yup. *takes another bite of his hot pocket* I don't know what you see in me that other people don't.

Claire: I don't know what people DON'T see in you... *takes a bite out of her hot pocket* ...You're a good guy, Harry, I've told you that. And you've proven it.

Harry: *smiles at this* Thank you, Claire. I... I DO love you...

Claire: *slides her hand across the table and holds it out towards him. She didn't know if she'd go as far as to use the word "love" yet, but... with enough time, it could happen-- and she was willing to give Harry that opportunity. she smiles back at him... yes, she was definitely willing.* :)

Harry: *places his hand on top of hers, blushing a little. He was very happy - the happiest he's ever been*

A Hunter: *suddenly crashes through the window*

Harry: !!!! *immediately moves out of his chair, away from it, motioning for Claire to do the same* WHAT THE frack??

Hunter: *snarls at them both*

Claire: !! *gets as far away from the window as possible, standing behind Harry* H-How did it get so far past the patrols?!

Harry: *through bared teeth* They're getting SMARTER... maybe it knows not to go after the people with the guns and armor... maybe it knows how to be STEALTHY... *he pulls open a drawer behind him, and takes out a long knife*

Hunter: *stalking towards them* rrrrr - *leaps at them* RYYYYYYYYYE!

Harry: *brings the knife foward, slashing the Hunter away with it*

Hunter: *stumbles away, a deep gash now across its body* Auuhh...! AUUuuhh...!

Harry: *gives it no time to attack them again - he is on the Hunter in a matter of minutes, and stabs at it viciously, the blood spattering on his clothes* RAAAGH!!

Claire: *looks on in horror as Harry mercilessly stabs the Hunter* D8 ....

Harry: *gets up after the Hunter dies, then looks back, realizing Claire was still there, and had seen ALL of that. He drops the knife* Oh... oh no... I-I... I didn't mean to make it look so... oh no...

Claire: *is speechless for a few moments. when she regains her speech, she's very quiet* I-It's dead, that's what matters... *swallows nervously. she knew Harry wouldn't turn on her (was she really sure about that?) but seeing that he's CAPABLE of being that brutal was startling enough... worse than shooting that infected man a month ago...* W-We need to get someone to move it...

up

*and so they patrol*

Harry: *finds himself quite distracted by Claire*

Claire: *notices him looking at her, and lightly elbows him* focus, Harry...

Paul: ...?

Harry: Right - sorry.

*they continue on their patrol. Nothing happens. Later, they head back*

Harry: No zombies for a while...

Claire: *nods* let's hope it stays that way.

Paul: It'd be nice if it did, I'm kinda liking the break.

Harry: They might be planning something.

Paul: Are they SMART enough to do that?

Claire: If they're smart enough to throw each other over walls, they might be.

Paul: ...

Harry: They need to hurry it up with that fracking BOMB.

Paul: NO KIDDING.

Claire: ...

Harry: It's supposed to be soon right? That's what the announcement said. *holds the door to the CEDA Building open for them*

Claire: *goes inside* thanks. It should be any day now, really...

Paul: *follows her in* Well, they'd better hurry it up!

Harry: *follows them in* Yeah. Before the Safe Zone's not safe anymore.

Claire: *nods in agreement*

*they reach the lockers*

Harry: *puts his armor and things away* ...

Claire: *does the same* ...

Paul: *also does the same* ....awkward silence...

Harry: Right. Uh. I guess we're heading home now. See you tomorrow. *he walks out the door*

Claire: ! *runs to catch up* Hey. :)

Paul: ...what's the rush...? *takes his time*

Harry: *smiling back at her* Hey to you, too. :)

Claire: So... *sighs* am I really your first relationship? Not that that's a bad thing or anything.

Harry: ... uh, yeah. I was kinda "the outcast" in college.

Claire: ...huh. well... that doesn't matter now, does it? *lightly elbows him* fresh start. ^^

Harry: *smirks a little at this* Glad to know that there's SOMETHING positive that comes out of a zombie apocalypse.

Claire: Right? Who knew! :P

Harry: So we're officially together? Like, seriously?

Claire: *laughs, and links her arm with his* Seriously. :P

Harry: *laughs awkwardly* This is so weird.

Claire: yeah? It's just because you're not used to it. :P

up

Harry: *gets extremely nervous from this - she KNEW - SHE KNEW! He didn't even realize how red his face was getting* A-ah, nuh-no I-I don't know anything a-about that. D8

Me: ... *anything LIKE this. holy crap, i was tired.

Claire: *smiles--she KNEW it* You don't have to try to hide it, Harry, I know this is yours.

*they reach the front of the apartment building*

Harry: Oh no - I'm sorry - I-I-I wasn't thinking when I made that - I should've known you'd find out, oh no...!

Claire: Why're you panicking-- it's okay! I think it was very sweet. *gives him a warm smile*

Harry: Whah-wut...? You thought it was SWEET...?

Claire: *laughs a little, then nods* Of course. Especially since you went through the trouble of making it. :) *opens the card* As for your question...

Harry: *looks at her, too used to disappointed to really think of anything she might say except "no"*

Claire: *takes a step closer, and looks up* I say yes. :) *puts a hand on his shoulder, leans up and briefly kisses him*

Harry: *stands there, stunned. It completely caught him off guard. That hadn't ever happened to him before*

Claire: *pulls away, and looks at him* Are... you okay?

Harry: I... I just... this is the first time anyone's done that...

Claire: *blinks, visibly surprised* You mean you never--but you were in college, not even there...?

Harry: *shakes his head* n... no... *he smiles warmly at her* thank you.

Claire: ... *smiles back, and nods* You're a good guy, Harry.

Harry: *his smile shrinks a bit* I'm glad someone thinks so. *he looks over at the doors to the apartment* ... Well... uh... I guess I'll head to my room, then.

Claire: Right. See you tomorrow. :)

Harry: Alright. :) *he heads into the building, and up the stairs to his room. Once safely inside, he stands at the doorway, thinking over what had just happened. Claire liked him back. This was new. This was DIFFERENT* Holy shoot...

Claire: *goes up the stairs to her own room. Once inside, she puts the card down on the kitchen table and hunts through the pantry for something to eat. it had been an interesting few days, that was for sure. she finds it somewhat hard to believe that Harry had never been involved with anyone... well, there was a first for everything, and she seemed to be his in this situation. she smiles at the thought*

Harry: *after dinner, Harry brushed his teeth, showered, and went to bed. He stared at the ceiling for a while. Things were looking up. They really were. He was surprised when he caught himself grinning like an idiot. Well, he shouldn't be surprised. He had a lot to be smiling about. Then, Harry fell asleep*

*THE NEXT MORNING*

Claire: *Walks to the CEDA building, getting there a bit earlier than usual. she takes her armor out of her locker and starts getting ready*

Harry: *wakes up and leaves his apartment, heading down to the CEDA Building, a smile still on his face*

Paul: *leaves around the same time Harry does, and runs to catch up with him* Hey, Harry! *notices his expression* Someone's happy.

Harry: *shrugs* Yeah, well. Just one of those mornings, I suppose. *opens the door to the CEDA Building, and walks down to the locker room* Good morning, Claire - you're here rather early. ^^ *opens his locker, and starts putting on his armor*

Paul: *does the same* She's just doing that to make it seem like we're late. :P

Claire: Oh, please. :P *puts her gasmask on*

Harry: Heh... *puts his own gas mask on, and takes his gun* We're all ready?

Paul: *grabs his gun* yup.

Claire: good. :) Let's go. *leads them out*

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*Much later at night, with Harry, Claire, and Paul. They wrapped up their patrol, and headed back to the CEDA Building*

Harry: *putting his stuff away* Uh... happy Valentines Day, Claire... you too, Paul. *nonchalantly* Its Valentine's Day, right?

Claire: *opens her locker, and sees the card again* ...It most certainly is. *the smile returns to her face, and she proceeds to put her stuff away*

Paul: *putting his own stuff away* heh. more like Single Awareness Day. I need a girlfriend. D: ...Hey Claire--

Claire: No. :P

Paul: Aww. XD

Harry: *bristles at this, frowning at Paul, brow furrowed*

Paul: *notices this* Jeez, I was just kidding. :/

Claire: ? *hadn't noticed Harry's expression changing, and looks at him*

Harry: *looks away from Paul, back to his locker, putting his gun away, expression lighting back up. He closes his locker* ... I guess I'll just head back home, then.

Paul: *finishes putting his stuff away as well* i'm headed out too. See you tomorrow, Claire.

Claire: bye! *waits until Paul and Harry have left, then returns her attention to the card in her locker* ...

Harry: *walks back to the apartment building, then to his apartment. He made himself a package of ramen, then sat on the couch and stared at absolutely nothing* ... *he was thinking of what would happen if Claire found out that it was him. He couldn't think of anything positive that would come out from that, and he cursed himself for even thinking of doing such a stupid thing*

Claire: *is back at the apartment, still looking at the card. she looks at the back, the front, trying to find some identifying mark that might tell her who it's from... but no luck. she puts the card down on the table and makes herself some ramen, and sits down, staring at the card. she had a feeling she knew who it was... it was on the tip of her tongue, but it just wouldn't come out.*

Harry: *after his moment of self-hatred, Harry went to bed. Another crappy Valentine's Day, right? Right. But... he had seen her - a glimpse of her smiling at his card... perhaps she DID like it... but maybe she suspected that it was from someone else. Harry fell asleep on those thoughts*

Claire: *finishes eating, and gets ready for bed, narrowing down the possibilities in her mind as she did so. as she lay in bed, she decided that it could only be one of two people-- and Paul wasn't the type of guy who'd make a card. she smiles, both satisfied and somewhat surprised with her conclusion... she was definitely going to bring this up later... she wasn't sure how, but she would. yes, she most definitely would. she falls asleep with a small smile on her face*

*the next day*

Harry: *walks across the wet, snowless Safe Zone, to the CEDA Building*

Claire: *is not too far behind him. she had taken the card with her, hiding it in her coat. she was going to talk to him before going out on the patrol--she just wanted to confirm it was him*

Harry: *he enters the CEDA Building, then drifts down to the locker room, opening his locker, and getting his stuff* ...

Claire: *goes in after him, and goes to her locker, opening it and pulling out her stuff* ...Harry?

Harry: *takes out his armor and starts putting it on* Uhh... yeah?

Claire: ...Did you--

Paul: *runs in, sliding to a halt* aHA! I'm not late!! >:D

Claire: *rolls her eyes and supresses a groan. of COURSE he'd be on time today. shaking her head, she takes her coat off and starts putting on her armor*

Harry: Nice work, Paul. *puts on his mask and takes his gun* What were you going to ask me, Claire?

Claire: ...I'll tell you later. *when Paul's not around. he'd never let her hear the end of it. she puts on her gasmask, and grabs her gun* You done, Paul?

Paul: gimme a secoooond.

Harry: *taps his foot impatiently* Come on - the infected are getting smarter by the second.

Paul: *puts on his gasmask and grabs his gun* okay, i'm ready.

Claire: About time. :/ Let's get moving. *goes out*

Paul: *follows*

*AND SO THEY PATROLLED*

*On the patrol, nothing truly exciting happens. It is uneventful. Peaceful. It gets late, and they head back*

BACK IN THE LOCKER ROOM

Harry: *takes his gas mask off and puts away. He does the same with his gun. Then his armor*

Paul: *puts his stuff away rather quickly* G'night, guys...

Claire: *puts away her own stuff, and grabs her coat* ...

Harry: *still lingering somewhat* Good night, Paul.

Claire: *puts her hands in her pockets, feeling the card inside* ..Harry, will you walk with me?

Harry: *looks at her from the corner of his eye* Uh... sure. Okay.

*and so, they walk*

*AS THEY WALKED*

Claire: ....Harry, do you remember seeing anything this? *pulls out the card and shows it to him, then waits for a response*

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