Eli was starting to wonder why he even bothered going to class. It wasn't like he would really learn anything. Not when his mind was occupied with wondering just how Matthew would ignore everything Eli had asked him not to do before leaving. Then again, he doubted he could really guess something like that. Matthew had a way of surprising Eli in the most ridiculous ways.

It would have been more amusing if it weren't usually so dangerous.

"You look nice and bitter today."

Eli paused on his way out of the building, turning back to be met with the sight of his friend—and once girlfriend—Vanessa. She looked, as always, like she was tired but all too happy for a chance to annoy Eli. He supposed most of the people he knew could be described that way.

"Glad you noticed," Eli said, not even bothering to glare. It never worked on Vanessa anyway.

"You know me, always trying to make you feel appreciated." She walked up to Eli, small grin in place and dark eyes amused. "Seriously though, what's wrong?"

There was enough actual concern in her voice that Eli wished he could actually tell Vanessa all about the shit show that was his life. But, of course, there was no way he could do that. Instead, he settled on a lie that seemed plausible enough.

"Nothing, just tired," he said with a shrug, actively avoiding looking at Vanessa as he continued on his way out with her at his side.

"We're all tired," Vanessa pointed out. "And I've seen you tired. You get bitchy, not mopey."

"Wow, rude."

"Still true," Vanessa said with a shrug. "So, what's bugging you?"

They stepped out into the chilly night, both subconsciously pulling their coats closer. Eli was about to answer when he caught sight of an all too familiar figure all but lurking outside.

And there it is, Eli thought, deciding it wasn't the worst way in which Matthew could not listen to him. He still must have looked frustrated enough for Vanessa to notice.

"Oho, trouble in paradise?" Vanessa teased. Eli decided that she was a terrible person. It wasn't the first time he'd thought so about one of his friends.

"You know—"

"That you love me and I'm your best friend?" Vanessa cut him off. "Sure do. Now go make up with your boyfriend. Or make out. Same thing." And with that, she walked off, snickering at Eli's red face.

He still glared at Vanessa's retreating form as she waved at Matthew. It made Eli feel a bit better, but he was sure his face was still red. It certainly felt hot enough.

"Hey honey," Matthew greeted with a wide smile that almost convinced Eli he was okay. "Why's your face red?"

"It's cold," Eli said without pause. "And what are you doing here? You're not supposed to be out."

"Well, I got hungry." Matthew held up a bag of food.

"What about the food I left?"

"I ate it. Then I got hungry again."

"I made eight sandwiches."

"People recovering from injuries need plenty of food to replenish their strength." Matthew did his best to make it sound like that was reasonable.

"They also need to stay in bed." Eli threw in a glare to really get across just how displeased he was.

"And also fresh air. Which I wasn't getting back at home." It was a pretty weak attempt at an excuse, even for Matthew. Apparently, even he was willing to admit that much. "Besides, it's late. I wanted to make sure you got home alright."

"I always get home alright." Probably because Matthew stalked him, but Eli didn't think it wise to mention that at the moment.

"That's 'cause I follow you." Matthew, on the other hand, seemed to have no problems with that.

"You say that like it's not creepy," Eli said, but eventually just shook his head, resigned to Matthew just being—well, Matthew. "Come on, let's get going. It's freakin' freezing and I'm hungry."

Matthew seemed happy with not hearing any more complaints from Eli, cheerfully following after the redhead, smile in place. Eli could feel him scooting closer as they walked. He did his best not to lean into the warmth Matthew seemed to emanate. After all, he was still irritated with him.

"I know you're still mad at me," Matthew said after a moment. Eli wasn't really surprised to hear that. It wasn't like he was actively trying to hide it.

"And?"

Eli heard Matthew sigh, before he stopped moving.

"And, you know I'd do almost anything you wanted me to," Matthew said, for once actually serious.

"Almost anything?" Eli's brow rose, already knowing exactly what Matthew meant.

"There's some things I can't give up. Not yet. And I know you said you were alright with it, but I also know that's not entirely true." He didn't bother to clarify things, both knowing what he meant. Eli frowned, maybe because he knew Matthew was telling the truth.

As much as he said he was fine with Matthew running around the city, playing the part of the hero, the truth was that he was tired. It was exhausting, to have to wonder whether Matthew would come back bleeding or not. To watch the news and feel his body tense whenever Vigilante was mentioned. So no, Eli wasn't okay with it.

He still didn't know why Matthew was bringing it up.

"Well, as long as you know that," Eli said, something telling him he wouldn't like whatever Matthew's point was. It was why he turned back around, ready to continue on his way and hoping Matthew would just go with him. Of course, Matthew never did what Eli expected.

He felt Matthew grab a hold of his hand. It was a soft grip that he had on Eli's hand—a touch that seemed to be asking him to stay. Eli didn't question it, stopping and turning back to look at Matthew, not pulling away from the warm hold.

"I just wonder how much more of this you'll be able to deal with," Matthew said, face looking oddly pained. Eli didn't like that look on him. It made his chest tighten uncomfortably, and the hand holding his suddenly felt too warm.

"So what, you want to leave?" The words left his lips before he could stop them, feeling too casual for what they meant. For a second, Eli felt disconnected from what was going on—like a spectator that couldn't do anything to change the outcome.

"No, but I understand if you want to." He paused, hesitating for a moment before continuing. "Will you leave if I don't quit?"

Eli stared at him. That probably wasn't the best thing to do, considering it was such a serious question. Still, he hadn't expected Matthew to be so blunt about things. He also hadn't expected to feel so—well, he wasn't sure what it was he felt, but it wasn't pleasant. Eli looked at Matthew—stared right into his blue eyes—and felt almost insulted that Matthew would even ask.

"If I do you'll just get yourself killed," he said at last. And sure, maybe that wasn't the most adequate thing to say, but he'd never been good at expressing his feelings. Besides, it was true.

At least it seemed to amuse Matthew, because he snorted.

"It's not funny, you idiot. Why the fuck would I leave now. Honestly, if I was going to leave you that easily I would have just kicked you out after you let me think you were dead. For a year."

"You're really not gonna let that go, are you?" Matthew asked with a sigh.

"I'll probably put it in your obituary when you actually kick the bucket." Eli could already imagine it and hoped he'd retain enough pettiness in his old age to actually do it.

Matthew actually laughed at that, apparently feeling better now that he knew Eli wasn't going to get his cat and leave—no matter how many times Eli liked to think about how he'd live in the countryside where he wouldn't have to talk to people. Maybe get some chickens. He'd name one Henrietta, of course.

"Well, at least it'll be memorable," Matthew said, effectively snapping Eli out of his daydream of chickens and his simple life in the country. When the redhead turned to look at him, Matthew was smiling. It was a soft smile that made Eli's cheeks feel warm and had him turning back to the street ahead in an instant.

"Whatever, let's just go home," he said. "I'm hungry and you need to get back to bed."

"But I feel fine!" Matthew didn't even try to not sound like a whiny five year old. Eli just stared at him, unimpressed, before poking him lightly right in the ribs.

"Ow, what the hell!" Matthew said, actually stepping away from Eli and looking absolutely betrayed. "Why are your fingers so pointy?" he muttered, shielding his side.

"You're perfectly fine, huh?" Eli said.

"I mean, I made it all the way here without dying on the way."

"You say that like you don't look like crap," Eli deadpanned. He was feeling more composed. Enough so that he noticed just how tired Matthew still looked.

"You love my dashing good looks, and you know it," Matthew said with a grin that almost convinced Eli he really was okay. It also nearly made him smack Matthew upside the head. Instead, he settled for rolling his eyes and walked on.

Matthew, of course, followed a second later—most likely still grinning like an idiot. Eli didn't mind, probably because he was so used to it already. He also found he didn't mind it so much when he felt the warmth of Matthew's hand in his own once again.

It was, in a way, reassuring. A reminder that things were okay—that Matthew was still there. 

###

Hey everyone! Hope you've all liked this chapter even though it's a bit short. I dunno why, I honestly don't remember writing most of this, but I wrote when most people are asleep. So yeah, that's probably why. 

But hey, we've got some birthdays today! A couple of you mentioned it's your birthday today, so happy birthday to you and to everyone else who has survived yet another year in this post-apocalyptic wasteland! °˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°

Anyway, as always, thank you all for reading and please vote and/or comment if you can. I'm trying to get back to people as far as comments and messages go, but I've been busy and it's been horribly hot this week, which means I don't feel much like doing anything but lying on the tile floor under my dining room table while periodically emerging to chug some Powerade. So yeah, next chapter will be up on Friday, June 26th so look forward to that!

Love you all and please stay safe!