I don't remember going to bed that night.

I woke in my bed with puffy eyes and some of my hair stuck to my cheek. It took me a moment to remember where I was but the events of last night quickly resurfaced.

Relapses of the things Eli and Charles had said last night replayed in my mind.

In a way, our alcohol induced therapy session had brought us closer. And for the first time in a long time, I was happy to care about someone. The feeling reminded me of how things used to be before the apocalypse and even though I can't turn back time, it was a pleasant feeling.

I took a quick shower before finally leaving my room.

I entered the living room only to find Charles passed out on the couch with an arm over his face. His eyes were puffy too but he looked to be at peace as he inhaled and exhaled slow steady breathes. I could only assume that Eli was asleep in the other room.

From the corner of my vision, I spotted the noose I had intended to use only days ago. It still hung lifelessly from the ceiling where I managed to hook it onto a broken light fixture.

It appeared less inviting today.

I closed the distance between me and the noose in seconds. I reached out with a steady hand to touch the rough rope. It was hard to believe that I'd found the scratchy material comfortable only days ago. It now felt cold and callous in my hands.

And it was taking up room.

In one swift movement, I yanked the noose forcefully, nearly ripping the light fixture from the ceiling but successfully removing the rope from it. With little care, I dropped the noose to the ground. It fell quietly, hardly making any sound.

I gazed at it distantly for almost a full moment before kicking it into the corner between the kitchen and the front door.

I crossed the room quietly to look out the window.

The seared remains of the white truck still laid out there. There was no sign of the Triad gang that had been there less than twenty four hours ago. I pondered brierly on how the Chancellor reacted to the news when that group made it back to Wither Gate.

She probably didn't give a shit. And I wouldn't give two shits either when she finally burned.

We were supposed to start our preparations for the invasion of Wither Gate today, that being said, today was an important day. And if we were going to pull it off, we would need all hands on deck.

I turned from the window upon hearing a heavy yawn from the couch behind me. I turned to see a half awake Charles who slowly sat up on the couch with heavy eyelids. He looks like he'd just spent the night sleeping in a ditch.

"Mornin'," I greeted amicably before going to the kitchen.

Charles yawned something inaudible in response as I reached for a room temperature bottle of water in the pantry. The blond man rubbed at his eyes before running a hand through his short hair and shaking his head.

I offered the bottle to him and he hesitated before taking it.

"You feelin' mkay'?" I asked kindly, feeling uncharacteristically friendly.

"Not really, to be honest, but you seem awfully good natured this morning," He noted, taking a quick swig of water.

I shrugged. "It's hard to explain, but for the first time in a while," I began, scratching the back of my neck,"I actually wanted to wake up in the morning."

He quirked a brow and glanced behind at the area where the noose had been hanging only to see that it now layed on the ground.

"That makes one of us," he replied unenthusiastically before absently checking under the bandages wrapped around his shoulder wound.

"Oh c'mon Charles, I know yesterday night was a bit rough but we're gonna need you today," I insisted gently. "I can't storm Wither Gate by myself."

"I'm still up for it," Eli announced as he appeared from the third bedroom. His short brown hair stuck up in tufts and he subconsciously patted at the unruly tufts, but to no avail.

"But we need three," I said and Eli nodded.

Charles sighed and rubbed at his eyes before standing up. There was still a very hollow look in his eyes but there was also determination.

"Don't worry, I'm still in. I just feel like shit," He replied.

"Welcome to the c-club buddy," Eli said, clapping on the shoulder. "Life fucking blows sometimes but we just gotta keep going, you know?"

"And in this specific instance, we need to move forward with takin' out the Triad," I added supportively.

Charles nodded subtly before straightening his posture and popping his neck.

"Let's do it then."