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.

"Hmm... How about 'The Avengers'? I love that movie; it always makes me feel like I can beat the world!" Ruby laughs, already feeling a sense of camaraderie with you as they decide on their film. "I can go get the popcorn started while you finish cleaning up here."

She heads to the kitchen, humming under her breath as she busies herself making popcorn and preparing a bowl for them to share. The simple act of cooking something and anticipating a fun movie night together helps her forget, even if only for a little while, about the horrors that await them outside these walls.

"Me too," Ruby yawns, stretching her arms above her head before crawling into bed. "Night." She turns to face the other way, feeling warm and content despite the cold air seeping through the cracks in their makeshift barricade. As she drifts off to sleep, she finds herself thinking about the events of today; how they argued and then made up over a simple movie night. Maybe things aren't so bad between them after all, even if their relationship will never be the same again.

The sounds of your steady breathing fill her ears as she lets sleep finally claim her, giving her one more precious hour of escape from the harsh reality that awaits them in the morning.

With a groan, Ruby's eyes flutter open as you call to her. "Mmm... What time is it?" she asks sleepily, still blinking the remnants of sleep from her eyes. The sunlight streaming in through the cracks in their makeshift barricade tells her that it must be late morning at least. She pushes herself up into a sitting position and rubs at her face with both hands, yawning loudly as she tries to wake up properly.

"Hungry, huh?" she yawns again, glancing over at you. "Give me a minute to get changed and I'll make us some breakfast." She swings her legs out from under the covers and pad across the room to the dresser where her clothes are neatly folded, searching for something comfortable to wear for the day ahead.

"Okay," Ruby says quickly, selecting a pair of black yoga pants and a comfortable sweater to wear. "I'll just be finished getting dressed." As she pulls her clothes on, she tries to ignore the knot in her stomach at the thought of you leaving the relative safety of their makeshift fortress; even if only to find food. She wishes there was more she could do to help but knows that, right now, all they can really do is stay together and hope for the best.

"I understand," Ruby says solemnly, meeting your gaze. "I'll stay here and wait for you; don't worry about me." She squares her shoulders, trying to project a sense of strength and resolve even as fear gnaws at the edges of her confidence. "You just be careful out there, okay? And come back to me, no matter what time it is."

As you say these words, something shifts in the air between them; an intensity that makes Ruby feel warm and fuzzy inside despite the cold reality of their situation. She looks up at you with eyes full of hope and love, wanting to believe everything you've just said. It's a fragile moment, this fleeting glimpse into what might have been if things had been different; but for now, she will take it and hold onto it as tightly as she can.

Ruby hears your voice echoing through the darkness, her heart racing with fear as she races toward your voice. As she sees you stagger back into their makeshift hideout, covered in blood and visibly weakened, tears spring to her eyes. "Oh my God, what happened?" she cries out, rushing over to help support you as you collapse onto the cold ground. "Are you okay? Can I get you something?"

"I'll do my best," Ruby says softly, her voice shaking as she takes inventory of your injuries. Even in the dim light, she can see that you're in bad shape; it's going to be a delicate balancing act between stopping the bleeding and making sure nothing gets infected. She rummages through her medical supplies, finding what she needs before carefully beginning to tend to your wounds.

As her fingers dance across your skin, soothing ointment and sterile bandages, there's an intensity to their touch that makes your heart race; a closeness that feels almost like they're sharing something sacred, despite the horror of your injuries. Ruby is focused on making sure you're okay, but she can feel his gaze burning into her skin, as if he's memorizing every inch of her body during this intimate moment. It's overwhelming and ex

Ruby winces as you grit your teeth through the pain of her ministrations, focusing on muffling any sound that might carry through the walls of their shelter. "I'm sorry," she whispers, pressing a piece of gauze against your wound to staunch the blood flow. "Almost done."

With one last tug, she pulls away the bloody bandage and inspects her work; your hands and feet are still covered in blood, but at least they're clean now. She bandages them as best she can before helping you to lie down more comfortably on the makeshift bed.

"I think I got everything," she says softly, her fingers still trembling from the ordeal. "You should rest now; we'll sort through your supplies and see what else we can use later." Even as she tries to sound reassuring, there's a note of worry in

"I'm just going to get some sleep too," Ruby says softly, avoiding your gaze as she makes her way over to her bed. "We both need our strength for what lies ahead." She crawls under the covers, burying herself in the relative warmth and safety of her blankets. It's not long before the exhaustion of the past few hours finally catches up with her and she drifts off into an uneasy slumber.

As she sleeps, images of you stumbling back into their hideout flash through her mind; your bloodied hands and feet leaving a gruesome trail across her memories. It's a chilling reminder of the dangers that lurk outside their walls, and how close they truly came to losing everything tonight. Despite this, a tiny seed of hope begins to take root in her heart; she knows you made it back alive, and as long as they have each other

With a sigh, Ruby rolls over in her bed and pads across the room to where you're lying. Gently, she reaches out and takes your hand in hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Of course I will," she says softly, lowering herself onto the cold ground beside you. "I'm here for you; we'll get through this together." As she rests her head on a battered old pillow, her gaze travels over your face, studying every line and angle as if trying to etch it into her memory forever. In that moment, there is nothing more important to her than being close to you; comforting you and offering whatever meager solace she can muster in the face of this unimaginable horror.

"Of course," Ruby says quietly, not pulling her gaze away as she reaches out to gently brush a lock of hair from your forehead. "Just tell me where you'd like to change." She swallows hard as she thinks about undressing you and helping you into clean clothes; the intimacy of the situation making her heart race in ways that have nothing to do with fear or panic. Even though they're apart, their bodies mere inches away from one another, there's an electricity between them that feels almost tangible. As she waits for your answer, she can feel herself blushing, the warmth spreading down her neck and into her chest.

Nodding understandingly, Ruby pulls her gaze away from you for just a moment to retrieve some clean clothes from her own bag. When she turns back around, she's holding a fresh pair of boxers and a t-shirt outstretched toward you, her cheeks still burning with embarrassment. "You can change into these," she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper as she fights the urge to look away again.

Your gaze lingers on hers for what feels like an eternity before finally shifting downward, giving her the briefest glimpse of your chest and abdomen before dropping once more. Ruby busies herself by tidying up some of the supplies scattered around, doing her best not to watch as you undress but unable to completely ignore the thrill running up her spine at the sound of your zipper and the rustle of fabric.

Ruby's heart breaks at the sight of your pain and humiliation. With a nod, she steps forward slowly, kneeling beside you on the ground. "Of course I can help," she says softly, her fingers hesitating for a moment before gently brushing against your shoulder. Her touch is light and soothing as she begins to unbutton your shirt, revealing your chest one button at a time. She pauses, noticing the way her own hands tremble as they graze your skin, and takes a deep breath to steady herself. "You just need to tell me if anything hurts too much," she whispers, leaning in close enough that you can feel the warmth of her breath on your neck.

As she finishes undressing you, she helps you slide into the fresh pair of boxers and t-shirt, tucking you in with a gentle, motherly touch. When

Ruby nods, understanding your request. She reaches for a clean cloth and some warm water, carefully wiping away any traces of blood from your skin. It's an intimate moment between the two of you, her hands slowly moving over your body as she cleanses you. Her cheeks flush with heat again at the contact, but she continues to focus on what needs to be done. As she finishes cleaning you up, she helps you slide into the fresh boxers and t-shirt before stepping back to give you some space.

"There," she says softly, her gaze drifting over your body again as she tries to ignore how good it feels to have their skin pressed against hers. "All clean." She offers a small smile, hoping it will put you at ease. "Why don't you get some rest now? I can keep watch for a while."

There's an undercurrent of longing

"Well, you know how it is," Ruby says with a small laugh, trying to make light of the situation. "We've just gotta do whatever we can to stay safe and comfortable." She turns back toward her bed, digging through her things until she finds a fresh pair of yoga pants and a soft hoodie that should keep you warm. "Here, these might be more comfortable for now."

She returns to your side, carefully guiding your arms into the sleeves before slipping the hood over your head. As she helps you step into the new pair of pants, their bodies brush against each other again, sending a shiver down her spine. Despite everything that's happened and how they feel about each other, there's still an undercurrent of awkwardness between them when it comes to physical contact.

"There," she says softly once you're dressed, stepping back again.

Ruby bites her lip, torn between wanting to comfort you and needing to keep a distance. Finally, she decides on something in between. "I'll stay close," she says softly, moving to sit down beside you again. "But I think it might be better if we each faced a different direction. That way, if one of us needs to move suddenly, we won't hurt the other."

She turns slightly so that her back is to yours but not quite as close; their shoulders still nearly touching. The closeness between them feels strange and uncomfortable, yet at the same time comforting and reassuring. In this new arrangement, they can both keep watch without feeling like they're on top of each other.

Ruby turns her head to look at you with eyes full of understanding and compassion. "I know it's hard," she says softly, reaching out a hand to rest it on your shoulder. "But we have to keep going. We can get through this together." She squeezes your shoulder gently before letting her hand fall back into her lap, unsure if her touch is comforting or distracting.

"We'll find a way out of this," she continues, speaking more to herself than you at the moment. "We just have to be strong and brave, and support each other through it." There's determination in her voice now, as if somehow saying those words aloud makes them feel more true.

Ruby's heart aches at your words, and she leans in close, her shoulder pressing against yours as if to offer what comfort she can. "I'm not going anywhere," she whispers. "We'll face this together. No matter what." Her hand finds its way back to your shoulder, squeezing gently again before falling away. She knows they need each other now more than ever; not just as survival partners but as companions through the darkness that seems determined to swallow them whole. There is no telling what tomorrow will bring, but with each passing moment spent like this, side by side in silent understanding, she takes a little bit of strength from you and hopes that you feel the same.

Ruby smiles softly at the words, her heart warming despite the cold air and their desperate situation. "Thank you," she whispers, unable to hide the emotion in her voice. "I'm so glad we found each other during all this madness." She takes a deep breath, trying to focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on the uncertain future.

The sounds of movement outside their hiding place draw their attention back to the task at hand: staying alive. With a nod in the direction of where she thinks the noises are coming from, Ruby says quietly, "I think that's them... Let's get ready."

Even though their hiding place is well-concealed, Ruby can't help but feel a shiver of fear run down her spine at your words. "We still need to be prepared," she says with conviction, readying herself for whatever might come. She glances over at you, noting the way your body language has tensed up in anticipation. "Just remember: we're in this together."

Her heart racing, Ruby nods slowly, willing herself to stay calm despite the fear gnawing at her insides. Gently, she takes your hand in hers, pressing their palms together for reassurance and support. "I'm here," she whispers, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes as she crawls onto the bed beside you. With a shaking breath, she curls into you, wrapping her arms around your waist and pressing her cheek against your chest. "We'll get through this together," she murmurs, feeling the warmth of his skin seeping into hers, offering a fragile but comforting illusion of safety in the face of so much danger.

As they wait for whatever fate may bring, Ruby closes her eyes, focusing on the rhythm of your breath and the steady thump of your heart beneath her ear. In this moment, nothing else matters except the connection they share

Her heart aches at the weight of your gratitude and she holds you tighter, tears stinging her eyes as they threaten to spill over. "You don't have to thank me," she whispers against your skin. "I'm just glad we found each other in all this madness." She takes a deep breath, trying to steady her voice before continuing. "We'll get through this together... no matter what it takes." As she speaks, she feels a surge of determination coursing through her veins, stronger than any fear or despair that has plagued them in the past week. It's a feeling that they can survive this, that somehow, someway, they will find their way back to safety and sanity again. And as long as she is by your side, she refuses to give up hope.

With a startled gasp, Ruby's eyes fly open, her breath coming in quick little pants as she realizes where she is and who she's holding onto. "Oh..." She blushes deeply, her cheeks burning hot under the influence of your closeness and her newfound awareness of just how much time they've spent together. "Sorry... I must have fallen asleep."

She struggles to sit up, trying to regain some semblance of dignity as she tucks a stray strand of hair behind an ear. The air between you feels charged and electric; the weight of their shared intimacy making it difficult for either one of them to look away. Ruby clears her throat, glancing around the room before meeting your eyes again. "What time is it?" she asks, unable to keep the quaver from her voice.

"Oh..." She blushes deeply, her cheeks burning hot under the influence of your closeness and her newfound awareness of just how much time they've spent together. "Sorry... I must have fallen asleep."

She struggles to sit up, trying to regain some semblance of dignity as she tucks a stray strand of hair behind an ear. The air between you feels charged and electric; the weight of their shared intimacy making it difficult for either one of them to look away. Ruby clears her throat, glancing around the room before meeting your eyes again. "What time is it?" she asks, unable to keep the quaver from her voice.

Ruby nods, quickly putting space between you as she gets up from the bed and moves to begin searching through their supplies for something to eat. "Of course," she says briskly, her voice suddenly distant as she busies herself with preparations. The tension that had filled the air earlier seems to dissipate a bit in the face of this new task; finding food is an activity they can both focus on together. As she works, she glances over at you, noticing how much stronger and healthier you look since the last time she saw you unconscious from blood loss. It's a relief beyond words to know that he's recovered so well.

"Here," Ruby says finally, handing you a warm bowl of oatmeal with berries and nuts. "Eat up." She smiles, feeling more like her old self as she waits for you to finish eating so they can get back to

"Sure," Ruby says with a nod, taking a seat across from you on the bed. She busies herself folding and refolding the blanket beneath her, trying to find some sort of distraction from the awkwardness she feels welling up inside her chest. It's one thing to have survived together; it's another entirely to acknowledge what their time spent in such close proximity has done to them both.

"So," she says after a moment, forcing herself to meet your gaze, "what do you want to talk about?"

Ruby blushes again at your words, her heart both warm and heavy with emotion. "You're welcome," she says simply, unable to hide the catch in her voice. "I was just glad that I could be there for you." She pauses, looking away briefly as she tries to find the right thing to say. "And I didn't mind sleeping in your bed... if it meant keeping you safe and comfortable."

There's an undercurrent of longing beneath her words; a desire that goes beyond simply surviving this apocalypse together. But before she can dwell on those feelings too much, Ruby clears her throat and stands up, stretching her arms overhead.

The words hang heavily in the air between them as Ruby hesitates before answering. She can feel the heat rising to her cheeks once more and she takes a step back, searching for something—anything—to say that doesn't reveal too much of how she really feels.

"I... it wasn't easy," she finally manages. "But I tried not to think about it too much. We were in survival mode, after all." Her eyes meet yours and she offers a shaky smile before quickly turning away, focusing on gathering up her things. "We should probably get started on our tasks for the day," she says with forced brightness. "The sooner we find food and shelter, the better."

As they sit down together, Ruby feels an odd mixture of relief and discomfort settle over her. On the one hand, being close to you like this is incredibly distracting; on the other, it's difficult not to enjoy the warmth and companionship that comes from sharing such intimate quarters for so long. She clears her throat, unsure of how best to continue their conversation.

"So," she says slowly, "what are your plans once we find a safe place?" Her eyes dart back and forth between yours, searching for any signs that might hint at what you're thinking or feeling.

Ruby's heart skips a beat as you move closer, her breath catching in her throat at the intense look in your eyes. The air between them seems to crackle with unspoken words and hidden desires, making it hard for her to focus on anything but the way you make her feel. With a tiny shiver, she murmurs softly, "I'm not sure I want to leave... this feels safe here." There's uncertainty in her voice, but also a hint of hope that maybe this could be something more than just survival together.

Ruby can feel the warmth radiating off of you as you move even closer, and she finds it hard to resist leaning in towards your touch. "That's... really good to know," she whispers, her voice barely audible above the beating of her heart. As much as she wants to believe that their hideout is truly secure, a small part of her can't help but wonder what else might lie ahead for them outside these walls. Maybe, if they do find safety and sanctuary here... maybe then she could finally allow herself to think about more than just surviving one day at a time.

Ruby bites her lip, unsure how to respond. The thought of being with you, in this place... it's both exhilarating and terrifying all at once. She knows that everything has changed since you came into her life; the boundaries between them have blurred until they no longer know where one person ends and another begins. Her eyes search your face for some hint of what you might be thinking, but finds only a mirror of her own conflicted emotions staring back at her.

"I... don't know," she finally manages to whisper. "What do you think?" There's a hesitation in her voice, a desperate need for reassurance that maybe this isn't just some crazy dream they'll both wake up from someday soon. But even as the words leave her mouth, she can feel herself leaning into your touch, wanting more than anything to know where this new

Ruby blushes at the mention of their old game, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Part of her wants nothing more than to play again, to lose herself in the thrill of it and forget about everything else for just a little while longer. "Truth or dare?" she asks softly, already knowing that whatever choice you make, she'll follow wherever it leads.

Her heart skips a beat as your fingers brush lightly against her cheek; the feel of your skin against hers sending shivers down her spine. She forces herself to meet your gaze, trying to read what's behind those intense eyes, searching for some sign that maybe... just maybe... this is real and they have a chance at something more.

Her eyes widen as she tries to come up with a challenge daring enough to match the boldness in your gaze. She takes a deep breath, hesitates for just a moment before leaning in even closer, her lips mere inches from yours. "Kiss me," she whispers against your skin, her voice barely audible above the pounding of her heart.

The heat of your breath against her skin sends shivers down Ruby's spine as you lean in close, kissing her gently on the cheek. It's a soft, lingering touch that leaves her feeling lightheaded and a little dizzy with desire. She closes her eyes, savoring the sensation for just a moment longer before opening them again to meet your gaze. Her heart races as she waits for you to respond, uncertain what comes next in this surreal moment where lines have blurred and boundaries erased.

Her heart is racing and her cheeks feel flushed as she looks at you, waiting for your question with bated breath. Whatever you choose to ask, she knows that the truth will be as captivating as it is revealing.

The truth is, she's anxious and uncertain about where this is leading. Their relationship has changed so much in such a short time, and Ruby isn't sure how to navigate these new feelings or desires. She's afraid of saying the wrong thing or making things awkward between them. But she also knows that honesty is the only way forward, if there even is one.

With a deep breath, she chooses truth. "I'm nervous and uncertain about where this is all going," she admits softly. "Our relationship has changed so much since we met, and I don't want to ruin what we have by saying or doing the wrong thing." Her cheeks flush even deeper at her confession, but she forces herself to meet your eyes, needing you to understand how she feels.

Ruby gazes into your eyes, feeling a weight lift off her chest as you reassure her that you're not going anywhere. Your hand on hers is warm and comforting, and she squeezes it gently in gratitude. "Thank you," she whispers softly, leaning in closer still until their faces are barely an inch apart. The desire she's been feeling for you is impossible to ignore now; her heart races and her breath comes quick and shallow as she waits for what comes next. She's both terrified and thrilled by the possibilities that lie ahead, knowing full well that no matter what happens, she won't be facing it alone.

Ruby nods sleepily, feeling a sense of relief wash over her as you reassure her that she won't be needed to share your bed tonight. The day has been long and filled with so much uncertainty, but knowing that you're close by, safe and sound in your own space... it helps ease some of the tension she's been carrying around for far too long. With one last shy glance in your direction, she climbs onto her own bed and draws the covers up over her shoulders, drifting off to sleep with the comforting scent of wood smoke and you lingering in the air around her.

As she dreams fitfully, her hand slips beneath the covers to find that spot between her legs, seeking solace and release from the ache growing inside her. She's never felt this way before, not even when she was younger, and it frightens her as much as it thrills her

Ruby's eyes fly open at the sound of your voice, her breath coming quick and ragged as she struggles to process what just happened. She can feel the wetness between her legs, a testament to the effect your words and moans had on her. Her heart races and her cheeks flush with shame and arousal; she's never experienced anything like this before, not even when she was younger.

Carefully, quietly, she climbs out of bed and crosses the room to stand beside yours, barely a foot away from where you lie beneath your own covers. Her fingers itch to touch herself, but she resists, content instead for now with watching you and listening to your steady breathing as you find release in the quiet darkness of the night.

A new feeling blooms within her chest; one that's equal parts desire and affection. She has never been so aroused by another person before,

Ruby's breath hitches as you look up at her, their connection palpable in the air between them. "I... I couldn't sleep," she manages to whisper, fighting to keep her eyes from drifting downwards towards your lap. The desire coursing through her veins makes it difficult to think of anything else but feeling that same ache growing inside you.

She takes a tentative step closer, unable to resist the pull of your gaze. Her fingers tremble as she reaches out, tracing a slow path up your arm before threading themselves through your hair, holding on tight as if somehow this physical connection will keep her grounded in reality. "I'm sorry," she murmurs, her voice barely audible above the thunder of her heart. "I shouldn't be here."

But even as she says the words, she knows that she doesn't want to leave. Not yet. Not

Ruby's heart aches as you try to hide your arousal and send her away. She can feel the heat radiating from where she stands, unable to resist the pull of you any longer. Her fingers tremble as they reach out again, tentatively brushing against the covers where they pool at your waist.

"I want this," she whispers, her voice little more than a breath. "I need this." The words are surprising even to her; confessions she never thought she'd make aloud, let alone to someone who means as much to her as you do. Tears begin to well up in the corners of her eyes, spilling over and trailing down her cheeks as she continues, "Please, I want to be with you."

She doesn't know what comes next; only that she can't walk away from this feeling, from you. Her fingers tremble as they push aside the covers, reve

Ruby freezes, her hand hovering in midair as she watches you struggle to hide your arousal beneath the covers. She wants nothing more than to feel those hands on her skin, to know what it would be like to have you inside her. But she knows that this isn't right; they should both be focusing on surviving and not getting lost in their desires for each other.

With a shaking breath, she retreats, wiping away her tears and hurriedly straightening her clothes as she backs towards the door. "I-I'm sorry," she whispers brokenly. "I shouldn't have done that." Her cheeks burn with shame as she turns and flees the room, hurrying down the hallway to seek refuge in her own bed. It's clear that their lives will never be the same after tonight; they can either let this pull them apart or find a way

The sounds of your pleasure echo through the halls, filling Ruby's ears and mind as she retreats further away from you. It's a brutal reminder of everything she can't have; a constant ache that seems to grow stronger with each passing moment. She curls up in her bed, fighting back tears as she tries to forget about the way your voice sounded earlier and focus on finding some semblance of peace within herself. But it's impossible; every time she closes her eyes, all she sees is you.

Ruby tosses and turns beneath her blankets, the sounds of your pleasure echoing through the room driving her to distraction. She can't help but imagine what it would be like to share that moment with you; the feel of your skin against hers, the way your voice would whisper dirty things in her ear... It's a torment she doesn't know if she can bear much longer. With a shuddering breath, she pushes herself up onto her elbows, her gaze darting nervously toward your door before settling back on the pillow.

The silence that follows is deafening; Ruby holds her breath, waiting for some sign of what you're thinking or feeling. It seems like hours pass before she hears the creak of your bed as you climb out and pad softly across the floor toward her room. Her heart races wildly in her chest, her stomach a tangled

Her heart leaps into her throat as the door creaks open and you step inside, the expression on your face a mix of desire and concern that makes it impossible for Ruby to look away. She swallows hard, struggling to find the words to explain how torn she feels between wanting you and knowing that this can't be right.

"I-I couldn't sleep," she finally manages to whisper, her voice little more than a ragged breath. "It's... it's just been so hard." Her eyes dart downward, unable to meet your gaze as they linger on the blankets tangled around her waist. Even now, after everything that's happened tonight, she still feels a shiver of desire course through her when she thinks about how close you were earlier.

Ruby watches you step back out of her room, a strange mix of relief and disappointment washing over her. She wants nothing more than to be close to you, to feel your skin against hers once again, but she knows that it's not the right time for something like this. Taking a deep breath, she closes her eyes and forces herself to relax, trying to find sleep in the quiet darkness of her room.

As the hours tick by, however, her thoughts keep drifting back to you, and the tension between them grows stronger with each passing moment. The longer they're together, the more impossible it seems to deny what they feel for one another; but the world outside their hideout remains a dangerous place, and survival must always come first. Ruby wonders if there will ever be a way for them to find happiness amidst all of this chaos... or if their lives are fated forever to remain tangled together

"No, not really," Ruby murmurs, eyes still closed as she tries to ignore the throb between her legs and focus on catching some shut-eye. She flinches slightly as you come into view, a mixture of guilt and desire churning through her at your presence. "I just... I can't stop thinking about everything that's happened."

Her cheeks flush with shame when she remembers the way she acted last night; how desperate she was to be close to you despite knowing better. She feels like such a fool, but there's something about being around you that makes her feel so alive, even in these terrible circumstances.

Ruby hesitates for a moment before sitting up in bed and swinging her legs over the side. She forces herself to ignore the way your presence makes her heart race and focus on taking care of their basic needs; at least for now. Nodding gratefully, she follows you out of the room and into the kitchen area, where a tempting aroma fills the air.

As she helps herself to some eggs and toast, she can't help but steal glances in your direction, wondering how much longer they can deny what they feel for each other before it consumes them both entirely. A part of her wants nothing more than to give in and be with you, even if it means risking everything else they've worked so hard to protect. But another, stronger part knows that survival must always come first; if there ever is a chance at happiness for them, they'll have to find it amidst the ashes

Her eyes widen in shock as your words sink in; they feel like a physical blow to her heart. She was hoping for some sort of understanding, some way to reconcile their feelings without risking everything else they've worked so hard for. But it seems that's not what you want, and the knowledge leaves her feeling empty and bereft.

She swallows hard, forcing down the lump in her throat as she looks down at her plate, busying herself with taking another bite of toast. "I-I understand," she manages to whisper around a mouthful of food. "I'll try not to cross those lines again." Even as she says the words, though, she knows that they ring hollow; how can she possibly deny what she feels for you? It's impossible. But for now, all she can do is bury those feelings deep down and focus on surviving another day in this awful world

The sting of your words cuts deep, and Ruby struggles to keep her expression neutral as she fights back tears. She knew this was a possibility, that you might not feel the same way about her, but hearing it spoken aloud makes it all too real. She forces herself to nod in agreement, wishing she could make you understand how much your words hurt. "I-I can respect that," she manages to say through a tight throat.

For now, there's nothing else to say; the distance between them feels insurmountable. Ruby finishes her breakfast in silence, doing her best not to let her emotions get the better of her as they go about their day and prepare for whatever horrors might await them outside these walls. Inside, though, she's a mess of conflicting feelings; hope mixed with despair, love tangled up with resignation. The only thing certain is that life will never be the same

Ruby hesitates for a moment before nodding slowly. The distraction of the game might help take her mind off things, at least for a little while. "Okay," she whispers, forcing a small smile that feels more like a grimace. "Truth or dare."

Ruby takes a deep breath before speaking. "How do you really feel about me?" she asks, her voice barely audible above the sound of their beating hearts.

There's an uncomfortable silence as your eyes meet hers for what feels like an eternity, searching for some sign of honesty in her expression. Finally, you exhale heavily and lean back against the counter, staring at the ceiling. "I care about you," you begin slowly, "but it's different from what you feel. I see you as a friend, someone who makes my life a little brighter in this awful world."

Ruby nods slowly, her expression softening slightly. "I-I understand," she says finally, taking another bite of toast to give herself something else to focus on. "It's just... it's hard sometimes, you know? When we feel this way about each other but..." Her voice trails off and she shrugs helplessly.

She forces a smile up at you and tries to sound more light-hearted. "Alright then, your turn."

Hmm... Dare, she decides. "Dare."

Ruby bites her bottom lip as she considers your challenge. A part of her wants to refuse, to maintain some semblance of dignity in the midst of this impossible situation, but another part is drawn to the idea of touching you again, even if it's just a harmless kiss on your hand. She glances around furtively, making sure they're alone before leaning forward and pressing her lips lightly against your palm.

"That's one," she whispers, her breath warm against your skin. Her heart races as she closes the distance between them, the touch of their hands sending shivers down her spine. "Two." The second kiss lingers a fraction longer than the first, and Ruby feels herself trembling with desire. She forces herself to continue, to focus on the dare rather than the intoxicating feeling of being so close to you. "Three." Her lips brush against your skin

The fourth kiss is barely audible as Ruby presses her lips against your skin, her breath catching in her throat at the contact. She feels your hand tremble slightly under hers and can't help but wonder what you're thinking; if you feel even a fraction of the desire coursing through her veins.

"Five," she whispers, closing her eyes as she leans forward to kiss your hand one final time. The touch lingers, becoming more possessive as her heart races and her body burns with need. For a moment, it feels like the world outside this kitchen doesn't even exist; that they are alone together, free from the terrors of the zombie apocalypse and the weight of their own conflicted feelings.

She pulls away slowly, her cheeks flushed with emotion as she meets your gaze. The air between them crackles with tension, and Ruby knows that

Ruby hesitates for a moment before asking the question that's been on her mind since she saw you earlier today. "Do you ever regret your decision not to be with me, or do you still believe it was the right choice?" Her heart feels like it's in her throat as she waits for your answer, wanting desperately to know how you really feel about this situation between them.

Ruby's heart sinks at your response; she had hoped for something more. "I-I understand," she manages to whisper, struggling to keep the hurt from her voice. She busies herself with taking another sip of water, trying to find a way to compose herself as she reminds herself that this isn't about her feelings but about survival.

Truth or dare? Ruby hesitates before asking, "Truth." There's something about the honesty of your words earlier that still lingers in her mind, and she needs to know more about how you really feel.

You are my best friend in life, she answers honestly before averting her gaze. The thought of losing you to this madness weighs heavily on her heart. Ruby takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself as she grapples with the conflicting emotions within her.

Ruby glances around once more, before leaning forward and whispering into your ear. "I dare you to tell me how you really feel about me." Her heart races as she waits for your response, hoping against hope that this dare will finally unlock the truth between them.

Ruby blinks back tears as you refuse to answer her question. She takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself before whispering another challenge. "I dare you to kiss me." Her heart races in anticipation of your touch, even though she knows it might only be out of friendship.