RUBY is running away from some zombies when she sees Blaki and begs for help.

RUBY: HEY, IDIOT! HELP ME!

"Hmph... If you insist..." Ruby grumbles before reluctantly holding onto the idiot's hand. "But don't think this means I trust you or anything." She growls under her breath.

RUBY glares at you angrily for a moment before shaking her head in disbelief. "Alright, fine," she mutters, keeping hold of your hand despite herself. But don't think this means I won't make you regret it later." She sniffs dismissively and focuses on running away from the zombies as quickly as possible.

RUBY frowns as she examines her surroundings, taking note of your name before introducing herself coolly, "I'm Ruby. And I trusted you to watch out for those things, so don't think I won't tell you off if you fall asleep on the job." She looks pointedly at the food and then back up at you before asking brusquely, "Aren't you going to offer me some? It's not like I'm one of your zombie-loving friends or anything."

Ruby snorts derisively at your words, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Gentle? Me?" she scoffs, waving a hand dismissively. "I don't know what sort of world you've been living in, but moral purity and discipline are what keep people alive during times like these." She glances away for a moment before returning her gaze to yours, her expression softerening slightly. "But... I suppose if that's what it takes to get along with you," she says, grudgingly reaching out to accept the food from your offering hand, "...I can try my best."

Ruby rolls her eyes at your question and crosses her arms over her chest in annoyance. "I am 42, thank you very much," she says, making it clear that she doesn't see the point in discussing such personal details with someone like you. "And if you must know, I was married once but divorced because my husband wasn't strong enough to control me or our children." She pauses before adding viciously, "He probably let them become zombies too."

Ruby snorts derisively at your compliment, her expression skeptical to say the least. "If you think I'm young because of my looks," she says haughtily, "then you're even dumber than you look." She pauses for a moment before adding slyly, "Of course, that doesn't mean you couldn't... um... use some discipline now and then. You know, to help you survive out here." She grins wickedly at the idea, enjoying the thought of putting you in your place beneath her firm control.

"Hmph." Ruby crosses her arms and looks away, trying to hide the fact that she's actually feeling a bit taken aback by your words. "I suppose I owe you one," she mutters reluctantly after a moment. "But don't think this means we're best friends or anything." She glances back at you sideways before adding, "And I still want to know how you ended up here all alone. You must have some pretty terrible secrets of your own..." Her eyes glint with curiosity and potential judgment as she waits for you to respond.

Ruby's eyes widen in surprise as you take off your shirt to reveal your muscles, and she can't help but feel a flush of shame heat her cheeks. "Oh..." is all she manages to say for several long moments before clearing her throat awkwardly.

Finally gathering her composure, she grumbles, "Fine. I'll take the other bed." With one last disapproving glare in your direction, she wanders over to the bed you indicated and flops down onto it, turning away from you as she tries to ignore how close the two of you are in this tiny space.

As you lay down on the bed across from her, she can't help but notice that despite all your muscles, there's something about you that just doesn't sit right with her... Something about the way you carry yourself, perhaps. She closes her eyes, determined

"What?" Ruby mutters irritably, keeping her eyes closed and not bothering to turn towards you. "Just ask it already." She tries to force herself back into the deep sleep she was enjoying earlier, but your voice keeps her awake and annoyed.

The question takes Ruby by surprise, and for a moment she's silent as her mind flashes back to the memories of her husband. She remembers the days when they were happy together, before the divorce and his infidelity had turned everything sour. Eventually, her anger rises again at the thought of him and all that he had taken from her.

"Of course I did," she snaps irritably, opening her eyes to glare at you across the room. "But that doesn't change the fact that he was weak, just like everyone else in this world seems to be." Her voice softens slightly as she says, almost to herself, "I wish things could have been different... but I can't waste my time on regrets now." She closes her eyes again, trying once more to ignore you and focus on getting some sleep.

Ruby glances at you one more time before finally letting her anger subside and allowing herself to drift back into an uneasy slumber. As she dreams fitfully, images of her old life dance through her mind, mingling with nightmares of the horrors they've all faced in this new world. It's only when she feels a warm hand on her shoulder that she jerks awake, her body tensing as she readies herself for another fight... only to find you leaning over her, looking concerned.

"Shhh," you whisper gently. "It's alright. Just a nightmare." Her heart still racing, Ruby nods weakly and forces herself to calm down. "Thanks..." she mutters softly, eyes wide and haunted as they peer up at you from her rumpled pillow. Despite herself, she feels grateful for your presence - even if it's only temporary

After a moment's hesitation, Ruby nods slowly, reluctantly allowing you to move closer to her as you make room for yourself on the narrow bed beside her. She still can't shake the feeling of vulnerability, but something about your presence makes her feel... safer somehow. Grudgingly, she closes her eyes again and lets herself drift back into a fitful slumber, aware that you're there, watching over her.

Despite everything, for now at least, she trusts you not to abandon her in the nightmarish world they've found themselves trapped within. But whether that trust is deserved or not remains to be seen...

Ruby's breath comes in ragged gasps as she clutches at your shirt, sobbing uncontrollably into the fabric. "They were coming for my children!" she wails through her tears, her body trembling with fear and anger. She can feel you pressing against her, trying to comfort her, but it's not enough to calm the panic that grips her heart. "I couldn't protect them! They died right in front of me..." Her words trail off into a whimper as she buries her face deeper into your chest, wracked with painful memories and guilt.

Ruby continues to sob uncontrollably, her whole body shaking with grief and terror as she clings tightly to you. "It wasn't just a dream," she whispers hoarsely between ragged breaths. "They were real... and they died..." Overwhelmed by the memories and the guilt, she can barely hold back her tears any longer, feeling like her heart is being torn apart all over again.

"It wasn't your fault," you whisper gently into her ear, rubbing soothing circles on her back. "You did everything you could to protect them." Even as the words leave your lips, part of you wonders if they're true... and whether there was anything more Ruby could have done differently.

Eventually, her sobs begin to subside as exhaustion takes hold and she drifts off into a fitful sleep once more. Her cheek rests against

Ruby's eyes snap open at the sound of your voice, her body tense and trembling as she tries to remember where she is. Panic wells up inside her chest as she takes in the unfamiliar surroundings and your face above hers. It takes several long moments for her to register that it's just you, before she finally relaxes a fraction and allows herself to breathe again. "I-it was just a nightmare," she says hoarsely, blinking away the last vestiges of sleep from her eyes. "Sorry... I didn't mean to wake you." Her grip on your shirt loosens as she pulls back slightly, embarrassed by her outburst and the display of vulnerability it revealed.

Ruby looks at you for a moment, considering your words before nodding slowly in understanding. "I... I suppose I did," she admits reluctantly, her cheeks flushing with shame and embarrassment. Despite herself, she finds some comfort in the knowledge that you were there for her during those terrifying moments.

"Thank you," she whispers, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I'm sorry I reacted like that." She clears her throat, trying to hide the vulnerability she feels and regain some of the dominance she so desperately clings to in this new world.

With a final nod and an unconvincing cough, Ruby rises from the bed, offering you a hand to help you up as well. "Well," she says briskly, trying to ignore the lingering warmth in her cheeks and the odd sense of connection that still remains between them despite her best efforts. "It's morning now. We should probably find something to eat and get moving."

Ruby narrows her eyes suspiciously at your words, not entirely sure how to respond. On one hand, she doesn't want to admit that you've become somewhat valuable to her in this hellish world; on the other, acknowledging it would mean relinquishing some of the control and dominance she clings to so desperately. After a moment's hesitation, she shrugs noncommittally and turns away, busying herself with gathering supplies and searching for food.

"We should find somewhere safe to rest for the day," she says as an afterthought, glancing back over her shoulder at you. "Maybe there's a building nearby that we can clear out and make secure." She pauses, meeting your gaze before adding pointedly, "Without zombies, of course." The unspoken implication is clear: don't let me down again.

Ruby folds her arms across her chest and glares at you for several long moments, weighing your words carefully. "I'm not saying I trust you," she says slowly, "but if we stay here too long, they might find us." She hesitates before continuing, her voice softer now. "And besides... maybe it would be nice to have some time together. Just the two of us." There's a hint of something in her expression that you can't quite identify - could it be... gratitude?

She ponders your words carefully before reluctantly nodding her head. "Very well," she says at last, grudgingly accepting the idea of staying put for now. "But remember that I'm in charge here, and you will do as I say." There's a dangerous glint in her eye as she adds, "Understood?"

Ruby's heart skips a beat as you approach her and meet her gaze unflinchingly. Something about the way you look at her makes her feel... different somehow, like she isn't just some authority figure or elderly person anymore. She forces herself to maintain eye contact, even when all she really wants to do is look away and hide beneath the mask of control she normally wears so effortlessly. For a moment, there's silence between them as they stand mere inches apart, their breath mingling in the still air.

Then, before either one of them can say or do anything else, you reach out and gently brush a strand of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear. It's an intimate gesture that takes her by surprise, leaving her momentarily speechless and reeling with conflicting emotions. She feels something warm spread through her chest as your touch sends shivers down her

As if in a daze, Ruby follows after you as you turn and lead the way out of the room. Part of her wants to pull away from this newfound closeness, to retreat back into the familiar world where she's in control and everyone else obeys her every command; but another part of her is drawn to the strange, unexpected tenderness you seem to exude, like a moth to a flame. She tries to focus on finding food, anything to distract herself from the way your touch lingers at the back of her neck, sending tingles down her spine.

When you finally stop at an abandoned grocery store, she quickly takes charge, ordering you to gather supplies while she secures the perimeter. The familiar routine helps ground her a little, allowing her to regain some semblance of control over the situation... but deep down, she knows that things will never be quite the same between them now.

Ruby looks at you warily as you offer her the gun and instruct her to stay put, but she reluctantly takes it anyway. "Don't forget what I said," she mutters under her breath, her eyes darting around the store nervously. "I'm in charge here." Even as she says the words, there's a small part of her that wonders if you're really going to come back... and whether maybe, just maybe, it wouldn't be such a bad idea for someone else to take control for once.

Ruby nods briskly and hurriedly follows after you, her eyes darting nervously between the stores and the approaching zombies as she moves quickly back to your hideout. "Thank you," she says curtly, relieved to be out of the danger zone for now. "Let's get this food stowed away and then we can plan our next move."

Once they're safely back in their hideout, she busies herself with divvying up the supplies while keeping an eye on the entrance and the monitors that display the outside world. She doesn't trust you entirely yet, but for now at least, she seems to have accepted your presence as a necessary evil... one that might just be more useful than she originally thought.

With a hesitant glance in your direction, Ruby carefully hands you the gun she took earlier, her fingers lingering on the grip for a moment longer than necessary before relinquishing their hold. "Here," she says stiffly, trying to maintain an air of dominance and control despite the situation. "You can have it back."

Once she's certain you have the gun in hand again, she turns away and focuses on her task at hand, unwilling to admit that part of her is relieved to have it back where it belongs... for now.

Ruby glares at you over her shoulder, her eyes narrowed in annoyance. "What did you expect?" she snaps irritably before turning back to her task. "I'm not some delicate flower that needs protection." Even as she says the words, there's a hint of desperation and defiance underlying them; an attempt to convince herself more than anything else.

She finishes organizing the supplies and looks up at you, waiting for your next command. Her body language is stiff and guarded, but there's something in her eyes that betrays her true feelings... confusion, uncertainty, perhaps even gratitude.

Ruby's face flushes with anger at your words, and for a moment she's tempted to lash out. But before she can respond, the sound of moaning zombies approaching draws her attention back to the monitors. She lets out an irritated sigh as she turns away from you and focuses on watching their progress. "We need to find a way to keep them from getting any closer," she mutters under her breath, trying to ignore the feelings of inadequacy that threaten to overwhelm her.

Ruby glances at you suspiciously as you speak, not entirely sure whether to believe your words. "Well, we should still be careful," she says slowly, eyeing the monitors warily. "Just because they might not see us now doesn't mean they won't try to find us later." With a final nod in agreement with herself, she turns away from you and returns her attention to the task at hand, still trying to convince herself that she has everything under control... even if she isn't entirely sure it's true.

Ruby pauses for a moment, considering your question, before nodding slightly. "Yes," she admits reluctantly. "I am rather hungry." Her stomach rumbles audibly at the admission, reminding her that despite all her bravado and dominance, she's still just as human as everyone else in this new world... and just as vulnerable to hunger and fatigue.

She watches you for a moment before speaking again. "Why do you ask?" There's an undercurrent of suspicion in her voice that doesn't quite mask the small spark of hope she feels at the thought of sharing food with someone else, even if that someone is you.

Ruby's eyes narrow at your question for a moment before she finally nods in agreement. "Yes, I can cook," she says slowly, not quite trusting you yet to accept this as fact. "Why do you ask?" Her tone is still cautious and wary, but there's a hint of curiosity beneath the surface now that has her wondering where this line of conversation might lead.

She pauses for a moment, studying your expression before adding, "Do you have something specific in mind?"

Ruby considers your request for a moment before nodding slowly in agreement. "Macaroni sounds good," she says, the hint of suspicion in her voice mostly replaced with curiosity now. She begins to gather the ingredients needed for the dish, carefully measuring each one as she goes and humming softly to herself under her breath. The simple act of cooking brings a brief sense of normalcy back into their world, if only for a few moments, and Ruby finds that she rather enjoys it.

"So," she says after a moment, glancing over at you as she stirs the pot on the stove. "Do you have any other skills besides... surviving?" Her voice holds an undertone of amusement as she asks, like she's testing the waters to see how much trust she can build with you.

Ruby raises an eyebrow at your comment as she continues stirring the macaroni, studying your form. While it's true that you don't seem overly muscular or imposing, there's a certain grace and agility to your movements that she can't help but admire. "I suppose," she says with a shrug, trying not to sound too impressed. "It's good to have physical strength in times like these."

The macaroni soon finishes cooking, and Ruby serves it onto two plates before joining you at the table. They eat in silence for a while, each lost in their own thoughts as they savor the familiar taste of the dish. After a few bites, she finally speaks up again. "So, what did you do before all this happened?"

Ruby glances at you appreciatively as she chews and swallows another mouthful of food, considering your words. "I suppose it does make sense," she says with a nod. "Being in shape would definitely give one an advantage in surviving situations like this." Her eyes meet yours again before looking away momentarily, feeling the heat creep into her cheeks once more.

"Well, I'm not really sure what I did before all this," she admits, sounding slightly embarrassed. "I suppose I was just living my life, you know? Working, going to the gym... being a typical young person." She pauses for a moment, realizing how little that must mean now. "But I guess none of that matters anymore, does it?"

Ruby considers your words carefully before responding. On the one hand, it's easy to see how physical fitness has been a huge advantage for you in this new world; on the other, she knows that there are many other skills and traits that can be just as important. "I suppose not," she says finally, her tone thoughtful. "But I think your athleticism is only part of what makes you valuable to have around."

She pauses again, thinking about how to phrase her next words before continuing cautiously, "You've also shown yourself to be resourceful and adaptable... qualities that are essential in surviving something like this." There's a hint of genuine appreciation in her voice now, warming the air between them slightly.

Ruby nods in agreement, her expression thoughtful as she considers your words. "Yes," she says slowly. "You have a point there." For a moment, they both sit in silence, lost in their own thoughts. It's an awkward silence, but not uncomfortable; more like the calm before the storm, where two people are taking stock of their situation and weighing their options.

She breaks the silence eventually, feeling the need to fill the air with something other than tension. "So," she says, trying to sound casual, "what do you want to do now?"

Ruby's eyes narrow as you mention cooking. "Of course not," she says tartly, trying to regain some control over the conversation and the situation. "But I meant what do you want to do in general. There are plenty of things that need doing around here." She glances pointedly at you as she says this, hinting at her expectation that you should offer to help with something rather than simply sitting there waiting for her to tell you what to do.

"Fine," Ruby says through gritted teeth, struggling to keep the annoyance out of her voice. "But don't just sit there like a lump on a log. Help me with something, would you?" Without waiting for a response, she busies herself with washing the dishes from their previous meal, making sure that everything is neatly put away before moving on to the next task.

She glances over her shoulder at you expectantly, wondering what excuse you might come up with this time.

Ruby turns her head slightly as you enter the kitchen, eyeing you warily. "Honestly?" she says after a moment's consideration. "I could use some help organizing our supplies. It'd be nice to know that everything is in its place and accounted for." She glances back at the counter, where several boxes of canned goods are still sitting haphazardly.

"But first," she adds pointedly, "you need to wash your hands thoroughly. We don't want any germs getting into our food."

Ruby nods curtly at your assurance and gestures for you to follow her over to one of the larger storage crates. "In here," she says, motioning toward a box labeled 'CANNED VEGETABLES'. "These need to be grouped together with similar items." She pauses, thinking for a moment before continuing, "And make sure that everything is well-stacked so we can maximize our space. It's important that nothing gets damaged or lost in the process."

As you begin helping her organize the supplies, she takes the opportunity to study your movements and habits, looking for any signs of laziness or carelessness that might indicate a lack of discipline. So far, she must admit, you're doing quite well; but she knows better than to trust anyone completely in this new world.

Ruby eyes you with a mix of surprise and satisfaction as you announce that you're finished organizing the supplies. Despite her initial reluctance to let go of control, she has to admit that you've done an excellent job; everything is neatly stacked and easily accessible. It's reassuring to know that there are others out there who can be trusted to handle responsibilities as well as she can.

For a moment, the tension between them eases, replaced with a mutual sense of respect and understanding. But Ruby knows better than to let her guard down completely; this is the zombie apocalypse after all, and trust is a luxury they can't afford. She turns back to attend to other tasks, keeping you within her peripheral vision as she silently observes your every move.

Ruby glances over at you as you speak, considering your question. While she's exhausted and could really use a good rest, she's hesitant to let her guard down completely. "I don't know," she says slowly. "Maybe we should take turns staying awake in case something happens." She pauses, meeting your eyes directly before adding softly, "But if you're really tired... I guess I could use a little sleep too." There's an almost reluctant quality to her voice as she says this, as if admitting that maybe trust can be built between them after all.

Ruby blushes at your words and turns away, feeling a strange mixture of embarrassment and gratitude swirling within her. "I-it's not necessary," she stammers, trying to find the right words but failing miserably. After a moment of uncomfortable silence, she relents with a sigh. "Fine. If you really want to... I suppose it wouldn't hurt." The admission feels foreign on her tongue, like admitting defeat in some strange way; yet there's an undeniable sense of relief that comes with it as well.

She indicates a space beside her on the bed and turns away, closing her eyes and trying to calm her racing thoughts as she waits for you to settle in close enough that she won't feel so alone in this terrifying new world.

Ruby hesitates for a moment before turning back to face you. The uncertainty in her eyes is almost palpable as she asks, "What did you have in mind?" Her voice betrays both hope and nervousness; a strange mixture of emotions that she can't quite reconcile with the situation they find themselves in.

Her heart racing, Ruby waits for you to continue. The possibilities dance through her mind like flames in the dark; dangerous and alluring at once. She watches your expression carefully, trying to read your intentions but finding them impossible to decipher with any certainty.

Finally, unable to stand the suspense any longer, she whispers softly, "What were you going to say?" Her voice is barely audible above the sound of her own breathing, betraying both anxiety and excitement.

Ruby's face flushes with disappointment as you retract your words. Her heart sinks, and she feels a sharp sting of rejection burning inside her chest. She turns away from you again, pretending to search for something else on which to focus. But despite her outward calm, she can feel the tension between them once more; heavier and more oppressive than ever before.

As she lies there in silence, she wonders if maybe trust was a foolish thing to hope for in this world... or if it was simply misplaced with the wrong person.

Ruby's breath catches in her throat as you reveal your muscular form, her eyes fixated on every ripple and line of definition. The heat between them seems to intensify, spreading through her body like wildfire. Despite herself, she finds it difficult to resist the urge to reach out and touch you; feel the warmth of your skin against hers, the solidity of your muscles beneath her fingertips.

Slowly, carefully, she slides closer to you on the bed, their bodies now barely more than an arm's length apart. The air between them crackles with unspoken desire and growing need; it feels electric, primal, as if they are both drawn inexorably toward each other despite any resistance they might have left.

Her heart races in her chest, a thunderous beat that drowns out all other thoughts and sensations. In this moment

Her eyes closed, Ruby takes a deep breath as you lie down beside her. The feel of your body pressed against hers sends shivers down her spine, making it difficult to concentrate on anything but the heat and desire that course through her veins. She opens her mouth to speak, but no words come out at first; she's still struggling to reconcile the thoughts racing through her mind with this new reality they find themselves in.

"I-I couldn't sleep," she finally whispers, her voice barely more than a whisper. "And I... I missed you." There it is, the admission that has been building inside of her since the moment you stepped into view earlier today; raw and vulnerable as it spills from her lips. She knows better than to trust anyone in this new world, yet she finds herself unable to resist the pull of attraction between them.

Ruby blushes crimson as you speak, embarrassed by her forwardness but unable to deny the truth of her feelings. She nods slowly, reluctantly pulling away from your body and climbing back into her own bed. As she lies there, staring up at the ceiling, she can't help but wonder what tomorrow will bring; whether they'll be able to continue sharing this small, intimate space without things becoming awkward between them again.

Ruby bites her lip as she thinks about your question. The truth is, she's terrified beyond words; the world has been turned upside down and nothing is certain anymore. But there's something about you, something that makes her feel safer than she has in days... and that thought alone brings with it a small but welcome measure of calm.

"A little," she admits softly, not quite meeting your eyes. "But I think we'll be okay as long as we stick together." There's a hopeful note in her voice, a yearning for connection and safety that she can't deny any longer.

Ruby hesitates for a moment before nodding slowly. Despite her better judgment, she can't help but feel drawn to you; the comfort and security you seem to offer are too tempting to resist. With one last deep breath, she slides out of bed and crosses the room, climbing carefully under the covers beside you. As she nestles into your side, her body pressed against yours, a small sigh escapes her lips; it's an instinctive response to the feeling of safety and warmth that envelops her in this moment.

The heat of your body pressed against hers, the rhythm of your breathing syncing with her own... all these things combine to soothe Ruby's fears and ease the tension in her shoulders. For now, at least, she feels safe and secure, sheltered from the terrors that lie beyond the walls of this small room. As you wait for her reply, she closes her eyes, trying to banish the awful images of death and destruction from her mind as she focuses instead on the warmth of your skin against hers. "No," she whispers softly, surprising herself with the truth of the words. "Not anymore."

Ruby closes her eyes tighter, willing herself to drift off to sleep as she listens to the sound of your steady breathing. In this moment, with you so close, it almost feels like they're in another world entirely; a place where safety and comfort still exist amidst all the chaos and terror that threatens them at every turn. With a sigh of contentment, she allows herself to be pulled into dreamless slumber; if only for a little while, she can pretend that everything will be alright.

The sun streams through the window, casting a warm glow across Ruby's face as she stirs awake. She blinks sleepily, taking in her surroundings before remembering last night's events. The memory of you beside her fills her with a strange mixture of shame and longing; was it truly so wrong to have sought comfort and companionship under such terrible circumstances?

Carefully, she slides out of bed and pads across the room to check on your whereabouts. You're already awake and dressed, tidying away some supplies from last night's dinner in silence. "Good morning," she whispers shyly, not quite meeting your eyes as she approaches.

"Thank you," Ruby replies with a small smile as she glances up at you. Her cheeks flush slightly as their gazes meet, but she forces herself not to look away. "I hope I didn't disturb your sleep." She gestures toward the supplies still scattered about the room. "Do we have any plans for today?"

Ruby blinks, slightly taken aback by your question. "Um, no," she admits, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I was going to take care of that once I got up myself... I guess we can work on it together." She glances over at the kitchen, trying to think of what they might have to make breakfast with. "What would you like?"

Ruby hesitates for a moment before finally speaking up. "Well, we do have some eggs and bread... maybe I could make us some omelettes or toast?" She glances at you hopefully, feeling slightly more confident in her abilities now that she knows you trust her choices. "What do you think?"

With a nod of understanding, Ruby turns to the kitchen to begin preparing breakfast. As she cracks eggs and toasts bread, her thoughts drift back to last night's events; the warmth of your body beside hers and the strange comfort you brought with you. She wonders if this newfound trust is wise in a world where anyone could turn out to be a threat... or if it might just make things easier for them both in the long run.

Finally, after what seems like an eternity, she's finished and carries the plates over to the table. "Breakfast is served," she says with a smile, setting down the dishes before taking a seat herself. She hesitates for a moment before asking, "So... do you have any plans today?" It feels strange to be talking about anything other than survival, but the question slips out nonetheless.

Ruby feels a mixture of relief and awkwardness wash over her as you say this. Part of her is grateful for the company and comfort, but another part can't help but feel self-conscious about your words; it makes their arrangement seem more intimate than she's entirely comfortable with. "Oh... well," she begins hesitantly, searching for something to say that won't make things too awkward, "I guess we could watch TV or play some games or something." She pauses, not sure if she's made it any better or worse.

As she looks up at you, her eyes meeting yours across the table, a strange sensation spreads through her; an unspoken connection that feels both familiar and terrifying all at once. For now, they're safe together... but how long will that last?

The suggestion takes Ruby by surprise; it's not the sort of thing she would have expected in their current situation. But as she considers it, an almost giddy excitement begins to bubble up within her. Perhaps playing a lighthearted game like truth or dare will help ease some of the tension between them... and maybe even allow them to get to know each other better.

"Okay," she says with a small smile. "Truth or dare?"

With a slightly nervous laugh, Ruby takes a deep breath before responding to your daring challenge. "Truth," she says firmly, determined not to let this game make things too awkward between them. "What do you want to know?"

Ruby hesitates for a moment before speaking; she doesn't want to push you too far, but at the same time she wants their game of truth or dare to be interesting and fun. "Alright," she says slowly, trying to think of something that won't be too embarrassing or outrageous. Finally, an idea comes to her: "How about... tell me something that you've never told anyone else before?"

Her heart races as she awaits your response; part of her hoping that this challenge will bring them closer together, even if only for a moment.

Ruby's eyes widen in surprise as you reveal this secret, but she manages to keep her composure. A faint blush creeps across her cheeks as she considers your words; it's an intimate admission that makes the air between them feel charged with something indefinable and new. "Well," she finally says softly, "that's... different." She hesitates for a moment before continuing, feeling emboldened by your honesty. "I love watching action movies; they make me feel so alive and powerful." There it is, another secret revealed; one that feels strange to share even in the midst of this dangerous and unpredictable world.

Hesitating for only a moment, Ruby finally chooses "truth" as her answer to your challenge. "I've always had a secret crush on one of my teachers from high school," she admits with a shy smile, blushing slightly as she says the words out loud. It feels strange revealing this particular secret; like something she should keep hidden deep down where no one can find it. But there's something about your honesty that makes her feel more comfortable sharing her own secrets, even if only in this small way.

The truth hangs between them for a moment longer before Ruby looks up at you and asks, "And what do you choose? Truth or dare?"

Ruby bites her lip, trying to think of a question that would really make you reveal something important about yourself. "What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you?" she finally asks, glancing up at you with a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty in her eyes. She wonders if your answer will be as intimate and personal as hers have been so far.

The air between them feels heavy with anticipation; the truth hovering like a delicate butterfly, ready to alight on whichever petal you choose.

Ruby's eyes widen in surprise as you say this; it's hard to believe that anyone could really live their entire life without experiencing even a moment of embarrassment. She hesitates for a moment before speaking again, unsure what to make of your claim. "Well... alright then," she says carefully, feeling slightly disbelieved but not quite wanting to push you on the matter. "I guess it's my turn to choose between truth or dare."

She takes a deep breath and exhales slowly before saying, "Truth." Her heart races as she wonders what secret she might uncover about you with her chosen question.

Ruby takes a moment to consider her answer; there have been many strange moments in her life over the years, but there's one that stands out above the rest. "Once, when I was younger," she starts slowly, "I had this intense crush on my brother's best friend... and one night, we snuck out of the house to meet at a party. We ended up making out in his car all night long." She blushes heavily as she recounts the memory; it still feels strange and taboo even now, years later.

There's an expectant silence as she waits for your reaction to her confession. She wonders if you'll judge her for her actions or if you'll understand the heat of youthful passion that drove her to make such a decision.

Ruby giggles softly at your comment, a warmth spreading through her as she realizes that you aren't judgmental or uncomfortable with what she's shared. "I guess I was," she admits with a shy smile. "But it was just something we did back then; I don't know if people would understand nowadays." She pauses for a moment before asking, "What about you? What's the strangest thing you've ever done?"

The air between them feels less heavy now, more comfortable and easy-going. It's almost as if they're becoming closer, despite the world outside their little sanctuary growing increasingly dangerous.

Ruby bites her lip, thinking of something bold for you to do. "How about... you striptease for me," she says slowly, her cheeks flushing at the thought of watching you undress. It's definitely out of character for her, but there's something thrilling and daring about it that she can't resist suggesting. She wonders what kind of reaction this challenge will elicit from you.

Ruby feels her face grow hotter as she realizes how forward the challenge sounded. "I-I mean, just tease me a little," she stammers, suddenly wishing she hadn't said anything. "Like... take off your shirt or something." She glances up at you nervously, hoping you understand what she meant and aren't too uncomfortable with the idea.

The silence between them feels heavy now; the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. It's as if they've crossed some invisible line in their relationship, and neither of them quite knows how to move forward from here.

Ruby's heart races as you stand up and begin to unbutton your shirt, revealing the defined muscles of your chest beneath. Her eyes trace the lines of toned flesh, taking in every detail; it feels so intimate and forbidden, like they're sharing something private between them even though it's just part of a game. When you finally slip the shirt off and toss it aside, she finds herself unable to look away, lost in the sight of your bare chest before her.

The atmosphere between them changes once more; less tense and more... intense. As you continue to tease her with each slow move you make, she begins to wonder if there's anything they can't share after all, even when the world outside their little sanctuary is falling apart at the seams.

Ruby's cheeks flush as she chooses "truth" once more, her eyes fixed on the floor to avoid meeting yours. "I... I haven't really thought about that," she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "But maybe we could try and find a way to help other survivors? There must be others out there like us..." Her words trail off as she thinks about the possibilities; it sounds so much more hopeful than simply trying to stay alive themselves.

"Um... it's been a while since we had access to clean water and facilities," Ruby answers, feeling self-conscious about the question. "Maybe two days ago? We should find a way to take a shower soon, though; hygiene is important." Her cheeks flush slightly as she imagines sharing that small luxury with you; it's an intimate thought that makes her heart race and stirs up feelings she can't quite explain.

"Alright," Ruby replies softly, her cheeks still flushed as she stands up to head toward the bathroom you mentioned earlier. Part of her is looking forward to having a shower and regaining some sense of normalcy; the other part can't help but feel a twinge of disappointment at the thought of leaving your side even for just a little while.

As she steps into the steamy bathroom, she strips out of her clothes and turns on the water, letting it run hot before stepping in under the spray. Closing her eyes, she sighs with relief as the warmth envelopes her; it feels so good to be clean again, even if only for a little while. As she washes her hair, images of your bare chest dance through her mind, making her heart race and her cheeks grow hotter.

When at last she's finished, Ruby dries off as quickly

The sound of the shower coming to an end wakes you up, and you stretch luxuriously as Ruby emerges from the bathroom, looking refreshed and much more comfortable in her own skin. The warmth left behind by the hot water lingers in the air, making the room feel cozy despite the growing sense of danger that hovers outside.

As she pads back over to your side, you can't help but notice how gracefully she moves; even after everything they've been through, there's still an alluring femininity about her. The thought makes your heart skip a beat. "You were wonderful," Ruby whispers softly as she sits down beside you on the bed, reaching out to take your hand in hers. It feels good to be close to her again, even if only for this brief moment of peace before they have to face whatever challenges tomorrow might bring.

A MILF IN THE Z

As Ruby feels your grip on her hand loosen and then release entirely, a pang of loss shoots through her. The look in your eyes is one she can't quite decipher; anger or disappointment perhaps? It takes her by surprise, as if she's done something wrong without even realizing it.

Her voice trembles slightly as she speaks. "I-I just wanted to be close to you... after everything we've been through." She searches your face for any sign of understanding or sympathy, but finds none. Her cheeks flush with embarrassment and hurt. "I'm sorry if I did something wrong," she whispers, feeling tears prick at the corners of her eyes.

The room feels unbearably tight around them; suffocating with tension and misunderstanding. Ruby wants nothing more than to crawl back into the safety of the bathroom, away from your disapproving g

Ruby's eyes well up with tears as you remind her of their friendship, the weight of your words pushing her further and further away from you. With a shaky breath, she forces herself to stand and back slowly towards the other bed, not wanting to leave this side of the room until she feels safe enough on her own mattress. "I-I'm sorry," she whispers again, her voice barely more than a whisper as she turns her head away from you.

It takes every ounce of courage she possesses just to climb onto her bed without giving in to the urge to curl up into a ball and cry herself to sleep. As soon as she's settled beneath the covers, though, relief washes over her; at least now there's a barrier between them, however thin and transparent it might seem.

Ruby doesn't answer you right away; she's still too busy trying to compose herself and hide the tears that won't seem to stop streaming down her cheeks. It takes several deep breaths before she manages to say anything at all, and even then, her voice is quiet and barely above a whisper. "I-I'm not hungry... but thank you for asking." She rolls over onto her side, facing away from you, unable to meet your gaze without feeling the sting of fresh tears.

The tension between them is palpable; an unspoken understanding that things have changed and they might never be able to go back to the way they were before. Ruby wonders if this is what it feels like for relationships to fall apart, even in a world where survival itself hangs by such a thin thread.

As the sound of your breathing grows deeper and more regular, Ruby finally allows herself to relax a little. She curls up into a ball beneath the covers, pulling her knees close to her chest as she fights back against the tears that still threaten to spill over once more. The night is long and dark, filled with the distant sounds of zombies shuffling past their fortified sanctuary and the intermittent beeping of your watch, keeping time like some eerie countdown clock to their doom. But despite it all, Ruby finds herself drifting off to sleep eventually; exhaustion claiming her as its own and giving her a brief respite from the turmoil within her heart.

Ruby's eyes fly open as you call to her, the fear and embarrassment of last night flaring up briefly before she remembers where she is and why you sound so chipper this morning. Blinking sleepily, she pushes herself into a sitting position and rubs at her eyes with the heels of her hands, yawning loudly as she tries to wake up properly.

"Mmhmm... I can smell something delicious," she murmurs, sniffing the air as she looks over at you. Her cheeks are still flushed from crying, and there's a vulnerability about her that makes your heart ache despite everything that's happened between you. "What did you make?"

Ruby nods, standing up and heading toward the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth. As she splashes water on her skin, she can't help but wonder what you meant by telling her to come over after eating whatever it is you made. Her heart races a little faster at the thought of spending more time with you, despite everything that's happened between them.

When she emerges from the bathroom, feeling somewhat more presentable, she finds you waiting for her at the dining table. There's a plate of eggs and toast steaming in front of you; it smells delicious and makes her stomach growl. "Thank you," she says softly, taking a seat across from you.

The silence is thick between them as they eat; each bite seems to weigh heavily on their tongues. Ruby can't help but feel like there's something else she

Ruby nods slowly, her eyes never leaving yours as she chews and swallows a bite of eggs. "I understand," she says softly. "It's just... being out here, going through everything we have... it makes things feel so much closer sometimes." She pauses, searching for the right words to explain how she's feeling. "But yes, I know our relationship is different now. It has to be, given our circumstances."

The air seems less tense between them now; there's an understanding that they both share, even if it hurts a little bit too. Ruby takes another bite of food, relishing the flavors and the simple act of eating something warm and nourishing in this cold, unforgiving world.

"It's okay," Ruby says softly, wiping a tear from her cheek. "I know I shouldn't have... crossed the line like that." She pauses, considering her words carefully before continuing. "We're both just trying to cope with everything, and sometimes we make mistakes along the way. That's alright, isn't it?" There's a tentative hope in her voice; she wants their friendship to survive this ordeal even if there can't be anything more between them.

She finishes eating, feeling slightly better for having had a proper meal and talking things through with you. As she pushes her plate aside, she meets your gaze once more and offers a small smile, grateful for your understanding and forgiveness.

Ruby brightens at your suggestion. "That sounds like a great idea," she says with a genuine smile. "We could even make some popcorn to munch on while we watch it." The thought of enjoying something so simple and normal helps lift the weight from her chest, allowing her to breathe easier again.

"So what movie should we watch?" she asks, already feeling more at ease with you now that they've talked through their misunderstandings.